cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fibrin sheath-associated endovascular infection of the heart: the Trojan horse of indwelling central venous catheters

Chronic indwelling central venous catheters can result in formation of fibrin sheaths increasing risk of occlusion, thrombosis and infection. Endovascular infection of right-sided heart structures induced by such sheaths is very rare. A 48-year-old woman with end-stage renal disease initially treated for diabetic ketoacidosis developed persistent Staphylococcus epidermidis bacteraemia without an identifiable source. Although transthoracic echocardiography was unremarkable, transoesophageal echocardiography revealed a fibrin sheath and vegetations in superior vena cava–right atrium junction, which was the site of the tip of a central catheter that had been removed 2 months prior, consistent with fibrin sheath-associated endovascular infection. The bacteraemia cleared and clinical improvement was seen with prolonged intravenous vancomycin. In patients with unexplained bacteraemia and history of a central catheter, rare causes of endovascular infections of right-sided heart structures like fibrin sheaths should be considered. These can persist months after catheter removal. Transoesophageal echocardiogram should be used for earlier detection.
Phthalates and thyroid function in preschool age children: Sex specific associations.

Abstract Background Research relating either prenatal or concurrent measures of phthalate exposure to thyroid function in preschool children is inconclusive. Methods In a study of inner-city mothers and their children, metabolites of di-n-butyl phthalate, butylbenzyl phthalate, di-isobutyl phthalate, di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, and diethyl phthalate were measured in a spot urine sample collected from women in late pregnancy and from their children at age 3 years. We measured children's serum free thyroxine (FT4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) at age 3. Linear regression models were used to investigate the associations between phthalate metabolites, measured in maternal urine during late pregnancy and measured in child urine at age 3 and thyroid function measured at age 3. Results Mean concentrations (ranges) were 1.42 ng/dL (1.02–2.24) for FT4, and 2.62 uIU/mL (0.61–11.67) for TSH. In the children at age 3, among girls, FT4 decreased with increasing log e mono-n-butyl phthalate [estimated b = − 0.06; 95% CI: (− 0.09, − 0.02)], log e mono-isobutyl phthalate [b = − 0.05; 95% CI: (− 0.09, − 0.01)], log e monoethyl phthalate [b = − 0.04; 95% CI: (− 0.07, − 0.01)], and log e mono(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate [b = − 0.04; 95% CI: (− 0.07, − 0.003)] and log e mono(2-ethyl-5-oxy-hexyl) phthalate [b = − 0.04; 95% CI: (− 0.07, − 0.004)]. In contrast, among boys, we observed no associations between FT4 and child phthalate metabolites at age 3. On the other hand, in late gestation, FT4 increased with increasing log e mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate [estimated b = 0.04; 95% CI: (0.02, 0.06)] and no sex difference was observed. We found no associations between phthalate biomarkers measured in either the child or prenatal samples and TSH at age 3. Conclusions The data show inverse and sex specific associations between specific phthalate metabolites measured in children at age 3 and thyroid function in preschool children. These results may provide evidence for the hypothesis that reductions in thyroid hormones mediate associations between early life phthalate exposure and child cognitive outcomes.
Differentiation-dependent expression of the BCL-2 proto-oncogene in the human trophoblast lineage.

OBJECTIVE We explored the role of the BCL-2 proto-oncogene in the life cycle of trophoblast cells by examining: 1) the patterns of BCL-2 expression in normal placenta at various gestational ages and in specimens of hydatidiform moles and choriocarcinomas, and 2) the effects of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) treatment of JEG-3 choriocarcinoma cells, which induces differentiated functions, on BCL-2. METHODS BCL-2 protein was localized by indirect immunofluorescence and immunoperoxidase staining of tissue sections and cells using monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. Western and Northern blotting were used to assess BCL-2 and p53 protein and mRNA levels, respectively. JEG-3 cells were transfected with a BCL-2 expression plasmid to establish that BCL-2 protein could be expressed at high levels in this cell type. RESULTS BCL-2 immunostaining was most prominent in the syncytiotrophoblast of normal placenta. It was found in syncytiotrophoblast of complete and partial hydatidiform moles, whereas cytotrophoblast staining was weak. BCL-2 immunostaining was also barely detectable in choriocarcinoma cells (JEG-3 cells) and a primary choriocarcinoma. However, BCL-2 protein could be transiently overexpressed in JEG-3 cells by transfection with an expression plasmid. Western blot analysis revealed low levels of BCL-2 in JEG-3 cells and a rise in BCL-2 protein in placental extracts from 10 weeks' gestation to term. In contrast, p53 protein was abundant in JEG-3 cells and normal placenta at 10 weeks' gestation, but low at term, BCL-2 transcripts were substantially more abundant in term placenta than in JEG-3 cells. Treatment of JEG-3 cells with 8-Br-cAMP, which induces genes characteristic of the syncytiotrophoblast, raised BCL-2 protein approximately twofold, whereas p53 mRNA declined. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that: 1) There is a differentiation-dependent pattern of BCL-2 expression in the placenta, with the protein being most abundant in terminally differentiated trophoblast cells; 2) there appears to be an inverse relation between BCL-2 and p53 expression in trophoblast; and 3) cAMP regulates BCL-2 protein in trophoblast cells. We speculate that the expression of BCL-2 in terminally differentiated trophoblast cells, and hence resistance to apoptotic cell death, may be one mechanism by which trophoblast mass is preserved during pregnancy. Conversely, the relatively low expression of BCL-2 in choriocarcinoma cells may render them more susceptible to apoptosis.
Multivariable extrapolation of grand canonical free energy landscapes

We derive an approach for extrapolating the free energy landscape of multicomponent systems in the grand canonical ensemble, obtained from flat-histogram Monte Carlo simulations, from one set of temperature and chemical potentials to another. This is accomplished by expanding the landscape in a Taylor series at each value of the order parameter which defines its macrostate phase space. The coefficients in each Taylor polynomial are known exactly from fluctuation formulas, which may be computed by measuring the appropriate moments of extensive variables that fluctuate in this ensemble. Here we derive the expressions necessary to define these coefficients up to arbitrary order. In principle, this enables a single flat-histogram simulation to provide complete thermodynamic information over a broad range of temperatures and chemical potentials. Using this, we also show how to combine a small number of simulations, each performed at different conditions, in a thermodynamically consistent fashion to accurately ...
Breast Cancer Screening in Women at Higher-Than-Average Risk: Recommendations From the ACR

Early detection decreases breast cancer mortality. The ACR recommends annual mammographic screening beginning at age 40 for women of average risk. Higher-risk women should start mammographic screening earlier and may benefit from supplemental screening modalities. For women with genetics-based increased risk (and their untested first-degree relatives), with a calculated lifetime risk of 20% or more or a history of chest or mantle radiation therapy at a young age, supplemental screening with contrast-enhanced breast MRI is recommended. Breast MRI is also recommended for women with personal histories of breast cancer and dense tissue, or those diagnosed by age 50. Others with histories of breast cancer and those with atypia at biopsy should consider additional surveillance with MRI, especially if other risk factors are present. Ultrasound can be considered for those who qualify for but cannot undergo MRI. All women, especially black women and those of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, should be evaluated for breast cancer risk no later than age 30, so that those at higher risk can be identified and can benefit from supplemental screening.
Structure Elucidation of Unknown Metabolites in Metabolomics by Combined NMR and MS/MS Prediction.

We introduce a cheminformatics approach that combines highly selective and orthogonal structure elucidation parameters; accurate mass, MS/MS (MS2), and NMR into a single analysis platform to accurately identify unknown metabolites in untargeted studies. The approach starts with an unknown LC-MS feature, and then combines the experimental MS/MS and NMR information of the unknown to effectively filter out the false positive candidate structures based on their predicted MS/MS and NMR spectra. We demonstrate the approach on a model mixture, and then we identify an uncatalogued secondary metabolite in Arabidopsis thaliana. The NMR/MS2 approach is well suited to the discovery of new metabolites in plant extracts, microbes, soils, dissolved organic matter, food extracts, biofuels, and biomedical samples, facilitating the identification of metabolites that are not present in experimental NMR and MS metabolomics databases.
Can a collaborative healthcare network improve the care of people with epilepsy

Abstract New opportunities are now available to improve care in ways not possible previously. Information contained in electronic medical records can now be shared without identifying patients. With network collaboration, large numbers of medical records can be searched to identify patients most like the one whose complex medical situation challenges the physician. The clinical effectiveness of different treatment strategies can be assessed rapidly to help the clinician decide on the best treatment for this patient. Other capabilities from different components of the network can prompt the recognition of what is the best available option and encourage the sharing of information about programs and electronic tools. Difficulties related to privacy, harmonization, integration, and costs are expected, but these are currently being addressed successfully by groups of organizations led by those who recognize the benefits.
Antecedent and Post-Application Rain Events Trigger Glyphosate Transport from Runoff-Prone Soils

Recent environmental surveys report widespread detections of the herbicide glyphosate [N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine] in surface waters, despite its strong immobilization and rapid biodegradation in soils. We performed four high-frequency sampling campaigns (from 2015 to 2017) following controlled spray applications on an experimental perennial grass field site with wetness-prone marginal soils. We monitored dissolved glyphosate concentrations in the outflow (runoff and shallow drainage) using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Rainfall-triggered outflow events occurred between 3 and 13 days following spray application. Outflow concentrations varied widely from nondetectable levels to 90 μg L–1, peaking during the first significant outflow event in each campaign and diminishing as flows subsided. Subsequent outflow peaks caused concentrations to increase again but to a lesser extent. Cumulative mass efflux in outflow across the different campaigns ranged from 0.06...
Studying the Mind from the Inside Out

Good research requires, among other virtues,(i) methods that yield stable experimentalobservations without arbitrary (post hoc)assumptions, (ii) logical interpretations ofthe sources of observations, and (iii) soundinferences to general causal mechanismsexplaining experimental results by placing themin larger explanatory contexts. In TheNew Phrenology, William Uttal examines theresearch tradition of localization, and findsit deficient in all three virtues, whetherbased on lesion studies or on new technologiesfor functional brain imaging. In this paper Iconsider just the arguments concerning brainimaging, especially functional MagneticResonance Imaging. I think that Uttal is tooharsh in his methodological critique, butcorrect in his assessment of the conceptuallimitations of localist evidence. I proposeinstead a data-driven test for assessingrelative modularity in brain images, and showits use in a secondary analysis of fMRI datafrom the National fMRI Data Center(www.fmridc.org). Although the analysis is alimited pilot study, it offers additionalempirical challenge to localism.
On the Diversity of Links between Transport and Metabolism in Bacteria

In bacteria, the primary organelle of energy transduction is the cytoplasmic membrane. As in all cells, the membrane is the locus of the permeability barrier and of transport systems; but it also houses the respiratory chain and ancillary enzymes of oxidative phosphorylation, photosynthetic pigments, the flagellar motor, and other energy-linked functions. The recent surge of research into the mechanisms of bacterial energy coupling can be attributed to both technical and conceptual advances. Among the technical advances are the application of ionophores, the isolation of mutants defective in energy coupling, and especially the development of membrane vesicles into a major research tool. Chief among the conceptual advances is the growing recognition that Peter Mitchell’s chemiosmotic theory provides a rational and comprehensive framework upon which the experimental observations can be assembled. A guide to some and a goad to others, chemiosmotic theory has lent direction to the revolution that is now transforming bioenergetics.
The Ventral Nuclei

In every mammal, with the exception of the monotremes, it is possible to identify at least three cellular components of the ventral nuclear group: the ventral lateral, ventral medial, and ventral posterior nuclei. In many species a ventral anterior nucleus can be distinguished as well and, in higher primates, the ventral lateral nucleus is clearly divided into at least two subnuclei. A ventral posterior inferior nucleus is also commonly identified.
Lymphatic Filarial Infections: An Introduction to the Filariae

Among the large number of nematode parasites for which humans are the definitive host, lymphatic filariae are among those with the greatest medical and public health significance. In contrast to geohelminths such as Ascaris and Trichuris species that primarily affect children, Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, and Brugia pahangi have their most obvious clinical impact during adulthood. Accordingly, lymphatic filariasis significantly decreases the socioeconomic status of affected communities. This is reflected in objective measures such as Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALY) (Coreil et al., 1998; Haddix et al., 2000)
A Mixed-Mode Neuron with On-chip Tunability for Generic Use in Memristive Neuromorphic Systems

Memristors are two-terminal nanoscale devices that provide an efficient way of implementing non-volatile synaptic weights. Realization of large scale memristive neuromorphic systems is reliant on rigorous custom design of neurons that are optimized to accumulate and spike according to the conductance range of the specific memristor employed. However, each new custom neuron design entails meticulous design effort and exorbitant re-fabrication costs. Circumventing this issue, we propose a generic mixed-mode neuron suitable for use across multiple memristor device implementations. The proposed neuron's accumulation rate is tunable with a set of reference voltages that are provided externally, through the pins on the chip. Hence, the proposed neuron exhibits on-chip accumulation rate tunability and is independent of the specific memristor chosen. This is exemplified in this paper by considering a small scale shape recognition network that employs these neurons. Moreover, the proposed neuron is shown to consume less energy per spike in comparison to a traditional integrate and fire neuron built in the same technology while occupying comparable silicon (layout) area. Lastly, the proposed neuron is shown to reduce the overall pin count for large scale memristive neuromorphic systems.
Specimen-based analysis of morphology and the environment in ecologically dominant grasses: the power of the herbarium.

Herbaria contain a cumulative sample of the world's flora, assembled by thousands of people over centuries. To capitalize on this resource, we conducted a specimen-based analysis of a major clade i...
Abstract 135: Impaired Autonomic Function in Young Adults Born Preterm With Very Low Birth Weight is Associated With Elevated Serum Uric Acid Levels

Preterm birth increases the risk of cardiometabolic disease. We showed that prematurity induces programming effects that lead to elevated blood pressure (BP), higher serum uric acid, and impaired a...
Acculturative Stress as Experienced by Filipino Grandparents in America: A Qualitative Study.

AbstractThe aim of this qualitative study was to describe the factors that contribute to acculturative stress among recent older adult immigrants (N = 40) who co-reside with their children in the U...
15 Frequency of hydroxychloroquine retinopathy in the hopkins lupus cohort

Background The Kaiser-Permanente study projected hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) retinopathy rates of 40% after 20 years of use. We have prospectively followed SLE patients in the Hopkins lupus cohort to compare. Methods Patients in the Hopkins cohort are seen quarterly for assessment of disease activity and lupus complications. Yearly ophthalmology examinations are requested. Patients, if insurance allows, are referred to the Wilmer Retina group. Four tests are performed: OCT, ERG, MP-1 and FAF. Results Patients had a variety of retinal testing done, with optical coherence testing most frequent. Table 1 shows the concordance of a test abnormality with the retina expert opinion. The concordance of the test abnormality with the retina expert opinion showed the following sensitivity and specificity, respectively: OCT 93%, 84%; ERG 100%, 51%; MP1 100%, 70%; and FAF 83%, 76%. The frequency of retinopathy increased with years of HCQ use [number of retinopathies per total patients (percent frequency)]: 5 years or less, 1/103 (0.97%); 6–10 years, 2/109 (1.83%); 11–15 years, 3/91 (3.30%); 16–20 years, 11/96 (11.46%); and 21 or more years, 6/75 (8.00%). Conclusions In agreement with the American Academy of Ophthalmology, OCT appears to be the optimum test for yearly monitoring. The frequency of retinopathy was much lower in our prospective study than estimated by the Kaiser-Permanente study. Our data also show the need for ophthalmologists with retinopathy expertise to interpret retina testing, as screening tests are frequently abnormal due to causes other than HCQ retinopathy. Stopping HCQ based on an abnormal test without confirmation from a retinopathy expert could needlessly deprive an SLE patient of an important medication. Funding Source(s): The Hopkins Lupus Cohort was funded by NIH Grant R01-AR069572.
Pathways to Thriving in China

Many higher education policymakers are concerned about factors related to student success. One proposed model is the thriving model, which focuses on students’ psychological wellbeing. In China, li...
Databases to Efficiently Manage Medium Sized, Low Velocity, Multidimensional Data in Tissue Engineering

Science relies on increasingly complex data sets for progress, but common data management methods such as spreadsheet programs are inadequate for the growing scale and complexity of this information. While database management systems have the potential to rectify these issues, they are not commonly utilized outside of business and informatics fields. Yet, many research labs already generate "medium sized", low velocity, multi-dimensional data that could greatly benefit from implementing similar systems. In this article, we provide a conceptual overview explaining how databases function and the advantages they provide in tissue engineering applications. Structural fibroblast data from individuals with a lamin A/C mutation was used to illustrate examples within a specific experimental context. Examples include visualizing multidimensional data, linking tables in a relational database structure, mapping a semi-automated data pipeline to convert raw data into structured formats, and explaining the underlying syntax of a query. Outcomes from analyzing the data were used to create plots of various arrangements and significance was demonstrated in cell organization in aligned environments between the positive control of Hutchinson-Gilford progeria, a well-known laminopathy, and all other experimental groups. In comparison to spreadsheets, database methods were enormously time efficient, simple to use once set up, allowed for immediate access of original file locations, and increased data rigor. In response to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) emphasis on experimental rigor, it is likely that many scientific fields will eventually adopt databases as common practice due to their strong capability to effectively organize complex data.
THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN SEX, RACE, DIABETES, AND SMOKING AND THE RISK OF INCIDENT PERIPHERAL ARTERY DISEASE AMONG 164,000 VETERANS WITH NORMAL ANKLE-BRACHIAL INDEX TESTING AT BASELINE

There are no large national cohorts examining the incidence of peripheral artery disease (PAD) among participants previously tested for PAD by ankle-brachial index (ABI) at baseline. Such data are critical as prevalent PAD often goes unrecognized. We analyzed 164,441 participants in the Veterans
'Loans for the Little Fellow:' Credit, Crisis, and Recovery in the Great Depression

This paper studies how structural transformation exacerbates financial crises. Using newly collected data, I document the persistent effect of credit supply shocks on local economies during the Great Depression. Cities with access to an unusually generous branching network were no different from other California cities in the 1920s but had significantly smaller recessions and stronger recoveries in the 1930s. Linked worker-level data demonstrate local credit supply shifted workers out of agriculture and into nontradable employment, which was higher-skilled, creating a lingering barrier to convergence.
Impact of the Voluntary Safety Standard for Liquid Laundry Packets on Child Injuries Treated in US Hospital Emergency Departments, 2012−2018

Objectives. To evaluate the effect of the voluntary safety standard for liquid laundry packets on the rate of injury involving children younger than 5 years in the United States.Methods. Semiannual...
Magnetic field-enabled co-electrodeposition of luminescent yttria particles

Abstract Magnetic fields applied during electrodeposition are known to increase incorporation of inert second phase particles through field-induced convective forces. However, this incorporation was demonstrated in the bore of electromagnets, limiting application scope. Here we use low-cost permanent magnets to incorporate doped yttria particles that phosphoresce under ultraviolet radiation into a nickel coating. Negligible yttria amounts are observed in conventionally deposited coatings while a magnetic field perpendicular to the applied current successfully integrated enough yttria for a luminescent coating. These are useful for coating health monitoring applications; however, this magnetically assisted processing method is useful for other particle systems across multiple applications.
Mathematical models of brushless doubly-fed induction machines

Brushless doubly-fed machines (BDFM) are used in electric drives and variable speed generators. There is a large number of BDFM designs and models used for various purposes and controlled by various methods. This article provides an overview of the mathematical models used by BDFM. An analysis of the models is made, their main properties and characteristics are indicated, and recommendations are made regarding their usage. Original mathematical models are proposed for the two main types of BDFM - single-frame stator windings and isolated ones. The proposed models have the smallest dimensions and contain the minimum number of variable coefficients.
Exploring Feasibility and Social Validity of a Multicomponent Social Narrative Intervention

The present pilot study explored the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of a multicomponent social narrative intervention to teach behavioral expectations. We conducted a multiple probe design across three children to evaluate the effects of the intervention on student behavior. In addition, we measured the fidelity of teacher implementation and open-ended responses on a social validity measure. Teachers were trained to implement the multicomponent intervention using Behavioral Skills Training (BST), which they subsequently used in combination with social narratives to teach their students. A modest change in behavior was observed for two target children. Teachers rated some components of the intervention as acceptable; those components were also implemented with higher overall fidelity.
Sensitivity Enhancement in Vacuum Packaged Resonant MEMS Strain Sensors with On-Chip Strain Amplification Mechanism

A new strain sensor design based on vacuum packaged Double-Ended Tuning Fork silicon resonators with a strain amplification mechanism is presented. The sensors are fabricated with a Silicon On Insulator MEMS process including a thin-film vacuum encapsulation technology that permits to obtain high-Q resonators operating at a vacuum level around 160 mTorr. Within the encapsulation, a strain amplification structure consisting in a long beam connected to the DETF resonator is integrated in order to increase the sensitivity of the device to the applied strain. Thanks to such amplification, an unprecedented sensitivity of $200 \text{Hz}/\mu\varepsilon$ in bending tests on steel is demonstrated, operating the sensors in closed loop with an external readout circuit.
Counting the Minutes

Models of pacemaker-counter systems are developed and tested against data. Variability in both timing and counting is required in order to predict Weber’s Law (Scalar Timing). If Weber’s Law holds, to minimize variability about the true time subjects should underestimate the duration of intervals. The Generalized Weber’s Law derived from this analysis is consistent with various theories of the timing process.
NASA Flywheel System Development

This paper presents the development of an advanced aerospace flywheel component to meet NASA's spacecraft missions. This paper is presented in viewgraph form.
A Semi-Lagrangian Method for Turbulence Simulations Using Mixed Spectral Discretizations

We present a semi-Lagrangian method for integrating the three-dimensional incompressible Navier–Stokes equations. We develop stable schemes of second-order accuracy in time and spectral accuracy in space. Specifically, we employ a spectral element (Jacobi) expansion in one direction and Fourier collocation in the other two directions. We demonstrate exponential convergence for this method, and investigate the non-monotonic behavior of the temporal error for an exact three-dimensional solution. We also present direct numerical simulations of a turbulent channel-flow, and demonstrate the stability of this approach even for marginal resolution unlike its Eulerian counterpart.
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) therapy for renal angiomyolipoma (AML): an alternative to angio-embolization and nephron-sparing surgery.

Objectives To show that radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is safe and effective treatment for renal angiomyolipoma (AML). Current treatments to reduce the risk of haemorrhage include tumour extirpation, angio-embolization, or ablative therapy. Patients and methods Review of our prospective database revealed 15 patients with intraoperative biopsy confirmed renal AML undergoing RFA from February 2002 to March 2010. Patients underwent either laparoscopic or computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous RFA using either the Cool-tip™ (Covidien, Inc. Boulder, CO, USA) or RITA™ (Angiodynamics(®), Latham, NY, USA) RFA probe. CT at 1 month, 6 months, 1 year, and annually thereafter. Results In all, two male and 13 female patients with seven left-sided and eight right-sided tumours with a mean (range) size of 2.6 (1.0-3.7) cm underwent laparoscopic (five) or CT-guided (10) RFA. No intraoperative complications occurred. Minor complications included transient haematuria and intercostals nerve transection. Surgical complications included pneumonia and myocardial infarction. There was no radiographic evidence of persistent AML (CT enhancement) at a mean follow-up of 21 months. Conclusions The haemostatic effect of RFA allows renal lesions suspicious for AML to be treated without bleeding complications. Avoids surgical risk of extirpation or embolization. RFA for renal AML is safe and effective.
An examination of the effect of involvement level of web site users on the perceived credibility of web sites

Individuals are increasingly relying on Internet content to influence life-impacting decisions. This reliance generates the need for these individuals to evaluate the credibility of this content and demands that Web designers effectively communicate the credibility of Web content to the users. In order to understand credibility evaluation, the purpose of this study was to understand how user involvement affects perceived credibility. The study determined the relationship between two variables: enduring involvement and situational involvement and the study measured the effect of these two independent variables on the perceived credibility of Web sites. Two levels of enduring involvement, high and low, were examined. Two levels of situational involvement were also evaluated: decision-task and no decision-task. The two variables produced a 2 X 2 (Enduring Involvement X Situational Involvement) design. The main effects and interaction effects were analyzed, and the effects of enduring involvement and situational involvement on the perceived credibility of Web sites were measured. A supplemental analysis assessed whether the four groups produced by the factorial design (high enduring involvement - decision-task, high enduring involvement - no decision-task, low enduring involvement - decision-task, and low enduring involvement - no decision-task) varied with regard to the Web site element categories (source, message, receiver, context, and medium) noticed during credibility evaluation. The research found that the interaction effect between enduring involvement and situational involvement significantly influenced perceived credibility. Perceived credibility decreased as situational involvement was introduced to Web site users with low enduring involvement in the topic of the Web site. On the other hand, perceived credibility increased as situational involvement was introduced to Web site users with high enduring involvement in the topic of the Web site, Also, as situational involvement was introduced, the user's focus shifted to a more central focus (regardless of enduring involvement level) and different Web site elements were noticed. Based on the findings, credibility markers were defined for different involvement levels. These findings served as a foundation for the development of a Web Credibility Design model that can aid Web site designers in more effectively communicating credibility to users.
Asynchronous genetic algorithms for heterogeneous networks using coarse-grained dataflow

Genetic algorithms (GAs) are an attractive class of techniques for solving a variety of complex search and optimization problems. Their implementation on a distributed platform can provide the necessary computing power to address large-scale problems of practical importance. On heterogeneous networks, however, the performance of a global parallel GA can be limited by synchronization points during the computation, particularly those between generations. We present a new approach for implementing asynchronous GAs based on the dataflow model of computation -- an approach that retains the functional properties of a global parallel GA. Experiments conducted with an air quality optimization problem and others show that the performance of GAs can be substantially improved through dataflow-based asynchrony.
Writing and Learning in View of the Lab: Why "They" Might be Right

To interrogate the field’s current understanding of writing as central to learning in the sciences, this study offers results from a qualitative, emic study of college students and their scientist mentors at work in an NSF-sponsored Research Experience for Undergraduates. I observed that the work of this professional research laboratory mainly recruited and developed literacies, such as manual dexterity and visual acuity, other than language-based ones. Describing here the various laboratory activities that fostered higher-order thinking and knowledge transformation, I conclude that “writing to learn” research must consider how writing fits in with an ever-developing understanding of the complexity of learning.
Uncertainty Quantification, Physical Models

A physical model refers to a deterministic mathematical model that is built partially based upon physical or biological principles. Because it is deterministic, it is vital to quantify the uncertainty of its output. The ensemble is a common method for a model whose output can be simulated efficiently. For those models that are more computationally demanding to simulate, statistical emulation and stochastic differential models are two useful approaches. This article briefly reviews these methods. Keywords: ensemble; statistical emulation; physical models; uncertainty; Gaussian processes
Philosophy and the Art of Teaching for Social Justice

Given our current social, political, and educational climate, the need to teach in ways that help students develop the habits of democratic citizenship and inspire them to work for social justice is increasingly important. The barriers to democracy and justice are many. While we are at war in Iraq, at home we are implicitly called upon to uncritically support our government in a show of unity and patriotism. At the same time, we push neoliberal economic policies that ensure the expansion of unfettered free market capitalism throughout the world, resulting in devastating human and environmental costs: growing poverty and desperation, inhumane working conditions, destruction of natural resources, privatization of public goods, disruption and dislocation of indigenous communities, and international policies and agreements that put profits before people. In terms of civil rights, the gaps between the wealthy and poor in this country are widening, and the life prospects for marginalized citizens — especially those who are not white — are often grim. While we recently celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of the Brown v. Board of Education decision to end legal segregation, we have de facto segregation in almost all spheres of public life. The large majority of non-white students currently attend poorly funded majority minority schools and those numbers are growing. Yet, in the face of this suffering and social injustice, many of us remain largely oblivious or indifferent. In part, this stems from the luxury of being globally privileged as citizens of the most powerful nation in the world. But more importantly, perhaps, our ignorance is connected to the unfulfilled promises of democratic education. Instead of schooling that helps us develop social consciousness, compassion, commitment to others, and a sense of fairness, we worship competition, individual achievement, and educational standardization, believing ultimately in education as a means to economic productivity.
Linear thermal expansion measurements of lead magnesium niobate (PMN) electroceramic material for the Terrestrial Planet Finder Coronagraph

Linear thermal expansion measurements of nine samples of Lead Magnesium Niobate (PMN) electroceramic material were recently performed in support of NASA's Terrestrial Planet Finder Coronagraph (TPF-C) mission. The TPF-C mission is a visible light coronagraph designed to look at roughly 50 stars pre-selected as good candidates for possessing earth-like planets. Upon detection of an earth-like planet, TPF-C will analyze the visible-light signature of the planet's atmosphere for specific spectroscopic indicators that life may exist there. With this focus, the project's primary interest in PMN material is for use as a solid-state actuator for deformable mirrors or compensating optics. The nine test samples were machined from three distinct boules of PMN ceramic manufactured by Xinetics Inc. Thermal expansion measurements were performed in 2005 at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in their Cryogenic Dilatometer Facility. All measurements were performed in vacuum with sample temperature actively controlled over the range of 270K to 310K. Expansion and contraction of the test samples with temperature was measured using a JPL-developed interferometric system capable of sub-nanometer accuracy. Presented in this paper is a discussion of the sample configuration, test facilities, test method, data analysis, test results, and future plans.
McSween Receives 2013 Whipple Award: Citation

The Whipple Award is the highest honor given by the AGU Planetary Sciences section and is named for Fred Whipple, a famed space scientist most noted for his work on comets. This year, we have selected Harry “Hap” McSween Jr., Chancellor's Professor and distinguished professor of science at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, as the 2013 Whipple Award winner.
New Evidence on Sources of Leverage Effects in Individual Stocks

I test Black's leverage effect hypothesis on a panel of U.S. stocks from 1997 to 2012. I find that negative stock return innovations increase the future volatility of equity returns by about 36% more than positive ones. There is a strong and positive relation between variation in the size of these leverage effects and variation in the firm's use of debt. I uncover this relation by applying the Fama/French/Carhart 4-factor asset pricing model in the exponential generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity mean equation and by using panel data to control for firm- and time-invariant unobservables via first differences and two-way fixed effects.
Combining content and elements of communication into an upper-level biochemistry course.

This report describes how a science communication module was incorporated into an advanced biochemistry course. Elements of communication were taught synergistically with biochemistry content in this course in an effort to expose students to a variety of effective oral communication strategies. Students were trained to use these established techniques and incorporated them into various presentations throughout the course. Three students describe their use of specific resources and how the skills learned relate to their future career. The importance and relevance of science communication are receiving unprecedented national attention. The academic scientific community must respond by incorporating more communication-centered instruction and opportunities in the classroom and laboratory. © 2013 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 42(2):136–141, 2014.
Leisure and perceived wellness: A field investigation

Abstract The purpose of this field study was to test whether leisure participation and satisfaction, as well as a set of social variables, would be related to perceived wellness. Data were collected from 219 men and women employed in local firms. Leisure participation and leisure satisfaction were found to be positively associated with perceived wellness. To examine the relative contribution of a set of behavioral and social variables that correlated significantly with perceived wellness, a stepwise regression analysis was used. For this sample, family satisfaction accounted for about 26% of the variance in perceived wellness, leisure satisfaction for 10%, and health satisfaction 7%. Implications and applications of the findings to leisure and allied practitioners are discussed.
THE FINE STRUCTURE AND CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF NUCLEI DURING SPERMIOGENESIS IN THE HOUSE CRICKET I. Initial Stages of Differentiation and the Loss of Nonhistone Protein

The early stages of nuclear differentiation in spermatids of the house cricket are described with regard to the fine structural elements and chemical components which occur. Particular attention is given to the loss of nonhistone protein from the nucleus and its relation to chromatin structure. Granular elements about 25 to 80 mµ in diameter, and fibers about 8 mµ in diameter occur in the earliest spermatid nucleus. The fibers are found in diffuse and condensed chromatin while granules are found only in diffuse material. DNA and histone parallel the chromatin fibers in distribution, while nonhistone protein and RNA parallel the granules in distribution. The granules and most of the nonhistone protein are lost, simultaneously, after the early spermatid stage. The protein loss occurs without detectable change in the structure of chromatin fibers. Chromatin fibers first show a structural change in mid spermiogenesis, when they become thicker and very contorted. Unusually thin fibers (about 5 mµ) also appear in mid spermatid nuclei; they are apparently composed of nonhistone protein and free of DNA and histone.
Shell disease in crabs and lobsters from New York Bight

Abstract Dumping grounds in New York Bight receive very large quantities of sewage sludge. Lobsters and rock crabs collected in or near the dumping grounds sometimes show various pathological conditions of the shell and gills. In this study the histopathology of ‘shell disease’, the causative agents and its effects on respiration are discussed in connexion with a possible association with the disposal of solid wastes into the ocean.
Scalable storage architecture for the archiving of medical images and information

Storage and archive systems are essential components of a Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) and become increasingly important in medical enterprise-wide information systems. Building a large-scale, long-term medical data storage system is complex, involving accurate identification of system requirements, judicious tradeoff between flexibility and complexity and effective execution of implementation plans. The proposed object-oriented software architecture fulfills the key system requirements, while maintains a high degree of flexibility for extending and customizing the framework in various medical data archive application areas. The complexity in developing such a framework has been proven manageable with various prototypes.
Abl Family Kinases Regulate Endothelial Barrier Function In Vitro and in Mice

The maintenance of endothelial barrier function is essential for normal physiology, and increased vascular permeability is a feature of a wide variety of pathological conditions, leading to complications including edema and tissue damage. Use of the pharmacological inhibitor imatinib, which targets the Abl family of non-receptor tyrosine kinases (Abl and Arg), as well as other tyrosine kinases including the platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR), Kit, colony stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R), and discoidin domain receptors, has shown protective effects in animal models of inflammation, sepsis, and other pathologies characterized by enhanced vascular permeability. However, the imatinib targets involved in modulation of vascular permeability have not been well-characterized, as imatinib inhibits multiple tyrosine kinases not only in endothelial cells and pericytes but also immune cells important for disorders associated with pathological inflammation and abnormal vascular permeability. In this work we employ endothelial Abl knockout mice to show for the first time a direct role for Abl in the regulation of vascular permeability in vivo. Using both Abl/Arg-specific pharmacological inhibition and endothelial Abl knockout mice, we demonstrate a requirement for Abl kinase activity in the induction of endothelial permeability by vascular endothelial growth factor both in vitro and in vivo. Notably, Abl kinase inhibition also impaired endothelial permeability in response to the inflammatory mediators thrombin and histamine. Mechanistically, we show that loss of Abl kinase activity was accompanied by activation of the barrier-stabilizing GTPases Rac1 and Rap1, as well as inhibition of agonist-induced Ca2+ mobilization and generation of acto-myosin contractility. In all, these findings suggest that pharmacological targeting of the Abl kinases may be capable of inhibiting endothelial permeability induced by a broad range of agonists and that use of Abl kinase inhibitors may have potential for the treatment of disorders involving pathological vascular leakage.
Dismantling the Western: Film Noir's Defiance of Genre in No Country for Old Men

Cormac McCarthy's novel No Country for Old Men (2005), like Ethan Coen and Joel Coen's film adaptation (2007), poses two genres against one another, drawing on film noir techniques to defy what their Western materials seem to solicit. Fleeting gestures at wide-open landscape offer a teasing prospect soon abandoned; plush narrative embellishments and wide-angle shots (characteristic of the Western) are forsaken for clipped dialogue, spare descriptions, and intense close-ups, locking characters within themselves (characteristic of noir); and to intensify that effect, the film plays with an unusual series of overhead shots that immure figures in an unbreachable present that matches McCarthy's narrative configurations. As much as both the novelistic and the cinematic versions of No Country for Old Men initially might begin by encouraging a conventional Western reading, we soon find expectations sorely rebuffed. A tradition that had led to cumulative revisions of the classic Western now perversely has come to rest on sheer accident and senseless violence. The triumph of the Coens' adaptation lies in their having grasped how fully McCarthy's novel subverts Western conventions and in revealing via film noir techniques how much our desire for generic platitudes is at once misdirected and unavailing. While the Western refuses to remain dead, as the Coens' own version of True Grit (2010) reminds us, their earlier version of No Country confirms McCarthy's brilliant exposure of the skeletal twitchings in such traditional throwbacks.
Anterior microforaminotomy for treatment of cervical radiculopathy: part 1--disc-preserving "functional cervical disc surgery".

Objective Anterior cervical microforaminotomy was developed by the senior author (H-DJ) under the concept of "functional spine surgery which directly eliminates compressive pathological factors while preserving functional anatomic features. The surgical results are reported. Methods Among approximately 400 patients who underwent anterior cervical microforaminotomy at the University of Pittsburgh between March 1993 and May 1999, 104 patients met the inclusion criteria for this study. Forty-five patients were men and 59 were women. Patient ages ranged from 26 to 74 years (median, 46 yr). Compressive pathological lesions included spondylotic spurs in 44 cases (42.3%), soft disc herniation in 54 cases (51.9%), and a combination of the two in 6 cases (5.8%). Results Eighty-three patients (79.8%) experienced excellent results, 20 patients (19.2%) experienced good results, and 1 patient experienced fair results. No patient demonstrated a poor or unchanged outcome. All patients demonstrated excellent decompression in their postoperative magnetic resonance imaging scans, and all patients except one with discitis maintained their motion segments well, as indicated in postoperative dynamic roentgenograms. Two patients developed transient Horner's syndrome, one patient developed transient hemiparesis, and one patient developed discitis, resulting in spontaneous bone fusion. Conclusion Anterior microforaminotomy provided good or excellent outcomes, with minimal morbidities, for 98% of 104 patients with cervical discogenic radiculopathy. The functional anatomic features were well preserved for 99% of the patients.