cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Blind Estimation for Localized Low Contrast-to-Noise Ratio BOLD Signals

Accurate detection of low contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) signals in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data is important for presurgical planning and cognitive research. Robust detection is challenging in small regions of low CNR activation since the probability of detecting each individual voxel is low. We present a processing technique for improving the detection of localized low CNR BOLD signals in fMRI data. When applied to synthetic fMRI data, this blind estimation scheme significantly improves the probability of correctly detecting voxels in a small region of activation with a CNR between 0.5 and 1.0 compared to the standard general linear model approach. More activation is detected in expected (based on input stimulus) regions of experimental data after processing with the proposed technique.
“I Think, Therefore . . .” Commitment in Political Testimony

At the crossroads of political and forensic linguistics, the notion of commitment presents a rich area for investigation into language use. An analysis of the discourse delivered by a high-level political official during testimony at the 9-11 Commission Hearings reveals three types of commitment: (a) commitment to a course of action, (b) commitment to an assertion, and (c) commitment to truth value. Within these three types, the juxtaposition of the common expression I think in terms of both evidential and non-evidential use is examined to determine whether it functions as a pragmatic trigger for the degree of commitment expressed by the speaker and, concomitantly, as an attempt on the part of the speaker to manipulate the perceptions of the hearers and overhearers to achieve specific intentions.
Finding New Cures for Neurological Disorders: A Possible Fringe Benefit of Biodefense Research?

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) supports research about and the development of better therapies for treating exposure to toxic chemicals that could be used in a terrorist attack or released during an industrial accident. A review of recent research published by NIH investigators working in this field indicates that scientific advances in this area also have implications for reducing the burden of other neurological diseases and disorders. Some key examples discussed include studies on the development of therapeutic drugs to treat seizures and the neuropathology caused by chemical nerve agents, which may help find better cures for epilepsy, stroke, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Intermittent Availability of Ethanol Does Not Always Lead to Elevated Drinking in Mice

Aims: Intermittent access (IA) to an alcohol (ethanol) solution can lead rats to higher ethanol intakes than continuous access, and a recent report showed increased drinking in C57BL/6J mice offered 20% ethanol vs. water 3X/week (Prior studies have offered ethanol during 24 h periods, either continuously or intermittently.). Methods: We tested the high-preference C57BL/6J inbred mice: we also studied High Drinking in the Dark (HDID) mice, a line we have selectively bred to reach intoxicating blood ethanol levels after a short period of access to a single bottle of 20% ethanol. Results: Neither HDID or C57BL/6J male mice offered ethanol every other day during only a 4-h access period showed greater daily intake than mice offered ethanol daily for 4 h. There was a small increase in drinking with 24 h IA in C57BL/6J mice. An experiment with HDID mice and their control heterogeneous stock stock modeled closely after a published study with C57BL/6J mice (Hwa, Chu, Levinson SA et al. Persistent escalation of alcohol drinking in C57BL/6J mice with intermittent access to 20% ethanol. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2011;35:1938–1947) showed no significant elevation with 24 h IA exposure in either sex of any genotype. Finally, a near replication of the Hwa et al. study showed modestly greater intake in C57BL/6J mice, confirming the efficacy of 24 h IA. Conclusion: We conclude that 4 h of IA is likely insufficient to elevate drinking in mice. The lack of effect in HDID mice and their controls further suggests that not all genotypes respond to intermittency.
A non-parametric test for industrial specialization

Abstract We introduce a non-parametric microdata based test for industrial specialization and apply it to a single urban area. Our test employs establishment densities for specific industries, a population counterfactual, and a new correction for multiple hypothesis testing to determine the statistical significance of specialization across both places and industries. Results highlight patterns of specialization that are extremely varied, with downtown places specializing in a number of service sector industries, while suburban places specialize in both manufacturing and service industries. Business service industries are subject to more specialization than non-business service industries while the manufacturing sector contains the lowest representation of industries with specialized places. Finally, we compare results for specialization with localization and show that both measures contribute to our understanding of industry and place specific agglomerative forces.
POND PERMANENCE AND THE EFFECTS OF EXOTIC VERTEBRATES ON ANURANS

In many permanent ponds throughout western North America, the introduc- tion of a variety of exotic fish and bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana) correlates with declines in native amphibians. Direct effects of exotics are suspected to be responsible for the rarity of some native amphibians and are one hypothesis to explain the prevalence of amphibian declines in western North America. However, the prediction that the permanent ponds occupied by exotics would be suitable for native amphibians if exotics were absent has not been tested. I used a series of enclosure experiments to test whether survival of northern red-legged frog (Rana aurora aurora) and Pacific treefrog (Hyla regilla) larvae is equal in permanent and temporary ponds in the Puget Lowlands, Washington State, USA. I also examined the direct effects of bullfrog larvae and sunfish. Survival of both species of native anuran larvae was generally lower in permanent ponds. Only one permanent pond out of six was an exception to this pattern and exhibited increased larval survival rates in the absence of direct effects by exotics. The presence of fish in enclosures reduced survival to near zero for both native species. An effect of bullfrog larvae on Pacific treefrog larval survival was not detected, but effects on red-legged frog larvae were mixed. A hypothesis that food limitation is responsible for the low survival of native larvae in some permanent ponds was not supported. My results confirm that direct negative effects of exotic vertebrates on native anurans occur but suggest that they may not be important to broad distribution patterns. Instead, habitat gradients or indirect effects of exotics appear to play major roles. I found support for the role of permanence as a structuring agent for pond communities in the Puget Lowlands, but neither permanence nor exotic vertebrates fully explained the observed variability in larval anuran survival.
Impaired Cognition and Brain Atrophy Decades After Hypertensive Pregnancy Disorders

Background— Hypertensive pregnancy disorders have been associated with subjective cognitive complaints or brain white-matter lesions 5 to 10 years after the hypertensive pregnancy. The long-term effects of hypertensive pregnancies on brain structure and cognitive function remain unknown. Methods and Results— This study included 1279 women who participated in the Family Blood Pressure Project Genetic Epidemiology Network of Arteriopathy (GENOA) study. As part of the ancillary Genetics of Microangiopathic Brain Injury (GMBI) study, a neurocognitive battery was administered; 1075 also had a brain magnetic resonance imaging. A history of a hypertensive pregnancy disorder was obtained by a self-report using a validated questionnaire. Linear models fit with generalized estimating equations were used to assess the association between hypertensive pregnancy disorders and cognition, adjusting for age, race, education, body mass index, smoking, current hypertension, hypertension duration, and family history of hypertension. Regression models for the brain magnetic resonance imaging outcomes also were adjusted for total intracranial volume. Women with histories of hypertensive pregnancy disorders performed worse on all measures of processing speed (Digital Symbol Substitution Test [mean score, 41.2 versus 43.4; P =0.005], Trail Making Test Part A [mean seconds, 45.1 versus 42.2; P =0.035], and Stroop [mean score, 173.9 versus 181.0; P =0.002]) and had smaller brain volumes compared with women with histories of normotensive pregnancies (286 versus 297; P =0.023). Conclusions— Hypertensive pregnancy disorders are associated with worse performance on tests of processing speed and smaller brain volumes decades later. Population-based studies are needed to provide critical insight as to the contribution of hypertensive pregnancies to risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
Homing Endonuclease Target Site Specificity Defined by Sequential Enrichment and Next-Generation Sequencing of Highly Complex Target Site Libraries

Homing endonucleases (HEs) are DNA sequence-specifi c enzymes that recognize and cleave long target sites (14‐40 bp) to generate double-strand breaks (DSBs). Their high site recognition specifi city and tight coupling of binding and cleavage make HEs attractive reagents for targeted genome manipulation. In order to delineate the target site specifi city of HEs and facilitate HE engineering, we have developed a method for comprehensive target site profi ling of HEs cleavage specifi city using partially randomized target site libraries and high-throughput DNA sequencing.
Degradation of lignocellulose and lignin by Paenibacillus glucanolyticus

Abstract Lignocellulose is an abundant renewable carbon source that has been used for fuel and chemical production. Lignocellulose refers to the plant cell wall and is composed of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Lignin is a recalcitrant amorphous aromatic compound. Paenibacillus glucanolyticus SLM1, a facultative anaerobe that grows optimally at pH 9, was isolated from pulp mill waste. Initial characterization showed that this bacterium could degrade cellulose and hemicellulose and also suggested that it may be able to degrade lignin. This work examines the ability of P. glucanolyticus SLM1 and the type strain P. glucanolyticus 5162 to degrade lignocellulose, lignin, and aromatic lignin-related compounds using growth studies, dye degradation assays, GC–MS, and GPC. Our results show that both strains of P. glucanolyticus can degrade aromatic lignin-related compounds under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. These strains can also degrade polymeric lignin under anaerobic conditions. However, only P. glucanolyticus SLM1 can also degrade polymeric lignin under aerobic conditions.
H. P. Smith Award lecture: H. P. Smith's place in the history of blood coagulation.

STUDENTS OF THE HISTORY of blood coagulation would quickly agree about the outstanding contributors of the 19th century: Andrew Buchanan, a Scottish surgeon, discovered thrombin in 1845; Cornelius Pekelharing, a Dutch physiologist, in 1891 clearly separated prothrombin from fibrinogen; Olaf Hammarsten, a Swedish biochemist, purified and characterized fibrinogen in about 1880; Maurice Arthus, a French physiologist, in 1890 found that calcium was necessary for clotting; and Alexander Schmidt, an Estonian pathologist, was head of the famous coagulation group at Dorpat University that dominated coagulation research from 1875 until near the end of the century.
Function Extrapolation of Noisy Data using Converging Lines

This paper is focused on extrapolating noisy data to a single inaccessible point using the method of converging lines. Matrix multiplication computation time, which is a twodimensional unimodal and monotonic function of matrix dimensions, was adopted as a test problem. Using the method of converging lines, multi-dimensional extrapolation was first transformed into series of one-dimensional extrapolation towards one point. Onedimensional extrapolation results at the extrapolation point were combined using Bayes method. One-dimensional long-range extrapolation was then performed differently depending on the noise level of the data. For low noise levels, the data pattern was clear using logarithmic transformation and standard polynomial regression was used for fitting it. For significant noise levels, ridge regression was used to reduce overfitting. This paper proposes a new scheme to determine the ridge parameter by minimizing prediction error at training samples. This scheme was evaluated based on manufactured data.
Validation of 3-D Ice Accretion Measurement Methodology Using Pressure-Sensitive Paint

Accurate representation of ice accretions is important to the study and understanding of aircraft icing. For research and certification purposes, replicas of ice accretions generated from an icing wind tunnel are created to perform aerodynamic tests in dry-air wind tunnels and in flight. Three-dimensional ice-shape features necessitate aerodynamic observations over the entire surface of the wing or airfoil to fully understand the flow behavior. The pressure-sensitive paint (PSP) technique allows pressure coefficient (Cp) data to be obtained over a larger area and with a greater resolution than is possible by solely using the pressure tap method. Three-dimensional Cp measurements obtained as the result of this work both further the understanding of iced-airfoil aerodynamics and provide a validation for a recently developed method of recording ice accretions. Results show the ability of the PSP technique implemented in this experimental study to resolve aerodynamic differences between ice shapes made from the new 3-D ice accretion measurement methodology recently developed by the NASA Icing Research Branch and the current mold and casting method. PSP tests were performed to further investigate the aerodynamics of ice shapes that showed performance variations between the replicas made from the new and current methods. In general, the PSP results agreed with the two-dimensional data obtained from pressure taps while providing additional pressure information along the span. Aerodynamic and PSP agreement between the shapes generated from the two methods was relatively good, but not to the extent expected. Results show the general behaviors agree, with discrepancies in the quantitative data. These discrepancies are shown to be the result of geometric differences in the ice shapes made from the two methods. The 3-D ice accretion measurement methodology was validated for the two tested shapes and possible improvements to the PSP implementation are suggested.
The effect of high K+ depolarization and verapamil on 45Ca2+ fluxes in the canine myocardium.

The effects of high K+ depolarization and verapamil on Ca2+ uptake and the total intracellular Ca2+ content of canine ventricular muscle strips (∼0.5 mm thick) were investigated. High K+ (96 mM) increased Ca2+ uptake above control and maintained this enhanced uptake throughout a 90 second measuring period. Verapamil (5×10−6M) significantly (p<0.05) inhibited this high K+ stimulated uptake. However, verapamil (5×10−6M) also had a direct effect on Ca2+ fluxes, causing a significant increase in both Ca2+ uptake (p<0.001) and total intracellular Ca2+ content (p<0.001) in the resting tissue. Therefore, verapamil's apparent inhibition of high K+ stimulated Ca2+ uptake may have resulted from some mechanism other than Ca2+ channel blockade.
Advances in Laboratory Modeling of Wave Propagation

Laboratory studies of ultrasonic wave propagation can serve as either scaled modeling of challenges in seismic imaging, or as a way to investigate fundamental advancements in wave propagation. Particularly non-contacting laser ultrasonics provides tremendous opportunities toward both mentioned purposes, because the laser acquisition allows for automated scanning, a small source/receiver footprint and does not suffer mechanical ringing of traditional contacting ultrasonic sensor. Here we present calibration measurements of a new two-component laser receiver, as well a novel way of scaled modeling with structures made in glass.
Electromagnetic Properties of Soils

Electromagnetic waves can be used to characterize geomaterials and to monitor geo-processes. Permittivity, conductivity, and magnetic permeability measurements provide complementary information. Furthermore, events at different frequencies, such as the various polarization mechanisms, suggest multiple internal scales within materials. Three laboratory studies are presented: characterization of kaolinite-water mixtures with permittivity data, monitoring soil-cement hydration with conductivity measurements, and characterization of kaolinite-iron mixtures with magnetic permeability data. Laboratory techniques face inherent limitations, in particular, low frequency permittivity measurements of highly conductive specimens are not feasible. Likewise, field techniques are restricted by the compromise between the desired resolution and the achievable skin depth.
Pharmacological attenuation of chronic alcoholic pancreatitis induced hypersensitivity in rats.

AIM: To characterize an alcohol and high fat diet induced chronic pancreatitis rat model that mimics poor human dietary choices. METHODS: Experimental rats were fed a modified Lieber-DeCarli alcohol (6%) and high-fat (65%) diet (AHF) for 10 wk while control animals received a regular rodent chow diet. Weekly behavioral tests determined mechanical and heat sensitivity. In week 10 a fasting glucose tolerance test was performed, measuring blood glucose levels before and after a 2 g/kg bodyweight intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of glucose. Post mortem histological analysis was performed by staining pancreas and liver tissue sections with hematoxylin and eosin. Pancreas sections were also stained with Sirius red and fast green to quantify collagen content. Insulin-expressing cells were identified immunohistochemically in separate sections. Tissue staining density was quantified using Image J software. After mechanical and heat sensitivity became stable (weeks 6-10) in the AHF-fed animals, three different drugs were tested for their efficacy in attenuating pancreatitis associated hypersensitivity: a Group II metabotropic glutamate receptor specific agonist (2R,4R)-4-Aminopyrrolidine-2,4-dicarboxylate (APDC, 3 mg/kg, ip; Tocris, Bristol, United Kingdom), nociceptin (20, 60, 200 nmol/kg, ip; Tocris), and morphine sulfate (3 mg/kg, μ-opioid receptor agonist; Baxter Healthcare, Deerfield, IL, United States). RESULTS: Histological analysis of pancreas and liver determined that unlike control rats, AHF fed animals had pancreatic fibrosis, acinar and beta cell atrophy, with steatosis in both organs. Fat vacuolization was significantly increased in AHF fed rats (6.4% ± 1.1% in controls vs 23.8% ± 4.2%, P < 0.05). Rats fed the AHF diet had reduced fasting glucose tolerance in week 10 when peak blood glucose levels reached significantly higher concentrations than controls (127.4 ± 9.2 mg/dL in controls vs 161.0 ± 8.6 mg/dL, P < 0.05). This concurred with a 3.5 fold higher incidence of single and small 2-10 cell insulin-positive cell clusters (P < 0.05). Insulin expressing islet of Langerhans cells appeared hypertrophied while islet number and area measurements were not different from controls. Weekly behavioral tests determined that mechanical and heat sensitivities were significantly increased by 4 wk on AHF diet compared to controls. Hypersensitivity was attenuated with efficacy similar to morphine with single dose treatment of either metabotropic glutamate receptor 2/3 agonist APDC, or nociceptin, the endogenous ligand for opioid-receptor-like 1 receptor. CONCLUSION: The AHF diet induces a chronic alcoholic pancreatitis in rats with measurable features resembling clinical patients with chronic pancreatitis and type 3c diabetes mellitus.
Characterizing Social Networks and Communication Channels in a Web-Based Peer Support Intervention

Abstract Web and mobile (mHealth) interventions have promise for improving health outcomes, but engagement and attrition may be reducing effect sizes. Because social networks can improve engagement, which is a key mechanism of action, understanding the structure and potential impact of social networks could be key to improving mHealth effects. This study (a) evaluates social network characteristics of four distinct communication channels (discussion board, chat, e-mail, and blog) in a large social networking intervention, (b) predicts membership in online communities, and (c) evaluates whether community membership impacts engagement. Participants were 299 cancer survivors with significant distress using the 12-week health-space.net intervention. Social networking attributes (e.g., density and clustering) were identified separately for each type of network communication (i.e., discussion board, blog, web mail, and chat). Each channel demonstrated high levels of clustering, and being a community member in o...
How to Block Blood Flow by Using Elastic Coil

Endovascular coiling is a primary treatment for intra-cranial aneurysm, which deploys a thin and detachable metal wire inside the aneurysm so as to prevent its rupture. Emerging evidence from medical research and clinical practice has suggested that the coil configuration inside the aneurysm plays a vital role in properly treating aneurysm and predicting its outcome. In this paper, we propose a novel virtual coiling technique, called Ball Winding, for generating a coil configuration with ensured blocking ability. It can be used as an automatic tool for virtually simulating coiling before its implantation and thus optimizes such treatments. Our approach is based on integer linear programming and computational geometry techniques, and takes into consideration the packing density and coil distribution as the performance measurements. Experimental results on both random and real aneurysm data suggest that our proposed method yields near optimal solution. abstract environment.
Use of an Actuated Glove to Facilitate Hand Rehabilitation After Stroke

Stroke survivors often experience long-term upper extremity impairment. This can greatly impair activities of daily living. Repetitive practice of task-oriented training is thought to be beneficial for rehabilitation, but task practice can be limited by poor hand motor control. The objective of this study is to use a soft robotic glove to facilitate hand therapy of stroke survivors. Participants, all of whom will have experienced a stroke less than one year prior to enrollment, will complete 18 one-hour sessions, consisting of 20 min of passive stretching followed by 40 min of active task practice while wearing the device. To date two subjects have finished all training sessions. The device was well tolerated and improvements were observed. The study is ongoing.
Assessing variation across 8 established East Asian loci for type 2 diabetes mellitus in American Indians: Suggestive evidence for new sex‐specific diabetes signals in GLIS3 and ZFAND3

Background Eight new loci for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were identified in an East Asian genome-wide association study meta-analysis. We assess tag SNPs across these loci for associations with T2DM in American Indians. Methods A total of 435 SNPs that tag (R2 ≥ .85) common variation across the 8 loci were analyzed for association with T2DM (n = 7710), early onset T2DM (n = 1060), body mass index (n = 6839), insulin sensitivity (n = 555), and insulin secretion (n = 298). Results Tag SNPs within FITM2-R3HDML-HNF4A, GLIS3, KCNK16, and ZFAND3 associated with T2DM after accounting for locus-wide multiple testing. The T2DM association in FITM2-R3HDML-HNF4A (rs3212183; P = .0002; OR = 1.19 [1.09-1.30]) was independent from the East Asian lead SNP (rs6017317), which did not associate with T2DM in American Indians. The top signals in GLIS3 (rs7875253; P = .0004; OR = 1.23 [1.10-1.38]) and KCNK16 (rs1544050; P = .002; OR = 1.16 [1.06-1.27]) were attenuated after adjustment for the East Asian lead SNPs (rs7041847 in GLIS3; rs1535500 in KCNK16), both of which also associated with T2DM in American Indians (P = .02; OR = 1.11 [1.01-1.21]; P = .007; OR = 1.19 [1.05-1.36] respectively). The top SNP in ZFAND3 (rs9470794; P = .002; OR = 1.43 [1.14-1.80]) was the identical East Asian lead SNP. Additional SNPs in GLIS3 (rs180867004) and ZFAND3 (rs4714120 and rs9470701) had significant genotype × sex interactions (P ≤ .008). The GLIS3 SNP (rs180867004) associated with T2DM only in men (P = .00006, OR = 1.94 [1.40-2.68]). The ZFAND3 SNPs (rs4714120 and rs9470701) associated with T2DM only in women (P = .0002, OR = 1.35 [1.16-1.59]; P = .0003, OR = 1.37 [1.16-1.63] respectively). Conclusions Replication of lead T2DM SNPs in GLIS3, KCNK16, and ZFAND3 was observed in American Indians. Sex-specific T2DM signals in GLIS3 and ZFAND3, which are distinct from the East Asian GWAS signals, were also identified.
Results of Bortezomib (BTZ) Therapy for Myeloma (MM) Patients Relapsing after an Allogeneic Transplant. Preliminary Results Show Efficacy without Induction of GVHD.

Abstract Background: The proteosome inhibitor bortezomib (BTZ) has demonstrated significant activity against multiple myeloma (MM). In vitro data suggests that protesome inhibition has immune-modulatory activity that may be relevant in the setting of allogeneic progenitor cell transplantation (allo SCT). However, there is limited experience with the use of BTZ in patients with MM relapsing after an allo SCT. Purpose: Determine safety, efficacy and effects on GVHD of BTZ in MM patients relapsing after an allo SCT. Methods: Retrospective analysis of outcomes on 9 MM patients who received BTZ therapy for MM relapse after allo SCT Results: Nine patients were identified. Median age was 51 (range, 38–64); all patients underwent an allo SCT because of failure to respond or relapse after primary therapy including autograft in 8 patients. At the time of allo SCT; 3 patients had refractory disease and 6 had chemo-sensitive relapses. The median time from allo SCT to relapse was 8.5 months (range, 5–117); the median time from relapse to initiation of BTZ therapy was 3.4 months (range, 0.1–20). BTZ was the 1st line of therapy for relapse in 5 patients. No patient had active GVHD at the time of BTZ therapy. BTZ was given at a dose of 1.3 mg/m2 on days 1,4,8 and 11 every 21–28 days for a median of 3 cycles (range, 2–8). 4 patients received BTZ alone, 3 in combination with DEXA, and 2 in combination with DEXA/THAL. 6 of 9 patients had either a 50% reduction or greater of monoclonal peak, of which 2 were very good PR (>90% reduction) to BTZ. BTZ was well tolerated and no flares of GVHD were seen. Only 2 patients developed severe thrombocytopenia and fatigue, which required discontinuation of therapy (one in the context of relapsing disease). 2 of the responding patients have relapsed at 4 and 7 months after initiation of BTZ therapy. 4 of the 6 responses are ongoing 3 to 9 months after initiation of BTZ therapy. Individual patient outcomes are summarized in Table 1. Conclusions: BTZ therapy is effective as treatment of MM relapse post allo SCT, it is well tolerated and does not promote GVHD reactions. The response rates would seem to be higher than the responses reported to donor lymphocyte infusions in this setting. BTZ therapy should be studied as front-line therapy for patients relapsing after allo SCT and as maintenance therapy post high risk allograft. Individual Patient Outcomes Pt# #Cycles BTZ BTZ plus Response Duration of Response NCI Toxicity 3-4-5 Outcome 1 3 Dexa PR Ongoing None Alive PR 3+m 2 2 - PR 4m Fatigue 3/Heme 4 Died PD 5m 3 2 Dexa PR Ongoing Fatigue 3/Heme 4 Alive PR 9+m 4 2 - PD 0 Diarrhea Alive PD 2+m 5 8 - VGPR Ongoing Alive VGPR 5+m 6 8 Dexa VGPR Ongoing Alive VGPR 6+m 7 3 - PD 0 Hypotension 3 Died PD 5m 8 4 Dexa/Thal PR 7m Alive PD 7+m 9 3 Dexa/Thal PD 0 Alive PD 4+m
Multicultural teaching competence of Korean early childhood educators

Discourse among early childhood education researchers increasingly emphasizes the need for teachers to better understand and support diversity in their classrooms. As part of a larger mixed-method study, this qualitative research illuminates Korean early childhood educators’ multicultural teaching competence. While Korean classrooms are in transition toward much greater ethnic, linguistic, and cultural diversification, few teacher preparation programs were found to offer classes on diversity or multicultural issues. This study sought to explore what variables might impact participant teachers’ level of multicultural teaching competence. The present study identifies three components of multicultural teaching competence (i.e. knowledge, skills, and sensitivity) and suggests positive ways to develop each component.
Novel approach to molecular cloning and polynucleotide synthesis using vaccinia DNA topoisomerase.

Construction of chimaeric DNA molecules in vitro relies traditionally on two enzymatic steps catalyzed by separate protein components. Site-specific restriction endonucleases are used to generate linear DNAs with defined termini that can then be joined covalently at their ends via the action of DNA ligase. A novel approach to the synthesis of recombinant DNAs exploits the ability of a single enzyme, vaccinia DNA topoisomerase, to both cleave and rejoin DNA strands with extreme specificity at each step. Placement of the CCCTT cleavage motif for vaccinia topoisomerase near the end of a duplex DNA permits efficient generation of a stable, highly recombinogenic protein-DNA adduct that can religate only to acceptor DNAs that contain complementary single-strand extensions. Linear DNAs containing CCCTT cleavage sites at both ends (bivalent substrates) can be activated by topoisomerase and inserted into a plasmid vector in a simple and rapid in vitro procedure that is especially well suited to the molecular cloning of polymerase chain reaction-amplified DNAs. Activation of polyvalent (e.g. branched) DNA substrates by topoisomerase offers a potentially powerful method for the synthesis of two- and three-dimensional polynucleotide networks.
Mild preexercise hyperhydration with electrolyte-containing beverages: effect on thirst, water intake, and physiologic function

Ingestion of beverages containing electrolytes before exercise may stimulate ad libitum water intake and lower urine production thus promoting fluid balance during exercise. In order to study the efficacy of 3 beverages on fluid balance, 20 healthy people (10 male, 10 female; 24 ± 3 y) exercised at 57 ± 4% (means ± SD) VO2peak in a thermoneutral environment (WBGT = 16.2 ± 1.6C) for 90 min, 45 min after ingesting 355 ml of either chicken noodle soup (CNS; 167 mM Na), a carbohydrate/electrolyte beverage (CE; 16 mM Na), or water (WATER). Water intake during exercise was allowed ad libitum except in a second soup trial (CNS/R) where water was given at times and volumes equal to CE. After 90 min of exercise, participants completed a performance task consisting of time to finish 30 min of work at 60%VO2peak. Fluid balance was enhanced in CNS and CNS/R compared with WATER (-268 ± 414 g and -328 ± 500 g vs. -654 ± 577 g and -477 ± 596 g, resp.; p = 0.001) due to increased water intake in CNS, CE, and CNS/R and improved water retention in CNS. A rise in plasma osmolality occurred after ingestion of chicken noodle soup that persisted throughout exercise. The increase in plasma osmolality was independent of plasma sodium concentration. Urine osmolality increased in CNS and CNS/R because of a reduction in free
CD19 CAR-T cells combined with ibrutinib to induce complete remission in CLL.

7509Background: Immunotherapy with anti-CD19 CART cells induces complete remission (CR) in the minority of patients with CLL, but where CRs occur they tend to be durable. Based on preclinical evide...
Border crossings and sexual conquest in the age of neoliberalism in the Sonoran Desert

This article examines the liminal space of the desert borderlands as a scene of routinized sexualized and gendered violence against migrant women border crossers. We explore the human consequences ...
Sparse multivariate Bernoulli processes in high dimensions

We consider the problem of estimating the parameters of a multivariate Bernoulli process with auto-regressive feedback in the high-dimensional setting where the number of samples available is much less than the number of parameters. This problem arises in learning interconnections of networks of dynamical systems with spiking or binary valued data. We also allow the process to depend on its past up to a lag p, for a general $p \geq 1$, allowing for more realistic modeling in many applications. We propose and analyze an $\ell_1$-regularized maximum likelihood (ML) estimator under the assumption that the parameter tensor is approximately sparse. Rigorous analysis of such estimators is made challenging by the dependent and non-Gaussian nature of the process as well as the presence of the nonlinearities and multi-level feedback. We derive precise upper bounds on the mean-squared estimation error in terms of the number of samples, dimensions of the process, the lag $p$ and other key statistical properties of the model. The ideas presented can be used in the rigorous high-dimensional analysis of regularized $M$-estimators for other sparse nonlinear and non-Gaussian processes with long-range dependence.
The Hybrid Operating Room

Complex neurovascular disease often requires the use of both open and endovascular techniques to optimize treatment strategies. The increased technology along with endovascular capabilities has expanded the armamentarium available for neurovascular surgeons. Having both capabilities assimilated in one operating theatre will allow improved ability to treat complex disease more efficiently and lead to improved patient outcomes. The versatility of the room can also be applied to spine and skull base treatments. We review the background, patient selection, as well as room design and logistical challenges in establishing a hybrid operating room.
Tensor Product DFT Codes vs Standard DFT Codes

We present a new class of linear error-correcting codes taking numerical data into codewords with numerical symbols. These codes can correct large random numerical errors added to codewords. The goal is for numerical data to be protected directly as numbers whether in storage or transmission. The coding structures are based on discrete Fourier transform (DFT) codes, defined by parity-check matrices where rows are consecutively indexed DFT vectors. The new tensor codes use the Kronecker product of two parity-check DFT matrices of shorter length codes. We construct all necessary processing matrices. Error correction methods involve two levels of syndromes and use several stochastic Berlekamp-Massey Algorithms (sBMA) to find big syndromes, locate and evaluate large errors. Decoding is done in two stages with stage one producing corrected syndromes. Stage two determines errors within a well-defined segment for the codewords. Tensor codes have simpler and more efficient decoding operations. The characteristics of the tensor codes are compared to standard DFT codes of equal length. The processing operations are significantly less for the tensor codes but the standard DFT codes sometimes have better correcting performance. Nevertheless, tensor product codes can have acceptable levels of correction, more efficiently.
Effects of amino acids and derivatives of cyclic adenosine 3', 5'-monophosphate on the production of three exoenzymes by Staphylococcus simulans biovar staphylolyticus.

Abstract The extracellular protease, endopeptidase, and hexosaminidase produced by Staphylococcus , simulans biovar staphylolyticus were neither induced nor repressed by amino acids but required a tryptic digest of casein for their production. Catabolite repression of exoenzyme production by glucose was not affected by exogenous cyclic adenosine 3′, 5′-monophosphate but was partially relieved by di- or monobutyryl derivatives of this compound.
Reverse Genetic Approaches to Investigate the Neurobiology of the Cnidarian Sea Anemone Nematostella vectensis.

The cnidarian sea anemone Nematostella vectensis has grown in popularity as a model system to complement the ongoing work in traditional bilaterian model species (e.g. Drosophila, C. elegans, vertebrate). The driving force behind developing cnidarian model systems is the potential of this group of animals to impact EvoDevo studies aimed at better determining the origin and evolution of bilaterian traits, such as centralized nervous systems. However, it is becoming apparent that cnidarians have the potential to impact our understanding of regenerative neurogenesis and systems neuroscience. Next-generation sequencing and the development of reverse genetic approaches led to functional genetics becoming routine in the Nematostella system. As a result, researchers are beginning to understand how cnidarian nerve nets are related to the bilaterian nervous systems. This chapter describes the methods for morpholino and mRNA injections to knockdown or overexpress genes of interest, respectively. Carrying out these techniques in Nematostella requires obtaining and preparing embryos for microinjection, designing and generating effective morpholino and mRNA molecules with controls for injection, and optimizing injection conditions.
Abstract WP66: Unexpected Conformational Change of Platelet Glycoprotein Ib (GPIb) Receptor After rt-PA Treatment of Large Vessel Ischemic Stroke

Introduction: Many stroke patients do not fully respond to intravenous rt-PA, possibly due to factors that increase clot resistance or impede reperfusion. GPIb receptors on the platelet surface ini...
A social solution to the puzzle of doxastic responsibility: a two-dimensional account of responsibility for belief

In virtue of what are we responsible for our beliefs? I argue that doxastic responsibility has a crucial social component: part of being responsible for our beliefs is being responsible to others. I suggest that this responsibility is a form of answerability with two distinct dimensions: an individual and an interpersonal dimension. While most views hold that the individual dimension is grounded in some form of control that we can exercise over our beliefs, I contend that we are answerable for our beliefs as long as they reflect our evaluative commitments and dispositions, or are products of our reasoning, where this does not amount to a form of control. I next argue that answerability has a second, largely neglected dimension: the interpersonal dimension, which is grounded in what I call our relations of doxastic dependence. As social creatures, we depend (and indeed, typically must depend) on one another in our capacity as believers. We depend on one another as believers not only in epistemic ways, but also in practical ways, because our beliefs inform and motivate our actions, and allow us to participate in shared practical goals. Depending on one another in these ways is an unavoidable part of cooperating in the shared project of pursuing epistemic and practical success, and it makes us vulnerable to both epistemic and moral harm. It is because of this, I argue, that answerability has interpersonal normative force upon us: we are subject to legitimate expectations associated with participating in relations of doxastic dependence.
Abstract A17: Targeting PI3K/Akt-mediated MADD phosphorylation improves TRAIL sensitivity in anaplastic thyroid cancer

Anaplastic thyroid cancer is an extremely hard-to-treat malignancy due to its aggressiveness, metastasis and inherent therapeutic resistance. Despite using all available armamentaria, the median survival of ATC patients remains dismal. In this regard, TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is known to induce cancer-specific apoptosis without affecting nontumor cells. However, development of resistance to TRAIL hampers its clinical use. One of the mechanisms of TRAIL resistance is mediated through phosphorylation of Map kinase Activating Death Domain-containing protein (MADD) by Akt. In light of this, preventing MADD phosphorylation might be a rational approach to overcome TRAIL resistance. To test this, we examined MADD expression and TRAIL sensitivity by Western blotting and active caspase-3 staining in several ATC cell lines harboring mutations in cancer driver genes including BRAF, Akt, and PTEN. MADD phosphorylation was inhibited by introducing site-directed mutations in Akt phosphorylation sites of MADD and exogenously expressing the mutant constructs to determine the effect on TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Our results showed that MADD was differentially overexpressed in all ATC cells compared to the normal thyroid tissues irrespective of their mutational landscape. Further, exogenous expression of non-phosphorylatable MADD resulted in a significantly increased TRAIL-induced apoptosis accompanied by the activation of both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways. Thus, this study establishes a concept of prevention of MADD phosphorylation to improve TRAIL susceptibility of ATC cells as it can yield similar results as that of blocking PI3k/Akt pathway without any off-target effects. Further studies are warranted to explore specific inhibitors to target MADD phosphorylation. Note: This abstract was not presented at the conference. Citation Format: Shikha Saini, Aditi Mathur, Fei Yue, Ajay Maker, Bellur S. Prabhakar. Targeting PI3K/Akt-mediated MADD phosphorylation improves TRAIL sensitivity in anaplastic thyroid cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Targeting PI3K/mTOR Signaling; 2018 Nov 30-Dec 8; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Res 2020;18(10_Suppl):Abstract nr A17.
Rationale and Design of a Telehealth Self-Management, Shared Care Intervention for Post-treatment Survivors of Lung and Colorectal Cancer

Survivors of lung and colorectal cancer have high post-treatment needs; the majority are older and suffer from greater comorbidities and poor quality of life (QOL). They remain underrepresented in research, leading to significant disparities in post-treatment outcomes. Personalized post-treatment follow-up care and care coordination among healthcare teams is a priority for survivors of lung and colorectal cancer. However, there are few evidence-based interventions that address survivors' post-treatment needs beyond the use of a follow-up care plan. This paper describes the rationale and design of an evidence-informed telehealth intervention that integrates shared care coordination between oncology/primary care and self-management skills building to empower post-treatment survivors of lung and colorectal cancer. The intervention design was informed by (1) contemporary published evidence on cancer survivorship, (2) our previous research in lung and colorectal cancer survivorship, (3) the chronic care self-management model (CCM), and (4) shared post-treatment follow-up care between oncology and primary care. A two-arm, parallel randomized controlled trial will determine the efficacy of the telehealth intervention to improve cancer care delivery and survivor-specific outcomes. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04428905.
P110α and P110δ catalytic subunits of PI3 kinase regulate lysophosphatidylcholine-induced TRPC6 externalization

Lipid oxidation products, including lysophosphatidylcholine (lysoPC) inhibit endothelial cell (EC) migration in vitro and impair EC healing of arterial injuries in vivo, in part by activating phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), which increases the externalization of canonical transient receptor potential 6 (TRPC6) channels and the subsequent increase in intracellular calcium. Inhibition of PI3K is a potential method to decrease TRPC6 activation and restore migration, but PI3K is involved in multiple intracellular signaling pathways and has multiple downstream effectors. The goal of this study is to identify the specific p110 catalytic subunit isoforms responsible for lysoPC-induced TRPC6 externalization to identify a target for intervention while minimizing impact on alternative signaling pathways. Down-regulation of the p110α and p110δ isoforms, but not the p110β or p110γ isoforms, with small interfering RNA significantly decreased phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-trisphosphate production and TRPC6 externalization, and significantly improved EC migration in the presence of lysoPC. These results identify an additional role of p110α in EC and reveal for the first time a specific role of p110δ in EC, providing a foundation for subsequent in vivo studies to investigate the impact of p110 isoform inhibition on arterial healing after injury.
Multiscale mechanistic modelling of the host defense in invasive aspergillosis reveals leukocyte activation and iron acquisition as drivers of infection outcome

Aspergillus species are ubiquitous environmental molds, the spores of which are inhaled daily by most humans. Immunocompromised hosts can develop an invasive infection resulting in high mortality. There is, therefore, a pressing need for host-centric therapeutics for this infection. To address this need, we created a multi-scale computational model of the infection, focused on its interaction with the innate immune system and iron, a critical nutrient for the pathogen. The model, parameterized using published data, was found to recapitulate a wide range of biological features and was experimentally validated in vivo. Conidial swelling was identified as critical in fungal strains with high growth, whereas the siderophore secretion rate is an essential prerequisite for establishment of the infection in low-growth strains. In immunocompetent hosts, high growth, high swelling probability, and impaired leukocyte activation lead to a high conidial germination rate. Similarly, in neutropenic mice, high fungal growth was achieved through synergy between high growth rate, high swelling probability, slow leukocyte activation, and high siderophore secretion. In summary, the model reveals a small set of parameters related to fungal growth, iron acquisition, and leukocyte activation as key determinants of the fate of the infection.
'African Solidarity' Yesterday and Today in Mandabi by Sembene Ousmane (1968) and Le Ventre De L'Atlantique by Fatou Diome (2003)

In many African nations, « solidarity » emerges as a key symbol of belonging, and those who do not practice it (solidarity) can be relegated to the margin of the “nation.” Has this concept (African Solidarity) and its practice evolved in post-colonial Africa? Using the concept of the nation as defined in postcolonial studies, I plan to do a comparative diachronic study of the concept and practice of ‘African Solidarity’ in two Senegalese literary and filmic works: Mandabi, a film by Semebene Ousmane released in 1968, and the novel Le Ventre de l’Atlantique by Fatou Diome published in 2003. As the societies portrayed in the above works gradually embrace Western capitalism and lifestyles, solidarity as a social value seems to be losing ground. I will analyze challenges these changes bring, and suggest that new symbols of belonging to the “nation” have merged in Post-colonial Africa.
Coifman wavelets in 3D scattering from very rough surfaces

Scattering of electromagnetic waves from rough surfaces has been studied by analytical, experimental, and numerical means. In the numerical approaches, the Monte Carlo method has been used for decades employing the method of moments (MoM). Traditional MoM in conjunction with the Galerkin procedure requires that the computation time be on the order of n/sup 2/ for matrix filling and n/sup 3/ for matrix inversion if Gaussian elimination is employed. In this paper we employ the Coifman wavelets (Coiflets) which have compact supports, permit the multiresolution analysis (MRA) and form an orthonormal basis with zero moments, smoothness, and Dirac-/spl delta/-like property. The Coiflets reduce the matrix filling into O(n). In a benchmark case of a very rough surface with /spl sigma/ = 1/spl lambda/, /spl lscr/ = 2/spl lambda/, the matrix size has been reduced from 32,768 /spl times/ 32,768 to 8192 /spl times/ 8192. Numerical results agree well with the laboratory measurements. The backscattering enhancements axe observed for both the like- and crosspolarizations.