cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 1923: Distinct evolutionary and mutational patterns in oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes

Oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes play different roles in carcinogenesis and tumor progression. However, very little attention has been paid to compare their mutational and evolutionary patterns. As such, these two groups of genes are often mingled together in computational modeling and analysis. To bridge this gap, we examined the evolutionary profiles of 150 oncogenes and 102 tumor suppressor genes and their somatic mutations recorded in the COSMIC database. We found that these two groups of genes display distinct evolutionary and mutational patterns. In general, oncogenes are more conserved than tumor suppressor genes, as revealed by multiple-species comparisons. The stronger purifying selection on oncogenes is also reflected at positions harboring somatic missense mutations. Thus, somatic mutations disrupting oncogenes tend to have higher functional impact than those disrupting tumor suppressor genes. However, the mutational landscape of oncogenes is often dominated by one or very few hotspots, while multiple hotspots and frequent sporadic mutations are found in tumor suppressor genes. Furthermore, CpG hypermutations contribute to 58% of highly recurrent mutations in tumor suppressor genes, but only 4% to those in oncogenes. These patterns indicate that most random somatic mutations in oncogenes are also under stronger purifying selection as compared to those in tumor suppressor genes. However, once an advantageous mutation in an oncogene arises, it tends to increase the fitness significantly such that a hard sweep pursues, which eventually reduces the mutational diversity of the tumor. On the contrary, the relatively mild selection on tumor suppressor genes allows more neutral mutations to accumulate. When eventually the deactivation of both copies of a tumor suppressor gene triggers positive selection, the mutational diversity of the tumor has increased significantly. These distinct evolutionary and mutational patterns warrant independent modeling of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes in studies that incorporate these features in the analysis, such as prediction of driver mutations or inference of evolutionary paths for cancers. Citation Format: Li Liu, Yung Chang, Jieping Ye, Sudhir Kumar. Distinct evolutionary and mutational patterns in oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 1923. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-1923
Science Research and Education Modules for the CGBA Spaceflight Incubator

Several small life sciences research modules were designed to accommodate both scientific research and K-12 educational objectives on the same spaceflight mission. The K-12 educational objectives are accomplished by participating students around the globe and complimented by ground experiments conducted in their own classrooms. The spaceflight research is analyzed by students through image analysis of downlinked video and still images. The science objectives of the mission often require sample return for more detailed sample analysis on ground. Integration of new modules as part of a CGBA Science Insert (CSI) into the CGBA incubator is facilitated through standardized interfaces. Engineering challenges, trades and system architecture designs are presented for the CGBA Incubator and the CSI life sciences habitats currently on board of ISS.
Overwintering and Winter Dispersal of the Potato Aphid in Eastern Washington

In most northern regions, Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Thomas) overwinters only in the egg stage on roses. However, in eastern Washington, the aphid also overwinters as viviparae on winter-hardy weeds and crops. The dispersal of winged forms of the aphid in November and January and the establishment of aphid colonies on fallgerminated weeds was of particular interest.
Nanomolar detection limits of Cd²⁺, Ag⁺, and K⁺ using paper-strip ion-selective electrodes.

Paper-based ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) are simple, flexible, and cost-efficient in comparison to conventional solid-contact ISEs. Yet, paper-based ISEs have poor limits of detection (in the micromolar range) relative to conventional solid-contact ISEs. Here we describe the construction and optimization of ISEs based on commercially available filter paper modified with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), sputtered gold, and conductive polymer poly(3-octylthiophene) to support an ion-selective membrane. The ion-selective membrane presented here is based on the copolymer methyl methacrylate-decyl methacrylate (MMA-DMA). The copolymer MMA-DMA is highly water-repellent and has a low coefficient of diffusion, which makes it particularly suitable for the creation of sensors with high performance in reaching low limits of detection. Three different configurations of the electrodes have been characterized by using contact angle surface analysis, oxygen influence, and testing for the presence of a water l...
Dystrophin-deficient dogs with reduced myostatin have unequal muscle growth and greater joint contractures

Myostatin (Mstn) is a negative regulator of muscle growth whose inhibition promotes muscle growth and regeneration. Dystrophin-deficient mdx mice in which myostatin is knocked out or inhibited postnatally have a less severe phenotype with greater total mass and strength and less fibrosis and fatty replacement of muscles than mdx mice with wild-type myostatin expression. Dogs with golden retriever muscular dystrophy (GRMD) have previously been noted to have increased muscle mass and reduced fibrosis after systemic postnatal myostatin inhibition. Based partly on these results, myostatin inhibitors are in development for use in human muscular dystrophies. However, persisting concerns regarding the effects of long-term and profound myostatin inhibition will not be easily or imminently answered in clinical trials. To address these concerns, we developed a canine (GRippet) model by crossbreeding dystrophin-deficient GRMD dogs with Mstn-heterozygous (Mstn +/−) whippets. A total of four GRippets (dystrophic and Mstn +/−), three GRMD (dystrophic and Mstn wild-type) dogs, and three non-dystrophic controls from two litters were evaluated. Myostatin messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and protein levels were downregulated in both GRMD and GRippet dogs. GRippets had more severe postural changes and larger (more restricted) maximal joint flexion angles, apparently due to further exaggeration of disproportionate effects on muscle size. Flexors such as the cranial sartorius were more hypertrophied on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the GRippets, while extensors, including the quadriceps femoris, underwent greater atrophy. Myostatin protein levels negatively correlated with relative cranial sartorius muscle cross-sectional area on MRI, supporting a role in disproportionate muscle size. Activin receptor type IIB (ActRIIB) expression was higher in dystrophic versus control dogs, consistent with physiologic feedback between myostatin and ActRIIB. However, there was no differential expression between GRMD and GRippet dogs. Satellite cell exhaustion was not observed in GRippets up to 3 years of age. Partial myostatin loss may exaggerate selective muscle hypertrophy or atrophy/hypoplasia in GRMD dogs and worsen contractures. While muscle imbalance is not a feature of myostatin inhibition in mdx mice, findings in a larger animal model could translate to human experience with myostatin inhibitors.
Early antithrombotic therapy is safe and effective in patients with blunt cerebrovascular injury and solid organ injury or traumatic brain injury.

Background Early antithrombotic therapy (AT) is the mainstay of treatment in the management of blunt cerebrovascular injury (BCVI). Despite this, optimal timing of initiation of AT in patients with BCVI in the presence of concomitant traumatic brain injury (TBI) or solid organ injury (SOI) remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of early initiation of AT on outcomes in patients with BCVI and TBI and/or SOI. Methods Patients with BCVI and concomitant TBI and/or SOI over 6 years were identified. Aspirin and/or clopidogrel or low-intensity heparin infusion (AT) was instituted in all patients immediately upon diagnosis of BCVI. Cessation of AT, worsening TBI, the need for delayed operative intervention, ischemic stroke, and mortality were reviewed and compared. Worsening of TBI or delayed operative intervention for SOI were compared with those of patients without BCVI treated at the same institution during the study period. Results A total of 119 patients (74 with TBI, 26 with SOI, and 19 with both) were identified. Seventy-one percent were treated with heparin infusion (goal activated partial thromboplastin time, 45-60 seconds), and 29% received antiplatelet therapy alone. When compared with patients without BCVI, there was no difference in worsening of TBI (9% vs. 10% with no BCVI, p = 0.75) or need for delayed operative intervention for SOI (7% vs. 5% with no BCVI, p = 0.61). No patients required cessation of AT. A total of 11 patients (9%) experienced a BCVI-related stroke. Conclusion Initiation of early AT for patients with BCVI and concomitant TBI or SOI does not increase risk of worsening TBI or SOI above baseline. Close monitoring is required, but our results suggest that appropriate antiplatelet or heparin therapy should not be withheld in patients with BCVI and concomitant TBI or SOI. In fact, prompt treatment with either antiplatelet or heparin therapy remains the mainstay for prevention of stroke-related morbidity and mortality in these patients. Level of evidence Therapeutic/care management study, level IV.
Single 4.5 mg fixed-dose of rasburicase for hyperuricemia associated with tumor lysis syndrome:

Rasburicase is a recombinant urate oxidase enzyme administered for treatment of hyperuricemia associated with tumor lysis syndrome. Studies demonstrate effectiveness of single fixed-dose rasburicase as compared to the FDA-approved dose of 0.2 mg/kg intravenously daily for up to five days. Doses in these studies range from 1.5 mg to 7.5 mg. Our study evaluated outcomes in patients who received single 4.5 mg fixed-dose rasburicase. This retrospective, IRB-approved chart review evaluated adult oncology subjects who received fixed-dose rasburicase between January 2007 and April 2014. The primary outcome was percentage of patients with normalization of uric acid (level <8 mg/dL within 24 h) after a single 4.5 mg fixed-dose of rasburicase. Secondary objectives were incidence of initial failure of fixed-dose rasburicase and normalization of uric acid in overweight (body mass index ≥25 kg/m2) versus non-overweight patients. Initial failure was defined as need for additional doses or progression to dialysis within...
Results of Water Quality Monitoring in Rural Drinking Water Safety Projects of Xishuangbanna Prefecture in 2010

[Objective]To understand the water quality status of rural drinking water safety projects in Xishuangbanna prefecture and its problems,provide a basis for rural water improvement. [Methods]The water quality of 70 rural drinking water safety projects which were randomly sampled from 2 counties and 1 city of Xishuangbanna prefecture were monitored and evaluated. [Results]In 2010,the total qualified rate of water quality of rural drinking water safety projects in Xishuangbanna prefecture was 6.43%.The main factor influencing the qualified rate was microbial indicators.In dry season and the wet season,the qualified rate of total coliform bacteria was 8.23% and 2.86% respectively,that of thermotolerant coliform bacteria was 12.86% and 5.71% respectively,and that of total bacteria counts was 65.71% and 42.14% respectively. [Conclusion]The qualified rate of rural drinking water quality in Xishuangbanna prefecture was low,and there existed hidden danger of water-borne diseases.The management of rural drinking water safety projects and water disinfection should be strengthened,in order to ensure the health and safety of rural drinking water.
Congenital Hepatic Fibrosis, Caroli’s Disease, and Other Fibrocystic Liver Diseases

Abnormalities in primary cilia lead to diseases called ciliopathies. Multiple organ involvement is the norm since primary cilia are present in most cells. When cholangiocyte cilia are abnormal, ductal plate malformation ensues leading to such conditions as congenital hepatic fibrosis, Caroli’s disease (CD) or syndrome, or other fibrocystic liver disease. The aim of this chapter is to briefly explain the pathophysiology and the role of the ductal plate malformation in liver involvement and to offer an overview focusing on congenital hepatic fibrosis (CHF), Caroli’s syndrome (CS), CD, and other fibrocystic liver diseases.
Developing adaptive teaching practices through participation in cogenerative dialogues

Abstract This study explores the potential of cogenerative dialogues to help teachers develop the adaptive instructional practices necessary for ambitious approaches to teaching diverse students. Specifically, the investigation examines asks: What information can urban U.S. high school teachers learn about students through such dialogues? and How do such teachers later leverage this knowledge in adopting adaptive teaching practices in the classroom? Findings reveal that, through their involvement in cogenerative dialogues, participating teachers gained insights into students' individual interests and social and learning needs. The teachers then utilized this new knowledge to enact classroom practices of responsive guidance and macro- and micro-adaptations.
Sequencing Spo11 Oligonucleotides for Mapping Meiotic DNA Double-Strand Breaks in Yeast

Meiosis is a specialized form of cell division resulting in reproductive cells with a reduced, usually haploid, genome complement. A key step after premeiotic DNA replication is the occurrence of homologous recombination at multiple places throughout the genome, initiated with the formation of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) catalyzed by the topoisomerase-like protein Spo11. DSBs are distributed non-randomly in genomes, and understanding the mechanisms that shape this distribution is important for understanding how meiotic recombination influences heredity and genome evolution. Several methods exist for mapping where Spo11 acts. Of these, sequencing of Spo11-associated oligonucleotides (Spo11 oligos) is the most precise, specifying the locations of DNA breaks to the base pair. In this chapter we detail the steps involved in Spo11-oligo mapping in the SK1 strain of budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, from harvesting cells of highly synchronous meiotic cultures, through preparation of sequencing libraries, to the mapping pipeline used for processing the data.
Dollar Smart and Penny Foolish? How Culture Affects Price Cognition: An Abstract

Previous research assumes a universal left-digit effect on price cognition, that is, people tend to perceive nine-ending prices smaller than a price one cent higher. We argue against the universality of this effect based on cultural differences. Furthermore, we propose that thinking styles (i.e., analytic vs. holistic) underlie the cultural effect on consumers’ perception of price magnitude.
"Triggering" Clothes?: Fashion and the Pro-Anorexia Community.

Pro-anorexia is a subculture of anorexia nervosa sufferers who vary from rejecting treatment to embracing the disorder as a lifestyle choice. Anorexia is consistently linked to body dissatisfaction and this dissatisfaction can be related to internalization of the thin body ideal. One of the main disseminators of the thin female body ideal is the media. Higher frequency of appearance-based social comparisons to such ideals contribute to thin ideal internalization and body dissatisfaction. A common element in pro anorexia communities is thinspiration, or media which promotes weight loss and idolizes extremely thin female celebrities. This research investigated pro-anorexia pages on Facebook and Pinterest in relation to the body and clothing ideals portrayed. Most pictures were user generated, portraying thin women who appeared to be under 30 years old. Clothing objects varied but were largely body hugging or body part revealing. Findings indicate the unique body and clothing ideals within this community.
Strange bedfellows: Qurʾan interpretation regarding same-sex female intercourse

Some twentieth-century interpreters assert that the Qurʾan forbids same-sex female intercourse. Neo-traditional Shiʿi and Sunni interpreters converge on this point, even as they diverge from their ...
Application of global positioning systems and geographic information systems in drinking water defluoridation project in Liaoning province

Objective To establish information management systems of drinking water defluoridation project in water-related endemic fluorosis areas and investigate the status of drinking water defluoridation project in Liaoning, provide the basis for the development of control measures. Methods Global positioning systems (GPS)and geographic information systems(GIS) were used in the study in August 2006 - July 2008. Water defluoridation projects of 1234 in 48 counties(cities, districts) in drinking water type of fluorosis areas were positioned. Latitude and longitude, water samples, water fluoride content were collected or tested. GIS was used to establish information management system of water defluoridation projects. Results We have established information management system for the facilities of decreasing water fluorine in drinking water type of endemic fluorosis regions in Liaoning. One thousand two hundred and thirty four defluoridation facilities distributed in east longitude between 39.39° - 43.37°,north latitude between 119.25° - 125.50°, and altitude between - 6.60 and 801.14 meter in 48 endemic fluorosis counties in 13 cities. Nine hundred and twenty seven facilities for decreasing fluorine were able to supply water regularly, accounting for 75.1% of investigated projects;29 facilities was .not yet completely rebuilt, accounting for 2.4%;278 facilities(supply water for 344 villages) were out of order or discarded for 22.5% of investigated projects.Water fluorine contents of 63 facilities were greater than 1.2 mg/L, accounting for 6.8% of investigation project.Facilities working regularly and water fluorine was in accord with hygienic standard for drinking water facilities were 70.0%. Conclusions The establishment of Liaoning province defluoridation project information management system in the whole province of drinking water type of fluorosis areas provides scientific basis for accurate decision-making on prevention and control of the disease. Key words: Fluoride poisoning; Water; Engineering; Organization and administration; Global positioning systems; Geographic information system
Mental Health Care and Its Relationship to General Medical-Surgical Care of the Future

Throughout this paper, I stress the interface between organic (physical) illness and mental illness/emotional problems (see Chapters 2 and 3). I believe that in the future, the orientation of medicine will change—as it is already doing—to focus more and more on psychological factors as they affect health and illness. Medical care will pay more specific attention to the patient’s unique personality as it makes him (or her) susceptible to disease or exacerbates illness. It will take into account as well the patient’s emotional reaction to the stress of his illness and its effect on the course of that illness. This will result in an ever-increasing demand for mental health consultation and care. However, I feel that appropriate intervention by the psychiatrist (or other mental health professional) in the health care process will contribute to the stabilization of the total cost of medical care and may even decrease that cost, as illustrated by the following examples: A patient reacts with excessive anxiety and depression to a hospitalization for an illness. In the hospital he (she) must ultimately rely for his well-being on his physician and the hospital staff. This patient, however, cannot tolerate not being in total charge of his life and not being able to control his own destiny. His main psychological “flaw” is that he is afraid of being dependent on anybody. He finds it difficult to trust others. With each day in the hospital, where one is never more like a child and more dependent, he becomes more depressed and anxious. He becomes frustrated and angry as well at his physician and the hospital staff, but he wishes to be a “good patient” so he keeps his feelings to himself. In fact, his depression and anxiety are hardly noticeable to others. His body is quite aware of them, however, and his condition worsens as his emotions exert a negative effect on the course of his aillness. Fortunately, with the help of a mental health team his physician calls in this patient is able to partially resolve his fear of dependency that is at the core of his depression, anxiety, and anger. His condition mow gradually improves and he is discharged fron the hospital.
Is a history of psychiatric illness in patients with epilepsy a risk factor for developing psychiatric adverse events on antiepileptic medications? (P4.238)

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine if a history of psychiatric illness is a risk factor for developing psychiatric adverse events (PAEs) when started on an antiepileptic drug (AED). Background: Psychiatric illness is prevalent in patients with epilepsy. Several AEDs have been associated with increased risk of PAEs in patients with psychiatric history. Unlike other studies, we examined a broad spectrum of AEDs and followed patients longitudinally. Design/Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study in a Comprehensive Epilepsy Center of patients started on an AED. We abstracted self-reported psychiatric symptoms, including mood lability, irritability, depression, or anxiety, and scores on screening tools for depression (NDDI-E) and anxiety (GAD-7) on the day of initiation of a new AED and at first follow-up. Results: 44 patients were included in the study for whom psychiatric history was available. 31 had a history of psychiatric symptoms and 13 did not. 29 patients had no psychiatric symptoms at the time of new AED initiation. Of the 9 patients who developed psychiatric symptoms at the time of follow-up, 7 had a history of psychiatric illness, while 2 did not. Of the 20 patients who did not develop psychiatric symptoms, 11 had a history of psychiatric illness and 9 did not. We observed a trend towards positive psychiatric history in patients who developed psychiatric symptoms after initiation of a new AED, OR 2.766 (CI 0.4724-23.63). This was not statistically significant as our study was limited by small sample size. Conclusions: Our study confirms the prevalence of psychiatric illness in patients with epilepsy. Our preliminary data show that the presence of psychiatric history may be associated with the development of psychiatric symptoms when started on an AED. We expect to have a larger number of subjects by the time of presentation. Disclosure: Dr. Sumida has nothing to disclose. Dr. Torres has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kanner has received personal compensation for activities with Medscape.
How to Create Trust in Family Firms and Rebuild It When It’s Lost: Implications for Practice and Research

As a consultant to family businesses for almost 3 decades, I have found trust to be a fundamental issue in these types of organizations. One example of a family business that faced a breakdown of trust is a company that I will call the Jackson Corporation (all names disguised). Jim Jackson, the company founder, worked in the business with his wife, Stella, his two sons, Fred and Tim, and his daughter-in-law, Sarah. One day I received a phone call at my office from Jim asking me to meet with him for lunch to discuss his family business and some of the problems that he faced. Since I rarely turn down a free lunch, I agreed to meet with Jim. During lunch Jim discussed his family’s history: he had gone into business early in his career with his brother, but eventually they couldn’t work together, so Jim left the business to start a new firm that competed with his brother. This, of course, caused hard feelings between Jim and his brother, and they never spoke to one another again. After starting the new business, Jim’s wife, his two sons, and eventually his daughter-in-law went to work for him. However, over time, Jim believed that his son Fred was behaving unethically, so he fired him. This upset Stella so much that she kicked Jim out of the house, and Jim confessed that he was now sleeping on the couch at his office. Jim asked me: “What should I do now? How can I repair the trust that’s been lost?”
Development of outdoor navigation for a robotic wheelchair system

The goal of this research is the creation of a complete robotic wheelchair system to be used by people unable to drive standard powered wheelchairs. A complete robotic wheelchair system must be able to navigate indoor and outdoor environments and should switch automatically between navigation modes. For the system to be useful, it must be easily customized for the specific access methods required for each user. This abstract focuses on the vision system being developed for outdoor navigation and the method for selecting whether to use the indoor navigation mode or the outdoor navigation mode. A report of the indoor navigation mode and user interface can be found in (Yanco In press). Navigation is divided into two classes: indoor and outdoor. In both navigation modes, the user gives a high-level command (“forward,” “left,” “right,” and “backward”) through the graphical user interface which has been customized to accommodate the user’s access method. The system carries out the user’s command using common sense constraints such as obstacle avoidance. Since the user must be able to successfully navigate novel environments immediately, the system does not use maps or environment modification. The navigation problem in an indoor environment is simplified by regularities such as level floors and walls. A vision system can be used in an indoor environment, but it is not necessary. Robots navigating indoors can use sonar and infrared sensors to avoid obstacles. Outdoor navigation is not feasible using only sonar and infrared sensors. To facilitate navigation in outdoor environments, a vision system with one camera is being added to the wheelchair. Initial image processing is aimed at finding and navigating sidewalks, crosswalks, curb cuts and handicapped ramps. To stay on sidewalks and in crosswalks, the vision system will detect long straight lines that head towards the vanishing point. Ground-plane constraint or optical flow using successive frames will be used to approximate the distance of
Childhood Acute Myeloid Leukemia in Mice With Severe Combined Immunodeficiency

Primary bone marrow blasts from 4 children with t(8;21) acute myeloid leukemia (AML), 6 children with inv(16) AML, and 2 children with t(9;11) AML were injected intravenously or transplanted under the kidney capsule of sublethally irradiated mice with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). Leukemic cells from all AML patients infiltrated the SCID mouse thymus, suggesting that the thymic microenvironment supports the survival and growth of human AML blasts. Blasts from 1 of 4 t(8;21) AML patients and 4 of 6 inv(16) AML patients caused histopathologically detectable disseminated leukemia. Blasts from the remaining patients produced disseminated occult leukemia that was only detected by polymerase chain reaction. Occurrence of histopathologically detectable disseminated leukemia was dependent on intravenous injection of leukemic cells; none of the mice challenged with an inoculum transplanted under the kidney capsule developed overt leukemia. No obvious association was noted between occurrence of leukemia in SCID mice and clinical or laboratory features presented by patients, including age, sex, or leukocyte count at diagnosis. To our knowledge, this study is the first to show that leukemic blasts from children with newly diagnosed AML, especially inv(16) AML, can cause disseminated human leukemia in SCID mice without exogenous cytokine support. The SCID mouse model system may prove particularly useful for designing more effective treatment strategies against childhood AML.
Women in Spanish Colonial Contexts

In all colonial contexts, gender roles were a crucial, heavily negotiated component of interaction. In the Spanish Americas, these negotiations were particularly contentious for women because perspectives on the importance of women were so different. In the American Southwest, for example, Pueblo women were powerful, significant figures in their matrilineal families and in cultural/social life. However, in the eyes of Spanish men, these individuals were doubly inferior as they were both indigenous and female. When we try to understand what expectations and brokered arrangements were reached in Spanish colonial contexts, we are faced with difficult issues, among them the anticipation that roles will be stable, not mutable. Other forms of complexity derive from locality, the period of contact, and the number of ethnic and racial groups involved. We may observe a wide range of situations—from Columbus’ first encounter with indigenous women to later settings before and after the Bourbon reforms—and diverse locales. Finally, understanding how women were perceived and perceived themselves is mediated by our information sources. I consider these as archives. Some are documents that ascribe status to women, some instantiate gender roles by referring explicitly to women’s belongings and dress. Other archives include performance, often not recorded in writing but preserved in culture’s memory, and material archives recovered from archaeological sites. Each archive represents a specific perspective on a particular target for reasons of that moment. This chapter will depict a number of snapshots from particular times and settings (e.g., eighteenth-century Mexico and Colombia, and eighteenth to nineteenth century in the American Southwest), in which a finite number of groups are interacting, and which have been recorded in one of these archives. Rather than expecting a uniform outcome I anticipate that this chapter will produce images of an unstable colonial world, manipulated by many parties and recorded in ephemeral forms.
The analysis of 2 × 2 factorial fracture experiments with brittle materials

Experiments conducted at all combinations of the levels of two or more factors are called factorial experiments. Factorial experiments have been shown to be more efficient in exploring the effects of external factors on a response variable than non-factorial arrangements of factor levels. This paper presents a methodology for the analysis of test results obtained at all combinations of the levels of two two-level factors. The response variable is assumed to follow the two parameter Weibull distribution with a shape parameter that, although unknown, does not vary with the factor levels. The scale parameter on the other hand may vary in various ways with the levels of the factors. These assumptions well reflect the behavior of the fracture strength of glassy polymers as it is influenced by factors such as water sorption and silanation of filler. The purpose of the analysis is (1) to compute interval estimates of the common shape parameter and (2) to assess whether either factor singly or in combination with the other affects the Weibull scale parameter. The procedure is illustrated with an example using simulated data for which only one of the factors had a real effect. A further example is given using shear strength measurements made in a 22 factorial experiment conducted on a glassy polymer material used in dental restorations.
Theory of Excitons in Organic Solids

This set of lectures is designed to establish the general equations as well as the approximations that are used in formulating the equations which are used to describe excitons. As example of the use of exciton theory, the visible optical spectrum of two typical polydiacetylene crystals calculated by S. Suhai (PTS with an acetylene-like structure and TCDU with a butatriene-like structure) are presented using a first principle Green’s function formalism of charge transfer exciton theory. Also the formalism of a model of a high-temperature superconductor based on the exciton mechanism is presented.
Language Testing and Assessment

We begin by examining the history of language testing and assessment as parallel to the development of large-scale, high-stakes language proficiency tests (e.g., TOEFL) used primarily for admission into institutions of higher learning. We then discuss core concepts in the field and provide an overview of the most commonly used research methods. Lastly, we address a number of challenges and concerns arising from tensions between those who see the growing emphasis on testing as a way to ensure fairness and accountability and those who believe it results in bias and inequality. Consequential validity, assessment literacy, and world Englishes/English as a lingua franca are discussed in relation to language tests and assessments as used for decision-making purposes in various domains.
An amplitude-preserving deblending approach for simultaneous sources

ABSTRACTA goal of simultaneous shooting is to acquire high-quality seismic data more efficiently, while reducing operational costs and improving acquisition efficiency. Effective sampling and deble...
Biogeomorphic effects of woody vegetation on bedrock streams

The dynamic interactions between fluvial processes and vegetation vary in different environments and are uncertain in bedrock settings. Bedrock streams are much less studied than alluvial in all as...
Different patterns of cortical activity in females and males during spatial long-term memory

It is generally assumed that identical neural regions mediate the same cognitive functions in females and males. However, anatomic and molecular sex differences exist in the brain, including in regions associated with long-term memory, which suggests there may be functional differences. The present functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) investigation aimed to identify the differences and similarities in brain activity between females and males during spatial long-term memory. During encoding, abstract shapes were presented to the left or right of fixation. During retrieval, shapes were presented at fixation and participants made "old-left" or "old-right" judgments. For both females and males, spatial memory hits versus misses produced activity in regions commonly associated with visual long-term memory; however, the activations were almost completely distinct between the sexes. An interaction analysis revealed sex-specific activity for males in visual processing regions, the left putamen, the right caudate nucleus, and bilateral cerebellum, and sex-specific activity for females in the parietal cortex. A targeted anatomic region-of-interest (ROI) analysis identified sex-specific activity for males and females in the left hippocampus and language processing cortex, respectively. A multi-voxel pattern correlation analysis within functional ROIs between all pairs of participants showed greater within-sex than between-sex correlations, indicating the differential activations were due to sex differences rather than other individual differences between groups. These results indicate that spatial long-term memory is mediated by largely different brain regions in females and males. These findings have major implications for the field of cognitive neuroscience, where it is common practice to collapse across sex.
SOCIAL NETWORK INFLUENCES ON SENSE OF CONTROL AND ATTRIBUTED DIGNITY IN OLDER AGE: RESEARCH RESULTS

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between the functions of individual social networks, defined here as social support, and the outcomes of sense of control and attributed dignity among a sample of older people living with multiple chronic conditions. This study integrated an explanatory sequential (Quan/Qual) mixed methods design. Descriptive statistics were used to describe social networks. Bivariate correlations and regression statistics were used to examine the relationships of social network support (MOS-Social Support Scale) with the dependent variables of sense of control (Wallhagen Revised PCQ Questionnaire) and attributed dignity (Jacelon Attributed Dignity Scale). Open-ended interviews and thematic analysis were used to expand understanding of the quantitative findings. A cross-sectional sample of eighty-nine community dwelling older people living with multiple chronic health conditions participated. Social support, as a function of one’s social network, predicted the outcome of sense of control (β = .33, p ≤ .01) and attributed dignity (β = .44, p ≤ .001). Correlation statistics and regression models substantiated positive relationships of social supports’ influence on perceived sense of control and attributed dignity. Thematic analysis, based on open-ended interviews (n=12), expanded on the nuances of social influences on sense of control and attributed dignity in managing chronic health conditions through the themes “learning to ask for help”, “only a phone call away” and “smaller circles”. This research proposes new ways of understanding the relationships between perceptions of social support, sense of control and attributed dignity in later life in managing health.
Reducing reference bias using multiple population reference genomes

Abstract Most sequencing data analyses start by aligning sequencing reads to a linear reference genome. But failure to account for genetic variation causes reference bias and confounding of results downstream. Other approaches replace the linear reference with structures like graphs that can include genetic variation, incurring major computational overhead. We propose the “reference flow” alignment method that uses information from multiple population reference genomes to improve alignment accuracy and reduce reference bias. Compared to the graph aligner vg, reference flow exhibits a similar level of accuracy and bias avoidance, but with 13% of the memory footprint and 6 times the speed.
Mitochondria and chronic effects of cancer therapeutics: The clinical implications.

One of the major mechanisms of action of chemo-radiation is to induce cellular senescence, which exerts crucial roles in age-related pathology. The concept of senescence is evolved, and the novel understanding of senescence-associated reprogramming/stemness has emerged. This new concept emphasizes senescence as not only cell cycle arrest but describes that subsets of senescent cells induced by chemotherapy can re-enter cell cycles, proliferate rapidly, and acquire “stemness” status. Cancer therapeutics, including chemo-radiation triggers toxicity effects through damaging mitochondria, primarily through the upregulation of mtROS production leading to subsequent mtDNA and telomeric DNA damage elicitng DNA damage responses (DDR). The ultimate goal of this review is to highlight the new concept of senescence-associated stemness that is induced by cancer treatment and its adverse effects on the vascular system. We will describe how chemo-radiation exerts toxicity effects by simultaneously producing reactive oxygen species in mitochondria and promoting DDR in the nucleus. We discuss the potential of clinical targeting poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase which might prevent downstream mitochondrial dysfunction and confer protection to cancer survivors. Overall we emphasize the importance of recognizing the consequences of cardio-toxic effects of several cancer treatments and therefore developing personalized therapeutic approaches to screen for inflammatory and cardiac testing for better patient survival.
EFICIÊNCIA DE IRRIGAÇÃO EM LAVOURAS DE CAFEEIROS CONILON NA REGIÃO CENTRO SERRANA DO ESPÍRITO SANTO

Coffee represents the main source of income for rural producers in Sao Roque do Canaa, ES, Brazil. However, the municipality has severe water restrictions on coffee due to the low and irregular distribution of rainfall. Fact that implies the adoption of irrigation systems to supply the water requirements of the coffee crop, where it is used mainly the drip irrigation. However, the absence of cleaning, maintenance and assessment in these irrigation systems is identified, which reduces the efficiency and uniformity of water application. In view of the above, the objective of this work was to evaluate the performance of drip irrigation systems, in order to determine the uniformity and efficiency of water application. Irrigation systems were evaluated in ten small farms. Based on the results obtained, the Christiansen's Uniformity Coefficient (CUC), the Distribution Uniformity Coefficient (CUD), Statistical Uniformity Coefficient (Us) and Application Efficiency (Ea) were determined and classified. The drip irrigation systems showed low uniformity of water application, being necessary that some preventive and corrective maintenance practices be adopted so that the systems operate with higher uniformity, and consequently, with greater water use efficiency.
Pilot test of the Hablemos Juntos Tier 2 academic language curriculum for Spanish-speaking preschoolers

Abstract This randomized control trial evaluated the feasibility and promise of a Spanish supplemental curriculum when delivered in small-group settings to pre-kindergarten (pre-k) children who qualified for Tier 2 support. The program focused on Spanish academic language development using shared book reading and extension activities. All 30 classrooms served Spanish-speaking students within a dual language Spanish/English model. The 167 participating students were eligible for Tier 2 support based on scores below benchmark on their district’s screening and progress monitoring measures. Classroom teachers provided about 15 h of Tier 2 intervention across an 11-week period. Results showed effects on proximal outcomes, but not distal, standardized measures. Specifically, children in Tier 2 intervention groups learned explicitly taught academic vocabulary words (d = .50), but there were no group differences for untaught words exposed within the shared reading texts. Classroom teachers were able to implement the Tier 2 intervention with fidelity and reported high satisfaction with the approach. These findings suggest the promise of small-group instruction for targeting higher level, academic language with pre-k children demonstrating risk.
Musculoskeletal practices for the preparticipation physical examination.

BACKGROUND Little is known about the musculoskeletal (MSK) exam providers use during the Preparticipation Physical Examination (PPE). The primary aims of this study were to determine current practice with regards to the MSK screening exam, if goals are being met, and if there may be opportunities for improvement. METHODS This cross-sectional survey-based study utilized a REDCap instrument that was distributed to members of the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) and the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM). Questions focused on participant demographics and MSK exam practices for the PPE. Descriptive statistics were used. RESULTS The study had a total of 616 participants with a response rate of 9 %. The majority of respondents (82 %) were familiar with the 4th Edition PPE Monograph and 80 % either moderately or strongly agreed that they use this as a guideline for their MSK screening exam. The 90 s MSK screening test was implemented by 52 % of the participants. The majority of participants use an orthopedic exam as part of their PPE (82 %). Ninety-two percent of participants felt satisfied that their MSK exam would screen for current injury, while only 42 % were satisfied that it effectively screened for future injury. 86 % of participants agree that the MSK exam should be performed, while 26 % said that they don't perform a physical exam at all. DISCUSSION There is a lack of understanding of the PPE Monograph as there is wide variability in MSK screening techniques providers use despite the majority of participants being familiar with the guidelines described in the monograph. Additionally, providers don't believe that the MSK exam screens for future injury. CONCLUSIONS The goals of the MSK portion of the 4th Edition PPE monograph are not adequately being met and there is a need for further research to validate screening exams for the prevention of MSK injury.
Sialic Acid Ligands of CD28 Suppress Costimulation of T Cells.

Effector T cells comprise the cellular arm of the adaptive immune system and are essential for mounting immune responses against pathogens and cancer. To reach effector status, costimulation through CD28 is required. Here, we report that sialic acid-containing glycans on the surface of both T cells and APCs are alternative ligands of CD28 that compete with binding to its well-documented activatory ligand CD80 on the APC, resulting in attenuated costimulation. Removal of sialic acids enhances antigen-mediated activation of naive T cells and also increases the revival of effector T cells made hypofunctional or exhausted via chronic viral infection. This occurs through a mechanism that is synergistic with antibody blockade of the inhibitory PD-1 axis. These results reveal a previously unrecognized role of sialic acid ligands in attenuation of CD28-mediated costimulation of T cells.
Physics Based Modeling of Electrostriction Based BAW Resonators

In this work, a nonlinear circuit model has been developed to account for the full electrostriction coupling physics in ferroelectric bulk acoustic wave (BAW) resonators. This new model divides the BAW resonator into thin layers and locally treats the full electric field and strain in the electrostrictive relations, starting from the P-expansion of Landau free energy. The response from the simulation is compared against the measurement results obtained from a barium strontium titanate (BST) film bulk acoustic resonator (FBAR) across different biasing levels.
Self-propelled affinity biosensors: Moving the receptor around the sample

Self-propelled nanomotors offer considerable promise for developing novel biosensing protocols involving 'on-the-fly' recognition events. This article reviews recent advances in using catalytic nanomotors for bioaffinity sensing and for isolating target biomolecules and cells from complex biological samples. A variety of receptors, attached to self-propelled nanoscale motors, can thus move around the sample and, along with the generated microbubbles, lead to greatly enhanced fluid transport and accelerated recognition process. Such operation addresses the challenges imposed by the slow analyte transport in designing sensitive bioaffinity assays. The recognition element can be attached onto the motor surface or embedded in the motor material itself. Receptor-functionalized nanomotors based on different biomolecular interactions have thus been shown extremely useful for rapid target isolation from complex biological samples without preparatory and washing steps. Tubular microengine microtransporters, functionalized with antibody, ss-DNA, aptamer or lectin receptors, are particularly useful for direct detection and isolation of proteins, nucleic acids, proteins or cancer cells. Micromotors with 'built-in' recognition, exploiting the selective binding properties of the outer layer of such micronegines, can also be used. Greatly enhanced analyte-receptor interactions can also be achieved through the increased fluid transport associated with the movement of unmodified micromotors. The attractive features of the new motion-based bioaffinity sensing and separation protocols open up new opportunities for diverse biomedical, environmental and security applications.