cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Scalar waves in the mixmaster universe. II. Particle creation

Solutions to the complete time-dependent scalar wave equation in the mixmaster universe are presented. Differential equations for the mode amplitudes are given corresponding to field expansions in terms of the asymmetric- and the symmetric-top wave functions and for both minimal and conformal couplings of the scalar field to gravity. The theory of quantized fields in the mixmaster space is summarized. Creation and annihilation operators in the Heisenberg picture develop in time under a general Bogolubov transformation which expresses mathematically the physical processes of particle creation and mode mixing. The problem of particle creation is discussed here in the light of the classical theory of wave propagation. In the adiabatic limit when the expansion for the universe is slow, little production takes place. Higher-order expressions for the production amount are derived by the method of successive WKB approximations. Finally, numerical solutions of the wave equation for the uncoupled modes are presented. The effects of geometric shape, level energy, and particle mass on production are studied for the characteristic "small oscillation" and "bounce" solutions of the mixmaster universe. The anisotropic dynamics of the background gives rise to strong directional effects in particle creation. Production of particles of higher mass or energy is less abundant and less sensitive to the shape or level. The process of mode mixing, which is a distinct feature of the mixmaster universe, will be studied in a later paper.
Regulation of the Epstein-Barr Virus C Promoter by AUF1 and the Cyclic AMP/Protein Kinase A Signaling Pathway

EBNA2 is an Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-encoded protein that regulates the expression of viral and cellular genes required for EBV-driven B-cell immortalization. Elucidating the mechanisms by which EBNA2 regulates viral and cellular gene expression is necessary to understand EBV-induced B-cell immortalization and viral latency in humans. EBNA2 targets to the latency C promoter (Cp) through an interaction with the cellular DNA binding protein CBF1 (RBPJk). The EBNA2 enhancer in Cp also binds another cellular factor, C promoter binding factor 2 (CBF2), whose protein product(s) has not yet been identified. Within the EBNA2 enhancer in Cp, we have previously identified the DNA sequence required for CBF2 binding and also determined that this element is required for efficient activation of Cp by EBNA2. In this study, the CBF2 activity was biochemically purified and microsequenced. The peptides sequenced were identical to the hnRNP protein AUF1. Antibodies against AUF1 but not antibodies to related hnRNP proteins reacted with CBF2 in gel mobility shift assays. In addition, stimulation of the cellular cyclic AMP (cAMP)/protein kinase A (PKA) signal transduction pathway results in an increase in detectable CBF2/AUF1 binding activity extracted from stimulated cells. Furthermore, the CBF2 binding site was able to confer EBNA2 responsiveness to a heterologous promoter when transfected cells were treated with compounds that activate PKA or by cotransfection of plasmids expressing a constitutively active catalytic subunit of PKA. EBNA2-mediated stimulation of the latency Cp is also increased in similar cotransfection assays. These results further support an important role for CBF2 in mediating EBNA2 transactivation; they identify the hnRNP protein AUF1 as a major component of CBF2 and are also the first evidence of a cis-acting sequence other than a CBF1 binding element that is able to confer responsiveness to EBNA2.
Ability of the MicroScan Rapid Gram-Negative ID Type 3 Panel To Identify Nonenteric Glucose-Fermenting and Nonfermenting Gram-Negative Bacilli

The MicroScan Rapid Neg ID3 panel is designed for the identification of Enterobacteriaceae and nonenteric glucose-fermenting and nonfermenting gram-negative bacilli. We evaluated this panel for its ability to identify gram-negative non-Enterobacteriaceae bacteria. A total of 134 strains, representing 26 genera and 42 species, were taken from storage at −70oC, passaged three times before testing, and inoculated into the panels according to the manufacturer's directions before being inserted into a Walk/Away 96 instrument loaded with version 22.28 software. At the end of the initial 2.5-h incubation period, 89 isolates (66.4%) were correctly identified at a probability level of ≥85%. After additional testing recommended by the manufacturer was completed, another 11 isolates (8.2%) were correctly identified at probability levels of ≥85%. Twenty-five (18.7%) isolates were correctly identified after additional testing, but the probability levels were less than 85%. Two isolates were unidentified, and seven (5.2%) were incorrectly identified. The seven misidentified strains were not concentrated in any one genus. With an accuracy approaching 75%, this product may be used for the identification of the commonly isolated non-Enterobacteriaceae bacteria but may present problems in identification of other non-glucose-fermenting gram-negative bacilli.
Children's Conceptions of Light in the Context of a Technology Based Curriculum

Third graders in an urban classroom participated in an 8-week unit in which they studied the behavior of light. At the core of the curriculum was a light-sensing probe interfaced with a computer. This case study describes the investigation of this technology, commonly referred to as microcomputer-based labs (MBLs), for its appropriateness for elementary school students. One finding of this study was that the children expanded their repertoire of graph making and interpreting skills with line graphs becoming a useful means for representing light intensity. The other assertion was that the MBL became a tool that supported scientific inquiry for and by the children. The author cautions that technology itself should not be regarded as the source of knowledge for learners, but that computers have the potential for reshaping how teachers approach science instruction. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. I have no doubt at all that increased skill and confidence would come to many people if they engaged in more respectful and thoughtful talk about their learning processes…. None of this absolutely requires computers. What we see … is how the computer simply, but very significantly, enlarges the range of opportunities to engage … in activities with scientific and mathematical content.
Asa Gray and Charles Darwin: Corresponding Naturalists

Recent work on the rise of science in the nineteenth century has encouraged historians to look again at the role of correspondence. Naturalists relied extensively on this form of contact and correspondence was a major element in generating a community of experts who agreed on what comprised valid knowledge. As a leading figure in the development of North American botany, Asa Gray found that letters with botanists and collectors all over the world greatly expanded his areas of influence. Lasting friendships were made and the collections at Harvard were materially advanced. Letters also brought Gray into contact with Charles Darwin, who became a close friend. After publication of Darwin's Origin of Species in 1859, Gray defended Darwinism in the United States and corresponded with him about evolution. This article sets Gray's correspondence with Darwin in the context of the reception of Darwinism in the United States.
Thermal variability of the tropical tropopause region derived from GPS/MET observations

[1] Structure and variability of temperatures in the tropical upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (∼10–30 km) are studied based on Global Positioning System Meteorology (GPS/MET) observations during April 1995 to February 1997. Comparisons with several hundred colocated radiosondes demonstrates the high accuracy of GPS/MET retrievals in the tropics. Mean structure and variability of the tropical cold point tropopause is examined, and much of the subseasonal variability in cold point temperature and height appears to be related to wave-like fluctuations (such as gravity waves or Kelvin waves). Significant correlations are found between the GPS/MET temperatures and daily, gridded outgoing longwave radiation data (a proxy for tropical deep convection), providing independent confirmation of the GPS/MET temperature fluctuations. These correlations quantify the large-scale tropical temperature response to transient convection, showing coherent wave-like variations over ∼12–18 km which span a hemisphere in longitude. The GPS/MET data also show clear evidence of the stratospheric quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) in temperatures over altitudes ∼16–40 km.
Focus of attention to melody or harmony and perception of music tension: An exploratory study

This project represents an initial investigation into utilizing the two-dimensional Continuous Response Digital Interface (CRDI) to track listener perceptions related to the possible relationships between focus of attention to musical elements and perceived musical tension. The two-dimensional CRDI software creates an environment in which the listener can track their perceptions on two planes simultaneously. Volunteer undergraduate and graduate music majors (N = 60) listened to Mozart’s Variations (12) for Piano in C Major on ‘Ah vous dirai-je maman’, K 265 while manipulating a computer mouse. The cursor on the screen could be moved horizontally along a continuum to indicate focus of attention to either melody or harmony while simultaneously moving along a vertical axis tracking the amount of musical tension being perceived by the listener. Overall, as listeners attended more to harmony, their perception of tension appeared to increase. As they attended more to the melody, their perception of tension appe...
Color Properties and Color Ascriptions: A Relationalist Manifesto

Upon examination, I find only one of the reasons commonly produc’d for this opinion to be satisfactory, viz. that deriv’d from the variations of those impressions, even while the external object, to all appearance, continues the same. These variations depend upon several circumstances. Upon the different situations of our health: A man in a malady feels a disagreeable taste in meats, which before pleas’d him the most. Upon the different complexions and constitutions of men: That seems bitter to one, which is sweet to another. Upon the difference of their external situation and position: Colours reflected from the clouds change according to the distance of the clouds and according to the angle they make with the eye and luminous body. Fire also communicates the sensation of pleasure at one distance, and that of pain at another. Instances of this kind are very numerous and frequent. — Hume, A Treatise of Human Nature, Book I, part iv, “Of The Modern Philosophy”.
Virtual Laboratory for Study on Automation and Robotics

The paper describes the concept of an Advanced Virtual Laboratory for Automation and Robotics using stereoscopic 3D video transmission augmented with computer generated virtual reality elements supporting students in understanding and constructing their personal conceptual knowledge of designing and controlling robotised and automated facilities. The article presents the assumptions and analysis of a modern virtual laboratory for robotics improving the process of education and responding to the needs of a modern market.
Still a Nation of Immigrants? Effects of Constructions of National History on Attitudes toward Immigrants

In the United States, the phrase “nation of immigrants” is used to both promote and restrict immigration. Those who use the phrase to promote immigration point to the similarities between current and previous generations of immigrants, whereas those who use it to restrict immigration emphasize the differences between the two generations. The present study examined the effects of the different versions of this historical narrative (similarity-focused vs. difference-focused) on 210 U.S. residents’ attitudes toward immigrants during the recent debate about immigration reform. Exposure to the similarity-focused nation of immigrants reduced perceptions of threat from Mexican immigrants but did not affect the already low level of perceived threat from Russian immigrants. The similarity-focused version of nation of immigrants exerted an indirect effect on perceived threat from both groups by inducing a sense of identity continuity, which reduced collective angst about the future of the people of the United States. The findings suggest that pro-immigration policy makers clearly articulate the meaning of nation of immigrants rather than use it as a cliche as the phrase has the potential to induce inclusive attitudes.
Secondary control for a series reactive compensator based on a voltage-source PWM inverter

This work describes a secondary control scheme of a series reactive compensator for a power system based on a single voltage-source pulse-width-modulated (PWM) inverter. The controllable capacitive reactance can be used as a supplementary control variable for the secondary (external) controller (SC) of a series capacitive reactance compensator to improve the dynamic transient and damping performances of the power system. From the viewpoint of agent-based global dynamic optimization of a system, the selection and use of suitable input signals for the SC are investigated. Detailed simulation results show that the SC with local feedback loop (LFL) has a powerful control performance; however, it requires the controllable compensation for a reference change due to different operating conditions. On the other hand, the SC with global feedback loop (GFL) avoids the need of reference compensation; moreover, its dynamic control performance is improved when the dual inputs (frequency and active power signal) are used, compared to when only the frequency is used as an input signal.
On the Probability Density Function of the Squared Envelope of a Sum of Random Phase Vectors

A recursive solution is presented for the probability density function of the sum of N independent, random phase vectors. The recursion parameter is N , the number of vectors in the sum. This approach allows one to rapidly compute a complete set of these density functions for values of N = 2, 3, ..., N_{max} , where N max typically corresponds to the total number of system users in a multiuser FHMA/MFSK application, or one plus the total number of jamming tones in an FH/MFSK spread-spectrum application. Such evaluations are necessary for exact calculation of the average error probability performance of such systems.
Three-frequency nuclear quadrupole resonance of spin-1 nuclei

Abstract We introduce a new nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) method for the detection of spin-1 nuclei, where the transition excited and directly detected is not irradiated at all. It is demonstrated, theoretically and experimentally, that the irradiation of a powder sample containing spin-1 nuclei by two of the three characteristic NQR frequencies can result in free induction decay (FID) and echo signals at the third NQR frequency. We present the optimal conditions for such three-frequency NQR experiments and compare theory with experiment using 14 N ( I =1) in a powder sample of sodium nitrite.
Characterization of Bacteria in Mixed Biofilm Communities Using Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE)

Most microorganisms in nature, including those within biofilms, live in mixed populations. PCR-based molecular genetic techniques are very useful in studying microbial diversity since unculturable as well as culturable organisms can be investigated. One such technique is denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE), which separates PCR-amplified community 16S rRNA (and other gene) sequences on the basis of G+C content. Unlike other community fingerprinting techniques, bands from DGGE gels can be excised, and sequenced to identify community members. Thus DGGE can be used to describe overall microbial diversity as well as to identify individual community members. This protocol describes a method for using DGGE to study microbial diversity within biofilm populations.
Paternal and Painterly Authority in Rubens's Self-Portrait with his Wife, Helena Fourment, and their Son, Peter Paul

ABSTRACTRubens's Self-Portrait with Helena Fourment and their Son, Peter Paule. 1638–9, (New York, Metropolitan Museum), is his only painting depicting himself with his second wife and one of their children. The picture appears to construct an image of Rubens's social, familial and professional identities as overlapping and mutually supporting. However, pentimenti indicating Rubens's extensive re-working of his own figure may suggest some difficulty he had situating his self-portrait within the depicted group. These pentimenti offer possible traces of dissonance among the three models of identity that the portrait engages: nobility, paternity, and artistic authority.Rubens's image of family in the Metropolitan Family Portrait conflicts with traditions fashioning the artist as courtier as a means of proclaiming the nobility of the art of painting. Signs of aristocratic status in the picture strain against its decidedly burgerlijk ideal of family as an intimate and sentimental unit. The humanist rhetorical ...
Cell lineages in hepatic development and the identification of progenitor cells in normal and injured liver.

The search for liver stem or progenitor cells has a long history, but there is now sufficient evidence to indicate that such cells do exist in adult animals and probably also in humans (see Refs. 1-6 for reviews). They constitute a reserve compartment that is activated in situations of severe liver injury in which hepatocytes cannot mount an appropriate proliferative response. Proliferation of cells of this compartment is seen at the early stages of hepatocarcinogenesis induced by many chemicals as well as in noncarcinogenic toxic injury, such as that produced by galactosamine administration. The nonparenchymal epithelial cells that can be detected in these conditions received the name “oval cells” because of their shape. Oval cells are not, however, a homogeneous population, but rather form a cellular compartment that contains cells at various stages of differentiation, either in the hepatocyte or bile duct lineages. A very small proportion of these cells seem capable of serving as progenitors for both l...
Cardiovascular disease in patients with chronic renal failure.

Most major medical centers are frequently involved in the care of patients with kidney disease. Currently available treatment modalities have prolonged patient survival and in most instances improved the quality of life. However, patients with chronic renal failure are prone to pericardial, myocardial, valvular, and coronary artery disease; 60% of deaths in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis are the result of cardiovascular disease. This paper reviews the cardiovascular abnormalities common to patients with chronic renal failure.
Synthesis of the (N2)3− Radical from Y2+ and Its Protonolysis Reactivity To Form (N2H2)2− via the Y[N(SiMe3)2]3/KC8 Reduction System

Examination of the Y[N(SiMe(3))(2)](3)/KC(8) reduction system that allowed isolation of the (N(2))(3-) radical has led to the first evidence of Y(2+) in solution. The deep-blue solutions obtained from Y[N(SiMe(3))(2)](3) and KC(8) in THF at -35 °C under argon have EPR spectra containing a doublet at g(iso) = 1.976 with a 110 G hyperfine coupling constant. The solutions react with N(2) to generate (N(2))(2-) and (N(2))(3-) complexes {[(Me(3)Si)(2)N](2)(THF)Y}(2)(μ-η(2):η(2)-N(2)) (1) and {[(Me(3)Si)(2)N](2)(THF)Y}(2)(μ-η(2):η(2)-N(2))[K(THF)(6)] (2), respectively, and demonstrate that the Y[N(SiMe(3))(2)](3)/KC(8) reaction can proceed through an Y(2+) intermediate. The reactivity of (N(2))(3-) radical with proton sources was probed for the first time for comparison with the (N(2))(2-) and (N(2))(4-) chemistry. Complex 2 reacts with [Et(3)NH][BPh(4)] to form {[(Me(3)Si)(2)N](2)(THF)Y}(2)(μ-N(2)H(2)), the first lanthanide (N(2)H(2))(2-) complex derived from dinitrogen, as well as 1 as a byproduct, consistent with radical disproportionation reactivity.
Simple and fast determination of perfluorinated compounds in Taihu Lake by SPE-UHPLC–MS/MS

A simple and fast analytical method for determination of eleven Polyfluorinated Compounds (PFCs) in source water was developed in the present work. The water sample was prepared without filtered through microfiltration membrane and 500mL of source water was enriched by the solid phase extraction (SPE). The targent compounds were analyzed by ultra high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). The optimized analytical method was validated in terms of recovery, precision and method detection limits (MDLs). The recovery values after correction with the corresponding labeled standard were between 97.3 and 113.0% for samples spiked at 5ng/L, 10ng/L and 20ng/L. All PFCs showed good linearity and the linear correlation coefficient was over 0.99. The precisions were 1.0-9.0% (n=6). As the result of the enrichment, the MDL values ranged from 0.03 to 1.9ng/L and were enough for analysis of the trace levels of PFCs in the Taihu Lake. The method was further validated in determining the source water and the results showed that PFHxS, PFHxA, PFOA and PFOS were the primary PFCs in Taihu Lake which might be different from the other researches. The method can be used for determination of PFCs in water with a stable recovery, good reproducibility, low detection limit, less solvent consumption, time saving and labor saving. To our knowledge, this is the first method that describes the effect of the filter membrane on the determination of PFCs in water which might acquire more accurate concentration of PFCs in Taihu Lake.
Relevant Laboratory Tests and Therapeutic Monitoring in Psoriasis

Although psoriasis does not require any diagnostic laboratory tests, physicians need to keep in mind the variety of laboratory studies for both screening as well as ongoing monitoring of psoriasis therapies. A multitude of laboratory tests exists to examine the safety of these therapies, including topical therapies, phototherapy, oral medications, and/or biologic agents. Knowledge of the available tests is important to screen vulnerable selected populations prior to initiating psoriasis treatment, such as pregnant women, immunocompromised patients, or patients with certain medical conditions. Screening labs are important in identifying these patients. Most importantly, familiarity with the available laboratory studies will ensure timely management of any anticipated side effects of the various psoriasis therapies.
Genetic architecture of grain chalk in rice and interactions with a low phytic acid locus

Abstract Grain quality characteristics have a major impact on the value of the harvested rice crop. In addition to grain dimensions which determine rice grain market classes, translucent milled kernels are also important for assuring the highest grain quality and crop value. Over the last several years, there has been increasing concern by the rice industry regarding prevalence of chalky grains which are resulting in a loss of some markets. This study was conducted to identify genetic markers associated with grain chalk that could be used by breeders to develop new varieties that have translucent grains across different environments. A mapping population developed from KBNT-1-1, a translucent, low phytic acid (LPA) mutant derived from the US long grain variety Kaybonnet, crossed with Zhe733, a chalky, long grain variety developed in China, was evaluated in replicated trials conducted across two years and two planting dates that differed by one month. The progeny were evaluated for days to flowering in the field. Grain was harvested at maturity and brown or milled rice were used to determine grain length, width, and percent chalk using an image analysis system. The 187 F12 progeny were evaluated using 174 genome-wide microsatellite markers and one SNP marker, and QTL analysis was performed. A large effect QTL was co-located with the LPA gene, and the mutated KBNT-1-1 LPA allele was associated with increased chalk suggesting that low phytic acid may be one cause of chalk in this cross. Nine additional QTL were detected with the KBNT-1-1 allele associated with reduced chalk and one with increased chalk. Overlaps were identified between chalk QTL, candidate genes for chalk, and QTL for other traits such as grain width. Measures of night temperature and humidity experienced during grain filling were positively correlated with increased chalk. Year and planting time were also shown to significantly affect chalk. However there was no interaction with the pattern of QTL detected and any of the environmental differences, indicating that these QTL are robust across diverse growing conditions.
The Influence of First-Hand Testimony and Hearsay on Children's Belief in the Improbable.

Children (3.5-8.5 years; n = 105) heard claims about the occurrence of improbable or impossible events, then were asked whether the events could really happen. Some claims were based on informants' first-hand observations and others were hearsay. A baseline group (n = 56) reported their beliefs about these events without hearing testimony. Neither first-hand claims nor hearsay influenced beliefs about impossible events, which remained low across the age range. Hearsay (but not first-hand claims) did influence beliefs about improbable events. Preschoolers expressed greater belief following hearsay, compared to their beliefs following first-hand claims and compared to the baseline group's beliefs. By contrast, older children expressed less belief following hearsay, compared to their beliefs following first-hand claims and compared to the baseline group's beliefs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Sign Language Echolalia in Deaf Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Purpose We present the first study of echolalia in deaf, signing children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We investigate the nature and prevalence of sign echolalia in native-signing children ...
Relative Importance of Bottom Attenuation and Scattering in the Shallow-Water TREX13 Environment

In this paper, the results of applying normal mode models to explain measured data collected during the 2013 Target and Reverberation Experiment (TREX13) are presented. An adiabatic, and one-way coupled, Born approximation normal mode model (Nautreverb) and an energy conserving two-way coupled mode model (Aeneid) are described. Both monostatic and bistatic reverberation time series solutions are produced with the models for a rough bottom spectrum or a realization from it. Next, monostatic reverberation time series are produced, for both the Nautreverb and Aeneid models, with the measured bottom roughness parameter values obtained from measurements made during TREX13. In addition, loss mechanisms for depth averaged transmission loss are assessed. The relative effects of bottom attenuation and loss due to scattering, for several variants of the model parameters for the TREX13 environment, are also discussed. Based on the small roughness measured at the TREX13 site, bottom attenuation appears to be the dominant loss mechanism. Adjustments of the frequency dependence of the bottom attenuation were constructed to reproduce salient features of the measured transmission loss.
Virtual and Augmented Reality in Public Archaeology Teaching

Two of the biggest challenges in public archaeology teaching are getting interlocutors' attention and getting them to feel connection to past people. Inspiring focus and empathy in the short interactions we have can be difficult, especially when the subjects are very distant in time. New and scholarly produced forms of virtual reality show particular promise for getting and keeping the attention of our publics. In this review, I discuss several forms of virtual or augmented reality and assess them as tools for public archaeology practice.
Is an Early Start the Best Start?: Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Political Science Summer Bridge Program

ABSTRACTSummer bridge programs are supposed to connect a graduating high school senior’s summer to their first semester in college, easing the transition away from home and into a university setting. Although research is plentiful on the programs, assessments regarding the overall effectiveness of such programs have been mixed (e.g., Cabrera, Miner, and Milem 2013; Douglas and Attewell 2014; Grayson 2003). As Cabrera, Miner, and Milem (2013) note, many of the studies collect data from participants in a one-time satisfaction survey and/or do not have an equivalent group of students who did not participate in the program from which to compare effectiveness. Our proposed study mitigates these flaws by employing a nonequivalent-groups quasi-experiment (NEG). Our bridge program—called Early Start (ES)— tapped into social, emotional, and academic engagement, as we sought to integrate the students into the university and school communities while holding high expectations and actively involving them in their own ...
Target Signature-Constrained Mixed Pixel Classification (TSCMPC): Linearly Constrained Discriminant Analysis (LCDA)

Fisher’s Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) is a widely used technique for pattem classification and was discussed in Chapter 9. It uses Fisher’s ratio, a ratio of between-class scatter matrix to within-class scatter matrix as an optimal criterion to derive a set of feature vectors by which high dimensional data can be projected onto a low-dimensional feature space in the sense of maximizing class separability. This chapter presents an approach derived from Fisher’s LDA, referred to as linear constrained distance-based discriminant analysis (LCDA), that uses a similar criterion to Fisher’s ratio for classification. It maximizes the ratio of inter-distance between classes to intra-distance within classes while imposing a constraint that all the class means must be aligned along predetermined directions. Interestingly, the LCDA classifier operates at the same operational form as does OSP in Chapter 8, but achieves better classification resulting from the use of target signature constraints. Because of that, LCDA can be viewed as a constrained version of OSP.
Right hemisphere contribution to developmental language disorder: Neuroanatomical and behavioral evidence.

Abstract Developmental language disorder (DLD) is identified by virtue of the verbal deficits that define it. However, numerous studies have also documented nonverbal deficits in this population. This study attempts to explain the co-occurrence of both verbal and nonverbal deficits in this population from a brain-based perspective. Two samples of adults selected for DLD were compared with subjects without such a history on verbal and nonverbal skills in exploratory and confirmatory studies. Subjects also received MRI scans, which were used to determine the relation between left- and right-hemisphere regions hypothesized to relate to the behavioral skills tested. Results revealed replicable differences between groups on both verbal and nonverbal tasks. In addition, a significant association between performance on tests sensitive to facial affect and spatial rotation with the gray matter volume within the right supramarginal gyrus was found in both samples. These results support the hypothesis of a right hemisphere contribution to the profile of DLD. Learning outcomes: As a result of this activity, the participant will be able to describe evidence in support of a role for the right hemisphere in DLD.
Knowledge Assisted Visualization: Defining and applying knowledge conversion processes to a visual analytics system

Knowledge-assisted visualization has been a fast growing field because it directly integrates and utilizes domain knowledge to produce effective data visualization. However, most existing knowledge-assisted visualization applications focus on integrating domain knowledge that is tailored only for specific analytical tasks. This reflects not only the different understandings of what ''knowledge'' is in visualization, but also the difficulties in generalizing and reapplying knowledge to new problems or domains. In this paper, we differentiate knowledge into two types, tacit and explicit, and suggest four conversion processes between them (internalization, externalization, collaboration, and combination) that could be included in knowledge-assisted visualizations. We demonstrate the applications of these four processes in a bridge visual analytical system for the US Department of Transportation and discuss their roles and utilities in real-life scenarios.
Porcine Fetal-Derived Fibroblasts Alter Gene Expression and Mitochondria to Compensate for Hypoxic Stress During Culture.

Abstract The Warburg effect is characterized by decreased mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and increased glycolytic flux in adequate oxygen. The preimplantation embryo has been described to ...
Provider and LGBT Individuals’ Perspectives on LGBT Issues in Long-Term Care: A Systematic Review

Background and objectives Discrimination toward the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) population has raised concerns about the type of long-term services and supports (LTSS) that will be available to them as they age. To understand the unique needs of aging LGBT populations, we sought to synthesize and critique the evidence related to LTSS providers and LGBT individuals' perspectives of LGBT issues in LTSS in the United States. Research design and methods Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, a systematic review of the literature was conducted. The Crowe Critical Appraisal Tool was used to appraise the quality of the included studies. Results Nineteen studies met inclusion criteria. Seven studies that examined the perspectives of LTSS providers identified two themes, including that they lack knowledge and training on LGBT health issues and generally report negative attitudes toward same-sex relations among older adults. In addition, 12 studies that examined the perspectives of LGBT individuals found that they (i) are concerned about LTSS planning, (ii) fear discrimination from providers in LTSS, and (iii) identify several strategies for improving care of LGBT older adults receiving LTSS. Discussion and implications This systematic review highlights the importance for LTSS providers to receive training in LGBT health and be reflective of potential biases toward the LGBT population. LGBT individuals identified concerns related to LTSS planning and fear of discrimination from LTSS providers. LGBT individuals also identified a need for increased training of providers to improve the care of LGBT older adults in LTSS.
Top-down Mass Spectrometry of Sarcomeric Protein Post-translational Modifications from Non-human Primate Skeletal Muscle

Sarcomeric proteins, including myofilament and Z-disk proteins, play critical roles in regulating muscle contractile properties. A variety of isoforms and post-translational modifications (PTMs) of sarcomeric proteins have been shown to be associated with modulation of muscle functions and the occurrence of muscle diseases. Non-human primates (NHPs) are excellent research models for sarcopenia, a disease associated with alterations in sarcomeric proteins, due to their marked similarities to humans. However, the sarcomeric proteins in NHP skeletal muscle have not been well characterized. To gain a deeper understanding of sarcomeric proteins in NHP skeletal muscle, we employed top-down mass spectrometry (MS) to conduct a comprehensive analysis on isoforms and PTMs of sarcomeric proteins in rhesus macaque skeletal muscle. We identified 23 protein isoforms with 46 proteoforms of sarcomeric proteins, including 6 isoforms with 18 proteoforms from fast skeletal troponin T. Particularly, for the first time, a novel PDZ/LIM domain protein isoform, PDLIM7, was characterized with a newly identified protein sequence. Moreover, we also identified multiple PTMs on these proteins, including deamidation, methylation, acetylation, tri-methylation, phosphorylation, and S-glutathionylation. Most PTM sites were localized, including Asn13 deamidation on MLC-2S; His73 methylation on αactin; N-terminal acetylation on most identified proteins; N-terminal tri-methylation on MLC-1S, MLC-1F, MLC-2S, and MLC-2F; Ser14 phosphorylation on MLC-2S; and Ser15 and Ser16 phosphorylation on MLC-2F. In summary, a comprehensive characterization of sarcomeric proteins including multiple isoforms and PTMs in NHP skeletal muscle was achieved by analyzing intact proteins in the top-down MS approach.
Ecological and hydroclimate responses to strengthening of the Hadley circulation in South America during the Late Miocene cooling

Near-modern ecosystems were established as a result of rapid ecological adaptation and climate change in the Late Miocene. On land, Late Miocene aridification spread in tandem with expansion of open habitats including C4 grassland ecosystems. Proxy records for the central Andes spanning the Late Miocene cooling (LMC) show the reorganization of subtropical ecosystems and hydroclimate in South America between 15 and 35°S. Continental pedogenic carbonates preserved in Neogene basins record a general increase of δ18O and δ13C values from pre-LMC to post-LMC, most robustly occurring in the subtropics (25 to 30°S), suggesting aridification and a shift toward a more C4-plant-dominated ecosystem. These changes are closely tied to the enhancement of the Hadley circulation and moisture divergence away from the subtropics toward the Intertropical Convergence Zone as revealed by climate model simulations with prescribed sea-surface temperatures (SSTs) reflecting different magnitudes of LMC steepening of equator-to-pole temperature gradient and CO2 decline.
Co-expression of an engineered cell-surface sialidase by CART cells improves anti-cancer activity of NK cells in solid tumors

Background & Aim Clinical success of CART cells targeting CD19 has led to FDA approval for a wide-range of hematological malignancies. Despite these achievements, CARs have lacked efficacy in the treatment of solid tumors due to a number of challenges, including overcoming the dense immunosuppressive tumor stroma and post-translational modifications on the tumor that favor survival. Our work aims to improve CART cell therapy against solid tumors by targeting the tumor-specific glycoepitope Tn-MUC1, and enhancing cytotoxic effects of endogenous and unmodified immune cells by engineering sialidase function on CART cells. Previous studies have demonstrated precedence for this approach showing that coupling current immunotherapies with glycoediting activity increases therapeutic efficacy. For example, CART cells engineered to express heparanase showed an improved degradation of the extracellular matrix, which promoted T cell infiltration of the tumor and antitumor activity. Additionally, sialidase activity coupled to trastuzumab enhanced endogenous NK anti-cancer efficacy. Methods, Results & Conclusion Here, we present a cellular therapeutic approach where we designed a novel cell-surface human sialidase and expressed it on CART cells targeting Tn-MUC1. Truncated, cancer-specific glycoforms, such as Tn-MUC1, are thought to play a role in decreasing cell-cell interactions and increasing the metastatic potential of cancer cells. We established that Tn-MUC1-CART (or 5E5-CART) cells induce minimal cytotoxic effects against the aggressive PC3 prostate cancer cell line, when co-cultured alone at equal effector:target ratios. When PC3 cells are treated with a Clostridium perfringens-derived sialidase, NK cells and 5E5-CART cells show enhanced IFN-γ production and improved cytotoxic effects are observed compared with NK cells and 5E5-CART cells alone. Similarly, these effector enhancements are observed in the presence of T cells presenting a human cell-surface sialidase. Taken together, these data suggest that glycoediting of tumor sialic acid presents a rational and unique opportunity to overcome barriers for adoptive immunotherapies in solid tumors, and engagement of the endogenous immune system by adoptively transferred cells is an effective strategy for improved anti-tumor activity.
A discontinuous derivative-free optimization framework for multi-enterprise supply chain

Supply chain simulation models are widely used for assessing supply chain performance and analyzing supply chain decisions. In combination with derivative-free optimization algorithms, simulation models have shown great potential in effective decision-making. Most of the derivative-free optimization algorithms, however, assume continuity of the response, which may not be true in some practical applications. In this work, a supply chain inventory optimization problem is addressed that results in a discontinuous objective function. A derivative-free optimization framework is proposed that addresses the discontinuities in the objective function. The framework employs a sparse grid sampling and support vector machines for identification of discontinuities. Computational comparisons presented show that addressing discontinuity leads to more cost-effective decisions over existing approaches.
Effect of Strain Rate on the Tensile Behavior of CoCrFeNi and CoCrFeMnNi High-Entropy Alloys

High-entropy alloys (HEAs), a novel class of metal alloys, have been receiving increasing attention from the scientific community. HEAs have the potential to be used in critical load-bearing applications in replacement of conventional alloys such as stainless steel and nickel-base superalloys. Tensile experiments at quasi-static to dynamic strain rates (10−4-103 s−1) were performed on two single-phase face-centered cubic HEAs, CoCrFeNi and CoCrFeMnNi. Electron backscatter diffraction was used to study the microstructure of the samples before the experiments, and transmission electron microscopy was performed postmortem. The dominant deformation mechanisms were dislocation slip at quasi-static strain rates with the addition of deformation nano-twins at dynamic strain rates. Ultimate dynamic tensile strength and ductility improved with the increase in strain rate, which can be attributed to the activation of deformation nano-twins in HEAs. CoCrFeNi and CoCrFeMnNi both have low stacking fault energies, which could promote twinning at high strain rates to accommodate plastic deformation. The strain rate sensitivity of the flow stress increased with increasing strain rate, beginning with negligible strain rate sensitivity in the quasi-static range to high strain rate sensitivity in the dynamic range. CoCrFeMnNi showed greater strain rate sensitivity of flow stress. CoCrFeNi, with less configurational entropy, had higher mechanical properties and strain-hardening rates compared to CoCrFeMnNi, which was attributed to the weakening effect of the addition of Mn on the solid solution hardening.
Bank Public Status and Mortgage Lending Discrimination

Comparing private banks that went public through mergers and acquisitions with similar private banks, we find that going public reduces the mortgage denial rates for African American borrowers by 6.1-6.3 percentage points, which reduces the racial disparity in mortgage approval rates by a third. Our results are not driven by changes in borrower risk characteristics, lender risk preferences, securitization, or increased disclosure requirements. The effect is more pronounced in areas suffering stronger racial biases. Our results suggest that the dispersed ownership can mitigate non-economically motived prejudice of concentrated private ownership and thereby alleviates taste-based discrimination in mortgage lending.
Pediatric Teledermatology: a Review

Only a small number of dermatologists are also certified in pediatric dermatology by the American Board of Dermatology, creating an access barrier that is amenable to teledermatology. More than 50% of pediatric dermatologists currently practice teledermatology, but there is a dearth of literature validating the collective experience. This article reviews teledermatology terminology and summarizes the recent literature supporting pediatric teledermatology’s diagnostic accuracy, efficacy, usability and cost-effectiveness. Diagnoses rendered using pediatric teledermatology share high concordance rates with in-person diagnoses. While most dermatologists prefer store and forward compared to real-time interactive teledermatology, a hybrid model may be advantageous for complex cases. Physician-to-physician teledermatology is ideal for pediatric inpatient and outpatient consultations, while direct-to-patient teledermatology may be more efficient for non-emergent pediatric outpatient visits. Eczema, acne, rashes and birthmarks lend themselves better to teledermatology than do pigmented lesions. This article provides summarizes the recent literature addressing the current state of pediatric teledermatology and reviews terminology, care models, pediatric best practices and benefits as well as challenges.
Chapter 8 – Branching Processes and Population Growth

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the branching process and population growth. A branching process is a special-structured Markov chain used in determining a species' spatial propagation and transference of species characteristics at a given population size. There are numerous examples of Markov branching processes that arise naturally in various scientific disciplines; some notable ones are electron multipliers, neutron chain reactions, survival of family names, and survival of mutant genes. The branching process may experience variations such as multiple branching processes, branching process related to immigration, and branching processes with killings, etc. For branching processes involving multitypes with interactions when the expected growth rate exceeds one, extinction does not happen with certainty, and for a realization where extinction does not occur, the population actually grows at an exponential rate. Finally, the renewal theorem and generating functions also play a role in the analysis of a simple deterministic model of population growth that takes into account the age structure of the population.
Patient comprehension of hip arthroscopy: an investigation of health literacy.

Several studies have demonstrated that patients have significant impairments in understanding their injury and appropriate course of management in orthopedic surgery. The purpose of this investigation is to determine if patients are able to obtain a fundamental understanding of the requisite care associated with hip arthroscopy. Any patient who elected to have hip arthroscopy was prospectively recruited to participate in the study. All patients were told they would be asked to complete a questionnaire about their surgery and post-operative instructions. The answers to each question of the questionnaire they would receive at the first post-operative visit were verbally given to each patient during the pre-operative visit. They were also given a post-operative instruction sheet on the day of surgery that contained answers to the questionnaire. At the first post-operative visit, all patients were then asked to complete a multiple-choice questionnaire prior to seeing the surgeon. A total of 56 patients (14 males, 42 females) were enrolled. All patients reported they had read the post-operative instruction sheet. The average number of correct answers was 6.5 ± 0.6 (95% CI 6 - 7) out of 11 questions (59% correct response rate ±18% [95% CI 52 - 66%]). Although we made significant pre-operative oral and written efforts to help patients achieve an elementary level of health literacy regarding their forthcoming hip arthroscopy, many patients did not achieve satisfactory comprehension. Even with instruction and information given verbally and physically (via post-operative instruction sheet) patients did not obtain satisfactory comprehension of their surgical procedure. New ways (through video, simplified cartoons or verbal explanations) must be considered in educating patients concerning surgical procedures to increase comprehension and health literacy.
Using Nudge Theory in Early Childhood Classrooms

Study of human behavior and psychology has been done in a variety of disciplines. Looking outside the education field for inspiration, therefore, can provide unique solutions to a variety of needs ...