cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dynactin Is Required for Coordinated Bidirectional Motility, but Not for Dynein Membrane Attachment

Transport of cellular and neuronal vesicles, organelles, and other particles along microtubules requires the molecular motor protein dynein (Mallik and Gross, 2004 ). Critical to dynein function is dynactin, a multiprotein complex commonly thought to be required for dynein attachment to membrane compartments (Karki and Holzbaur, 1999 ). Recent work also has found that mutations in dynactin can cause the human motor neuron disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Puls et al., 2003 ). Thus, it is essential to understand the in vivo function of dynactin. To test directly and rigorously the hypothesis that dynactin is required to attach dynein to membranes, we used both a Drosophila mutant and RNA interference to generate organisms and cells lacking the critical dynactin subunit, actin-related protein 1. Contrary to expectation, we found that apparently normal amounts of dynein associate with membrane compartments in the absence of a fully assembled dynactin complex. In addition, anterograde and retrograde organelle movement in dynactin deficient axons was completely disrupted, resulting in substantial changes in vesicle kinematic properties. Although effects on retrograde transport are predicted by the proposed function of dynactin as a regulator of dynein processivity, the additional effects we observed on anterograde transport also suggest potential roles for dynactin in mediating kinesin-driven transport and in coordinating the activity of opposing motors (King and Schroer, 2000 ).
Involvement of Sensor Kinases in the Stress Tolerance Response of Streptococcus mutans

The gram-positive bacterium Streptococcus mutans is the primary causative agent in the formation of dental caries in humans. The ability of S. mutans to adapt and to thrive in the hostile environment of the oral cavity suggests that this cariogenic pathogen is capable of sensing and responding to different environmental stimuli. This prompted us to investigate the role of two-component signal transduction systems (TCS), particularly the sensor kinases, in response to environmental stresses. Analysis of the annotated genome sequence of S. mutans indicates the presence of 13 putative TCS. Further bioinformatics analysis in our laboratory has identified an additional TCS in the genome of S. mutans. We verified the presence of the 14 sensor kinases by using PCR and Southern hybridization in 13 different S. mutans strains and found that not all of the sensor kinases are encoded by each strain. To determine the potential role of each TCS in the stress tolerance of S. mutans UA159, insertion mutations were introduced into the genes encoding the individual sensor kinases. We were successful in inactivating all of the sensor kinases, indicating that none of the TCS are essential for the viability of S. mutans. The mutant S. mutans strains were assessed for their ability to withstand various stresses, including osmotic, thermal, oxidative, and antibiotic stress, as well as the capacity to produce mutacin. We identified three sensor kinases, Smu486, Smu1128, and Smu1516, which play significant roles in stress tolerance of S. mutans strain UA159.
Quadrivalent HPV vaccine administered to women who became pregnant during trials did not appear to adversely affect pregnancy outcome; however, use during pregnancy is not recommended

Commentary on: SM Garland, KA Ault, SA Gall, et al.. Pregnancy and infant outcomes in the clinical trials of a human papillomavirus type 6/11/16/18 vaccine: a combined analysis of five randomized controlled trials. Obstet Gynecol2009;114:1179–88.
Retinoic Acid-related Orphan Receptor α Regulates Diurnal Rhythm and Fasting Induction of Sterol 12α-Hydroxylase in Bile Acid Synthesis

Sterol 12α-hydroxylase (CYP8B1) is required for cholic acid synthesis and plays a critical role in intestinal cholesterol absorption and pathogenesis of cholesterol gallstone, dyslipidemia, and diabetes. In this study we investigated the underlying mechanism of fasting induction and circadian rhythm of CYP8B1 by a cholesterol-activated nuclear receptor and core clock gene retinoic acid-related orphan receptor α (RORα). Fasting stimulated, whereas restricted-feeding reduced expression of CYP8B1 mRNA and protein. However, fasting and feeding had little effect on the diurnal rhythm of RORα mRNA expression, but fasting increased RORα protein levels by cAMP-activated protein kinase A-mediated phosphorylation and stabilization of the protein. Adenovirus-mediated gene transduction of RORα to mice strongly induced CYP8B1 expression, and increased liver cholesterol and 12α-hydroxylated bile acids in the bile acid pool and serum. A reporter assay identified a functional RORα response element in the CYP8B1 promoter. RORα recruited cAMP response element-binding protein-binding protein (CBP) to stimulate histone acetylation on the CYP8B1 gene promoter. In conclusion, RORα is a key regulator of diurnal rhythm and fasting induction of CYP8B1, which regulates bile acid composition and serum and liver cholesterol levels. Antagonizing RORα activity may be a therapeutic strategy for treating inflammatory diseases such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes.
The effect of Medicaid eligibility expansions on fertility

In the United States, pregnant women and children’s eligibility for Medicaid was expanded dramatically during the 1980s and early 1990s. By lowering pregnancy and child health care costs, the Medicaid expansions may have increased the incentives for women to have children. To investigate this possibility, we examine whether state-level birth and abortion rates are related to the extent of states’ Medicaid eligibility expansions and the fraction of women eligible for Medicaid, controlling for economic and demographic factors, during the period 1982 to 1996. We examine birth rates by race, marital status and education as well as overall abortion rates. We find little evidence that the Medicaid expansions led to changes in birth rates or abortion rates. However, some results do suggest that the Medicaid expansions boosted the birth rate among white women who have not completed high school. We find that restrictions on Medicaid funding of abortions decrease abortion rates and increase birth rates. The results thus do not provide definitive evidence that expansions in public health insurance eligibility have sizable effects on women’s fertility.
Audio Visual Materials

(1956). Audio Visual Materials. Journal of Health, Physical Education, Recreation: Vol. 27, No. 9, pp. 59-59.
Image enhancement with 2-D block LMS adaptive IIR filters

A class of two-dimensional adaptive infinite impulse response filters using the block least-mean-square algorithm and output-error formulation is introduced. The multiplier coefficients of the adaptive filter are updated once per block of pixels rather than per pixel. This approach leads to faster implementation and lower computational complexity. Simulation results are included to demonstrate the potential applications of the proposed adaptive filters in two-dimensional system identification and image enhancement.
Modeling emotional dynamics : currency versus field.

Randall Collins has introduced a simplified model of emotional dynamics in which emotional energy, heightened and focused by interaction rituals, serves as a common denominator for social exchange: a generic form of currency, except that it is active in a far broader range of social transactions. While the scope of this theory is attractive, the specifics of the model remain unconvincing. After a critical assessment of the currency theory of emotion, a field model of emotion is introduced that adds expressiveness by locating emotional valence within its cognitive context, thereby creating an integrated orientation field. The result is a model which claims less in the way of motivational specificity, but is more satisfactory in modeling the dynamic interaction between cognitive and emotional orientations at both individual and social levels.
Design of an analog DFE for disk-drive applications

An architecture for a fully differential high-speed analog decision feedback equalizer is presented. Practical problems associated with an analog implementation and algorithm modifications necessary to overcome some of these problems are discussed. Circuit design and layout considerations for the equalizer as well as simulation and verification methods are described. Future improvements for higher data rates are also discussed. >
Adaptors And Innovators: Success In Business School

The Kirton Adaption-Innovation Inventory measures problem solving style in terms of originality, efficiency, and conformity to group standards. The KAI Inventory was given to 203 undergraduates to determine of academic major and grade point average are correlated with KAI scores. Efficiency and GPA were strongly correlated, particularly among accounting students. However, adaptive business students did not have higher grades than innovative business students nor did innovative liberal arts students have higher grades than their adaptive counterparts.
Component Integrity of Teacher Intervention Management Behavior Using a Student Self-Monitoring Treatment: An Experimental Analysis

This investigation was undertaken to determine the effects of differing levels of treatment integrity resulting from implementation of varying numbers of intervention components. The self-monitoring program was conducted over 4 weeks and targeted positive and negative classroom behaviors. The independent variable included three levels: 100% integrity, that included reward and graphing of behavior; 83.3% integrity, that included the reward component; and 66.7% integrity, that employed self-monitoring with recording only. Participants included 49 elementary school students, mean age of 10.4 years, 36.7% female, 93.9% Anglo. Results of treatment on teacher and student ratings from the Social Skills Rating System, teacher ratings from the Abbreviated Symptom Questionnaire, ratings of the child-specific target behaviors, and student frequency counts of target behaviors were analyzed using Multivariate Analyses of Variance. The changes in rating measures from pre-test to post-test did not significantly differ between groups. Students in the two more inclusive treatment programs recorded more positive behaviors.
Paying for outcomes: innovative coverage and reimbursement schemes for pharmaceuticals.

health care trends. The relevant uncertainty arises in the transition from efficacy-oriented clinical trial estimates derived during product development to realized performance (effectiveness) in a given patient population. These uncertainties include those related to who will get treated (i.e., patient and subgroup heterogeneity), how much product will be used (both individually and at the population level), and what the impact of the intervention will be on long-term individual and population outcomes. These uncertainties are directly linked to a product’s ultimate budget impact and realized value. In addition, they are particularly salient at product launch when coverage and reimbursement decisions are typically made. Cost pressures on pharmaceutical manufacturers and payers continue to grow with the rising cost of drug development; the emergence of new medical technologies, including diagnostics; and the general expansion of treatable conditions, 6,7 which is exemplified by the potentially expanded indication for statin therapy to include healthy individuals with high levels of C-reactive protein. 8 In this environment, health care payers are under great pressure to contain costs in order to remain competitive. As such, performance-based schemes that link payment to outcomes may be a means to create incentives for manufacturers to participate in targeting their products toward those most likely to benefit, since they would expect to receive a lower price per unit in less targeted patient populations. In addition, utilizationrelated schemes (e.g., price-volume and per patient utilization caps) limit total expenditures and budget impact. Another motivation for performance-based schemes outside the United States can be to provide a means to give a discount to payers without changing the global price—the lowering of which can have negative impacts on revenue due to external reference pricing (i.e., benchmarking drug prices across countries). For
Special session: Introduction to systematic reviews in engineering education research

Systematic reviews are a new, fundamentally different approach to synthesizing engineering education research. The primary goal of the session is to increase the awareness and knowledge of engineering educators about systematic review methods. Systematic review methods, widely used in fields such as medicine, psychology and education, have only recently been applied in engineering education to analyze the state of the art. The paper presents steps to illustrate processes involved in a systematic review, sources of standards for systematic reviews, and strategies for information retrieval.
PROVIDING BASIC EDUCATION FOR ALL IN AFRICA: WHAT WE HAVE LEARNED

(2015). PROVIDING BASIC EDUCATION FOR ALL IN AFRICA: WHAT WE HAVE LEARNED. Africa Education Review: Vol. 12, No. 1, pp. 1-6.
Proteasome–NFκB Signaling Pathway: Relevance in RCC

In kidney cancer, the von Hippel–Lindau protein (pVHL) is an integral part of an E3 ubiqutin ligase complex that targets the degradation of hypoxia inducible factor-1α by the 26 S proteasome under normal oxygen levels. Further, the 26 S proteasome has been shown to play a major physiological role in apoptosis, primarily by regulating the cellular level of p53 and NFκB. Our studies in a panel of wild-type or mutant VHL clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cell lines demonstrated that VHL status was not associated with cytotoxic response to bortezomib (PS-341) treatment. Cytotoxicity was correlated with downregulation of proteasome activity, survivin expression and induction of p21 expression. Downregulation of p53 expression by siRNA led to attenuation of PS-341 effects, survivin downregulation, and p21 induction, suggesting that cellular effects are p53-dependent. These results suggest that in vitro, the antiproliferative effects of PS-341 in RCC cells are p53-dependent. Despite these data, two multi-institutional phase II studies evaluating the clinical activity and safety of the proteosome inhibitor bortezomib (PS-341) in RCC have failed to demonstrate the clinical utility of this agent in RCC. Since the proteasome pathway remains of importance in RCC biology, future studies understanding the relationship between pVHL, the proteasome complex, and NFκB could be helpful in designing clinical trials pursuing dual inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor and proteasome signaling pathways.
Rewriting Our Lives: Stories of Meaning-Making in an Adult Learning Community

AbstractThe stories of three adult students who completed bachelor's degrees in an intensive learning community are examined. A controlling narrative learned from families and the culture had led them to interrupted educations and lives that failed to reflect their full capacities. With the guidance of faculty mentors and the collaboration of a peer community, they each reexamined, reinterpreted, and rewrote their failure narratives. Once they understood how they and their peers had accepted society's construction of their identities, these three were able to revise those self-constructions. Further contextualizing their experiences through the lenses of history, art, and literature enabled Helen, Ben, and Millie to make dramatic personal transformations. Helen, a single mother on welfare, rejected the hypothesis that an artist must be a genius or a man. Ben, a Vietnam-era veteran, let go of the macho warrior model and adopted a different way of contributing to the human community. Millie, an African American activist, found the common experience that connected her to both White workingclass women and Cambodian refugees. (Adult Learning, Learning Comunity, Narrative, Collaboration, Mentors, Peer Learning, Personal Transformation)
Microsurgical Anatomy of Anterior Communicating Artery Aneurysms

The basic anatomy important to surgery of aneurysms of the anterior communicating region was defined in 50 brains. Significant findings were: (1) the recurrent artery of Heubner is frequently exposed before the A-1 segment in defining the neck of the aneurysm because it commonly courses anterior to the A-1 segment. The recurrent artery rose from the A-2 segment of the anterior cerebral artery in 78 percent of hemispheres. (2) The anterior communicating artery frequently gives rise to perforating arteries that terminate in the superior surface of the optic chiasm and anterior hypothalamus. (3) The proximal half of the A-1 segment was a richer source of perforating arteries than the distal half. (4) Aneurysms frequently occur in association with hypoplasia of the A-1 segment and their fundus points in a direction determined by the anatomic principles reviewed in this manuscript. These findings, as they apply to frontotemporal surgical approaches to these aneurysms, are illustrated.
Passive Control of a Class of Network Control Systems with Long time delay

This paper studies the passive control of a class of network control systems with long time-delay.Suppose that the sensor node is time driven,the controller and actuator of the networked control systems(NCS) are event driven,the generalized plant is modeled as a linear discrete system without data packed dropout and time sequence in disorder.The passive control is introduced in NCS in this paper based on linear matrix inequality(LMI) and lyapunov function,a sufficient condition for NCS which is subject to the asymptotic stability and passive performance is derived,and the design approach of the controller is also given.A numerical simulation example with Matlab shows that the analysis method and results are valid and feasible.
Abstract 4161: Bortezomib enhances expression of effector molecules in antitumor CD8+ T lymphocytes by modulating Notch-NF-kB-miR-155 crosstalk

The immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment usurps host antitumor immunity by multiple mechanisms including interference with the Notch system, which is important for various metazoan cell fate decisions and hematopoietic cell differentiation and function. We observed that treatment with the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib in mice bearing various solid tumors resulted in an upregulated expression of various Notch signaling components in lymphoid tissues, thereby increasing CD8 + T-lymphocyte IFNγ secretion and expression of effector molecules, perforin and granzyme B, as well as the T-box transcription factor eomesodermin. Bortezomib also neutralized TGFβ-mediated suppression of IFNγ and granzyme B expression in activated CD8 + T-cells. Of note, bortezomib reversed tumor-induced downregulation of Notch receptors, Notch1 and Notch2, as well as increased the levels of cleaved Notch intracellular domain (NICD) and downstream targets Hes1 and Hey1 in tumor-draining CD8 + T-cells. Moreover, bortezomib promoted CD8 + T-cell nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activity by increasing the total and phosphorylated levels of the IκB kinase and IκBα as well as the cytoplasmic and nuclear levels of phosphorylated p65. Even when we blocked NFκB activity by Bay-11-7082, or NICD cleavage by γ-secretase inhibitor, bortezomib significantly increased expression of Notch Hes1 and Hey1 genes as well as perforin, granzyme B and eomesodermin in activated CD8 + T-cells. Data suggest that bortezomib can rescue tumor-induced dysfunction of CD8 + T-cells by its intrinsic stimulatory effects promoting NICD-NFκB crosstalk. We are also elucidating components of microRNA regulation affecting NICD-NFκB crosstalk. Our preliminary data suggest that miR-155 plays a role in bortezomib-induced regulation of T cell function. These findings provide novel insights on using bortezomib not only as an agent to sensitize tumors to cell death, but also to provide lymphocyte-stimulatory effects, thereby overcoming immunosuppressive actions of tumor on anti-tumor T-cell functions. Citation Format: Ariana N. Renrick, Menaka C. Thounaojam, Duafalia F. Dudimah, Portia Thomas, Samuel T. Pellom, Roman V. Uzhachenko, Anil Shanker. Bortezomib enhances expression of effector molecules in antitumor CD8+ T lymphocytes by modulating Notch-NF-kB-miR-155 crosstalk. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 4161.
Overview of Bone Structure and Strength

Many individuals who fracture do not have bone mineral density (BMD) values in the osteoporotic range, suggesting that a better understanding of the factors that influence bone strength and fracture risk may improve identification of those at highest risk for fracture. This chapter outlines the key determinants of bone strength, focusing on the age-related changes and the contribution of bone morphology and microarchitecture to bone strength and fracture risk.
Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation in Patients With Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Knee

Background:Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the knee can be difficult to treat. Cartilage restoration techniques are often indicated when the lesion or fragment cannot be salvaged and the patient remains symptomatic. Fresh osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation can restore both bone and cartilage defects characteristic of OCD.Hypothesis:We hypothesized that osteochondral allografting is a successful method for treating OCD of the knee.Study Design:Case series; Level of evidence, 4.Methods:This study comprised 135 patients (149 knees) who underwent OCA for OCD of the knee (type III or IV) between 1997 and 2013 and had a minimum follow-up of 2 years. The median age was 21 years (range, 12-55 years) and 75.8% of the patients were male. The mean allograft size was 7.3 cm2 (range, 2.2-25 cm2). Evaluation included the following: frequency and type of reoperations; modified Merle d’Aubigne and Postel (18-point) scale; International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) pain, function, and total scores; an...
Outcomes in older patients with localized gastric adenocarcinoma treated preoperatively.

4029Background: Older patients with localized gastric adenocarcinoma (LGAC) have substantial postoperative morbidity and mortality; however, postoperative outcomes of these patients who receive pre...
Using Google Tools for Online Coursework: Student Perceptions

Traditional, institutionally supported learning management systems (LMSs) provide many features and benefits; however, most LMSs do not provide tools and features that are comparable with emerging learning technologies. In addition, since many LMS products require expensive licensing agreements or support teams, these tools are not necessarily the best models for users who may wish to implement their own online learning initiatives. In this paper, an evaluation of the use of Google Sites and Google+ in place of several LMS components for an online graduate-level course will be reported. Data were gathered from students over multiple offerings of a course that utilized Google tools for information presentation and discussion. Participants provided personal perceptions and reactions to using the Google platform, in general, as well as feedback and comparative opinions between the Google platform and previous experiences using the institutionally supported LMS.
Atom-Resolved View of a Cell Organelle on a Computational Microscope

Photosynthetic organelles have been optimized by over two billion years of evolution into highly efficient energy-harvesting machines that surpass man-made solar devices in robustness, adaptation to environmental stress, and efficiency of energy conversion. Leveraging a nanoscale network of bioenergetic proteins, these fascinating properties emerge from the confluence of hundreds of biochemical reactions across the entire organelle. I present the first all-atom model of an entire cell organelle, namely that of a bacterial chromatophore. Construction of this model drives pioneering advances in crystallography and electron-microscopy based structure determination techniques, namely through the innovation of molecular dynamics flexible fitting (MDFF) methodologies in xMDFF and ReMDFF (eLife 2016, 5, e16105; JACS 2015, 137, 8810; Acta. Cryst. D 2014, 70, 2344). Multiscale computations starting with this 100 million-atom model deliver novel insights on the organelle's membrane curvature and charge transport properties, mechanisms of light adaptation, and impact on cellular aging. The results have been confirmed employing atomic force microscopy and biochemical assays. Preliminary results are reported in JACS 2016, 138, 12077 and eLife 2016, 5, e09541.
112-Gb/s C-band transmission using 4-level/7-level coding PAM with chromatic-dispersion pre-compensation under 25-GHz bandwidth-limitation

We experimentally demonstrate 112-Gb/s 4-level/7-level coding PAM C-band transmission using pre-compensation under 25-GHz bandwidth limitation in a conventional direct-detection system. We confirm the scheme has higher residual-CD tolerance and requires fewer receiver-side FFE taps.
Helping Learners to Orient to the Inverted or Flipped Language Classroom: Mediation via Informational Video.

Inverted (“flipped”) pedagogical models are rapidly increasing in prevalence within language education. These models are particularly relevant for language learning given that they promote learner agency and encourage the use of artifacts to mediate cognition. However, the specific methods used in these models are often not anticipated by learners who expect a more instructor- or grammar-focused approach in class. Such expectancy violations can be detrimental because learner expectations may impact motivation and learning (Chang, Wall, Tare, Golonka, & Vatz, 2014). The current study explored the use of a video to (re)mediate students’ expectations and understanding of the inverted classroom. Research questions explored the extent to which the use of an instructional video that explained this pedagogical model impacted learners’ expectations and affective orientation to the course structure and whether individual differences moderated this impact. Results showed that the video adjusted students’ expectations, particularly in the area of second language prevalence in the classroom. In addition, there was a significant pre-post increase in students’ comfort with the inverted model. Finally, significant differences among learner subgroups at the beginning of the semester were no longer present at the course's end. These results support the use of an introductory video for mediating learners’ conceptualization of language pedagogy.
RUSSIAN FEDERATION ENERGY POLICIES AND RISKS TO INTERNATIONAL JOINT VENTURES IN THE OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY

Russia and other oil-rich nations are renegotiating production sharing agreements (PSAs) with stricter terms as well as phasing out these types of contracts as they turn more to the enhanced capabilities of their national oil companies (NOCs). In this paper NOCs are portrayed as aggressive competitors against international oil companies (IOCs). In this shifting landscape many Western oil companies are finding their traditional influence in the oil and gas industry (OGI) deteriorating as high energy prices have brought about renewed nationalism. As a result, many of the existing international joint ventures (IJVs) are experiencing additional business risks as Russia exploits its gas and oil resources to become an assertive energy superpower. The significance of the Kremlin changing the rules and becoming more obsessive with their resources and more bellicose with their entire upstream and downstream operations as it impacts upon IOCs is discussed in this exploratory paper.
Valacyclovir-induced Neurotoxicity in a Patient with a Preserved Renal Function

Valacyclovir, a prodrug of acyclovir, is the first-line treatment for herpes zoster, but the renal function must be monitored, because acyclovir is metabolized by the kidneys. We herein report a case of valacyclovir-induced neurotoxicity with no preceding renal impairment. An 88-year-old man was admitted because of an impaired consciousness after the administration of valacyclovir at 3,000 mg daily for herpes zoster on the chest. His consciousness level gradually improved with hydration and valacyclovir withdrawal. It was later confirmed that the level of acyclovir on admission had been 35.45 μg/mL in the blood and 36.45 μg/mL in the cerebrospinal fluid.
Enslaved African Rebellions in Virginia

Throughout the history of enslavement in colonial America, rebellions or conspiracies for revolts were not uncommon, particularly in the antebellum South where there was alarge concentration of Africans. In fact, well over 250 incidents of uprisings and plots were recorded in the South (Aptheker, 1974, p. 162). Many historians and legal scholars (Aptheker, 1971, 1974; Carroll, 1938; Chambers, 1968; Cheek, 1970; Cobb, 1858/1969; Coffin, 1860; Mullin, 1972; Nelson, 1966) have attempted to answer the intriguing question of why enslaved Africans continued to revolt in general, and in Virginia in particular, given that the odds against a successful revolt were so high. The purpose of this article is to offer an assessment of African rebellions in Virginia, a hotbed of revolts, throughout the history of American enslavement. As Morgan (1975) put it, "If it is possible to understand the American paradox, the marriage of slavery and freedom, Virginiais surely theplaceto begin" (p. 6). Thetime frame for analysis stretches from the colonial period to the Civil War (1700-1865). Two of the three widely publicized rebellions chronicled in American history took place in Virginia. At the turn of the nineteenth century, Gabriel, enslaved to Mr. Prosser, launched an unsuccessful rebellious attemptin Richmond (Rose, 1976, pp. 107114). More than a quarter of a century later, Nat Turner led a massive revolt in Southampton County (Johnson, 1966).1
Bistatic Ocean Reverberation Effects

Working in a bistatic or multistatic environment creates new and unique ocean reverberation issues as compared with monostatic sonars. For a single line receive array, no longer is there a single area in the frequency domain which represents zero doppler per beam, but two possible reverberation notch frequencies and two possible replica adjustments for match filtering. The bistatic receiver doppler corrections are dependent on target range as well as target bearing. The bistatic/multistatic equations for reverberation rejection are discussed. Also provided are discussions and the relevance to the current Multistatic Sonar System (MSS).
Characterization and Initial Sintering of a Fine Alumina Powder

Gamma and alpha alumina powders having an average particle size of 9.6nm and 20nm respectively were sintered isothermally and at constant heating rates. With increase in heating rate, the gamma-alpha phase change occurred at higher temperatures, and densification of pellets originally made of gamma powder was enhanced. Pellets made of alpha powder were not sensitive to change in heating rates. Initial densification was interpreted in terms of Coble creep and grain boundary diffusion of oxygen. In gamma pellets from 1400°C to 1800°C this mechanism was aided by dislocation climb, which reduces the activation energy by approximately 0.57 of the actual value of 441 kJ/mol calculated from shrinkage of alpha pellets at 1200°C to 1800°C. The dislocation climb was caused by transformation of gamma to alpha phase, so gamma pellets densified more (90% theoretical) than alpha (70% theoretical) at 1800°C.
Stability at Scale: Challenges of Module Interconnects for Perovskite Photovoltaics

Uniting efficiency, scalability, and stability is the next frontier for perovskite solar cells. Stability tests conducted on efficient perovskite solar cell mini-module architectures reveal promising stability yet also the stability challenges of scale up.
Time and Life

The thermodynamic concept of time is directly applicable to the discussion of life processes. Charles Darwin and Herbert Spencer’s theory of evolution for the first time related growth and life to developing complexity. The evolution of life is revealed as an irreversible temporal development of complex systems. In the framework of nonequilibrium thermodynamics, evolution can be understood in terms of symmetry breaking. This lies at the root of life’s time arrow. But many different biological temporal rhythms must be distinguished. In the course of evolution, these rhythms were superimposed on each other into complex time hierarchies, encompassing everything from elaborate economic systems to single living organisms.
Using appreciative inquiry to explore and enhance perceptions of empowerment for those experiencing homelessness: A pilot study.

Background Individuals experiencing homelessness endure occupational injustices in the form of marginalization and deprivation at higher rates than their counterparts who are not experiencing homelessness. This population's expressed interests, needs, and desires are frequently ignored or unsolicited by a system of care that continues to exercise power over this fragile and underserved group. Marginalization and deprivation can lead to disempowerment. Few studies have been conducted that explore the perceptions of empowerment by those experiencing homelessness. Providing a "space" for the voice of those experiencing homelessness to be heard can promote occupational justice as an outcome of occupational therapy intervention. Objective This pilot research sought to explore perceptions of empowerment by attendees of a day shelter for those experiencing homelessness. Methods Researchers used an Appreciative Inquiry approach to elicit responses to the question, "For those experiencing homelessness who attend a day shelter, what are their perceptions of how the shelter environment supports empowerment?" This qualitative approach promotes and maintains focus on positivity and inclusivity with respect to the change process from solution identification to maintenance of identified changes. Shelter attendees participated in one of three focus groups. Based upon qualitative analysis of the data, environmental enhancements were made by the researchers and post-environmental enhancement surveys collected data related to perceptions of those enhancements to promote empowerment. Results Six themes emerged from the data and pointed to both internal and external factors that are perceived to impact empowerment. Conclusion Results of this study can be used by occupational therapy practitioners to support and develop inclusive and empowerment-focused approaches for those experiencing homelessness.
Immersive Virtual Reality and Persons with Dementia: A Literature Review

Dementia of any type is incurable and treatment is primarily focused on slowing its progression and managing symptoms, typically accomplished through a combination of medication and lifestyle factors. Social workers are uniquely positioned to suggest new and innovative strategies for improving the quality of life. Technology opens a variety of options, and virtual reality is one of the more recent additions to the available toolkit. This review describes the state of the literature as it relates to the use of immersive virtual reality technology with persons with dementia. One hundred fifty-eight articles were returned by keyword search, but just three of those used modern virtual reality systems. Each of the three studies found positive results in their respective uses of virtual reality with persons with dementia. VR was well tolerated by participants and engagement was high, though sample sizes were small across studies. Results demonstrated immersive VR is a viable pathway for a variety of novel interventions with this population, but more research using modern immersive devices is required. Social workers in a variety of care settings can build on these early findings and develop an array of novel palliative and leisure-time experiences for this population.
Assessing the interactions between COVID-19 and influenza in the United States

The 2019-2020 influenza sentinel surveillance data exhibits unexpected trends. Typical influenza seasons have a small herald wave, followed by a decrease due to school closure during holidays, and then a main post-holiday peak that is significantly larger than the pre-holiday wave. During the 2019-2020 influenza season, influenza-like illness data in the United States appears to have a markedly lower main epidemic peak compared to what would be expected based on the pre-holiday peak. We hypothesize that the 2019-2020 influenza season does have a lower than expected burden and that this deflation is due to a behavioral or ecological interaction with COVID-19. We apply an intervention analysis to assess if this influenza season deviates from expectations, then we compare multiple hypothesized drivers of the decrease in influenza in a spatiotemporal regression model. Lastly, we develop a mechanistic metapopulation model, incorporating transmission reduction that scales with COVID-19 risk perception. We find that the 2019-2020 ILI season is smaller and decreases earlier than expected based on prior influenza seasons, and that the increase in COVID-19 risk perception is associated with this decrease. Additionally, we find that a 5% average reduction in transmission is sufficient to reproduce the observed flu dynamics. We propose that precautionary behaviors driven by COVID-19 risk perception or increased isolation driven by undetected COVID-19 spread dampened the influenza season. We suggest that when surveillance for a novel pathogen is limited, surveillance streams of co-circulating infections may provide a signal.
Non-classical crystallographic slip in a ternary carbide – Ti2AlC

Herein, we report on mechanical deformation of single-crystal Ti2AlC MAX phase using compression testing of micropillars with a range of crystallographic orientations. Our results show that dependi...
Tracheostomy protocols during COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the implementation of rapidly changing protocols and guidelines related to the indications and perioperative precautions and protocols for tracheostomy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate current guidelines for tracheostomy during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide a framework for health systems to prepare as the science evolves over the upcoming months and years. METHODS: Literature review was performed. Articles reporting clinical practice guidelines for tracheostomy in the context of COVID-19 were included. RESULTS: A total of 13 tracheotomy guidelines were identified. Two were available via PubMed, five in society or organization websites, and six identified via health system websites or other sources. Five were from Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery specialties, six from Anesthesiology and one from Pulmonary/Critical Care. All (100%) studies recommended postponing elective OR cases in COVID-19 positive patients, while seven recommended reducing team members to only essential staff and three recommended forming a designated tracheostomy team. Recommendations with supporting references are summarized in the article. CONCLUSIONS: Tracheostomy guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic vary by physician groups and specialty, hospital systems, and supply-chain/resource availability. This summary is provided as a point-in-time current state of the guidelines for tracheotomy management in April 2020 and is expected to change in coming weeks and months as the COVID-19 pandemic, virus testing and antibody testing evolves.
An energy budget model for estimating the thermal comfort of children

Many children growing up in cities are spending less time outdoors to escape the heat. This is contributing to childhood obesity and the prospect of a range of diseases in adulthood. When landscape architects and urban designers use a human thermal comfort model to test their designs for children's comfort, they would have to use a model essentially designed to simulate healthy adults. Yet there are many differences between the body of a child and an adult. The aim of this paper was to modify the thermal comfort model COMFA into a children's energy budget model through the consideration of the heat exchange of a child. The energy budget of a child can be up to 21 W/m2 higher than adults in hot summertime conditions, and 26 W/m2 lower in cold conditions. The model was validated through field studies of 65 children (32 boys and 33 girls) aged from 7-12 years old in 9 days from March to June in 2019, in 68 different microclimates ranging from cool to hot. A 5-point thermal comfort scale of energy budget for children was created using multinomial logistic regression, which revealed that children have a different range of thermal acceptability than adults. The frequency distribution of the actual thermal sensation and the predicted thermal comfort was improved using the new scale. The actual thermal sensation responses from children and the predicted thermal sensation using the model was determined to be positively significantly related. The accuracy of the model was 93.26%. This study has provided an effective children's energy budget model to predict children's thermal comfort. Its application can contribute to the design of thermally comfortable children's outdoor play areas by landscape architects and urban designers.
Ensemble forecasting of the Zika space-time spread with topological data analysis

As per the records of the World Health Organization, the first formally reported incidence of Zika virus occurred in Brazil in May 2015. The disease then rapidly spread to other countries in Americas and East Asia, affecting more than 1,000,000 people. Zika virus is primarily transmitted through bites of infected mosquitoes of the species Aedes (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus). The abundance of mosquitoes and, as a result, the prevalence of Zika virus infections are common in areas which have high precipitation, high temperature, and high population density. Nonlinear spatio‐temporal dependency of such data and lack of historical public health records make prediction of the virus spread particularly challenging. In this article, we enhance Zika forecasting by introducing the concepts of topological data analysis and, specifically, persistent homology of atmospheric variables, into the virus spread modeling. The topological summaries allow for capturing higher order dependencies among atmospheric variables that otherwise might be unassessable via conventional spatio‐temporal modeling approaches based on geographical proximity assessed via Euclidean distance. We introduce a new concept of cumulative Betti numbers and then integrate the cumulative Betti numbers as topological descriptors into three predictive machine learning models: random forest, generalized boosted regression, and deep neural network. Furthermore, to better quantify for various sources of uncertainties, we combine the resulting individual model forecasts into an ensemble of the Zika spread predictions using Bayesian model averaging. The proposed methodology is illustrated in application to forecasting of the Zika space‐time spread in Brazil in the year 2018.
Non-Gaussianities in the cosmological perturbation spectrum due to primordial anisotropy II

We investigate possible signatures of a pre-inflationary anisotropic phase in two-point and three-point correlation functions of the curvature perturbation for high-momentum modes which exit the horizon well after isotropization. In this momentum regime, the early time dynamics admits a WKB description and the late time dynamics can be described in terms of a non-Bunch Davies vacuum state which encodes the information of initial anisotropy in the background spacetime. We compute the bi-spectrum for curvature perturbation in a canonical single-field action with and without higher derivative operators. We show that the bi-spectrum at late times, in either case, is enhanced for a flattened triangle configuration as well as a squeezed triangle configuration and compute the corresponding fNL parameters. The angular dependence and the particular momentum dependence of the fNL parameter appear as distinctive features of background anisotropy at early times.
Heart Disease Deaths during the Covid-19 Pandemic

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is associated with a reduction in hospitalization for an acute cardiovascular conditions. In a major health system in Massachusetts, there was a 43% reduction in these types of hospitalizations in March 2020 compared with March 2019.4 Whether mortality rates from heart disease have changed over this period is unknown. We assembled information from the National Center for Health Statistics (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) for 118,356,533 person-weeks from Week 1 (ending January 4) through Week 17 (ending April 25) of 2020 for the state of Massachusetts. We found that heart disease deaths are unchanged during the Covid-19 pandemic period as compared to the corresponding period of 2019. This is despite reports that admissions for acute myocardial infarction have fallen during this time.
Outcomes after Tracheostomy in COVID-19 Patients.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the outcomes of patients undergoing tracheostomy for COVID-19 and of healthcare workers performing these procedures. BACKGROUND: Tracheostomy is often performed for prolonged endotracheal intubation in critically ill patients. However, in the context of COVID-19, tracheostomy placement pathways have been altered due to the poor prognosis of intubated patients as well as the risk of transmission to providers through this highly aerosolizing procedure. METHODS: A prospective single-system multi-center observational cohort study was performed on patients who underwent tracheostomy following acute respiratory failure secondary to COVID-19. RESULTS: Of the 53 patients who underwent tracheostomy, the average time from endotracheal intubation to tracheostomy was 19.7 daysâ±â6.9 days. The most common indication for tracheostomy was ARDS, followed by failure to wean ventilation and post-ECMO decannulation. 30 patients (56.6%) were liberated from the ventilator, 16 (30.2%) have been discharged alive, 7 (13.2%) have been decannulated, and 6 (11.3%) died. The average time from tracheostomy to ventilator liberation was 11.8 daysâ±â6.9 days (range 2 - 32 days). Both open surgical and percutaneous dilational tracheostomy techniques were performed utilizing methods to mitigate aerosols. No healthcare worker transmissions resulted from performing the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Alterations to tracheostomy practices and processes were successfully instituted. Following these steps, tracheostomy in COVID-19 intubated patients appears safe for both patients and healthcare workers performing the procedure.
In vitro human skin percutaneous penetration: does a second topical application effect flux of first application?

Skin care products are often utilized in conjunction with topical treatment for skin disease. However, these appears insufficient body of experimental data to advise the health care worker or patie...
Self-aligned Copper Oxide Passivation Layer — A Study on the Reliability Effect

The reliability of the plasma etched copper lines with the self-aligned copper oxide passivation layer has been studied with the electromigration stress method. The oxide passivation layer was prepared by plasma oxidation, which covers the entire exposed copper line to prevent the surface oxidation under the ambient condition. The void formation and growth process reflect the line broken mechanism. Voids formed from grain boundary depletion and grain thinning were monitored by optical microscopes. The line failure times with respect to line width and current density were measured. The addition of the oxide passivation layer shortened the lifetime due to the poor heat transfer and copper diffusion, which accelerated the formation and growth of the voids. The narrow line has a longer lifetime than the wide line because of the fewer grain boundaries for flux divergence to form voids. The copper oxide passivation layer was formed self-aligned to the copper line. It also gettered copper atoms diffused from the bulk copper film.