cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Latino Attitudes About Spheres of Political Representation

This study examines whether ethnic attachments and concerns about Latinos as a group predict the representational priorities of Latinos, and if so, whether they make a preference for narrowly targeted spheres of representation more likely. It relies on nationally representative survey data (n = 434) and employs ordered probit statistical analysis. The results show that thinking of oneself primarily as a member of an ethnic group instead of as an American increases the importance placed on having members of Congress bring federal resources to the district and decreases the importance placed on the pursuit of national issues, and perceiving discrimination against one’s ethnic group increases the importance placed on casework and decreases the importance placed on oversight. Other factors associated with the Latino experience in the United States, including acculturation and having a Latino representative, also affect how Latinos rank spheres of representation. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Foraminiferal radiocarbon record of northeast Pacific decadal subsurface variability

[1] The decadal dynamics of the subsurface North Pacific Ocean are largely inaccessible beyond sparse instrumental observations spanning the last 20 years. Here we present a ∼200 year long record of benthic foraminiferal radiocarbon (Δ14C), extracted at biennial resolution from the annually laminated sediments at the Santa Barbara Basin (SBB) depocenter (∼600 m). The close match between core top benthic foraminiferal Δ14C values and the Δ14C of seawater dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) suggests that benthic foraminifera faithfully capture the bottom water radiocarbon concentrations, as opposed to that of the deeper (>0.5 cm) sediment porewater zone. The full time series of benthic foraminiferal Δ14C displays significant variability on decadal timescales, with excursions on the order of 40‰. These excursions are overprinted by a unidirectional trend over the late 20th century that likely reflects the sedimentary incorporation of bomb radiocarbon (via remineralized particulate organic carbon). We isolate this trend by means of a one-dimensional oxidation model, which considers the possible contribution of remineralized particles to the total ambient carbon pool. This oxidation model also considers the possible influence of carbon with a variety of sources (ages). Though variable oxidation of preaged carbon could exert a strong influence on benthic foraminiferal radiocarbon variability, the totality of evidence points to the vertical density structure along the Southern California Margin (SCM) as the primary driver of the SBB benthic foraminiferal Δ14C record. For example, intervals characterized by significantly lower Δ14C values correspond to periods of enhanced upwelling and subsurface equatorward flow along the SCM.
Numerical assessment and individual call discrimination by wild spotted hyaenas, Crocuta crocuta

Game theory predicts that individuals should assess numbers of potential opponents before engaging in aggressive interactions, particularly when numerical odds can determine outcomes of such interactions. Spotted hyaenas, Crocuta crocuta ,l ive infissionefusion societies in which extreme numerical imbalances can occur during intergroup conflicts, which are potentially lethal. Thus, an ability to assess relative numbers of opponents should be highly advantageous in this species. Here we tested abilities of wild spotted hyaenas to assess numerical advantage with a playback experiment by presenting contact calls produced by one, two or three unknown hyaenas, or ‘intruders’, to individuals in our study clans. Hyaenas conformed to predictions of game theory by increasing vigilance to playbacks of multiple unfamiliar intruders. Furthermore, hyaenas distinguished not just between calls produced by one versus multiple intruders, but showed a fine-grained ability to assess numerical advantage, and they responded with increasing levels of vigilance to calls produced by one, two and three unknown intruders. Hyaenas also took more risks by approaching the speaker when they outnumbered calling intruders. Lastly, this study provides experimental evidence that spotted hyaenas can use contact calls to distinguish among individuals.
Use of the Abuse Disability Questionnaire in Screening a Clinical Outpatient Sample of Women

A sample of 50 women who sought services at a community mental health center were administered screening questionnaires which measure impairment from abuse and mental symptomatology. Scores on Psychiatric Symptomatology and Depression were correlated with impairment associated with partner abuse. Impairment was intermediate between those of a shelter sample and well-functioning community sample. The importance of screening for impairment from partner abuse in women seeking outpatient mental health care was emphasized.
Using ANOVA for gene selection from microarray studies of the nervous system.

Methods are presented for detecting differential expression using statistical hypothesis testing methods including analysis of variance (ANOVA). Practicalities of experimental design, power, and sample size are discussed. Methods for multiple testing correction and their application are described. Instructions for running typical analyses are given in the R programming environment. R code and the sample data set used to generate the examples are available at http://microarray.cpmc.columbia.edu/pavlidis/pub/aovmethods/.
PURIFICATION AND CONCENTRATION OF ENTEROKINASE

A concentrated solution of purified enterokinase is conveniently prepared from the fluid contents of pigs' duodena by means of fractional precipitation with ammonium sulfate under the proper pH conditions.
High-throughput biology in the postgenomic era.

HIGH-THROUGHPUT biologicalmethods, namely, methods that per-form thousands of simultaneous mea-surements of biological molecules,have rapidly transformed the land-scape of biomedical research duringthe past decade. Perhaps most centralto this transformation has been the se-quencing of the human genome andsubsequent free release of genomic in-formation, emphasized as a criticalgoal in the Bermuda Statement by par-ticipants of the Human GenomeProject (1). With this massive under-taking largely completed, investiga-tors are faced with new tools andunique challenges in this postgenomicera. The large volume of informationgenerated by the Human GenomeProject has facilitated the developmentof many novel platforms for profilingeach stage in the flow of biologicalinformation: from DNA to RNA toprotein to the myriad of protein inter-actions, inspiring advancement of theburgeoning new areas of genomics,transcriptomics, proteomics, and in-teractomics, respectively.Collectively, these core aspects ofmodern high-throughput biology eachaim to provide a cross-sectional snap-shot of fundamental biology to simul-taneously assess the direct or down-stream influence of thousands ofgenes. Ultimately, this may allow us tothen identify and characterize the en-tire space of biomolecules that consti-tute the composite catalogue of possi-ble therapeutic targets and their rolesin disease, and to thereby affect dis-ease at a molecular level through im-proved rational design of new classesof micro- and nanoscale moleculartherapeutic agents and bioactive med-ical devices. Improved understandingof individual targets promises to beuseful in the assessment of risk, diag-nosis, prognosis, and therapy of hu-man disease, lending to the possibili-ties of personalized medicine.As these high-throughput biologi-cal tools have the potential to intro-duce significant changes that could af-fect the practice of clinical medicine, itis critical that interventional radiolo-gists understand them so they can crit-ically evaluate and integrate them di-rectly into their own research andclinical efforts.Herein we review the implicationsof high-throughput biology in thepostgenomic era for biomedical re-search and clinical practice. In the firstsection, we discuss the basic principlesbehind high-throughput tools. Weprincipally focus on array-based high-throughput biological methods, a keyhigh-throughput biological tool, anddescribe how they are being used touncover different aspects of biology.In the second half, we discuss inter-pretation of high-throughput data andthe challenges high-throughput bio-logical techniques present for dataanalysis. These discussions provide anunderstanding of the high-throughputtechnologies currently being appliedin basic research, the biomedical ques-tions they can be used to address, anda foundation for the interpretation ofnovel results.
Citizen Perspectives on Trust in a Public Online Advanced Traveler Information System

The role of government in providing services to the citizen has been dramatically transformed with the evolution of the Internet and information and communication technologies. Now, government electronic services must not only be effective in their delivery but must also invoke citizen engagement in order to realize its significant contribution. Previous e-Government research has shown that trust in government electronic services is a critical factor in invoking citizen engagement. This study uses a grounded methods approach to understanding factors that affect citizen attitudes toward an online advanced traveler information system (ATIS) in Minneapolis, MN as elicited from users. Focus group discussions were analyzed to identify patterns that signify trust in e-Government systems. The results of this qualitative study include the elements of trust that are important to citizens using e-Government systems, not only as it applies to the online information systems, but in relation to the physical service that the online service represents.
Functional Analysis of Bacteriophage Immunity through a Type I-E CRISPR-Cas System in Vibrio cholerae and Its Application in Bacteriophage Genome Engineering

ABSTRACT The classical and El Tor biotypes of Vibrio cholerae serogroup O1, the etiological agent of cholera, are responsible for the sixth and seventh (current) pandemics, respectively. A genomic island (GI), GI-24, previously identified in a classical biotype strain of V. cholerae, is predicted to encode clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-associated proteins (Cas proteins); however, experimental evidence in support of CRISPR activity in V. cholerae has not been documented. Here, we show that CRISPR-Cas is ubiquitous in strains of the classical biotype but excluded from strains of the El Tor biotype. We also provide in silico evidence to suggest that CRISPR-Cas actively contributes to phage resistance in classical strains. We demonstrate that transfer of GI-24 to V. cholerae El Tor via natural transformation enables CRISPR-Cas-mediated resistance to bacteriophage CP-T1 under laboratory conditions. To elucidate the sequence requirements of this type I-E CRISPR-Cas system, we engineered a plasmid-based system allowing the directed targeting of a region of interest. Through screening for phage mutants that escape CRISPR-Cas-mediated resistance, we show that CRISPR targets must be accompanied by a 3′ TT protospacer-adjacent motif (PAM) for efficient interference. Finally, we demonstrate that efficient editing of V. cholerae lytic phage genomes can be performed by simultaneously introducing an editing template that allows homologous recombination and escape from CRISPR-Cas targeting. IMPORTANCE Cholera, caused by the facultative pathogen Vibrio cholerae, remains a serious public health threat. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and CRISPR-associated proteins (CRISPR-Cas) provide prokaryotes with sequence-specific protection from invading nucleic acids, including bacteriophages. In this work, we show that one genomic feature differentiating sixth pandemic (classical biotype) strains from seventh pandemic (El Tor biotype) strains is the presence of a CRISPR-Cas system in the classical biotype. We demonstrate that the CRISPR-Cas system from a classical biotype strain can be transferred to a V. cholerae El Tor biotype strain and that it is functional in providing resistance to phage infection. Finally, we show that this CRISPR-Cas system can be used as an efficient tool for the editing of V. cholerae lytic phage genomes.
Further Observations on the Extraction of Precipitable Substances of Bacilli.

In continuation of the work reported in a previous note1 the following results were obtained:The precipitable substances extracted by dilute alcohol from various bacilli are of different sorts. While the substance derived from B. typhosus loses its activity by digestion with trypsin, the extracts of B. paratyphosus B and B. proteus X19 resist tryptic digestion like that of V. cholera. The substance extracted from B. paratyphosus B and B. proteus yielded reducing sugar after hydrolysis. The N content of the substance obtained from B. typhosus approximates that of proteins.After treating B. typhosus several times with hot 75 per cent alcohol, an extract was prepared by heating with saline solution. This substance differed serologically from the above mentioned substance of typhoid bacilli, in that it was precipitated strongly by immune sera prepared with typhoid bacilli extracted with dilute alcohol, and gave weak reactions with immune sera prepared with dilute alcohol extracts. It is likewise digested by t...
Tris(3,5-di-tert-butylcatecholato)molybdenum(VI): Lewis acidity and nonclassical oxygen atom transfer reactions.

In the solid state, tris(3,5-di-tert-butylcatecholato)molybdenum(VI) forms a dimer with seven-coordinate molybdenum and bridging catecholates. NMR spectroscopy indicates that the dimeric structure is retained in solution. The molybdenum center has a high affinity for Lewis bases such as pyridine or pyridine-N-oxide, forming seven-coordinate monomers with a capped octahedral geometry, as illustrated by the solid-state structure of (3,5-tBu2Cat)3Mo(py). Structural data indicate that the complexes are best considered as Mo(VI) with substantial π donation from the nonbridging catecholates to molybdenum. Both the dimeric and the monomeric tris(catecholates) react rapidly with water to form free catechol and oxomolybdenum bis(catecholate) complexes. Monooxomolybdenum complexes are also obtained, more slowly, on reaction with dioxygen, with organic products consisting mostly of 3,5-di-tert-butyl-1,2-benzoquinone with minor amounts of the extradiol oxidation product 4,6-di-tert-butyl-1-oxacyclohepta-4,6-diene-2,3...
Proximity Recovery Layers to Speed up the Recovery of Stressed Amorphous Silicon Thin-Film Transistors

We have developed a means to speed up the recovery of both the threshold voltage shift of hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) transistors and the V x shift of high voltage a-Si devices. This is accomplished by placing a lightly doped compensated layer adjacent to the active layer in these transistors. This proximity recovery layer does not alter the initial characteristics of a-Si:H transistors and is completely process compatible with standard fabrication procedures.
Interactive effects on CO2, drought, and ultraviolet-B radiation on maize growth and development

Crop growth and development are highly responsive to global climate change components such as elevated carbon dioxide (CO2), drought, and ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation. Plant tolerance to these environmental stresses comprises its genetic potential, physiological changes, metabolism, and signaling pathways. An inclusive understanding of morphological, physiological, and biochemical responses to these abiotic stresses is imperative for the development of stress tolerant varieties for future environments. The objectives of this study were to characterize the changes in vegetative and physiological traits in maize hybrids in their response to multiple environmental factors of (CO2) [400 and 750μmolmol(-1) (+(CO2)], irrigation treatments based evapotranspiration (ET) [100 and 50% (-ET)], and UV-B radiation [0 and 10kJm(-2)d(-1) (+UV-B)] and to identify the multiple stress tolerant hybrids aid in mitigating projected climate change for shaping future agriculture. Six maize hybrids (P1498, DKC 65-81, N75H-GTA, P1319, DKC 66-97, and N77P-3111) with known drought tolerance variability were grown in eight sunlit, controlled environment chambers in which control treatment consisted of 400μmolmol(-1) [CO2], 100% ET-based irrigation, and 0kJ UV-B. Plants grown at +UV-B alone or combination with 50% ET produced shorter plants and smaller leaf area while elevated CO2 treatments ameliorated the damaging effects of drought and higher UV-B levels on maize hybrids. Plant height, leaf area, total dry matter chlorophyll, carotenoids, and net photosynthesis measured were increased in response to CO2 enrichment. Total stress response index (TSRI) for each hybrid, developed from the cumulative sum of response indices of vegetative and physiological parameters, varied among the maize hybrids. The hybrids were classified as tolerant (P1498), intermediate (DKC 65-81, N75H-GTA, N77P-3111) and sensitive (P1319 and DKC 66-97) to multiple environmental stresses. The positive correlation between TSRI and vegetative and physiological index developed in this study demonstrates that a combination of vegetative and physiological traits is an effective screening tool to identify germplasm best suited to cope with future changing climates. Furthermore, the tolerant hybrids identified in this study indicate that the possibility of cultivar selection for enhanced agronomic performance and stability in a water limited environment with higher UV-B, anticipated to occur in future climates.
IPDC: Iterative part-based dense correspondence between point clouds

Color point clouds from 3D scanners are a representation of real-world geometry and color. However, such scan data are imperfect, containing noise, outliers, and occlusions. Noise-free point clouds can be computed by virtually scanning 3D CAD models from a pre-built library, but their geometry may differ from real-world objects. We describe a new algorithm to automatically compute dense correspondences between point cloud scans of same-type objects, thus making it possible to transfer real-world color from noisy scans (source scan) to noise-free virtual scans (target scan), even in cases where the scan objects differ. The method segments both point clouds into parts and then computes part correspondences between them. An iterative algorithm applies a set of rigid transformations to the corresponding parts to determine a dense mapping between them. The dense mapping allows color or other parameter transfers. The resulting point cloud has the geometry of the virtual scan and the color from the real-world scan, mapped in a semantically consistent manner.
Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VII

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was the key legislation banning public and private discrimination against African Americans or any other racial, ethnic, or religious minority. For the first time in U.S. history, a federal law made it illegal to exclude someone from a job or a public accommodation (such as a hotel, restaurant, or movie theater) because of how he or she looked or where he or she came from or worshiped. Feminists mobilized to insert the category “sex” (along with race, color, religion, and national origin) into Title VII of the act, which regulates employment. As sections 703–705 indicate, the prohibition on employment discrimination included all the mechanisms through which employers, employment agencies, and unions limited access to good jobs.
Advances in rumen microbiology

With the publication of his MSc thesis at Michigan State University in 1958, R. Lee Baldwin began contributing to advances in rumen microbiology by reporting on an ‘Investigation of the oxidation-reduction potential of rumen contents.’ His Ph.D. dissertation there in 1962 examined the conversion of lactate to propionate ‘in a natural biological system,’ bovine rumen fluid. Those results were detailed in Journal of Bacteriology articles published in 1962 and 1963. The next year Baldwin presented a paper at the Second International Symposium on the Physiology of Digestion in the Ruminant. His topic was pathways of carbohydrate metabolism in the rumen; however, he also called attention to the fact that very few data were available ‘regarding the quantitative contributions of different metabolic pathways or microorganisms, and the specific factors which control the growth and metabolic activity of the microorganisms in the rumen.’
Identification and characterization of coherent structures in gasoline injector nozzle flow using proper orthogonal decomposition

Proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) methodology is used to identify and characterize coherent structures in the gasoline nozzle flow. A correlation matrix is generated from the fluctuating velocity data snapshots produced by in-house Large Eddy simulations (LES) of an internal flow of a gasoline nozzle at a pressure of 1.1 MPa (11 bar). The modes obtained from the solution of correlation matrix identify the most energetic and dominant recirculation zones along with strong axial and radial pulsations. Initial modes show big vortical structures and inter-mode coupling but later modes identify less energetic, smaller and uncoupled structures. The dominant modes demonstrate the key role of highly energetic large coherent structures in the flow organization at the exit of the injector. The frequencies obtained from Fast Fourier transform (FFT) analysis of axial and radial fluctuating velocities give an additional insight to the characteristics of important coherent structures that govern the nozzle flow.
“Work as unto the Lord”: Enhancing Employability in an Evangelical Job-Readiness Program

The 1996 passage of welfare reform radically reshaped the principles and practices of poverty management in the U.S. On the one hand, it brought about an end to welfare as an entitlement and imposed rigid time limits, work requirements, and a programmatic supply-sided focus on “job-readiness.” On the other hand, it permitted and promoted the expansion of faith-based organizations in the provision of social services. This ethnographic case study of a prominent faith-based job-readiness program--Jobs for Life--is situated at the underexplored nexus of these two trends. Drawing upon participant observation in a Jobs for Life class, in-depth interviews with class instructors and participants, and content analysis of organizational materials, this article documents the program’s use of biblical principles and teachings to expound on the moral irreproachability of work and to fabricate “employable” subjects who submit themselves to both God and the employer. At play is a project that we call the “righteous responsibilization” of the poor, a responsibilization achieved through religious salvation. The case of Jobs for Life, we argue, not only extends our understanding of “religious neoliberalism” (Hackworth 2012), revealing how it shapes the process of subjectification and practices of poverty management. It also remediates a tension at the heart of neoliberal ideology between its emphasis on individualistic entrepreneurialism and its demand for submission to the abstract, alien decrees of the market. In the religious neoliberal framework exemplified by Jobs for Life, deference to capital is recast as the first step toward the entrepreneurial achievement of individual salvation.
SurePath Specimens Versus ThinPrep Specimen Types on the COBAS 4800 Platform: High-Risk HPV Status and Cytology Correlation in an Ethnically Diverse Bronx Population.

Objective To compare the cytologic preparations of 130 cervical specimens (from women of various ethnicities at high risk for human papillomavirus [HPV] infection) using the SurePath (SP) collection system with specimens gathered using the ThinPrep (TP) system, as processed on the Cobas 4800 analyzer, to determine which collection method more accurately identifies HPV infection. Methods In our prospective study, specimens were collected from 130 women of various ethnicities residing in or near Bronx County, NY. The SP-collected specimen was first processed for cytologic findings; if clinical HPV testing was requested on that specimen, it was tested using Hybrid Capture II (HC2) methodology. We tested the remnant SP-collected cell concentrate using the Cobas analyzer. Then, the TP-collected and SP-collected specimens were tested in the same run on that analyzer, and the results were compared. We also compared the results with the concurrent cytologic findings. Results The results were concordant for overall HR-HPV status in 93.8% of cases. Also, a statistically significant lower cycle threshold value was observed with Cobas testing of specimen concentrates tested via the BD SurePath Pap Test (P = .001), suggesting higher sensitivity compared with specimens tested via the ThinPrep Pap Test. Conclusion Cobas 4800 HPV testing of SP-collected specimen concentrates yields comparable results to TP-collected specimen concentrates. Based on the limited data that we derived, SP collection may be a more favorable methodology than TP collection for HPV testing of individuals at high risk in our ethnically diverse, urban patient population.
Isolation, characterization and functionalities of bio-fiber gums isolated from grain processing by-products, agricultural residues and energy crops

Potentially valuable water soluble bio-fiber gums (hemicellulose B) were prepared from low-valued grain processing by-products, agricultural residues and energy crops by an alkaline extraction followed by ethanol precipitation. The bio-fiber gum (BFGs) from all these sources are very rich in soluble dietary fiber (87.2–93.6%) except from wheat bran and sugarcane bagasse (only 60.3 and 55.5% respectively) and they are predicted to be non-caloric in human diets qualifying as non-caloric food ingredient in many products. The sugar composition of these BFGs showed that they were typical arabinoxylans containing high molar ratio of arabinose to xylose with some other sugars such as galactose, glucose, galacturonic acid and glucuronic acid in the side chains. The yield of pure BFG from these plant materials varied from 2.33 (rice fiber) to 25.13% (corn bran) and they all, except BFG from wheat bran, are very good emulsifiers for stabilizing oil in water emulsions. Their ORAC values ranged from about 7000 to 29,000 μmole Trolox/100 g sample showing that they have the ability to provide antioxidant activity in foods, as well as offering the other functionalities and health-promoting benefits of dietary fiber. The ORAC values of BFGs are higher than their respective original plant materials indicating that the antioxidant-rich portions of the various plant materials can be solubilized and fractionated by the present alkaline extraction process.
Primary Generators of Visually Evoked Field Potentials Recorded in the Macaque Auditory Cortex

Prior studies have reported “local” field potential (LFP) responses to faces in the macaque auditory cortex and have suggested that such face-LFPs may be substrates of audiovisual integration. However, although field potentials (FPs) may reflect the synaptic currents of neurons near the recording electrode, due to the use of a distant reference electrode, they often reflect those of synaptic activity occurring in distant sites as well. Thus, FP recordings within a given brain region (e.g., auditory cortex) may be “contaminated” by activity generated elsewhere in the brain. To determine whether face responses are indeed generated within macaque auditory cortex, we recorded FPs and concomitant multiunit activity with linear array multielectrodes across auditory cortex in three macaques (one female), and applied current source density (CSD) analysis to the laminar FP profile. CSD analysis revealed no appreciable local generator contribution to the visual FP in auditory cortex, although we did note an increase in the amplitude of visual FP with cortical depth, suggesting that their generators are located below auditory cortex. In the underlying inferotemporal cortex, we found polarity inversions of the main visual FP components accompanied by robust CSD responses and large-amplitude multiunit activity. These results indicate that face-evoked FP responses in auditory cortex are not generated locally but are volume-conducted from other face-responsive regions. In broader terms, our results underscore the caution that, unless far-field contamination is removed, LFPs in general may reflect such “far-field” activity, in addition to, or in absence of, local synaptic responses. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Field potentials (FPs) can index neuronal population activity that is not evident in action potentials. However, due to volume conduction, FPs may reflect activity in distant neurons superimposed upon that of neurons close to the recording electrode. This is problematic as the default assumption is that FPs originate from local activity, and thus are termed “local” (LFP). We examine this general problem in the context of previously reported face-evoked FPs in macaque auditory cortex. Our findings suggest that face-FPs are indeed generated in the underlying inferotemporal cortex and volume-conducted to the auditory cortex. The note of caution raised by these findings is of particular importance for studies that seek to assign FP/LFP recordings to specific cortical layers.
Using a serverless framework for implementing a cognitive tutor: experiences and issues

We present a practical application of serverless technology to implement a key component of a personalized tutoring system. We employ OpenWhisk[2] to orchestrate a set of microservices tasked with different responsibilities in the larger system. The tutor, which is trained on a specific set of content, is embodied as a multimodal, stateful dialog system. This desired experience brings with it unique challenges, prime among them being real-time interaction and the inherently stateful nature. We discuss the drivers for selecting serverless technology, the specific design choices we made and the issues we have faced. This work is in progress, and we conclude with some notes on paths we plan to explore as we continue to evolve the system and exploit this exciting new computing paradigm to help us achieve our goals.
Evaluation of student learning, self-efficacy, and perception of the value of geologic monitoring from Living on the Edge, an InTeGrate curriculum module

ABSTRACTThe InTeGrate curriculum, Living on the Edge: Building Resilient Societies on Active Plate Margins (LOE), explores geologic hazards and related societal risks at plate boundaries. The curriculum incorporates research-based pedagogical practices and the use of geologic data for students to analyze and interpret. Materials were developed for broad use and have been implemented at 3 institutions in a range of undergraduate geoscience classroom settings. Here we present an analysis of student learning based on new data collected with a pre- and post-LOE curriculum instrument. Results indicate increased student learning in all types of classrooms examined. Learning gains occur in large classes (50–140 students) that spent the least amount of time on each unit (≤ 50 minutes), but students achieve even larger gains in small classes (< 15 students) that spent more time on curriculum (≥ 75 minutes per curricular unit). Learning gains occured in all class types in activities that required application of inf...
100 – Estrogen, Signal Transduction, and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Molecular Mechanisms

Sex hormones are relevant to immune functions in general and to the pathophysiology of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in particular. This chapter focuses on the known molecular mechanisms by which 17β-estradiol (E 2 ) regulates gene transactivation to modify cellular functions. The reason that SLE is a product of T- and B-cell dysfunctions, it is germane to first briefly review current understanding of these cellular abnormalities and how they are believed to contribute to abnormal immunity in SLE. The chapter discusses the hypothesis that a fundamental abnormality in SLE is the existence of a primary T-cell disorder as a result of aberrant signal transduction. There is a brief review of the existing evidence implicating estrogen in the aberrant immune response in SLE to provide a perspective for the molecular mechanisms of estrogen action.
The pathophysiology of carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most frequently encountered peripheral compressive neuropathy. Although the clinical diagnosis and treatment of CTS have been well defined, the pathophysiologic basis still is not understood completely. This article summarizes current thought and research pertinent to the pathophysiology of CTS.
Enhancement of Host Resistance by Control of Fungal Growth

Efforts to contravene pathogenesis by zoopathogenic fungi are hampered because, with the exception of toxinogenic mushrooms and molds, little is clearly known about the precise properties of pathogenic fungi that permit them to cause disease. The polysaccharide capsule of Cryptococcus neoformans represents an aggressin; the formation of a putatative invasive filamentous form (and perhaps acid proteinase) by Candida albicans contributes to the development of candidiasis; and the morphologic changes of Blastomyces dermatitidis, Coccidioides immitis and Histoplasma capsulatum that occur when they enter the host are associated with virulence factors not yet well defined. Pathogenesis by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis has been associated with the presence of abundant α-glucan, with antiphagocytic action occurring only after the organism assumes its parasitic yeast form (1).
A photographic catalog of Ceraphronoidea types at the Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle, Paris (MNHN), with comments on unpublished notes from Paul Dessart

The majority of Ceraphronoidea (Insecta: Hymenoptera) species were described in the late 1800s and early 1900s, with most of these early descriptions relying on text alone. Few type specimens have been illustrated and even fewer have been photographed, posing a challenge to taxonomists working on the group today. Here, we attempt to remove the barriers obstructing Ceraphronoidea research by creating a photographic catalog of the type specimens present at the Museum national d’Histoire naturelle (MNHN) in Paris, France. We discuss the history of the ceraphronoid specimens present in the collection and provide comments on unpublished species notes from former Ceraphronoidea taxonomist Paul Dessart. We synonymize Ceraphron myrmecophilus Kieffer, 1913 syn. nov. with Aphanogmus abdominalis (Thomson, 1858) (Hymenoptera: Ceraphronidae) based on the male genitalia morphology, body shape and presence of foveae on the median length of the mesoscutellum. We also report the discovery of the missing male holotype of Ceraphron testaceus (Risbec, 1953) (Hymenoptera: Ceraphronidae) and several potential types of Aphangomus aphidi (Risbec, 1955) (Hymenoptera: Ceraphronidae).
Black lives matter and music: protest, intervention, reflection

In recent years #BlackLivesMatter has been an urgent rallying cry for many who seek racial justice in the United States. Many participants in this new social and political movement have demanded at...
The pedogenic formation of coal balls by CO2 degassing through the rootlets of arborescent lycopsids

Coal balls are calcium carbonate accumulations that permineralized peat in paleotropical Permo-Carboniferous (∼320–250 Ma) mires. The formation of coal balls has been debated for over a century yet a widely applicable model is lacking. Two observations have been particularly challenging to explain: 1) the narrow temporal occurrence of coal balls and 2) their typical elemental (high Mg) and isotopic (low δ18O) composition that paradoxically indicate marine and freshwater origins, respectively. We evaluate a new model in which coal balls formed as CO2 escaped from the peat by diffusion through unusual air-filled spaces in the rootlets of lycopsid trees; critically, these trees were very common in paleotropical mires, and their evolutionary range matches the temporal range of coal balls. The episodic delivery of seawater and marine carbonate sediment to coastal mires is the first step in our model, although other pathways for the delivery of divalent cations are permissible. Subsequent dilution by freshwater and dissolution of these carbonates at the elevated CO2 of the mire subsurface is followed by the transport of CO2 through the rootlet airspaces and into the overlying water and atmosphere, which drives carbonate mineral precipitation in the sediment. We show that dilution by freshwater, because it minimally affects Mg/Ca ratios, can result in relatively low pore water δ18O values while allowing high-Mg calcite formation. This model thus explains the restriction of coal balls to the Permo-Carboniferous and resolves the discrepancy between elemental and isotopic compositions of coal ball carbonate minerals. Furthermore, we show with a 3D reactive transport model that CO2 could escape rapidly enough through the rootlets to fill 25 percent of the peat pore spaces with calcite before substantial burial (top decimeter of peat), explaining the exceptional preservation of coal swamp flora. Therefore, we suggest that coal balls are pedogenic in origin and that the disappearance of these pedogenically permineralized Histosols represents the first documented decrease in soil diversity on a vegetated planet. The rock record may thus provide important context for the modern loss and degradation of soils.
Synaptic Plasticity at Inhibitory Synapses in the Ventral Tegmental Area Depends upon Stimulation Site.

ABSTRACT Drug exposure induces cell and synaptic plasticity within the brain reward pathway that could be a catalyst for progression to addiction. Several cellular adaptations have been described in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), a central component of the reward pathway that is the major source of dopamine release. For example, administration of morphine induces long-term potentiation (LTP) of excitatory synapses on VTA dopamine cells and blocks LTP at inhibitory synapses. Drug-induced synaptic changes have a common endpoint of increasing dopamine cell firing and dopamine release. However, gaining a complete picture of synaptic plasticity in the VTA is hindered by its complex circuitry of efferents and afferents. Most studies of synaptic plasticity in the VTA activated a mixed population of afferents, potentially yielding an incomplete and perhaps misleading view of how drugs of abuse modify VTA synapses. Here, we use midbrain slices from mice and find that electrical stimulation in two different regions induces different forms of plasticity, including two new forms of LTP at inhibitory synapses. High frequency stimulation induces LTP independently of NMDA receptor activation, and surprisingly, some inhibitory inputs to the VTA also undergo NMDAR-independent LTP after a low frequency stimulation (LFS) pairing protocol. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Synaptic plasticity of inhibitory inputs onto dopamine cells in the ventral tegmental area has a major influence on the circuits implicated in addictive behaviors. The location of electrical stimulation in an acute midbrain slice dictatedthe response of inhibitory inputs to plasticity induction protocols. We describe a new form of synaptic strengthening that occurs at an opioid-sensitive input to the ventral tegmental area.
Physician adherence to 'Seattle' and 'International' ECG criteria in adolescent athletes: An analysis of compliance by specialty, experience, and practice environment.

Abstract Background Screening electrocardiography (ECG) for athletes is both controversial and rapidly evolving. While identifying an abnormal ECG could detect a serious cardiovascular disease, falsely interpreting a benign ECG pattern as abnormal can lead to unnecessary testing, cost, and anxiety. Though recent refinements of athlete screening ECG criteria have significantly improved its accuracy, in clinical practice physician adherence to these criteria may vary. Methods We analyzed physician adherence to contemporary athlete ECG criteria in a large, national athlete screening registry. 1577 consecutive screening ECGs were independently re- interpreted to assess for physician adherence to Seattle Criteria or International Criteria, respective to the criteria in place when the screening was performed. We further determined the most common ECG interpretations that deviated from these criteria, and analyzed physician characteristics for independent predictors of adherence to published ECG criteria. Results Though overall adherence to contemporary criteria was high, 60.4% of ECGs interpreted as abnormal did not meet athlete ECG criteria for pathology when independently re- read. The most common ECG patterns misinterpreted as abnormal were isolated left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and non-pathologic T-wave inversions (TWI). Multivariate regression identified three independent predictors of adherence to athlete ECG criteria: participating in a screening overseen by the organization's medical leadership, electrophysiology specialists and adult cardiologists. Conclusion This study highlights the need for quality control measures and continued clinician education in a controversial and rapidly evolving field. Clinician education for athlete screening ECG criteria should emphasize the recent changes in how TWI and LVH voltage criteria should be interpreted in this patient population.
Online Detection of Map Discrepancies in Landmark-Based Robotic Localization

Many robotic navigation tasks assume that a static map of the environment is sufficient for all future navigation tasks. This paper describes a method to detect the case where some features in the environment have changed with respect to the original map. The proposed method runs a localization filter and a mapping filter in parallel and finds discrepancies based on differences between the two map representations. Then, the map is repaired online to reflect the current environment.
Calcinosis Cutis in the Setting of Chronic Skin Graft-Versus-Host Disease.

This case series describes the clinical features of 7 patients with calcinosis cutis associated with skin graft-versus-host disease.
Getting Prepared Series for Calcium

Understand how blood calcium is maintained in a normal range; review calcium homeostasis; review phosphate homeostasis; present how PTH and 1,25(OH)2 regulate serum calcium and phosphate.
Comparison of abdominal visceral adipose tissue measurements in adolescents between magnetic resonance imaging and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.

Excess abdominal visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is associated with cardiometabolic risk factors in adolescents. VAT is mainly measured using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), yet dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is more affordable and available. The purpose was to compare adolescent VAT values obtained by MRI and DXA. A sample of 330 adolescents 10–16 years of age were recruited (52.3% female, 58.5% White). Abdominal VAT was measured using a General Electric (GE) Discovery MRI scanner with imaging software. A whole-body DXA (GE iDXA) scan was performed, and software calculated VAT within the android region. Wilcoxon signed-rank t-tests were used to determine differences between VAT values, within sex, race (White, African American, and Other race), and BMI categories (normal weight, overweight, and obese). VAT values from MRI and DXA were significantly correlated (r = 0.78, p < 0.001). Average VAT from MRI (0.54 ± 0.43 kg) was significantly higher than VAT from DXA (0.33 ± 0.39 kg) in the overall sample (p < 0.001) and within all subgroups (p < 0.001). All standardized values between the two measurements fell within ±1.96 standard deviations, and differences between the methods were not associated with level of VAT. In this sample, DXA values were correlated with MRI values, but DXA consistently underestimated VAT compared with MRI.
Monomeric Cryptophane with Record-High Xe Affinity Gives Insights into Aggregation-Dependent Sensing.

Cryptophane host molecules provide ultrasensitive contrast agents for 129Xe NMR/MRI. To investigate key features of cryptophane-Xe sensing behavior, we designed a novel water-soluble cryptophane with a pendant hydrophobic adamantyl moiety, which has good affinity for a model receptor, beta-cyclodextrin (β-CD). Adamantyl-functionalized cryptophane-A (AFCA) was synthesized and characterized for Xe affinity, 129Xe NMR signal, and aggregation state at varying AFCA and β-CD concentrations. The Xe-AFCA association constant was determined by fluorescence quenching, KA = 114,000 ± 5000 M-1 at 293 K, which is the highest reported affinity for a cryptophane host in phosphate-buffered saline (pH 7.2). No hyperpolarized (hp) 129Xe NMR peak corresponding to AFCA-bound Xe was directly observed at high (100 μM) AFCA concentration, where small cryptophane aggregates were observed, and was only detected at low (15 μM) AFCA concentration, where the sensor remained fully monomeric in solution. Additionally, we observed no change in the chemical shift of AFCA-encapsulated 129Xe after β-CD binding to the adamantyl moiety and a concomitant lack of change in the size distribution of the complex, suggesting that a change in the aggregation state is necessary to elicit a 129Xe NMR chemical shift in cryptophane-based sensing. These results aid in further elucidating the recently discovered aggregation phenomenon, highlight limitations of cryptophane-based Xe sensing, and offer insights into the design of monomeric, high-affinity Xe sensors.
Translational Animal Models Provide Insight Into Mesenchymal Stromal Cell (MSC) Secretome Therapy

The therapeutic potential of the mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) secretome, consisting of all molecules secreted by MSCs, is intensively studied. MSCs can be readily isolated, expanded, and manipulated in culture, and few people argue with the ethics of their collection. Despite promising pre-clinical studies, most MSC secretome-based therapies have not been implemented in human medicine, in part because the complexity of bioactive factors secreted by MSCs is not completely understood. In addition, the MSC secretome is variable, influenced by individual donor, tissue source of origin, culture conditions, and passage. An increased understanding of the factors that make up the secretome and the ability to manipulate MSCs to consistently secrete factors of biologic importance will improve MSC therapy. To aid in this goal, we can draw from the wealth of information available on secreted factors from MSC isolated from veterinary species. These translational animal models will inspire efforts to move human MSC secretome therapy from bench to bedside.
Thermal model to quantify the impact of sub-bandgap reflectance on operating temperature of fielded PV modules

Abstract Minimizing module heating is an effective way to increase the lifetime energy output of photovoltaic systems. Maximizing the reflection of light that is unusable for energy conversion is one of the most promising ways to reduce the operating temperature of fielded modules. We derive a model based on a steady-state energy balance to quantify the temperature benefit of cell or module optical modifications aimed at improving reflection of light with photon energies below the photovoltaic cell bandgap energy. This more detailed model is then simplified so that, from outdoor measured data, temperature differences arising from reflectance can be isolated from those arising from irradiance, wind speed, and module standard-test-condition efficiency.