Table_1_Exploring the relationships among music performance anxiety, teaching anxiety, and self-efficacy of Chinese preservice music teachers.docx

This quantitative study aimed to explore the relationships among music performance anxiety (MPA), teacher anxiety (TA), and self-efficacy (SE) through a survey study of Chinese preservice music teachers (N = 237). We also examined gender, grade, primary instrument, secondary instrument, music learning time length, and time spent in four activities: peer teaching, practicum, internship, and private teaching as potential predictors of MPA, TA, and SE. Results indicated that the higher the self-efficacy, the lower music performance anxiety and teaching anxiety; Simultaneously, the increased music performance anxiety was associated with an increased teaching anxiety. Partial correlation results indicated a significant but negative correlation between TA and SE with MPA controlled. Teaching anxiety, followed by primary piano, was the strongest predictor of MPA. MPA, followed by SE and peer teaching, was the strongest predictor of TA. TA, followed by grade level, was the strongest predictor of SE. The results from the multivariate analysis of variance revealed that the SE of male preservice music teachers were significantly higher than their female counterparts. As a study implication, music teacher educators may consider interventions and support mechanisms that address both types of anxiety simultaneously to improve overall teacher preparedness.</p

Optimal Designs for Multi-Response Nonlinear Regression Models With Several Factors via Semidefinite Programming

<p>We use semidefinite programming (SDP) to find a variety of optimal designs for multi-response linear models with multiple factors, and for the first time, extend the methodology to find optimal designs for multi-response nonlinear models and generalized linear models with multiple factors. We construct transformations that (i) facilitate improved formulation of the optimal design problems into SDP problems, (ii) enable us to extend SDP methodology to find optimal designs from linear models to nonlinear multi-response models with multiple factors and (iii) correct erroneously reported optimal designs in the literature caused by formulation issues. We also derive invariance properties of optimal designs and their dependence on the covariance matrix of the correlated errors, which are helpful for reducing the computation time for finding optimal designs. Our applications include finding A-, A_<i>s</i>-, c-, and D-optimal designs for multi-response multi-factor polynomial models, locally c- and D-optimal designs for a bivariate <math><msub><mi>E</mi>max</msub></math> response model and for a bivariate Probit model useful in the biosciences.</p

Abundance and Diversity of Insects in Coastal Grasslands (Fiscalini Ranch Preserve and Rancho Marino Reserve)

<div><p>Site description</p><p>The study was carried out over three days between August 30th, 2016 and September 1st 2016, in two sites in Cambria, San Luis Obispo County, California. </p><p>Site one: Kenneth Norris Rancho Marino Reserve, located on the southern edge of Cambria. The reserve contains remnant coastal grasslands, consisting of areas that were cultivated and planted with Harding Grass (Phalaris aquatica), as well as those that have never been cultivated. The entire reserve has been grazed by livestock. Transect one is located in a previously cultivated planted area, transect two is located in an uncultivated area. </p><p>Site two: Fiscalini Ranch Preserve is a coastal grassland located within the edges of Cambria town. The preserve has been grazed in the past by livestock but not cultivated. The reserve is no longer grazed and now functions as a nature reserve</p><br><p>Methods</p><p>Two 100m transects were laid out at site one and two. A total of 18 locations from each transect were sampled, six per day. The sampling locations were chosen by generating 25 random numbers between 1 and 100. The daily sites were chosen by generating six random numbers between 1 and 25 to correspond with the position on the original random number list. These final numbers were used to indicate the distance from the start of the transect.  </p><p>At Rancho Marino, transect 1 was located at 35.53966, -121.09032 to 35.53896, -121.08968. Transect 2 was located at 35.52933, -121.07793 to 35.52862 , -121.07728. At Fiscalini transect 1 35.54944, -121.10043 to 35.55009, -121.10102. Transect 2 is from 35.55046, -121.10166 to 35.55117, -121.10227.</p><p>Polaroid Cube cameras were used to capture visits by both flying and crawling insects. The cameras were placed six steps away from the transect northwards at each of six sampling distances. The cameras faced north to minimize interference from solar glare. The first hour of video was reviewed and each instance of an insect entering the field of view was recorded.  Insects that left the field of view and returned were counted as two separate observations because it was not possible to confirm the identity of an individual. </p><br><p>Pan traps were used to sample the insect communities. The pan traps were made from white Solo bowls painted red, blue, yellow or left unpainted. The bowls were filled with an unscented dish detergent solution. The pan traps were placed at each of the six camera locations on each transect in the following order: red, white, yellow, blue with respect to the camera’s field of view. Pan traps were left out for three hours (on average 12:30 - 15:30). After collection, the insects were stored in 95% ethanol. Bees were identified to family at a minimum and genus where possible. The remaining insects were identified to order. </p><p>To assess vegetation cover, 0.25 m2 quadrat was used to visually estimate the proportion of Harding grass, other exotics, native plants and bare ground at each sampling location and the presence/absence of scat was recorded. Any insects observed during the vegetation survey were recorded.</p><br><br></div><div><br></div><div>Group Names: Jenna Braun, Simmy Kang, Aisa Kuper-Psenicnik, Yating Li, Mariam Nnanna, Yue Yin</div

Rapidly Photocurable Corneal Interlamellar Adhesive for Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty

Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) has gained widespread utilization in corneal transplantation, thus generating significant interest in the use of tissue adhesives as a substitute for conventional sutures in this surgical procedure. However, several key challenges persist, including prolonged curing times, inadequate mechanical and adhesive properties, and insufficient biocompatibility. In this study, we developed a three-component corneal interlaminar adhesive, comprising methylacrylic acid-amided collagen (ColMA), methylacrylic acid-amided gelatin (GelMA), and poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA). This adhesive can be rapidly photo-cross-linked through free radical polymerization under blue light irradiation. It exhibits rapid photo-cross-linking kinetics and demonstrates robust adhesion strength. By incorporation of flexible macromolecules into the hydrogel network, the resulting hydrogel adhesive achieves an appropriate modulus for corneal applications. In subcutaneous implantation surgery conducted on mice models, the hydrogel adhesive exhibits stable collagen accumulation capability along with an effective inflammation control ability. Therefore, our developed adhesive holds potential for application in DALK surgery

Ghrelin Inhibits the Differentiation of T Helper 17 Cells through mTOR/STAT3 Signaling Pathway

<div><p>Enhanced activity of interleukin 17 (IL-17) producing T helper 17 (Th17) cells plays an important role in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Significant loss of body weight and appetite is associated with chronic inflammation and immune activation, suggesting the cross talk between immune and neuroendocrine systems. Ghrelin has been shown to regulate the organism immune function. However, the effects of ghrelin on the differentiation of Th17 cells remain elusive. In the present study, we observed the enhanced differentiation of Th17 cells in spleens of growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a (GHSR1a)^-/- mice. Treatment of ghrelin repressed Th17 cell differentiation in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Phosphorylation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) was increased in the spleens of GHSR1a^-/- mice. Activation of mTOR signaling by injection of Cre-expressiong adenovirus into tuberous sclerosis complex 1 (TSC1) ^loxp/loxp mice increased the differentiation of Th17 cells in spleen, which was associated with an increment in the phosphorylation of STAT3. Activation of mTOR signaling by leucine or overexpression of p70 ribosome protein subunit 6 kinase 1 (S6K1) activated mTOR signaling in isolated T cells, while reversed the ghrelin-induced inhibition of iTh17 cell differentiation. In conclusion, mTOR mediates the inhibitory effect of ghrelin on the differentiation of Th17 cells by interacting with STAT3.</p></div

Summary of clinical characteristics in IDH1 mutation patient.

<p>Summary of clinical characteristics in IDH1 mutation patient.</p

Peripheral Effects of Nesfatin-1 on Glucose Homeostasis

<div><p>Aims/hypothesis</p><p>The actions of peripherally administered nesfatin-1 on glucose homeostasis remain controversial. The aim of this study was to characterize the mechanisms by which peripheral nesfatin-1 regulates glucose metabolism.</p><p>Methods</p><p>The effects of nesfatin-1 on glucose metabolism were examined in mice by continuous infusion of the peptide via osmotic pumps. Changes in AKT phosphorylation and Glut4 were investigated by Western blotting and immnuofluorescent staining. Primary myocytes, adipocytes and hepatocytes were isolated from male mice.</p><p>Results</p><p>Continuous peripheral infusion of nesfatin-1 altered glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in mice fed either normal or high fat diet<b>,</b> while central administration of nesfatin-1 demonstrated no effect. Nesfatin-1 increases insulin secretion in vivo, and in vitro in cultured min6 cells. In addition, nesfatin-1 up-regulates the phosphorylation of AKT in pancreas and min6 islet cells. In mice fed normal diet, peripheral nesfatin-1 significantly increased insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of AKT in skeletal muscle, adipose tissue and liver; similar effects were observed in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue in mice fed high fat diet. At basal conditions and after insulin stimulation, peripheral nesfatin-1 markedly increased GLUT4 membrane translocation in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue in mice fed either diet. In vitro studies showed that nesfatin-1 increased both basal and insulin-stimulated levels of AKT phosphorylation in cells derived from skeletal muscle, adipose tissue and liver.</p><p>Conclusions</p><p>Our studies demonstrate that nesfatin-1 alters glucose metabolism by mechanisms which increase insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity via altering AKT phosphorylation and GLUT 4 membrane translocation in the skeletal muscle, adipose tissue and liver.</p></div

Survival curve of AML patients.

<p>Kaplan-Meier curve shows OS (A) in patients with IDH1non-R132 mutations and IDH1 wild type. The OS (B) in patients with non-R132 IDH1 mutations who were transplanted or non-transplanted.</p

mTOR signaling pathway mediated the inhibitory effect of ghrelin on Th17 cells.

<p>(A) Total T cells were isolated from spleens of GHSR1a ^WT and GHSR1a^-/- mice. The phosphorylation of S6 was analyzed with Western Blot. Relative protein signal intensity was quantified. (B) 8 to 10-wk-old TSC1^loxp/loxp mice were injected intravenously through caudal vein with GFP or Cre virus for 4 weeks. The location of Ad-GFP in spleen was observed using immunoluorescence microscopy. (C) Total T cells were isolated from the spleens of mice injected with Ad-GFP or Ad-Cre. The expression of TSC1 and the phosphorylation of S6 were analyzed with Western Blot. Relative protein signal intensity was quantified. (D) Total T cells were isolated from the spleens of mice injected with Ad-GFP and Ad-Cre. The mRNA levels of RORγt and IL-17A were analyzed with RT-PCR. (E) The concentration of IL-17A in mice serum was examined with ELISA. *<i>P</i><0.05 versus Ad-GFP injected group.</p

Patient demographics, clinical data and cytogenetic changes in AML patients with/without <i>IDH1</i> mutations.

<p>Patient demographics, clinical data and cytogenetic changes in AML patients with/without <i>IDH1</i> mutations.</p