cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interaction of natural killer cells with MHC class II: Reversal of HLA-DR1-mediated protection of K562 transfectant from natural killer cell-mediated cytolysis by brefeldin-A

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I antigens on tumour cell surfaces have been shown to modulate target susceptibility to natural killer (NK) cell-mediated lysis in some, although not all, systems investigated. MHC class II expression may also affect NK cell function, but the mechanism by which MHC class II antigen regulates NK cell activity has not been fully examined. In this study we induced HLA-DR1 expression by gene transfection into the classic NK-sensitive K562 cell line to study the interaction of NK cells with MHC class II molecules and the effect of brefeldin-A (BFA), an endogenous antigen-processing pathway blocker, on NK-target cell interaction. We demonstrated that the expression of HLA-DR1 on the cell surface reduced K562 cell susceptibility to NK lysis by peripheral blood monuclear cells and a NK cell line. The effect was demonstrable in prolonged (8 hr) cytotoxicity assays and was blocked by pretreatment of target cells with anti-HLA-DR antibody. Treatment of K562 DR transfectant with BFA abrogated the resistance of K562 transfectant to NK-mediated cytolysis. These findings indicate that HLA class II molecules regulate NK cell function and target recognition, and suggest that endogenous peptides presented through MHC molecules are responsible for regulating NK cytolysis.
The Efficacy of Continuous Bupivacaine Infiltration Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine whether continuous infiltration of a local anesthetic into the surgical wound for 48 hours will diminish the need for narcotics and improve the postoperative pain experience for patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using a patellar tendon autograft. Type of Study: Prospective, randomized, double-blind study with a placebo and an experimental group. Methods: Twenty-six patients were randomly assigned to receive either normal saline (placebo) or bupivacaine (experimental) for 48 hours. Both groups received a single intra-articular bolus injection of 35 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine and 5 mg. of morphine at the conclusion of surgery. The placebo group received an infusion of 2 mL/h of normal saline and the experimental group received an infusion of 2 mL/h of 0.25% bupivacaine, both for 48 hours. The anesthetic was infused using a disposable elastomeric pump (Baxter Healthcare, Deerfield, IL). Patients were evaluated using a pain and pain relief assessment questionnaire and visual analogue scale (VAS). Narcotic consumption was also documented. The pump was discontinued either by the patient at home or by a physical therapist. Results: There was a statistically significant (P .05) difference in VAS pain and pain relief scores reported by patients receiving the infusion of 0.25% bupivacaine. Patients in the treatment group also consumed 37% less narcotics than the placebo group. The operating room time, tourniquet time, weight, and age of this population were similar in the 2 groups. There were no complications with the catheter technique. Conclusion: This report of a new technique suggests that surgical knee patients receiving local anesthetic infusion postoperatively experience less pain and require less narcotics. The disposable pump allowed administration of the medication on an outpatient basis. Key Words: Bupivacaine—ACL reconstruction—Continuous local anesthetic—Outpatient pain management—Elastomeric pump.
Extraterrestrial 3 He in Paleocene sediments from Shatsky Rise: Constraints on sedimentation rate variability

article i nfo We attempt to constrain the variability of the flux of extraterrestrial 3 He in the Paleocene by studying sediments from Shatsky Rise (Ocean Drilling Program, ODP Leg 198) that have tight orbital age control. 3 He concentrations in Shatsky Rise sediments vary periodically at high frequency by about a factor of 6 over the 800-ka record analyzed. Virtually all of the sedimentary 3 He (N99.98%) is of extraterrestrial origin. The total helium in the sediments can be explained as a binary mixture of terrestrial and extraterrestrial components. We calculate an average 3 He/ 4 He ratio for the extraterrestrial endmember of 2.41±0.29×10 �4 , which is, remarkably, equal to that measured in present-day interplanetary dust particles. We determine a constant extraterrestrial 3 He flux of 5.9±0.9×10 �13 cm 3 STP
A pituitary carcinoma secreting TSH and prolactin: a non-secreting adenoma gone awry.

To our knowledge, only one case of a TSH-secreting carcinoma has previously been reported. We describe here a second patient with a pituitary carcinoma producing TSH and prolactin (PRL). A 37-year-old male underwent a left frontotemporal craniotomy in 1996 for a sellar mass. Except for mildly increased PRL and elevated a-subunit, hormone evaluation was normal. Pathologic examination revealed a chromophobe adenoma with increased mitotic forms. The patient completed a course of external beam radiation to the pituitary and was prescribed L-thyroxine, bromocriptine, and hydrocortisone. He was lost to follow-up but did well for 6 years, until 2002, when he presented with TSH-dependent thyrotoxicosis and hyperprolactinemia. The patient was started on bromocriptine and propylthiouracil and was, again, lost to follow-up. In 2004, 9 years after his initial presentation, he presented after falling. Magnetic resonance imaging showed two brain masses with associated midline shift. Emergent resection of the larger mass revealed a pituitary cancer with positive staining for PRL, but not for TSH. Nine months later, the patient underwent further debulking of metastatic disease. Although development of a carcinoma from a pituitary adenoma is very rare (, 0.5%), macroadenomas that become hormonally active should be suspect for transformation into pituitary cancer.
Mechanisms for hydrolysis of silicon nanomembranes as used in bioresorbable electronics.

The ability of silicon to dissolve in physiological environments allows its use as the basis of a high-performance inorganic integrated circuit technology for active, bioresorbable implant devices. N. R. Aluru, J. A. Rogers, and co-workers perform systematic experimental and theoretical studies of hydrolysis of silicon nanomembranes at near neutral pH, as described on page 1857. This image shows a molecular-dynamics rendering of nucleophilic attack of a silicon surface immersed in water and the resulting formation of molecules of silicic acid.
Personal and Co-Parent Predictors of Parenting Efficacy Across the Transition to Parenthood

as with the majority of the parenting literature, the focus on parenting efficacy has been almost exclusively on the experience of the mother while neglecting fathers and the potential link between partners. in the current study, we examined the influence of personal and co-parent predictors on parenting efficacy. We interviewed 104 primiparous couples during the third trimester, 1-month postpar tum, and 4-months postpartum. Predictors of parenting efficacy were examined in the domains of performance accomplishment, emotional arousal, and verbal persuasion. analyses revealed that personal and co-parent predictors of parenting efficacy changed over time and were unique for mothers and fathers. overall, these results suggest the importance of examining actor-partner effects in the development of parenting efficacy across the transition to parenthood.
The analysis and measurement of transmission characteristics and interference over MV distribution line

Using the Medium Voltage(MV) distribution line as a communication medium of the distribution automation and public communication could also be a cost-effective, advantageous and effective way compared to other systems because it is an existing infrastructure. In order to investigate MV PLC's signal leakage interference & transmission characteristics at frequency range from 20 to 500 kHz, the attenuation, impedance, noise and interference at different Voltage power line were measured, and the results of statistical analysis have been achieved by PC. Furthermore the effects of MV PLC are discussed. According to DL/T790 series standards (IEC61334), the measurement for MV PLC's signal leakage interference is performed, and its results indicate that the spectrum leak of the MV PLC equipment doesn't disturb the work of existed carrier communication system, especially carrier transceiver for relay protection.
Time-varying induced coherence

A previously reported interference experiment, involving two parametric downconverters with their idlers aligned, is reanalyzed with a time-dependent modulator introduced between the two downconverters. This change modifies the analysis nontrivially. It is found that the visibility of the interference effect is completely determined by the state of the modulator at one moment on the light cone backward from the detected photon, even though no photon may be passing the modulator at that time. The implication for a delayed-choice experiment is discussed briefly.
Effect of metabolic acidosis on hyperlipidemia in uremia

Nine patients (aged 18±1 years) on maintenance hemodialysis with metabolic acidosis and hyperlipidemia were studied before and after 2 weeks of oral sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) treatment to correct the acidosis. To control for the effect of additional sodium, they were also studied after 2 weeks of an equivalent amount of oral sodium chloride (NaCl). Oral NaHCO3 treatment led to significant increases in venous pH, serum bicarbonate, and serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 concentrations, but no significant change in total and ionized calcium, phosphate, sodium, potassium, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and intact parathyroid hormone concentrations. Oral NaCl did not change any of the biochemical parameters. Before treatment of acidosis, these uremic patients had high serum triglycerides, low serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, but normal total cholesterol compared with controls. Following 2 weeks of NaHCO3 treatment, there was a significant decrease in the serum concentrations of triglycerides (P<0.01). HDL and total cholesterol did not change. There were no changes in triglycerides, HDL or total cholesterol from baseline values following 2 weeks of NaCl. Thus treatment of metabolic acidosis ameliorated hypertriglyceridemia but had no effect on HDL and total cholesterol in patients with uremia on hemodialysis. The underlying mechanism may involve 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3.
Impact of pregnancy on the concentrations of selected phthalates

Developing fetus can be exposed to toxicants during pregnancy. Impact of human pregnancy on the concentrations of phthalate metabolites mono(carboxynonyl) (MCNP), mono(carboxyoctyl) (MCOP), mono-2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl, mono-n-butyl, mono-(3-carboxy propyl), monoethyl, mono-2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl, mono-2-ethylhexyl, monoisobutyl, mono-2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl phthalate, mono-benzyl, sum of low molecular weight phthalates (∑LMW), sum of high molecular weight phthalates (∑HMW), and sum of diethylhexyl phthalates was assessed. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for the years 2005–2010 were used for this purpose. Regression models with logs of these metabolites as dependent variables and age, race/ethnicity, education, pregnancy, smoking and iron storage status, study year, family poverty income ratio (PIR), body mass index, urine albumin, and urine creatinine as independent variables were fitted. Pregnant females were found to have significantly lower concentrations of ∑HMW and MCNP tha...
Use of beam probes for rigidity calibration of the A1900 fragment separator

Abstract Use of a beam-based approach is presented for establishing a rigidity calibration for the A1900 fragment separator located at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory. Also presented is why an alternative approach to the rigidity calibration – using detailed field maps of individual magnetic components – is not a feasible basis for deriving an accurate calibration. The level of accuracy achieved for the rigidity calibration is ±0.1%.
The Earliest Unexpected Class Inspection

Now that you have settled into your new post, I am required to evaluate your teaching performance. The semester is well under way, so the sooner this is done, the better. If we were being scientific about sampling your teaching, the class observation would be a surprise inspection. Thus reason dictates that the visit should occur on the first day that you do not believe it will occur. But on reflection, this is an impossible demand. Could I give the inspection next Monday? No, because you would realize that Monday is the first available unexpected day. What about the next class on Tuesday? Well the previous elimination would make Tuesday the first available unexpected day. Hence, it falls prey to the previous reasoning. And indeed, parallel reasoning would eliminate all of the remaining days. Hence, the earliest unexpected inspection is impossible. Since we hired you in a buyer's market, you have obviously noted the resemblance to the surprise examination paradox. But you may have not noticed that the elimination proceeds in the reverse direction. It is odd that such a reversal could be effected by substituting a definite description ('The event will occur on the first unexpected day') for an existential generalization ('The event will occur on an unexpected day'). But that's logic for you. Thus I am compelled to take refuge in philosophy department's custom of asking you to propose a day for the class visit.
The derivation of so-called "giant-cell" and "spindle-cell" undifferentiated thyroidal neoplasms.

Electron microscopy of a combined giant-cell and spindle-cell undifferentiated neoplasm of the thyroid disclosed the presence of frequent desmosomal attachment plates, occasional microvilli, and apparent transitional forms between remaining acinar and overtly neoplastic cellular elements. The conversion of round and giant cells to more spindle forms could be followed in tissue culture explants of the primary tumor, indicating that all cell types in this tumor represent morphologic variants of die same prototype element. The ultrastructural features of these cells in tissue culture were similar to those noted in the cells of die primary tumor. These findings signify the epithelial derivation of this common form of undifferentiated thyroid neoplasm. On the other hand, the ultrastructural features of cells comprising another undifferentiated, purely spindle-cell, thyroidal neoplasm allowed for their identification as fibroblasts and its designation as fibrosarcoma. The presence of both giant and round cells, occasional epidielial-like architectural arrangement of cell masses, and apparent transitions of the neoplastic elements from occult acini should allow for die light microscopic differentiation of this carcinoma with spindle cells from the uniformly spindle-cell, truly sarcomatous-appearing fibrosarcoma.
Biotypes and Clonal Variation in Greenbug (Homoptera: Aphididae) Populations from a Locality in California

Considerable genetic variation in virulence, fecundity, and adult weight was found between and within clones of greenbug, Schizaphis graminum (Rondani), populations near Davis, Calif. Eight clones were established from individual apterous aphids collected from four fields within 50 km of each other. Aphids from these clones differed in their ability to damage wheat variety ‘TAM 107’ and in their weight and fecundity on several sorghum varieties. Based on these differences, the clones could be separated into four distinct groups. Lineages of four clones, maintained for 14–16 successive generations by selecting either large or small aphids, differed in their fecundities. These differences could not be explained by maternal effects. If biotypes of the greenbug are determined by the damage they cause to particular plant varieties, as recently proposed, then clones that differ in fitness traits such as fecundity and weight cannot be considered different biotypes. However, to develop strategies for reducing the rate of aphid adaptation to resistant varieties, we must understand such variation in fitness on a local scale, information that is not obtained in general biotype surveys.
Direct identification of unexpected serum antibodies against red cell antigens

A new method to detect the identity of unexpected antibodies in the sera of prospective transfusion recipients is presented. The method is based on a macroscopic hemagglutination inhibition assay. In this assay, incubation of phenotypically defined test red blood cells with patient sera containing non-agglutinating antibodies to one or more specific antigen systems block monoclonal IgM induction of red cell agglutination. Since the specificities of the IgM antibodies are known, the identity of the patient's antibody(ies) can be directly determined. This method, which uses only reagents that are commercially available, is specific and eliminates the use of the indirect antiglobulin test (IAT) and the use of elimination panels.
Age-related changes in the relationship between alcohol use and violence from early adolescence to young adulthood

Abstract Background Despite the accumulation of studies examining the link between alcohol use and violence, no studies to our knowledge have systematically set out to detect age-related differences in these relationships. This limitation inhibits important insights into the stability of the relationship between alcohol use and violence among youth across varying ages. Method Study findings are based on repeated, cross-sectional data collected annually as part of the National Survey on Drug Use and Health between 2002 and 2013. We combined a series of nationally representative cross-sections to provide a multi-year string of data that, in effect, reflects a nationally representative non-traditional cohort. We conducted logistic regression analyses to examine the cross-sectional association between non-binge and binge drinking and violent attacks among youth between ages 12 (2002) and 24/25 (2013). Results With respect to the association between non-binge alcohol use and violence, the only significant relationship identified—while controlling for sociodemographic and drug use factors—was for youth at age 13 (2003; OR = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.04–3.72). For binge drinking, we identified a distinct pattern of results. Controlling for sociodemographic, drug use factors, and school enrollment, binge drinking was significantly associated with violence between ages 13 (2003) and 20 (2010) with the largest odds ratios observed during the early adolescent period. Conclusions Non-binge drinking is associated with violent behavior at age 13. Binge drinking was found to be associated with violence among youth through age 20; however, the relationship dissipates when youth arrive at the legal drinking age of 21.
Clinical Simulation in Medical Education: The Wisconsin Experience

The past 5-years have seen a dramatic increase in the enrollment in the nation’s medical schools. This, unfortunately, has not been coupled with a concomitant increase in faculty size. It has, however, coincided with a decrease in ward service populations, the traditional source of “teaching” patients. These events have put a considerable strain on existing medical school clinical teaching facilities. In response to this medical educators have begun to investigate the use of alternate training techniques. One area that has come under close scrutiny has been the use of computers in medical education.
Biodiversity Metrics in Sustainable Forestry Certification Programs

We reviewed sustainable forestry certification programs and the literature to identify metrics relevant to biodiversity considerations. Two certification approaches emerged, one based on an organization's management processes and one based on measurements of forest components against desired outcomes. However, there was little documentation of why certain metrics were chosen for either approach. A common theme in the literature was concern with the criteria for selecting metrics rather than recommendations of specific metrics. Biodiversity conservation plans and metrics should reflect landowner goals and address societal concerns as well as ecological considerations.
Sustainability, Greenspace and Nature Deficit in Las Vegas, Nevada

Nature deficit occurs when people, especially children, spend less time outdoors. Nature deficit often results in a wide range of behavioral issues, and people living in urban areas are more apt to have nature deficit. The literature suggests potential relationships of nature deficit to commitments toward sustainability. Expanding the awareness of the perceived connectivity of greenspaces, nature deficit, and attitudes about sustainability are important. Geospatial technologies, such as Geographic Information Systems and remote sensing, can accurately map green spaces in urban and suburban areas. This chapter describes some of the tools and techniques used to map these areas. Mapping green spaces in urban areas can be as simple as setting a threshold of vegetation index values to determine greenspace. In this chapter we use remote sensing data and techniques to map out vegetation and greenspaces throughout the Las Vegas metropolitan area in 1985 and 2014. Specifically, the percentage of greenspace in Las Vegas has decreased by about 2.5 % in 29 years. Studies like this can help planners, geographers, and others to understand the spatial dimensions of urban greenspace, and help them to promote vegetation throughout entire urban areas – especially those areas that are deemed to not have adequate greenspace. However, further research needs to be conducted on how residents in desert areas, like Las Vegas, perceive nature (it is green?), how the desert urban landscape influences people, the contributions of desert landscape exposure to perceptions of environmental sustainability, and potential outcomes from contact with nature different in desert environments.
Physics of SOA degradation phenomena in power transistors under ESD conditions

The fundamental physical mechanism decreasing transistor SOA boundary and ID with the increasing transistor total width is identified and reported for the first time. The skin effect, proximity and Hall-effect arising from the large varying-current are attributed to transistor SOA degradation.
ACETABULAR DISTRACTION: AN ALTERNATIVE APPROACH TO PELVIC DISCONTINUITY

Stabilisation of a chronic pelvic discontinuity with a posterior column plate with or without an associated acetabular cage sometimes results in persistent micromotion across the discontinuity with late fatigue failure and component loosening. We believe that these chronic discontinuities are really chronic fracture non-unions incapable of healing. Acetabular distraction offers an alternative technique for reconstruction in cases of severe bone loss with an associated pelvic discontinuity. We describe the technique of acetabular distraction with porous tantalum components and evaluate its survival, function and complication rate in patients undergoing revision surgery for chronic pelvic discontinuity. Between 2002 and 2006, we treated 28 patients with a chronic pelvic discontinuity acetabular reconstruction using acetabular distraction. A porous tantalum elliptical acetabular component was used alone or with an associated modular porous tantalum augment in all patients. Three patients died and five patients were lost to follow up before two years. The remaining twenty patients were followed semiannually for a minimum of two years (average, 5.5 years; range, 2–9 years) with clinical pain and walking scores as well as radiographic evaluation for loosening, migration or failure. In the remaining twenty patients available for follow up, one patient did require re-revision for aseptic loosening. Fifteen patients remained radiographically stable at last follow up. Four patients had early migration of their acetabular component but thereafter remained radiographically stable and clinically asymptomatic. The average improvement using the modified Merle d9Aubigne – Postel pain and ambulation score was 6.6 (range, 3.3–9.6). There were no post-operative dislocations; however, we did encounter one infection, one vascular injury and one bowel injury. In this series, the use of acetabular distraction with porous tantalum components provides a biologic alternative to cage constructs with more predictable clinical results (average follow up 5.5 years) for reconstruction of severe acetabular defects with associated pelvic discontinuity.
Comparison of medicines management strategies in insurance schemes in middle-income countries: four case studies

Background Many middle-income countries are scaling up health insurance schemes to provide financial protection and access to affordable medicines to poor and uninsured populations. Although there is a wealth of evidence on how high income countries with mature insurance schemes manage cost-effective use of medicines, there is limited evidence on the strategies used in middle-income countries. This paper compares the medicines management strategies that four insurance schemes in middle-income countries use to improve access and cost-effective use of medicines among beneficiaries.
Abbreviations for Automated Systems1

Methods were sought for generating abbreviations that are easy to learn and remember. At present, abbreviations for automated systems often reflect the idiosyncratic preferences of a small group of people. To remedy this situation, research was undertaken to evaluate alternative abbreviation methods and to specify an algorithm for their systematic generation. The resulting algorithm is built around a truncation method with fixed-length abbreviations.
How the Other Half Lives: CRISPR-Cas’s Influence on Bacteriophages

CRISPR-Cas is a genetic adaptive immune system unique to prokaryotic cells used to combat phage and plasmid threats. The host cell adapts by incorporating DNA sequences from invading phages or plasmids into its CRISPR locus as spacers. These spacers are expressed as mobile surveillance RNAs that direct CRISPR-associated (Cas) proteins to protect against subsequent attack by the same phages or plasmids. The threat from mobile genetic elements inevitably shapes the CRISPR loci of archaea and bacteria, and simultaneously the CRISPR-Cas immune system drives evolution of these invaders. Here, we highlight our recent work, as well as that of others, that seeks to understand phage mechanisms of CRISPR-Cas evasion and conditions for population coexistence of phages with CRISPR-protected prokaryotes.
Are Some of the Cigar Warnings Mandated in the U.S. More Believable Than Others

Background: Text warnings are mandated on cigars sold in the United States (U.S.), however little published research has examined effectiveness of cigar warnings. This is the first study examining the believability of cigar warnings among adults in the U.S. Methods: Adults in the U.S. (n = 5014) were randomized in a phone survey to receive one of three cigar-specific mandated warning messages (“Cigar smoking can cause cancers of the mouth and throat, even if you do not inhale”, “Cigar smoking can cause lung cancer and heart disease”, and “Cigars are not a safe alternative to cigarettes”) with one of four warning sources (no source, Surgeon General, CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), FDA (Food and Drug Administration)). Results: Most adults found the cigar warnings very believable (66.9%). Weighted logistic regression results indicate that the message “Cigar smoking can cause lung cancer and heart disease” was associated with higher odds of being very believable (AOR: 2.05, 95% CI: 1.55, 2.70) and the message “Cigars are not a safe alternative to cigarettes” was associated with lower odds of being very believable (AOR: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.55, 0.92) compared to the message “Cigar smoking can cause cancers of the mouth and throat, even if you do not inhale”. Warning source had no impact on believability. Conclusions: We tested three of the currently mandated cigar warnings in the U.S. and found significant differences in believability between them. Further research on cigar warnings may improve communication to the public on cigar health risks, ultimately preventing uptake of cigars and promoting cessation among cigar users.
Five Actions to Stop Citizen Petition Abuse

High drug prices are in the news. In some cases, such as AIDS-treating Daraprim and the life-saving EpiPen, the price increases dramatically. In other cases, which have received less attention, the price stays high longer than it should. Either way, anticompetitive behavior often lurks behind inflated prices. By delaying price-reducing generic competition, this behavior forces consumers to spend billions of extra dollars each year. Brand drug companies have engaged in an array of conduct to delay generic entry. They have entered into agreements by which they pay generic manufacturers to settle patent litigation and delay entering the market. They have engaged in “product hopping,” switching from one version of a drug to another, often to delay generic entry. And they have restricted their distribution systems to prevent generics from obtaining needed samples. Another one of these strategies, which has flown under the radar until recently, involves “citizen petitions” filed with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Although intended to serve the public interest by bringing safety concerns to the agency’s attention, nearly all petitions today that target generic drugs are denied. Despite the low success rate, petitions are still able to delay generic entry and hamstring the FDA. This Piece provides an overview of citizen petitions and the anticompetitive harm they threaten and offers five solutions to address the problem posed by abusive petitions: (1) increasing transparency; (2) shedding light on simultaneous decisions on petitions and generic approval; (3) facilitating the FDA’s summary dispositions of petitions; (4) addressing resource waste; and (5) promoting timely-filed petitions.
Designing an agent based model for the efficient removal of red imported fire ant colonies

Red imported fire ants have proven to be a bane of the existence of many individuals in the southern United States. Defining methodologies for prevention, removal, and destruction of these invasive insects continues to be difficult due to their highly developed survival instincts. Multiple methods and processes exist to force the destruction of red imported fire ants yet their sheer numbers and ability to return to previously cleared spaces defines a need for greater understanding of the ant-to-ant interaction within these beds. The primary purpose of this research is to design a working model of a red imported fire ant bed that can be improved upon by interactions with the University of Texas at Tyler biology department. To meet this goal an understanding of agent-based models is first needed. Agent-based models (ABM) have the ability to generate complex behavior using easily understandable rules that can be altered by an individual with less knowledge of the computing process and more involvement in the system process. Another benefit of these models is their highly parallelized nature leading to other technological research routes to speed up the processes and create more cross discipline projects. Based on the ABM's highly parallelized nature, implementing this model on a system that can harness the low cost parallel processing environments of general purpose graphics processors and multicore CPUs is our ultimate goal. This paper outlines our initial steps in defining the model and designing a system that works effectively at a small scale on a sequential environment. Our future plans to port this model to a parallel processing environment are also detailed.
Pigment Versus Cholesterol Cholelithiasis: Identification and Quantification by Infrared Spectroscopy

We previously reported that 27% of 92 cholecystectomized patients had pigment stones (Am J Dig Dis 19:585–590, 1974). Using standard biochemical methods, we found that cholesterol accounted for an average of 77% of the dry weight of cholesterol stones, but that unconjugated bilirubin represented a mean of only 7% of pigment stones. This quantitation of pigment stones was limited because approximately 66% of their weight was insoluble. To characterize pigment and cholesterol stone composition further, we used infrared spectroscopy — a technique requiring neither crystallinity nor solubilization — to quantitate pigment, carbonate, and cholesterol in gallstones. Other organic and inorganic components of stones were measured by standard methods. By infrared spectroscopy, two types of pigment stones were identified: carbonate-containing and noncarbonate pigment stones. Carbonate pigment stones contained significantly more calcium, carbonate, and phosphate, but less pigment than noncarbonate stones. Compared to our initial report, the total measured components of all pigment stones were increased 6-fold from 10 to 63%. Cholesterol was the major component of cholesterol stones by chemical assay or infrared spectroscopy. Among five cholesterol stones with limited solubility, 80% of the insoluble residue was identified as cholesterol by infrared spectroscopy. This study extends our knowledge of pigment stone and cholesterol stone composition by the use of quantitative infrared spectroscopy in conjunction with standard biochemical methods; furthermore, it confirms that pigment and cholesterol stones differ in composition and form by different mechanisms.
Quantifying the Impact of Earned and Owned Social Media Exposures in a Two-stage Decision Making Model of Brand Purchase

This study investigates the effect of earned and owned social media exposures and their interaction on brand purchase in a two-stage decision model. Using a niche dataset of twelve-month of daily household purchase and Facebook exposure data for a fastmoving consumer goods marketplace, we first estimate the household purchase propensity, controlling for the variation of baseline tendency at household level and differences across brands. Second, we estimate the level of the brand purchase affected by earned and owned Facebook exposures while accounting for situational factors such as on-site promotions. We found that a brand’s volumes of earned and owned social media have positive impacts on increasing the household’s willingness to buy the brand. However, their effects can be substitutive. Second, the volumes of earned and owned social media have almost no effect on the level of households’ on-site brand purchases when we control for on-site promotions and household socio-demographic characteristics.
Pathways From Caring and Engaging Adults to Youth Vocational Identity: The Mediational Roles of Career Search Self-Efficacy and Goal Capacity:

This study examines the role played by access to caring and engaging adults, career search self-efficacy (CSSE), and goal capacity in the development of youth vocational identity. The study used a ...
Characteristics and Skin Cancer Risk Behaviors of Adult Sunless Tanners in the United States

Importance Incidence rates of nonmelanoma and melanoma skin cancers are increasing rapidly in the United States likely because of increased UV light exposure. Sunless tanning is a safe alternative to achieve tanned skin that might help reduce skin cancer incidence by deterring risky behaviors. However, limited data exist on the characteristics and associated skin cancer risk behaviors of sunless tanners in the United States. Objective To assess the demographic characteristics and skin cancer risk behaviors of sunless tanners among adults in the United States. Design, Setting, and Participants This secondary analysis of a cross-sectional study used data from the 2015 National Health Interview Survey, a population-based survey of the US noninstitutionalized civilian population. Participants included 27 353 men and women 18 years or older. Main Outcome and Measures Participant demographics and skin cancer risk behaviors, including indoor tanning, skin cancer screening, sunburn, and sun protection behaviors. Results Of the 27 353 adults (representative of more than 198 million US adults; mean [SE] age, 46.0 [0.2] years) studied, 6.4% (SE, 0.2%) reported sunless tanning. Factors associated with sunless tanning included being young, female, non-Hispanic white, college educated, nonobese, and sun sensitive, living in the western United States, and having a family history of skin cancer. Sunless tanners were more likely to report indoor tanning (adjusted prevalence odds ratio [aPOR], 3.77; 95% CI, 3.19-4.43;P Conclusions and Relevance This study suggests that sunless tanning is associated with risky skin cancer–related behaviors. Longitudinal studies are needed to assess whether sunless tanning changes UV exposure behaviors to better determine whether sunless tanning represents an effective public health strategy to reduce rates of skin cancer in the United States.
Exploring the relationship between agricultural intensification and changes in cropland areas in the US.

Abstract Rapid increase in human population, per capita food consumption (i.e., meat-intensive diet), and biofuel production further drives increasing demand for land. One critical solution is agricultural intensification of crop yield (i.e., crop production per unit area) improvement on the existing croplands. Therefore, the pressure to convert other land for food production can be reduced. Here, we used a panel data of the three most important crops (i.e., corn, soybean, and wheat) in the US Midwest to explore trends of change in agricultural yields and cropland areas at both county and crop levels during 1974–2008. We then utilized mapping to visualize and explicitly examine the spatial patterns of land-sparing and agricultural expansion. Finally, we related cropland area changes to changes in yield and other factors that may impact the contraction/expansion of cropland areas. We detected agricultural expansion with yield increases when considering all counties together. However, cropland area increases were less rapid than rises in crop production. Counties located at the southern periphery of the Corn Belt experienced land-sparing, whereas counties located at the western margin of the Corn Belt, that are more arid and potentially require higher input, exhibited highest agricultural expansion. Higher crop prices and USDA farm subsidies were associated with agricultural expansion.
Design in the HCI Classroom: Setting a Research Agenda

Interaction design is playing an increasingly prominent role in computing research, while professional user experience roles expand. These forces drive the demand for more de- sign instruction in HCI classrooms. In this paper, we distill the popular approaches to teaching design to undergraduate and graduate students of HCI. Through a review of existing research on design pedagogy, an international survey of 61 HCI educators, and an analysis of popular textbooks, we ex- plore the prominent disciplinary perspectives that shape design education in the HCI classroom. We draw on our analyses to discuss the differences we see in forms of design taught, approaches to adapting design instruction in computing-based courses, and the tensions faced by instructors of these classes. We conclude by arguing for the importance of pedagogical research on design instruction as a vital and foundational area of inquiry in Interaction Design and HCI.
Addressing Comorbidities in Difficult Asthma

Difficult-to-treat asthma is defined as asthma that remains uncontrolled despite therapy with high-dose inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) or chronic oral corticosteroids. The evaluation and management of patients with difficult-to-treat asthma should include properly diagnosing and addressing comorbid conditions which are commonly associated with poor asthma control. The conditions discussed in this chapter will be allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis with or without nasal polyps, aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease, obstructive sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux disease/laryngopharyngeal reflux disease, and vocal cord dysfunction. The management of these conditions can provide significant symptomatic relief to patients with difficult-to-treat asthma and potentially improve asthma control as well.
Effects of pentoxifylline on whole blood IL-2 and IFN-gamma gene expression in normal dogs.

BACKGROUND Pentoxifylline (PTX) is a methylxanthine phosphodiesterase inhibitor that is used as a hemorrheologic and anti-inflammatory agent in veterinary and human medicine. In human studies, PTX has been shown to decrease T-cell production of cytokines such as IL-2 and IFN-γ. A RT-qPCR assay to measure activated T-cell gene expression of IL-2 and IFN-γ has been validated in dogs. OBJECTIVES The goal of this study was to utilize this assay to investigate the effects of PTX on in vitro cytokine gene expression in canine whole blood. METHODS Whole blood from seven healthy dogs was collected and incubated with various concentrations of PTX for 1 hr before activation. PTX concentrations spanned and exceeded blood concentrations achieved when administered at clinically relevant dosages (1, 2, 10, 50 and 200 μg/ml). Cyclosporine was used at a concentration of 500 ng/ml as a positive control. All blood samples, including untreated activated baseline samples, were then activated with phorbol myristate acetate and ionomycin for 5 hrs. RESULTS Analysis of activated whole blood by RT-qPCR revealed that there was not a significant suppression of IL-2 or IFN-γ gene expression at any concentration of PTX when evaluating ΔCt values. All samples exposed to cyclosporine showed significant changes from untreated activated baseline samples, demonstrating marked suppression as the positive control. Cytokine expression, presented as a percentage of untreated activated baseline samples, was also evaluated. After exposure to the highest concentration of PTX (200 μg/ml), median percentage cytokine expression was suppressed to just below 50% of baseline values. This concentration, however, is much higher than blood concentrations reported to be achieved at standardly used pentoxifylline doses. CONCLUSIONS PTX does not appear to significantly suppress T-cell cytokine production in samples from most dogs at clinically relevant drug concentrations. Further testing is needed to establish the full effects of PTX on the immune system in dogs.
Articulatory characteristics of focus in Korean

The phonetic correlates of prominence in head prominence languages (e.g., English), where prominence is signaled by stress and pitch accent, are extensively studied. However, the phonetic profile of prominence in edge prominence languages, such as Korean, that realize prominence by phrasing is not well understood. Relevant work has mainly focused on the acoustic domain and boundary-related phenomena. The present study assesses the articulatory correlates of prominence in Seoul Korean by the means of electromagnetic articulography (EMA). Specifically, we examine the effect of presence of focus (contrastive focus versus absence of focus) and position of focus (initial versus final) on the consonant constriction gestures of utterances consisting of two four-syllable long accentual phrases (APs). Preliminary results suggest that constriction gestures are longer, faster, and, although weakly supported, larger in contrastive focus than in the unfocused condition. These effects are found on the onset consonants of the first two syllables of the focused AP when the latter is utterance-initial, but extend to the coda of the second syllable when focus is on the final AP. A theoretical account of prominence and its interaction with boundaries in edge-marking languages is proposed, with implications for a cross-linguistic model of prosody. [Work supported by NSF.]The phonetic correlates of prominence in head prominence languages (e.g., English), where prominence is signaled by stress and pitch accent, are extensively studied. However, the phonetic profile of prominence in edge prominence languages, such as Korean, that realize prominence by phrasing is not well understood. Relevant work has mainly focused on the acoustic domain and boundary-related phenomena. The present study assesses the articulatory correlates of prominence in Seoul Korean by the means of electromagnetic articulography (EMA). Specifically, we examine the effect of presence of focus (contrastive focus versus absence of focus) and position of focus (initial versus final) on the consonant constriction gestures of utterances consisting of two four-syllable long accentual phrases (APs). Preliminary results suggest that constriction gestures are longer, faster, and, although weakly supported, larger in contrastive focus than in the unfocused condition. These effects are found on the onset consonants ...
Additive manufacturing of graded B4C-Al cermets with complex shapes

Abstract Fabrication of boron carbide (B4C) parts through direct ink writing at room temperature has been demonstrated. The 3D printed B4C parts were made from aqueous, thixotropic ink consisting of B4C particles with a solid loading ranging from 50.0 to 59.3 vol%. The porous B4C parts were infiltrated with molten aluminum (Al) to form a dense B4C-Al cermet. Simple cubic samples with varied spacing between B4C filaments were printed to tailor the density profile within the part. The Rockwell hardness of such parts ranges from 20 to 90 Ra (60 kg) depending on the overall density of the B4C structure. Parts were printed with variable spacings between filaments to systematically determine the upper limit for Al infiltration (800 μm). Elemental analysis revealed a homogenous infiltration both between and within the filaments of 3D printed B4C.
SOARING ABOVE THE ASHES: Thriving Beyond Childhood Sexual Abuse : by Emily Samuelson, Baltimore, MD, 2018, 247 pp., $29.99 paperback, ISBN: 9780692925232

Soaring above the Ashes shares the stories of 14 women and men who were sexually abused as children, including the author, Emily Samuelson. Samuelson, a clinical psychologist and trauma therapist f...
Current Research Approaches to Down Syndrome: Translational Research Perspectives

Translational research means different things to different people. In the biomedical research community, translational research is the process of applying knowledge from basic biology and clinical trials to techniques and tools that address critical medical needs such as new therapies. Translational research then is a "bench to bedside" bridge specifically designed to improve health outcomes ( Wetmore & Garner, 2010 ). In this sense, animal models or cell culture systems may be used to learn about basic underlying genetic and physiologic systems that are exceedingly difficult to study in human subjects ( Reeves et al., 2019 ). This has been a major theme in Down syndrome (DS) research since the mid-1980s when mouse models that approximate the condition of trisomy 21 (Ts21) first became available ( Das & Reeves 2011 ). Translational research has recently taken on a more expansive meaning, as the process of turning observations from the laboratory, the clinic, and the community can all lead to new therapeutic approaches to improve population health outcomes ( Rubio et al., 2010 ). This model has received increased attention in the last decade as it is clear that improving developmental outcomes for people with DS requires a community effort on the part of all stakeholders ( Capone, 2010 ).