Showing papers by "Wilkes University published in 2013"

Critical thinking versus clinical reasoning versus clinical judgment: differential diagnosis.

Abstract: Concepts of critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and clinical judgment are often used interchangeably. However, they are not one and the same, and understanding subtle difference among them is important. Following a review of the literature for definitions and uses of the terms, the author provides a summary focused on similarities and differences in the processes of critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and clinical judgment and notes suggested methods of measuring each.

The PP6 Phosphatase Regulates ABI5 Phosphorylation and Abscisic Acid Signaling in Arabidopsis

Abstract: The basic Leu zipper transcription factor ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE5 (ABI5) is a key regulator of abscisic acid (ABA)– mediated seed germination and postgermination seedling growth. While a family of SUCROSE NONFERMENTING1-related protein kinase2s (SnRK2s) is responsible for ABA-induced phosphorylation and stabilization of ABI5, the phosphatase(s) responsible for dephosphorylating ABI5 is still unknown. Here, we demonstrate that mutations in FyPP1 (for Phytochromeassociated serine/threonine protein phosphatase1 )a ndFyPP3, two homologous genes encoding the catalytic subunits of Ser/ Thr PROTEIN PHOSPHATASE6 (PP6), cause an ABA hypersensitive phenotype in Arabidopsis thaliana, including ABA-mediated inhibition of seed germination and seedling growth. Conversely, overexpression of FyPP causes reduced sensitivity to ABA. The ABA hypersensitive phenotype of FyPP loss-of-function mutants is ABI5 dependent, and the amount of phosphorylated and total ABI5 proteins inversely correlates with the levels of FyPP proteins. Moreover, FyPP proteins physically interact with ABI5 in vitro and in vivo, and the strength of the interaction depends on the ABI5 phosphorylation status. In vitro phosphorylation assays show that FyPP proteins directly dephosphorylate ABI5. Furthermore, genetic and biochemical assays show that FyPP proteins act antagonistically with SnRK2 kinases to regulate ABI5 phosphorylation and ABA responses. Thus, Arabidopsis PP6 phosphatase regulates ABA signaling through dephosphorylation and destabilization of ABI5.

UV-B-induced photomorphogenesis in Arabidopsis.

Abstract: Ultraviolet-B (UV-B) is a relatively minor component of sunlight, but can induce stress-related physiological processes or UV-B-specific photomorphogenic responses in plants. In the last decade, significant progress has been made in understanding the UV-B photomorphogenic pathway, including identification of the key components in the pathway, molecular characterization of UV-B photoreceptor and perception mechanism, and elucidation of the signal transduction mechanisms from the photoactivated UV-B receptor to downstream gene expression. This review summarizes the key players identified to date in the UV-B photomorphogenic pathway and their roles in mediating UV-B signal transduction.

Microhabitat associations of terrestrial insectivorous birds in Amazonian rainforest and second-growth forests

Abstract: Across the Neotropics, small-bodied terrestrial insectivores are sensitive to forest fragmentation and are largely absent from second-growth forests. Despite their sensitivity to forest structure, the microhabitat relationships of these birds have not been quantified. From July 1994 to January 1995 in central Amazonia, we characterized habitat at sites where nine species of terrestrial insectivores were observed foraging, as well as at randomly selected sites in continuous forest and two types of 10–15-yr-old second-growth forest common in Amazonia (Vismia- and Cecropia-dominated). We used factor analysis to find suites of correlated variables. From each factor, we selected a representative variable that was relatively easy to measure. We used Bayesian analysis to estimate means and standard deviations of these variables for each species and for each type of habitat. All nine focal species were associated with ranges of microhabitat variables, such as leaf litter depth and tree densities, often absent in second-growth forests. At least in the early stages of regeneration, neither type of second-growth forest provides suitable structure for the terrestrial insectivores in our study. The large leaves of Cecropia trees that make up the thick leaf litter may preclude the use of Cecropia-dominated second growth by our focal species, many of which manipulate leaves when foraging. The leaf litter in Vismia-dominated second growth was also thicker than sites used for foraging by our focal species. In addition, Vismia-dominated growth had more small trees and small nonwoody vegetation, perhaps impeding movement by terrestrial birds. In continuous forest, our focal species foraged in microhabitats with characteristics that generally overlapped those of randomly selected sites. Thus, our results are consistent with the hypothesis that microhabitat differences make second-growth forests unsuitable for our focal species. RESUMEN A lo largo del Neotropico, aves insectivoras terrestres de tamano corporal pequeno son sensibles a la fragmentacion del bosques y en gran parte estan ausentes en los bosques de crecimiento secundario. A pesar de su sensibilidad a la estructura del bosque, las relaciones de estas aves con el micro habitat no han sido cuantificadas. Desde julio de 1994 hasta enero de 1995 en la Amazonia central caracterizamos habitats en lugares en donde nueve especies de aves insectivoros terrestres fueron observadas buscado alimento, al igual que en lugares seleccionados aleatoriamente en un bosque continuo y en dos tipos de bosques secundarios de 10 y 15 anos, comunes en la Amazonia (Vismia-dominado y Cecropia-dominado). Usamos un analisis factorial para encontrar el conjunto de variable que se correlacionaron. Tambien usamos un analisis bayesiano para estimar el promedio y las desviaciones estandar de estas variables para cada especie y cada tipo de habitat. Las nueve especies focales se asociaron con elementos variables del micro habitat, tales como profundidad de la hojarasca y densidad de arboles, usualmente ausentes en bosques de crecimiento secundario. Al menos en los estadios tempranos de regeneracion ninguno de los tipos de crecimiento secundario provee una estructura adecuada para los insectivoros terrestres de nuestro estudio. Las largas hojas de los arboles de Cecropia que crean una hojarasca mas gruesa pueden evitar el uso de bosques de crecimiento secundario dominado Cecropia por parte de nuestras especies focales, muchas de las cuales manipulan hojas cuando estan buscando alimento. La hojarasca de los bosques de crecimiento secundario dominados por Vismia tambien fue mas gruesa respecto a los lugares usados por nuestras especies focales para buscar alimento. Adicionalmente, los bosques dominados por Vismia tuvieron mas arboles pequenos y pequena vegetacion no lenosa, que puede impedir el movimiento de las aves terrestres. En bosques continuos, nuestras especies focales buscaron alimento en micro habitats con caracteristicas que generalmente se superpusieron con las de los lugares escogidos aleatoriamente. En consecuencia, nuestros resultados son consistentes con la hipotesis que diferencias en micro habitat hacen que los bosques de crecimiento secundario sean lugares inadecuados para nuestras especies focales.

Psychometric Properties of the Lasater Clinical Judgment Rubric

Abstract: Simulation is integrated into nursing curricula as a means of developing and evaluating clinical judgment, but there are few valid and reliable tools available and evaluation is not consistently theory based. When the Lasater Clinical Judgment Rubric (LCJR) was introduced in 2007, it provided a common evaluative language for assessment of clinical judgment but had limited support of its validity and reliability. Based on Tanner's Model, the LCJR organized nursing actions into eleven dimensions and four behavioral categories and defined specific actions in each which are typical of developmental phases (Lasater, 2007). The LCJR has been adopted by many nursing programs with limited support of its validity and reliability. This article attempts to organize current knowledge available on the LCJR in an effort to assess its use as a valid and reliable measurement tool, and to identify specific needs for continued testing of the instrument.

User Acceptance of Mobile Technology: A Campus-Wide Implementation of Blackboard's Mobile™ Learn Application:

Abstract: Mobile learning is a fast growing trend in higher education. This study examined how an extended technology acceptance model (TAM) could evaluate and predict the use of a mobile application in lear...

Chemoprevention of prostate cancer by major dietary phytochemicals.

Abstract: Prostate cancer continues to be one of the most commonly diagnosed diseases and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men in the United States. Options exist to treat localized disease, including surgery, radiation therapy, and hormonal therapy, but clinical management of advanced prostate cancer is challenging. In the past few decades, chemoprevention involving naturally-occurring compounds has emerged as a promising and cost-effective approach to reduce incidence and morbidity of prostate cancer by inhibiting the precancerous events before the occurrence of clinical disease. The present review focuses on summarizing the recent advances in studies of major dietary phytochemicals and their role in prostate cancer development.

Predicting helical topologies in RNA junctions as tree graphs.

Abstract: RNA molecules are important cellular components involved in many fundamental biological processes. Understanding the mechanisms behind their functions requires knowledge of their tertiary structures. Though computational RNA folding approaches exist, they often require manual manipulation and expert intuition; predicting global long-range tertiary contacts remains challenging. Here we develop a computational approach and associated program module (RNAJAG) to predict helical arrangements/topologies in RNA junctions. Our method has two components: junction topology prediction and graph modeling. First, junction topologies are determined by a data mining approach from a given secondary structure of the target RNAs; second, the predicted topology is used to construct a tree graph consistent with geometric preferences analyzed from solved RNAs. The predicted graphs, which model the helical arrangements of RNA junctions for a large set of 200 junctions using a cross validation procedure, yield fairly good representations compared to the helical configurations in native RNAs, and can be further used to develop all-atom models as we show for two examples. Because junctions are among the most complex structural elements in RNA, this work advances folding structure prediction methods of large RNAs. The RNAJAG module is available to academic users upon request.

Changes in abiotic influences on seed plants and ferns during 18 years of primary succession on Puerto Rican landslides

Abstract: Summary 1. Abiotic variables are critical drivers of succession in most primary seres, but how their influence on biota changes over time is rarely examined. Landslides provide good model systems for examining abiotic influences because they are spatially and temporally heterogeneous habitats with distinct abiotic and biotic gradients and post-landslide erosion. 2. In an 18-year study on 6 Puerto Rican landslides, we used structural equation models to interpret the changing effects of abiotic influences (landslide dimensions, slope, aspect, elevation, parent material and related soil properties) on seed plants (density and diversity), tree fern density, scrambling fern cover, canopy openness and soil development (nitrogen, soil organic matter, pH and cation exchange capacity). 3. Seven years after landslide formation, catchment size (the landslide area above the point of measurement) was the key abiotic factor influencing plants. The larger the catchment the greater was the diversity and density of seed plants. Conversely, the smaller the catchment the greater was the density of tree ferns and the cover of scrambling ferns. 4. Eighteen years after landslide formation, landslide slope was the key abiotic influence. The greater the slope, the lower was the density and diversity of seed plants and the greater was the scrambling fern cover. 5. Aspect, particularly east-facing slopes exposed to wind disturbances, positively influenced tree fern densities at both 7 and 18 years and negatively influenced seed plants and scrambling ferns at 18 years. Soils were least developed, that is, had lowest soil nitrogen and organic matter concentrations, after 18 years on steep slopes (like seed plants); soils were most developed near landslide edges, on hurricane-exposed slopes (like tree ferns) and where there were high soil potassium concentrations. 6. Synthesis. Abiotic variables have important influences on plant succession on landslides and the relative influence of different abiotic variables changes with time. Improved predictability of temporal dynamics will rely not only on understanding the effects of initial disturbances and subsequent biological responses but also on the different and changing influences exerted by each abiotic variable.

Organic Anion Transporter 3 Interacts Selectively with Lipophilic β-Lactam Antibiotics

Abstract: Transporters are major determinants of the disposition of xenobiotics and endogenous chemicals in the body. Organic anion transporter 3 (Oat3) functions in the kidney and brain to remove metabolic waste, toxins, and drugs, and thus transports diverse chemicals. Some β-lactam antibiotics interact with Oat3, and penicillin G exhibits a strong dependence on Oat3 for renal elimination. However, over 80 β-lactams exist, and many have not been assessed for an interaction with Oat3. Moreover, β-lactams continue to receive U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval. This study identified new β-lactam-Oat3 interactions, provided a head-to-head comparison with Oat1, and characterized the physicochemical determinants of affinity for Oat3. Cells expressing mouse Oat3 (mOat3) and Oat1 (mOat1), and human OAT3 (hOAT3) were used to test inhibitors, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to measure transport. Of 26 β-lactams tested, 12 were clear inhibitors of Oat3, and 14 exhibited poor interactions. Inhibitors exhibited a nearly identical rank-order of potency against mOat3 and hOAT3. Oat1 demonstrated a poor interaction with most β-lactams. The majority of Oat3 inhibitors were substrates, and there were clear physicochemical differences between inhibitors and noninhibitors. That is, inhibitors had nearly 40% fewer hydrogen bond donors (P < 0.001), a lower total polar surface area (P < 0.05), and greater lipophilicity (LogP of inhibitors, +1.41; noninhibitors, -1.54; P < 0.001). Pharmacophore mapping revealed a prohibitive hydrogen bond donor group in noninhibitors adjacent to a hydrophobic moiety that was important for binding to Oat3. These findings indicate that Oat3 recognizes lipophilic β-lactams more readily. Moreover, this study has potential implications for designing β-lactams to avoid renal accumulation or brain efflux via Oat3.

Cohesive band structure of carbon nanotubes for applications in quantum transport.

Abstract: An integrated cohesive band structure of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) applicable to all chirality directions (n, m), starting from the Dirac cone of a graphene nanolayer in k-space, is demarcated, in direct contrast to dissimilar chiral and achiral versions in the published literature. The electron wave state of a CNT is quantized into one-dimensional (1-D) nanostructure with a wrapping mode, satisfying the boundary conditions from one Dirac K-point to an equivalent neighboring one with an identical phase and returning to the same K point. The repetitive rotation for an identical configuration with added band index (n − m)mod3, yields one metallic (M) with zero bandgap corresponding to (n − m)mod3 = 0, semiconducting state SC1 with (n − m)mod3 = 1 and SC2 with (n − m)mod3 = 2. The band gap and effective mass of SC2 state are twice as large as those of SC1 state. A broad-spectrum expression signifying the linear dependence of the effective mass on the bandgap is obtained. Both the Fermi energy and the intrinsic velocity limiting the current to the saturation level is calculated as a function of the carrier concentration. Limitations of the parabolic approximation are pointed out. Several new features of the band structure are acquired in a seamlessly unified mode for all CNTs, making it suitable for all-encompassing applications. Applications of the theory to high-field transport are advocated with an example of a metallic CNT, in agreement with experimental observations. The mechanism behind the breakdown of the linear current–voltage relation of Ohm's law and the associated surge in resistance are explained on the basis of the nonequilibrium Arora's distribution function (NEADF). These results are important for the performance evaluation and characterization of a variety of applications on CNT in modern nanoscale circuits and devices.

Antineoplastic Effects of α-Santalol on Estrogen Receptor-Positive and Estrogen Receptor-Negative Breast Cancer Cells through Cell Cycle Arrest at G2/M Phase and Induction of Apoptosis

Abstract: Anticancer efficacy and the mechanism of action of α-santalol, a terpenoid isolated from sandalwood oil, were investigated in human breast cancer cells by using p53 wild-type MCF-7 cells as a model for estrogen receptor(ER)-positive and p53 mutated MDA-MB-231 cells as a model for ER-negative breast cancer. α-Santalol inhibited cell viability and proliferation in a concentration and time-dependent manner in both cells regardless of their ER and/or p53 status. However, α-santalol produced relatively less toxic effect on normal breast epithelial cell line, MCF-10A. It induced G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in both MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. Cell cycle arrest induced by α-santalol was associated with changes in the protein levels of BRCA1, Chk1, G2/M regulatory cyclins, Cyclin dependent kinases (CDKs), Cell division cycle 25B (Cdc25B), Cdc25C and Ser-216 phosphorylation of Cdc25C. An up-regulated expression of CDK inhibitor p21 along with suppressed expression of mutated p53 was observed in MDA-MB-231 cells treated with α-santalol. On the contrary, α-santalol did not increase the expression of wild-type p53 and p21 in MCF-7 cells. In addition, α-santalol induced extrinsic and intrinsic pathways of apoptosis in both cells with activation of caspase-8 and caspase-9. It led to the activation of the executioner caspase-6 and caspase-7 in α-santalol-treated MCF-7 cells and caspase-3 and caspase-6 in MDA-MB-231 cells along with strong cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) in both cells. Taken together, this study for the first time identified strong anti-neoplastic effects of α-santalol against both ER-positive and ER-negative breast cancer cells.

Ability of chestnut oak to tolerate acorn pruning by rodents

Abstract: Acorns of many white oak species germinate soon after autumn seed fall, a characteristic widely interpreted as a general adaptation to escape predation by small rodents However, the mechanism by which early, rapid germination allows escape and/or tolerance of seed damage remains unclear Here we reported how specific germination traits of chestnut oak (Quercus montana) acorns, and those of other white oak species, allow successful escape from acorn pruning by rodents During germination, chestnut oak acorns develop elongated cotyledonary petioles, which extend beyond the distal end of the acorn (1–2 cm) to the point at which the epicotyl and radicle diverge However, granivorous rodents often prune the taproots above or below the plumule when eating or caching these germinated acorns in autumn Hence, we hypothesized elongation of cotyledonary petioles allows chestnut oaks to escape acorn pruning by rodents We simulated pruning by rodents by cutting the taproot at different stages of germination (radicle length) to evaluate the regeneration capacity of four resulting seedling remnants following taproot pruning: acorns with the plumule (remnant I), acorns without the plumule (remnant II), and pruned taproots with (remnant III) or without the plumule (remnant IV) Our results showed that remnant I germinated into seedlings regardless of the length of the taproot previously pruned and removed Remnant III successfully germinated and survived provided that taproots were ≥6 cm in length, whereas remnant IV was unable to produce seedlings Remnant II only developed adventitious roots near the severed ends of the cotyledonary petioles Field experiments also showed that pruned taproots with the plumule successfully regenerated into seedlings We suggest that the elongated cotyledonary petioles, typical of most white oak species in North America, represent a key adaptation that allows frequent escape from rodent damage and predation The ability of pruned taproots to produce seedlings suggests a far greater resilience of white oaks to seed predation than previously anticipated

Lack of effectiveness of sodium bicarbonate in preventing kidney injury in patients undergoing cardiac surgery: a randomized controlled trial.

Abstract: Study Objective Because alkalinization of the renal tubules can theoretically protect against the mechanisms of acute kidney injury, we sought to determine whether a sodium bicarbonate infusion can prevent acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery. Design Prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. Setting Cardiac surgery service in a community hospital. Patients Ninety-two patients with stage 3 or higher chronic kidney disease who underwent cardiac surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass. Intervention Forty-eight patients received a perioperative intravenous infusion of 0.9% sodium chloride 154 mEq/L, and 44 patients received an infusion of sodium bicarbonate infusion 150 mEq/L in 5% dextrose solution; the infusions were started 1 hour preoperatively and continued for 6 hours after cardiopulmonary bypass. Measurements and Main Results The primary outcome was the development of any stage of acute kidney injury within 5 days after surgery as defined by the Acute Kidney Injury Network criteria. No statistically significant difference in the primary outcome was noted between the two groups: 32% in the bicarbonate group versus 42% in the sodium chloride group (p=0.12). Likewise, no significant differences in the 30-day hospital mortality rate or other adverse outcomes were noted between the two groups. Conclusion A perioperative infusion of sodium bicarbonate did not reduce the rate of acute kidney injury or adverse outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease who underwent cardiac surgery.

Tracking rodent-dispersed large seeds with Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tags

Abstract: Summary 1. Seed dispersal, a critical phase in the life history of many plants, is poorly understood due to the difficulty of tracking and monitoring dispersing seeds until they reach their ultimate fate. Scatter-hoarding rodents play a substantial part in the seed dispersal process of many plant species, however, existing tracking methods do not allow seed monitoring without risk of influencing the hoarding process and seed fate. 2. Here, we describe and test the use of Passive Integrated Transponders (PIT) tags inserted into seeds for the tracking and monitoring of large seeds dispersed by rodents. Unlike other tagging methods, PIT tagging combines the advantages of leaving no external cues and being readable without disturbance of caches. Rodents cannot remove these tags. 3. We evaluated the performance of PIT tagging through a series of trials with Quercus acorns dispersed by rodents, both in North America and in Europe, with equipment from different manufacturers. We quantified effects of tagging on seed removal and caching, cache pilferage and seed germination, by comparison between PIT-tagged and untagged acorns. We evaluated the detectability of buried tags to researchers. 4. Minimal effects of PIT tagging on seed removal, caching, pilferage and germination were found. Buried PIT

A macrophysiological analysis of energetic constraints on geographic range size in mammals.

Abstract: Physiological processes are essential for understanding the distribution and abundance of organisms, and recently, with widespread attention to climate change, physiology has been ushered back to the forefront of ecological thinking. We present a macrophysiological analysis of the energetics of geographic range size using combined data on body size, basal metabolic rate (BMR), phylogeny and range properties for 574 species of mammals. We propose three mechanisms by which interspecific variation in BMR should relate positively to geographic range size: (i) Thermal Plasticity Hypothesis, (ii) Activity Levels/Dispersal Hypothesis, and (iii) Energy Constraint Hypothesis. Although each mechanism predicts a positive correlation between BMR and range size, they can be further distinguished based on the shape of the relationship they predict. We found evidence for the predicted positive relationship in two dimensions of energetics: (i) the absolute, mass-dependent dimension (BMR) and (ii) the relative, mass-independent dimension (MIBMR). The shapes of both relationships were similar and most consistent with that expected from the Energy Constraint Hypothesis, which was proposed previously to explain the classic macroecological relationship between range size and body size in mammals and birds. The fact that this pattern holds in the MIBMR dimension indicates that species with supra-allometric metabolic rates require among the largest ranges, above and beyond the increasing energy demands that accrue as an allometric consequence of large body size. The relationship is most evident at high latitudes north of the Tropics, where large ranges and elevated MIBMR are most common. Our results suggest that species that are most vulnerable to extinction from range size reductions are both large-bodied and have elevated MIBMR, but also, that smaller species with elevated MIBMR are at heightened risk. We also provide insights into the global latitudinal trends in range size and MIBMR and more general issues of phylogenetic and geographic scale.

Rodent-favored cache sites do not favor seedling establishment of shade-intolerant wild apricot (Prunus armeniaca Linn.) in northern China

Abstract: Seed dispersal by scatter hoarders is widely assumed to involve directed dispersal, in which microhabitats selected for caching also benefit seedling establishment and growth. However, in many systems, this may not be true if animal-favored cache sites do not match the safe sites for plants, or if cache sites benefit the plant in one life stage and not another. Here, we investigated whether cache sites selected by rodents are favorable for seedling establishment and growth of shade-intolerant wild apricot (Prunus armeniaca Linn.) in northern China. We tracked tagged seeds and compared the germination and growth of seedlings from rodent-cached seeds with that of naturally established seedlings in a secondary forest and shrubland stand. Rodents preferred to cache seeds under shrubs with medium canopy cover (31–60 %) in litter substrate in the secondary forest, and under shrubs with high canopy cover (>60 %) in soil or litter substrate in the shrubland stand, neither of which conveyed an advantage for seedling establishment. Although fewer caches were made along shrub edges, or under low canopy cover (≤30 %) in the secondary forest, or along shrub edges, open areas of grass, or under low canopy cover in the shrubland stand, these cache sites consistently contributed to higher survival rates. The microhabitats of grass, soil, or low canopy cover significantly promoted the emergence, survival, and growth of naturally established seedlings. Our results are best explained by the conflicting demands of rodents for caching seeds in more secure sites and P. armeniaca’s high-light requirements for seedling recruitment. We argue that the relationship between favored cache sites for seed hoarders and safe sites for plants will often not match but may still allow a reasonable rate of establishment and regeneration.

Biased correlated random walk and foray loop: which movement hypothesis drives a butterfly metapopulation?

Abstract: Animals in fragmented landscapes have a major challenge to move between high-quality habitat patches through lower-quality matrix. Two current mechanistic hypotheses that describe the movement used by animals outside of their preferred patches (e.g., high-quality habitat or home range) are the biased, correlated random walk (BCRW) and the foray loop (FL). There is also a variant of FL with directed movement (FLdm). While these have been most extensively tested on butterflies, they have never been tested simultaneously with data across a whole metapopulation and over multiple generations, two key scales for population dynamics. Using the pattern-oriented approach, we compare support for these competing hypotheses with a spatially explicit individual-based simulation model on an 11-year dataset that follows 12 patches of the federally endangered Fender’s blue butterfly (Plebejus icarioides fenderi) in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. BCRW and medium-scale FL and FLdm scenarios predicted the annual total metapopulation size for ≥9 of 12 patches as well as patch extinctions. The key difference, however, was that the FL scenarios predicted patch colonizations and persistence poorly, failing to adequately capture movement dynamics; BCRW and one FLdm scenario predicted the observed patch colonization and persistence with reasonable probabilities. This one FLdm scenario, however, had larger prediction intervals. BCRW, the biologically simplest and thus most parsimonious movement hypothesis, performed consistently well across all nine different tests, resulting in the highest quality metapopulation predictions for butterfly conservation.

Attention-aware robotic laparoscope for human-robot cooperative surgery

Abstract: Current laparoscopic surgeries suffer from inconvenient, limited visualization due to the small incisions. It normally needs an assistant to hold and readjust a laparoscope to view the surgical set when performing procedures. This assistant can be either a human or a robotic laparoscope holder. However, at the current state, both of them only passively follow the control commands from the surgeon (The human assistant relies on the surgeon's verbal communications and the robotic holder is controlled by the voice or joystick/buttons), whenever the laparoscope needs to be readjusted. The surgeon's explicit intervention in laparoscope readjustment might bring extra mental and physical burdens to him/her. In this paper, the work of granting attention-awareness to a robotic laparoscope holder is presented. The robot can actively observe the surgeon's viewing attention by tracking the surgeon's eye movements and automatically adjust the laparoscope's view correspondingly. Our experimental results demonstrated that this system effectively released the surgeon from the intervention of the laparoscope, which could eliminate the visualization barriers of laparoscopic surgeries, reduce the learning curve in laparoscopic surgeries, and reduce the operation time and cost.

Policy-seeking candidates who value the valence attributes of the winner

Abstract: Several recent spatial modeling studies incorporate valence issues—e.g., voters’ evaluations of the candidates’ competence, integrity, and charisma—that may give one of the candidates an electoral advantage that is independent of his policy positions. However to date all such models assume that while voters value positive valence characteristics, the candidates themselves do not. We develop a spatial model where the candidates are valence-seeking, i.e.—like the voters—the candidates prefer that the winning candidate possess qualities, such as integrity, diligence, and competence, that will enhance his job performance. We analyze a spatial model where the candidates value both the valence qualities and the policies of the winning candidate, and we show that the candidates’ optimal policy choices typically diverge as the valence differential between them increases, and in particular that the valence-disadvantaged candidate normally has incentives to become more extreme as the valence advantage of her opponent increases.

Multifaceted roles of Arabidopsis PP6 phosphatase in regulating cellular signaling and plant development.

Abstract: Reversible protein phosphorylation catalyzed by kinases and phosphatases is a major form of posttranslational regulation that plays a central role in regulating many signaling pathways. While large families of both protein kinases and protein phosphatases have been identified in plants, kinases outnumber phosphatases. This raises the question of how a relatively limited number of protein phosphatases can maintain protein phosphorylation homeostasis in a cell. Recent studies have shown that Arabidopsis FyPP1 (Phytochrome-associated serine/threonine protein phosphatase 1) and FyPP3 encode the catalytic subunits of protein phosphatase 6 (PP6), and that they directly binds to the A subunits of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2AA proteins), and SAL (SAPS domain-like) proteins to form the heterotrimeric PP6 holoenzyme complex. Emerging evidence is suggesting that PP6, acts in opposition with multiple classes of kinases, to regulate the phosphorylation status of diverse substrates and subsequently numerous developmental processes and responses to environmental stimuli.

Gaze Contingent Control System for a Robotic Laparoscope Holder

Abstract: A gaze contingent control system for a robotic laparoscope holder which has a video-based remote eye tracking device and at least one processor capable of receiving eye gaze data from said eye tracking device and in response outputting a series of control signals for moving said robotic laparoscope.

Optimization of sequential subdivision of depth of cut in turning operations using dynamic programming

Abstract: The cutting sequence in the optimization of multipass turning operations has not gained much attention in many previous studies. The objective of this paper is to present a novel method to determine the optimal sequence of cutting passes and machining parameters in turning operations with practical constraints. The optimization problem of minimizing the total production cost is solved in two phases. The first phase is to achieve the minimum production cost for each cutting pass for the predefined depths of cut. A hybrid solver which combines a genetic algorithm and sequential quadratic programming technique is employed to accomplish this step. In the second phase, a dynamic programming technique is introduced to obtain the optimal sequential subdivision of the total depth of cut. Examples interpret the proposed procedure in detail. The results have proved this proposed methodology effective and of generality in comparison with the prior works.

Getting Down to Business: A Look at Leadership Education in Business Schools

Abstract: In the context of business schools, the word “leade rship” is widely used in missions, visions, and marketing materials. However, underlying support and the infrastructure to truly develop leaders may be lacking. The purpose of this paper is to hig hlight the challenges and issues facing leadership education in the context of business edu cation. More specifically, we highlight some of the structural challenges, foundational issues, and research related problems and identify several opportunities to address some of the areas for development. Throughout this paper, we discuss how the National Leadership Education Research Agenda can spark research that will legitimize our work not only in business, but acros s disciplines.

Thio-Click Approach to Glycomimetics

Abstract: Incorporation of sulfur into desirable thio-link for further functionalization is available by two methods, which are clearly emerging from available pool of tools, specifically, Thiol Michael Enone Addition (TMEA) and thiol-ene coupling (TEC). Both approaches are highly stereoselective, and form adducts in overall high yield. TEC thiol-ene coupling protocol was employed in the stereoselective and high yield coupling (78% and 86%) of ene 2 with 1-thioglucose and 1-thiogalactose

Consumer investment preferences and the Chinese real estate market

Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to investigate the relationships between several macro‐economic indicators and real estate investment in China.Design/methodology/approach – This study proposes the “investment preference theory” to explain that bank deposits, stock investment and real estate investment are three important investment vehicles to Chinese households.Findings – The authors find that interest rate, an important monetary aggregate indicator – M2 – and the size of new equity offering are negatively related to real estate investment, which may imply that Chinese investors would prefer to channel their funds to stock market and high‐interest‐rate‐bearing bank deposits to keep a good balance between risk and high return on investment while higher interest rate also increases the cost of borrowing for the property buyers.Originality/value – This is one of the first studies which investigated the connections behind Chinese consumers' real estate investment and empirically tested the choices among bank depos...

Promoting Discovery: Creating an In-Depth Library Marketing Campaign

Abstract: This case study aims to describe how librarians at Indiana University Kokomo designed a marketing campaign to promote its discovery tool to undergraduate students during the fall 2012 semester. The authors illustrate how, through the use of a coordinated marketing plan, librarians applied marketing principles to select a target audience, create promotional designs, organize events, and assess campaign effectiveness. The authors express how libraries can construct cost-effective yet comprehensive marketing campaigns, as well as learn from both unexpected successes and shortcomings of such projects. Ultimately, these takeaways can inform a library's future marketing endeavors.