cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
La interrelación de la creatividad, fluidez, pensamiento lateral y tecnología a la hora de diseñar Juegos Educativos Serios en un aula de ciencias naturales

Introduccion. La creatividad es la produccion de los nuevos, originales, unicos, y divergentes productos e ideas mediadas a traves del pensamiento lateral. La evidencia sugiere que los altos niveles de creatividad y la fluidez son importantes en el desarrollo continuo de interes de los estudiantes, la eficacia y en ultima instancia, el impacto de carrera en las ciencias. Metodo. En este estudio, 559 estudiantes seleccionados al azar asistieron a un taller largo de ocho meses, para el diseno de videojuegos basados en la ciencia como herramienta de aprendizaje en el aula. Posteriormente, los estudiantes disenan videojuegos basados en la ciencia que ejemplifican aprendidas, conceptos clave de la ciencia. Al finalizar el taller, todos los estudiantes se les dio la prueba de Pensamiento Creativo de Torrance para ayudar en el desarrollo de la comprension de la relacion entre la creatividad y las construcciones relacionadas. Resultados. Los autores tambien explorar las implicaciones de la funcion del pensamiento lateral como un sistema cognitiva media en el aprendizaje de las ciencias. Los resultados sugieren que existe una diferencia estadisticamente significativa entre el pre-test y post- test y los resultados que los datos confirman el modelo sugerido por el papel de la creatividad, la fluidez y el pensamiento lateral en relacion con el procesamiento de la ciencia. Discusion y conclusion. Tratando de promover el interes en las herramientas de apoyo creativas tales como los que se utilizan durante el diseno de SEGs puede proporcionar convergencia disciplinaria a traves del pensamiento lateral. Mas especificamente estos resultados estan de acuerdo con los resultados encontrados en otros estudios como Yamamoto y Nakakoji (2005), Chen et al (2007) y Spencer, Lucas & Claxton (2012), que sugieren que hay manifestaciones conductuales subyacentes de la creatividad y la fluidez que afecta el proceso de la ciencia y el diseno a traves de pensamiento lateral
A holistic carrot production system for season-long weed management

Weed management in carrot is challenging, given slow and inconsistent crop emergence and early-season growth and the lack of practical season-long management tools such as herbicides. We investigated holistic carrot production systems with a focus on minimizing inputs while optimizing resource use. In an overall sense, results of this work were consistent between years, and stark. The choice of carrot variety had a moderate influence on carrot foliar canopy development and, subsequently, weed density. For example, ‘Cupar’ carrot formed a complete crop canopy sooner than the other dicer-type ‘Canada’ variety. Likely as a result, density of weed species such as spotted ladysthumb and common lambsquarters was less where ‘Cupar’ was grown compared with where ‘Canada’ was grown. Gibberellic acid as a foliar application was not successful in these studies and, in a few cases, may have even increased weed-seed germination and establishment. Adding two carrot rows to the current regional industry-standard three-row bed system not only enhanced competitiveness with weeds but also improved carrot yield without additional fertilizer, water, or pest management inputs. By far, though, the most successful strategy to reduce weed density while maintaining or improving carrot yield was to delay seeding by 17 to 19 d. We anticipate more holistic production system research that integrates low-input alternatives in other crops as herbicide-resistant weeds proliferate while few new herbicides are developed. As was demonstrated in this research, such novel approaches can be successful without adding significant economic burden to the farmer or increasing risk of crop failure.
Motivations to combine alcohol and nicotine in college students: A validation of the Alcohol and Nicotine Motives Scale.

Abstract Introduction Research on combining alcohol and nicotine (ALCNIC) has shown this risky behavior results in significantly more consequences than using either alcohol or nicotine alone. No measures currently exist to assess ALCNIC motives limiting intervention and prevention efforts. The present study developed a psychometrically sound and multidimensional measure of ALCNIC motives (the ANMS). Methods An initial item pool of ALCNIC items was developed from literature on college student drinking, focus groups, and individual interviews. Study 1 involved students from a northeastern university who completed an online survey on the ALCNIC items (N = 55; 57.1% female; Mage = 20.3). Analysis focused on reliability (exploratory factor analysis). Study 2 involved a cross-validation national sample of college students (N = 336; 49.7% female; Mage = 21.2) completing the same survey items. Confirmatory factor analysis, criterion-related validity (ALCNIC/weekend drinking), and discriminant validity (social desirability) were assessed using structural equation modeling. Results Results across two studies revealed three factors to engage in ALCNIC: antagonistic (party longer), synergistic (enhanced effects), and social (peer pressure); and one factor to avoid ALCNIC: negative effects (feeling anxious) (all alphas > 0.7). In study 2, criterion-related validity revealed that synergistic motives were significantly positively associated with ALCNIC use; and negative effects motives were significantly negatively associated with ALCNIC use. Discriminant validity showed ALCNIC subscales were not significantly associated with social desirability (except social). Conclusions The study developed a reliable and valid measure of motives for ALCNIC use. Results were robust to cross-validation across two samples of college students. These measures provide targets for intervention and prevention efforts.
Honoring and Embodying the Mandate of Community-Accountable Archaeology: Perspectives from the Indo-Hispano/a Southwest

The lack of diversity in the archaeological community is worsened by the sense of exclusivity created at the meeting of archaeological practice and descendant communities. The authors’ work, carried out in partnership with Indo-Hispano/a communities in New Mexico, attempts to counteract this steep gradient of inclusion through the incorporation, professionalization, and leadership of our research collaborators. Our work confronts historical paradigms denying the significance of late colonial and Mexican period community-making in the Southwest, bringing to light the problematic nature of prior historical silences for their propagation of essentialist notions of indigeneity. The dehistoricization of the Indo-Hispano/a political, social, and economic present can be combated by archaeologies that emphasize community priorities for the direction of research. Central to such commitments is an archaeological praxis which not only fully recognizes the political nature of the work, but translates that potential through a cooperative program of action and inclusion.
Mean Shrinkage Estimation for High-Dimensional Diagonal Natural Exponential Families

Shrinkage estimators have been studied widely in statistics and have profound impact in many applications. In this paper, we study simultaneous estimation of the mean parameters of random observations from a diagonal multivariate natural exponential family. More broadly, we study distributions for which the diagonal entries of the covariance matrix are certain quadratic functions of the mean parameter. We propose two classes of semi-parametric shrinkage estimators for the mean vector and construct unbiased estimators of the corresponding risk. Further, we establish the asymptotic consistency and convergence rates for these shrinkage estimators under squared error loss as both $n$, the sample size, and $p$, the dimension, tend to infinity. Finally, we consider the diagonal multivariate natural exponential families, which have been classified as consisting of the normal, Poisson, gamma, multinomial, negative multinomial, and hybrid classes of distributions. We deduce consistency of our estimators in the case of the normal, gamma, and negative multinomial distributions if $p n^{-1/3}\log^{4/3}{n} \rightarrow 0$ as $n,p \rightarrow \infty$, and for Poisson and multinomial distributions if $pn^{-1/2} \rightarrow 0$ as $n,p \rightarrow \infty$.
A Comprehensive Review of Soft Computing Models for Permeability Prediction

Crude oil is a vital and valuable commodity in the energy industry. In order to maintain continuous, stable, and reasonably priced supplies, oil producers need cheaper exploration and extraction techniques. Permeability is one of the formation parameters that is a key interest to petroleum engineers in determining the economic worth and yield of crude deposits, yet permeability prediction remains a difficult problem. Many approaches have been applied to solving this important issue. Soft computing has been deployed to predict permeability. In this paper, we present an extensive review of the existing research that has been conducted on applications of soft computing for permeability prediction. This paper finds out that traditional approaches for permeability prediction are still relevant in the oil and gas industry. Soft computing methods in particular are worthy of addition to this interesting area. This extensive review is intended to be an entry point for further exploration of other approaches that have received little or no attention from researchers.
Proxima: accelerating the integration of machine learning in atomistic simulations

Atomistic-scale simulations are prominent scientific applications that require the repetitive execution of a computationally expensive routine to calculate a system's potential energy. Prior work shows that these expensive routines can be replaced with a machine-learned surrogate approximation to accelerate the simulation at the expense of the overall accuracy. The exact balance of speed and accuracy depends on the specific configuration of the surrogate-modeling workflow and the science itself, and prior work leaves it up to the scientist to find a configuration that delivers the required accuracy for their science problem. Unfortunately, due to the underlying system dynamics, it is rare that a single surrogate configuration presents an optimal accuracy/latency trade-off for the entire simulation. In practice, scientists must choose conservative configurations so that accuracy is always acceptable, forgoing possible acceleration. As an alternative, we propose Proxima, a systematic and automated method for dynamically tuning a surrogate-modeling configuration in response to real-time feedback from the ongoing simulation. Proxima estimates the uncertainty of applying a surrogate approximation in each step of an iterative simulation. Using this information, the specific surrogate configuration can be adjusted dynamically to ensure maximum speedup while sustaining a required accuracy metric. We evaluate Proxima using a Monte Carlo sampling application and find that Proxima respects a wide range of user-defined accuracy goals while achieving speedups of 1.02--5.5X relative to a standard
Association Analysis of Candidate Gene Polymorphisms and Tinnitus in Young Musicians.

INTRODUCTION Subjective tinnitus, a perception of phantom sound, is a common otological condition that affects almost 15% of the general population. It is known that noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and tinnitus exhibit a high level of comorbidity in individuals exposed to intense noise and music. However, the influence of genetic variants associated with NIHL on tinnitus remains elusive. We hypothesized that young musicians carrying genetic variants associated with NIHL would exhibit a higher prevalence of tinnitus than their counterparts. METHODS To test this hypothesis, we analyzed the database by Bhatt et al. (2020) (originally developed by Phillips et al., 2015) that investigated the genetic links to NIHL in young college-aged musicians. The present study identified 186 participants (average age = 20.3 yrs, range = 18-25 yrs) with normal tympanometry and otoscopic findings and with no missing data. We included 19 single nucleotide polymorphisms in 13 cochlear genes that were previously associated with NIHL. The candidate genes include: KCNE1, KCNQ1, CDH23, GJB2, GJB4, KCNJ10, CAT, HSP70, PCDH70, MYH14, GRM7, PON2, and ESRRB. RESULTS We find that individuals with at least one minor allele of rs163171 (C > T) in KCNQ1 exhibit significantly higher odds of reporting tinnitus compared to individuals carrying the major allele of rs163171. KCNE1 rs2070358 revealed a suggestive association (p = 0.049) with tinnitus, but the FDR corrected p-value did not achieve statistical significance (p < 0.05). A history of ear infection and sound level tolerance showed a statistically significant association with tinnitus. Music exposure showed a suggestive association trend with tinnitus. Biological sex revealed a statistically significant association with distortion product otoacoustic emissions SNR measures. CONCLUSIONS We concluded that KCNQ1/KCNE1 voltage-gated potassium ion channel plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of NIHL and tinnitus. Further research is required to construct clinical tools for identifying genetically predisposed individuals well before they acquire NIHL and tinnitus.
Reproductive experiential regulation of cognitive and emotional resilience

Adaptation virtually defines survival. For mammals, arguably, no other developmental milestone is exemplified by--nor more reliant on--the sudden and dramatic behavioral alterations observed in the maternal female, which rapidly must undergo change in order to express a large suite of proper and effective maternal behaviors. As pregnancy progresses, as well as during lactation, when pup cues are rich and rampant, the female is literally transformed from an organism that actively avoided offspring-related signals, to one highly motivated by those same cues to build nests, be attracted to pups and to retrieve, group, groom, crouch-over, care for, and protect, the young. Ancillary responses such as reference memory, spatial learning, foraging (including predation), and boldness improve in mothers compared to virgins. Such modifications arise early and are persistent, with neural benefits that last well into senescence. Evolutionarily, such enhancements have likely reduced the maternal burdens associated with sheltering and feeding the vulnerable young; collectively, this strengthens the mother's/parent's reproductive fitness and that of the pups in which all this effort is invested. Of the many behaviors that change as a function of pending or concurrent maternity, therefore, what is the role of modifications to resilience, the ability to withstand the numerous, unpredictable, and threatening environmental events that the mother/parent must daily, indeed, multiply daily, face and thwart in order to bring the offspring from pups to fully functioning adults. We explore these questions, and their connections, here in a multi-disciplinary manner focused on the constellation of change that summates to fundamentally alter the female for the rest of her life. Behavior, brain, neurochemistry and genes are fundamentally changed as the substrate for reproduction unfolds and expresses its inherent plasticity.
Biosynthesis of the Branched-Chain Amino Acids

Branched-chain amino acid biosynthesis has been most thoroughly characterized in Bacillus subtilis; hence, most of the information in this chapter is from studies of B. subtilis. The novel mechanisms for biosynthesis in other gram-positive genera are also described. In addition, the organization of the genes responsible for isoleucine, valine, and leucine biosynthesis and proposed regulatory mechanisms for expression of those genes is elucidated and compared with those for the corresponding genes in the gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli. The chapter illustrates the major pathways for the synthesis of the branched-chain amino acids in vegetatively growing B. subtilis cells. In Bacillus spp., some of the intermediates in branched-chain amino acid biosynthesis, specifically the branched-chain keto acids, are the immediate precursors of synthesis of the branched-chain fatty acids that are an integral part of the cell membrane. The chapter also talks about the regulation of ilv and leu gene expression. A brief overview of what occurs in E. coli is presented first, and then what occurs in B. subtilis is described. The genetic organization and regulation of the ilv and leu genes are significantly different in grampositive and gram-negative bacteria. As in E. coli, B. subtilis cells increase expression of the ilv and leu genes when there is a need for the branched-chain amino acids. Much more investigation is needed before the complete story of branched-chain amino acid biosynthesis in the gram-positive bacteria is known.
Piperazine templated 3D fluorogallophosphate: synthesis and characterization of Ga5(PO4)5F4·2[N2C4H12]

Abstract A new 3D open-framework fluorogallophosphate, Ga5(PO4)5F4·2[N2C4H12], was synthesized solvothermally using either 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane or piperazine as a templating agent. The structure as determined from low-temperature (−105°C) X-ray single crystal diffraction is orthorhombic, with space group Pccn, a=12.232(2) A, b=12.268(2) A, c=16.392(3) A, V=2460 A3 and Z=4. The 3D framework is built-up by corner linked PO4 tetrahedra, GaO4F trigonal bipyramids and GaO4F2 octahedra. The building block of the structure is an hexameric unit of composition 0.5 [Ga(PO4)]5F4. The organic template molecules reside in cavities formed by the intersection of eight member channels running along [1 0 0] and irregular pores parallel to [0 0 1]. The crystalline framework remains stable up to 350°C under oxygen.
Colloid and surface properties of clay suspensions

Abstract The properties of dispersed Na+- and Cs+-montmorillonite clays in aqueous solutions of a number of simple and complex counterions have been studied by electrokinetic and adsorption measurements. It was found that Th4+ ion at pH 3.5 reverses the charge of the clay particles and so do the chelate ions [Co(dipy)3]3+ and [Co(phen)3]3+. Na+-montmorillonite is a much better adsorbent for Co2+ and for the chelate counterions than Cs+-montmorillonite. At saturation coverage and at the point of zero mobility (i.e.p.) the Na+-clay adsorbs more than twice the amount of chelate ions taken by the Cs+-clay. This was explained on the basis of different degrees of dispersity of the two clays. The uptake of chelates by Na+-montmorillonite at saturation exceeds considerably the cation exchange capacity of the clay indicating that mechanisms in addition to ion exchange are responsible for the adsorption of these complexes.
Making Sense Out of Variable Spending Strategies for Retirees

Variable spending strategies can be situated on a continuum between two extremes: spending a constant amount from the portfolio each year without regard for the remaining portfolio balance, and spending a fixed percentage of the remaining portfolio balance. Variable spending strategies seek compromise between these extremes by avoiding too many spending cuts while also protecting against the risk that spending must subsequently fall to uncomfortably low levels. Two basic categories for variable spending rules explored include decision rule methods and actuarial methods. Ten strategies will be compared using a consistent set of portfolio return and fee assumptions, and using an XYZ formula to calibrate initial spending: the client willingly accepts an X% probability that spending falls below a threshold of $Y (in inflation-adjusted terms) by year Z of retirement. Presenting the distribution of spending and wealth outcomes for different strategies in which the initial spending rate is calibrated with the XYZ formula will allow for a more meaningful comparison of strategies. The article provides a framework for identifying appropriate spending strategies based on client preferences.
Use of select dietary supplements among individuals with diabetes or atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease

Background Prior research on the use of dietary supplements (DSs) has examined the characteristics of users compared to non-users; however, most studies have generally surveyed healthy populations and have not asked whether users discuss their DS intake with their healthcare providers. Objectives The objective of this study was to characterise the use of select DSs among individuals with chronic disease, and to assess the degree to which they discussed DS use with their healthcare provider. Methods A telephone survey was administered to a subset of individuals who were subsequently randomised into a larger clinical trial. Participants were asked about the frequency and types of DS used, with electronic medical records used to capture clinical characteristics. Participants were aged ≥40 years and had diabetes mellitus or atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Results Among the 833 survey respondents, 56.3% of respondents reported daily DS use. Daily DS users were more likely to be older, female, have lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels and better medication adherence. The most commonly used supplements were multivitamins, omega 3 supplements and vitamin D. Approximately one-third of users reported that they had not discussed DS use with their healthcare provider. Conclusions Given the high prevalence of DS use in this population, it is critical that healthcare providers discuss DS use with their patients so that the safety and health of these patients are not compromised.
Cutting edge: chemical dominance does not relate to immunodominance: studies of the CD4+ T cell response to a model antigen.

We have quantitated the major families of peptides from hen egg lysozyme (HEL) presented by MHC class II I-A k molecules. One striking feature is that the four epitopes are presented at levels that differ by as much as 200- to 300-fold. In these studies, we describe the CD4 + T cell response to each epitope after immunization with several doses of hen egg lysozyme protein. Although fewer T cells were generated at lower doses, the surprising finding was the responses to all four peptides were maintained. The relative number of T cell clones to each of the four epitopes was influenced to a very limited degree by their levels of presentation at the lowest dose. In conclusion, under strong stimulatory conditions, there is not a direct relationship between levels of peptide presentation and the T cell responses.
Hydrogeochemical Characterization of Leaking, Carbon Dioxide‐Charged Fault Zones in East‐Central Utah, With Implications for Geologic Carbon Storage

We examined a natural, CO 2 -charged subsurface system located near two fault zones in East-Central Utah that is analogous to engineered sequestration sites. Geologic information and geochemical and isotopic data from water and gas samples were used to develop a conceptual model of the flow system. This flow-system description indicates that CO 2 from a depth >800 m migrates upward through a system of shallower, stacked aquifers. The geologic structure in the area serves to focus the CO 2 -rich waters at the location of a faulted, anticlinal trap. The faults in the area impede horizontal flow but allow vertical leakage through thick, low-permeability formations. An important implication from this CO 2 -sequestration analog is that leakages occur along discrete flow paths in the subsurface; thus, in sequestration scenarios, detailed understanding of discrete flow paths will be necessary. Another implication is that groundwater can transport a significant amount of CO 2 , and thus, sampling groundwater chemistries from wells may be a better way to identify leakages than using monitoring techniques at the surface. Finally, even though mineralization occurs during CO 2 leakage to the surface, self-sealing has not occurred at this natural analog and may not occur at engineered sequestration sites.
Recurrent abdominal pain as the sole manifestation of hereditary angioedema in multiple family members

This paper describes a previously unreported finding of abdominal pain as the only lifelong manifestation of hereditary angioedema in multiple family members. This diagnosis was obscured by the absence of cutaneous, oropharyngeal, and respiratory involvement. Barium studies performed during painful attacks showed transient intestinal wall edema which, along with abnormalities in the C4 level and C1 esterase inhibitor activity, confirmed the diagnosis. It is important that hereditary angioedema be recognized in its various forms so that invasive procedures can be avoided and prophylactic therapy can be administered.
Thermodynamic Identities and Symmetry Breaking in Short-Range Spin Glasses

We present a technique to generate relations connecting pure state weights, overlaps, and correlation functions in short-range spin glasses. These are obtained directly from the unperturbed Hamiltonian and hold for general coupling distributions. All are satisfied in phases with simple thermodynamic structure, such as the droplet-scaling and chaotic pairs pictures. If instead nontrivial mixed-state pictures hold, the relations suggest that replica symmetry is broken as described by a Derrida-Ruelle cascade, with pure state weights distributed as a Poisson-Dirichlet process.
Monoxenic cultivation of an acoel turbellarian, Parotocelis luteola Kozloff

Abstract Twelve species of diatoms, grown bacteria-free in enriched sea water, have been tested individually for their capacity to support the growth and reproduction of the acoel Parotocelis luteola. Two pennate diatoms, Navicula pavillardi and Nitzschia dissipata, proved effective, permitting indefinite cultivation. At temperatures between 19 and 21°C, P. luteola attains sexual maturity in three weeks. This acoel is among the few invertebrates other than protozoa which have been successfully maintained under monoxenic conditions, and is the only turbellarian which has been so cultivated.
The Evolution and Practice of Occupational Social Work in the United States

Summary Occupational social work was first introduced in the United States at the dawn of the 20th Century in response to heightened industrialization, rapid urbanization and an influx of immigrants with numerous social needs. In the absence of institutionalized social welfare services and increasing consumer demands, leading industrialists of the era assumed the role in the provision of social welfare services. While paternalistic in its approach, these early employer sponsored social services set the tone for the workplace programs that have evolved over the past 100 years. While these services have been offered under many different auspices such as unions, large corporations, small employers, federal, state and local government agencies, drug and alcohol treatment programs, hospital and related health care services, the military, and by major health insurers, social workers have played a pivotal role in the evolution of workplace human services. This article traces the journey of the occupational socia...
An Alkalinity Experiment for Nonscience Majors

his article describes a simple experiment that is designed to illustrate the concepts of buffer capacity and alkalinity, while also focusing on the geological factors that influence the susceptibility of a body of water to the effects of acid rain. The students perform a semiquantitative titration of four different water samples with a dilute solution of sulfuric acid. The titrations are monitored with a pH meter. Streams flowing through regions rich in limestone have naturally high alkalinities due to the formation of bicarbonate ions from the dissolution of calcium carbonate. The focus of the experiment is to compare the buffer capacities of water samples taken from a stream that flows through a limestone-rich region with those obtained from a stream near its source at a limestone-deficient location. Students plot the pH vs. the number of drops of dilute acid added to each of the samples. The relative buffer capacities are determined from the number of drops required to reach a pH of about 4.4. Tap water and water taken from a major river that flows through central Pennsylvania were found to have fairly large buffer capacities, while deionized water and water taken from a smaller stream near its source were found to have very low buffer capacities. The results show that different bodies of water can have vastly different susceptibilities to the effects of acid rain, depending on the concentration of the bicarbonate ion. The examination of the titration curves enable students to appreciate the sudden drop in pH that occurs once all of the bicarbonate ions have been consumed.
Modeling purple nutsedge sprouting under soil solarization

Abstract Sprouting percentage was estimated for purple nutsedge tubers in the field from daily fluctuating soil temperatures. Tuber sprouting under alternating temperatures ranging from 20 to 45 C for 14 d responded quadratically to alternations of high and low temperature. A response surface regression of the cumulative sprouting percentage accounted for 88% of the variation. The cumulative sprouting percentage curves were sigmoidal, and the Richards function satisfactorily regressed the characteristics of the curves. A simulation model was developed for the cumulative sprouting percentage by estimating sprouting from daily high and low temperatures and accumulating daily increments of tuber sprouting. Five weeks of soil solarization with clear polyethylene film at Waimanalo, Hawaii raised the mean soil temperature at 15-cm depth by 5.8 C in spring and by 7.2 C in summer. Solarization also increased the mean daily temperature difference from 1.5 to 3.7 C in spring and from 2.3 to 3.8 C in summer. Solariz...
Abstract 4957: Role of tumor-derived exosomes in growth and metastasis of breast cancer

Breast cancer (BC) mortality rates have decreased over last 30 years, largely due to early detection and improved treatment modalities, particularly targeted therapies. However, metastasis relentlessly drives mortality. The pervasive mortality from metastasis highlights the shortcomings of traditionally accepted hypotheses on the metastatic process. The mechanisms by which malignant tumors leave the primary tumor site, invade lymphatics, and metastasize to regional lymph nodes are complex and interrelated. Exosomes are biological nanovesicles (∼30-100 nm) of endocytic origin. Exosomes mediate local and horizontal transfer of information, such as mRNAs, miRNAs and proteins. They are indicated to play a significant role in the genesis of tumor, growth and metastasis. Recent advances in the exosome biology suggest that tumor-derived exosomes (TDEs) are critical mediators of tumorigenesis and can incite a pro-angiogenic signaling program capable of remodeling tissue matrices. However, the role of TDEs in BC metastasis remains elusive. In this study, we examined the role of exosomes in breast cancer metastasis using cell culture studies. We made the following observations: i) exosomes derived from BC cells had a mean size of 92 nm and carried exosomal marker proteins CD63 and CD81, ii) uptake of exosomes from highly metastatic BC cells (MDA-MB-231) by non-metastatic recipient cells (BT474 and T47D), iii) faster wound healing rate, increased migratory behavior, and invasiveness in recipient cells treated with metastatic BC exosomes, iv) increased endothelial cell tube formation, reflective of angiogenesis ability with exosomes from metastatic BC cells, v) modulation in expression levels of key EMT-associated proteins in non-metastatic cells treated with metastatic BC exosomes favoring EMT shift, vi) difference in metastasis-associated miRNAs levels in exosomes from invasive and non-invasive BC cells. Our data that suggest exosomes from metastatic BC cells carry the cargo essential for EMT and have the ability to change phenotypic traits of the recipient cells. Determining the role of exosomes in BC metastasis and characterization of BC exosomes components (proteins, mRNA and miRNA) will have great potential to uncover new targets and lead to new therapies for metastatic disease. Citation Format: Radha Munagala, Ramesh Gupta. Role of tumor-derived exosomes in growth and metastasis of breast cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 4957. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-4957
Collagen-PCL sheath-core bicomponent electrospun scaffolds increase osteogenic differentiation and calcium accretion of human adipose-derived stem cells.

Human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) are an abundant cell source capable of osteogenic differentiation, and have been investigated as an autologous stem cell source for bone tissue engineering applications. The objective of this study was to determine if the addition of a type-I collagen sheath to the surface of poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL) nanofibers would enhance viability, proliferation and osteogenesis of hASCs. This is the first study to examine the differentiation behavior of hASCs on collagen–PCL sheath–core bicomponent nanofiber scaffolds developed using a co-axial electrospinning technique. The use of a sheath–core configuration ensured a uniform coating of collagen on the PCL nanofibers. PCL nanofiber scaffolds prepared using a conventional electrospinning technique served as controls. hASCs were seeded at a density of 20 000 cells/cm2 on 1 cm2 electrospun nanofiber (pure PCL or collagen–PCL sheath–core) sheets. Confocal microscopy and hASC proliferation data confirmed the presence of viable c...
Species‐level and community‐level responses to disturbance: a cross‐community analysis

Communities are comprised of individual species that respond to changes in their environment depending in part on their niche requirements. These species comprise the biodiversity of any given community. Common biodiversity metrics such as richness, evenness, and the species abundance distribution are frequently used to describe biodiversity across ecosystems and taxonomic groups. While it is increasingly clear that researchers will need to forecast changes in biodiversity, ecology currently lacks a framework for understanding the natural background variability in biodiversity or how biodiversity patterns will respond to environmental change. We predict that while species populations depend on local ecological mechanisms (e.g., niche processes) and should respond strongly to disturbance, community-level properties that emerge from these species should generally be less sensitive to disturbance because they depend on regional mechanisms (e.g., compensatory dynamics). Using published data from terrestrial animal communities, we show that community-level properties were generally resilient under a suite of artificial and natural manipulations. In contrast, species responded readily to manipulation. Our results suggest that community-level measures are poor indicators of change, perhaps because many systems display strong compensatory dynamics maintaining community-level properties. We suggest that ecologists consider using multiple metrics that measure composition and structure in biodiversity response studies.
GAMMA-RAY BURSTS — OBSERVATIONS

We are in an exciting period of discovery for gamma-ray bursts. The Swift observatory is detecting 100 bursts per year, providing arcsecond localizations and sensitive observations of the prompt and afterglow emission. The Fermi observatory is observing 250 bursts per year with its medium-energy GRB instrument and about 10 bursts per year with its high-energy LAT instrument. In addition, rapid-response telescopes on the ground are providing new capabilities to study optical emission during the prompt phase and spectral signatures of the host galaxies. The combined data set is enabling great advances in our understanding of GRBs including afterglow physics, short burst origin, and high energy emission.
Conformational studies on modified proteins and peptides. VII. Conformation of ε-prototoxin and ε-toxin from Clostridium perfringens. Conformational changes associated with toxicity

Abstract Conformational studies have been carried out on e-prototoxin and e-toxin from Clostridium perfringens , type D, by ORD and CD measurements. Also, any effect on the conformation, due to binding with e-toxin, of the peptide cleaved from e-prototoxin on tryptic activation of the latter was studied. The present work showed that e-prototoxin and e-toxin possess high amounts of β-conformation. The activation of e-prototoxin is accompanied by a conformational change since significant differences were observed in the ORD and CD parameters of e-prototoxin and e-toxin. The conformational change accompanying activation can be observed only if the cleaved peptide is removed or if measurements were carried out in a solvent that will not favor its binding to e-toxin.
Submicrometer lithographic alignment and overlay strategies

Inter-mask-level alignment and overlay measurements are becoming more challenging as new generations of lithography progress to critical dimensions well below a micrometer. Registration requirements are typically a small fraction (. 20%) of the critical dimension. Despite the importance of alignment to the realization of future generations of lithography, relatively little effort has been expended in contrast to the large body of work on new source and photoresist technologies. Moire techniques are shown to be an effective technique for alignment and overlay registration to well below a micrometer. Initial experiments are presented for several promising moire metrology techniques which are shown to be sufficiently precise to resolve two gratings with periods differing by less than 0.1 nm. A high-resolution Si-based optical position sensor, which relies on electronic transport mechanisms, rather than optical phase information, is also discussed in the context of submicrometer alignment.
Macroregenerative Nodules in a Series of Adult Cirrhotic Liver Explants: Issues of Classification and Nomenclature

Macroregenerative nodules (MRNs), probably representing a pathway for human hepatocarcinogenesis, are generally classified into type I MRNs (or ordinary adenomatous hyperplasia) and type II MRNs (or atypical adenomatous hyperplasia), on the basis of imprecise definitions of cytological and architectural atypia. It is currently believed that type II MRNs are probably true precursors of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), whereas type I lesions may simply represent large regenerative nodules. A series of 155 consecutive adult cirrhotic liver explants were examined for evidence of MRNs, HCC, and liver cell dysplasia (LCD) of large and small cell types, and their appearance, in terms of proposed classification schemes, was reviewed. There was evidence indicating that the presence of either type of MRN was associated with an increased incidence of HCC (all MRNs, P < .00019; type I MRNs, P < .067; type II MRNs, P < .012) compared with cirrhotic livers without MRNs. A subset of younger patients with a large (uncountable) number of MRNs in their livers, who did not show any increased incidence of carcinoma, was identified. Excluding these cases from statistical analysis, all associations were strengthened, implying either that malignant progression had not had time to occur in this younger population or that these nodules were simply large regenerative nodules without malignant potential. MRNs from these livers were histologically indistinguishable from MRNs occurring in more limited numbers, although atypical changes other than large cell type LCD were less frequent. No independent association between LCD of large cell type and HCC was found in the entire series. Deleting this feature from the criteria for cytological atypia resulted in a stronger association of both types of MRNs with HCC (redefined type II MRNs/HCC, P < .0001; redefined type I MRNs/HCC, P < .0306). Some of the type II MRNs remaining after exclusion of large cell type LCD showed “borderline” changes insufficient for a diagnosis of HCC, but most type II MRNs (82%) contained expansile “nodule-in-nodule” growth patterns. The conclusions of this report are that (1) histological examination of type I MRNs is insufficient in many cases to distinguish large regenerative nodules from neoplastic ones; (2) LCD of large cell type should not be used as a criterion for terming an MRN atypical; and (3) expansile “nodule-in-nodule” formation in MRNs should be considered to represent evidence of architectural atypia.
Chronic hexosaminidase A and B deficiency

The leukocytes and fibroblasts from a mildly retarded 10-year-old girl who had a slowly progressive motor dysfunction showed absence of hexosaminidase A and B activities. Leukocytes from her asymptomatic mother and sister contained half the normal levels of both enzymes. This child is the second patient reported with a chronic form of hexosaminidase A and B deficiency, an enzyme deficiency previously described only in infants with rapidly progressive psychomotor deterioration (Sandhoff's disease).
Provisional restorations for traumatically injured teeth requiring endodontic treatment

The acid-etch-composite resin technique is used to retain a provisional restoration during the course of endodontic treatment. As described, the use of a gutta percha cone during the buildup and bonding to adjacent teeth provides the following: (1) good esthetics during endodontic treatment, (2) good support for rubber dam placement, (3) good entry to the canal, (4) good coronal seal for medication within the canal, and (5) good function as required by the provisional crown.
Different signaling pathways induced by α-CD3 monoclonal antibody versus alloantigen on the basis of differential ornithine sensitivity☆

Abstract Previously we reported that 10 mM ornithine (Orn) selectively inhibits the development of CD8+ CTL in MLC. Herein we show that induction by α-CD3 mAb of CD8+ killer cells which manifest antibody-redirected cytotoxicity (ARC) of FcR+ targets is not Orn sensitive. Orn resistance was independent of activation kinetics or α-CD3 mAb concentration. α-CD3 mAb added to the cytotoxicity assay did not reveal a cytolytic potential in CTL from an Orn-treated MLC when the target cells bore both the inducing alloantigen and FcR. Addition of α-CD3 mAb to MLC failed to overcome Orn inhibition of CTL and yet induced ARC activity in the same culture. Expression of mRNA for pore-forming proteins (PFP) and granzyme B was inhibited by Orn in CTL but not in ARC killer cells. Our results demonstrate differences in the T cell activation process stimulated by alloantigen or α-CD3 mAb.
Demixing in polystyrene/methylcyclohexane solutions

Cloudpoint data for polystyrene/methylcyclohexane solutions extending over moderate ranges of pressure and molecular weight are available in the literature. Those data are supplemented with new results from this laboratory to fill in gaps and extend the MW range (to 761 ≤ MW/amu ≤ 2 X 10 7 ). The resulting data net is discussed and reasons to extend studies to higher pressure are presented.
Replication of herpesvirus DNA. I. Electron microscopic analysis of replicative structures.

Abstract The replicative structures of pseudorabies virus DNA were examined by electron microscopy during the first round of parental viral DNA replication. Molecules with replicative “eyes” and branches were observed. Eyes, centering mainly between 18 and 24 μm from one of the ends of linear unit-size molecules, were observed indicating that internal initiation of replication occurred preferentially at that site. Y-shaped molecules with branches of varying sizes were also seen. Some of the molecules had relatively short branches, indicating that initiation of replication of linear molecules occurs near or at the end of the molecules as well. Circular and longer than unit-size molecules with eyes or branches were seen, indicating that parental viral DNA molecules that acquire single-stranded ends within the host cells and, consequently, can circularize and form concatemers proceed to replicate. Viral DNA molecules with terminal loops were also observed; the function of these structures in replication remains uncertain.
The Association Between Audit Committee Characteristics, the Contracting Process and Fraudulent Financial Reporting

In an effort to restore investor confidence in the wake of recent financial reporting scandals, the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act of 2002 mandates that audit committees be fully independent and have at least one financial expert. The SEC adopted rules implementing these Sarbanes‐Oxley provisions. This paper contributes to the literature on the association between audit committee characteristics recommended by SOX and the likelihood of fraud in two ways. First, we focus on audit committee composition and the extent of the underlying nature of the firm (e.g., firm size, growth) and the contracting environment (e.g., managerial ownership, leverage) of the firm on the likelihood of fraud. In particular, we find that the likelihood of fraudulent financial reporting is negatively related to audit committee independence, number of audit committee meetings and managerial ownership and positively related to firm size and firm growth opportunities. Second, we separately examine firms with totally independent audit committees and fraudulent financial reporting. This sample is interesting because these are firms that had good corporate governance and yet still had fraudulent financial reporting. By separately examining firms with totally independent audit committees, we find that the likelihood of fraudulent financial reporting given a totally independent audit committee is inversely related to the level of managerial ownership and the number of audit committee meetings.
Mitigation of transcultural clinical barriers in a health and wellness program: A transcultural caring approach for vulnerable migrant backstretch workers

This paper explores the mitigation of transcultural clinical barriers in a clinical setting where migrant backstretch workers receive health and wellness services from university faculty, staff, and nursing students at a nurse-led clinic located behind the stable area of a local thoroughbred racetrack. Caring for this vulnerable population is critical as these underserved individuals encounter many obstacles in the access of quality health care as a result of their marginalized status. Placing a heightened emphasis on providing culturally congruent care within the clinical setting and adopting a framework of transcultural caring principles using Ray’s Transcultural Caring Dynamics in Nursing and Health-Care Model serve as a sound strategy to reduce cultural barriers and enhance the health of these workers who have inadequate or no healthcare coverage. This article examines the unique culture of migrant populations with a specific emphasis on migrant backstretch populations, and the health disparities that occur within this marginalized population. This article also addresses the importance of delivering clinical nursing services within the context of transcultural caring, applying the theoretical framework of Ray’s Transcultural Caring Dynamics in Nursing and Health-Care to a nurse-led health and wellness program for migrant backstretch workers. It suggests clinical implications for nursing using a transcultural framework to improve the health status of this invisible population.