cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Decitabine, a Potential Targeted Therapeutic for Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia.

Juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML) is a mixed myelodysplastic /myeloproliferative disorder (MDS/MPD). It occurs in infancy and young children with a progressive course leading to death within one year after diagnosis. It is characterized by monocytosis, leukocytosis, elevated fetal hemoglobin, hypersensitivity to granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), a low percentage of myeloblasts in the bone marrow, and absence of the Philadelphia chromosome or the BCR/ABL fusion gene. Mutations or other abnormalities in RAS, NF1, and PTPN11, have been linked to be responsible for the pathogenesis of JMML in up to 75% of cases. Treatment has been very difficult for JMML. Only allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) can extend survival. However, the relapse rate from allogeneic SCT is inordinately high in JMML (28–55%), with 5-year disease-free survival rates of 25–40%. Decitabine, as one of the second generation of hypomethylating agents, has been demonstrated to produce encouraging responses in adult patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia or other hematopoietic disorders. Our recent studies have demonstrated that PTEN deficiency is detected in 67% of JMML patients. We hypothesize that hypermethylation of the PTEN promoter is one of the causes that lead to PTEN deficiency in JMML, and that a hypomethylating agent may improve PTEN expression in JMML cells, and thus inhibit hypersensitivity to GM-CSF. In order to test our hypothesis, we conducted an in vitro pilot study with JMML cells. Hypermethylation of the PTEN promoter was detected in 23/30 (77%) of JMML patients using Methylation-specific PCR. Sequencing confirmed that the CpG islands of the PTEN promoter were hypermethylated. A CFU-GM formation assay was used to evaluate the therapeutic sensitivity of Decitabine to JMML cells. Frozen mononuclear cells from peripheral blood samples of 5 JMML patients were plated in 0.3% agar medium with Decitabine ranging in concentration from 1nM to 1000nM. Significant inhibition of spontaneous CFU-GM growth was observed in all cultures in a dose-dependent fashion. The effective Decitabine concentrations in the cultures were lower or equivalent to the safe and tolerable plasma concentrations achievable in adult patients in clinical settings (30 mg/m 2 /day). Our data suggests that hypermethylation of the PTEN promoter is a common event in JMML, and Decitabine may be a potentially safe and effective reagent to treat JMML. Further pharmacokinetic studies should be conducted in the clinic to clarify the plasma concentration in pediatric patients, and the mechanism of Decitabine in inhibiting hypersensitivity of JMML cells to GM-CSF should be further explored since multiple genes are hypermethylated in cancers.
Elucidating bonding preferences in tetrakis(imido)uranate(VI) dianions

Actinyl species, [AnO2]2+, are well-known derivatives of the f-block because of their natural occurrence and essential roles in the nuclear fuel cycle. Along with their nitrogen analogues, [An(NR)2]2+, actinyls are characterized by their two strong trans-An–element multiple bonds, a consequence of the inverse trans influence. We report that these robust bonds can be weakened significantly by increasing the number of multiple bonds to uranium, as demonstrated by a family of uranium(VI) dianions bearing four U–N multiple bonds, [M]2[U(NR)4] (M = Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs). Their geometry is dictated by cation coordination and sterics rather than by electronic factors. Multiple bond weakening by the addition of strong π donors has the potential for applications in the processing of high-valent actinyls, commonly found in environmental pollutants and spent nuclear fuels. The field of high-valent uranium chemistry has been dominated by the linear uranyl moiety [UO2]2+ and its imido analogues. A family of tetrakis(imido)uranate dianions has now been developed that displays four uranium–nitrogen multiple bonds. Their geometry is dictated by cation coordination and steric factors rather than electronic ones.
Accelerometer-assessed light-intensity physical activity and mortality among those with mobility limitations

Abstract Background Emerging research demonstrates that light-intensity physical activity is favorably associated with numerous health outcomes among the general population, even independent of high-intensity physical activity. Objective To examine the association between accelerometer-assessed light-intensity physical activity and mortality in a national sample of American adults with mobility limitations. Methods Data from the 2003–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were utilized. Participants were followed through 2011. Based on self-report, analyzed participants included those with mobility limitations (N = 1369). Light-intensity physical activity was assessed via waist-mounted accelerometry. Results For the sample, 108,010 person-months occurred with an all-cause mortality rate of 2.07 per 1000 person-months. After adjustments, for every 60 min/day increase in light-intensity physical activity, participants with mobility limitations had a 14% reduced risk of all-cause mortality (HR = 0.86; 95% CI: 0.75–0.98; P = 0.03). Conclusion These findings underscore the importance of promoting light-intensity physical activity to those with mobility limitations.
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Associated With Chlordiazepoxide

Objective: To report a case of chlordiazepoxide-associated Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS). Case Summary: This case provides insight into a serious adverse drug reaction secondary to a drug not comm...
Dry reforming of methane over palladium–platinum on carbon nanotube catalyst

A dry reforming (DR) catalyst based on bimetallic Pd-Pt supported on carbon nanotubes is presented. The catalyst was prepared using a microwave-induced synthesis. It showed enhanced DR activity in the 773-923 K temperature range at 3 atm. Observed carbon balances between the reactant and product gases imply minimal carbon deposition. A global three-reaction (reversible) kinetic model-consisting of DR, reverse water gas shift, and CH4 decomposition (MD)-adequately simulates the observed concentrations, product H2/CO ratios, and reactant conversions. Analysis shows that, under the conditions of this study, the DR and MD reactions are net forward and far from equilibrium, while the RWGS is near equilibrium.
DIFFERENCES IN PREVALENCE OF PHENOTYPICALLY AND GENOTYPICALLY ASCERTAINED FAMILIAL HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIA IN A COHORT WITH HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIA

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an autosomal dominant disorder most often resulting from pathogenic variants in LDLR, APOB and PCSK9. We assessed differences in prevalence of FH ascertained based on: a) phenotype i.e. Dutch Lipid Clinic Network (DLCN) criteria, and b) genotype i.e. pathogenic
Ultrafast Nanoscale Raman Thermometry Proves Heating Is Not a Primary Mechanism for Plasmon-Driven Photocatalysis.

Plasmonic materials efficiently convert light to various forms of energies for many applications, including photocatalysis, photovoltaics, and photothermal therapies. In particular, plasmonic photocatalysts hold incredible promise for highly selective sunlight-driven catalysis through the generation of highly energetic holes and electrons used to drive chemical reactions. However, plasmons are also known to generate heat, and the partitioning of photoexcitation energy into hot carriers and heat on molecularly relevant time scales is not well understood, yet plays a crucial role in designing and understanding these photocatalysts. Using an ultrafast surface-enhanced Raman thermometry technique, we probe the effective temperature, equivalent to the mode-specific increase of vibrational kinetic energy, of molecules adsorbed to gold nanoparticle aggregates in the most active hot spots on the picosecond time scale of chemical reactivity. This represents the first measurement of vibrational energy deposition fo...
Behçet’s Syndrome: Gastrointestinal Features

Behcet’s syndrome causes gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations in 3–26 % of patients and is more common in patients from Asia than from the Middle East or the Mediterranean region.
Genetic Elements Governing Adenoviral Gene Expression

The adenoviruses have long been recognized as providing a convenient model system for studying eukaryotic gene expression and its regulation. Advances over the last few years have reinforced this position; a number of features of eukaryotic gene expression were first discovered in the adenovirus system, RNA splicing being the classic example. Some of the principal features that make this system so attractive are: (1) The ease by which the adenoviruses can be grown and purified in large amounts. (2) The complex, temporal regulation of adenovirus gene expression; different viral genes are expressed at different times of the productive infection (1, 2). (3) The complete sequence of Adenovirus type 2 (Ad2) is known. In addition there is significant sequence information on a number of other adenovirus serotypes (3, 4). Cloned viral genes can be manipulated in vitro and subsequently incorporated into an intact, infectious viral genome.
Immune privilege is extended, then withdrawn, from allogeneic tumor cell grafts placed in the subretinal space.

PURPOSE. To determine whether the subretinal space can extend immune privilege to allogeneic tumor cell grafts that do not possess their own inherent immune privilege. METHODS. P815 tumor cells were injected into the anterior chamber (AC), the subretinal (SR) space, or subconjunctivally in eyes of BALB/c (allogeneic), SCID (immune incompetent), normal DBA/2 (syngeneic), or DBA/2 mice presensitized with P815 cells transfected with interleukin-12 and B7.1. Tumor growth was observed clinically and histologically for up to 50 days. BALB/c recipients were tested for suppression of DBA/2-specific delayed hypersensitivity and concomitant immunity. The SR space of tumor-containing eyes was assessed for its capacity to support ovalbumin (OVA)-specific anterior chamber associated immune deviation (ACAID). RESULTS. P815 cells injected into the SR space of presensitized and normal DBA/2 and SCID mice grew progressively, resulting eventually in recipient death. Tumor cells injected into the SR space of eyes of BALB/c mice grew progressively until day 14, followed by tumor regression resulting in phthisis bulbi (14/35) or tumor elimination (19/35) with preserved ocular anatomy by day 35. Despite elimination of tumors from the SR space, BALB/c recipients exhibited DBA/2-specific ACAID and concomitant immunity. In addition, OVA injected into the SR space of eyes from which tumor has been eliminated induced ACAID. CONCLUSIONS. Various parameters of immune privilege, originally described for the AC, are characteristic of immune privilege within the SR space. However, because P815 cells placed in the AC prove lethal for BALB/c recipients, but P815 cells placed in the SR space resolve without jeopardizing the host's life, immune privilege in the SR space can be distinguished from immune privilege in the AC, and this may have implications for grafts of retinal tissue placed within the SR space.
Algorithm to control power production from solar photovoltaic panels

End consumer of energy is getting more cautious of their environmental footprint and with the cost of renewable energy sources like photo-voltaic solar progressively declining, it is expected that the percentage contribution from these new and renewable sources in overall power generation will increase. However, the renewable energy sources carry their own set of drawbacks which is slowing their widespread acceptance. First and foremost is the variability in generation, then controlling the power output from solar is also not trivial since the generation is highly dependent on the external factors such as solar irradiance. Furthermore, there is a mismatch between the demand profile from the consumer and the supply profile of solar. This increased integration of renewable sources in the present grid creates a set of problems such as over voltage, power back flow and instability. In this paper we propose a curtailment based solution to the problem of over production. We provide an algorithm which controls the power output from solar panels. It delivers maximum possible power during the times of low irradiance and curtails the power output during the times of peak generation. With real-data on solar panel output across multiple prosumers, we are able to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Estimating Many Variances

Suppose that an unknown random parameter θ with distribution function G is such that given θ, an observable random variable x has conditional probability density f(x| θ) of known form. If a function t = t(x) is used to estimate θ, then the expected squared error with respect to the random variation of both θ and x is $$E{(t - \theta )^2} = \smallint \smallint {(t(x) - \theta )^2}f(x|\theta )dx dG(\theta ).$$ (1) .
Use of Glycopyrrolate to Treat Intraoperative Penile Erection: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Background and Objectives Penile erections following the initiation of either axial regional or general anesthesia is rare; however, when it occurs in patients undergoing urologic procedures it may delay, or even cancel, the planned surgery. The purpose of this case report and review is to enhance anesthesiologists’ understanding of this phenomenon so that they may better formulate a logical treatment scheme in such an event. Methods We present a case of intraoperative erection after the initiation of continuous spinal anesthesia that was treated with intravenous glycopyrrolate. From the literature, 72 references were reviewed. Results Glycopyrrolate successfully treated intraoperative penile erection. The physiology and pharmacology of erection are reviewed, and pharmacologic treatment options and surgical treatments are reviewed. Conclusions In patients with coronary artery disease, or in situations where cardiovascular stability is desired, glycopyrrolate is an effective means of relieving intraoperative penile erections. Other pharmacologic interventions, based on the physiology of erections, are presented. Nitric oxide, a potent smooth muscle relaxant, has been shown to be involved in the initiation and maintenance of erections; future research involving specific inhibitors of this chemical is indicated for the possible treatment of intraoperative penile erections.
Effects of Duroc, Meishan, Fengjing, and Minzhu boars on carcass traits of first-cross barrows.

Duroc, Meishan, Fengjing, and Minzhu boars were mated to crossbred gilts during two breeding seasons. From each sire breed group each season, six pens of approximately eight barrows each were slaughtered. A pen of pigs from each sire breed group was slaughtered at 7-d intervals from 168 to 203 d of age each season. Breed of sire effects were significant for all age-adjusted carcass traits except carcass length, fat thickness at the last rib, color score, and firmness score. At 184 d of age, Duroc crosses had the heaviest (P less than .05) slaughter and carcass weights; Minzhu crosses were lighter (P less than .05) than Meishan crosses but not lighter than Fengjing crosses. Differences among age-constant traits reflect differences in BW. After adjustment to a constant carcass weight of 78 kg, the three Chinese breeds had very similar carcass characteristics. Carcasses sired by Durocs had significantly less backfat and larger longissimus muscle area than carcasses sired by the Chinese breeds. Weight of each trimmed wholesale lean cut and their total weight were significantly higher for Duroc crosses than for Chinese crosses. Breed of sire means did not differ significantly for belly weight, but Duroc crosses had less (P less than .05) weight of leaf fat. Relative to Chinese crosses, longissimus muscles from Duroc crosses had more marbling (P less than .05). Sire breed groups did not differ significantly for color or firmness score. Pigs sired by Meishan, Fengjing, and Minzhu produced carcasses with significantly less lean content at a carcass weight of 78 kg than did pigs sired by Duroc.
Valence and Arousal Ratings for Velten Mood Induction Statements

Participants rated 84 statements adapted from Velten's original mood induction statements—designed to induce positive and negative mood—on two dimensions of emotion (valence and arousal), using the Self Assessment Manikin (SAM) (P. J. Lang, M. M. Bradley, & B. N. Cuthbert, 1999). Fifty-two of these Velten positive, negative, and neutral statements yielded SAM valence ratings that were consistent with Velten's previous valence designation (E. Velten, 1968). Reliability analyses for the positive, negative, and neutral statements indicated a high level of internal consistency in the three statement groups. Arousal and valence ratings of the statements were positively correlated. Related issues concerning differences in rating verbal versus visual emotional stimuli and recommendations for future work to improve the validity of Velten's mood induction statements are addressed.
Learning Convex QP Relaxations for Structured Prediction

We introduce a new large margin approach to discriminative training of intractable discrete graphical models. Our approach builds on a convex quadratic programming relaxation of the MAP inference problem. The model parameters are trained directly within this restricted class of energy functions so as to optimize the predictions on the training data. We address the issue of how to parameterize the resulting model and point out its relation to existing approaches. The primary motivation behind our use of the QP relaxation is its computational efficiency; yet, empirically, its predictive accuracy compares favorably to more expensive approaches. This makes it an appealing choice for many practical tasks.
Static and dynamic performance of the Möbius cubes (short version)

The Mobius cubes are hypercube variants that give better performance with the same number of links and processors. We show that the diameter of the Mobius cubes is about 1/2 the diameter of the equivalent hypercube, and that the average number of steps between processors for a Mobius cube is about 2/3 of the average for a hypercube. We give an efficient routing algorithm for the Mobius cubes. This routing algorithm finds a shortest path and operates in time proportional to the dimension of the cube. We report results of simulation studies on the dynamic message-passing performance of the hypercube, the Twisted Cube of Hilbers et. al. [8], and the Mobius cubes. Our results agree with those of Abraham [2], showing that the Twisted Cube has worse dynamic performance than the hypercube. But our results show that the Mobius cubes and in particular the 1-Mobius cube have better dynamic performance than the hypercube.
The effect of economy type on demand and preference for cocaine and saccharin in rats.

Abstract Background Economy type is an important determinant of reinforcer value. This study investigated the effect of open and closed economies on demand and preference for cocaine and saccharin in rats. Methods In the first phase, rats were trained to lever press for cocaine infusions or saccharin. The number of presses required for each reinforcer increased across sessions. Cocaine and saccharin economy type was manipulated over groups by varying post-session availability of these reinforcers. One group of rats had three hours’ post-session access to unlimited cocaine (open economy). A second group had three hours’ post-session access to unlimited saccharin. A third group had no post-session access to either reinforcer (closed economy). In a second phase, rats in the three conditions could make mutually exclusive choices for cocaine or saccharin. Results Post-session access to saccharin caused saccharin demand to become more elastic. Post-session access to cocaine had no effect on demand for cocaine but made demand for saccharin more elastic. Results from the choice phase generally paralleled those from the demand phase, the main finding being that post-session saccharin access caused an increase in cocaine preference. Conclusions These results show that manipulating economy type can affect cocaine and non-drug reinforcers differently. Opening the saccharin economy decreased saccharin’s value. Opening the cocaine economy did not decrease cocaine’s value, but instead led to a devaluation of saccharin. These results suggest that cocaine choice may be determined not only by the reinforcers immediately available, but also by those reinforcers’ broader contexts of availability.
Disingenuous forests: A historical political ecology of fuelwood collection in South India

Abstract Much of India contains complex and ambiguous post-colonial environmental histories. Within the international clean cookstove development discourse, it is assumed that fuelwood collection for cooking is a significant factor in the overexploitation of forest biomass. This brand of storytelling is certainly applied in India where a series of programs have long targeted household fuelwood collection activities as a way of reversing rates of deforestation. This essay outlines the enigmatic and peculiar environmental histories of two distinct regions in South India. Based on oral histories, interviews and field surveys our findings indicate that many pressures other than fuel collection have helped alter vegetation and reduce fuel availability, particularly the expansion of commercially cultivated land in recent years. Moreover, a variety of historical contingencies, such as mass displacement from dam construction and the deliberate seeding of an invasive species complicate one-dimensional or reductive explanations of landscape change — a discursive environmental rendering referred to here as a ‘disingenuous nature’. Through retrospective analysis, we describe how this land use narrative, like so many other sustainable development discourses premised on incomplete and misleading information, is the byproduct of a ‘multi-scale narrative repurposing and sector coalescence’ process. This characterization signals how environmental narratives are repurposed and recycled uncritically by actors in distinct yet discursively compatible development sectors.
The Impact of Product Shadows in Ad Frames on Product Volume Perceptions and Consumer Willingness to Pay: An Abstract

Prior research shows that visual ad content dominates over verbal ad content in capturing consumer attention (Pieters and Wedel 2004). Previous advertising research has explored the effects of visual saliency, product shape, and product centrality on consumer attention and volume perceptions (Atalay et al. 2012; Raghubir and Krishna 1999). We investigate the impact of incorporating a product’s shadow in the ad frame on perceived product volume, as well as its effect on how much the consumers are willing to pay for the featured product.
Predicting fertilizer response in established loblolly pine plantations with basal area and site index.

Estimates of b.a./acre, number of stems/acre, mean d.b.h., 5-yr gross volume increment/acre and 5-yr mortality volume/acre were calculated for plots from 44 fertilizer trials established in the North Carolina Coastal Plain and Piedmont. Gross and net volume increment equations were developed using b.a., site index, and fertilizer treatment as predictor variables. Response to fertilization was calculated as the difference between growth estimates for control and fertilized stands at given b.a. and site index. Predicted 5-yr volume responses from fertilization with 100 lb/acre N and 50 lb/acre P are tabulated for a range of b.a. and site index, and were found to be related to stand conditions. (Refs. 8).
Vacuolar Protein Sorting in Yeast

The compartmentalized nature of the eukaryotic cell requires specialized sorting and localization machinery to correctly deliver specific protein constituents to a wide variety of intracellular organelles. In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the lysosome-like vacuole serves as one of these specific targets. This organelle is an acidic compartment that houses many of the hydrolytic enzymes responsible for macromolecular degradation. A number of these enzymes including, carboxypeptidase Y (CPY), proteinase A (PrA), proteinase B (PrB) and repressible alkaline phosphatase (ALP) serve as convenient markers to study the vacuolar protein sorting and localization pathway. In a late Golgi compartment, vacuolar proteins are actively sorted away from secretory proteins (Stevens, et al. 1982; Graham and Emr 1991) and are specifically delivered to the vacuole. The analysis of the gene products affected in mutants that specifically disrupt vacuolar protein sorting (vps mutants), as well as the role of gene products that function in the secretory pathway (Sec proteins), are beginning to elucidate the molecular basis of this complex localization process.
Energetics of Solvent-Based Deposition of FullereneDerivative on the Inorganic–Organic Hybrid Lead Halide PerovskiteSurface

The elementary processes that govern particle deposition on substrates during solution processing of thin films are not well understood due to the complex interactions between solute–solvent, solute–substrate, and solvent–substrate. This study presents a fundamental step-by-step systematic analysis of the deposition of a rather complex molecule, the [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM), with seemingly infinite orientational configurations, on the (110) surface of methylammonium lead iodide (CH3NH3PbI3) perovskite in a solvated environment. We employed the adaptive biasing force (ABF) method in conjunction with classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to determine the potential of mean force (PMF) and corresponding configurations of deposited PCBM in the presence of chlorobenzene (CB) and vacuum. Our calculations underscore the impact of solvent on the energetics of deposition and the resulting configurations of deposited PCBM. In the presence of solvent, the most energetically favorable ...
Melanoma evolves complete immunotherapy resistance through the acquisition of a hypermetabolic phenotype

Despite the clinical success of T-cell checkpoint blockade, most patients with cancer still fail to have durable responses to immunotherapy. The molecular mechanisms driving checkpoint blockade resistance, whether preexisting or evolved, remain unclear. To address this critical knowledge gap, we treated B16 melanoma with the combination of CTLA-4, PD-1, and PD-L1 blockade and a Flt3 ligand vaccine (≥75% curative), isolated tumors resistant to therapy, and serially passaged them in vivo with the same treatment regimen until they developed complete resistance. Using gene expression analysis and immunogenomics, we determined the adaptations associated with this resistance phenotype. Checkpoint resistance coincided with acquisition of a "hypermetabolic" phenotype characterized by coordinated upregulation of the glycolytic, oxidoreductase, and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation pathways. These resistant tumors flourished under hypoxic conditions, whereas metabolically starved T cells lost glycolytic potential, effector function, and the ability to expand in response to immunotherapy. Furthermore, we found that checkpoint-resistant versus -sensitive tumors could be separated by noninvasive MRI imaging based solely on their metabolic state. In a cohort of patients with melanoma resistant to both CTLA-4 and PD-1 blockade, we observed upregulation of pathways indicative of a similar hypermetabolic state. Together, these data indicated that melanoma can evade T-cell checkpoint blockade immunotherapy by adapting a hypermetabolic phenotype.
Additive Manufacturing of 3D Structural Battery Composites with Coextrusion Deposition of Continuous Carbon Fibers

Abstract There is a growing interest in fabrication of structural battery composites to achieve mass-less energy storage. Additive manufacturing would allow customization of their battery form factor to fit specific needs. In this study, a multi-axis coextrusion deposition technique is proposed to fabricate a 3D structural battery composite with continuous carbon fibers coated by solid polymer electrolyte (SPE). The SPE-coated carbon fibers are coextruded with cathode doped matrix materials. All the printed complex structural battery composites successfully power up LEDs. Further mechanical and electrochemical characterization demonstrates the potentials of the additively manufactured composites in electrical energy storage and load bearing.
Constraining the Unitarity Triangle with B -> K* gamma and B -> rho gamma

We discuss the exclusive radiative decays B -> K* gamma and B -> rho gamma in QCD factorization within the Standard Model. The analysis is based on the heavy-quark limit of QCD. Our results for these decays are complete to next-to-leading order in QCD and to leading order in the heavy-quark limit. Phenomenological implications for branching ratios and isospin breaking effects are discussed. Special emphasis is placed on constraining the CKM unitarity triangle from these observables.
A Proposal to Use Gamification Systematically to Nudge Students Toward Productive Behaviors

While gamification in education has been used to increase motivation and engagement, it can also be used to nudge students to change behavior. This paper describes work in progress on a holistic gamification design for an introductory computer programming course that encourages students to adopt five core self-regulation skills: time management, incremental development, self-checking, persistence, and planning. We encourage growth mindset beliefs by reinforcing that skills can be increased and improved through targeted effort and practice. The self-regulation skills chosen are all associated with successful scholastic performance and present a model of “working smarter, not harder”. They relate to the student’s process of working, rather than the assignment solution being produced. A combination of role-playing game character development, experience points, leveling, daily missions, energy management, and a booster-based reward system are used as game mechanics. The goal is to communicate to students that mastery of these skills is valued by the course’s community, to encourage students to aspire to master these skills, and to recognize and reward students as they progress and eventually achieve these goals. The design leverages existing work on measuring student effort and progress as they work on assignments to drive game mechanics.
Heterodoxy in Fast Pyrolysis of Biomass

As the field of fast pyrolysis has matured, it has been accompanied by a kind of orthodoxy in its practice. Among these orthodoxies are the following: (1) oxygen should be excluded from the pyrolys...
The genetic background significantly impacts the severity of kidney cystic disease in the Pkd1RC/RC mouse model of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), primarily due to PKD1 or PKD2 mutations, causes progressive kidney cyst development and kidney failure. There is significant intrafamilial variability likely due to the genetic background and environmental/lifestyle factors; variability that can be modeled in PKD mice. Here, we characterized mice homozygous for the PKD1 hypomorphic allele, p.Arg3277Cys (Pkd1RC/RC), inbred into the BALB/cJ (BC) or the 129S6/SvEvTac (129) strains, plus F1 progeny bred with the previously characterized C57BL/6J (B6) model; F1(BC/B6) or F1(129/B6). By one-month cystic disease in both the BC and 129 Pkd1RC/RC mice was more severe than in B6 and continued with more rapid progression to six to nine months. Thereafter, the expansive disease stage plateaued/declined, coinciding with increased fibrosis and a clear decline in kidney function. Greater severity correlated with more inter-animal and inter-kidney disease variability, especially in the 129-line. Both F1 combinations had intermediate disease severity, more similar to B6 but progressive from one-month of age. Mild biliary dysgenesis, and an early switch from proximal tubule to collecting duct cysts, was seen in all backgrounds. Preclinical testing with a positive control, tolvaptan, employed the F1(129/B6)-Pkd1RC/RC line, which has moderately progressive disease and limited isogenic variability. Magnetic resonance imaging was utilized to randomize animals and provide total kidney volume endpoints; complementing more traditional data. Thus, we show how genetic background can tailor the Pkd1RC/RC model to address different aspects of pathogenesis and disease modification, and describe a possible standardized protocol for preclinical testing.
Shielding the Workforce: Does Subordinate Contract Frame Induce Leniency in Superiors’ Target-Setting Decisions?

Management control systems affect employees at every level of the organizational hierarchy, so it is crucial to evaluate how controls at one hierarchical level spillover to another level. We examine how subordinates’ contract frame, an important management control, affects superiors’ target-setting decisions, another important control. Using an experiment, we predict and find that superiors set lower targets for subordinates under a penalty contract compared to a bonus contract, as superiors can project their negative perceptions of penalties onto subordinates and seek to reduce these perceived negative effects. Further, we predict and find that increasing the salience of subordinates’ contract choice to the superior mitigates the effect of subordinate contract frame on target-setting, and that these effects are stronger in low Dark Triad superiors compared to high Dark Triad superiors. Our findings add insights into the interrelationships of management controls at different hierarchical levels within the organization.
Sharing of Knowledge and Problem Solving When Teammates Have Diverse Hearing Status

This study examined knowledge sharing and problem solving in teams that included teammates who were deaf or hard of hearing (DHH). Eighteen teams of four students were comprised of either all deaf ...
Engines of change: Transposable element mutation rates are high and variable within Daphnia magna

Transposable elements (TEs) represent a major portion of most eukaryotic genomes, yet little is known about their mutation rates or how their activity is shaped by other evolutionary forces. Here, we compare short- and long-term patterns of genome-wide mutation accumulation (MA) of TEs among 9 genotypes from three populations of Daphnia magna from across a latitudinal gradient. While the overall proportion of the genome comprised of TEs is highly similar among genotypes from Finland, Germany, and Israel, populations are distinguishable based on patterns of insertion site polymorphism. Our direct rate estimates indicate TE movement is highly variable (net rates ranging from -11.98 to 12.79 x 10-5 per copy per generation among genotypes), differing both among populations and TE families. Although gains outnumber losses when selection is minimized, both types of events appear to be highly deleterious based on their low frequency in control lines where propagation is not limited to random, single-progeny descent. With rate estimates 4 orders of magnitude higher than base substitutions, TEs clearly represent a highly mutagenic force in the genome. Quantifying patterns of intra- and interspecific variation in TE mobility with and without selection provides insight into a powerful mechanism generating genetic variation in the genome.
9 – Electrophysiological Methods for Mapping Brain Motor and Sensory Circuits

Brain mapping efforts have focused most intensely on primary sensory and motor areas because their relationship to the periphery is clearest and easiest to understand. Electrophysiological brain mapping methods provide the greatest resolution for mapping the localization of function within the brain because such maps can use as their basis the most elementary unit of brain structure—the single neuron. Sensory system mapping consists of determining the spatial representation of a specific sensory parameter within a particular brain region of interest. This is normally done by recording from single neurons or neuronal clusters in repeated systematic electrode penetrations spaced at an appropriate density, usually 0.2–1.0 mm, while exploring the sensory space of interest. Motor system mapping can be based on the identification of structural muscle fields. Structural muscle fields are the target muscles of a single neuron, that is, the motor nuclei with which the neuron is synaptically linked. The linkage must be relatively direct, either monosynaptic or disynaptic, to produce the type of robust control over muscle activity needed of an output pathway.
Interactions between carbon sequestration and shade tree diversity in a smallholder coffee cooperative in El Salvador.

Agroforestry systems have substantial potential to conserve native biodiversity and provide ecosystem services. In particular, agroforestry systems have the potential to conserve native tree diversity and sequester carbon for climate change mitigation. However, little research has been conducted on the temporal stability of species diversity and aboveground carbon stocks in these systems or the relation between species diversity and aboveground carbon sequestration. We measured changes in shade-tree diversity and shade-tree carbon stocks in 14 plots of a 35-ha coffee cooperative over 9 years and analyzed relations between species diversity and carbon sequestration. Carbon sequestration was positively correlated with initial species richness of shade trees. Species diversity of shade trees did not change significantly over the study period, but carbon stocks increased due to tree growth. Our results show a potential for carbon sequestration and long-term biodiversity conservation in smallholder coffee agroforestry systems and illustrate the opportunity for synergies between biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation. Interacciones entre el Secuestro de Carbono y la Diversidad de Arboles de Sombra en una Cooperativa de Cafe de Pequenos Agricultores en El Salvador Resumen Los sistemas agroforestales tienen potencial sustancial para conservar la biodiversidad nativa y proporcionar servicios ecosistemicos. En particular tienen el potencial para conservar la diversidad nativa de arboles y secuestrar carbono para la mitigacion del cambio climatico. Sin embargo, se han conducido pocas investigaciones sobre la estabilidad temporal de la diversidad de especies y el capital de carbono superficial en estos sistemas o las relaciones entre la diversidad de especies y el secuestro de carbono superficial. Medimos los cambios en la diversidad de arboles de sombra y el capital de carbono de estos mismos arboles en 14 terrenos de 35 hectareas de una cooperativa de cafe a lo largo de 9 anos y analizamos las relaciones entre la diversidad de especies y el secuestro de carbono. El secuestro de carbono tuvo una correlacion positiva con la riqueza inicial de especies de arboles de sombra. La diversidad de especies de estos arboles no cambio significativamente a lo largo del periodo de estudio, pero el capital de carbono incremento debido al crecimiento de los arboles. Nuestros resultados muestran un potencial de secuestro de carbono y una conservacion de biodiversidad a largo plazo en los sistemas agroforestales de pequenos agricultores de cafe; ilustran tambien la oportunidad de sinergias entre la conservacion de la biodiversidad y la mitigacion del cambio climatico.
Left ventricular structure and function in the aging naked mole-rat, the longest-lived rodent (879.1)

The extraordinarily long-lived mouse-sized naked mole-rat (NMR) shows an attenuated age-related decline in diastolic function compared to mice and humans, despite having a maximum lifespan of >31 years. Using echocardiography, we have examined the left ventricles (LVs) of young (2-5 years), middle-aged (8-10 years) and old (16-22 years) NMRs (n=10/cohort). Young NMRs displayed low LV contractility, as measured by fractional shortening (~28%), which was not significantly changed with age. LV wall thicknesses were significantly greater in young NMRs when compared with physiologically age-matched mice, and NMR LV wall thickness did not decline with age as has been reported for mice. Dobutamine stress echocardiography (3 μg/g body weight i.p.) elicited similar percent changes in fractional shortening, ejection fraction, and cardiac output in each cohort, indicating that cardiac reserve in the NMR is maintained with age. This is in contrast to reports to age-related declines in cardiac reserve in both mice and...
Crosshatch surface morphology in mismatched films

We propose and investigate a model for the development of crosshatch surface morphology in growing mismatched layers. The model incorporates two important elements: (i) strain relaxation due to dislocation glide in the layer (film) interior that is also associated with misfit dislocation (MD) formation at the film/substrate interface and (ii) lateral surface transport that eliminates surface steps that originated from dislocation glide. A combination of dislocation-assisted strain relaxation and surface step flow leads to the appearance of surface height undulations during layer growth. A Monte Carlo simulation technique was applied to model dislocation nucleation events in the course of strain relaxation. The simulation was used to model the influence of dislocations on film surface height profiles. The surface height displacement was calculated from the analytic elasticity solutions for edge dislocations near a free surface. The model accounts for both the plastic and elastic surface height displacement resulting from sub-surface misfit dislocations that result from nucleation events at the film surface. The results of the modeling predict that the average amplitude of the surface undulations and their apparent wavelength both increase with increasing film relaxation and film thickness. The developed crosshatch pattern is characterized by an atomically smooth but mesoscopically (lateral dimensions /spl sim/0.1-10 /spl mu/m) rough surface morphology.
The toxicology of potassium and sodium iodates. 3. Acute and subacute oral toxicity of potassium iodate in dogs.

Summary The minimum lethal dose for potassium iodate administered orally to 8 fasted dogs, was estimated to be 200–250 mg/kg. Single doses of this compound at these levels invariably caused emesis. When emesis was prevented by morphine, anorexia, prostration, and death often ensued. Fatty changes in the viscera, necrotic lesions in the liver, kidney, and mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract and urinary bladder, and retinal degeneration were sometimes present after such high doses. All of these changes except retinal degeneration appeared to be reversible. In subacute toxicity studies with 4 dogs, repeated doses of KIO3 at levels of 6–100 mg/kg were given in milk or by capsule for a period of several months. Emesis followed by anorexia and listlessness sometimes occurred in these animals but during the last 3–7 weeks of the experimental period stabilization of weight and appetite took place at dosages varying from 60 to 90 mg/kg. The doses given during the final period averaged 4 per week. All dogs were in good condition at the end of the experiment. Pathologic changes in the sacrificed animals were confined largely to deposits of hemosiderin in the spleen, liver, and kidneys, and to mild to moderate inflammation of the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract. Hematologic changes indicating a mild anemia were found in one dog given the most iodate.
The Parent Trap: Differential Familial Power in Same-Sex Families

Do intact same-sex couples in which one member of the couple became pregnant with assisted reproduction or one member was the primary adopter, and the other member became a parent through second parent adoption understand the legal protections afforded them? In short the answer is no. An interesting family dynamic arises around who can claim the true status as parent based on their legal understandings of parenthood and their interactions with the dominant culture. While high profile custody cases on this issue have been decided in the United States with varying results, no research has examined the impact of uneven legal protections afforded to gay fathers and mothers on intact same-sex families. Results indicated that second parent adopters had much less emotional power in the family, but often had more economic power. Even in long-term stable relationships, non-biological mothers and second parent adoptive fathers expressed significant worries about this emotional power differential. On the other hand, biologically connected mothers and some primary adopter fathers were concerned about whether their partners would continue to financially support their children should the couple's relationship dissolve. Both parents had misconceptions about what kind of legal protections or obligations the law afforded these second parent adopters should the couple end their relationship. Furthermore, the families' interactions with the larger culture served to further undermine the stability of the family, as they worried whether their family would be culturally and legally recognized if they traveled from one state to another. Ultimately, I conclude that second parent adopters become imprisoned parents within the family and across the larger culture because of current legal frameworks and policies. Recommendations are made for legislatures, courts, policy-makers, and lawyers to expand parentage presumptions, allow for joint adoption outside of the marital context, and reframe how lawyers counsel same-sex couples as they engage in family formation.
Effects of Sea Ice on Winter Site Fidelity of Pacific Common Eiders (Somateria mollissima v-nigrum)

ABSTRACT. In northern marine habitats, the presence or absence of sea ice results in variability in the distribution of many species and the quality and availability of pelagic winter habitat. To understand the effects of ice on intra- and inter-annual winter site fidelity and movements in a northern sea-duck species, we marked 25 adult Pacific Common Eiders (Somateria mollissima v-nigrum) on their nesting area at Cape Espenberg, Alaska, with satellite transmitters and monitored their movements to their wintering areas in the northern Bering Sea for a 2-year period. We examined changes in winter fidelity in relation to home-range characteristics and ice. Characteristics of polynyas (areas with persistent open water during winter) varied substantially and likely had an effect on the size of winter ranges and movements within polynyas. Movements within polynyas were correlated with changes in weather that affected ice conditions. Ninety-five percent of individuals were found within their 95% utilization dis...
Fluid dynamics of bioreactors for tissue engineered cartilage

Various types of bioreactors have been investigated for use in producing tissue-engineered human cartilage. These include rotating-wall vessels, spinner flasks, perfusion and compression/perfusion bioreactors. In each type of reactor the flow of the culture medium causes the growing tissue to experience a different dynamic environment, potentially influencing the character of the final tissue. Laboratory measurements have been made in model systems that obey requirements for dynamic similarity to prototype reactors. Local measurements of the velocity field made using particle-image velocimetry (PIV) permit the determination of local shear stresses within the observation plane, particularly in the vicinity of the tissue-construct model. Computationally, simulations have been performed with the commercial package FLUENT; these are compared with results from the laboratory experiments. We shall describe laboratory and numerical experiments conducted for various types of bioreactors used for the production of cartilage, focusing on those flow characteristics most likely to play a role in tissue development.