cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Non-flammable thiazole-functional monobenzoxazines: Synthesis, polymerization, thermal and thermomechanical properties, and flammability studies

Abstract Thiazole and benzothiazole-containing benzoxazine monomers (abbreviated as PH-at for thiazole-functional monomer and PH-abt for benzothiazole-functional monomer, respectively) have been synthesized. PH-at is characterized with proton and carbon nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR, 13C NMR), and the thermal properties of the polymer are tested with thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) study of PH-at and PH-abt indicates crosslinking caused by the carbon-carbon double bond of the thiazole ring in addition to the usual polymerization via oxazine reaction. In comparison to PH-abt, PH-at is found to have excellent thermal properties and a lower polymerization temperature. The char yield and glass transition temperature (Tg) of poly(PH-at) are significantly higher than other poly (monofunctional benzoxazine)s derived from non-reactive amines. Due to its heterocyclic rings and cross-linkage, poly (PH-at) exhibits great flame retardant property. Flammability of the polymer is evaluated via predicted LOI and heat release capacity as well as experimentally measured heat release capacity using microscale combustion calorimetry (MCC).
The Wilms’ tumor suppressor protein1 activates anti-proliferative and apoptotic pathways resulting in growth arrest and apoptosis in a cellular system

1787 The Wilms’ tumor suppressor protein (WT1), a transcription factor critical for normal kidney development, is mutated in 10-15% of Wilms’ tumors. Genetic data originally identified WT1 as a tumor suppressor and experiments in vitro showed that the protein plays a role in both growth suppression and apoptosis. We recently established a tetracycline-repressible system for expressing wild-type and tumor-derived mutant WT1 proteins in Saos2 cells. Wild-type, but not mutant, WT1 blocks cellular proliferation, DNA synthesis and rapidly induces apoptosis. Caspases 8 and 9 are cleaved, indicating that both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways are activated. Using microarray analysis, we defined two sets of genes involved in growth control and apoptosis, respectively. Mutant WT1 protein does not induce expression of any of these genes. The genes that comprise the apoptotic subset are Bak, Bik, Foxo1, Fas ligand and Akt. Foxo1 mediates programmed cell death by inducing the transcription of Fas ligand. Foxo1 is inactivated by AKT-dependent phosphorylation, which promotes the nuclear export of Foxo1. In our system, Foxo1 and Fas ligand are induced whereas AKT is inhibited. WT1 may reset the threshold for apoptosis in two ways, by activating the transcription of pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members and by activating the synthesis of Fas ligand. One of the genes involved in growth control is MKP3, a dual-specificity phosphatase that specifically dephosphorylates activated ERK1/2 and down-regulates Ras-mediated growth factor signaling. This correlates with our recent study demonstrating that WT1 directly activates Sprouty1, another Ras/MAPK inhibitor, and may explain why WT1 prevents cellular transformation by activated Ras. The gene array data is confirmed by real time PCR analysis. Bak, Foxo1 and MKP3 are rapidly induced upon WT1 expression, indicating that they are probably directly regulated by WT1. In support of this, the Bak, Foxo1 and MKP3 promoters are activated by WT1 in transient transfection assays. As predicted, WT1 induction leads to decreased phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and decreased expression and phosphorylation of Akt. Altogether, by demonstrating that WT1 activates intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic signals through Bak and Foxo1, and blocks the Ras/MAPK pathway through MKP3 and Sprouty1, we have defined a novel mechanism by which WT1 can limit growth.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Marine Bacterium Alteromonas sp. Strain KS69

Alteromonas spp. are Gram-negative, aerobic, marine bacteria. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of Alteromonas sp. strain KS69, isolated from Narragansett Bay deep water samples. Unpublished preliminary data suggest that KS69 reduces expression of the 3-oxo-C12-HSL-dependent, virulence-associated gene lasB of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1, suggesting that it produces a quorum sensing inhibitor.
Oral Opioid Use during Vaginal Delivery Hospitalizations.

Objective This study aimed to determine the receipt of short-acting opioid medications during vaginal delivery hospitalizations. Study Design The Perspective database was analyzed to evaluate patterns of short-acting oral opioid use during vaginal delivery hospitalizations from January 2006 to March 2015. Unadjusted and adjusted models evaluating the role of demographic and hospital factors were created evaluating use of opioids. Hospital-level rates of opioid use were evaluated. Opioid receipt among women with opioid abuse or dependence was evaluated based on overall hospital rates of opioid use. Results Of 3,785,396 vaginal delivery hospitalizations from 2006 to 2015, 1,720,899 (45.5%) women received an oral opioid for pain relief. Opioid use varied significantly among the 458 hospitals included in the analysis, with one-third of hospitals providing opioids to Discussion The use of opioid pain medications during vaginal delivery hospitalizations varied significantly among hospitals, suggesting that standardization of pain management practices could reduce opioid use.
Do co-opted boards enhance or reduce R&D productivity?

Abstract The literature suggests that firms with more co-opted directors—those appointed after the chief executive officer (CEO) assumes office—are subject to less oversight than other firms. Chintrakarn, Jiraporn, Sakr, and Lee (2016) recently show that co-option leads to higher R&D investments and posit that managers with co-opted boards are more motivated to make long-term investments because they are less likely to be removed. Under this view, co-opted directors mitigate managerial myopia. However, since the outcomes of R&D projects are known to be stochastic, this study expands upon prior research by examining how board co-option affects R&D productivity (not just R&D spending). We find strong evidence indicating that co-opted directors enable managers to overinvest in inefficient R&D projects, thereby reducing R&D output. Our results support an agency theory view for the increases in R&D investments linked to co-opted directors rather than the decline in managerial myopia perspective.
Brain regulation of emotional conflict predicts antidepressant treatment response for depression

The efficacy of antidepressant treatment for depression is controversial due to the only modest superiority demonstrated over placebo. However, neurobiological heterogeneity within depression may limit overall antidepressant efficacy. We sought to identify a neurobiological phenotype responsive to antidepressant treatment by testing pretreatment brain activation during response to, and regulation of, emotional conflict as a moderator of the clinical benefit of the antidepressant sertraline versus placebo. Using neuroimaging data from a large randomized controlled trial, we found widespread moderation of clinical benefits by brain activity during regulation of emotional conflict, in which greater downregulation of conflict-responsive regions predicted better sertraline outcomes. Treatment-predictive machine learning using brain metrics outperformed a model trained on clinical and demographic variables. Our findings demonstrate that antidepressant response is predicted by brain activity underlying a key self-regulatory emotional capacity. Leveraging brain-based measures in psychiatry will forge a path toward better treatment personalization, refined mechanistic insights and improved outcomes.
Salvage Autologous or Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation After the Failure of First Autograft in Patients with Multiple Myeloma.

Abstract 1186 Poster Board I-208 Background: Almost all patients with multiple myeloma (MM) who receive autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto HCT) eventually relapse. The treatment options for these patients include novel agents or second (salvage) auto or allogeneic (allo) HCT. Use of reduced intensity conditioning (RIC) has significantly reduced the transplant-related mortality (TRM) with allo HCT. We evaluated the outcomes of patients who received salvage auto or allo HCT for relapsed MM. Methods: Sixty-two patients (24 females and 38 males), with a median age of 55 years (range: 37-73) received a salvage auto HCT between January 1992 and December 2008, whereas 44 patients (19 females and 25 males), with a median age of 51 years (range 32-65) received salvage allo HCT (12 unrelated and 32 related donor) between October 1988 and December 2006. Among 12 patients with unrelated allo HCT, ten were matched at 10/10 HLA loci, while two patients were mismatched at 1 or 2 loci, respectively. Among 32 patients with related donor allo HCT, 29 matched at 10/10 loci, while 3 patients had one or two antigen mismatches. In the allo HCT group eight patients received myeloablative regimens (MA), while thirty six patients received RIC regimens. MA regimens were fludarabine + melphalan 180 mg/m 2 in 4 patients, busulfan + cyclophosphamide in 2 patients, busulfan + melphalan in one patient and TBI-based in another patient. RIC regimens were fludarabine + melphalan ≤140 mg/m 2 in 34 patients and cyclophosphamide + fludarabine in 2 patients. Results: Median follow-up for both auto and allo HCT patients was 24 months. Median prior treatment regimens in auto and allo HCT patients were 4 (2-16) and 5 (2-10), respectively. Overall response rates in evaluable patients in auto HCT and allo HCT were 63% and 75%, respectively. Cumulative incidence of grade II-IV acute GVHD was 27% and limited or extensive chronic GVHD was 43% in allo HCT group. One-hundred day TRM in auto HCT and allo HCT groups was 3% and 9%, respectively. Most common causes of nonrelapse mortality were infections (12%) in auto, and acute or chronic GVHD (24%) in allo HCT group. Median progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) for auto HCT were 15.5 and 43.3 months, and for allo HCT were 6.9 and 14 months, respectively. Patients receiving MA regimens had significantly shorter PFS and OS than patients receiving RIC regimens. Conclusions: Both second auto and allo HCT are feasible for salvage therapy in patients with advanced MM, who had relapsed after an auto HCT. Disease progression remains the major cause of treatment failure. RIC regimens have improved the outcome of allo HCT. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Yes-Associated Protein in Kupffer Cells Enhances the Production of Proinflammatory Cytokines and Promotes the Development of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis

Background and aims Yes-associated protein (YAP) plays an important role in hepatocarcinogenesis, although the potential role of YAP in non-neoplastic liver diseases remains largely unknown. We report herein that YAP in Kupffer cells (KCs) enhances the production of proinflammatory cytokines and promotes the development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Our data show that the expression of YAP is significantly increased in KCs of wild-type mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Approach and results We generated mice with macrophage/monocyte-specific deletion of YAP (YAPϕKO ) or Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4; TLR4ϕKO ), and animals were fed an HFD or treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Our data showed that YAPϕKO mice fed an HFD exhibited lower serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT)/aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels and less hepatic inflammation when compared to their littermate controls. LPS treatment induced accumulation of YAP in KCs in vitro and in mice, which was prevented by macrophage/monocyte-specific deletion of TLR4 (TLR4ϕKO ). LPS transcriptionally activates YAP through activator protein 1 in macrophages/KCs. LPS-induced YAP further enhances expression of proinflammatory cytokines (including monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and interleukin 6) through YAP association with the TEA domain-binding motif in the promoter region of inflammatory cytokines. Forced overexpression of active YAP (YAP5SA) in KCs enhanced the production of proinflammatory cytokines. Treatment of HFD-fed mice with verteporfin inhibited KC activation, reduced liver inflammation, and decreased serum ALT/AST levels. Analyses of liver tissues from NASH patients reveal that YAP is increased in KCs and that level of YAP in human liver tissues is positively correlated with expression of proinflammatory cytokines. Conclusions This study describes an important role of YAP in KCs for regulation of liver inflammation in NASH. Our findings suggest that inhibition of YAP may represent an effective therapeutic strategy for NASH treatment.
From Welfare to Work (In Theory)

The primary goal of the modern American welfare state is to move recipients to employment and independence as quickly as possible. Fears of generational welfare dependency motivated the implementation of Welfare Reform in 1996. The evidence is overwhelming, however, that this approach has only exacerbated poverty and its societal consequences. Trusting all people, including those with low-incomes, to make their own work, family, and financial decisions has a transformative effect on recipients and the communities around them. Universal basic income pilots have discovered little, if any, changes to employment among recipients, improved physical and mental health, better employment prospects, and increased community economic productivity.
AC electrowetting promoted droplet shedding on hydrophobic surfaces

Condensation is significantly enhanced by condensing vapor as droplets (instead of a film), which rapidly shed-off. Electrowetting (EW)-induced coalescence and shedding of droplets have been recently shown to accelerate condensation. This work studies the influence of AC electrowetting fields on short-duration droplet shedding on hydrophobic surfaces. Experiments involve tracking the shedding of an ensemble of water droplets under the influence of EW fields, with three parameters being varied (voltage, AC frequency, and device geometry). Significant physical insights into EW-induced droplet shedding are obtained. First, EW enables almost complete removal of water (dry area fraction ∼98%) in very short time durations (∼ 1 s). Second, while the dry area fraction does depend on the applied voltage, significant water shedding can be achieved without needing to apply voltages significantly higher than the threshold voltage. Third, the frequency of the AC waveform does not influence the dry area fraction (for voltages above the threshold voltage); however the time constant associated with droplet shedding strongly depends on the AC frequency. Fourth, the orientation of the device influences water removal due to electrostatic pinning of droplets. Importantly, the measured water removal fluxes immediately after the application of an EW field are two orders of magnitude higher than those measured over a long-duration condensation experiment; this highlights the benefits of intermittent EW fields as opposed to continuous EW fields. Overall, these results suggest that EW on hydrophobic surfaces offers benefits comparable to those offered by superhydrophobic surfaces.
Obesity is Associated with Increased Risk for Mortality Among Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: Obesity has been identified as a risk factor for severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus. This study sought to determine whether obesity is a risk factor for mortality among patients with COVID-19. METHODS: The study was a retrospective cohort that included patients with COVID-19 between March 1 and April 18, 2020. RESULTS: A total of 238 patients were included; 218 patients (91.6%) were African American, 113 (47.5%) were male, and the mean age was 58.5 years. Of the included patients, 146 (61.3%) had obesity (BMI > 30 kg/m2 ), of which 63 (26.5%), 29 (12.2%), and 54 (22.7%) had class 1, 2, and 3 obesity, respectively. Obesity was identified as a predictor for mortality (odds ratio [OR] 1.7 [1.1-2.8], P = 0.016), as was male gender (OR 5.2 [1.6-16.5], P = 0.01) and older age (OR 3.6 [2.0-6.3], P < 0.0005). Obesity (OR 1.7 [1.3-2.1], P < 0.0005) and older age (OR 1.3 [1.0-1.6], P = 0.03) were also risk factors for hypoxemia. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity was found to be a significant predictor for mortality among inpatients with COVID-19 after adjusting for age, gender, and other comorbidities. Patients with obesity were also more likely to present with hypoxemia.
An Overlooked Aspect of Modern Mathematics.

W hen one speaks of the so-called modern mathematics, quite frequently the first, and sometimes the last, thought that comes to mind is new subject matter. Uneasy minds are sometimes put to rest when modern mathematics is described by such glib phrases as "the best of the old with the thoroughness of the new" and "a balance between understanding and skills." Occasionally, the term "new emphasis" creeps into the conversation, but much more frequently the term "structure" is mentioned and the pulse rate is again sent leaping. The purpose of this article is to consider one small aspect of today's mathematics curriculum that is seldom recognized, discussed, or understood by the elementary classroom teacher; but it is an aspect that quite possibly underlies the basic purpose of mathematics in our curriculum for all grades, from kindergarten through grade twelve. For lack of a better name, this aspect of the mathematics will be called flexibility. In order that this term be more clearly understood, let me digress for a moment.
Sources of Law in European Securities Regulation — Effective Regulation, Soft Law and Legal Taxonomy from Lamfalussy to de Larosière

The four Framework Directives of the Lamfalussy Process constituted a further step towards guaranteeing an efficient and dynamic functioning of the EU’s securities market. Since then, a number of implementing directives and regulations have been passed and further changes have already been suggested. Regarding the existing system from a German point of view, this article focuses on the role of the Committee of European Securities Regulators (CESR) and the legal nature of its guidelines and recommendations. It establishes the claim that the CESR’s statements have a binding effect despite their character set out in the Framework Directives and argues that the traditional dichotomy of legal sources needs to be substituted by a trichotomy of hard law, soft law and a third kind of secondary law. This so-called third kind of secondary law has three consequences: first of all, it needs to be recognised; secondly, it needs to be complied with; and thirdly, in case of non-compliance, extensive reasons must be given. This puts the third kind of secondary law in a position similar to that of persuasive authorities. Regulation (EC) No. 1060/2009, which was adopted following the financial crisis, confirms this notion by requiring that the national financial supervisors consider the CESR’s advice but that they can deviate if they give full reasons for their decision. Lastly, the creation of a European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), which has already been proposed, is discussed and compared with the existing system. The ESMA’s expanded supervisory powers over national authorities are a step in the right direction. It remains to be seen, however, whether the Proposal for a Regulation creating the ESMA will achieve the goal of establishing a common supervisory culture for European financial markets.
Association of Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting vs Percutaneous Coronary Intervention With Memory Decline in Older Adults Undergoing Coronary Revascularization.

Importance It is uncertain whether coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is associated with cognitive decline in older adults compared with a nonsurgical method of coronary revascularization (percutaneous coronary intervention [PCI]). Objective To compare the change in the rate of memory decline after CABG vs PCI. Design, Setting, and Participants Retrospective cohort study of community-dwelling participants in the Health and Retirement Study, who underwent CABG or PCI between 1998 and 2015 at age 65 years or older. Data were modeled for up to 5 years preceding and 10 years following revascularization or until death, drop out, or the 2016-2017 interview wave. The date of final follow-up was November 2017. Exposures CABG (including on and off pump) or PCI, ascertained from Medicare fee-for-service billing records. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was a summary measure of cognitive test scores and proxy cognition reports that were performed biennially in the Health and Retirement Study, referred to as memory score, normalized as azscore (ie, mean of 0, SD of 1 in a reference population of adults aged ≥72 years). Memory score was analyzed using multivariable linear mixed-effects models, with a prespecified subgroup analysis of on-pump and off-pump CABG. The minimum clinically important difference was a change of 1 SD of the population-level rate of memory decline (0.048 memory units/y). Results Of 1680 participants (mean age at procedure, 75 years; 41% female), 665 underwent CABG (168 off pump) and 1015 underwent PCI. In the PCI group, the mean rate of memory decline was 0.064 memory units/y (95% CI, 0.052 to 0.078) before the procedure and 0.060 memory units/y (95% CI, 0.048 to 0.071) after the procedure (within-group change, 0.004 memory units/y [95% CI, −0.010 to 0.018]). In the CABG group, the mean rate of memory decline was 0.049 memory units/y (95% CI, 0.033 to 0.065) before the procedure and 0.059 memory units/y (95% CI, 0.047 to 0.072) after the procedure (within-group change, −0.011 memory units/y [95% CI, −0.029 to 0.008]). The between-group difference-in-differences estimate for memory decline for PCI vs CABG was 0.015 memory units/y (95% CI, −0.008 to 0.038;P = .21). There was statistically significant increase in the rate of memory decline after off-pump CABG compared with after PCI (difference-in-differences: mean increase in the rate of decline of 0.046 memory units/y [95% CI, 0.008 to 0.084] after off-pump CABG), but not after on-pump CABG compared with PCI (difference-in-differences: mean slowing of decline of 0.003 memory units/y [95% CI, −0.024 to 0.031] after on-pump CABG). Conclusions and Relevance Among older adults undergoing coronary revascularization with CABG or PCI, the type of revascularization procedure was not significantly associated with differences in the change of rate of memory decline.
The effect of substrate temperature on the critical velocity in microparticle impact bonding

A number of nascent coating and micromanufacturing processes involve particles sprayed at a high velocity, which impact a substrate, deform, and adhere. Successful bonding between the particles and the substrate requires impact velocities higher than the so-called critical adhesion velocity. This critical velocity is influenced by the temperature of the substrate, a variable that we isolate in this work by conducting single-particle impacts on a variable-temperature substrate for three systems (Al–Al, Sn–Sn, and Ti–Ti) with particles individually selected within a narrow size distribution. Our results quantitatively connect the increase in substrate temperature to a significant lowering of the critical velocity, which we attribute to the lower dynamic strength of the thermally softened substrate. The data are generally consistent with expectations for bonding being controlled by a hydrodynamic process of jetting upon impact.
Trauma-informed Web Heuristics for Communication Designers

The experience report reflects on our work developing trauma-informed (TI) web development heuristics in the context of a community of scholar-activist-practitioners called SEEN (Supporting Equity in Essential Needs). Our report introduces, defines, and situates TI heuristics we developed within communication design scholarship. Additionally, the report explains our process of both developing and working with the heuristics by sharing images of a web portal prototype meant to make basic needs resources more visible to students at a large R1 institution in the Midwest. Our report focuses on lessons learned and next steps for communication designers interested in adapting TI heuristics and approaches to their own work.
Teaching Students at the Margins: A Feminist Trauma-Informed Care Pedagogy

This chapter shares theoretical and practical approaches of feminist trauma-informed pedagogy to consider students’ lived experiences of marginalization and trauma as a specific epistemological stance and as valid ways of knowing; in this way students are positioned as both teachers and learners in class to connect their experiences to systematic forms of oppression. As we are challenged through COVID-19 to develop a new pedagogical discourse in higher education, we must consider a radical revamping of teaching and learning to address sociopolitical hierarchies within the context of students’ lives, not the mere addition of “wellness days” or “pass/fail” grades.
Natural hazard mitigation in local comprehensive plans: The case of flood, wildfire and drought planning in Arizona

Purpose – Natural hazards such as floods, wildfires and droughts disrupt communities, their economies and environments, and cost millions every year. The existing literature on hazard mitigation shows that community resilience is best achieved when mitigation strategies are integrated with land use and comprehensive planning. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of hazard mitigation in local comprehensive plans.Design/methodology/approach – The analysis uses a new plan evaluation protocol that integrates flood, wildfire and drought mitigation to evaluate the plans of the six largest and fastest growing counties in Arizona.Findings – The study finds that counties do not plan equally well for all hazards, that they tend to plan better for droughts than wildfires and floods, and indicates the need to improve hazard information in plans to support the adoption of mitigation goals, objectives and strategies.Research limitations/implications – The research is based on a small sa...
Alkali-liberated granulosis virus of Trichoplusia ni: I. Density gradient purification of virus components and some of their in vitro chemical and physical properties

Abstract Trichoplusia ni capsules were purified by a combination of differential and ratezonal centrifugation on 50 to 80% sucrose gradients. The virus was released and purified from the inclusion body protein by exposure to weak alkali and subsequent centrifugation on 10 to 40% sucrose gradients. Virus preparations maintained in 0.01 m phosphate buffer (pH, 7.8) demonstrated 3 sedimenting forms on 10 to 40% sucrose gradients which were designated as A and B (with outer envelope) and Y (without outer envelope). The virus was unstable in 0.01 m phosphate buffer pH 7.8, and had a tendency to aggregate, and/or dissociate into the outer and inner membranes and a top fraction. The infection properties of each virus form and the top fraction were tested. Other buffers or additives did not change these phenomena. These virus forms and components were separated by a combination of sedimentations on 10 to 40% and 5 to 20% sucrose gradients and their ultrastructure confirmed by electron microscopy. Solutions containing virus forms A and B exhibited an E 260 E 280 of 1.26 and DNA and protein concentrations of 27.4 and 28.8 μg DNA/E260 and 105 and 109 μg protein/E260 for forms A and B, respectively. Preparations of the Y form contained 73.0 μg DNA/E260 and 258 μg protein/E260, but exhibited only 53% the ultraviolet extinction of virus forms A and B. Studies confirmed that the granulosis virus of Trichoplusia ni is ultrastructurally similar to other granuloses.
Multiobjective Landscape Analysis and the Generalized Assignment Problem

The importance of tuning a search algorithm for the specific features of the target search space has been known for quite some time. However, when dealing with multiobjective problems, there are several twists on the conventional notions of fitness landscapes. Multiobjective optimization problems provide additional difficulties for those seeking to study the properties of the search space. However, the requirement of finding multiple candidate solutions to the problem also introduces new potentially exploitable structure. This paper provides a somewhat high-level overview of multiobjective search space and fitness landscape analysis and examines the impact of these features on the multiobjective generalized assignment problem.
Instructional Applications of ACT: Past, Present, and Future

ACT is a cognitive architecture which addresses how procedural and declarative knowledge is acquired and strengthened with practice. As originally described in 1983 it modeled human cognition at the multi-second temporal grain size. I will review how this theory and the technology of model tracing led to a generation of cognitive tutors. These tutors were based on extensive cognitive task analyses of programming tasks and mathematical problem solving. They tracked and tutored students as they solved problems in conventional computer interfaces. This technology has evolved to the point where it is used successfully to teach high school mathematics in many schools around the world.
A new numerical technique for calculation of phase space evolution of stellar systems

A new numerical technique has been developed for studying the evolution of collisionless stellar systems. The collisionless Boltzmann equation is solved for the evolution of the phase space density of the system. For each zone of phase space, moments of the density in the velocity and spatial coordinates are stored. This technique is a significant improvement over previous phase space methods because it conserves mass exactly and because it does not fail when structure finer than the grid spacing develops. The advantages and disadvantages of this method compared to N-body methods are discussed, and some results from calculations are presented.
Dictionary of Geophysics, Astrophysics, and Astronomy

The Dictionary of Geophysics, Astrophysics, and Astronomy provides a lexicon of terminology covering fields such as astronomy, astrophysics, cosmology, relativity, geophysics, meteorology, Newtonian physics, and oceanography. Authors and editors often assume - incorrectly - that readers are familiar with all the terms in professional literature. With over 4,000 definitions and 50 contributing authors, this unique comprehensive dictionary helps scientists to use terminology correctly and to understand papers, articles, and books in which physics-related terms appear.
Local Planning to Preserve Wetlands Assets: Community, Baselines, and Ecosystem Services

Wetlands store and transport water, support plants and wildlife, provide transition areas between uplands and watercourses, capture waterborne sediments and pollutants, and help to recharge aquifers. These “ecosystem services” are critical to human survival and wellbeing. As such, when wetlands fail to function, often due to human destruction and enjoyment, we seek replacement services at an enormous cost. Healthy, functioning wetlands are assets, and the next generation of wetlands regulation must capitalize on these assets.This essay explores the best regulatory structure for protecting wetlands assets based on the ecological economics of ecosystem services, an approach that attributes value to the goods and services provided by nature. Based on the controversies over mountaintop removal mining, this essay compares the current federal regulatory scheme to an alternative approach that recognizes the productive value of wetlands based upon the services they provide. Furthermore, this essay discusses the value of looking to local communities in order to determine the hidden values and valuable functions of wetlands, acknowledging that local communities possess valuable insights into the relationships between ecosystems and local needs. Finally, this essay highlights successful local involvement in assessing and protecting the value of wetland assets in Saratoga County, New York, the South Louisiana Wetlands Discovery Center, and Portland, Oregon.
Multiphoton microscopy as a diagnostic imaging modality for lung cancer

Lung cancer is the leading killer among all cancers for both men and women in the US, and is associated with one of the lowest 5-year survival rates. Current diagnostic techniques, such as histopathological assessment of tissue obtained by computed tomography guided biopsies, have limited accuracy, especially for small lesions. Early diagnosis of lung cancer can be improved by introducing a real-time, optical guidance method based on the in vivo application of multiphoton microscopy (MPM). In particular, we hypothesize that MPM imaging of living lung tissue based on two-photon excited intrinsic fluorescence and second harmonic generation can provide sufficient morphologic and spectroscopic information to distinguish between normal and diseased lung tissue. Here, we used an experimental approach based on MPM with multichannel fluorescence detection for initial discovery that MPM spectral imaging could differentiate between normal and neoplastic lung in ex vivo samples from a murine model of lung cancer. Current results indicate that MPM imaging can directly distinguish normal and neoplastic lung tissues based on their distinct morphologies and fluorescence emission properties in non-processed lung tissue. Moreover, we found initial indication that MPM imaging differentiates between normal alveolar tissue, inflammatory foci, and lung neoplasms. Our long-term goal is to apply results from ex vivo lung specimens to aid in the development of multiphoton endoscopy for in vivo imaging of lung abnormalities in various animal models, and ultimately for the diagnosis of human lung cancer.
Determination of the pKa of glucuronic acid and the carboxy groups of heparin by 13C-nuclear-magnetic-resonance spectroscopy.

As part of our continuing studies on heparin, the present paper uses 13C-n.m.r. spectroscopy to examine the acidity of heparin's uronic acid carboxylate groups. Heparin contains three different uronic acids. In porcine mucosal heparin these account for approx. 91, 7 and 2 mol% of the total uronic acid residues. These are alpha-L-idopyranosyluronic acid 2-sulphate, beta-D-glucopyranosyluronic acid and alpha-L-idopyranosyluronic acid. The pKa values of their carboxylate groups were determined as 3.13 (using heparin), 2.79 (using heparin) and 3.0 (predicted by using model compounds) respectively. 18C-n.m.r. spectroscopy, performed at various pH values, provided a convenient method of simultaneously determining the pKa of multiple carboxylate groups, of similar acidity, within heparin D-Glucopyranosyluronic acid and heparin-derived di-, tetra- and hexa-saccharides were used as model compounds to determine pKa values of the different carboxy groups. The results suggested that molecular size had an effect on pKa. Unambiguous assignment of carboxy carbon resonances were accomplished through the use of two-dimensional n.m.r. spectroscopy. Finally, application of this method to the simplest model compound, D-glucopyranosyluronic acid, permitted the determination of the pKa of both its alpha- and beta-anomers.
Gram-negative versus gram-positive (actinomycete) nonobligate bacterial predators of bacteria in soil

The existence of nonobligate bacterial predators of bacteria in soil has been previously reported. Several additional predators were isolated from soil and tested for predation in situ in soil by use of the indirect bacteriophage analysis technique. The trials were conducted with nutritionally poor and nutritionally enriched soil. Certain of the predators that were gram negative were found to attack a range of both gram-positive and gram-negative host cell species, including at least some of the other predator bacteria, both gram positive and gram negative. The attack occurred in both the nutritionally poor and rich soils, but in some instances it was somewhat depressed in the rich soil. This may be due to the nonobligate nature of the predation. The gram-positive predators attacked a relatively narrow range of prey species, and the attack occurred only in the nutritionally rich soil. In addition, the gram-positive predators were subject to attack by certain of the gram-negative predators. These gram-negative predators therefore appeared to play a dominant role in the control of bacterial numbers in soil.
The Stagonospora nodorum-wheat pathosystem involves multiple proteinaceous host-selective toxins and corresponding host sensitivity genes that interact in an inverse gene-for-gene manner.

*Summary We recently showed that the wheat pathogen Stagonospora nodorum produces proteinaceous host-selective toxins (HSTs). These toxins include SnTox1 as well as SnToxA, a HST first identified from Pyrenophora tritici-repentis that was implicated in a very recent horizontal gene transfer event from S. nodorum to P. triticirepentis. Compelling evidence implicating SnToxA and SnTox1 in disease development has been obtained. Here, we report the partial purification and characterization of a third HST designated SnTox2, as well as the genetic characterization of the corresponding host-sensitivity gene. SnTox2 was protease sensitive and is estimated between 7 and 10 kDa in size. Sensitivity to SnTox2 was conferred by a single dominant gene designated Snn2, which mapped to the short arm of wheat chromosome 2D. Genetic analysis of reaction to conidial inoculations in a segregating wheat population indicated that both the Snn2-SnTox2 and the Tsn1SnToxA interactions were involved in disease development, and together they accounted for the majority of the phenotypic variation. Therefore, S. nodorum produces multiple toxins that rely on specific interactions with host gene products to cause disease. The identification of multiple HST‐host gene interactions important for disease development and the availability of the S. nodorum whole genome sequence indicate the potential for this pathosystem to serve as a toxin-based, inverse gene-for-gene model.
Circulating DNA biomarkers: a primer for metastatic colorectal cancer?

Lancet Oncology, The - In Press.Proof corrected by the author Available online since mercredi 15 juillet 2015
Abstract 354: Lower Circulating Levels of Tumor Necrosis Factor Related Apoptosis-inducing Ligand (TRAIL) are Associated with Increased Sub-clinical Coronary Atherosclerosis among Smokers

Rationale: There is significant in vitro evidence demonstrating anti-atherogenic effect of circulating Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL). Also, decreased circulating TRAIL levels have been reported in patients with acute myocardial infarction and in those undergoing coronary catheterization due to suspected coronary atherosclerosis. However, it remains unknown if TRAIL levels are associated with sub-clinical coronary atherosclerosis. Methods: The study included 460 current and former smokers enrolled in the Pittsburgh COPD SCCOR study. Serum TRAIL levels were measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay, according to the manufacture’s protocol (Meso Scale Discovery, Gaithersburg, Maryland). Coronary atherosclerosis was assessed by a validated visual coronary artery calcium scoring system using non-EKG gated chest CT scans (Weston score). Ordinal logistic regression models were used to identify significant associations between categories of CAC score (0, 1-3, 4-8, and 9-12) and TRAIL level, and to adjust for cardiovascular risk factors. Results: The mean age of the 460 participants was 65.7 ± 6.3 years, 52.2% were male, and the mean pack years of smoking was 55.0 ± 30.8 years. In univariate analyses, each standard deviation decrease in TRAIL levels was associated with 1.42-fold increase in the odds of having calcium scores in one higher category (p Conclusions: Our results expand on the in vitro and in vivo data linking decreased TRAIL levels with increased atherosclerosis by demonstrating a novel association between lower circulating TRAIL and increased subclinical coronary atherosclerosis.
Circulating pluripotent hematopoietic progenitor cells in neonates

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C1q-binding proteins and C1q receptors

Aggregated or immobilized complement C1q induces cellular responses in many different cell types. C1q-induced cellular responses may be involved in host defense and in protection against autoimmunity because C1q-deficient humans have infectious complications and a very high incidence of autoimmune disease. The search for the C1q receptor(s), which has been ongoing for 25 years, has led recently to the recognition that proteins identified as binding to C1q may be divided into two groups: C1q-binding molecules that are normally intracellular; and cell surface C1q receptors.
Bayesian and Cramér-Rao bounds for single sensor target localization via multipath exploitation

In urban scenarios, target localization may be achieved using a single sensor via multipath exploitation. The multipath generating mechanisms such as building walls creates virtual radar sensors aiding in localization. For a wide class of radar-target geometries, specialized functions termed multipath preservers are derived to ensure that multipath is physically observable in the radar returns, and therefore these functions assist in evaluating the potential of multipath exploitation in urban sensing. The single sensor system performance is studied by deriving the Cramer-Rao and the Bayesian Cramer-Rao bounds (BCRBs). Given a reflecting geometry, these lower bounds and multipath preservers allow the radar operator to anticipate blind spots, place confidence levels on the localization results, and permit sensor positioning to optimally aid in exploiting multipath for target localization. It is shown here that Cramer-Rao bounds (CRBs) on the location parameters improve with additional multipath.
An interfacing and electronics course for computer science majors

A course suitable for inclusion in the Curriculum '78 recommendations [1] under Special Topics is described here. The course introduces students to microcomputer interfacing and digital electronics principles via preassembled breadboard projects. For each of the projects, students develop software control and learn circuit design principles. The course covers digital devices without using electronics workstations, but a small microcomputer lab is required.
Assessing General Creativity and Creative Engineering Design in First Year Engineering Students

Creativity is a vital tool for innovation in engineering. Psychology and engineering faculty developed the Creative Engineering Design Assessment (CEDA) because existing tools are limited. This measure was administered with general creativity measures in 63 engineering (57 males, six females) and 21 non-engineering (six males, 15 females) students in five week intervals. Inter-rater reliability showed high consistency overall and between the test and retest administrations. Only engineering males and females significantly differed on the retest. Engineering students with low, medium, and high creative engineering design did not statistically differ in their general creativity, not domain specific to engineering; however, only high scorers were significantly higher on the retest from the other groups. Future research is needed with larger samples.
Testing the significance of interobserver agreement measures in the presence of autocorrelation: The jackknife procedure

Users of interobserver agreement statistics have heretofore ignored the problem of autocorrelation in behavior sequences when testing the statistical significance of agreement measures. Due to autocorrelation traditional reliability tests based on the 2 × 2 contingency-table model (e.g., kappa, phi) are incorrect. Correct tests can be developed by using the bivariate time series as a statistical model. Seen from this perspective, testing the significance of interobserver agreement becomes formally equivalent to testing the significance of the lag-zero cross-correlation between two time series. The robust procedure known as the jackknife is suggested for this purpose.