cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The GTP-binding Protein RhoA Mediates Na,K-ATPase Exocytosis in Alveolar Epithelial Cells

The purpose of this study was to define the role of the Rho family of small GTPases in the beta-adrenergic regulation of the Na,K-ATPase in alveolar epithelial cells (AEC). The beta-adrenergic receptor agonist isoproterenol (ISO) increased the Na,K-ATPase protein abundance at the plasma membrane and activated RhoA in a time-dependent manner. AEC pretreated with mevastatin, a specific inhibitor of prenylation, or transfected with the dominant negative RhoAN19, prevented ISO-mediated Na,K-ATPase exocytosis to the plasma membrane. The ISO-mediated activation of RhoA in AEC occurred via beta2-adrenergic receptors and involved Gs-PKA as demonstrated by incubation with the protein kinase A (PKA)-specific inhibitors H89 and PKI (peptide specific inhibitor), and Gi, as incubation with pertussis toxin or cells transfected with a minigene vector for Gi inhibited the ISO-mediated RhoA activation. However, cells transfected with minigene vectors for G12 and G13 did not prevent RhoA activation by ISO. Finally, the ISO-mediated Na,K-ATPase exocytosis was regulated by the Rho-associated kinase (ROCK), as preincubation with the specific inhibitor Y-27632 or transfection with dominant negative ROCK, prevented the increase in Na,K-ATPase at the plasma membrane. Accordingly, ISO regulates Na,K-ATPase exocytosis in AEC via the activation of beta2-adrenergic receptor, Gs, PKA, Gi, RhoA, and ROCK.
Framework for Understanding Fair Trade Disintermediation

Our research seeks to answer the question of how a conventional commodity supply chain can be transformed into a disintermediated commodity supply chain in the context of the fair trade (FT) movement. We present a normative framework for conceptualizing the disintermediation process, exploring the variables bearing on this process using the case of FT coffee to illustrate our insights. We highlight the motivational sources driving FT, suggesting that it is increasingly to the advantage of multinational enterprises to leverage their market power to circumvent intermediaries in the supply chain and, in so doing, shift a greater share of income and wealth to producing communities. A research agenda centered on building an FT supply-chain disintermediation index is proposed.
A full duplex capable retrodirective array system for high-speed beam tracking and pointing applications

A retrodirective array capable of full duplex communication is presented. The system is based purely on analog circuits for all signal-processing tasks including target tracking, beam pointing, and carrier recovery. Two types of receiver architectures are used, i.e., AM diode detectors for near-omni directional coverage and a digital beamforming receiver to enhance signal-to-interference ratio. This paper also discusses this technology in the context of development of a radar target/communication device, which is intended to both facilitate radar imaging and establish a self-tracking communication link between the ground terminal and mobile radar station. Demonstration of 10-Mb/s data receiving and transmitting functions are presented along with its automatic beam-steering ability and radiation patterns, as well as details about each major circuit component used in the array.
EGG RAFT SIZE AND BIONOMICAL NOTES ON CULISETA INCIDENS THEOBALD IN WESTERN WASHINGTON

Beginning in January 2002 and ending in November 2003, data were collected on the size (eggs/egg raft) and occurrence of egg rafts laid by Culiseta incidens within 5 miles of Fort Lewis, WA. Culiseta incidens initiated oviposition in late March to early April and ceased oviposition in September-October. Twenty egg rafts from Culex pipiens, a larval habitat associate of Cs. incidens, were also collected during this study and that information is reported. Culex pipiens initiated oviposition in late May, and termination of oviposition appeared to occur in late August. The range of the number of eggs per raft was 59-329 for Cs. inicidens and 218-413 for Cx. pipiens.
Fates of buried Sorghum bicolor ssp. drummondii seed

Abstract The emergence of Sorghum bicolor seedlings and the dormancy status and survival of S. bicolor seeds buried in soil in the midwestern United States were studied from 1992 to 1995. Possible causes of seed mortality were also investigated. Emergence of seedlings from seeds buried in November averaged less than 2%, compared with 28% from seeds buried in March. Seeds showed little ability to survive winter, with more than 80% dying between November and March and virtually none surviving a second winter. Many seeds exhibited signs of cold damage. Further evidence of the effect of cold was the decreased mortality of seeds protected somewhat from the cold. The decline in the viability of seeds was modeled well by negative exponential curves with an exponent of between 0.011 and 0.016. Nomenclature: Sorghum bicolor subsp. drummondii (Steudel) de Wet SORVU, shattercane.
Practical considerations for extended V-BLAST: quantized parameters and imperfect channel estimation

Using multiple antennas at both the transmitter and receiver, BLAST exploits the multipath characteristics of a wireless channel to enable very large capacities. In an extended V-BLAST, those capacities are approached with single-dimensional coding and rate adaptation. However, such results require infinite precision for rate and power settings and perfect channel estimation. These assumptions are not practical due to a limited data rate of the feedback channel and a rapidly changing nature of a wireless channel. An algorithm for discretizing the rates and power control levels is proposed. We show that the loss in spectral efficiency due to rate and power control discretization is about 1-2 dB compared to that of an eigenmode transmission. We also consider the effects of imperfect channel estimation. We show that the performance loss is minimal when the channel estimation error is less than 2-3%.
Tunnel DCIV extraction of dopant-impurity concentration, oxide thickness, and length in the channel and extension regions of ultrathin gate-oxide MOS transistors

A methodology is described for extracting, between the source and drain, the spatial variations of surface dopant-impurity concentration and oxide thickness in the channel, drain/extension and source/extension regions using experimental tunnel direct current current-voltage data of the drain, source, and basewell terminal currents versus the gate/base voltage. An example is given using an pMOS transistor with W/L=10 /spl mu/m/0.3 /spl mu/m fabricated by a factory 100-nm technology. Zeroth (constant values) and first-order (linear variation with position) representation formulas are used for the impurity concentration and oxide thickness to fit the experimental data, which also give the electrical lengths of the three regions.
Mapping Global Environmental Lead Poisoning in Children

Background. Despite major reductions in environmental lead contamination and mean blood lead levels (BLLs) in children, hotspot lead exposure remains a concern for children globally. Recent mass le...
Valence-bond order (VBO): A new approach to modeling reactive potential energy surfaces for complex systems, materials, and nanoparticles

The extension of molecular mechanics to reactive systems, metals, and covalently bonded clusters with variable coordination numbers requires new functional forms beyond those popular for organic chemistry and biomolecules. Here we present a new scheme for reactive molecular mechanics, which is denoted as the valence-bond order model, for approximating reactive potential energy surfaces in large molecules, clusters, nanoparticles, solids, and other condensed-phase materials, especially those containing metals. The model is motivated by a moment approximation to tight binding molecular orbital theory, and we test how well one can approximate potential energy surfaces with a very simple functional form involving only interatomic distances with no explicit dependence on bond angles or dihedral angles. For large systems the computational requirements scale linearly with system size, and no diagonalizations or iterations are required; thus the method is well suited to large-scale simulations. The method is illustrated here by developing a force field for particles and solids composed of aluminum and hydrogen. The parameters were optimized against both interaction energies and relative interaction energies. The method performs well for pure aluminum clusters, nanoparticles, and bulk lattices and reasonably well for pure hydrogen clusters; the mean unsigned error per atom for the aluminum-hydrogen clusters is 0.1 eV/atom.
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus infection at the time of porcine circovirus type 2 vaccination has no impact on vaccine efficacy

Several porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) vaccines are now commercially available and have been shown to be effective at decreasing the occurrence of porcine circovirus-associated disease (PCVAD). Many herds are coinfected with PCV2 and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). Some producers and veterinarians are concerned that if pigs are vaccinated for PCV2 at or near the time that they are typically infected with PRRSV, the efficacy of the PCV2 vaccine will be compromised. The impact of PRRSV on PCV2 vaccination is unclear and has not been investigated under controlled conditions. The objective of the present study was to determine whether the presence of PRRSV viremia has an effect on the efficacy of commercial PCV2 vaccinations. Three-week-old PCV2-negative conventional pigs with passively derived anti-PCV2 antibodies were either vaccinated with one of three commercial PCV2 vaccines or left nonvaccinated. A portion of the pigs were infected with PRRSV 1 week prior to PCV2 vaccination. To determine vaccine efficacy, a PCV2 challenge was conducted at 8 weeks of age. PCV2 vaccination, regardless of PRRSV infection status at the time of vaccination, was similarly effective in inducing an anti-PCV2 IgG response in the presence of maternally derived immunity and in protecting the pigs from PCV2 challenge, as determined by a reduction in the level of PCV2 viremia and a reduction in the prevalence and amount of PCV2 antigen in lymphoid tissues in vaccinated pigs compared to nonvaccinated pigs. The results indicate that acute PRRSV infection at the time of PCV2 vaccination has no adverse effect on PCV2 vaccine efficacy.
Exercise improves sexual function in women taking antidepressants: results from a randomized crossover trial.

Background: In laboratory studies, exercise immediately before sexual stimuli improved sexual arousal of women taking antidepressants [1]. We evaluated if exercise improves sexual desire, orgasm, and global sexual functioning in women experiencing antidepressant-induced sexual side effects. Methods: Fiftytwo women who were reporting antidepressant sexual side effects were followed for 3 weeks of sexual activity only. They were randomized to complete either three weeks of exercise immediately before sexual activity (3×/week) or 3 weeks of exercise separate from sexual activity (3×/week). At the end of the first exercise arm, participants crossed to the other. We measured sexual functioning, sexual satisfaction, depression, and physical health. Results: Exercise immediately prior to sexual activity significantly improved sexual desire and, for women with sexual dysfunction at baseline, global sexual function. Scheduling regular sexual activity significantly improved orgasm function; exercise did not increase this benefit. Neither regular sexual activity nor exercise significantly changed sexual satisfaction. Conclusions: Scheduling regular sexual activity and exercise may be an effective tool for the behavioral management of sexual side effects of antidepressants. Depression and Anxiety 31:188–195, 2014. C � 2013 Wiley
Implicit priors for model-based inversion

While Markov random field (MRF) models have been widely used in the solution of inverse problems, a major disadvantage of these models is the difficulty of parameter estimation. At its root, this parameter estimation problem stems from the inability to explicitly express the joint distribution of an MRF in terms of the conditional distributions of elements given their neighbors. The objective of this paper is to provide a general approach to solving maximum a posteriori (MAP) inverse problems through the implicit specification of a MRF prior. In this method, the MRF prior is implemented through a series of quadratic surrogate function approximations to the MRF's log prior distribution. The advantage of this approach is that these surrogate functions can be explicitly computed from the conditional probabilities of the MRF, while the explicit Gibbs distribution can not. Therefore, the Gibbs distribution remains only implicitly defined. In practice, this approach allows for more accurate modeling of data through the direct estimation of the MRF's conditional probabilities. We illustrate the application of our method with a simple experiments of image denoising and show that it produces superior results to some widely used MRF prior models.
Modeling Switchgrass Derived Cellulosic Ethanol Distribution in the United States

Discussions of alternative fuel and propulsion technologies for transportation often overlook the infrastructure required to make these options practical and cost-effective. We estimate ethanol production facility locations and use a linear optimization model to consider the economic costs of distributing various ethanol fuel blends to all metropolitan areas in the United States. Fuel options include corn-based E5 (5% ethanol, 95% gasoline) to E16 from corn and switchgrass, as short-term substitutes for petroleum-based fuel. Our estimates of 1−2 cents per L of ethanol blend for downstream rail or truck transportation remain a relatively small fraction of total fuel cost. However, for even the relatively small blends of ethanol modeled, the transportation infrastructure demands would be comparably larger than the current demands of petroleum. Thus if ethanol is to be competitive in the long run, then in addition to process efficiency improvements, more efficient transportation infrastructure will need to b...
Integrating Transfer Pricing Policy and Activity-Based Costing:

Abstract The activity-based costing approach justifies the transfer prices a multinational corporation uses to transfer unique company parts or services among its divisions located in different countries. This article illustrates how this approach reduces the probability of costly tax audits and assists in obtaining an advanced pricing agreement.
Eye to Eye in the Village

Suggested citation for this article: Potter P. Eye to eye in the village. Emerg Infect Dis [serial on the Internet]. 2008 Dec [date cited]. Available from http://www.cdc.gov/EID/content/14/12/1978.htm
A new species of the rodent Prosciurus (Aplodontidae, Prosciurinae) from the Orellan (Oligocene) of North Dakota and Nebraska

A new species of the extinct aplodontid genus Prosciurus is described from the Orellan (Oligocene) of North Dakota and Nebraska. The upper dentition of this species shares several features with the primitive Asian meniscomyine aplodontid Promeniscomys and is, therefore, believed to represent an ancestral type for later meniscomyine aplodontids.
The Coliforms Examine the Result Comparison of Different Step

Objective Comparison coliform examination beginning ferment, discriminate flat panel separation, reply to ferment three steps in, one step, two differences with three result of match a rate, in order to can pass two footworks to report a result as soon as possible, attain to save time labor-saving. Methods Life drinking water and pot-stewed meat, mark an examination method all and for the country.Results One step and 3 match the rate as drinking water 61%,pot-stewed meat 81%, two results and 3 match rate drinking water 93%, pot-stewed meat for 95%, was learned by covariance processing, two result with three result do not notable difference.(P0.05). Conclusion The author think the beginning for amount of large quantity to collect sample ferments to produce sour produce spirit, the flat panel separation germ falls typical model,Gram’s stain feminine gender, then not through reply to ferment, report a resultdirectly, can save time with manpower material resources, make public hygiene the spot direct the personnel get science very quickly basis.
P-16 Making a difference... challenging the ‘shoulds, musts and oughts’ of bereavement and loss

The experiences of a bereaved couple, following the stillbirth of their son, highlighted shortfalls in their expectations of how they were personally and professionally supported during this difficult time. It resulted in them considering what improvements could be made to enhance facilities and information to health service users in the future. This presentation will demonstrate how a unique and interactive workshop has subsequently developed in partnership with the Oliver Robert Foundation and East Lancashire Hospice; its aim being to educate professionals and the general public on the personal impact we can have when supporting those experiencing loss and grief. This also complies with the hospice Strategic Plan 2013–18, to include supporting the continued professional development of staff, using staff expertise to provide education, and to work closer with the community. The workshop also contributes to the requirements of the Bereavement Care Service Standards 2013, to include education and training, in addition to the expectations of the Care Quality Commission. The presentation will encompass the establishment of the workshop, its purpose, learning aims, skills used therein, audience, evaluations and future plans. It will demonstrate how a relationship, established from the positive experience when accessing the East Lancashire Hospice Bereavement Support Service, has transformed into a lasting legacy, thereby enhancing service provision within the community and raising the profile of the hospice over a wide geographical area.
Enhancing spatial resolution for spectral μCT with aperture encoding

Recent advances in X-ray imaging technologies have paved the way for use of energy-discriminating photon-counting detector arrays. These detectors show promise in clinical and preclinical applications. Multi-energy or spectral CT images can be visualized in multi-colors. Despite the advantages offered by the spectral dimension of acquired data, higher image resolution is still desirable, especially in challenging tasks such as on-site studies of resected pathological tissues. Here we propose to enhance image resolution of a spectral X-ray imaging system by partially blocking each detector element with an absorption grating (for reduced aperture), commonly used for Talbot-Lau interferometry. After acquiring X-ray data at an initial grating-detector configuration, the grating is shifted to expose previously blocked portions so that each measurement contains new information. All the acquired data are then combined into an augmented system matrix and subsequently reconstructed using an iterative algorithm. Our proof of concept simulations are performed with MCNP6.1 code and the experiment was performed using a Hamamatsu microfocus X-ray source, an absorption grating, and an Xray camera. Our results demonstrate that the gratings commonly used for x-ray phase-contrast imaging have a utility for super-resolution imaging performance.
Mulitistabilities And Oscillations In Cardiac Tissues: Model Study

In this paper, we perform phase-plane bifurcation analyses to characterize arrhythmogenic states in an excitable tissue as a function of a steady depolarizing current I,. The excitable tissue is schematically represented by a ring containing excitable cells in a circular fashion. Cell-to-cell coupling is modelled by a cable model, while each cell in the ring is modelled by a Beeler-Reuter type ionic model. Our analysis reveals the existence of five distinct multi-stable phases as I,, increases: (1) Bistability between a rotor and a quiescent state, (2) three stable states coexisting among repolarized quiescent state, rotor, and ectopic beats, (3) bistability between rotor and ectopic beats, (4) three stable states coexisting among depolarized state, rotor, and ectopic beats, and (5) bistability between ectopic beats and depolarized state. Depending on the stengh of Iapp (i.e., depending on the whereabout on the bifurcation dagram), external impulses exert very interesting effects, such as initiation of circus movement from a quiescent tissue, annihilation of ectopic beating to quiescence, and reentry to ectopic beating.
Assessing the Climate Impacts of the Observed Atlantic Multidecadal Variability Using the GFDL CM2.1 and NCAR CESM1 Global Coupled Models

AbstractThe climate impacts of the observed Atlantic multidecadal variability (AMV) are investigated using the GFDL CM2.1 and the NCAR CESM1 coupled climate models. The model North Atlantic sea surface temperatures are restored to fixed anomalies corresponding to an estimate of the internally driven component of the observed AMV. Both models show that during boreal summer the AMV alters the Walker circulation and generates precipitation anomalies over the whole tropical belt. A warm phase of the AMV yields reduced precipitation over the western United States, drier conditions over the Mediterranean basin, and wetter conditions over northern Europe. During boreal winter, the AMV modulates by a factor of about 2 the frequency of occurrence of El Nino and La Nina events. This response is associated with anomalies over the Pacific that project onto the interdecadal Pacific oscillation pattern (i.e., Pacific decadal oscillation–like anomalies in the Northern Hemisphere and a symmetrical pattern in the Southern...
Structure Mapping and Vocabularies for Thinking

While extremes tend to capture attention, the ordinary is often most of the story. So it may be with the structure-mapping process. The structure-mapping process can account for such pinnacles of thinking as analogy and metaphor, which can lead to overlooking the mundane, incremental use of structure mapping. Consequently, the current discussion shifts focus to the value of close comparisons between literally similar items for the development of knowledge. The intent is to foster greater integration between process and content as well as between individuals and collectives. The payoff is identifying some undue simplifications and some promising new directions.
Confinement criterion for gauge theories with matter fields

A generalization of the Wilson loop area-law criterion, which is applicable to gauge theories with matter in the fundamental representation of the gauge group, is proposed. This new criterion, like the area law, is stronger than the statement that asymptotic particle states are massive color singlets, which holds even for theories described by the Brout-Englert-Higgs mechanism.
Relational Challenges and Breakthroughs: How Pre-Service English Teachers’ Figured Worlds Impact Their Relationships with Students:

Background/ContextFigured worlds have been conceptualized as spaces, or “realms,” where individuals assign meaning and significance to actors and characters or come to understand what they take as ...
“I Realized It Was About Them … Not Me”: Women Sports Journalists and Harassment

This chapter examines the experiences of 12 women who work in U.S. sports media. The hegemonic masculinity of the sports world traditionally treats women sports journalists as outsiders who receive unequal treatment compared to male media workers. The chapter discusses strategies women sports journalists employ to combat online abuse and in-person harassment on the job. In-depth interviews with the women, who span several generations, show that: (1) they continue to face discrimination; (2) social media has enhanced their work, but has also subjected them to new forms of abuse; (3) they have developed strategies to avoid harassment by bonding with other women sports media workers; and (4) they want social media companies and employers to take actions to stop abusers. Unfortunately, the interviews show that sex discrimination and harassment are driving some younger women away from the profession, keeping sports media male-dominated. Everbach recommends that social media companies and sports media employers take steps to curb gendered threats and other aggression, which could help retain women in the industry.
Observations on the early establishment of foliar endophytic fungi in leaf discs and living leaves of a model woody angiosperm, populus trichocarpa (Salicaceae)

Fungal endophytes are diverse and widespread symbionts that occur in the living tissues of all lineages of plants without causing evidence of disease. Culture-based and culture-free studies indicate that they often are abundant in the leaves of woody angiosperms, but only a few studies have visualized endophytic fungi in leaf tissues, and the process through which most endophytes colonize leaves has not been studied thoroughly. We inoculated leaf discs and the living leaves of a model woody angiosperm, Populus trichocarpa, which has endophytes that represent three distantly-related genera (Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Trichoderma). We used scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy to evaluate the timeline and processes by which they colonize leaf tissue. Under laboratory conditions with high humidity, conidia germinated on leaf discs to yield hyphae that grew epiphytically and incidentally entered stomata, but did not grow in a directed fashion toward stomatal openings. No cuticular penetration was observed. The endophytes readily colonized the interiors of leaf discs that were detached from living leaves, and could be visualized within discs with light microscopy. Although they were difficult to visualize within the interior of living leaves following in vivo inoculations, standard methods for isolating foliar endophytes confirmed their presence.
Oxidation of Mo(001) Surfaces

X-ray diffraction using synchrotron radiation is now sufficiently sensitive to investigate surface structure in a fairly routine way. Among its advantages is the straightforward kinematic interpretation of the atomic arrangement at the level of 0.01A, where chemically relevant details of bonding become apparent. The oxygen-induced reconstruction of Mo(001) has recently been studied and sheds light on the mechanism of oxidation.
Platonism and metaphor in the texts of mathematics : Gödel and Frege on mathematical knowledge

In this paper, I challenge those interpretations of Frege that reinforce the view that his talk of grasping thoughts about abstract objects is consistent with Russell's notion of acquaintance with universals and with Godel's contention that we possess a faculty of mathematical perception capable of perceiving the objects of set theory. Here I argue the case that Frege is not an epistemological Platonist in the sense in which Godel is one. The contention advanced is that Godel bases his Platonism on a literal comparison between mathematical intuition and physical perception. He concludes that since we accept sense perception as a source of empirical knowledge, then we similarly should posit a faculty of mathematical intuition to serve as the source of mathematical knowledge. Unlike Godel, Frege does not posit a faculty of mathematical intuition. Frege talks instead about grasping thoughts about abstract objects. However, despite his hostility to metaphor, he uses the notion of ‘grasping’ as a strategic metaphor to model his notion of thinking, i.e., to underscore that it is only by logically manipulating the cognitive content of mathematical propositions that we can obtain mathematical knowledge. Thus, he construes ‘grasping’ more as theoretical activity than as a kind of inner mental ‘seeing’.
Psychological Theory and the Mind-Brain Problem

The central theme of this book is that intentional features of mind are explainable in mathematical terms, in principle. During earlier discussion a number of other issues came up which I pushed aside with the promise of doing something about them later. The mind-body problem in particular can not be avoided any longer. In the first chapter I argued against simply removing datable thoughts, pains, sensations, raw feels — in short, mental occurrents — from the concerns of scientific theory, as urged by eliminationists, and for provisionally separating mental features from occurrents and for attempting to cope with one category at a time. Mind, I said, is a system of rules, its logic, but it does not qualify as such unless the subject is able to use language and is sentient, i.e., is a living, feeling, thing. What is the relation of occurrents to automata on the one hand and to the body on the other?
Democracy as a Social Myth

Liberal democracy is not the only kind of democracy, and it itself has variations. This chapter attempts to look at the broad variety of uses of ‘democracy,’ and tries to make sense of the present state of discussion of democracy and the broad range of topics it encompasses. The approach that best captures the variety, that allows a variant to have continuity over time, and that highlights its function in society is Levi-Strauss’s sense of a social myth. The approach as developed herein could help scholarship as well as foreign policy and offset cultural imperialism and artificially closed paradigms.
Mouse models of alzheimer's disease

Transgenic mouse models have been created that mimic many of the neuropathologic and behavioral phenotypes of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Using mutations found in familial AD, the mouse models exhibit some of the cardinal features of the human disease. Wong et al. [1] and Higgins and Jacobsen [2] have written reviews of this topic. The current review extends a previous one [3] and will describe the similarities in the neuropathology of AD and the mouse models of the disease, specifically regarding neurodegeneration, and also describe treatments being developed using the mouse models.
Breeding to Improve Yield

World pulse production peaked at 58 million MT in 1990 and has since shown a decline in more than 100 countries. Highly fertile land in many countries is being devoted to more profitable cereals, oilseeds, and horticultural crops, thus displacing pulses to less favorable agricultural areas. In less developed countries, the lack of mechanized production, particularly for harvest, has favored a shift to other crops, whereas in developed nations, dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) production has shifted toward regions of lower-priced land, such as the Canadian prairie (Parker, 1997). For example, Manitoba replaced Ontario as the leading dry bean producer in Canada in 1998. Over the last 25 years, the area planted to dry bean in the U.S.A. has expanded by 30% and while yields have increased by a similar margin, major production shifts have occurred. For example, the acreage planted to dry bean in North Dakota has increased from 13,000 ha in 1971 to 300,000 ha in 1998, whereas the area in Michigan has decreased from 220,000 ha in 1976 to 120,000 ha in 1998. Bean must be regarded by the agricultural sector as a consistently profitable commodity if production is to be maintained in these more traditional areas. Stable prices, consistent consumer demand, and high yield are all essential goals to curtail downward production trends.
Increasing the Impact of SoTL: Two Sometimes Neglected Opportunities

The most important function of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) is to enhance student learning. There are numerous strategies to increase application and positive impact of our SoTL work on student learning. In this essay, I remind readers of two, sometimes neglected, strategies: 1. incorporating methods and measures in our SoTL studies to find and understand the processes and conditions at work and 2. doing all we can to share the results of relevant SoTL work directly with students so they can make use of the implications of SoTL findings. Our neglect of these two strategies in much SoTL work limits our impact. In this essay, I offer multiple ways and examples to implement these strategies. We need to remember to get at the „why‟ and the „how‟ in our SoTL projects as well as to share our results directly with our students and help them apply what we have learned.
A Case-Study Approach to Teaching Population Management & Conservation

Conservation employers have long valued the in-depth, highly technical training provided by graduate and undergraduate environmental science curricula. However, employers also highly value communication and critical-thinking skills beyond research science, especially the ability to make management decisions within sociopolitical, financial, and ecological contexts. I developed and implemented a budgeted management plan assignment in lower- and upper-level courses in biology and environmental studies programs at an undergraduate liberal arts college. Students must develop specific, assessable conservation objectives to manage a population within a budget that limits available money, time, and sociopolitical will. Students must conduct extensive scientific literature reviews, then decide which of 89 actions will be most cost-effective. Instructors and students responded positively to the assignment, particularly noting difficulty, realism, and interdisciplinarity as defining features, especially in comparison to more traditional field lab reports. The resulting writing assignment involves little class time and instructor supervision, can be customized for both advanced undergraduate and secondary education curricula, and involves high critical-thinking skills in all four cognitive dimensions of learning as described by Anderson and Krathwohl (2001).
How Do Online Degrees Affect Labor Market Prospects? Evidence from a Correspondence Audit Study:

This article reports the findings of a correspondence audit study that examines how online bachelor’s degrees affect labor market outcomes. The study involves sending 1,891 applications for real jo...
Time interval affects physical activity scores: a comparison of the Marx Activity Rating Scale and the Hospital for Special Surgery Pediatric Functional Activity Brief Scale

The Marx Activity Rating Scale (Marx Scale) is a commonly used activity-related patient-reported outcome which evaluates the highest activity level within the last year, whereas the Hospital for Special Surgery Pediatric Functional Activity Brief Scale (HSS Pedi-FABS) assesses highest activity level within the last month. This study aims to determine whether the different timeframes used for the common items of Marx Scale and HSS Pedi-FABS affect scores, and if so, to determine whether age or injury status affect this difference. The Marx Scale and four analogous items on the HSS Pedi-FABS were administered in random order to patients being evaluated for knee injuries and in addition to healthy controls to enroll an uninjured comparison group. Responses to each question were scored from 0 to 4 for a maximum overall score of 16. Paired and independent-sample t tests were used to determine mean differences between groups. The final cohort included 88 participants of which 47% were children (ages 10–17) and 51% had a knee injury. All participants except for healthy adults scored significantly lower on the HSS Pedi-FABS than the Marx Scale (p < 0.05). On the HSS Pedi-FABS activity scale, healthy participants scored significantly higher than injured participants (p < 0.01), but there were no significant differences based on age. Conversely, on the Marx Scale, children scored higher than adults (p ≤ 0.001), but there were no significant differences based on injury. Physical activity level differs when evaluated with the Marx Scale or the analogue part of HSS Pedi-FABS with timeframe being the only difference between the two. The lower scores on the HSS Pedi-FABS are likely due to seasonal changes in activity which do not affect the Marx Scale. HSS Pedi-FABS analyzes a shorter window and it is more likely to capture changes in physical activity due to a recent injury than the Marx Scale which is better suited for assessing general physical activity level unaffected by seasonality or recent injury. Understating the differences between these physical activity scales can better guide clinicians when using them and interpreting scores. II.
Determinants of rating of the seriousness of health issues facing Americans

The United States leads the world in several chronic health conditions (CHCs). Yet, CHCs are preventable. This paper examines influences on rating of the seriousness of CHCs among American adults. The study involved 1011 American adults aged 18 or older. Data came from Obesity in the United States: Public perceptions. We explored factors that are associated with knowledge of the seriousness of CHCs, via a multiple linear regression analysis. Significant associations were found between the rating of the seriousness of CHCs and obesogenic environment, age, sex, race, and education. For instance, respondents living in obesogenic environments rated CHCs as less serious. Younger people rated CHCs as less serious compared to older people. Also, Blacks and Hispanics rated CHCs as serious health issues facing America compared to Whites. However, the joint association of education and race showed that Blacks who had at most a high school degree rated CHCs as less serious compared to Whites and all college graduates. The determinants of rating of the seriousness of CHCs facing America may be complex and need more studies. However, inadequate knowledge of frequently occurring health conditions may possibly contribute to high incidence of CHCs. It is therefore necessary that Americans know about the seriousness of CHCs facing the United States. This knowledge may also help American adults buy into health policies geared toward health disparities reduction.
Surgical Inpatient's Attitudes Toward Resident Participation: All About Expectations

OBJECTIVE Determine whether an educational video can improve surgical inpatients’ attitudes toward resident participation in their care. METHODS Patients admitted to the Trauma/Emergency General Surgery Service at University Hospital (San Antonio, Texas) were randomly divided into control and intervention groups. Patients in the intervention group viewed a short educational video about the role and responsibilities of medical students, residents, and attending surgeons. All patients then completed a previously published survey. RESULTS A total of 140 patients responded to the survey (control = 81 and intervention = 59 patients). Overall, 86.4% of patients were welcoming of resident participation. Patients who were expecting residents to be involved in their care had attitudes that are more favorable on almost all survey questions regardless of their study condition. However, patients in the intervention group who expected resident involvement in their care had more favorable attitudes about senior residents (postgraduate year 3-5) assisting in routine or complicated surgery than those in the control group who were expecting resident involvement (both p ≤ 0.001). This same group of patients also had more favorable attitudes about surgical outcomes and overall surgical health when residents are involved (p = 0.004, p = 0.001, respectively). Most patients (79%) said they had no residents previously involved in their care, or they were unsure if residents were previously involved. CONCLUSIONS Patient expectation of resident involvement is one of the most important factors influencing perceptions of inpatients about resident participation in surgery. Our goal should be early and frequent discussion with patients about resident involvement in order to foster an atmosphere of trust, including full transparency regarding resident involvement in surgical procedures. An educational video may help introduce the roles of trainees and attending surgeons but should not be used in lieu of direct discussion with patients.
Levels of α-2 Macroglobulin in cognitively normal Mexican- Americans with Subjective Cognitive Decline: A HABLE Study.

Background The presence of Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD) in the absence of objective change and the inflammatory biomarker Alpha 2 Macroglobulin (A2M) have both been implicated in preclinical Alzheimer's disease. Mexican Americans are population with high rates of cardiovascular and inflammatory disorders. Objectives The current study investigated the levels of A2M in cognitively normal Mexican Americans with and without complaints of cognitive decline. Method 293 (243 females, 50 males) community-based cognitively normal older Mexican Americans from the ongoing Health and Aging Brain among Latino Elders (HABLE) study were grouped based on subjective cognitive decline and blood samples were assayed by electrochemiluminescence to determine levels of A2M. Results Participants with SCD had significantly higher levels of A2M than those without SCD. Females with SCD had a significantly higher level of A2M. Conclusions Results suggest that higher levels of A2M, a marker of neuronal injury, may be involved in subtle changes in cognitive functioning recognizable to persons reporting SCD but too subtle to be objectively measured. Longitudinal research is needed to assess the impact of SDC and A2M in progression to MCI and dementia in Mexican Americans.
Equivariant perturbation in Gomory and Johnson's infinite group problem--III: foundations for the k-dimensional case with applications to $$k=2$$k=2

We develop foundational tools for classifying the extreme valid functions for the k-dimensional infinite group problem. In particular, we present the general regular solution to Cauchy's additive functional equation on restricted lower-dimensional convex domains. This provides a k-dimensional generalization of the so-called Interval Lemma, allowing us to deduce affine properties of the function from certain additivity relations. Next, we study the discrete geometry of additivity domains of piecewise linear functions, providing a framework for finite tests of minimality and extremality. We then give a theory of non-extremality certificates in the form of perturbation functions. We apply these tools in the context of minimal valid functions for the two-dimensional infinite group problem that are piecewise linear on a standard triangulation of the plane, under a regularity condition called diagonal constrainedness. We show that the extremality of a minimal valid function is equivalent to the extremality of its restriction to a certain finite two-dimensional group problem. This gives an algorithm for testing the extremality of a given minimal valid function.
The EPIC procedure (Endoscopic-assisted Pilonidal Irrigation and Cleaning): a simple and effective treatment for pilonidal disease.

Pilonidal disease (PD) is a common condition of the sacrococcygeal region leading to inflammation and abscess formation. PD is a topic of renewed interest due to the lack of satisfactory management options. Minimally invasive techniques have recently been investigated, with promising results in adult and pediatric populations. Our technique, the “EPIC procedure,” Endoscopic-assisted Pilonidal Irrigation and Cleaning, involves removal of hair under direct visualization using a small endoscope while flushing saline through the cavity via an angiocatheter. We aim to show that the EPIC procedure is a safe and effective operation for the treatment of pilonidal disease in the pediatric population. We performed a retrospective chart review including 20 consecutive patients. All had a primary sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus; all underwent the EPIC procedure. Post-operative care instructions included daily bathing and weekly depilatory application. We evaluated gender, age, weight, disease severity, operative duration, recurrence of PD, and other complications. In the 20 patients studied, 22 EPIC procedures were performed. The median follow-up duration was 27.95 (range 0.63–45.27) months. The mean operative duration was 28.8 (SD 10.2) min. There was a 15% recurrence rate (95% CI 0.00%, 30.65%). The EPIC procedure is an endoscopic-assisted operation that simplifies previously published techniques in pursuit of reduced operative complexity, cost, and time, with comparable recurrence and complication rates. All three recurrences occurred in patients that did not follow instructions for post-operative depilatory care. Two of these patients underwent repeat EPIC procedure and had no further complications. The third was lost to follow-up. The EPIC procedure provides a simple, effective, and minimally invasive approach to the treatment of pilonidal disease.
INTERNAL FRICTION OF GRAIN BOUNDARIES IN Fe-P AND Fe-P-La ALLOYS CONTAINING TRACE COPPER

The grain boundary internal friction in Fe-P and Fe-P-La alloys con-taining a little Cu has been studied. The internal friction is obviously reduced byLa added even 0.584-0.722 wt-%. The grain boundary peak migrates toward thehigh temperature and a small internal friction peak occurs. The grain boundaryinternal friction seems to be interpreted by movement, under stress, of both thedefects of atomic size, namely point defects, in grain boundaries and their clusters.
Maximizing the probability of realizing profit targets versus maximizing expected profits: A reconciliation to resolve an agency problem

Abstract It is generally accepted in the operations literature that a firm should strive to maximize its expected profit. However, in practice it is not uncommon for a firm to offer a bonus to managers for achieving some pre-established target profit, possibly yielding managerial actions that differ from the profit-maximizing approach (given a profit target, we assume managers will maximize the probability of reaching that target). We use the Newsvendor framework to illustrate how the firm's shareholders (e.g., through its board of directors) can align these two seemingly different decision approaches: maximizing expected profit versus maximizing the probability of reaching a target profit. Alignment is achieved by setting what we call an “aligned profit target” (APT) – a target profit that yields the same managerial action namely, the same stocking quantity, across both decision approaches. We find that the APT should typically be an aggressive profit target, one that is significantly higher than the maximum expected profit, with a corresponding low probability of achievement – this result is consistent across demand distributions with light tails (uniform), moderate tails (normal) and heavy tails (lognormal). Notably, the aggressive APT target should be distinguished from any target that the firm might set to signal future profit expectations to financial analysts.
Ethics Education - The Role of Academia, Professional Organizations and Governmental Licensing Bodies

In this paper, we look at the relationship between innovations in ethics education and state licensing bodies’ requirements in the United States. While the paper looks specifically about professional/governmental agencies in the United States, the concepts apply internationally. The authors review ethics course requirements for all fifty state boards of accountancy by examining each state board websites and calling the state boards. Only nine of the fifty U. S. State Boards of Accountancy examined require universities to teach ethics in a college course. Of these, nine states: two require universities to teach accounting ethics; two require business ethics; two require business or accounting ethics; and three allow for business, accounting, or general (philosophy) ethics. Some colleges and universities use a stand-alone ethics course, while others teach ethics as a component included in several courses in the curriculum. The Illinois and Texas State Boards of Public Accountancy require their approval of the ethics course instruction, syllabus, and text. This raises an interesting question for colleges, universities and state licensing boards: What is the optimal way to teach ethics to accounting students and to what degree should the state play role in establishing university requirements for ethics education?