cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary Gain of Alanine Mischarging to Noncognate tRNAs with a G4:U69 Base Pair.

Fidelity of translation, which is predominately dictated by the accuracy of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases in pairing amino acids with correct tRNAs, is of central importance in biology. Yet, deliberate modifications of translational fidelity can be beneficial. Here we found human and not E. coli AlaRS has an intrinsic capacity for mispairing alanine onto nonalanyl-tRNAs including tRNACys. Consistently, a cysteine-to-alanine substitution was found in a reporter protein expressed in human cells. All human AlaRS-mischarged tRNAs have a G4:U69 base pair in the acceptor stem. The base pair is required for the mischarging. By solving the crystal structure of human AlaRS and comparing it to that of E. coli AlaRS, we identified a key sequence divergence between eukaryotes and bacteria that influences mischarging. Thus, the expanded tRNA specificity of AlaRS appears to be an evolutionary gain-of-function to provide posttranscriptional alanine substitutions in eukaryotic proteins for potential regulations.
Increasing Doctoral Students’ Self-Efficacy to Teach Health Promotion Theory

Health education specialists in academia and in the workplace must be effective teachers. However, doctoral programs often fail to equip students with effective teaching skills. In this study, we e...
Trade Secrets, Extraterritoriality, and Jurisdiction

Twenty years ago, Congress passed the Economic Espionage Act of 1996 which criminalized trade secret misappropriation and authorized broad domestic and international enforcement measures against trade secret misappropriation. At the time of its passage, the EEA was lauded by the business community, but it was heavily criticized by scholars who worried that the statute was too broad and too protectionist. In the intervening years, the business sector renewed its complaints about the insufficiency of U.S. trade secret laws, and scholars continued to express skepticism about using criminal law to enforce trade secret policy. Congress recently passed a new statute, the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016, which creates a federal private right of action under the EEA for trade secret misappropriation and economic espionage, and authorizes a variety of remedies including injunctions, damages, and seizure of property. In 2003, I published a student note examining the EEA and arguing that the broad statutory language and potential for extraterritorial enforcement created problems for the United States given our commitments to the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (“TRIPS agreement”). Given the recent legislative efforts to expand the EEA to include private enforcement, it is time to revisit and update research on the EEA. This Article examines the new problems and challenges private enforcement of the EEA might present. In particular, this Article considers whether the problems of extraterritorial criminal enforcement extend to the civil context.This Article proceeds in three parts. Part I gives a brief overview of the DTSA and its relationship to the EEA. Part II demonstrates that expanding the EEA to include civil enforcement creates personal jurisdiction problems. Part III argues that the doctrine of forum non conveniens presents yet another barrier to DTSA proceedings in U.S. courts. The Article concludes by noting that the jurisdictional necessities of civil enforcement under the DTSA set businesses on a collision course with the direction of personal jurisdiction and forum non conveniens law for which they have largely advocated the past few decades. In other words, viewing the DTSA through a jurisdictional lens reveals some of the underlying, understated, and confused purposes of the statute.
Inhibition of ERK1/2 Restores GSK3β Activity and Protein Synthesis Levels in a Model of Tuberous Sclerosis.

Tuberous sclerosis (TS) is a multi-organ autosomal dominant disorder that is best characterized by neurodevelopmental deficits and the presence of benign tumors. TS pathology is caused by mutations in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) genes and is associated with insulin resistance, decreased glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) activity, activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), and subsequent increase in protein synthesis. Here, we show that extracellular signal–regulated kinases (ERK1/2) respond to insulin stimulation and integrate insulin signaling to phosphorylate and thus inactivate GSK3β, resulting in increased protein synthesis that is independent of Akt/mTORC1 activity. Inhibition of ERK1/2 in Tsc2 −/− cells—a model of TS—rescues GSK3β activity and protein synthesis levels, thus highlighting ERK1/2 as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of TS.
Shifting Zebrafish Lethal Skeletal Mutant Penetrance by Progeny Testing

Zebrafish mutant phenotypes are often incompletely penetrant, only manifesting in some mutants. Interesting phenotypes that inconsistently appear can be difficult to study, and can lead to confounding results. The protocol described here is a straightforward breeding paradigm to increase and decrease penetrance in lethal zebrafish skeletal mutants. Because lethal mutants cannot be selectively bred directly, the classic selective breeding strategy of progeny testing is employed. This method also includes protocols for Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR (KASP) genotyping zebrafish and staining larval zebrafish cartilage and bone. Applying the husbandry strategy described here can increase the penetrance of an interesting skeletal phenotype enabling more reproducible results in downstream applications. In addition, decreasing the mutant penetrance through this selective breeding strategy can reveal the developmental processes that most crucially require the function of the mutated gene. While the skeleton is specifically considered here, we propose that this methodology will be useful for all zebrafish mutant lines.
Rehabilitation of the Hip

With the advent of hip arthroscopy, there has come an increased recognition of intra-articular hip pathologies and improved techniques for the management of these various pathologies. While mechanical problems can often be corrected through surgery, the functional deficits must be corrected through the rehabilitation process. Therefore, the evolution of hip arthroscopy has necessitated a progression in hip rehabilitation to insure optimal postsurgical results. Understanding the process of rehabilitation from preoperative education to the patient’s achievement of full function is an integral part of the patient reaching their full potential postsurgery. While it is generally accepted that rehabilitation after hip arthroscopy is vitally important, there is limited evidence-based research to support the rehabilitative guidelines. Rehabilitative methodology and techniques commonly employed after minimally invasive surgical techniques for other joints, such as the knee, shoulder, elbow, and ankle, have found application in the management of hip disorders. Understanding and respecting basic principles is always key to obtaining successful outcomes with any technique. Keeping these principles in mind, this chapter attempts to provide the clinician with guidelines for the rehabilitation of the hip.
Coiled wire filament sample introduction for gas chromatography–mass spectrometry

Abstract A simple device based on a tiny, coiled wire filament (CWF), similar in operation to solid phase microextraction (SPME), was reported almost a decade ago for sampling, concentrating, and minimizing contamination for Injection of liquid samples in gas chromatography (GC). However, the pliability of the platinum wire from which the CWF was fabricated was a hindrance when using this technique. In this work, we utilized a much stiffer stainless steel wire to form the CWF, and explored a number of ways to use it for sampling and sample introduction in GC and GC–MS. The coil radius and number of turns in the CWF (i.e., length of the coil) determined the sampling volume. The CWF was attached to a retractable plunger (part of a hand-held syringe-type holder) such that it could be retracted inside a 19 G needle for insertion into a standard GC injection port. Sampling was easily performed by either dipping the CWF in a liquid sample (i.e., sample dissolved in a solvent), which was drawn up into the wire coil by capillary action, or by applying a specific volume of liquid sample onto the CWF using a micro-syringe. Analytes trapped in/on the CWF could be introduced into the GC injection port before or after solvent evaporation. For semi-volatile compounds, the sample solvent was evaporated before injection, while for volatile compounds, some or all of the sample solvent was retained in the coil during injection. Repeatable volumes from 0.05 to 0.7 μL were sampled using CWFs with 5–70 turns, respectively, when sampling by dipping. Advantages of using a CWF compared to a conventional syringe include: (1) the chromatographic system is protected from contamination caused by accumulation of sample residues, (2) high quantitative repeatability is obtained for small volume injections (0.05–0.2 μL), (3) large sample injections can be performed for trace analysis by evaporating the solvent before injection, and (4) carryover and discrimination of semi-volatile compounds are minimized. These advantages enable easy and rapid (10 min total analysis time) trace (0.1–5 ppb) detection of a variety of different types of compounds, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, biphenyl congeners, organochlorine pesticides, pyrethroid pesticides, phthalate esters, and n -alkanes from C10 to C40 in water and waste water.
Fault location techniques for simultaneous faults in power distribution systems with distributed generations

Modern electric power systems are witnessing deployment of an increasing number of distributed renewable energy resources. Reliability of grid infrastructure plays a key role in increased use of renewable energies. Fault management is a key function in reducing outage time and increasing system reliability. In the past, various fault location methods have been proposed for electric power distribution systems. Most existing fault location methods are applicable to single faults and require a number of measurements. This paper proposes new algorithms for locating simultaneous, multiple faults for distribution systems using limited number of data. The method utilizes the voltage measurements taken from the systems. Bus impedance matrix techniques is harnessed to establish the connection between the fault locations of multiple faults and the measurements. The distinct features of the method include no need of fault type classification, consideration of shunt capacitance of long feeders, applicability to any type of faults, and suitability to systems with distributed generations. Evaluation studies have shown promising results. The methods can be integrated into existing distribution management system for enhanced fault management capability for power systems with distributed renewable energy sources.
Fundamental Properties of Zinc Oxide Nanowires

When the physical size approaches fundamental length scales, such as Bohr radius or localization length, the material properties alter from their traditional bulk properties and exhibit unique characteristics. In the case of quasi-1D (Q1D) nanowire structures with high aspect ratio, there is strong fundamental interest in elucidating the charge conduction mechanisms, e.g., the effects of size confinement, surface contribution, and impurity states. This basic understanding helps to evaluate their potential as the building blocks for future nanoscale electronics. This entry presents the basic electrical transport properties correlated with the optical measurements of metal oxide nanowires, focusing on ZnO material.
Temporal Organization of the Prehension Components in a Bimanual Task

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the organization of the components of a reach-and-grasp movement performed bimanually. Various theories have been proposed to explain the central mechanisms that underlie the control of bimanual movements. Typically, the limbs work in a coordinated fashion. For the unimanual trials, movement time varies significantly according to the type of grasp. During the unimanual condition, movement time is greater when subjects use a precision grip. Kinematic analysis reveals that the increase in movement time is primarily because of a prolongation of the deceleration phase. The finding that a prolonged deceleration phase is present with the movement requiring greater accuracy and precision rather than grosser flexion of all the digits may indicate the importance of allowing sufficient time for effective error correction.
Technology and Physical and Social Health

Technology has become ubiquitous in today's society and questions abound as to its role in the lives of children and adolescents. This article examines the impact of technology on children and adolescents' physical and social health. In the area of technology and health, two issues are examined – the physical effects of technology use such as obesity and the risk of injuries and seizures. The second issue concerns the health-related uses of technology such as the use of the Internet to obtain information about wellness and illnesses as well as the use of technology to deliver treatments and interventions. With regard to the effects of technology on social health, the article examines research on the effects of violent videogames on aggressive behavior and the related issue of bullying, victimization, and other aggressive behavior using new technologies. Finally, it examines research on the effect of computer-mediated communication (CMC) forms on youths' developing social relationships.
Examining Variance in Reading Comprehension among Developing Readers: Words in Context (Curriculum-Based Measurement in Reading) versus Words out of Context (Word Lists).

Curriculum-based measurement in reading (CBM-R) is a widely used measure for identifying students in need of reading intervention and monitoring their progress. Despite a large base of research sup...
Mini-Symposium on the Turbulent Flow Over a Backward-Facing Step

The turbulent flow over a backward-facing step has occupied experimental and computational fluid dynamicists for many years. The simple test geometry generates a very complex flow. This flow provides an excellent experiment for the study of the flow reattachment process and is relevant to many practical engineering problems.
Prospective evaluation of lateral femoral cutaneous nerve injuries during periacetabular osteotomy

Periacetabular osteotomies (PAOs) are used to treat acetabular dysplasia in younger patients, but are not without morbidity. Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) injuries are commonly associated with the approach for PAOs, but the true incidence and rate of resolution is not known. The purpose of this prospective study was to determine the incidence of LFCN injuries after PAO using an innovative nerve conduction study (NCS) and to report the patient-reported outcomes. We prospectively enrolled 23 patients (24 hips) undergoing PAOs to have pre- and post-operative NCSs at a mean of 12 weeks post-operative. Patients were followed prospectively. Patients were contacted 3 years post-operatively via phone to determine the presence and severity of symptoms. Patient-reported outcome scores were also correlated with patient symptoms. Patients (91%) reported one or more LFCN symptoms post-operatively. The most common symptoms were numbness (91%), tingling (36%), pain (18%) and burning (9%). Patients (67%) had evidence of LFCN injury based on NCSs. Symptoms (40%) resolved 4 months post-operatively. Two-thirds of patients had continued symptoms at 3 years. Only 1 patient required treatment. The incidence of LFCN injury after PAO is 90%, two-thirds of which can be identified objectively by NCS. Numbness is the most common symptom. LFCN symptoms (40%) resolve by 4 months, but two-thirds of patients may continue to have thigh numbness up to 3 years after surgery. Fortunately, symptoms are not clearly associated with outcome score and treatment for this complication is rare.
De-crypto-ing Signals in Initial Coin Offerings: Evidence of Rational Token Retention

Using the market for initial coin offerings (ICOs) as a laboratory, we provide evidence that entrepreneurs use retention to alleviate information asymmetry. The underlying technology and the absence of regulation make the ICO market well suited to study this question empirically. Using a hand-collected dataset, we show that ICO issuers that retain a larger fraction of their tokens are more successful in their funding efforts and are more likely to develop a working product. Moreover, we find that retention is a stronger signal when markets are crowded and investors do not have as much time to conduct due diligence.
Weighing the Evidence: Variant Classification and Interpretation in Precision Oncology, US Food and Drug Administration Public Workshop-Workshop Proceedings.

PURPOSENext-generation sequencing (NGS) oncology panels are becoming integral in hospital and academic settings to guide patient treatment and enrollment in clinical trials. Although NGS technologi...
Interferon Gamma Inhibits Varicella-Zoster Virus Replication in a Cell Line-Dependent Manner.

The major immediate early 62 (IE62) protein of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is delivered to newly infected cell nuclei, where it initiates VZV replication by transactivating viral immediate early (IE), early (E), and late (L) genes. Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) is a potent cytokine produced following primary VZV infection. Furthermore, VZV reactivation correlates with a decline in IFN-γ-producing immune cells. Our results showed that treatment with 20 ng/ml of IFN-γ completely reduced intracellular VZV yield in A549 lung epithelial cells, MRC-5 lung fibroblasts, and ARPE-19 retinal epithelial cells at 4 days post-VZV infection. However, IFN-γ reduced virus yield only 2-fold in MeWo melanoma cells compared to that of untreated cells. IFN-β significantly inhibited VZV replication in both ARPE-19 and MeWo cells. In luciferase assays with VZV open reading frame 61 (ORF61) promoter reporter plasmid, IFN-γ abrogated the transactivation activity of IE62 by 95%, 97%, and 89% in A549, ARPE-19, and MRC-5 cells, respectively. However, IFN-γ abrogated IE62's transactivation activity by 16% in MeWo cells, indicating that IFN-γ inhibits VZV replication as well as IE62-mediated transactivation in a cell line-dependent manner. The expression of VZV IE62 and ORF63 suppressed by IFN-γ was restored by JAK1 inhibitor treatment, indicating that the inhibition of VZV replication is mediated by JAK/STAT1 signaling. In the presence of IFN-γ, knockdown of interferon response factor 1 (IRF1) increased VZV replication. Ectopic expression of IRF1 reduced VZV yields 4,000-fold in MRC-5 and ARPE-19 cells but 3-fold in MeWo cells. These results suggest that IFN-γ blocks VZV replication by inhibiting IE62 function in a cell line-dependent manner.IMPORTANCE Our results showed that IFN-γ significantly inhibited VZV replication in a cell line-dependent manner. IFN-γ inhibited VZV gene expression after the immediate early stage of infection and abrogated IE62-mediated transactivation. These results suggest that IFN-γ blocks VZV replication by inhibiting IE62 function in a cell line-dependent manner. Understanding the mechanisms by which IFN-γ plays a role in VZV gene programming may be important in determining the tissue restriction of VZV.
Lending practices to same-sex borrowers

Using massive US mortgage lending data, we propose a method to infer a borrower's sexual orientation indirectly without a self-identification requirement and demonstrate the method's potential to approximately measure the sexual orientation of the US population at the local level annually over decades. We continue to examine the lending practices to same-sex borrowers and its spillover effects. The persistent results since 1990 reveal that, in contrast with otherwise comparable different-sex loan applicants, the approval rate for same-sex applicants is ∼3-8% lower. Furthermore, conditional on approval, lenders, on average, charge about 0.02-0.2% higher interest to same-sex borrowers, which is equivalent to an annual total of $8.6 million to $86 million in additional interest/fees nationwide. Meanwhile, we find that same-sex borrowers are less risky overall, as they exhibit similar default risk but lower prepayment risk. Finally, we document findings of spillover effects. That is, when the share of a neighborhood's same-sex population increases, both same-sex and different-sex borrowers seem to experience more unfavorable lending outcomes overall. The findings should raise enough concerns to warrant further investigations.
Grapes Ripeness Estimation using Convolutional Neural network and Support Vector Machine

India is worldwide well known for exporting fruits, having a massive significance in the world. Global food security is essential for the durable production of fruits as well as for a remarkable reduction in pre and post-harvest waste. Harvesting and estimating the ripeness of fruits by a human is an expensive, laborious and time-consuming task. Ripeness estimation is carried out on single fruit like orange, apple, tomato, banana, papaya and etc., using color features. By taking into account increasing productivity of grapes and there is need to focus on ripeness estimation of grapes at the correct time. In this paper, we proposed a methodology that classifies grapes image into ripen and unripen category. A local breed of grape ‘Sonaka’ was examined during the harvest season from January to March 2019. The images were separated into two ripen categories, e.g. unripen and ripen according to the color and shape of grapes. This image was subjected to a classification model like Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and support vector machine (SVM). Color features such as RGB and HSV and morphological features such as the shape of grapes were chosen as features for this classification model. The validation result shows that the CNN model achieves higher classification accuracy with 79.49% than the SVM classifier having 69%.
PRESERVE: Static Test Compaction that Preserves Individual Numbers of Tests

A comprehensive test set targets faults of different types to ensure that defects of different types are detected. When test compaction is carried out for such a test set, it is advantageous if the compacted test set contains a compact test set for each fault type separately. In this case, if one (or more) of the fault types is found to be more important to detect, a compact test set for it can be extracted without further processing. This article describes the first test compaction procedure for transition and stuck-at faults, where by construction, the compact test set contains compact test sets for each fault type separately. The experimental results for benchmark circuits demonstrate the ability to compact a comprehensive test set under this condition.
Is Neurodevelopment Related to Exercise Capacity in Single Ventricle Patients Who Have Undergone Fontan Palliation

Survivors of palliative surgery for single ventricle heart disease (SVHD) are at risk of poor neurodevelopmental outcomes and reduced exercise capacity. In healthy populations, reduced exercise capacity is related to decreased cognition suggesting a possible relationship between exercise capacity and neurodevelopment. Using cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and neuropsychological testing (NPT) as indicators of exercise capacity and neurodevelopment, respectively, we hypothesized that in SVHD, higher CPET measures are related to better NPT performance. Patients were retrospectively identified. CPET variables included VO2max, anaerobic threshold, peak heart rate, ventilatory efficiency, and respiratory exchange ratio. NPT instruments were divided into domains measuring attention, executive functioning, adaptive functioning, and emotional functioning. Linear regression was used to test for associations between CPET and NPT. 23 subjects with SVHD met inclusion criteria. On both CPET and NPT, the cohort scored worse than healthy, age-matched subjects. Higher VO2max and anaerobic threshold were associated with better parent-rated overall adaptive functioning (p = 0.01 and p = 0.02, respectively). Higher peak heart rate was related to better sustained visual attention (p = 0.01). In SVHD, CPET measures indicating better exercise capacity were positively associated with a subset of scores on NPT. Larger, multisite studies implementing cardiorespiratory fitness intervention and incorporating cognitive outcome measures will be needed to better characterize the relationship between neurodevelopment and functional capacity in this population. Results may assist in providing anticipatory guidance and optimizing post-Fontan developmental trajectories.
Traumatic Brain Injury May Lead to Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability in the US, particularly in those under age 40,...
Anterior–posterior distension of maximal upper esophageal sphincter opening is correlated with high-resolution cervical auscultation signal features

Objective Adequate upper esophageal sphincter (UES) opening is essential during swallowing to enable clearance of material into the digestive system, and videofluoroscopy(VF) is the most commonly deployed instrumental examination for assessment of UES opening. High-resolution cervical auscultation (HRCA) has been shown to be an effective, portable and cost-efficient screening tool for dysphagia with strong capabilities in non-invasively and accurately approximating manual measurements of VF images. In this study, we aimed to examine whether the HRCA signals are correlated to the manually measured anterior-posterior (AP) distension of maximal UES opening from VF recordings, under the hypothesis that they would be strongly associated. Approach We developed a standardized method to spatially measure the AP distension of maximal UES opening in 203 swallows VF recording from 27 patients referred for VF due to suspected dysphagia. Statistical analysis was conducted to compare the manually measured AP distension of maximal UES opening from lateral plane VF images and features extracted from two sets of HRCA signal segments: whole swallow segments and segments excluding all events other than the duration of UES is opening. Main results HRCA signal features were significantly associated with the normalized AP distension of the maximal UES opening in the longer whole-swallowing segments and the association became much stronger when analysis was performed solely during the duration of UES opening. Significance This preliminary feasibility study demonstrated the potential value of HRCA signals features in approximating the objective measurements of maximal UES AP distension and paves the way of developing HRCA to non-invasively and accurately predict human spatial measurement of VF kinematic events.
Pleistocene Archaeology – Migration, Technology, and Adaptation: edited by Rintaro Ono and Alfred Pawlik, IntechOpen, London, 2020. ISBN: 978-1-83962-507-7 (Open Access eBook); ISBN: 978-1-83880-357-5 (Hardcopy £119).

Understanding the migrations and adaptations of Homo sapiens and other hominins during the Pleistocene has become a fertile area of research at the nexus of archaeology and genetics. In Africa, the...
Towards deployable electrochemical sensors for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are an emerging class of pervasive and harmful environmental micropollutant with negative health effects on humans. Therefore, there has been extensive research into the remediation (i.e., the detection, extraction, and destruction) of these chemicals. For efficient extraction and destruction, PFAS contamination must be detected at its onset; however, conventional PFAS detection methods rely on sample collection and transport to a centralized facility for testing, which is expensive and time-consuming. Electrochemistry offers a robust, inexpensive, and deployable sensing strategy that could detect pollution at its onset; however, the electrochemical inactivity of PFAS necessitates the use of a surface functionalization strategy. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), which are a popular surface functionalization strategy, have been around since the 1980s for specific electrochemical detection and have expanded electrochemical detection to analytes that are not electrochemically active. MIPs have been more recently demonstrated for the detection of a variety of PFAS species, but additional advances must be made for realization of a deployable, electrochemical MIP-based sensor. This Feature highlights the history of MIPs for PFAS detection and our group's recent advances that are essential to enable the creation of a deployable electrochemical PFAS sensor: development of rigorous analytical standards to quantify interferent effects, miniaturization of the detection platform for quantification in river water, the use of ambient O2 as the mediator molecule for detection, and the development of hardware for in-field multiplexed electrochemical sensing.
Merging empirical and mechanistic approaches to modeling aquatic visual foraging using a generalizable visual reaction distance model

Abstract Visual encounter distance models are important tools for predicting how light and water clarity mediate visual predator-prey interactions that affect the structure and function of aquatic ecosystems at multiple spatial, temporal, and organizational scales. The two main varieties of visual encounter distance models, mechanistic and empirical, are used for similar purposes but take fundamentally different approaches to model development and have different strengths and weaknesses in terms of predictive accuracy, physical and biological interpretability of parameters, ability to incorporate outside information, and utility for knowledge transfer. To overcome weaknesses of existing mechanistic and empirical models and bridge the gap between approaches, we developed a generalized visual reaction distance model that relaxes assumptions of a widely-used mechanistic model that are violated in real predator-prey interactions. We compared the performance of the generalized visual reaction distance model to a widely used mechanistic model and an empirical visual encounter distance model by fitting models to data from four predator-prey experiments. The generalized visual reaction distance model substantially outperformed the other models in all cases based on fit to reaction distance data and presents an attractive alternative to prior models based on comparatively high predictive accuracy, use of interpretable parameters, and ability to incorporate outside information—characteristics that facilitate knowledge transfer.
A Comparison of the Impact of Debriefing Methods on Clinical Judgment

With the ever-increasing complexity of patient conditions and comorbidities, it is critical that nurses develop and incorporate clinical judgment into practice. The structured debriefing process as part of simulation supports reflection by learners so they can apply the knowledge obtained during the simulation in the development of clinical judgment to future clinical practice. There is a gap in the literature as to the best way to conduct the structured debrief in order to promote clinical judgment. The project used an experimental research design to compare the effect of two different simulation debriefing techniques on clinical judgment in newly licensed registered nurses: debriefing after a simulation-based experience compared to in-simulation debriefing. A post-intervention assessment took place measuring the change in the nurses’ subjective rating of their clinical judgment 10 to 14 days after the simulation to allow the learner to reflect on the simulation experience and implement the knowledge attained into practice. A convenience sample was obtained from the accessible population for the study, which consists of approximately 250 newly licensed registered nurses on adult cardiac step-down, cardiac critical care, cardiac acute care, or cardiac accelerated recovery care setting. The calculated sample size for the study was 62 participants. Adequate sample size was unable to be obtained. A Mann-Whitney U Test revealed no difference in total LCJR scores between post event debrief (Md = 35.5, n = 4) and in-simulation debrief (Md = 34, n = 3), U = 9.5, z = 1.26, p = .23, r = .5. There was not a difference between debriefing methods. The study should continue until the predicted sample size (N = 62) is obtained to determine if there is statistical significance.
Effects on Hematopoiesis and Hematology

A number of investigators have reported that the blood and blood-forming system are not affected by acute or chronic microwave exposure (Barron and Baraff, 1958; Daily, 1943; Drogichina et al., 1966; Tyagin, 1957; Hyde and Friedman, 1968; Budd et al., 1970; Spalding et al., 1971). Effects on hematopoiesis have nevertheless been found by others (Petrov, 1970; Sadchikova and Orlova, 1958; Michaelson et al., 1961, 1964, 1965, 1967; Kitsovskaya, 1964; Baranski and Czerski, 1966; Baranski, 1971, 1972; Goncharova et al., 1966; Sacchitelli and Sacchitelli, 1960; Vacek, 1972; Czerski et al., 1974a,b; Ivanov, 1962).
Fast and slow responses of the South Asian monsoon system to anthropogenic aerosols

[1] Using a global climate model with fully predictive aerosol life cycle, we investigate the fast and slow responses of the South Asian monsoon system to anthropogenic aerosol forcing. Our results show that the feedbacks associated with sea surface temperature (SST) change caused by aerosols play a more important role than the aerosol's direct impact on radiation, clouds and land surface (rapid adjustments) in shaping the total equilibrium climate response of the monsoon system to aerosol forcing. Inhomogeneous SST cooling caused by anthropogenic aerosols eventually reduces the meridional tropospheric temperature gradient and the easterly shear of zonal winds over the region, slowing down the local Hadley cell circulation, decreasing the northward moisture transport, and causing a reduction in precipitation over South Asia. Although total responses in precipitation are closer to the slow responses in general, the fast component dominates over land areas north of 25°N. Our results also show an east-west asymmetry in the fast responses to anthropogenic aerosols causing increases in precipitation west of 80°E but decreases east of it.
A review and reappraisal of tbe night monkey, Aotus lemurinus (Primates: Cebidae), in Costa Rica

Los monos nocturnos del genero Aotus habitan actualmente las tierras bajas de Suramerica, aunque en epocas pasadas su distribucion se prolongaba hasta Isla Bastimentas, Provincia de Boca del Toro, en Panama. El unico registro de un Aotus colectado en Costa Rica proviene del siglo XVIII. Aunque siempre ignorado, la literatura revisada sugiere que este registro es valido. Autores posteriores atribuyeron este especimen a una localidad denominada Quindin, Quindin, o Quindiu. Aqui se demuestra que esta localidad fue erroneamente asociada al ejemplar por D.G. Elliot aproximadamente 45 anos despues de que se colecto. Varias observaciones (1975-1986) sugieren que Aotus lemurinus se encuentra al menos en dos regiones de las tierras bajas del Caribe de Costa Rica. Monos nocturnos han sido observados en tres ocasiones en la Reserva Biologica de La Selva, Provincia de Heredia. Algunos cazadores han visto tambien a los monos no solo en los alrededores del area sino tambien cerca de Bribri, Provincia de Limon, proximo a la frontera con Panama. Esta especie se debe buscar en habitats apropiados por todas las tierras bajas del Caribe y debe otorgarsele proteccion completa en su categoria de especie amenzada.
Intelligent waveform analysis for ultrasonic ranging in a cluttered environment

It is shown that, in a limited domain, ultrasonic rangers can be used with model-based reasoning to identify one or two objects represented in the return signal. It is also shown that characteristics that are useful in helping discriminate include average amplitude times distance, standard deviation of the amplitude as a percentage of the maximum amplitude, and characteristics of the echo signal such as maximum echo amplitude times the square of the distance. It was found many of the characteristics (such as maximum amplitude) were not helpful in discriminating between objects at various distances. It was found that a list of line features describing perimeter shape was not useful when objects were considered at various distances. The results obtained are pertinent to the Autonomous Land Vehicle (ALV). >
Democratic Patriotism and Multicultural Education

Debate about multicultural education in the USA has been marked by anxieties about the stability of a nation that is both increasingly culturally diverse and increasingly resistant to coercive assimilative practices. A politically and morally persuasive multiculturalism must seek to dispel rather than evade these anxieties. One educational venue in which they must be addressed is history teaching. The possibility of cultivating democratic patriotism in the teaching of a genuinely multicultural American history is discussed. Forgetting, I would even go so far as to say historical error, is a crucial factor in the creation of a nation, which is why progress in historical studies often creates a danger for nationality. Indeed, historical insight brings to light deeds of violence which took place at the origin of all political formations…. Unity is always effected by means of brutality. Ernst Renan ([1882] 1992) Our memories may now be undermining our ability to progress as a people Joseph Tilden Rhea (1997)
Synthesis of phase-pure and monodisperse iron oxide nanoparticles by thermal decomposition

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) are used for a wide range of biomedical applications requiring precise control over their physical and magnetic properties, which are dependent on their size and crystallographic phase. Here we present a comprehensive template for the design and synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles with control over size, size distribution, phase, and resulting magnetic properties. We investigate critical parameters for synthesis of monodisperse SPIONs by organic thermal decomposition. Three different, commonly used, iron containing precursors (iron oleate, iron pentacarbonyl, and iron oxyhydroxide) are evaluated under a variety of synthetic conditions. We compare the suitability of these three kinetically controlled synthesis protocols, which have in common the use of iron oleate as a starting precursor or reaction intermediate, for producing nanoparticles with specific size and magnetic properties. Monodisperse particles were produced over a tunable range of sizes from approximately 2–30 nm. Reaction parameters such as precursor concentration, addition of surfactant, temperature, ramp rate, and time were adjusted to kinetically control size and size-distribution, phase, and magnetic properties. In particular, large quantities of excess surfactant (up to 25 : 1 molar ratio) alter reaction kinetics and result in larger particles with uniform size; however, there is often a trade-off between large particles and a narrow size distribution. Iron oxide phase, in addition to nanoparticle size and shape, is critical for establishing magnetic properties such as differential susceptibility (dm/dH) and anisotropy. As an example, we show the importance of obtaining the required size and iron oxide phase for application to Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI), and describe how phase purity can be controlled. These results provide much of the information necessary to determine which iron oxide synthesis protocol is best suited to a particular application.
Improved Stack Algorithm for MIMO Wireless Communication Systems

The use of multiple antennas at both transmitter and receiver can increase wireless communication system capacity enormously. The optimal detection algorithm for MIMO system is Maximum likelihood detection (MLD) algorithm, which provides the best bit error rate (BER) performance for MIMO system. However, the computational complexity of MLD algorithm grows exponentially with the number of transmit antennas and the order of modulation. An improved MIMO detection algorithm which combined M-algorithm with stack algorithm was presented in this paper. The proposed algorithm was a multistage detection which was consisted with three parts: MLD, M-algorithm and stack algorithm. In MIMO communication system with m transmit antennas, after performing QR decomposition of the channel matrix, the MLD with length L was done firstly. The partial accumulated metrics were calculated and sorted, which produced an ordered set. Then selecting the first M partial symbol vectors to form a new ordered set. Based on the new ordered set, stack algorithm was performed to search for the symbols with the minimum accumulated metrics. The proposed algorithm combining M algorithm and stack algorithm reduced numbers of ordering with the original stack algorithm, the probability of look back and improving the detection performance.
Aggregation and interactions of chemical mechanical planarization nanoparticles with model biological membranes: role of phosphate adsorption

In the semiconductor industry, chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) slurries are used in large quantities for the planarization of wafers and the release of CMP nanoparticles (NPs) into the natural environment may pose a threat to human health. In this study, the aggregation behavior of four model CMP NPs, namely, colloidal SiO2, fumed SiO2, CeO2, and Al2O3 NPs, was investigated through dynamic light scattering in the presence and absence of phosphate at pH 7.4. The colloidal and fumed SiO2 NPs were observed to have remarkable stability under neutral pH conditions both in the presence and absence of phosphate. Phosphate adsorption enhanced the negative surface charge of CeO2 NPs and reversed the charge of Al2O3 NPs, resulting in an increase in the stability of both NPs. In order to evaluate the propensity for the CMP NPs to attach to and disrupt cell membranes, the interactions of these NPs with supported lipid bilayers (SLBs) and lipid vesicles composed of zwitterionic 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC) were examined using a quartz crystal microbalance. The attachment efficiencies of both SiO2 NPs on SLBs increased to 1 when the NaCl concentration was raised to 100 mM in the presence of phosphate. In contrast, favorable attachment of CeO2 and Al2O3 NPs to SLBs was not achieved in the presence of phosphate even at elevated NaCl concentrations, likely due to the enhancement of nanoparticle surface charge resulting from phosphate adsorption. When the supported vesicles were exposed to the SiO2 NPs, no disruption of vesicles was detected despite favorable conditions for nanoparticle–membrane association.
What do tissues and cells know of mechanics

Many tissues and cells adapt to their mechanical environment, i.e. the stresses and strains to which the tissues are exposed during daily activities. Simple mechanical explanations of such adaptation naturally provide appeal, yet fail to predict accurately tissue appearance and behaviour. Continuum mechanics, the field from which our concepts of stress and strain arise, assumes a solid continuous structure, an assumption that does not apply at cell level. Merely correlating a given stress or strain magnitude with tissue behaviour does not per se account for the time over which responses occur. Tissues undoubtedly 'temporally process' mechanical signals, responding to some portion of the mechanical environment, and ignoring others. Further, the deformation that cells experience will depend upon their nonrigid connections to the matrix, so that the strains in the tissue may not be those experienced by the cell (and those causing the adaptation). Relatively simple mechanical models incorporating temporal features may adequately predict tissue adaptation, but the noncontinuum nature of tissues suggests that such models cannot adequately explain either tissue adaptation or the responses leading to adaptation.
Thallium-201 single-photon emission computed tomographic estimates of left ventricular mass in patients with and without ischemic heart disease

A new automated edge detection program has been developed to estimate left ventricular mass from single-photon emission computed tomographic (SPECT) thallium-201 images of patients. Left ventricular (LV) mass was measured from contrast angiograms in 21 patients and was compared with LV mass estimated from thallium-201 tomographic studies. A comparison of angiographic mass to mass estimated from stress studies yielded an r = 0.97 (SEE = 21.6 gm) and a comparison of angiographic mass to mass determined from the redistribution images yielded r = 0.96 (SEE = 23.0 gm). Values of mass from stress and redistribution studies varied 7.3% ± 6.7 and 8.8% ± 9.2, respectively, when compared with values obtained by cineangiography. LV mass derived from the stress and redistribution studies were highly correlated (r = 0.97; SEE = 21.9 gm). Linear regression analysis revealed a slope of 1.06 (stress ventricular mass = 1.06 × redistribution mass − 14.9 gm). Thirteen patients had two thallium-201 SPECT studies performed approximately 1 month apart. Estimated LV mass was highly correlated when the two studies were compared (r = 0.94; SEE = 21.7 gm comparing the two stress studies; and r = 0.93, SEE = 19.4 gm for the two redistribution studies). We conclude that SPECT thallium-201 imaging can define LV mass accurately and reproducibly in normal, ischemic, or infarcted tissue.
The clinical effects of plasticizers, antioxidants, and other contaminants in medical polyvinylchloride tubing during respiratory and non-respiratory exposure

In 1999, a Blue Ribbon Panel convened to examine the health effects of two commonly used plasticizers present in medical devices and toys. Of particular interest were the plasticizers used in medical tubing. Hospitalized patients can be exposed to a high dose of these chemicals while receiving respiratory therapy or during hemodialysis, and are more likely to be vulnerable to potentially ill effects than healthy individuals. After extensive review of existing research, the Panel concluded that there was not enough evidence of harmful health effects to remove di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and other plasticizers from use in medical tubing. The Panel recognized the importance of plasticizers in enabling tubing such as PVC for respiratory support or in dialysis to be flexible enough for use in a variety of clinical applications that might not be possible with rigid (plasticizer-free) tubing. Nevertheless, we reviewed the literature regarding the health effects for five of the most common compounds, plasticizers and antioxidants found in medical tubing, and suggest that further clinical studies be conducted. We concur with the Panel's recommendation that alternative materials be developed and studied.
Evaluation of read count based RNAseq analysis methods

RNAseq technology is replacing microarray technology as the tool of choice for gene expression profiling. While providing much richer data than microarray, analysis of RNAseq data has been much more challenging. To date, there has not been a consensus on the best approach for conducting robust RNAseq analysis. In this study, we designed a thorough experiment to evaluate six read count-based RNAseq analysis methods (DESeq, DEGseq, edgeR, NBPSeq, TSPM and baySeq) using both real and simulated data. We found the six methods produce similar fold changes and reasonable overlapping of differentially expressed genes based on p-values. However, all six methods suffer from over-sensitivity. Based on the evaluation of runtime using real data and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC-ROC) using simulated data, we found that edgeR achieves a better balance between speed and accuracy than the other methods.