cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Local influence diagnostics for the retrospective problem in sequential population analysis

The retrospective problem involves systematic differences in sequential population analysis (SPA) estimates of stock size or some other quantity in a reference year. The differences occur as successively more data are used for estimation, and they appear to be structural biases caused by a mis-specification of the SPA. In some cases the retrospective problem is so severe that the SPA is considered to be too unreliable for stock assessment purposes. There are many possible sources of retrospective patterns, and it is usually difficult in practice to determine which are more likely. We propose diagnostics to help determine the more likely causes. We use local influence diagnostics to investigate whether small changes or perturbations to SPA input components such as catches or natural mortalities can remove or reduce retrospective patterns. We show, for the fall-spawning herring stock in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence SPA, that relatively small age- and year-specific changes to the SPA assumptions about the proportional relationship between an abundance index and stock size can result in greatly reduced retrospective patterns. We therefore conclude primafacie that these assumptions are a plausible source of the retrospective pattern. Larger changes to catches, natural mortality assumptions, or estimation weights are required to reduce the retrospective pattern. These other factors seem to be less plausible sources of the retrospective pattern, although this is best assessed by the herring stock experts who are more knowledgeable about the fishery and other scientific information for this stock.
Electronics in Clinical Research

Engineering training can profitably be applied to medical problems, both for better understanding of biological mechanisms and for development of more effective clinical methods. Also from clinical investigations, one can often derive concepts applicable to nonbiological systems. Examples of developments from clinically-oriented research are cited to show some of the possibilities and problems in this field.
Testosterone is a potential augmentor of antioxidant-induced apoptosis in human prostate cancer cells.

Abstract We have investigated the effect of antioxidant-induced apoptosis in human prostate cancer cell lines that is augmented by testosterone (T). In this study, DU-145 (androgen unresponsive), ALVA-101 (partially androgen responsive), and LNCaP (androgen responsive) were grown in tissue culture with RPMI 1640 medium, 5–10% fetal bovine serum (FBS), antibiotics and 5% CO 2 . Treatment with 2.5–20μg/ml of PDTC significantly ( P n =6) lowered cell growth in all three cells 2–60% following treatment for 1–7 days. T (10 −12 M) alone enhances cell growth in androgen responsive cells. In contrast, the combination of PDTC and T significantly ( P n =6) augmented the PDTC induction of apoptosis in the androgen responsive cells, (ALVA-101 and LNCaP), but not in the androgen unresponsive cells (DU-145). PDTC reduced the nuclear NF-κB, as determined with an electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), to 50% of the control in LNCaP cells, 65% in ALVA-101 cells and 45% in DU-145 cells, but the combination of PDTC and T was not more potent than PDTC alone in any of the cell lines. PDTC suppressed both the AR mRNA and protein expression and reversed the stimulatory effect of T on androgen receptor (AR) protein synthesis in LNCaP and AVLA-101 cells. In conclusion, PDTC is a potent growth inhibitor and an inducer of apoptosis in human prostate cancer cells by reducing nuclear NF-κB and AR protein expression. PDTCs suppression of AR synthesis and nuclear NF-κB in response to T may contribute to its enhancement of apoptosis observed with T and PDTC compared to PDTC alone.
Direct mechanical landmine excitation with scanner laser Doppler vibrometer surface measurements

Remote acoustic or seismic forms of excitation for laser Doppler vibration landmine detection are low false alarm rate detection strategies. A more recent approach now under investigation includes a direct mechanical excitation through a prodder or probe. In this research, we report on simple laboratory measurements of the VS-1.6 landmine undergoing direct mechanical excitation from a modified prodder while measuring the landmine's pressure plate vibrational response with a scanning laser Doppler vibrometer. The direct mechanical excitation mechanism, located near the prodding end of a rod, consists of a miniature piezoelectric stack actuator. We additionally compare direct excitation to both acoustic and seismic methods in a large sandbox filled with dry sand. We show that for the landmine buried almost flush, direct contact mechanical excitation compares favorably to both seismic and acoustic excitation responses for the (0,1) mode of the pressure plate. We also observe additional features not previously seen in either seismic or acoustic excitation.
Optimizing Fuel Treatments to Reduce Wildland Fire Risk

Fuel treatments have been widely used as an effective fire management tool to mitigate catastrophic wildland fire risk in forested landscapes. Fire research efforts of the last two decades have significantly advanced fire behavior modeling and fuel treatment effects analysis, but integrated fuel treatment planning and optimization models have yet to be extensively developed and used, mainly due to the complexity of the planning problem. This paper describes the problem complexity in terms of essential considerations when deciding where, when, and how to perform fuel treatments. Previous studies published in mainstream peer-reviewed journals are summarized and identified by their unique contributions, assumptions, and simplifications. Only a handful studies assessed fuel treatment effects in spatial and temporal contexts and incorporated them into the optimization framework. Most of these existing studies introduced optimization approaches as proof of concept with limited applications. It is hoped that future studies will build on these previous efforts and develop more efficient and integrated optimization approaches that can address multiple concerns simultaneously while producing effective fuel treatment plans for field implementation.
Enhanced overcharge performance of nano-LiCoO2 by novel Li3VO4 surface coatings

LiCoO2 nanoparticles were coated with 3.4 and 5.5 wt% of lithium vanadate (Li3VO4) by a wet-chemical and sintering method. When the electrode containing 5.5-wt% Li3VO4-coated LiCoO2 was overcharged to 4.5 V at a current of 30 mA g−1 (∼0.2 C), ∼85% of the initial discharge capacity after 100 charge–discharge cycles was maintained, compared to only ∼67% for the electrode with bare LiCoO2 nanoparticles. The electrode with 5.5 wt% coating can also deliver 115 mA h g−1 discharge capacity at a current of 1200 mA g−1 (∼8 C) and a discharge–charge voltage of 4.5 V, which is twice the capacity of the bare LiCoO2 sample. The improvement of overcharge cyclability and high-rate capability was believed to be due to the structurally protective Li3VO4 surface coating with good Li-ion conductivity.
Radioactivity in drinking water; expert opinion and policy choices

To examine the preferences of experts to selected economic and policy options in ground-water protection, we conducted an exploratory survey. We presented a group of 120 experts with an analysis of the problem of radium in drinking water supplies of Iowa, and requested their response to a variety of formal questions pertaining to specific issues related to the presence of radium in drinking water. Ninety-seven of the 120 responded. We observed definite preferences in responses to certain aspects of the problem, although in some cases their responses differed significantly due to such factors as length of ground-water related professional experience and residential status. When the presence of excessive radium in drinking water is identified, the respondents preferred immediate action in a world of incomplete knowledge over extensive future research; were willing to undertake personal action to seek radium-free water rather than wait for official action; and favoured local and state government involvement over federal intervention. Findings based on such exploratory surveys can be of much value in defining insightful research hypotheses for field testing. Confirmatory testing of such hypotheses to establish actual preferences in communities with excessive radium in drinking water is a valuable area for further research.
Resolution spaces: a topological approach to similarity

A central concept for information retrieval is that of similarity. Although an information retrieval system is expected to return a set of documents most relevant to the query word(s), it is often described as returning a set of documents most similar to the query. The authors argue that in order to reason with similarity we need to model the concept of discriminating power. They offer a simple topological notion called resolution space that provides a rich mathematical framework for reasoning with limited discriminating power, avoiding the vagueness paradox.
Differential growth by growth plates as a function of multiple parameters of chondrocytic kinetics.

Differential elongation of growth plates is the process by which growth-plate chondrocytes translate the same sequence of gene regulation into the appropriate timing pattern for a given rate of elongation. While some of the parameters associated with differential growth are known, the purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that eight independent variables are involved. We tested this hypothesis by considering four different growth plates in 28-day-old Long-Evans rats. Temporal parameters were provided by means of oxytetracycline and bromodeoxyuridine labeling techniques. Stereological parameters were measured with standard techniques. For all four growth plates, the calculated number of new chondrocytes produced per day approximated the number of chondrocytes lost per day at the chondro-osseous junction. This suggests that the proposed equations and associated variables represent a comprehensive set of variables defining differential growth. In absolute numbers, the proximal tibial growth plate produced about four times as many chondrocytes per day as the proximal radial growth plate (16,400 compared with 3,700). In the proximal tibia, 9% of growth is contributed by cellular division; 32%, by matrix synthesis throughout the growth plate: and 59%, by chondrocytic enlargement during hypertrophy. In the more slowly elongating growth plates, the relative contribution to elongation from cellular enlargement decreases from 59 to 44%, with a relative increase in contribution from matrix synthesis ranging from 32% in the proximal tibia to 49% in the proximal radius. This study suggests that differential growth is best depicted as a complex interplay among cellular division, matrix synthesis, and cellular enlargement during hypertrophy. Differential growth is best explained by considering a set of eight independent variables, seven of which vary from growth plate to growth plate. Thus, this study confirms the importance of cellular hypertrophy during elongation and adds to our understanding of the importance of locally mediated regulatory systems controlling growth-plate activity.
Gradient-enhanced Coupled Plasticity-anisotropic Damage Model for Concrete Fracture: Computational Aspects and Applications:

It is widely studied that classical continuum damage theory for con- crete fracture exhibits an extreme sensitivity to the spatial discretization in the finite element simulations. This sensitivity is caused by the fact that the mathematical description becomes ill-posed at a certain level of accumulated damage. A well-posed problem can be recovered by using a gradient-enhanced damage model in which a material length scale is introduced as a localization limiter. In this work, a nonlocal gradient-enhanced fully coupled plastic-damage constitutive model for plain concrete is developed. Anisotropic damage with a plasticity yield criterion and a damage criterion are introduced to be able to adequately describe the plastic and damage behavior of concrete. In order to account for different effects under tensile and compressive loadings, nonlocal damage variables that account for the progressive degradation of mechanical properties under stress states of prevailing tension and compression and two internal length scales, one for tension and the other for compression, are introduced as localization limiters. Therefore, two nonlocal damage criteria are used: one for compression and a second for tension such that the total stress is decomposed into tensile and compressive components. In order to solve the time step problem, a decoupled elastic predictor and plastic corrector steps are performed first in the effective configuration where damage is absent, and then a nonlocal damage corrector step is applied in order to update the final stress state. The algorithmic treatment of both tension and compression is presented in a unified way. A simple procedure to calculate the gradient of the tensile/compressive damage
Assays for studying chromatin structure

Changes in chromatin structure have often been associated with changes in levels of gene expression. The response that is usually seen is a decondensation of the chromatin as the gene becomes active [3, 17–20]. The connection of these two events leads to the question of where such open areas are found in the gene and what role chromatin structure plays in gene regulation. In this case ‘condensed’ DNA refers to DNA wound around histone octamers to form nucleosome arrays. These arrays represent the first level of condensation exhibited by eukaryotic chromosomes and is probably the most important relative to regulation [18].
Impact of Fertigation versus Controlled-release Fertilizer Formulations on Nitrate Concentrations in Nursery Drainage Water

ADDITIONAL INDEX WORDS. nitrogen, water quality SUMMARY. Nitrate-nitrogen (N) losses in surface drainage and runoff water from ornamental plant production areas can be considerable. In N-limited watersheds, discharge of N from production areas can have negative impacts on nontarget aquatic systems. This study monitored nitrate-N concentrations in production area drainage water originating from a foliage plant production area. Concentrations in drainage water were monitored during the transition from 100% reliance on fertigation using urea and nitrate-based soluble formulations (SF) to a nitratebased controlled-release formulation (CRF). During the SF use period, nitrate-N concentrations ranged from 0.5 to 322.0 mgL –1 with a median concentration of 31.2 mgL –1 . Conversely, nitrate-N concentrations during the controlled-release fertilization program ranged from 0 to 147.9 mgL –1 with a median concentration of 0.9 mgL –1 . This project demonstrates that nitrate-N concentrations in drainage waterduringtheCRFprogramwerereducedby94%to97%atthe10ththrough95th percentiles relative to the SF fertilization program. Nitrate-N concentrations in drainage water from foliage plant production areas can be reduced by using CRF fertilizer formulations relative to SF formulations/fertigation. Similar results should beexpectedfor other similar containerized crops. Managers located within N-limited watersheds facing N water quality regulations should consider the use of CRF fertilizer formulationsas a potential tool (in addition to appropriate application rates and irrigation management) for reducing production impacts on water quality.
Chronic Disease Diagnosis as a Teachable Moment for Health Behavior Changes Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults

Objective: To examine the impact of a new chronic disease diagnosis on substance use (i.e., smoking and drinking), utilization of preventive medical procedures, and physical activity among middle-aged and older adults. Method: Individual-level data came from 1996 to 2010 waves of the U.S. Health and Retirement Study. Disease diagnosis was ascertained from self-reports of physician-diagnosed diseases. A case-control difference-in-differences approach estimated in logistic regression was applied to test study hypotheses. Results: After a diagnosis of chronic disease, participants decreased substance use and increased utilization of preventive medical procedures. Physical activity declined after a diagnosis of lung disease, cancer, and stroke. Discussion: Chronic disease diagnosis may be an important teachable moment that can motivate individuals to adopt multiple risk-reducing health behaviors. Future research needs to elucidate the mechanisms through which disease diagnosis affects behaviors and test the m...
Second-line therapy with paclitaxel and carboplatin for recurrent disease following first-line therapy with paclitaxel and platinum in ovarian or peritoneal carcinoma.

PURPOSEThe combination of paclitaxel and a platinum compound is the most active first-line regimen for advanced ovarian carcinoma. The current study was undertaken to evaluate this combination in the re-treatment of patients with ovarian or peritoneal carcinoma who had disease recurrence > or = 6 months following this combination.METHODSTwenty-five patients with recurrent ovarian or peritoneal carcinoma > or = 6 months after a complete clinical response with first-line paclitaxel and platinum chemotherapy were studied. Recurrent disease was documented by computed tomography (CT), elevated CA 125 level, or surgical findings. Second-line chemotherapy consisted of paclitaxel 135 mg/m2 as a 24 hour infusion and carboplatin at an area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) of 5 to 6 every 21 days. Response to therapy was classified as measurable or assessable.RESULTSThe median time to recurrence after first-line therapy was 10 months (range, 6 to 30). Among 20 measurable and assessable patients, 14 (70%) dem...
Engaging Native Americans in Genomics Research

Native North American groups have rarely been included in population-based genetic studies (Need and Goldstein 2009; Reich et al. 2012).3 The tumultuous history of interactions between scientists and the indigenous peoples of the Americas has likely contributed to the dearth of genomic data on Native North American peoples. For instance, researchers who have taken blood samples in indigenous communities have often not returned to report and explain research results (Wichwar 2004). This exploitation of indigenous community members has created a mistrust of scientists (Schroeder et al. 2006) that leads many Native Americans to refuse to participate in genetic studies. Genomic scientists have reacted to indigenous mistrust by using methods that favor statistical workarounds (Wall et al. 2011) or convenience sampling rather than making the necessary effort to develop strong collaborative relationships with indigenous communities. As a result, the little genetic data that has been collected from Native American communities has not been very informative. Overall, Native Americans have opted out or have been left out of major genomic efforts to understand human genetic diversity from populations worldwide such as the International HapMap Project and the 1000 Genomes Project.
Comment on Bonnet et al. Association between handedness and type 2 diabetes: The E3N study. Diabetes care 2015;38:e199

I read with interest the short report by Bonnet et al. (1). It does not appear that the results were adjusted for potential age differences between the exposure groups. It would be helpful …
Decay scheme of /sup 11/Be

In a reinvestigation of the $\ensuremath{\beta}$ decay of $^{11}\mathrm{Be}$, formed in the $^{9}\mathrm{Be}(t, p)^{11}\mathrm{Be}$ reaction at ${E}_{t}=3.0$ MeV, the unique first-forbidden $\ensuremath{\beta}$-ray transition to the 4445 keV, ${J}^{\ensuremath{\pi}}={\frac{5}{2}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ state of $^{11}\mathrm{B}$ has been found with a branching intensity of 0.054\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.004% and $log{f}_{1}t=10.93\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.03$. The previously unobserved 692-keV $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray branch in the 7978\ensuremath{\rightarrow}7286\ensuremath{\rightarrow}0 cascade following the $\ensuremath{\beta}$ feeding of the $^{11}\mathrm{B}$ 7978-keV state has also been measured as 0.85% and limits were placed on other $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ branches from the 7978-keV level. Revised values are given for various other $\ensuremath{\beta}$- and $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray branching ratios. Shell model calculations are made using the full $1\ensuremath{\hbar}\ensuremath{\omega}$ basis for the positive-parity states and $0\ensuremath{\hbar}\ensuremath{\omega}+2\ensuremath{\hbar}\ensuremath{\omega}$ for the negative-parity states. The calculated electromagnetic decays of positive-parity states in $^{11}\mathrm{B}$ are compared with experiment. The first-forbidden $\ensuremath{\beta}$-decay matrix elements involved in the decay of $^{11}\mathrm{Be}$ to the lowest four states of $^{11}\mathrm{B}$ are calculated and the resultant decay rates are compared with experiment. The question of meson exchange corrections to the ${\mathrm{\textonehalf{}}}^{+}$ \ensuremath{\rightarrow} ${\mathrm{\textonehalf{}}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ $\ensuremath{\beta}$ decay is considered.RADIOACTIVITY $^{11}\mathrm{Be}$ [from $^{9}\mathrm{Be}(t, p)$]: measured ${E}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}}$, ${I}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}}$, $\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ coincidence; Ge(Li) and NaI(T1) detectors: deduced $\ensuremath{\beta}$- and $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray branches, $log\mathrm{ft}$ values; compared with theory.
HIV primary care providers--Screening, knowledge, attitudes and behaviors related to alcohol interventions

Alcohol has particularly harmful health effects in HIV-infected patients; therefore, HIV clinics are an important setting for integration of brief alcohol intervention and alcohol pharmacotherapy to improve patient outcomes. Current practices of alcohol screening, counseling, and prescription of pharmacotherapy by HIV providers are unknown.We conducted a cross-sectional survey of HIV providers from 8 HIV clinical sites across the United States. Surveys queried knowledge and use of alcohol screening, brief advice, counseling and pharmacotherapy, confidence and willingness to prescribe pharmacotherapy and barriers to their use of alcohol pharmacotherapy. We used multivariable logistic regression to examine provider factors associated with confidence and willingness to prescribe pharmacotherapy.Providers (N=158) were predominantly female (58%) and Caucasian (73%); almost half were infectious disease physicians and 31% had been in practice 10-20 years. Most providers (95%) reported always or usually screening for alcohol use, although only 10% reported using a formal screening tool. Over two-thirds never or rarely treated alcohol-dependent patients with pharmacotherapy themselves. Most (71%) referred alcohol-dependent patients for treatment. Knowledge regarding alcohol pharmacotherapy was low. The major barrier to prescribing pharmacotherapy was insufficient training on use of pharmacotherapy. Provider confidence ratings were positively correlated with their practice patterns.HIV providers reported high rates of screening for alcohol use, though few used a formal screening tool. Most providers referred alcohol dependent patients to outside resources for treatment. Few reported prescribing alcohol pharmacotherapy. Increased training on alcohol pharmacotherapy may increase confidence in prescribing and use of these medications in HIV care settings.
PREDICTION ON THE ENERGY INTENSITY OF CHINESE STEEL INDUSTRY

In order to predict the energy intensity of Chinese steel industry, an energy consumption prediction model based on the relationship between the overall energy consumption rate per ton steel and its influencing factors has been developed. By putting the aim values of these factors into the model, the energy intensity of Chinese steel industry in the year 2000 and 2010 can be predicted. It will be 1273 and 1030 kg/t steel respectively. The relative importance of these influencing factors has been determined.
Counterfactual Evaluation and Learning for Search, Recommendation and Ad Placement

Online metrics measured through A/B tests have become the gold standard for many evaluation questions. But can we get the same results as A/B tests without actually fielding a new system? And can we train systems to optimize online metrics without subjecting users to an online learning algorithm? This tutorial summarizes and unifies the emerging body of methods on counterfactual evaluation and learning. These counterfactual techniques provide a well-founded way to evaluate and optimize online metrics by exploiting logs of past user interactions. In particular, the tutorial unifies the causal inference, information retrieval, and machine learning view of this problem, providing the basis for future research in this emerging area of great potential impact. Supplementary material and resources are available online at http://www.cs.cornell.edu/~adith/CfactSIGIR2016.
Changing the Mindset of Adults with ADHD: Strategies for Fostering Hope, Optimism, and Resilience

This chapter describes the changing of the mindset of adults with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The chapter reviews the major characteristics of adults with ADHD, evident since childhood, shape the mindset of these individuals, a mindset often permeated with negative thoughts and feelings. It describes the features of a positive mindset. Adults with ADHD have difficulty tolerating their own shortcomings as well as the shortcomings of others. The most frequent complaints about individuals with ADHD are regarding their difficulty with organization. Many adults with ADHD are observed with the fluctuations in mood. One moment they may feel happy, only to have feelings of sadness dominate a few moments later. Moreover adults with ADHD lack in flexibility. Thus, the nature of the characteristics of ADHD contributes to a feeling of not being in control. In this context, clinicians must be empathic and understand the world of adults with ADHD and must provide realistic hope by offering strategies for success.
Transarterial Embolization of Type II Endoleak

This section provides a comprehensive procedural report for transarterial embolization of type II endoleak procedure with up-to-date explanatory notes, synopsis of the indications and contraindications, and potential complications in an organized and practical format.
Aldehyde-functionalized porous nanocellulose for effective removal of heavy metal ions from aqueous solutions

Nanoscale sorption is a promising strategy for catalyst and purification system design. In this paper, cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) were densely attached with aldehyde functional groups on the surface via a mild periodate oxidation process, and then applied as mesoporous sorbents to remove Cu(II) and Pb(II) from aqueous solutions. In the studied concentration range (0.6–1.0 mmol L−1), a removal capacity of 0.75 mmol g−1 for Pb(II) and 0.58 mmol g−1 for Cu(II) was obtained. It is higher than most reported results over a much broader concentration range. Furthermore, the physical chemistry of the sorption process was studied in terms of sorption kinetics, sorption isotherm study and thermodynamic study. The results showed that the sorption process is under the combined influences of reaction kinetics, film diffusion and intraparticle diffusion, and follows the Langmuir model of monolayer adsorption. The sorption is spontaneous and endothermic. This development demonstrates an ecofriendly and cost-effective method with high level effectiveness of metal ion removal.
A new species of Xylophragma (Bignoniaceae) from Brazilian dry-areas

A new species of Bignoniaceae from Brazilian cerrado and caatinga is described and illustrated: Xylophragma tenue. The species is characterized by its slightly bullate leaves, lateral leaflets with asymmetrical base, loosely branched inflorescence, flowers with tubular calyx with a shortly 5-cuspidate and frequently bilabiate rim, infundibuliform corolla, and capsules flat, woody, smooth, and with raised margins. Comments on distribution, phylogenetic affinities, and comparisons with morphologically similar species are also presented.
Microwave meta-skin for tunable frequency selective surface and flexible invisibility cloak

We demonstrate a flexible and stretchable meta-skin and its applications for tunable frequency selective surface and invisibility cloak in microwave regime. The meta-skin is formed by embedding liquid metal-based split ring resonators into a highly stretchable elastomer. The frequency response of the meta-skin can be tuned continuously from 9.15 GHz to 12.38 GHz by simple mechanical stretching. The cloaking effect of this meta-skin is also investigated, with a focus on its capability to suppress the scattered field from a dielectric rod in free space.
Accelerated Newton Iteration for Roots of Black Box Polynomials

We study the problem of computing the largest root of a real rooted polynomial p(x) to within error 'z' given only black box access to it, i.e., for any x, the algorithm can query an oracle for the value of p(x), but the algorithm is not allowed access to the coefficients of p(x). A folklore result for this problem is that the largest root of a polynomial can be computed in O(n log (1/z)) polynomial queries using the Newton iteration. We give a simple algorithm that queries the oracle at only O(log n log(1/z)) points, where n is the degree of the polynomial. Our algorithm is based on a novel approach for accelerating the Newton method by using higher derivatives.
Reporting Rotational Dynamics of Intracellular Cargos with Janus Particles

Intracellular cargo transport is an essential process underlying a multitude of cellular functions. Dysfunctional cargo transport is associated with various human diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Alzheimer's disease. This highlights the critical need for understanding the regulatory mechanism of cargo transport. Extensive efforts have been focused on interpreting the cargo transport and function of motor proteins based on the translational movement of cargos. In contrast, the rotation of cargos has been rarely studied and poorly understood, even though the tug-of-war between motor proteins is predicted theoretically to cause rotation of cargos. Our limited knowledge about the cargo rotation is due to the lack of method to directly measure cargo rotation in vivo. I will show, in this presentation, our recent progress towards addressing this critical need. By designing a novel type of optically anisotropic particles as the rotational probe, we are now able to visualize the transport and rotation of cargos in living cells with high spatial and temporal resolutions. Our results demonstrate that the cargo rotation is not only a simple act from the tug-of-war of motor proteins, but is also influenced by the intracellular environment.
Teachers' Perceptions of ELL Students: Do Their Attitudes Shape Their Instruction?

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this parallel mixed-methodology study was to examine how the perceptions of early childhood teachers toward their early childhood English Language Learners (ELL) shape their pedagogical practices. The study was conducted in 10 early childhood classrooms, ranging from grades pre-K to third, in one suburban school with a culturally and linguistically diverse student population. Quantitative data was gathered through the administration of Pohan and Aguilar's (2001) Professional beliefs about diversity Likert scale. Additionally, qualitative data w`ere collected. Although some survey responses and interviews indicated that participants were aware of and accepting of all students' funds of knowledge and were eager to draw on their students' cultural backgrounds languages, most were ill-equipped or unwilling to differentiate their instruction for ELL students. Implications for inservice teacher professional development to gain understandings of the theories of second language acquisition ...
Selecting Pole Locations for System Identifiers with Fixed Poles

Abstract Model sets consisting of rational transfer functions with fixed pole locations are considered for system identification. Such model sets are attractive because the identifier is linear in the parameters, while the flexibility in selecting pole locations provides modeling capabilities better than those of finite impulse response, Laguerre, or related models. Procedures are presented for selecting the fixed pole locations, using a priori information about the system to be identified. Some examples show that this identifier achieves more accurate identification, given an equal number of adjusted parameters, in comparison with finite impulse response, Laguerre, and Kautz models.
Integrin-FAK-CDC42-PP1A signaling gnaws at YAP/TAZ activity to control incisor stem cells.

How epithelial tissues are able to self-renew to maintain homeostasis and regenerate in response to injury remains a persistent question. The transcriptional effectors YAP and TAZ are increasingly being recognized as central mediators of epithelial stem cell biology, and a wealth of recent studies have been directed at understanding the control and activity of these factors. Recent work by Hu et al. [1] has added to this knowledge, as they identify an Integrin-FAK-CDC42-PP1A signaling cascade that directs nuclear YAP/TAZ activity in stem cell populations of the mouse incisor, and define convergence on mTORC1 signaling as an important mediator of the proliferation of these cells. Here, we review recent studies on YAP/TAZ function and regulation in epithelial tissue-specific stem cells, merging the Hu et al. study together with our current knowledge of YAP/TAZ.
Mechanically robust, photopatternable conductive hydrogel composites

Abstract Electrically conductive hydrogels (ECH) which are composites of hydrogels and conducting polymers, exhibit a powerful combination of biocompatibility and conductivity. They combine the high hydration and soft mechanical nature of hydrogel networks, with the electrochemical functionality of conducting components allowing precise control of properties. Interest in these materials has increased recently for applications in tissue engineering, biosensing, and flexible and implantable bioelectronics. Here, we demonstrate a dispersion of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) in a photocurable poly(ethylene glycol)-diacrylate (PEG-DA) matrix to form functional hydrogels via a facile, fully aqueous, photopolymerization process. We report on effect of various compositions of the conducting polymer, tuning of mechanical and electrochemical properties, and the ability to micropattern the composite using photolithography. The electrical properties of the ECH are characterized by cyclic voltammetry, four-point probe, and conductive atomic force microscopy to reveal the competitive properties of the composite, with minimal leaching and stability over time. We further show how minute amounts of graphene dopant can be used to engineer mechanical and electrochemical properties. Overall, the graphene-hydrogel-conducting polymer composite structure enables optimization of various properties by synergistically integrating the electrochemical and mechanical properties of graphene and the PEDOT:PSS, with the biocompatibility and micropatterning of the soft hydrogel matrix.
Subsistence Marketplaces at the Confluence of Culture, Poverty, and Low Literacy: Materially Poor but Relationally Rich?

The bottom-up approach adopted in the stream of work on subsistence marketplaces is at the confluence of culture, low income, and low literacy. It is ideally suited to understand distinct markets, relationally rich yet materially poor contexts, and diverse cultures at a granular level. In comparing cultures and contexts, we highlight the continuum of marketplace exposure and access ranging from isolated tribal communities, to rural communities, and urban communities. We also describe 1-1 interactional settings characterized by intense, personal interactions, relationally rich while being materially poor, overlapping with what has been described as relational collectivism. At the other end of the continuum in advanced economies, we describe high exposure and access to marketplaces, and consumption cultures, but lack of relationally rich 1-1 interactional settings that provide a stepping-stone to learn and develop marketplace literacy.
Facilitating critical thinking in asynchronous online discussion: comparison between peer- and instructor-redirection

The purpose of this paper is to explore and compare learners’ critical thinking and interaction during an asynchronous online discussion when peer- or instructor-facilitation was provided. Current literature on online discussion reveals a controversy between peer facilitation and instructor facilitation regarding their strengths and weaknesses. However, the effect of peer-facilitation on critical thinking learning outcome has not been clearly discussed. Situated in a graduate-level program evaluation course, the learners engaged in a debate using a scenario-based case on ethical decision-making. A content analysis of discussion using the Cognitive Presence framework and a social network analysis revealed a significant difference between peer-redirected group and instructor-redirected group in their cognitive presence as well as in interaction dynamic upon receiving the redirection message. Based on findings regarding cognitive presence level, interaction dynamic and perspective change on the debate topic in each group, a peer-facilitation approach is more effective for fostering critical thinking and collaborative discourse.
Structural Evolution of Metal (Oxy)hydroxide Nanosheets during the Oxygen Evolution Reaction.

Metal (oxy)hydroxides (MOxHy, M = Fe, Co, Ni, and mixtures thereof) are important materials in electrochemistry. In particular, MOxHy are the fastest known catalysts for the oxygen evolution reacti...
Spatial analysis of regional specialization using Hurricane Katrina as a case study

This paper explores the spatial dimensions of regional specialization, with special emphasis on areas of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida that were in the path of Hurricane Katrina in 2004, 2005, and 2006. By focusing on how spatial dispersion of export base sectors changed, it can be shown that (1) regional specialization was clustered for certain sectors of the economy in areas that were also affected by Hurricane Katrina; and (2) that changes in regional specialization associated with Hurricane Katrina can be identified with local indicators of spatial association. Our results show that from 2004 to 2006, there was significant positive spatial autocorrelation for three sectors: leisure and hospitality services; natural resources and mining; and professional and business services, but that there was little change from year-to-year. On the other hand, financial activities and other services were significant only in the immediate aftermath of the storm, a result that suggests a shifting employment base to meet the increased demand for these services in storm-affected areas. Using local indicators of spatial association, we identify the flow and ebb of spatial clustering of other services in Louisiana. Specifically, in East Baton Rouge, St. Helena, West Feliciana, East Feliciana, Tangipahoa, and Livingston parishes.
Linear Operators on a Banach Space

As has been said before in this book, the theory of bounded linear operators on a Banach space has seen relatively little activity owing to the difficult geometric problems inherent in the concept of a Banach space. In this chapter several of the general concepts of this theory are presented. When combined with the few results from the next chapter, they constitute essentially the whole of the general theory of these operators.
The Coulomb Dissociation of 8B - How Far Can We Go and Still Be Right?

The solar neutrino puzzle [1, 2] has now been upgraded to a status of a problem with solution (s) that may allow for new break through in our understanding of stars and the standard model [3, 4]. The precise knowledge of the astrophysical S 17-factor of the 7Be (p, γ) 8B reaction at the Gamow peak, about 20 keV, is of crucial importance for interpreting terrestrial measurements of the solar neutrino flux [5]. This is particularly true for the interpretation of results from the Homestake, Kamiokande and SuperKamiokande experiments [6, 7, 8] which measured high energy solar neutrinos mainly or solely from 8B decay.
A Model Design for the In-service Training of Foreign Language Teachers

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses a model design for the in-service training of foreign language teachers. In-service programs are designed for the teachers and supervisors. Developing a program of in-service training that will fully meet the needs of every teacher under various circumstances is a nearly impossible task. The relevance of the course to the teacher's immediate professional needs was the first of three primary concerns. The second of the primary concerns is to make the program available to all teachers in the selected districts without need for either released time or travel reimbursement. The third concern is for teaching materials adequate to the purpose. There are three possible types of leadership that an independent group study program might employ. The least successful is the permanent leader. The approach to the problem of in-service education develops within the participant an attitude of open-mindedness and pride in the rapid development of his profession and in the principles behind its development.
Collaboration and Optimal Conflict Resolution at an Unsignalized Intersection

Safety and efficiency are important priorities in transportation engineering. The new research directions in intelligent transportation systems focus on autonomy and collaboration to improve safety and efficiency. In this paper, we consider the problem of conflict resolution at an unsignalized intersection. Collision detection and avoidance are addressed based on an optimal strategy that uses collaboration between the vehicles. Lagrangian function is used to obtain closed-form solutions. This approach allows analysis of the collaboration process in terms of the cost and the time to resolve conflicts. Several approaches are used for weight assignments including reciprocal and unilateral actions. In this paper, reciprocal collaboration is defined as collaboration with equal costs. It is proven that the minimum cost to resolve any conflict corresponds to equal weights but not to reciprocal collaboration. On the other hand, reciprocal collaboration results in the minimum time to resolve a conflict. The proposed methods present effective solutions to the problem. Results are validated through simulation.
Acceptance of Using Cricket Flour as a Low Carbohydrate, High Protein, Sustainable Substitute for All-Purpose Flour in Muffins

Our aim is to assess the nutritive value and acceptability (enjoyment, palatability, and desirability) of a cricket flour (CF) muffin compared to an all-purpose flour (AP) muffin. Participants (n =...
The Uses of Thermogravimetric Analysis and Infrared Spectroscopy for Characterizing Supported Catalysts

Infrared spectroscopy (IR) has been used to establish the structure of molecules which show vibrational spectra. In some cases, IR can be used as an analytical tool to measure concentrations of species in fluid solutions; however, the technique is qualitative when applied to solids due to the scattering of the light caused by particles of dimensions similar to the wavelength of the radiation. Since most heterogeneous catalysts are finely divided solids, light scattering limits the usefulness of transmission IR as a quantitative technique. Transmission IR has been used to determine the vibrational state(s) of probe molecules chemisorbed to catalytic sites. These vibrational state(s) are related to the structure of the site to infer the relationship between structure and properties.
Visualization of physicochemical phenomena during biomass pyrolysis in an optically accessible reactor

Abstract The thermochemical conversion of biomass via fast pyrolysis requires detailed descriptions of both the kinetic and heat and mass transport rates, which are often in direct competition. To investigate the evolution of products, whole biomass and biomass constituents (e.g. cellulose and lignin) are pyrolyzed in a novel optically accessible reactor. This enables real-time, in situ observation of the temporal evolution of light-oxygenates, volatile sugars, and phenolic compounds during melting, agglomeration, ejection, and volatilization of biomass under realistic heating rates (∼100 K/s). Both cellulose and lignin underwent liquefaction, but liquid coalescence in lignin limits vapor transport. This is overcome by dispersing extracted lignin in an inert matrix, and confirms the predominant mass transport of pyrolysis products from whole biomass, cellulose, and lignin occurs via devolatilization. These results differ from prior work on single-particle pyrolysis and reveal thermochemical mechanisms that are relevant for typical large-scale pyrolysis processes with transport limitations.
Responsive Governance and Harmful Microbial Blooms on Lake Erie: An ABM Approach

In general, decision makers tend to respond to problems rather than prevent them. In political science, this process of responsive governance is associated with complex dynamics such as availability cascades and punctuated equilibrium. However, most authors treat problems as one-time events, like oil spills or political scandals. Here, we use an agent based model loosely based on the Lake Erie watershed to explore how responsive governance evolves along with an on-going but noisy environmental problem: harmful microbial blooms. This conceptual model features a two-level decision process based on Jones and Baumgartner (2005). Meta-agents representing the individual level of analysis “perceive” blooms either directly via observation if they are near a bloom or indirectly through the media. As a meta-agent observes more blooms, their concern increases until it crosses an action threshold, at which point they use simple cost-benefit analysis to select from a range of options. One of these options is to send a signal to their policy agent, which aggregates these political signals based on a range of assumptions and then decides on actions in much the same way as the metapopulations themselves. We examine two major scenarios, one in which there is a single policy maker managing the entire region (e.g. the national government) and one where there are 5 policy makers, each separately regulating a demographically and geographically distinct region. Although the model is relatively simple, it lets us explore how variability in risk perception and responsive governance shape the functioning of the entire coupled human and natural system, including biophysical feedbacks.
Direct Observation of Amorphous Precursor Phases in the Nucleation of Protein–Metal–Organic Frameworks

Protein-metal-organic frameworks (p-MOFs) are a prototypical example of how synthetic biological hybrid systems can be used to develop next-generation materials. Controlling p-MOF formation enables the design of hybrid materials with enhanced biological activity and high stability. However, such control is yet to be fully realized due to an insufficient understanding of the governing nucleation and growth mechanisms in p-MOF systems. The structural evolution of p-MOFs was probed by cryo-transmission electron microscopy, revealing nonclassical pathways via dissolution-recrystallization of highly hydrated amorphous particles and solid-state transformation of a protein-rich amorphous phase. On the basis of these data, we propose a general description of p-MOF crystallization which is best characterized by particle aggregation and colloidal theory for future synthetic strategies.