cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Three Species of Australian Muricidae (Gastropoda) with Ancestors in the American Tertiary

Summary In three different genus-groups of Muricidae there is a close relationship between fossil species found in the Tertiary of the western Atlantic and modern forms Living only off Australia. In two cases there are fossil Australian intermediate forms but in the third case the two species are unique. The species discussed are: 1. Dermomurex (Viator) sexangulus, asteriscus, and antonius; 2. Murexiella (Subpterynotus) textilis, antecedens, and tatei; and 3. Dermomurex (Viator) sexangulus, asteriscus , and antonius;
Carlos Finlay and yellow fever: triumph over adversity.

ABSTRACT The eradication of yellow fever in Havana, Cuba, was achieved by a fruitful collaboration between American and Cuban physicians. Carlos Finlay, a Cuban physician who proposed the mosquito-vector theory in 1881, shared his ideas, his publications, and a sample of mosquito eggs with the U.S. Army Yellow Fever Commission. The commission, headed by MAJ Walter Reed, used human volunteers to confirm Finlay's theory. MAJ William Gorgas adopted mosquito-control measures in his sanitation program and, within 6 months, yellow fever was controlled in Havana for the first time. Finlay held fast to his ideas despite incredulity and ridicule. His tenacity and scientific honesty vindicated his ideas about yellow fever.
Monofluorophosphate Is a Selective Inhibitor of Respiratory Sulfate-Reducing Microorganisms

Despite the environmental and economic cost of microbial sulfidogenesis in industrial operations, few compounds are known as selective inhibitors of respiratory sulfate reducing microorganisms (SRM), and no study has systematically and quantitatively evaluated the selectivity and potency of SRM inhibitors. Using general, high-throughput assays to quantitatively evaluate inhibitor potency and selectivity in a model sulfate-reducing microbial ecosystem as well as inhibitor specificity for the sulfate reduction pathway in a model SRM, we screened a panel of inorganic oxyanions. We identified several SRM selective inhibitors including selenate, selenite, tellurate, tellurite, nitrate, nitrite, perchlorate, chlorate, monofluorophosphate, vanadate, molydate, and tungstate. Monofluorophosphate (MFP) was not known previously as a selective SRM inhibitor, but has promising characteristics including low toxicity to eukaryotic organisms, high stability at circumneutral pH, utility as an abiotic corrosion inhibitor, and low cost. MFP remains a potent inhibitor of SRM growing by fermentation, and MFP is tolerated by nitrate and perchlorate reducing microorganisms. For SRM inhibition, MFP is synergistic with nitrite and chlorite, and could enhance the efficacy of nitrate or perchlorate treatments. Finally, MFP inhibition is multifaceted. Both inhibition of the central sulfate reduction pathway and release of cytoplasmic fluoride ion are implicated in the mechanism of MFP toxicity.
Long term maintenance of cell cultures under agar overlay and development of herpes T plaques.

SummaryA method for the long term maintenance of various cell cultures under agar overlay with the use of Temin's Eagle's medium has been demonstrated. Primary cell cultures of chick fibroblast, cat kidney, rabbit kidney, and chorioallantoic membrane were maintained under agar overlay for 53, 32, 24, and 17 days, respectively. Cell lines of palm civit, HeLa, rabbit kidney, and African green monkey kidney were maintained for 25, 24, 21, and 13 days respectively under the same conditions. These long term cultures proved useful to study the plaque forming ability of several viruses (herpes T, herpes simplex, herpes canis, herpes suis, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, sand rat nuclear inclusion agent, Cebus monkey strain (an adeno virus), another herpes virus (squirrel monkey isolate no. 83), and plaque-purified Newcastle disease virus (Delaware-Hickman strain). In chick fibroblast herpes T virus and Newcastle disease virus formed plaques. The herpes T virus plaques developed to a maximum plaque size of 15 ...
Saprolegniaceae: a keratinophilic Aphanomyces from soil.

Specimens of Aphancmyces laevis de Bary f. keratinophilus Ookubo & Kobayasi, recovered from soils in various South Pacific Islands and in Iceland, are described and the form is raised to specific r...
Analysis of 559 mycobacterium tuberculosis resistant to anti-tuberculosis drug in Xuzhou

Objective:To study the status of anti-tuberculosis drug resistance in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis in Xuzhou.Methods: The reformed L-J medium was applied to 559 patients with TB to perform sputum culture.The bacterial type was evaluated and drug susceptibility testing was performed.Results: The susceptible rate to four drugs is 62.79%.The resistance to one or more drugs is 37.21%.The resistant rate to one drug are: H-28.09%(157/559),S-26.83%(150/559),R-21.82%(122/559),E-12.34%(69/559).The overall multi-drug resistant rate in our city is 16.63%,and the rate in the primary and re-treated case is 2.08% and 32.10% respectively.Conclusion: The drug resistant rate in our city is still very high.The first-line drugs do not have good result in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis.There is a significant difference between the drug-resistant rate in the primary and re-treated cases.
Reason Analysis on Over-standard Dielectric Loss of 220 kV Capacitor Voltage Transformer

Dielectric loss value(tanδ)all exceed the standard in the handover test of a 500 kV substation in term of the same batch of 220 kV capacitor voltage transformer.In order to find out the reason,the transformers are returned to factory test.Reasons for the differences in field test and factory test is analyzed.At the same time,manufacturers proposed improvement for solving that.
Phosphorylation of p190 on Tyr1105 by c-Src is necessary but not sufficient for EGF-induced actin disassembly in C3H10T1/2 fibroblasts.

p190 RhoGAP is a tyrosine phosphorylated protein that contains an N-terminal GTP binding domain, a middle domain (MD) that mediates interaction with p120 RasGAP and a C-terminal GTPase-activating protein (GAP) domain that is specific for the Ρ family of small GTPases. Evidence is accumulating to suggest that p190 participates in actin cytoskeleton rearrangements that occur following transformation by v-Src or stimulation by growth factors, and that tyrosine phosphorylation of p190 by Src influences these processes. The current study was performed to establish whether p190RhoGAP directly participates in epidermal growth factor-induced actin stress fiber disassembly and how c-Src is involved in this process. Our results support a model in which the p190 MD negatively regulates the activity of the GAP domain and that c-Src phosphorylation of Y1105 is necessary, but insufficient on its own, for actin stress fiber disassembly.
Sialylation of Glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) Anchors of Mammalian Prions Is Regulated in a Host-, Tissue-, and Cell-specific Manner.

Prions or PrPSc are proteinaceous infectious agents that consist of misfolded, self-replicating states of the prion protein or PrPC. PrPC is posttranslationally modified with N-linked glycans and a sialylated glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor. Conformational conversion of PrPC gives rise to glycosylated and GPI-anchored PrPSc. The question of the sialylation status of GPIs within PrPSc has been controversial. Previous studies that examined scrapie brains reported that both sialo- and asialo-GPIs were present in PrPSc, with the majority being asialo-GPIs. In contrast, recent work that employed cultured cells claimed that only PrPC with sialylo-GPIs could be recruited into PrPSc, whereas PrPC with asialo-GPIs inhibited conversion. To resolve this controversy, we analyzed the sialylation status of GPIs within PrPSc generated in the brain, spleen, or cultured N2a or C2C12 myotube cells. We found that recruiting PrPC with both sialo- and asialo-GPIs is a common feature of PrPSc. The mixtures of sialo- and asialo-GPIs were observed in PrPSc universally regardless of prion strain as well as host, tissue, or type of cells that produced PrPSc. Remarkably, the proportion of sialo- versus asialo-GPIs was found to be controlled by host, tissue, and cell type but not prion strain. In summary, this study found no strain-specific preferences for selecting PrPC with sialo- versus asialo-GPIs. Instead, this work suggests that the sialylation status of GPIs within PrPSc is regulated in a cell-, tissue-, or host-specific manner and is likely to be determined by the specifics of GPI biosynthesis.
Functionalizing the γ-position of α-diazo-β-ketoesters

Although α-diazo-β-ketoesters are synthetically versatile intermediates, methodology for introducing this functionality into complex molecules is still limited, most frequently involving a carboxylic acid precursor, which is then activated and transformed into a β-ketoester, with the diazo group being subsequently added with a diazo transfer reagent. While introducing this highly functional moiety in a convergent one step process would be ideal, such an objective is limited by the relatively few studies which address functionalization of the α-diazo-β-ketoester at the γ-position. In the present investigation, we evaluate strategies, both new and established, for functionalizing α-diazo-β-ketoesters, particularly with regard to generating compounds prospectively useful in the synthesis of C1-substituted carbapenems. We report the first δ-aldehydo-α-diazo-β-ketoester as well as a method for its oxidation to the corresponding methyl ester, and the formation of a new substituted pyrazole under basic conditions.
SQL Query to Trigger Translation: A Novel Transparent Consistency Technique for Cache Augmented SQL Systems

Organizations enhance the velocity of simple operations that read and write a small amount of data from big data by extending a SQL system with a key-value store (KVS). The resulting system is suitable for workloads that issue simple operations and exhibit a high read to write ratio, e.g., interactive social networking actions. A popular distributed in-memory KVS is memcached in use by organizations such as Facebook and YouTube. This study presents SQL query to trigger translation (SQLTrig) as a novel transparent consistency technique that maintains the key-value pairs of the KVS consistent with the tabular data in the relational database management system (RDBMS). SQLTrig provides physical data independence, hiding the representation of data (either as rows of a table or key-value pairs) from the application developers. Software developers are provided with the SQL query language and observe the performance enhancements of a KVS without authoring additional software. This simplifies software complexity to expedite its development life cycle.
CpG Methylation across the adipogenic PPARγ gene and its relationship with birthweight and child BMI at 9 years.

To examine methylation of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) gene and its relationship with child weight status, at birth and 9 years. We measured PPARγ methylation across 23 CpG sites using the Infinium Illumina 450 k array for children from the Center for the Health Assessment of Mothers and Children of Salinas (CHAMACOS) cohort at birth (N = 373) and 9 years (N = 245). Methylation level correlation patterns across the 23 PPARγ CpG sites were conserved between birth and 9-year ages. We found high inter-CpG correlations between sites 1–3 (methylation block 1) and also between sites 18–23 (methylation block 2) for both time points, although these patterns were less pronounced at 9 years. Additionally, sites 1–3 (north shore) had the highest intra-CpG correlations over time (r = 0.24, 0.42, and 0.3; P = 0.002, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). PPARγ methylation levels tended to increase with age, and the largest differences were observed for north shore sites (7.4%). Adjusting for sex, both site 1 and site 20 (gene body) methylation at birth was significantly and inversely associated with birth weight (β = −0.13, P = 0.033; β = −0.09, P = 0.025, respectively). Similarly, we found that site 1 and site 20 methylation at 9 years was significantly and inversely associated with 9-year BMI z-score (β = −0.41, P = 0.015; β = −0.23, P = 0.045, respectively). Our results indicate that PPARγ methylation is highly organized and conserved over time, and highlight the potential functional importance of north shore sites, adding to a better understanding of regional human methylome patterns. Overall, our results suggest that PPARγ methylation may be associated with child body size.
Multimodality molecular imaging in cardiac regenerative therapy

Stem cell therapy holds great promise for the repair and regeneration of damaged myocardium. Disappointing results from recent large-scale randomized trials using adult stem cells, however, have led some to question the efficacy of this new therapeutic. Because most clinical stem cell trials have not incorporated molecular imaging to track cell fate, it may be premature to abandon this approach. Herein, we will review how multimodality imaging can be incorporated into cardiac regenerative therapy to facilitate the translation of stem cell therapy.
Social networks and sexual risk factor differences between cisgender heterosexual and cisgender LGBQ homeless youths

Cisgender lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer/questioning (LGBQ) homeless youths are more likely to engage in sexual risk behaviors relative to cisgender heterosexual homeless youths. Homeless youths...
Is There a Role for Systemic Chemotherapy in the Treatment of Brain Metastases

Brain metastases (BM) are the most common metastatic complication of systemic cancer to the central nervous system (CNS). Treatment is most often with radiotherapy (whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT), stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) or a combination) and in selected patients (for example solitary metastasis) resective surgery. The role for chemotherapy in the treatment of BM is difficult to define due to a paucity of clinical trials the majority of which are nonrandomized, retrospective studies and case reports. Two factors influence the efficacy of chemotherapy in BM; the intrinsic chemosensitivity of the tumor and chemotherapy drug delivery. Several generalizations can be made regarding chemotherapy of BM based on the limited literature. Response to chemotherapy reflects inherent chemosensitivity of the primary tumor with best responses seen with small cell lung cancer, intermediate responses seen with non-small cell lung cancer and breast cancer and low response rates with melanoma. Response to chemotherapy is in addition determined by prior chemotherapy exposure as front-line chemotherapy has higher response rates than second- or third-line chemotherapy. Response to chemotherapy as compared to WBRT or SRT is inferior and less durable. The use of chemotherapy for the treatment of BM is most often limited to patients having failed radiotherapy (often both WBRT and SRT) and with multiple lesions. Emerging data suggests that targeted therapies may play an increasing role in the treatment of BM.
Flavonoids: signal molecules in plant development.

More than 4,000 different flavonoids, which are widely distributed in higher plants, have been identified (Harborne, 1988; Koes et al. 1994). Flavonoids are involved in numerous functions in vascular plants. One obvious function is as a filter for ultraviolet light, which requires that there be relatively large concentrations of flavonoids in epidermal cells (Li et al.,1993). Flavonoids also function as external chemical signals for symbiotic nitrogen fixation (Fisher and Long, 1992; Baker, 1992) and for mycorrhizal relationships (Vierheilig et al.,1998). Flavonoids are also important in fighting disease; ingress of pathogenic microbes can be curtailed in certain incompatible reactions in part because some plants synthesize flavonoid phytoalexins (Dixon and Paiva, 1995). Anthocyanidins and their glycosides, accumulating mainly in the inner epidermis of the petal just prior to opening of the flower bud, attract insect and other agents for pollination (Weiss, 1991). Later on, as the fruit develops, flavonoids can also attract agents for seed dispersal.
Embodiment and the Therapeutic Relationship: Findings From a Heuristic Inquiry

Mental health practitioners of varied orientations experience somatic phenomena in therapeutic work with clients. Understanding embodiment from the body psychotherapist's viewpoint can illuminate its nature for mental health counselors who experience the phenomenon but question how to channel it to inform their work. Findings from a heuristic inquiry using creative, relational, and reflexive approaches illuminate the experiences of 6 body psychotherapists and perceived impact of embodiment on clients.
Mesoscale Modeling of Porous Materials Using New Methodology for Fracture and Frictional Contact in the Material Point Method

Using a new damage-field gradient partitioning approach to fracture and frictional contact in the material point method (MPM) we have demonstrated a capability to produce mesh-independent predictions of particle size distribution in simulations of comminution of brittle materials. Here, we apply this new methodology to simulate damage and dynamic loading in mesoscale models of porous, heterogeneous materials. Simulations are validated against experimental data, and we discuss the advantages and limitations of this new methodology.
Clinical Applications of Bone Tissue Engineering in Orthopedic Trauma

Orthopedic trauma is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although many fractures tend to heal if treated appropriately either by non-operative or operative methods, delayed or failed healing, as well as infections, can lead to devastating complications. Tissue engineering is an exciting, emerging field with much scientific and clinical relevance in potentially overcoming the current limitations in the treatment of orthopedic injuries. While direct translation of bone tissue engineering technologies to clinical use remains challenging, considerable research has been done in studying how cells, scaffolds, and signals may be used to enhance acute fracture healing and to address the problematic scenarios of nonunion and critical-sized bone defects. Taken together, the research findings suggest that tissue engineering may be considered to stimulate angiogenesis and osteogenesis, to modulate the immune response to fractures, to improve the biocompatibility of implants, to prevent or combat infection, and to fill large gaps created by traumatic bone loss. The abundance of preclinical data supports the high potential of bone tissue engineering for clinical application, although a number of barriers to translation must first be overcome. This review focuses on the current and potential applications of bone tissue engineering approaches in orthopedic trauma with specific attention paid to acute fracture healing, nonunion, and critical-sized bone defects.
It’s About Time: Temporal Dynamics of Dentate Gyrus Pattern Separation

The dentate gyrus (DG) is hypothesized to be a pattern separator crucial for distinguishing similar memories. In this issue of Neuron, a new study by van Dijk and Fenton (2018) revealed that transient changes of firing patterns of DG ensembles, but not the remapping of session-averaged place fields, contributed to a place discrimination task.
Cerebral photoreception in mantis shrimp.

The currently unsurpassed diversity of photoreceptors found in the eyes of stomatopods, or mantis shrimps, is achieved through a variety of opsin-based visual pigments and optical filters. However, the presence of extraocular photoreceptors in these crustaceans is undescribed. Opsins have been found in extraocular tissues across animal taxa, but their functions are often unknown. Here, we show that the mantis shrimp Neogonodactylus oerstedii has functional cerebral photoreceptors, which expands the suite of mechanisms by which mantis shrimp sense light. Illumination of extraocular photoreceptors elicits behaviors akin to common arthropod escape responses, which persist in blinded individuals. The anterior central nervous system, which is illuminated when a mantis shrimp’s cephalothorax protrudes from its burrow to search for predators, prey, or mates, appears to be photosensitive and to feature two types of opsin-based, potentially histaminergic photoreceptors. A pigmented ventral eye that may be capable of color discrimination extends from the cerebral ganglion, or brain, against the transparent outer carapace, and exhibits a rapid electrical response when illuminated. Additionally, opsins and histamine are expressed in several locations of the eyestalks and cerebral ganglion, where any photoresponses could contribute to shelter-seeking behaviors and other functions.
Anesthetic Considerations: Local Versus Regional

Local anesthesia is defined as a loss in the perception of pain over a small area of the body. Regional anesthesia is also a loss in the perception of pain, but in a larger anatomical area or region. Both local and regional anesthesia are usually achieved by pharmacological use of local anesthetic agents. There are two types of local anesthetic agents, amino-amides and amino-esters, defined by their chemical structures. Both classes achieve their effects by deactivating the sodium channels responsible for the inward flux of sodium during the depolarization phase of the action potential. The net result is an increase in the amount of stimulus required to generate an action potential as well as decreased propagation of any action potentials across the anesthetized neuron. This chapter will discuss the history, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, metabolism, toxicities, chemical structures, as well as the clinical utility of using local anesthetics in localized and regional fashions.
Psychomotor Symptoms of Depression

Objective: The authors summarize current knowledge regarding the psychomotor symptoms of depression. Method: Findings from the objective quantification of psychomotor symptoms are reviewed, and methodological issues are considered. The contemporary empirical literature regarding the diagnostic, prognostic, and potential pathophysiologic significance of psychomotor symptoms is summarized. Results: It has been repeatedly shown that depressed patients differ from normal and psychiatric comparison groups with regard to objectively quantified gross motor activity, body movements, speech, and motor reaction time. Course of illness, diurnal variation, medication status, sex, and age are associated with agitation and retardation and should be controlled when one is studying psychomotor symptoms. Psychomotor symptoms in depression may have unique significance. They have high discriminative validity, may be the only symptoms of depression that distinguish depression subtypes, and are predictive of good response to tricyclic antidepressants. Results of brain imaging and biochemical studies link depression and motor symptoms to abnormalities in the basal ganglia and basal ganglia/thalamo-cortical circuits. Conclusions: The investigation of psychomotor disturbance in depression is specifically consistent with neo-Kraepelinian standards for the study of psychiatric disorders. Our current knowledge of psychomotor symptoms is conceptually obscure, yet a large body of evidence specifies their manifestation and supports their significance. Identifying the incidence of abnormal motor behaviors in depressed patients and assessing the component processes that accompany and determine their manifestation may be important advances in the study of psychomotor symptoms in depression. (Am J Psychiatry 1997; 154:4‐17)
Standardized Colleagues in Pharmacy Education.

To the Editor: We would like to thank Gillette and colleagues for their enlightening study titled “Improving Pharmacy Student Communication Outcomes Using Standardized Patients,” published in the August 2017 issue of the American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education . Gillette and colleagues
Behaviors of Ce, Pr, and Nd in liquid cesium by ab initio molecular dynamics simulations

The fuel cladding chemical interaction (FCCI) phenomenon is potentially the main factor restricting the application of metallic fuels in liquid sodium cooled fast reactors. The understanding of the lanthanide (Ln) transport behaviors in liquid Cs filled pores in U-Zr fuel is essential for understanding FCCIs. By using ab initio molecular dynamics, fundamental properties of the metallic system Cs-Ln, such as density of states and coordination number, have been studied. Then, the Ln diffusivities in liquid cesium and the solution viscosity were calculated. For validating the model, the viscosity of the pure liquid Cs which has been well measured is also calculated at three temperatures, which indicates the present model has a high accuracy in calculation of viscosity and self-diffusivity of Cs in liquid Cs.
A New Two Stage Differential Mode Power Converter for Large Scale PV Plants

This paper presents a new two-stage differential mode power converter to enable higher energy yield for large-scale solar power plants. The proposed topology is characterized by its fractional power rating, higher efficiency, scalability and lower cost. The approach consists of dividing a given solar field to several zones, employing a center point ground with ±1500V DC collection grid and interconnecting them with fractional rated current/voltage balancing converter topology to achieve maximum power point tracking (MPPT) thereby mitigating the effects of partial shading and temperature differences. The proposed system is shown to be scalable to suite large-scale solar PV power plants. A design example along with simulation results are discussed for a wide range of insolation/temperature levels for a 1.1 MW power plant.
Chemical shift assignments of retinal guanylyl cyclase activating protein 5 (GCAP5)

Retinal membrane guanylyl cyclase (RetGC) in photoreceptor rod and cone cells is regulated by a family of guanylyl cyclase activating proteins (GCAP1-7). GCAP5 is expressed in zebrafish photoreceptors and promotes Ca2+-dependent regulation of RetGC enzymatic activity that regulates visual phototransduction. We report NMR chemical shift assignments of the Ca2+-free activator form of GCAP5 (BMRB No. 27705).
Testing, testing. 1, 2, 3. Is this mic on?

This issue of the International Journal of Clinical Practice includes 4 articles regarding testing in medicine. Our Associate Editor for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Metabolic Diseases, Anthony Wierzbicki, together with Timothy Reynolds, start us off with a thoughtful extended editorial/perspective with the title (translated) "first, do no harm.". This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Silicon alleviates long-term copper toxicity and influences gene expression in Nicotiana tabacum

Silicon (Si) is beneficial for plant growth and aids in stress tolerance. In this study, the effects of Si on long-term copper (Cu) toxicity in the low Si accumulator Nicotiana tabacum were evaluated. Silicon supplementation alleviated growth inhibition in roots and shoots of N. tabacum exposed to Cu toxicity. Alleviation of Cu toxicity correlated with increased Si accumulation in roots and leaves, suggesting N. tabacum contains a stress-regulated mechanism for Si transport. Root Cu concentration decreased in Si-supplemented plants exposed to Cu toxicity. Interestingly, Copper Transporter 1 (COPT1) expression decreased in roots of Si-supplemented plants exposed to Cu toxicity, which may contribute to Cu uptake reduction. Decreases in ethylene (ET) biosynthetic gene expression were previously implicated in Si-mediated stress alleviation. In the present study, Si-mediated alleviation of Cu toxicity corresponded with increased ET biosynthetic gene expression.
When nucleated RBCs "count" in the peripheral blood: a unique case of post-essential thrombocythemia myelofibrosis.

![Figure][1] A 64-year-old woman with a 23-year history of JAK2 V617F+ essential thrombocythemia and remote splenectomy experienced progression to myelofibrosis in 2011, which was documented by bone marrow biopsy. Five years later, the peripheral blood is leukoerythroblastic, with 35%
Let Me Write a Dissertation for You: The Micro-Level Cost-Benefit Approach to Doctoral Degree Fraud.

This study aims at investigating corruption in doctoral education. In order to reach this goal, this study focuses on Ukraine. Specifically, this study researches the market of writing and defendin...
Developing Music Education Policy Wonks: Preservice Music Education and Policy.

The typical undergraduate music education student is focused on developing their musicianship and leadership abilities, professional education competencies, and specific pedagogical expertise. Whil...
Analyzing the word-problem performance and strategies of students experiencing mathematics difficulty

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine the word-problem performance and strategies utilized by 3rd-grade students experiencing mathematics difficulty (MD). We assessed the efficacy of a word-problem intervention and compared the word-problem performance of students with MD who received intervention (n = 51) to students with MD who received general education classroom word-problem instruction (n = 60). Intervention occurred for 16 weeks, 3 times per week, 30 min per session and focused on helping students understand the schemas of word problems. Results demonstrated that students with MD who received the word-problem intervention outperformed students with MD who received general education classroom word-problem instruction. We also analyzed the word-problem strategies of 30 randomly-selected students from the study to understand how students set up and solve word problems. Students who received intervention demonstrated more sophisticated word-problem strategies than students who only received general education classroom word-problem instruction. Findings suggest students with MD benefit from use of meta-cognitive strategies and explicit schema instruction to solve word problems.
What does the COVID-19 pandemic teach us about global value chains? The case of medical supplies

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a dramatic shortage in the medical supplies needed to treat the virus due to a massive surge in demand as the disease circled the globe during the first half of 2020. Prior to the crisis, there was an interdependence of trade and production for medical supplies, with advanced industrial countries like the United States and Germany specializing in the relatively high-tech medical devices sector, while low-cost production hubs such as China and Malaysia were leading producers of less technologically sophisticated personal protective equipment (PPE) products such as face masks, surgical gloves, and medical gowns. After the COVID-19 outbreak, global shortages of PPE products emerged as many affected countries imposed export controls and sought ways to boost domestic output. A case study of the face mask value chain in the United States shows misalignments between the priorities of U.S. federal government officials and the strategies of leading U.S. multinational producers of face masks, which resulted in exceptionally costly policy delays in terms of health outcomes. On balance, the U.S. shortage of N95 respirators during the COVID-19 pandemic is more a policy failure than a market failure. The global value chain framework highlights strategic options that could lead to more resilient supply chains and diversified sourcing patterns.
Replication at the speed of change: a fast, scalable replication solution for near real-time HTAP processing

The IBM Db2 Analytics Accelerator (IDAA) is a state-of-the art hybrid database system that seamlessly extends the strong transactional capabilities of Db2 for z/OS with the very fast column-store processing in Db2 Warehouse. The Accelerator maintains a copy of the data from Db2 for z/OS in its backend database. Data can be synchronized at a single point in time with a granularity of a table, one or more of its partitions, or incrementally as rows changed using replication technology.IBM Change Data Capture (CDC) has been employed as replication technology since IDAA version 3. Version 7.5.0 introduces a superior replication technology as a replacement for IDAA's use of CDC - Integrated Synchronization. In this paper, we present how Integrated Synchronization improves the performance by orders of magnitudes, paving the way for near real-time Hybrid Transactional and Analytical (HTAP) processing.
Characterization of the Force Production Capabilities of Paralyzed Trunk Muscles Activated With Functional Neuromuscular Stimulation in Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury

Paralysis of the trunk results in seated instability leading to difficulties performing activities of daily living. Functional neuromuscular stimulation (FNS) combined with control systems have the potential to restore some dynamic functions of the trunk. However, design of multi-joint, multi-muscle control systems requires characterization of the stimulation-driven muscles responsible for movement. Objective: This study characterizes the input-output properties of paralyzed trunk muscles activated by FNS, and explores co-activation of muscles. Methods: Four participants with various spinal cord injuries (C7 AIS-B, T4 AIS-B, T5 AIS-A, C5 AIS-C) were constrained so lumbar forces were transmitted to a load cell while an implanted neuroprosthesis activated otherwise paralyzed hip and paraspinal muscles. Isometric force recruitment curves in the nominal seated position were generated by inputting the level of stimulation (pulse width modulation) while measuring the resulting muscle force. Two participants returned for a second experiment where muscles were co-activated to determine if their actions combined linearly. Results: Recruitment curves of most trunk and hip muscles fit sigmoid shaped curves with a regression coefficient above 0.75, and co-activation of the muscles combined linearly across the hip and lumbar joint. Subject specific perturbation plots showed one subject is capable of resisting up to a 300N perturbation anteriorly and 125N laterally; with some subjects falling considerably below these values. Conclusion: Development of a trunk stability control system can use sigmoid recruitment dynamics and assume muscle forces combine linearly. Significance: This study informs future designs of multi-muscle, and multi-dimensional FNS systems to maintain seated posture and stability.
Cement Slurry Application Using a Ready-Mixed Concrete Truck: Best Practices for Urban Pavement Construction

A relatively new and increasingly popular method of urban pavement construction involves the application of cement slurry as an additive to soil and/or aggregates to improve the engineering properties of these materials. The purpose of this research was to identify and document best practices related to cement slurry application with ready-mixed concrete trucks as utilized on urban pavement construction projects. The methodology for this research involved field visits to pavement construction sites in northern Utah where active cement slurry applications could be observed. The results of this work provide valuable guidance that is expected to accelerate training of both drivers and construction workers who are involved in cement slurry projects.
RAD51AP1 mediates RAD51 activity through nucleosome interaction

Abstract RAD51 Associated Protein 1 (RAD51AP1) is a key protein in the homologous recombination DNA repair pathway (HR). Loss of RAD51AP1 leads to defective HR, genome instability and telomere erosion. RAD51AP1 physically interacts with the RAD51 recombinase and promotes RAD51-mediated capture of the donor DNA, synaptic complex assembly and displacement-loop formation when tested with synthetic, nucleosome-free DNA substrates in vitro. In cells, however, DNA is packaged into chromatin, posing an additional barrier to the complexities of the HR reaction. How RAD51AP1 functions as an HR activator in the context of chromatin has remained unclear. In this study, we show that RAD51AP1 binds to Nucleosome Core Particles (NCPs). We identified a C-terminal region in RAD51AP1 and its previously mapped DNA binding domain as critical for mediating the association between RAD51AP1 and both the NCP and the histone octamer. We show that RAD51AP1 is capable of promoting duplex DNA capture and initiating joint-molecule formation with the NCP and chromatinized template DNA, respectively. Together, our results suggest that RAD51AP1 directly assists the RAD51-mediated search of donor DNA in chromatin. We present a model, in which RAD51AP1 anchors the DNA template through affinity for its nucleosomes to the RAD51-ssDNA nucleoprotein filament.
Death Across the News Spectrum: A Time Series Analysis of Partisan Coverage Following Mass Shootings in the United States Between 2012 and 2014

Mass shootings spur intense coverage across the ideological news media spectrum. A comparative analysis of news attention to verified features of events across partisan news outlets provides opportunities to understand the news values driving coverage in each of these venues. To examine these relationships, we conducted time-series analyses using a unique data set of 59 mass shooting events coded for characteristics of victims, shooters, and context, contrasted with coverage in six major news outlets during 2012–2014. We found that, although certain factors drive news coverage of gun violence, gun rights, and gun control across the ideological spectrum, differential patterns emerge based on contextual particularities. Across all news media, a higher number of non-Black victims drove up coverage. For moderate and conservative news media, a higher number of Black victims predicted reduced coverage. Child deaths drove up coverage of gun rights in moderate news outlets. No feature predicted gun rights discussions in conservative news outlets, suggesting that their focus on gun rights was driven by other factors.
Mixed electron-ion-water transfer in macromolecular radicals for metal-free aqueous batteries

Summary Metal-free aqueous batteries offer environmentally friendly energy storage without depleting the global reserves of strategic elements. These batteries consist of solid, redox-active polymeric anodes and cathodes with a water-based electrolyte. However, the performance of available active polymers remains inferior, and design principles to guide future development are lacking. Here, we report on the coupled mass, electron, and water transfer behavior for a series of non-conjugated nitroxide radical polymers in a water-based electrolyte-containing organic salt for guiding future design. In situ monitoring of the charge-discharge process reveals the important role of polymer-water interactions. Specifically, improved polymer-water interactions manifest in accelerated kinetics, which promote capacity retention at higher discharge rates. The most hydrophilic polymer, poly(2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyloxy-4-yl acrylamide) (PTAm), yielded a capacity of 115 mAh/g, or 97% of its theoretical value, at 0.05 mA/cm2. At 5 mA/cm2, the PTAm capacity remained relatively high at 50 mAh/g, whereas comparable polymer capacities were much lower.
Myosins Generate Contractile Force and Maintain Organization in the Fission Yeast Cytokinetic Contractile Ring

During cytokinesis, cells assemble an actomyosin contractile ring whose tension constricts and divides cells, but the ring tension has rarely been measured. Actomyosin force generation is well understood for the regular sarcomeric architecture of striated muscle, but super-resolution studies of fission yeast contractile rings revealed organizational building blocks that are not sarcomeres but irregularly positioned plasma membrane-anchored protein complexes called nodes. Here we measured contractile ring tensions in fission yeast protoplast cells. The myosin II isoforms Myo2 and Myp2 generated the tension, with a ~2-fold greater contribution from Myo2. Simulations of a molecularly detailed ring model revealed a sliding node mechanism for tension, where nodes hosting tense actin filaments were pulled bidirectionally around the ring. Myo2 and Myp2 guided self-assembling components into the ring organization, and anchored the ring against bridging instabilities. Thus, beyond force production, Myo2 and Myp2 are the principal organizers, bundlers and anchors of the contractile ring.
An AI-Enabled Virtual Hands-On Teaching Tool for Treatment Planning: A Pancreas SBRT Pilot Study

Purpose/Objective(s) To develop a tutoring program to help physician and physics residents to learn pancreas stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) treatment planning via carefully collected cases and a series of specially designed knowledge models as teaching aid. Such programs are especially important during the Covid pandemic when most traditional hands-on medical teaching had to be moved online and asynchronous. Materials/Methods The pilot tutoring program was composed of 5 teaching cases (1 benchmark case and 4 teaching cases), an interactive knowledge module (IKM) and a performance grading system. The tutoring program started with the benchmark case completed by each trainee independently to benchmark the baseline skill level. This same case was re-tested to evaluate the performance and clinical planning readiness after the trainee completes the tutoring program. 4 teaching cases were included: simple (1), intermediate (2) and complex (1). All 5 cases have simultaneous integrated boost prescription of 25Gy to the elective volume and 33Gy to the gross tumor volume. The IKM included a dose-volume prediction knowledge model for pancreas SBRT and is integrated via a graphic user interface in the treatment planning system. The trainee can seek reference and guidance from the IKM during learning – mimicking the hands-on tutoring of human expert. The grading system summarize the plan quality by weighing key dosimetric endpoints and their relative importance. Grade point average (GPA) was introduced to qualitatively appraise the plan quality into A, B and C (within 3%, 3-10% and > 10% difference of clinical plan score, corresponding to 4, 3, 2 point respectively). 5 trainees with minimum planning experience completed the teaching course. Results Trainees achieved an average of 65.1% of total points (3.6 GPA) with 84 minutes planning time for the benchmark case pre-teaching, and improved to an average of 75.7% (4.2 GPA) using 48 minutes post-teaching. The clinical plan scored 72.7% of total points. All trainees improved their teaching plans’ scores after taking the virtual tutoring program. Post-teaching, all trainees received the GPA of A (clinical quality level) on the benchmark case planning. The total teaching time for each trainee ranged between 5 and 7 hours. Conclusion The tutoring program with knowledge support modules provides encouraging learning outcomes in pancreas SBRT planning for inexperienced planners. This AI-enabled virtual teaching tool could provide valuable addition to the traditional human resource heavy in-person teaching of IMRT and SBRT treatment planning.
IT-gestützte individualisierte Altersvorsorgeberatung

Die Berucksichtigung personlicher steuerlicher und sozialversicherungsrechtlicher Effekte erhoht den Individualisierungsgrad in der IT-gestutzten Finanzberatung. Die hiermit mogliche qualitative und quantitative Verbesserung des Beratungs-bzw. Vertriebsprozesses beispielsweise im Bereich der Altersvorsorge generiert Wettbewerbsvorteile und erhoht den Kundennutzen. Die IT leistet damit einen Beitrag zur Komplexitatsbewaltigung, begunstigt einen einheitlichen, beraterunabhangigen Qualitatsstandard und fordert den Absatz. Die Umsetzung dieses Konzepts in einem Beratungsunterstutzungssystem ist ein erster Schritt von der isolierten Liquiditats-und Performancebetrachtung einzelner Produkte hin zu einer automatisierten ganzheitlichen privaten Finanzplanung.
The Transfer of Manufacturing Processes and Standards in U.S. Plants Operating in the U.K.

This paper finds that U.S. firms tend to utilize their manufacturing processes when operating in the U.K. but that they adopt the production standards of the host country. Three process technology variables are examined: MRP I (materials requirements planning), JIT (just in time), and TQM (total quality management). While significant differences are found between indigenous plants in each of the two countries, the adoption of these manufacturing technologies is similar for American firms operating in either country. In contrast, U.S. transplants are found to be enthusiastic adopters of ISO 9000, suggesting that host country effects are large when it comes to conforming to regional standards.
Person‐Centered Theory

This chapter presents an overview of Person-Centered Theory (PCT) conceptualized by Carl Rogers in the 1940s. This non-directive approach sought to release the driving force within us—to empower individuals to achieve their full potential and become self-actualized. PCTs three core therapeutic conditions and their transformations were: (1) congruence genuineness, (2) unconditional positive regard acceptance and, (3) accurate empathy understanding. The social worker's role is to assist clients achieve greater congruence between their real self, self-concept, and ideal self. PCTs theoretical principles resonate directly with core values inherent in social work's ethical standards. Carl Rogers has been hailed as on of the most influential theorists and therapists in the 20th century. Keywords: person-centered therapy; client-centered therapy; non-directive therapy; self-actualization; unconditional positive regard; empathy
Mechanical Signals as Regulators of Stem Cell Fate

In recent years, stem cells have shown significant promise for their potential to provide a source of undifferentiated progenitor cells for therapeutic applications in tissue or organ repair. Significant questions still remain, however, as to the genetic and epigenetic signals that regulate the fate of stem cells. It is now well accepted that the micro-environment of the stem cell can have a significant influence on its differentiation and phenotypic expression. Although emphasis has been placed in previous work on the role of soluble mediators such as growth factors and cytokines on stem cell differentiation, there is now significant evidence, both direct and indirect, that mechanical signals may also regulate stem cell fate. We review a number of in vivo and in vitro studies that have provided evidence that mechanical factors have the ability to influence the differentiation of a number of cells that have been classified as either precursor, progenitor, or stem cells. Taken together, these studies show that specific mechanical signals may promote cell differentiation into a particular phenotype, potentially having an effect on embryonic development. The use of such mechanical signals in vitro in specially designed "bioreactors" may provide important adjuncts to standard biochemical signaling pathways for promoting engineered tissue growth. A further understanding of the biomechanical and biochemical pathways involved in mechanical signal transduction by stem cells will hopefully provide new insight for the improvement of stem-cell based therapies.
Social Work and Mental Health: The Value of Everything, by P. Gilbert, S. Carr, M. Clark, N. Gould, and G. Slay

In this second edition, Gilbert and his contributors examine the state of social work and mental health as it stands after the economic crisis of 2008 and changes in the United Kingdom's mental hea...