cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The DNA Methylation Maintenance Protein UHRF1 Regulates Fetal Globin Expression Independent of HBG Promoter DNA Methylation

Pharmacological or genetic induction of fetal hemoglobin (HbF, α2γ2) in adult red blood cells is a proven strategy to ameliorate the clinical symptoms of sickle cell disease (SCD) and β-thalassemia. Therefore, efforts are underway to better understand mechanisms that mediate the perinatal switch from HbF to adult hemoglobin (HbA, α2β2). We performed a CRISPR-Cas9/guide (g) RNA screen to identify novel proteins that regulate HbF production in HUDEP-2 cells, a human erythroid line that normally expresses HbA. We identified UHRF1 (ubiquitin-like with PHD and RING finger domains 1) as a repressor of HbF production. UHRF1 binds hemi-methylated DNA and recruit DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) to ensure faithful maintenance of DNA methylation during DNA replication. Numerous UHRF1-interacting proteins, including DNMT1, EHMT1/2 and HDAC2 are associated with γ-globin repression. We used CRISPR/Cas9 and RNA interference to validate UHRF1 as a HbF regulator. Compared to non-targeting gRNA UHRF1 disruption using Cas9 + 2 separate gRNAs increased the γ-globin/γ+β-globin RNA ratio from 1.9 to 25.8/27.1% (P UHRF1 knockout induced genome-wide demethylation including 6 CpG sites located at positions -162, -53, -50, +6, +17, +50 positions relative to the γ-globin (HBG1 and HBG2) transcription start site. Demethylation of these sites is thought to be required for γ-globin de-repression. However, forced demethylation of these cytosines in HUDEP-2 cells using specific gRNAs + dead (d) Cas9-TET1 was not sufficient to activate γ-globin expression when UHRF1 was present. Additionally, dCas9-DNMT3a-mediated methylation of the HBG promoter CpG residues in UHRF1 knockdown HUDEP-2 cells did not inhibit γ-globin expression in UHRF1 knockout HUDEP-2 cells. Based on these studies, we conclude that: 1) UHRF1 regulates γ-globin transcription; 2) demethylation of CpG sites at the HBG gene promoters is neither necessary or sufficient for γ-globin induction; 3) UHRF1 regulates γ-to-β globin gene switching either by methylating DNA regions other than those present around the HBG promoter or through non-canonical activities. Distinguishing these mechanisms will elucidate further our understanding of globin gene switching and could identify new pathways for pharmacological induction of HbF. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Visibility guided phase contrast denoising

Talbot-Lau grating interferometry enables the use of clinical x-ray tubes for phase contrast imaging, greatly broadening its utility for both laboratory and preclinical applications. However, phase contrast measurements made in porous or highly heterogeneous media are negatively impacted by low visibility, the interferometer signal amplitude used to calculate relative phase shifts. While this loss in visibility is the source of dark field contrast it presents an additional source of noise in phase images. In this work, we develop a method to use normalized visibility images as the weighting matrix for denoising the corresponding phase contrast images. By using the visibility to guide filtering, the resulting denoised images are locally smoothed in regions of low visibility while maintaining spatial detail in regions of high visibility. This work demonstrates how the complementary properties of the dark field signal in grating interferometry can be leveraged to improve image quality in phase contrast images and presents an application in preclinical lung micro-CT.
Evaluation of Mathematics Instruction in the Elementary Classroom.

As you dig through our school rooms and libraries you will find impressive but misleading literature. You will uncover colorful children's books, professional journals, reports of prestigious professional committees, and teachertraining publications. You will find curriculum guides and sets of objectives written by teacher committees. (Surely some of this material will survive there is so much of it.) All of this will tell you what the scholars were talking about and what the mercenaries were selling. But it won't tell you what the teachers were doing. If you are interested in what children were learning in their classes, look in the elementary school wastebaskets. There you will find the daily worksheets, homework, and quizzes. These papers will be easy to overlook because they are not impressive looking. They will be covered with purple mathematical symbols and children's responses in graphite interspersed with red marks in a firm, feminine hand. Many of the papers will be crumpled. Good luck in your digs, W. L. S.
Evaluating core competencies and learning outcomes for training the next generation of sustainability researchers

The need to train sustainability scientists and engineers to address the complex problems of our world has never been more apparent. We organized an interdisciplinary team of instructors from universities in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island who designed, taught, and assessed a multi-university course to develop the core competencies necessary for advancing sustainability solutions. Lessons from the course translate across sustainability contexts, but our specific focus was on the issues and trade-offs associated with dams. Dams provide numerous water, energy, and cultural services to society while exacting an ecological toll that disrupts the flow of water, fish, and sediment in rivers. Like many natural resource management challenges, effective dam decisions require collaboration among diverse stakeholders and disciplines. We linked key sustainability principles and practices related to interdisciplinarity, stakeholder engagement, and problem-solving to student learning outcomes that are generalizable beyond our dam-specific context. Students and instructors co-created class activities to build capacity for interdisciplinary collaboration and encourage student leadership and creativity. Assessment results show that students responded positively to activities related to stakeholder engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly when practicing nested discussion and intrapersonal reflection. These activities helped broaden students’ perspectives on sustainability problems and built greater capacity for constructive communication and student leadership.
Crystal Structure and Dzyaloshinski–Moriya Micromagnetics

The relationship between atomic-scale and micromagnetic Dzyaloshinski–Moriya (DM) interactions has been investigated. By analyzing the Lifshitz invariants for different point groups, we have found that there is no unique link between the absence of inversion symmetry and DM interactions. The absence of inversion symmetry is a necessary condition for a net DM interaction in crystals, but several noncentrosymmetric point groups have zero DM interactions. In many cases, the key consideration is whether the crystals are polar and/or chiral. For example, MnSi-type spin spirals, which violate helical spin symmetry, are caused by the insertion of chiral atomic-scale building blocks into an achiral cubic lattice, and the scalar interaction parameter D used to describe the spirals is only loosely related to the DM vector D. It contains, in fact, magnetostatic and magnetocrystalline contributions of unknown magnitude. Finally, we discuss some aspects of the micromagnetism of the skyrmionics of nanoparticles and granular nanostructures.
Agglomeration, absorptive capacity and knowledge governance: implications for public–private firm innovation in China

This paper considers the role of firm ownership structure, absorptive capacity and agglomeration on firm innovation in the Chinese context. A popular co-occurrence measure is used to measure local ...
Response to Immunizations Following Allogeneic HCT with Adjuvant Rituximab Therapy.

Abstract Use of anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody after allogeneic HCT for the treatment EBV lymphoma or viremia, autoimmune cytopenias, and the prevention or treatment of recurrent NHL has become more frequent. There is limited data on the effect of this therapy on specific antibody production following allogeneic HCT. We therefore examined the response to standard childhood immunizations of 30 patients, including 20 adults (>18 years of age) who received rituximab following a T cell depleted (n=26) or unmodified (n=4) HCT at our institution. T cell function was assessed in vitro by proliferative response to PHA and B cell reconstitution was confirmed by recovery of CD19+ and CD20+ circulating lymphocytes. Patients received a median (range) of 4 (1–12) doses of rituximab, with 15 patients receiving 4–6 doses. The median age of the patient population was 28.5 years with a range of 0.8–63.0 years. Children (median age: 8.5 yrs) received a transplant from an unrelated (n=7), HLA mismatched related (n=2), or HLA matched related (n=1) donor and adults (median age: 42.5 yrs), received a transplant from an unrelated (n=7), HLA mismatched related (n=2), or HLA-matched related (n=11) donor. Patients were vaccinated when their PHA response was at least 75% of the lower limit of normal and CD20+ cells were >100/ul. Vaccination was initiated at a median of 270 and 525 days following the last dose of rituximab in children and adults, respectively. A two to 3-fold rise in titers following a series of 3 tetanus and IPV vaccinations occurred in 19 of 21 and 19 of 19 evaluable patients, respectively. Although 8 of 9 children responded to the H flu conjugate vaccine, only 5 of 13 adults mounted an adequate response. Eighteen patients received the recombinant Hepatitis B vaccine. Nine responded following the initial series (5/7 children, 4/11 adults). Two of three patients who failed initial Hepatitis B vaccination, responded to a second series (1 child, 1 adult). Response to pneumococcal vaccination was the least consistent. None of 11 adults who received the unconjugated 23-valent pneumococcal vaccine developed an adequate response. In view of this observation, children given rituximab were immunized with the conjugated pneumococcal vaccine. Four of eight children responded to the initial series, and two additional children responded following a second series. These preliminary data suggest that both adult and pediatric patients given rituximab following an allogeneic HCT can mount successful antibody responses to standard T-helper cell dependent vaccines. However, B cell responses to T cell independent vaccines may be particularly impaired. Larger prospective trials, stratified by age, comparing vaccine responses in patients following allogeneic transplant in the presence or absence of post transplant rituximab therapy are warranted.
School-Based Telemedicine for Asthma Management

Asthma affects 10% of school-age children in the United States. These numbers nearly double in high-risk populations such as low-income and minority populations. Patients in these populations frequently live in communities that are medically underserved, with limited resources to implement comprehensive asthma interventions. It is important for researchers and clinicians to explore avenues to reduce the burden of illness in this population. Incorporating innovative strategies such as school-based telemedicine programs can potentially reduce morbidity, health care utilization, work absenteeism for caregivers, and school absenteeism for children with asthma. The aim of this review is to discuss the potential benefits of school-based asthma telemedicine programs, explore potential implementation models, and provide a comprehensive review of the literature including programs that use telemedicine in schools to assist with the management of asthma. Telemedicine is a feasible approach to increasing access to primary and specialty asthma care; however, there is a need for future randomized trials to establish best practices for implementation of telemedicine programs to aid in the care for children in school settings.
ZnO Nanoflakes based Enzymatic Sensor for the determination of lactic acid in sweat

We report on highly sensitive and flexible biosensors for noninvasive lactate monitoring in human sweat based on zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures that do not require linker layer for surface functionalization. Towards fabrication of the biosensors two-dimensional (2D) ZnO nanoflakes (NFs) were synthesized on flexible polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrates by using single step sonochemical method. The cyclic voltammetry (CV) measurements in the lactate concentration range of 10 pM - 20 mM yielded the sensitivity of 11.76 μA/decade/cm2 and the detection limit of < 10 pM. Moreover, the results showed that ZnO NFs-based enzymatic biosensor could provide reliable lactate detection (average of ~85% recovery) in human sweat samples. High isoelectric point allows a direct, stable pathway for rapid electron transport without any mediator when an analyte is immobilized on NFs and improves electron transfer rate.
The relationship between interprofessional education and health care professional's attitudes towards teamwork and interprofessional collaborative competencies

Abstract Background The goal of interprofessional education (IPE) is to produce health care professionals who are able to collaborate effectively. Purpose This study employed a mixed method design to assess health care professional's self-reported interprofessional collaborative competencies and attitudes towards working in teams. Results The quantitative results revealed a positive correlation between self-reported attitudes towards working in teams and collaborative competencies, and a positive correlation between the type of IPE professionals completed and their ability to interact interprofessionally. The qualitative findings revealed three categories: (1) Communication, which includes two subcategories, Effective Communication and Ineffective Communication, (2) Value, and (3) Roles. Conclusion In order for health care organizations to uphold a collaborative environment, understanding the attitudes and collaborative competencies of health care professionals is a necessary first step. Additionally, understanding characteristics related to the type and amount of IPE health care professionals complete is imperative in order to design effective IPE experiences. The quantitative findings are reported here.
Modeling of Carbon and Polyester Elastomeric Isolators in Unbounded Configuration by Using an Efficient Uniaxial Hysteretic Model

This paper presents the application of a recently developed uniaxial phenomenological model to low-cost Fiber Reinforced Elastomeric Isolators (FREIs) in unbounded configuration. Prototypes under study represent the subject of a previous experimental investigation performed at the University of Naples Federico II [1], through which polyester FREIs demonstrated a very effective performance in comparison with carbone ones. A stable roll-over behavior was detected up to very large displacements (γ = 300%) both under monotonic and cyclic loading protocol. An accurate analytical model was also provided for preliminary design of the devices. In the present study, an uniaxial rate-independent hysteretic model [2] is proposed and calibrated in order to be employed in earthquake analysis problems of seismically base isolated structures. In particular, such a model, requiring only five parameters to be calibrated from experimental tests, is able to accurately reproduce the complex hysteretic behavior displayed by the tested FREIs as the result of combined rubber behavior and roll-over process. A satisfactory approximation is obtained up to 100% shear deformation, whereas a larger scatter comes out in the case of larger deformations. The paper also demonstrates that a very effective and easy to use calibration process is needed in order to accurately reproduce the experimental behavior of the tested seismic isolators. Furthermore, by implementation of the proposed hysteretic model, significant advantages arise in terms of reduced computational effort and processing time with respect to other accurate models available in the literature.
Protein engineering for selective proteomics

Post-translational modifications, complex formation, subcellular localization, and cell-type-specific expression create functionally distinct protein subpopulations that enable living systems to execute rapid and precise responses to changing conditions. Systems-level analysis of these subproteomes remains challenging, requiring preservation of spatial information or enrichment of species that are transient and present at low abundance. Engineered proteins have emerged as important tools for selective proteomics based on their capacity for highly specific molecular recognition and their genetic targetability. Here, we focus on new developments in protein engineering for selective proteomics of post-translational modifications, protein complexes, subcellular compartments, and cell types. We also address remaining challenges and future opportunities to integrate engineered protein tools across different subproteome scales to map the proteome with unprecedented depth and detail.
What Native Americans want nurses to know: Attitudes and behaviors desired in client/nurse relationships

Objective This study examined Native American perceptions of attitudes and behaviors desired in their client/nurse relationships for the purpose of informing cultural-competency education and practice. Design A descriptive-qualitative methodology was used and face-to-face interviews were conducted. Sample A targeted sampling approach was applied; the sample included Native Americans employed at a western reservation casino. Analytic strategy Thematic analysis involved constant-comparison through the examination of similarities and differences, and relationships between concepts. Results Theme I, Native American Experiences with Nurses and Theme II, Native American Experiences with Other Native Americans. Subthemes offer participant perspectives of the dynamics within their client/nurse interactions. Participants offer advice to both nurses and other Native Americans that promotes mutual understanding and respect. Conclusions Becoming a culturally competent nurse is a complex developmental journey. Four implications are offered. First, nurses can feel confident doing what they do best; valued nurse attributes and behaviors are being taught and practiced that are foundational for cultural competence. Second, within the context of a population-health focus, consider individual preferences and beliefs. Third, empower Native American self-advocacy. Lastly, disrupt racism at the relationship level by seeking cultural humility and practicing critical self-reflection and dialogue.
Teachers connecting with rural students and places: A mixed methods analysis

Abstract Our study explores how teachers’ living proximity to their school and level of social connection to their rural community may influence implementation of place-based education and student-teacher relationships in mathematics and science classrooms. Both quantitative and qualitative results from 4126 students and 19 teachers reveal homegrown teachers (live in community where they grew up) highly value and excel at student-teacher relationships. Conversely, less socially connected commuters excel at implementing place-based education. Implications of our study provide new directions for recruiting rural teachers, aside from focusing on those from within the rural community.
Lithium isotopic fractionation during weathering and erosion of shale

Abstract Clay weathering in shales is an important component of the global Li budget because Li is mobilized from Li-rich clay minerals and shale represents about one quarter of the exposed rocks on Earth. We investigate Li isotopes and concentrations to explore implications and mechanisms of Li isotopic fractionation in Shale Hills, a first-order catchment developed entirely on shale in a temperate climate in the Appalachian Mountains, northeastern USA. The Li isotopic compositions (δ7Li) of aqueous Li in stream water and groundwater vary between 14.5 and 40.0‰. This range is more than half that observed in rivers globally. The δ7Li of aqueous Li increases with increasing Li retention in secondary minerals, which is simulated using a box model that considers pore fluid advection to be the dominant transport process, silicate dissolution to be the source of Li to the pore fluid, and uptake of Li by kaolinite, Fe-oxides, and interlayer sites of clays to be the sinks. The simulations suggest that only those deep groundwaters with δ7Li values of ∼15‰ are explainable as steady state values; those fluids with δ7Li values > 18‰, especially near-surface waters, can only be explained as time-dependent, transient signals in an evolving system. Lithium is highly retained in the residual solid phase during chemical weathering; however, bulk soils (0.5 ± 1.2‰ (1 SD)) and stream sediments (0.3‰) have similar, or higher, δ7Li values compared to average bedrock (−2.0‰). This is attributed to preferential removal of clay particles from soils. Soil clays are isotopically depleted in 7Li (δ7Li values down to −5.2‰) compared to parental material, and δ7Li values correlate with soil Li concentration, soil pH, and availability of exchangeable sites for Li as a function of landscape position (valley floor versus ridge top). The strong depletion of Li and clay minerals in soils compared to bedrock is attributed at least partly to loss of Li through export of fine-grained clay particles in subsurface water flow. This process might be enhanced as the upper weathering zone of this catchment is highly fractured due to former periglacial conditions. The Li isotopic composition of vegetation is similar to soil clay and both are distinct from mobile catchment water (soil pore water, stream and groundwater). Extrapolating from this catchment means that subsurface particle loss from shales could be significant today and in the past, affecting isotopic signatures of soils and water. For example, clay transformations together with removal of clay particles before re-dissolution support weathering conditions that lead to a low aqueous Li flux but to high δ7Li values in water.
Impact of Heparin on Endothelial Glycocalyx in Lung Grafts during Ex Vivo Lung Perfusion

Purpose Endothelial glycocalyx degradation is known to critically affect graft quality. Glycocalyx protection and preservation during ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) may increase conversion to transplant and improve posttransplant outcomes. To date it is unclear the role of routine heparin use on graft protection during current EVLP regardless of blood product use in perfusate. Heparin may protect glycocalyx via inhibiting heparanase activity. In this study, we investigated the effect of heparin on intragraft endothelial protection and graft quality during EVLP. Methods Using a rat EVLP model, 1000U heparin/100mL Steen solution was administered into the perfusate every hour for 4 hours and lung physiologic parameters were monitored. After 4 hours, the perfusate and tissue samples were analyzed for endothelial glycocalyx integrity. Data were compared between lungs with/without heparin treatment. Results Compared to control tissues, heparin significantly decreased heparanase activity and matrix metalloprotease-9 expression in lung tissue during EVLP. (Figure 1A) We also detected increased levels of syndecan-1 in perfusate during 4h EVLP with heparin. (Figure 1B) Additionally, no significant differences were observed between heparin-treated and control lung tissues regarding gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines, physiological parameters, tissue glycosaminoglycans, and edema development. Conclusion This study suggests that heparin inhibits heparanase activity in lung tissue during EVLP; however, it may enhance endothelial glycocalyx breakdown. As a result, our findings raise concerns about the use of heparin during EVLP. Alternative treatments aimed at protecting and maintaining graft endothelial cell viability/health during EVLP may result in improved graft preservation and outcomes.
The impact of digital sales channels on web sales: evidence from the USA's largest online retailers

The present study uses aggregate data from the USA's 100 largest online retailers to examine the effectiveness of the various e-commerce digital sales channels. These digital sales channels include direct website visits, display ads, e-mail, organic search, paid search, referrals, and social media. The focus is on examining the direct effects of each traffic channel specifically on web sales performance. Hypothesis testing is done using a log-log model with a Box-Cox transformation, and the average ticket value is used as a control variable. The findings indicate that all digital sales channels have a direct effect on web sales. However, the slope of each equation suggests some degree of differentiation between digital sales channels, with implications for determining the most efficient portfolio of digital sales channels when faced with limited resources.
Incentive-Aware Learning for Large Markets

In a typical learning problem, the goal is to use training data to pick one model from a collection of models that optimizes an objective function. In many multi-agent settings, the training data is generated through the actions of the agents, and the model is used to make a decision (e.g., how to sell an item) that affects the agents. An illustrative example of this is the problem of learning the optimal reserve price in an auction. In such cases, the agents have an incentive to influence the training data (e.g., by manipulating their bids in the case of an auction) to game the system and achieve a more favorable outcome. In this paper, we study such incentive-aware learning problem in a general setting, and show that it is possible to approximately optimize the objective function under two assumptions: (i) each individual agent is a “small” (part of the market); and (ii) there is a cost associated with manipulation. For our illustrative application, this nicely translates to a mechanism for setting approximately optimal reserve prices in auctions where no individual agent has significant market share. For this application, we also show that the second assumption (that manipulations are costly) is not necessary since we can “perturb” any auction to make it costly for the agents to manipulate. Finally, we prove that in the case of auction pricing, without any assumption, it is impossible to compete with the optimal revenue.
ViTGAN: Training GANs with Vision Transformers.

Recently, Vision Transformers (ViTs) have shown competitive performance on image recognition while requiring less vision-specific inductive biases. In this paper, we investigate if such observation can be extended to image generation. To this end, we integrate the ViT architecture into generative adversarial networks (GANs). We observe that existing regularization methods for GANs interact poorly with self-attention, causing serious instability during training. To resolve this issue, we introduce novel regularization techniques for training GANs with ViTs. Empirically, our approach, named ViTGAN, achieves comparable performance to state-of-the-art CNN-based StyleGAN2 on CIFAR-10, CelebA, and LSUN bedroom datasets.
Simulation To Teach Pharmacist’s Patient Care Planning and Assessment of Pain and Agitation Management in Critical Care

High functioning intensivist-led inter-professional teams need appropriately prepared team members. This article describes a simulation, developed by the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy at Rutgers University, to instruct 3rd year professional pharmacy students on longitudinal pain and agitation scoring in the simulated intensive care setting during an elective critical care course. The objectives promote bedside proficiency of the student in preparation for experiential clinical rotations in the 4th year and optimizes inter-professional dialogue essential to inform clinical decision-making as the medication expert role. The article presents details of session design and preparations, implications for student learning and the profession and a discussion about engaging simulation for practice-ready professionals.
Tension Band Wires

The tension band principle states that if a column is subjected to eccentric loading, there are not only axial compressive forces but also additional bending forces that give rise to further compressive stresses and tensile stresses. In our example, the resultant compressive stresses equal 110 kilopounds/cm2 and the tensile stresses equal 90 kilopounds/cm2 (Fig. 7-1 A). These bending stresses can be neutralized by a chain, which represents a tension band. The resultant compression on the column now corresponds to the pressure exerted by the tension band placed on the tension side of the column at an equal distance from the center of the column as the 100 kilopound weight on the compression side. The compression forces have now been neutralized by the tension forces, and the compression on the column equals 200 kilopounds/ cm2 (Fig. 7-1 B). Therefore eccentric bending or compressive stresses can be neutralized by similar tension forces eccentrically placed on the opposite side. The result is a summation of the forces in compression on the column or structure involved. In this case, we are talking about bone.
Endothelial Progenitor Cells for Tissue Engineering and Tissue Regeneration

Vascularization of tissues is a major challenge of tissue-engineering and tissue regeneration. We hypothesize that blood-derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have the required proliferative and vasculogenic activity to create vascular networks in vivo. To test this, EPCs from human umbilical cord blood or from adult peripheral blood, and human smooth muscle cells as a source of perivascular cells, were combined in Matrigel and implanted subcutaneously into immunodeficient mice. An extensive network of human endothelial cell-lined vessels filled with red blood cells was seen after 1 week, indicating formation of functional anastomoses with the host vasculature. Quantitative analyses showed the microvessel density was significantly superior to that generated by human dermal microvascular endothelial cells but similar to that generated by human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Our findings strongly support the use of human EPCs to form vascular networks in engineered organs and tissues and for regeneration of vascular networks in vivo. In this Chapter, previous studies on strategies for creating microvascular networks, sources of endothelial cells and EPCs for cardiovascular tissue-engineering and studies using bone marrow-derived progenitors for tissue regeneration will be discussed.
Three dimensional numerical simulation of residential building on shrink–swell soils in response to climatic conditions

Summary Shrink–swell soils can cause distresses in buildings, and every year, the economic loss associated with this problem is huge. This paper presents a comprehensive system for simulating the soil–foundation–building system and its response to daily weather conditions. Weather data include rainfall, solar radiation, air temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed, all of which are readily available from a local weather station or the Internet. These data are used to determine simulation flux boundary conditions. Different methods are proposed to simulate different boundary conditions: bare soil, trees, and vegetation. A coupled hydro-mechanical stress analysis is used to simulate the volume change of shrink–swell soils due to both mechanical stress and water content variations. Coupled hydro-mechanical stress-jointed elements are used to simulate the interaction between the soil and the slab, and general shell elements are used to simulate structural behavior. All the models are combined into one finite element program to predict the entire system's behavior. This paper first described the theory for the simulations. A site in Arlington, Texas, is then selected to demonstrate the application of the proposed system. Simulation results are shown, and a comparison between measured and predicted movements for four footings in Arlington, Texas, over a 2-year period is presented. Finally, a three-dimensional simulation is made for a virtual residential building on shrink–swell soils to identify the influence of various factors. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tissue Mercury Concentrations and Survival of Tree Swallow Embryos, Nestlings and Young Adult Females on a Contaminated Site

Tree swallows nesting on mercury-contaminated sites along the South River in Virginia, USA were monitored for reproductive success. The bodies of nestlings found deceased in their nest boxes were collected, along with blood and feather samples from the adult parents and surviving siblings. We also measured hatching and fledging success of the clutches and the annual recapture rate of adults. We found that the body feathers of deceased nestlings contained significantly higher concentrations of mercury (12.89 ± 8.42 μg/g, n = 15) than those of nestlings that survived to fledge (7.41 ± 4.79 μg/g, n = 15). However, mothers of more successful clutches (>75 % hatching) did not differ in mercury concentrations from females with less successful clutches (<50 % hatching). Additionally, adult females breeding for the first time that returned to breed the following year did not differ in blood mercury from females of the same age that bred once but never returned. Our results suggest that mercury had its greatest effect on these songbirds during the nestling stage, whereas for embryos or first-time breeding females, other factors likely played larger roles in mortality.
Direct Admission to Hospital: A Mixed Methods Survey of Pediatric Practices, Benefits, and Challenges.

Abstract Background Direct admissions account for 25% of pediatric unscheduled hospitalizations. Despite this, our knowledge of direct admission practices and safety is limited. This study aimed to characterize direct admission practices, benefits, and challenges at a diverse sample of hospitals and to identify diagnoses most appropriate for this admission approach. Methods We conducted a national survey at a stratified random sample of 177 US hospitals using both closed and open-ended questions. Descriptive statistics were calculated to summarize numeric responses, while qualitative content analysis was performed to identify emergent themes. Results Responses were received from 108 hospitals (61%). Hospitals represented all geographic regions and employed varied emergency medicine and inpatient care models. One hundred three respondents (95%) reported that their hospitals accepted direct admissions, and 45 (50%) expressed the view that more children should be admitted directly. Perceived benefits included the following: improved efficiency; patient and physician satisfaction; earlier access to pediatric-specific care; continuity of care; and reduced risk of nosocomial infection. Risks and challenges included the following: difficulties determining admission appropriateness; inconsistent processes; provision of timely care; and patient safety. Populations and diagnoses reported as most appropriate and inappropriate for direct admission varied considerably across respondents. Conclusions While respondents described benefits of direct admission for both patients and health care systems, many also reported challenges and safety concerns. Our results may inform subsequent epidemiologic and patient-centered outcomes research to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of direct admissions.
Pediatric Primary Care-Based Obesity Prevention for Parents of Preschool Children: A Pilot Study.

Abstract Background: The Healthy Homes/Healthy Kids Preschool (HHHK-Preschool) pilot program is an obesity prevention intervention integrating pediatric care provider counseling and a phone-based program to prevent unhealthy weight gain among 2- to 4-year-old children at risk for obesity (BMI percentile between the 50th and 85th percentile and at least one overweight parent) or currently overweight (85th percentile ≤ BMI < 95th percentile). The aim of this randomized, controlled pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and potential efficacy of the HHHK-Preschool intervention. Methods: Sixty parent-child dyads recruited from pediatric primary care clinics were randomized to: (1) the Busy Bodies/Better Bites Obesity Prevention Arm or the (2) Healthy Tots/Safe Spots safety/injury prevention Contact Control Arm. Baseline and 6-month data were collected, including measured height and weight, accelerometry, previous day dietary recalls, and parent surveys. Intervention process data (e.g., ca...
The Story of FCC v. Pacifica Foundation (And Its Second Life)

This chapter provides a back story to FCC v. Pacifica Foundation – the so-called seven dirty words case, which upheld the Commission’s authority to regulate broadcast indecency. The history of broadcast indecency regulation is briefly reviewed, along with the emergence of countercultural radio in the 1960s and 1970s. The chapter then turns to George Carlin and his personal transformation, Pacifica radio and its turbulent times, and the complaint of a Morality in Media board member that instigated FCC proceedings. The litigation history of the case is likewise investigated. This research provides insight into why the Department of Justice switched sides when the case reached the Supreme Court, and it identifies Justice Stevens as the likely swing voter. Apparently he was wrestling with issues of statutory interpretation. The chapter includes new interviews with several participants in the controversy, as well as some original archival research. The chapter closes with a few thoughts on the path of indecency regulation since the Pacifica case. It points up the relationship between constraint and creativity; and it suggests that technological change making the broadcast medium less important also makes broadcast regulation less problematic. The ‘just change the channel’ argument, so rhetorically effective against indecency regulation in the past, is now switching sides.
A technique to reduce power and test application time in BIST

Increased switching activity during testing causes substantial increase in power dissipation. This paper presents an efficient test application procedure for reducing power dissipation in test-per-scan BIST as well as the test application time, while maintaining the fault coverage. Experiments on ISCAS89 benchmarks show promising results - up to 51.8% (63.1%) peak power reduction and an average energy saving of 36.3% (62.3%) in the combinational logic (scan chain) for three partitions.
A randomized trial of transcutaneous electric acupoint stimulation as adjunctive treatment for opioid detoxification

This pilot study tested the effectiveness of transcutaneous electric acupoint stimulation (TEAS) as an adjunctive treatment for inpatients receiving opioid detoxification with buprenorphine-naloxone at a private psychiatric hospital. Participants (N = 48) were randomly assigned to active or sham TEAS and received three 30-minute treatments daily for 3 to 4 days. In active TEAS, current was set to maximal tolerable intensity (8-15 mA); in sham TEAS, it was set to 1 mA. By 2 weeks postdischarge, participants in active TEAS were less likely to have used any drugs (35% vs. 77%, p < .05). They also reported greater improvements in pain interference (F = 4.52, p < .05) and physical health (F = 4.84, p < .01) over time. TEAS is an acceptable, inexpensive adjunctive treatment that is feasible to implement on an inpatient unit and may be a beneficial adjunct to pharmacological treatments for opioid detoxification.
Pathogenicity of Isaria sp. (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) against the sweet potato whitefly B biotype, Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)

Abstract The pathogenicity of a naturally occurring entomopathogenic fungus, Isaria sp., found during natural epizootics on whiteflies in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas, against the sweet potato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) biotype B, was tested under laboratory conditions (27 °C, 70% RH and a photoperiod of 14:10 h light:dark). Exposure of second-, third- and fourth-instar nymphs to 20, 200, and 1000 spores/mm 2 , on sweet potato leaves resulted in insect mortality. Median lethal concentrations for second-instar nymphs (72–118 spores/mm 2 ) were similar to those for third-instar nymphs (101–170 spores/mm 2 ), which were significantly more susceptible than fourth-instar nymphs (166–295 spores/mm 2 ). The mean time to death was less for second instars (3 days) than for third instars (4 days) when exposed to 1000 spores/mm 2 . Mycosis in adult whiteflies became evident after delayed infections of sweet potato whitefly caused by this fungus. These results indicate that Isaria sp. is pathogenic to B. tabaci nymphs, and to adults through delayed infections caused by this fungus. Its low lethal concentrations and high virulence against B. tabaci make this fungus a promising biocontrol agent to control whitefly.
Tales from two neighbors : productivity growth in Canada and the United States

This paper assesses productivity trends in Canada vis-a-vis the United States from two perspectives. The first one is based on estimates of total factor productivity. The second one decomposes productivity growth into two sources: investment-specific technical change, associated with improvements in the quality of the capital stock, and neutral technical change, associated with the organization of productive activities. The results indicate that investment-specific technical change is the major underlying cause of the pickup in productivity in Canada and the narrowing of the productivity gap with the United States.
Lauric Acid Production in a Glycogen-Less Strain of Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002.

The cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 was genetically engineered to synthesize biofuel compatible medium-chain fatty acids during photoautotrophic growth. Expression of a heterologous lauroyl-acyl carrier protein (C12:0-ACP) thioesterase with concurrent deletion of the endogenous putative acyl-ACP synthetase led to secretion of transesterifiable C12:0 fatty acid in CO2-supplemented batch cultures. When grown at steady state over a range of light intensities in an LED turbidostat photobioreactor, the C12-secreting mutant exhibited a modest reduction in growth rate and increased O2 evolution relative to the wildtype. Inhibition of i) glycogen synthesis by deletion of the glgC-encoded ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase), and ii) protein synthesis by nitrogen deprivation were investigated as potential mechanisms for metabolite redistribution to increase fatty acid synthesis. Deletion of AGPase led to a ten-fold decrease in reducing carbohydrates and secretion of organic acids during nitrogen deprivation consistent with an energy spilling phenotype. When the carbohydrate-deficient background (∆glgC) was modified for C12 secretion, no increase in C12 was achieved during nutrient replete growth, and no C12 was recovered from any strain upon nitrogen deprivation under the conditions used. At steady state, the growth rate of the ∆glgC strain saturated at a lower light intensity than the wildtype, but O2 evolution was not compromised and became increasingly decoupled from growth rate with rising irradiance. Photophysiological properties of the ∆glgC strain suggest energy dissipation from photosystem II and reconfiguration of electron flow at the level of the plastoquinone pool.
Regional intensity of vascular care and lower extremity amputation rates.

Objective Because patient-level differences do not fully explain the variation in lower extremity amputation rates across the United States, we hypothesized that variation in intensity of vascular care may also affect regional rates of amputation and examined the relationship between the intensity of vascular care and the population-based rate of major lower extremity amputation (above-knee or below-knee) from vascular disease. Methods Intensity of vascular care was defined as the proportion of Medicare patients who underwent any vascular procedure in the year before amputation, calculated at the regional level (2003 to 2006), using the 306 hospital referral regions in the Dartmouth Atlas of Healthcare. The relationship between intensity of vascular care and major amputation rate, at the regional level, was examined between 2007 and 2009. Results Amputation rates varied widely by region, from one to 27 per 10,000 Medicare patients. Compared with regions in the lowest quintile of amputation rate, patients in the highest quintile were commonly African American (50% vs 13%) and diabetic (38% vs 31%). Intensity of vascular care also varied across regions: R = −0.36 for outpatient diagnostic and therapeutic procedures to R = −0.87 for inpatient surgical revascularizations. Analyses adjusting for patient characteristics and socioeconomic status found patients in high-intensity vascular care regions were significantly less likely to undergo amputation without an antecedent attempt at revascularization (odds ratio, 0.37; 95% confidence interval, 0.34-0.37; P Conclusions The intensity of vascular care provided to patients at risk for amputation varies, and regions with the most intensive vascular care have the lowest amputation rate, although the observational nature of these associations do not impart causality. High-risk patients, especially African American diabetic patients residing in low-intensity vascular care regions, represent an important target for systematic efforts to reduce amputation risk.
Structure and complex transcription pattern of the mouse SK1 KCa channel gene, KCNN1

Small conductance calcium-gated K(+) channels (SK channels) are encoded by the three SK genes, SK1, SK2, and SK3. These channels likely contribute to slow synaptic afterhyperpolarizations of apamin-sensitive and apamin-insensitive types. SK channels are also widely expressed outside the nervous system. The mouse SK1 gene comprises at least 12 exons extending across 19.8 kb of genomic DNA. This gene encodes a complex pattern of alternatively spliced SK1 transcripts widely expressed among mouse tissues. These transcripts exhibit at least four distinct 5'-nucleotide sequence variants encoding at least two N-terminal amino acid sequences. Optional inclusion of exons 7 and 9, together with two alternate splice donor sites in exon 8, yields transcripts encoding eight variant C-terminal amino acid sequences for SK1. These include an altered putative S6 transmembrane span, modification of the C-terminal cytoplasmic domain binding site for calmodulin, and generation of two alternate predicted binding sites for PDZ domain-containing proteins. 20 of the 32 predicted mouse SK1 transcripts are expressed in brain at levels sufficient to allow consistent detection, and encode 16 SK1 polypeptide variants. Only four of these 16 polypeptides preserve the ability to bind calmodulin in a Ca(2+)-independent manner. Mouse SK1 also exhibits novel, strain-specific, length polymorphism of a polyglutamate repeat in the N-terminal cytoplasmic domain. The evolutionary conservation of this complex transcription pattern suggests a possible role in the tuning of SK1 channel function.