cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MODELLING HIGH MYC MEDULLOBLASTOMA AND OTHER BRAIN TUMORS USING HUMAN NEURAL STEM CELLS

BACKGROUND: We used human fetal neural stem cells dissected from the cerebral cortex, thalamus, cerebellum and brainstem, then propagated as neurospheres, to model a range of brain tumors. Various combinations of oncogenic elements characteristic of medulloblastoma and glioblastoma were introduced into stem cells derived from these different sites. Transformation of cells was characterized in vitro and in vivo, and MYC driven medulloblastoma were used for preclinical testing of glutaminase inhibitors. METHODS: We transduced cerebellar derived human neural stem cells with lentivirus coding for MYC, dominant negative R248W p53, constitutively active AKT, and hTERT in several combinations. Growth of transformed cells and their response to therapy was analyzed in vitro and in vivo using standard techniques. RESULTS: MYC alone was sufficient to transform cerebellar progenitor cells into embryonal tumors with a predominantly neuronal phenotype, but with a long latency period and decreased penetrance suggesting secondary genetic changes were required. The R248Wp53/MYC/AKT/hTERT combination transformed cerebellar stem cells into more aggressive orthotopic xenografts with large cell/anaplastic histology and spinal metastases. Microarray expression analysis suggested that these tumors represent a model of high MYC group 3 medulloblastoma. MYC expression positively correlated with increased expression of glutaminase, and the glutaminase inhibitor Acivicin decreased cell proliferation more strongly in MYC-containing neurospheres compared to those without MYC. Acivicin treatment of MYC expressing cells also led to a much greater increase in apoptosis compared to MYC-negative cells. Introduction of other packages of oncogenic elements into cortical and thalamic neurospheres resulted in PNET-like tumors, including variants resembling medulloepithelioma, as well as glioblastoma. CONCLUSIONS: Human cerebellar stem cells can be transformed by c-MYC and cooperating oncogenes, resulting in a models that recapitulates group 3 medulloblastoma histologically and clinically. These cells and classical high-MYC medulloblastoma cell lines are sensitive to glutamine anti-metabolites, while non-MYC driven medulloblastoma and SV40 immortalized human cerebellar stem cells are resistant. Our group 3 human neural stem cell medulloblastoma model data suggest that glutamine metabolism may be a therapeutic target in MYC-driven medulloblastoma, and that glutamine anti-metabolites may be useful clinical agents. Neurospheres from other CNS sites can be transformed with other oncogenes into models of PNET and glioblastoma. SECONDARY CATEGORY: Tumor Biology.
A New Technique for Determining Direct Impingement of Insecticide on Boll Weevils

The direct impingement of insecticides on Anthonomus grandis Boheman was determined by affixing the weevils to toothpicks and placing them in the target area prior to insecticidal applications. While affixed to the toothpicks, the weevils lived in the field for approximately 7 days. Fluorescent particles were agitated with the insecticides and the size of spray droplets was calculated indirectly by the number of fluorescent particles that impinged on each weevil. Mortality occurred when the sum total of droplets, regardless of size, that impinged upon a weevil carried 4 or more fluorescent particles.
The influence of yolk on egg white lysozyme.

Abstract THE harmful effects of yolk and similar lipid material on the functional properties of egg white, long recognized, have been reviewed by several workers (Cotterill and Funk, 1963; Cunningham, 1963; Cunningham and Cotterill, 1964). The mechanism, however, whereby yolk is detrimental is not understood. Cotterill et al. (1963) showed that although the use of chemical additives inproved performance of yolk-contaminated egg white, additive actions were not solely associated with overcoming the adverse effects of the yolk. Cotterill and Funk (1963) found that lipase treatment improved yolk-contaminated white but did not determine if the improvement resulted from destruction of harmful yolk components or from products produced by hydrolysis (such as fatty acids). That pH is significant to functional performance, particularly for yolk-contaminated white, has been shown by Cotterill and Funk (1963) and Cunningham (1963). Cunningham and Cotterill (1964) found that centrifuging yolk-contaminated egg white improved its performance and that centrifuging at…
When it’s good to be a bad nurse: expanding risk orders theory to explore nurses’ experiences of moral, social and identity risks in obstetrics units

Discourses about health risks can have major implications for individuals and cultures. In this article, we use risk orders theory to examine nurses’ perceptions of patient safety risk in Obstetrics departments of US hospitals. According to risk orders theory, risk discourses can create social worlds that have the capacity to threaten individuals’ social bonds, identity and moral character, and the imaginative potential of entire cultures. Risk orders theory proposes three orders of risk. First-order risks are constructed from claims about tangible dangers that individuals believe result from their actions or inactions. Second-order risks are threats experienced by individuals because of communication about first-order risk, including threats to social relationships or social risks, and threats to the sense of moral character or moral risk. Third-order risks are threats to collective agency and imagination underpinning shared culture. In this article, we draw on data from a survey of obstetric nurses who ...
Convergence in the Library’s News Room: Enhancing News Collections and Services in Academic Libraries

The use and importance of newspaper collections in academic libraries have been in decline as acquisition costs have increased significantly as the difficulty obtaining daily issues in a timely manner has grown, and as newspaper readership has declined nationally. In contrast, today’s student and researcher are using television and Internet news sources heavily. This article explores the role of the academic library’s news collections in complementing the university’s Newspaper Readership Program and supporting faculty efforts to develop their students’ critical thinking and media literacy skills. The authors suggest that digital news forms, including television, should be considered and included as part of the library’s collections. In this light, lessons can be learned from convergence taking place in the news industry. Libraries must also “converge” news sources to provide library users with news sources, which reflect today’s news environment and also reflect the “information cycle.” The newly created News Room at Pattee Library incorporates a three-television news viewing area; a broader selection of newspaper titles (particularly international titles); and a news magazine collection, as well as providing access to a wide variety of news aggregator database, and the library’s significant historical microfilm collection. A temporary television installation and focus groups were used to help inform the development of the News Room and to determine interest and resistance to sound and televisions in the library. The Libraries’ Serials Department provided analysis of newspaper delivery options (and reliability) and related subscription costs, as well as suggestions for reducing the number of missing/nonreceipt issues. In addition, greater focus was placed on niche reference service supporting news sources and news-related research. Use of the News and Microforms Library has increased.
Study on group air to ground attack-defends hierarchical dynamic decision-making*

Abstract As to oppositional, multi-objective and hierarchical characteristic of air formation to ground attackdefends campaign, and using dynamic space state model of military campaign, this article establishes a principal and subordinate hierarchical interactive decision-making way, the Nash-Stackelberg-Nash model, to solve the problems in military operation, and find out the associated best strategy in hierarchical dynamic decision-making. The simulating result indicate that when applying the model to air formation to ground attack-defends decision-making system, it can solve the problems of two hierarchies' dynamic oppositional decision-making favorably, and reach preferable effect in battle. It proves that the model can provide an effective way for analyzing a battle.
Prediction of Myocardium at Risk: Clinical Significance During Acute Infarction and in Evaluating Subsequent Prognosis

Noninvasive cardiac imaging is currently used to assess myocardial salvage following reperfusion therapy for acute myocardial infarction and to stratify patients by risk for the development of subsequent cardiac events. The latter is most important when deciding who might benefit from coronary angiography and revascularization. This article summarizes the roles of radionuclide angiography, two-dimensional echocardiography, and myocardial perfusion imaging in the clinical assessment and management of patients with acute myocardial infarction.
Ten Years of Training Community Urologists and General Surgeons to Do Cadaver Kidney Retrievals

AbstractWe trained 82 community hospital cadaver kidney retrieval teams during a 10-year period ending June 30, 1987. During the last 5 years of that period the concept of multiple organ retrieval was introduced into the training sessions and 429 cadaver kidney grafts were retrieved. Of those kidneys 292 were transplanted at our hospital, and the function of 220 cadaver kidney grafts retrieved by the community hospital teams was compared to that of 72 retrieved by the transplant center retrieval team. Of the cadaver kidney transplants 114 were from multiple organ donors. There was no significant difference in 1-month serum creatinine nadir of surviving grafts (2.1 ± 1.8 versus 1.9 ± 1.7mg. per dl.), β-month serum creatinine level (1.7 ± 0.8 versus 1.6 ± 0.6mg. per dl.), 12-month serum creatinine level (1.8 ± 0.9 versus 1.6 ± 0.6mg. per dl.) and 5-year actuarial graft survival (44.8 ± 4.1 versus 52.4 ± 7.5%), with the community hospital data presented first. The delayed graft function rate was significantl...
Creating a Competence Argument to Support a Safety Case First Published in Safety and Reliability Journal Vol. 30.2

AbstractThis paper describes the salient aspects discovered whilst generating an early Competence Management System (CMS). The approach used a spreadsheet to compare engineers against the programme competency requirements which was an effective method of highlighting team competency gaps.Key areas highlighted are the significance of a programme schedule, and the importance of detailed technical processes and procedures.The CMS was necessary to address safety and business risks and was shared with the customer to engender confidence in the company's ability to undertake the safely programme.
A Technical Foundation for RF CMOS Power Amplifiers: Part 5: Making a Switch-Mode Power Amplifier

In the fifth part of this article series [1], the consideration of CMOS-based RF power amplifiers (PAs) is expanded to include switch-based designs, also known as switch-mode PA (SMPA) designs.
Failure defect modeling — An effective failure analysis simulation tool

Failure defect modeling (FDM), a software simulation technique, replicates the failure mode and characteristic of a defective integrated circuit thus narrows down the analysis area. The results of FDM guides the analyst in the selection of the suitable physical failure analysis technique and process steps to successfully uncover the defect.
Status of physiology education in US Doctor of Pharmacy programs.

The purpose of the present study was to assess the current status of physiology education in US Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) programs. A survey instrument was developed and distributed through Surve...
Offshore Forecasting of Alaskan Tsunamis in Hawaii

This paper describes a Research and Development activity to develop tsunami forecasting tools for the Pacific Disaster Center (PDC). The activity included analytical and numerical sensitivity studies of tsunami wave characteristics offshore of Hawaii, for ranges of earthquake source parameters in the Alaska-Aleutian Subduction Zone (AASZ). This region is a major source of destructive tsunamis that strike Hawaii. A set of tsunami numerical simulation scenarios was designed to be the basis for the sensitivity analysis. The simulation results have been stored as an online database with a World-Wide Web interface. A database user can very quickly obtain a model prediction of the tsunami offshore wave heights at chosen locations for a wide variety of AASZ earthquake scenarios. This database provides a comprehensive offshore tsunami forecasting tool for hazard mitigation managers.
El Paso's Muckraker: The Life of Owen Payne White

Owen Payne White spent most of his writing career in New York City working for Collier's, but he never forgot El Paso, where he was born in 1879 and developed a fascination with the gun fighting, g...
Physical and Numerical Modeling to Study Effects of an Underwater Explosion on a Buried Tunnel

AbstractThe effects of an underwater explosion on a tunnel buried below submerged ground were studied through a combination of physical model tests, utilizing a geotechnical centrifuge, and numeric...
Effect of Age, Gender, and Sun Exposure on Ethnic Skin Photoaging: Evidence Gathered Using a New Photonumeric Scale.

Abstract Background African–Americans are less affected by photoaging than lighter skin individuals. Although scales for photoaging have been developed for Caucasians and Asians, no scale exists for African–Americans. Aim To develop a photonumeric scale for photoaging and to determine factors that contribute to photoaging in African–Americans. Methods Five participants' photographs were selected as standards to create a 9-point photonumeric scale (0 = none, 8 = most severe). Three blinded dermatologists used the scale to grade the remaining participants' photographs. Results Interrater reliabilities were 0.775 (95% CI: 0.635, 0.880) for trial 1 and 0.832 (0.747, 0.883) for trial 2. Intrarater reliabilities, assessed over a 1 week interval, were 0.863 (0.727, 0.940), 0.928 (0.890, 0.954), and 0.866 (0.739, 0.935) for the three graders, indicating strong agreement. Photoaging scores were then correlated with participants' survey on lifestyle factors, which yielded age as a significant predictor (r = 0.91, p 2 = 0.849) selected age (b 1 = 0.111, p 2 = 0.206, p = 0.014), and gender (b 2 = −0.388, p = 0.063) as the most important variables. Conclusions A reliable photonumeric scale for photoaging in African Americans was developed. Age, sun exposure, and male gender were found to be contributory factors to photoaging.
Primary Component Carrier Assignment in LTE-A

Bandwidth requirement for mobile data traffic is on the rise because of increasing number of mobile users. To answer the requirement, Carrier Aggregation is proposed. With Carrier Aggregation and MIMO, operators can provide up to 3 Gbps download speed. In Carrier Aggregation, several component carriers from multiple bands are assigned to users. The assigned Component Carriers are classified as Primary and Secondary Component Carriers. The Primary Component Carrier (PCC) is the main carrier and only updated during the handover and cell reselection but Secondary Component Carriers (SCC) are auxiliary carriers to boost data rates and can be activated/deactivated anytime. During the carrier assignment operations, PCC reassignment can lead packet interruptions because reassignments of PCC to users can lead SCCs reassignment. Several methods have been proposed to increase the efficiency of the carrier assignment operations. However, none of them shows the system performance if LTE-A can have a procedure which allows one of SCCs to handle the duties of PCC during the PCC reassignment to eliminate packet transfer interruption. Therefore, we have used four different carrier assignment methods to investigate the performance of LTE-A with and without the procedure. Results show that distinct carrier assignment methods are differently affected by the procedure. Our results and analysis will help service providers and researchers to develop efficient carrier assignment methods.
Out-of-time-ordered correlators in a quantum Ising chain

Out-of-time-ordered correlators (OTOC) have been proposed to characterize quantum chaos in generic systems. However, they can also show interesting behavior in integrable models, resembling the OTOC in chaotic systems in some aspects. Here we study the OTOC for different operators in the exactly-solvable one-dimensional quantum Ising spin chain. The OTOC for spin operators that are local in terms of the Jordan-Wigner fermions has a “shell-like” structure: After the wavefront passes, the OTOC approaches its original value in the long-time limit, showing no signature of scrambling; the approach is described by a t^(−1) power law at long time t. On the other hand, the OTOC for spin operators that are nonlocal in the Jordan-Wigner fermions has a “ball-like” structure, with its value reaching zero in the long-time limit, looking like a signature of scrambling; the approach to zero, however, is described by a slow power law t^(−1/4) for the Ising model at the critical coupling. These long-time power-law behaviors in the lattice model are not captured by conformal field theory calculations. The mixed OTOC with both local and nonlocal operators in the Jordan-Wigner fermions also has a “ball-like” structure, but the limiting values and the decay behavior appear to be nonuniversal. In all cases, we are not able to define a parametrically large window around the wavefront to extract the Lyapunov exponent.
Silicon nanosprings fabricated by glancing angle deposition for ultra-compliant films and interfaces

Abstract Micro and nanostructures with well-defined shape and dimensions are the hallmark in the design of scalable nanomaterials, yet the properties and precise geometry of such nanoscale building blocks are largely unknown. This work sheds light into the microstructure, material properties and mechanical behavior of individual nanosprings fabricated by seeded Glancing Angle Deposition (GLAD), with the purpose of designing highly compliant interfaces with drastically reduced coupling between normal and shear deformation. The mechanical response in tension/compression and bending of individual amorphous Si (aSi) nanosprings with 4 or 10 coil turns and different seed spacings was obtained with the aid of MEMS devices: The normal and bending spring stiffness values were in the range of 7–215 N/m and 1–31 N/m, respectively, resulting in estimates for the normal and shear film stiffness in the range of 90–1000 MPa and 15–150 MPa, respectively. The true geometry of GLAD Si springs was determined via SEM tomography and was incorporated in modified analytical and finite element models which, in turn, were used to compute the material modulus of aSi nanostructures fabricated by GLAD. TEM studies revealed that GLAD Si nanosprings are comprised of tightly bundled fine fibrils which impart flaw tolerance and reduce the effective elastic modulus.
Logging residue supply and costs for electricity generation: Potential variability and policy considerations.

Abstract This paper applies a spatial allocation optimization model to evaluate logging residue supply potential and costs for bioelectricity generation within the conterminous United States. Simulations are developed to estimate a range in supply potential and costs across a broad range of sensitivity scenarios, including (1) different biomass availability rates based on observed roundwood removals, (2) renewable energy targets set nationally or at a state-level, (3) with and without biomass sourcing restrictions within a state, (4) with and without access to public lands, and (5) policy restrictions on eligible facility types. Under the least restrictive policy scenario (a hypothetical national mandate), total supply is 8.8 million dry tons (MDT) at $20/DT and increases to 32.5 MDT at $80/DT. Results fall within the range of previous logging residue supply studies in the U.S., including the last two Billion Ton reports. Results from this paper offer important policy insight into the potential cost efficiency of a flexible policy design. Sensitivity scenarios show potential supply cost increases that could result from policies imposing regional restrictions, limiting access to public lands, and restricting eligible facilities. Restricting biomass supply sources within state boundaries reduces total supply up to 10% relative to an unrestricted national policy.
The Role of Drusen in Macular Degeneration and New Methods of Quantification

Drusen are yellowish-white subretinal deposits that vary in size and composition. Often easily visible during slit lamp biomicroscopy, they tend to present in multiple morphologies that may vary throughout the lifetime of an eye. The mystery surrounding their relevance has been at the center of attempts to understand age-related macular degeneration (AMD) over the past several decades (1).
Internal Friction Study of Vacancy-Oxygen Centers in Ion-Implanted Silicon

Thin reeds of oxygen-implanted silicon vibrating near 400Hz exhibit an internal friction peak close to 200°K, which has been shown to originate from the stress-induced reorientation of vacancy- oxygen (V-O) centers. The peak has been used to study the production of these centers in 100 and 200 keV oxygen-implante float-zoned silicon over the fluence range 1014 to 5×1016 0+ /cm2. Peak broadening, present even at the lowest fluence, indicates a damage- induced perturbation of the crystalline environment containing the defects; however the average activation energy for defect reorientation (0.38 eV) is the same as that for less heavily damaged electron-irradiated samples. The strength of the increases sublinearly with fluence over the range 1014 to 1015 0+ /cm2 and subsequently passes through a maximum near the fluence at which a continuous amorphous layer is formed. At a fluence of 1014 0+ /cm2 about one-third of the implanted oxygen ions are detected as V-O centers. This fraction decreases rapidly in the fluence range where the amorphous layer form and thickens, and is only two per thousand for a fluence of 5×1016 0+ /cm2.
Ray‐Path Equations for an Ionized Layer With a Horizontal Gradient

Equations are derived for ray paths in a model ionosphere that has a horizontal gradient in electron density. The basic vertical profile is second order or parabolic, while the horizontal variation is either linear or parabolic. Group and phase-path expressions are also derived. The equations have been used successfully in a ray-tracing approach to HF propagation prediction.
Influence of Sex and Body Language on Patient Perceptions of Anesthesiologists.

Editor’s PerspectiveWhat We Know about This TopicPatient perception of physician competence may depend on physician sex and body languageWhat This Article Tells Us That Is NewActor anesthesiologists who maintained confident, high-power poses were considered smarter, more competent, more likely to be
Validating the Use of LMS-Derived Rubric Structural Features to Facilitate Automated Measurement of Rubric Quality

Rubrics are widely used throughout postsecondary education as means for aiding in instruction and evaluation. However, despite their broad global adoption, very little is known about the quality of rubrics in use. We develop two measures to assess the quality of rubrics: (1) a checklist identifying criteria of high-quality rubrics based on analytic rubric design best practices and (2) a set of LMS-derived features that are hypothesized to represent structural components that are, in general, necessary but not sufficient for high quality rubrics. The validity of using the feature-generated scores as proxies for identifying rubric quality is evaluated through several means. First, the feature-generated scores are calculated for a set of external exemplary rubrics of known high quality. Second, the feature-scores for a subset of internal rubrics are compared to average human rater scores of rubric quality based on the checklist. We discuss the results, practical applications, and a larger research program surrounding the feature-generated scores.
Who Pays for Rent Control? Heterogeneous Landlord Response to San Francisco's Rent Control Expansion

Using a 1994 law change, we exploit quasi-experimental variation in the assignment of rent control in San Francisco to study which types of landlords bear the burden of decreased rental payments versus substitute away from supplying rent-controlled housing. We find rent control leads to a long-run decrease in the supply of rental housing. This effect is more pronounced among properties managed by corporate landlords versus individual landlords. Raising revenue for rental subsidies through rent control appears to be regressive, since corporations can evade the tax burden of rent control more easily, likely due to their superior access to capital.
Tissues, Organs, and Skeletal Organization

The body is made up of systems that comprise organs, tissues, and cells. These systems, which carry out all of the body’s functions include the: 1) skeletal, 2) muscular, 3) nervous, 4) circulatory, 5) digestive, 6) respiratory, 7) urogenital (including reproductive and excretory systems), and 8) endocrine.
The magnetic order of a manganese vanadate system with two-dimensional striped triangular lattice

Results of magnetization and neutron diffraction measurements of the manganese vanadate system Mn5(VO4)2(OH)4 are reported. The crystal structure of this compound contains triangular [Mn3O13] building blocks that produce two-dimensional Mn2+ magnetic networks with striped triangular topologies. The Mn sheets are connected through the nonmagnetic vanadate tetrahedra extending along the a-axis. Magnetization measurements performed on single crystals reveal the onset of a long-range antiferromagnetic order below approximately 45 K. The magnetic structure is Neel-type with nearest-neighbor Mn atoms coupled via three or four antiferromagnetic bonds. The magnetic moments are confined within the layers and are oriented parallel to the b direction. The magnitudes of ordered moments are reduced, presumably by geometrical frustration and the low-dimensionality of the lattice structure.Results of magnetization and neutron diffraction measurements of the manganese vanadate system Mn5(VO4)2(OH)4 are reported. The crystal structure of this compound contains triangular [Mn3O13] building blocks that produce two-dimensional Mn2+ magnetic networks with striped triangular topologies. The Mn sheets are connected through the nonmagnetic vanadate tetrahedra extending along the a-axis. Magnetization measurements performed on single crystals reveal the onset of a long-range antiferromagnetic order below approximately 45 K. The magnetic structure is Neel-type with nearest-neighbor Mn atoms coupled via three or four antiferromagnetic bonds. The magnetic moments are confined within the layers and are oriented parallel to the b direction. The magnitudes of ordered moments are reduced, presumably by geometrical frustration and the low-dimensionality of the lattice structure.
The molecular clockwork of mammalian cells.

Abstract Most organisms contain self-sustained circadian clocks. These clocks can be synchronized by environmental stimuli, but can also oscillate indefinitely in isolation. In mammals this is true at the molecular level for the majority of cell types that have been examined. A core set of “clock genes” form a transcriptional/translational feedback loop (TTFL) which repeats with a period of approximately 24 h. The exact mechanism of the TTFL differs slightly in various cell types, but all involve similar family members of the core cohort of clock genes. The clock has many outputs which are unique for different tissues. Cells in diverse tissues will convert the timing signals provided by the TTFL into uniquely orchestrated transcriptional oscillations of many clock-controlled genes and cellular processes.
Self-organizing mappings on the flag manifold with applications to hyper-spectral image data analysis

A flag is a nested sequence of vector spaces. The type of the flag encodes the sequence of dimensions of the vector spaces making up the flag. A flag manifold is a manifold whose points parameterize all flags of a fixed type in a fixed vector space. This paper provides the mathematical framework necessary for implementing self-organizing mappings on flag manifolds. Flags arise implicitly in many data analysis contexts including wavelet, Fourier, and singular value decompositions. The proposed geometric framework in this paper enables the computation of distances between flags, the computation of geodesics between flags, and the ability to move one flag a prescribed distance in the direction of another flag. Using these operations as building blocks, we implement the SOM algorithm on a flag manifold. The basic algorithm is applied to the problem of parameterizing a set of flags of a fixed type.
Decoding defect statistics from diffractograms via machine learning

Diffraction techniques can powerfully and nondestructively probe materials while maintaining high resolution in both space and time. Unfortunately, these characterizations have been limited and sometimes even erroneous due to the difficulty of decoding the desired material information from features of the diffractograms. Currently, these features are identified non-comprehensively via human intuition, so the resulting models can only predict a subset of the available structural information. In the present work we show (i) how to compute machine-identified features that fully summarize a diffractogram and (ii) how to employ machine learning to reliably connect these features to an expanded set of structural statistics. To exemplify this framework, we assessed virtual electron diffractograms generated from atomistic simulations of irradiated copper. When based on machine-identified features rather than human-identified features, our machine-learning model not only predicted one-point statistics (i.e. density) but also a two-point statistic (i.e. spatial distribution) of the defect population. Hence, this work demonstrates that machine-learning models that input machine-identified features significantly advance the state of the art for accurately and robustly decoding diffractograms.
What are the lessons learned from the virtual interview process for oral and maxillofacial surgery residency programs affected by COVID-19?

Purpose With the outbreak of COVID-19, residency programs for the 2020 to 2021 OMS interview cycle were forced to quickly adapt to a new method of assessing candidates—virtual interviewing—for the first time. The purpose of this study is to describe applicants’ perspectives regarding the advantages and disadvantages of the virtual interview process through an online descriptive survey. Methods This cross-sectional study utilizes a descriptive survey sent to the 2020 to 2021 interview cycle applicants of the University of Illinois at Chicago Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (UIC OMS) residency program. The survey consisted of questions employing both scaled and open-ended designs. The questions were fabricated to extrapolate applicants’ perceived advantages and disadvantages of virtual interviewing compared to their expectations of in-person interviewing by focusing on interactions, number of interviews received/attended, and overall applicant satisfaction. Descriptive statistics were computed for each variable for data analysis. Results In the 2020 to 2021 UIC OMS residency cycle, there were 288 applications. A total of 102 surveys were collected (response rate = 35.4%). Respondents attended more interviews during the virtual format due to accessibility (64.7%), and cost savings (63.7%). 42.2% of applicants felt they did not present themselves as well during the virtual interview as they would have in person and 46.1% felt they did not have a good understanding of the culture of the program after the interview. 49.0% all participants do not feel that virtual interviews should continue in the future. Conclusions Virtual format would allow access to a greater number of interviews; however, lack the ability to promote effective interaction between applicants, residents, and faculty members. The results of the study show that although applicants agreed that interviews were more accessible this year, they felt that the “personal” interaction was lacking and they could not present themselves effectively with the virtual format. Ultimately, almost half (49%) of the respondents do not wish for virtual interviews to continue in the future.
Business Policy and Strategy, System Dynamics Applications to

Business Policy and Strategy A firm’s business strategy defines how and where it competes and its approach to doing so. A business strategy typically specifies a firm’s goals, the products and services offered and the markets served, and the basis for competing (price, service, quality, etc.). A strategy may also define the organization structure, systems, and policies which implement the strategy. In addition, firms will have systems and policies which focus on operations and functions and are not truly “strategic” in nature. Nevertheless, these operational policies can be important in determining business performance. Business Dynamics Business dynamics is the study of how the structure of a business (or a part of the business), the policies it follows, and its interactions with the outside world (customers, competitors, suppliers) determine its performance over time. Business structure consists of feedback loops surrounding the stocks and flows of resources, customers, and competitive factors that cause change over time; business policies are important components of these feedback loops. Business dynamics is a means of determining the likely performance that will result from alternative business policies and strategies.
Saturated fatty acid requirer of Neurospora crassa.

Dietary saturated fatty acids containing 12- to 18-carbon atoms satisfy growth requirements of Neurospora crassa mutant cel (previously named ol; Perkins et al., reference 11); unsaturated fatty acids are synthesized by direct desaturation when an appropriate saturate is available. Odd-chain saturates, 15 carbons and 17 carbons long, satisfy the requirement, and elaidic acid (18:1 Δ9trans) results in slow growth. Oleic acid and other cis-unsaturated fatty acids do not satisfy growth requirements; however, oleic acid plus elaidic acid result in growth at a faster rate than elaidate alone. The use of a spin-label fatty acid reveals that hyphae produced by cel during a slow basal level of growth have lipids that reflect a relatively rigid state of viscosity compared to wild type. cel Supplemented with fatty acids and wild type supplemented in the same way have lipids of the same viscosities as reflected by electron spin resonance.
Approximating and Validating Models

This chapter discusses elementary mathematical approximation techniques, model testing, and validation. It also reviews the means of model validation: checking dimensions and units, testing qualitative behavior and limits, and applying basic statistics. The chapter outlines the importance of numerical approximations and of significant figures, especially in the context of their proper display and interpretation. Many analytical approximations are derived from Taylor's formulas. Advanced numerical techniques such as the finite element method also use Taylor's formulas to approximate functions as polynomials with unknown coefficients that are determined numerically. The chapter also highlights the importance of Taylor and algebraic series expansions, including application to stretched rings (Taylor series of hyperbolic functions), gravitational forces (binomial expressions), and thermal expansion (algebraic approximations). The chapter then emphasizes the need to validate models, and discusses the roles played by dimensional and qualitative analyses in model validation. Working with mathematical models means the constant use of numbers that derive from calculations or experiments. These numbers always incorporate error. In this context, the chapter explains random and systematic errors, and discusses how they affect the precision and accuracy of any set of data. Finally, the chapter takes a look at statistical techniques to quantify such errors and illustrates examples using least squares method and continuum hypothesis to develop statistically based numerical approximations..
Understanding and predicting the damage performance of KDxH2- xPO4 crystals under simultaneous exposure to 532-and 355-nm pulses

Laser-induced initiation of bulk damage sites in KDxH2−xPO4 crystals is investigated under simultaneous exposure to 532 and 355nm nanosecond laser pulses in order to simulate the operational conditions during harmonic conversion as well as probe the damage mechanisms. The results demonstrate synergetic damage effects under the dual-wavelength excitation. Furthermore, the damage performance is directly related to and can be predicted from the damage performance at each wavelength separately. The measured relative effective absorption coefficients at the two wavelengths are found to depend on the laser fluence.
Review of Handbook of Quantitative Methods for Educational Research, edited by Timothy Teo

This book provides introductions to a broad array of multivariate analytic methods commonly used in educational research. Some of the methods covered, such as multivariate analysis of variance and ...
Physical and kinetic evidence for an association between sucrose-phosphate synthase and sucrose-phosphate phosphatase

The possible formation of a multienzyme complex between sucrose (Suc)-phosphate synthase (SPS) and Suc-phosphate phosphatase (SPP) was examined by measuring the rates of Suc-6-phosphate (Suc-6-P) synthesis and hydrolysis in mixing experiments with partially purified enzymes from spinach (Spinacia oleracea) and rice (Oryza sativa) leaves. The addition of SPP to SPS stimulated the rate of Suc-6-P synthesis. SPS inhibited the hydrolysis of exogenous Suc-6-P by SPP when added in the absence of its substrate (i.e. UDP-glucose) but stimulated SPP activity when the SPS substrates were present and used to generate Suc-6-P directly in the reaction. Results from isotope-dilution experiments suggest that Suc-6-P was channeled between SPS and SPP. A portion of the SPS activity comigrated with SPP during native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, providing physical evidence for an enzyme-enzyme interaction. Taken together, these results strongly suggest that SPS and SPP associate to form a multienzyme complex.
Giuseppe Mazzini and the democratic logic of nationalism

ABSTRACT. This article brings the thought of Giuseppe Mazzini back into the field of nationalism studies, from which it has been largely missing for a half century. It suggests the following: that Mazzini is much more modern and secular than he is usually portrayed; and that his commitment to liberal policies while rejecting liberal principles suggests that the distinction between civic and ethnic nationalism has been misconceived. Nationalism, to Mazzini, was not an end in itself but a means to an end – government of, by and for the people. The demand for such a government was manifested in three popular demands in nineteenth-century Europe: in the West as democracy, in the East as national sovereignty (the precondition for democracy) and in both East and West as social democracy. Thus nationalism may be instrumental rather than an end in itself, and it may be attributable not to ethnic groups' natural striving for autonomy but to the pursuit of democracy.
Restricted fragmentation of poliovirus type 1, 2 and 3 RNAs by ribonuclease III.

Cleavage of the genome RNAs of poliovirus type 1, 2 and 3 with the ribonuclease III of Escherichia coli has been investigated with the following results: (1) at or above physiological salt concentration, the RNAs are completely resistant to the action of the enzyme, an observation suggesting that the RNAs lack “primary cleavage sites”; (2) lowering the salt concentration to 0.1 m or below allows RNase III to cleave the RNAs at “secondary sites”. Both large and small fragments can be obtained in a reproducible manner depending on salt conditions chosen for cleavage. Fingerprints of three large fragments of poliovirus type 2 RNA show that they originate from unique segments and represent most if not all sequences of the genome. Based upon binding to poly(U) filters of poly(A)- linked fragments, a physical map of the large fragments of poliovirus type 2 RNA was constructed. The data suggest that RNase III cleavage of single-stranded RNA provides a useful method to fragment the RNA for further studies.
Estimating the Motion of Atmospheric Water Vapor Using the Global Positioning System

Water vapor is both an important component in the atmosphere for the transport of energy and a noise source for space geodetic observations of the Earth's surface, such as from GPS and interferometric SAR (InSAR) measurements. GPS data collected from ground receivers are sensitive to the total amount of water vapor above the antenna and data from continuously operating GPS receivers are routinely used to estimate delays caused by atmospheric water vapor. Using these time series of atmospheric delay, we have estimated the motion of atmospheric water vapor above GPS networks. The motion above each site is determined by comparing the time series from different sites and estimating relative time offsets in these time series. These are then used to determine the velocity field of the atmospheric delays as they move across the network. We have compared the results with similar estimates inferred from geostationary satellite data and found clear correlation on several occasions. Such results can be useful for improving the understanding of the energy transport in the atmosphere, the spatial interpolation of water vapor, and for calibrating InSAR observations for delays caused by water vapor.
A Decade of Studies of Human Exposure : What Have We Learned?1

All four TEAM Studies operated on the basis concepts of probability sampling and direct measurement of exposure. These concepts made possible the discovery that, for nearly all of the 50 or so targeted pollutants, personal exposures exceeded outdoor levels by large margins. The conclusion, corroborated in part by other studies around the world, is that the major sources of exposure are personal activities and consumer products. This result is at odds with most existing environmental legislation, which generally does not deal with products or with indoor air in homes, in favor of regulating "major" stationary and mobile sources. These sources, however, provide only between 2-25% of personal exposure to most of the two dozen or so toxic and carcinogenic VOCs and pesticides included in the TEAM Studies. Several official publications have accepted this point, finding that funding priorities are skewed, with lower-risk problems receiving more funding than higher-risk problems such as indoor air pollution. However, just as exposures are due to small nearby sources, control of exposures can often be instituted by small individual actions. Among these are stopping smoking, reducing or eliminating the use of moth balls and bathroom deodorizers containing p-dichlorobenzene, reducing or eliminating the use of dry-cleaned clothes or airing them out for a day, and maintaining dust-free homes.
The Continuous X-Rays Excited by the Beta-Particles of P 32 15

The internal and external x-rays (innere and \"aussere bremsstrahlung) excited by the beta-particles of $_{15}\mathrm{P}^{32}$ were investigated by means of a Freon-filled ionization chamber connected to a sensitive d.c. amplifier. The intensity of the internal x-rays excited by the disintegration electrons when leaving the nucleus was found by the extrapolation method to be approximately equal to one-fourth of that of external x-rays excited by completely stopping the electrons in aluminum. From the experimental data the total energies of the two radiations were estimated. For internal x-rays this estimate leads to about $0.0020 m{c}^{2}$ per disintegration electron, and for the external x-rays excited in aluminum to about $0.0082 m{c}^{2}$. On the other hand, by making use of Lyman's magnetic beta-spectrum of $_{15}\mathrm{P}^{32}$ the energy of internal x-rays calculated from the theory of Knipp and Uhlenbeck was $0.0020 m{c}^{2}$ per disintegration electron and the energy of the external x-rays expected from the theory of Bethe and Heitler was $0.0089 m{c}^{2}$. Therefore the experimental results are in good accord with the theoretical predictions. The relation between the intensity of the external x-rays excited by completely stopping electrons in Pb, W, Sn, Ag, Mo, Cu, Fe, Al, C and Be and the atomic number was investigated. It was found to be in fairly good agreement with the theoretical curve derived according to Bloch's formula for energy loss of electrons by inelastic collisions (F. Bloch, Ann. d. Physik 16, 285 (1933); Zeits. f. Physik 81, 363 (1933)) and the theory of Bethe and Heitler, namely that the intensity is proportional to the square of the atomic number. From the shape of the absorption curves of the total x-rays it will be seen that the spectral distribution of the external x-rays is independent of $Z$ (atomic number) and is also approximately the same as that of the internal x-rays.
ENZYMATIC DEGRADATION OF AVIAN FOLLICULAR TISSUE BY PROTEASES AND LIPASE

Abstract The action of various enzymes on avian follicular tissue was examined using excised hen follicles. The efficacy of the technique of using enzyme-saturated 2-mm discs on both large and small follicles was demonstrated. Follicular rupture occurred with pronase, trypsin, chymotrypsin and lipase, whereas hyaluronidase was totally ineffective. Collagenase and β amylase were less effective in inducing rupture. When follicles were deliberately ruptured and incubated with collagenase, peptides were released in a dose response relationship with the amount of follicular material. Follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and prostaglandins of the F 2α and E forms were ineffective in inducing rupture. The relationship of these findings to current theories of ovulation is discussed.