cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reliability‐Based Optimization Models for Scheduling Pavement Rehabilitation

: Deteriorating pavements require timely application of rehabilitation actions. This article presents reliability-based optimization models for scheduling rehabilitation actions for flexible pavements. The pavement reliability and the effect of rehabilitation actions are modeled using parametric fragility curves based on simulated pavement responses. Three models are presented: MIN-C, a model that minimizes the cost where the target reliability is set as a constraint; MAX-R, a model that maximizes the cumulative life-cycle reliability where the budget is set as a constraint; and minimize cost and maximize reliability (MINMAX), a multi-objective model that determines Pareto optimal solutions to reliability-cost trade-off. As the multi-objective optimization model is nonlinear and nonconvex, the solution approach is based on a multi-objective genetic algorithm (MOGA). The results from a numerical example show that the developed optimization model can be used efficiently in determining optimal rehabilitation strategies and cost-reliability trade-offs.
Controlling feed electron flow in MITL-driven radiographic diodes

The electrons flowing in a coaxial magnetically insulated transmission line (MITL), if allowed to flow uncontrolled into a radiographic electron diode load, can have an adverse impact on the performance of the system. Total radiation dose, impedance lifetime, and spot quality (size, shape, position, and stability) can all be affected. Current approaches to deal with this problem require a large volume in the vicinity of the electron diode load. For applications where this volume is not available, an alternate method of controlling the feed electrons is needed. In this paper, we will investigate various ideas for dealing with this issue and present results showing the properties of the various schemes investigated.
Thermomechanical analysis of viscoelastic solids

SUMMARY This paper is concerned with the development of a computational algorithm for the solution of the uncoupled, quasi-static boundary value problem for a linear viscoelastic solid undergoing thermal and mechanical deformation. The method evolves from a finite element discretization of a stationary value problem, leading to the solution of a system of linear integral equations determining the motion of the solid. An illustrative example is included.
NF1-Associated Optic Glioma

Gliomas are the most common central nervous system tumor encountered in individuals with NF1. These tumors are typically low-grade gliomas (pilocytic astrocytomas) involving the optic nerve, chiasm, and tracts (optic pathway gliomas), but they may also develop in the hypothalamus or brainstem of children with NF1. Over the past decade, several Nf1 genetically-engineered mouse models of optic glioma have been established. These instructive preclinical mouse strains have revealed new insights into the role of the NF1 protein (neurofibromin) in astrocyte and neural stem cell growth regulation as well as the importance of the tumor microenvironment and genomic modifiers to gliomagenesis and tumor maintenance. In this chapter, we review these new findings and discuss their implications for future therapeutic drug design.
MRA Frame Wavelets with Certain Regularities Associated with the Refinable Generators of Shift Invariant Spaces

In this paper, we will start the discussion with the refinable generators of the shift invariant (SI) spaces in L2(R) that possess the largest possible regularities and required vanishing moments. For the pseudo-scaling generators, the corresponding MRA frame wavelets with certain regularities are constructed. In addition, the stability of the refinable SI spaces and the corresponding complementary spaces, biorthogonality of the SI spaces, and the approximation property of the spaces are also discussed.
Regional variation in canine diaphragm thickness

To quantify the relationship between both regional and overall diaphragm morphometry and body weight in the dog, diaphragm thickness was measured in five regions of the costal diaphragm and three regions of the crural diaphragm in 40 healthy dogs (8-40 kg). Surface area of the diaphragm, diaphragm weight, and body weight were also determined. Diaphragm surface area and weight varied linearly with body weight, but there was no significant correlation between overall diaphragm thickness and body weight. Diaphragm thickness varied significantly between regions, and three regions had systematic left-to-right differences as well. Because diaphragm geometry influences the diaphragm's function as a pressure generator, regional differences in thickness may alter the relationship between the force developed by the activation of a particular region of the diaphragm and its action on the respiratory system.
Giant air-inflated hydatid cyst of the lung mimicking massive pneumothorax.

A 68-year-old Caucasian man was admitted to our emergency department with a 6-month history of progressive dyspnoea, tachycardia, chronic cough and purulent sputum production. The patient's medical history was notable for hepatic echinococcosis diagnosed in 2002. Physical examination revealed no chest wall movement, a hyper-resonant sound on percussion, absent tactile fremitus and no audible breath sound in the right hemithorax. A slight tracheal deviation towards the left could also be felt on palpation …
Local ATP regeneration is important for sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump function.

Ca2+ pump function of skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) vesicles was measured by monitoring Ca2+ uptake and efflux with a Ca(2+)-sensitive minielectrode and adenosinetriphosphatase (ATPas...
Activities of Supported Palladium Catalysts for Hydrogenation of Acetone and Benzene

Several kinds of supported palladium catalysts were prepared and their activities for the hydrogenation of acetone and benzene were investigated.For the hydrogenation of acetone, the catalysts containing molybdenum oxide as a promoter were found to be highly active. In case of benzene, satisfactory activity was effected by impregnating the supports with an acidic solution of palladium chloride without any promoter. Palladium on activated carbon catalyst prepared by this method showed an excellent activity when reduced with hydrogen at room temperature. Palladium supported on silica or alumina was very active when calcined at about 450°C in air before reduction. In some cases, an increase in activity was brought about by passing hydrogen chloride over the catalyst at temperatures above 250°C after reduction.
Calcium, amylase, and flow rate of rat parotid saliva with diverse frequencies of parasympathetic nerve stimulation.

SummaryCalcium concentration of saliva, when electrical stimulation of the parasympathetic postganglionic fibers to rat parotid is used to evoke secretion, increases with increases in flow rate, but both calcium concentration and flow rate reach maximal levels at frequencies of 16 Hz. The concentration of calcium at highest flow rate is three times that of serum. Amylase activity of the saliva remains consistently low at all flow rates. Therefore, these data show that while calcium and amylase are secreted together, some calcium may be secreted without amylase. By inference it is also possible to suggest that the concentrating mechanism for calcium is at the acinar level, and that as the precursor fluid, rich in calcium, flows through the duct system, very little absorption of calcium by ductal cells occurs at high flow rates, but as contact time is increased with decreasing flow rate, more calcium is reabsorbed, resulting in a final saliva low in calcium. It is not likely that the increased calcium conce...
Mechanism of adrenal involution in the rat after treatment with thiouracil.

Conclusion1. Thiouracil produces an involution of the adrenal cortex. 2. The atrophic adrenal gland of the thiouracil-treated rat retains its sensitivity to ACTH. 3. It is suggested that the involu...
George Eliot, George Henry Lewes, and the Novel

George Eliot's biographers and critics are generally aware of the important role George Henry Lewes played as her literary adviser. They describe how he helped her to develop her literary powers by means of his affection and sympathy. But the real extent of Lewes' influence in this connection has not been determined.
Difficulty Accepting Lifestyle Limitations After the Abrupt Onset of End-Stage Renal Disease

Adjustment to the lifestyle changes imposed by end-stage renal disease is particularly difficult when the onset is abrupt and unheralded. A case of atheroembolism is presented in which living situation, dietary compliance, and family involvement are particularly problematic for the dialysis staff. Discussion by team members focuses on the evolution of a reasonable disposition through diligence and persistence, recognizing the need to compromise medical indications with individual lifestyle and available family support.
Effects of Post-Pyrolysis Air Oxidation of Biomass Chars on Adsorption of Neutral and Ionizable Compounds

This study was conducted to understand the effects of thermal air oxidation of biomass chars experienced during formation or production on their adsorptive properties toward various compounds, including five neutral nonpolar and polar compounds and seven weak acids and bases (pKa = 3–5.2) selected from among industrial chemicals and the triazine and phenoxyacetic acid herbicide classes. Post-pyrolysis air oxidation (PPAO) at 400 °C of anoxically prepared wood and pecan shell chars for up to 40 min enhanced the mass-normalized adsorption at pH ∼ 7.4 of all test compounds, especially the weak acids and bases, by up to 100-fold. Both general and specific effects were identified. The general effect results from “reaming” of pores by the oxidative removal of pore wall matter and/or tarry deposits generated during the pyrolysis step. Reaming creates new surface area and enlarges nanopores, which helps relieve steric hindrance to adsorption. The specific effect results from creation of new acidic functionality t...
Optimization design on the layout of composite material aerofoil structure based on the improved particle swarm algorithm

By adopting the particle swarm algorithm the optimal solution on the layout of composite material aerofoil structure was carried out.Aiming at the pre-maturing convergence phenomena of particle swarm algorithm two kinds of improved measures has been adopted: to variate the particle in accordance with the consistency of particles so as to increase the variety of particle population,let the variable measured chaos optimization method be coupled on the particle swarm algorithm in order to search in variance the optimal particle.The result of computational example showed that the optimization method mentioned in this paper was feasible and effective.
Development Economics under Economic Globalization

The evolution of development economics is closely related to the development of economic globalization, particularly at the third phase (in 1940's) of economic globalization, during which development economics in modern sense sprang up. Its main research is about how the poverty-stricken agricultural countries or developing countries achieve industrialization. From its appearance to before 1980's, development economics consists of two forming phases of structuralism and neo-classicism. Since 1980's, in the tide of new economic globalization, development economics has new tendency and is faced with predicaments. With the great tendency of the being accelerated economic globalization, how development economists do deep introspection and seek new transcending in the big changing state of world politics and economics will determine the future development direction.
The Method of Diluting Antigen in Relation to the Wassermann Reaction

Twenty-four years ago Sachs and Rondoni found that for the Wassermann test, alcoholic extracts of tissues diluted by adding salt solution slowly to the extracts with continuous shaking to secure turbid emulsions were more antigenic than when extracts and saline were rapidly mixed to produce opalescent or fairly clear emulsions. They also observed that turbid emulsions were slightly more anticomplementary than opalescent emulsions; that is, the former absorbed slightly more complement themselves than the latter. In other words these investigators observed that turbid emulsions of alcoholic tissue extracts for the Wassermann test were more antigenic than opalescent emulsions but since then this important factor relating to the manner or method of diluting antigen for the Wassermann test has not received the attention that it deserves. Browning and McKenzie confirmed these observations and also noted that turbid emulsions of alcoholic lecithin-cholesterin extracts of ox liver were more antigenic than opalescent emulsions but that there were practically no differences in their anticomplementary properties when the complement had been kept for eighteen to twenty-four hours before use. Noguchi in 1911 recommended the use of an opalescent emulsion of his extract of acetone-insoluble lipoids prepared by quickly mixing extract and salt solution as being "most certain in action" but in 1923 advised adding the salt solution drop by drop to the extract to secure the maximum of turbidity and antigenic activity. Kolmer advised the use of turbid emulsions secured by adding antigen slowly to saline solution and at this time Bronfenbrenner
Cholesteryl ester transfer protein alters liver and plasma triglyceride metabolism through two liver networks in female mice

Elevated plasma TGs increase risk of cardiovascular disease in women. Estrogen treatment raises plasma TGs in women, but molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here we explore the role of cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) in the regulation of TG metabolism in female mice, which naturally lack CETP. In transgenic CETP females, acute estrogen treatment raised plasma TGs 50%, increased TG production, and increased expression of genes involved in VLDL synthesis, but not in nontransgenic littermate females. In CETP females, estrogen enhanced expression of small heterodimer partner (SHP), a nuclear receptor regulating VLDL production. Deletion of liver SHP prevented increases in TG production and expression of genes involved in VLDL synthesis in CETP mice with estrogen treatment. We also examined whether CETP expression had effects on TG metabolism independent of estrogen treatment. CETP increased liver β-oxidation and reduced liver TG content by 60%. Liver estrogen receptor α (ERα) was required for CETP expression to enhance β-oxidation and reduce liver TG content. Thus, CETP alters at least two networks governing TG metabolism, one involving SHP to increase VLDL-TG production in response to estrogen, and another involving ERα to enhance β-oxidation and lower liver TG content. These findings demonstrate a novel role for CETP in estrogen-mediated increases in TG production and a broader role for CETP in TG metabolism.
Fatigue Behavior of Short Fiber Composite Materials

Abstract Short fiber composites cover a broad spectrum of materials ranging from parallel aligned, high fiber content systems which approach advanced continuous fiber laminates in most properties including fatigue, to systems which are only moderately enhanced versions of many engineering thermoplastics used in injection molding and similar processes. Between these extremes are the widely studied chopped strand reinforced polyesters which are commonly used in automotive and other applications where fatigue resistance can be a key property. This chapter brings together the published data on each type of short fiber composite, along with treatment of continuous glass fiber composites. Much of the data has been fitted to relevant models to explore the general trends and bounds on fatigue sensitivity, and to attempt correlation with the dominant material variables such as fiber type, matrix fatigue behavior and interface quality. The mechanisms of wearout or crack advance are discussed and compared with static behavior where possible. Finally, prospects for the development of short fiber composites suitable for complex shapes, but approaching advanced composite fatigue resistance are considered.
Rule 1: Don’t Pay Others to Lose Your Money

Paying someone to lose your money isn’t fun. That’s why you should either take your financial destiny in your own hands, or choose your financial advisor carefully—the way you choose a medical doctor or a lawyer. Always know where your money is invested and how it performs: read your monthly and quarterly account statements, and meet with your financial advisor regularly to review portfolio performance and investment strategy.
Scaling of the flexible dye sensitized solar cell module

Abstract Dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC) has attracted tremendous attention over last two decades and is currently regarded as a promising alternative to the conventional flexible photovoltaic (PV) market. Thin, light-weight and flexible DSSC module enables deployment on curved surfaces which significantly widens the application space. The critical challenge in advancing flexible DSSC technology remains in the up-scaling of module dimensions. Herein, we report advancement achieved in developing large-scale flexible DSSC modules of the dimensions 100 mm×100 mm with conversion efficiency of 3.27%. A facile binder-free TiO2 paste was synthesized to fabricate firm TiO2 photoanode on plastic substrate at low temperature. Cold isostatic press (CIP) technique was utilized to not only improve the quality of film but also to increase the thickness of TiO2 film. Based on binder-free TiO2 paste, flexible DSSC module with dimension of 100 mm×100 mm was fabricated and demonstrated for mobile phone charging application under indoor light condition.
Anonymity under light traffic conditions using a network of mixes

The analysis of a multi-source single-destination network of mixes is considered under strict latency constraints at each mix. Mixes are relay nodes that accept packets arriving from multiple sources and release them after variable delays to prevent an eavesdropper from perfectly identifying the sources of outgoing packets (also, the contents of the packets are encrypted to prevent these from being used to correlate the arrivals to the mix with its departures). Using an entropy-based measure to quantify anonymity, the anonymity provided by such a single-destination network of mixes is analyzed, with the focus on light traffic conditions. A general upper bound is presented that bounds the anonymity of a single-destination mix network in terms of a linear combination of the anonymity of two-stage networks. By using a specific mixing strategy, a lower bound is provided on the light traffic derivative of the anonymity of single-destination mix networks. The light traffic derivative of the upper bound coincides with the lower bound for the case of mix-cascades (linear single-destination mix networks). Thus, the optimal light traffic derivative of the anonymity is characterized for mix cascades.
High Resolution Fiber-Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization

High resolution fiber-Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is an advanced FISH technology that can effectively bridge the resolution gap between probe hybridizing on DNA molecules and chromosomal regions. Since various types of DNA and chromatin fibers can be generated reflecting different degrees of DNA/chromatin packaging status, fiber-FISH technology has been successfully used in diverse molecular cytogenetic/cytogenomic studies. Following a brief review of this technology, including its major development and increasing applications, typical protocols to generate DNA/chromatin fiber will be described, coupled with rationales, as well as technical tips. These released DNA/chromatin fibers are suitable for an array of cytogenetic/cytogenomic analyses.
Bonded Force Computations on FPGAs

While acceleration of Molecular Dynamics has received much attention, a significant part of that application, the bonded force calculation, has not. We present what we believe to be the first description and analysis of bonded force calculations outside of ASICs. We characterize the computational requirements. We find that a naive direct implementation requires FPGA resources out of proportion with its proportion of the workload. We investigate other options including various softcores and speed/area tradeoffs. These result in an assortment of solutions optimal for various combinations of problem and cluster size.
The Role of Allergy in Otologic Disease

Allergy is commonly associated with conditions such as rhinitis, sinusitis, and asthma, but the relationship between allergy and otologic diseases is less clear. This article examines the evidence for a relationship between allergic disease and several common otologic conditions, including otitis media with effusion, eosinophilic otitis media, and Meniere's disease.
Cumulative Disadvantage and the Role of Transportation in Community Supervision

Drawing from cumulative disadvantage theory, we are the first to examine the role of transportation disadvantage among other known challenges for women on community supervision. We create a composi...
A new structural and kinematic framework for the Alborán Domain (Betic–Rif arc, western Mediterranean orogenic system)

The processes that drastically thinned and rapidly exhumed the Alboran Domain in southern Spain are poorly understood. Geological maps, cross-sections and a synthesis of previous work in the Alpujarride Complex provide a new structural framework for the Alboran Domain, with major revision of the previously defined lithotectonic units. Alboran continental lithosphere was buried and thickened in the Paleogene (D 1 ) and subsequently thinned during late-orogenic extension in the early Miocene. Regional patterns of stretching lineations and late recumbent folds record important spatiotemporal changes in the kinematics of extension. East-directed shear (D 2 ) is preserved in deep orogenic levels and thinned the crustal sequence during rapid exhumation and high-temperature metamorphism. North-directed shear (D 3 /D 4 ) is preserved in upper orogenic levels and reworked earlier structures during the later stages of exhumation and cooling. This large-scale switch in the direction of finite stretching resulted from the interaction between components of orogen-parallel (D 2 ) and orogen-perpendicular (D 3 /D 4 ) extension, and associated vertical and lateral gradients in strain. We provide a novel kinematic model for gravity-driven extensional collapse of the Alboran Domain, compatible with both westward motion of the Alboran Domain relative to the Iberian margin and subsequent northward extensional flow and emplacement of Alboran lithosphere onto the Iberian margin. Supplementary material: A list of sample names, coordinates and descriptions, plus a Google Earth .kmz file of sample locations is available at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.5508643. A geological sketch map of the Sierra de las Estancias, indicating the trend of stretching lineations in the Alpujarride Complex and location of major geological boundaries is available at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.5513398.
Improving Management of Severe Asthma: BIPAP and Beyond

Abstract Acute severe asthma exacerbations present unique challenges in the pediatric emergency department. While most children presenting to the emergency department respond to standard asthma therapy including inhaled β2-agonists, ipratropium, and systemic corticosteroids, some children remain refractory to these treatments and require adjunct therapies. Here we provide a review of the most recent National Asthma Education and Prevention Program guidelines, Global Initiative for Asthma guidelines, as well as recent evidence guiding the management of severe asthma exacerbations in the pediatric emergency department.
The impact of uncertainty on school quality capitalization using the border method

Abstract Hedonic valuation methods are commonly used to measure school quality capitalization to assess the value of school reforms and gain insight into how households choose schools and neighborhoods. These methods rely on observed school quality as a proxy for future school quality, but often ignore the potential for changes in people's expectations of future school quality. In particular, the border method is commonly used to measure school quality capitalization, as it differences out unobserved neighborhood characteristics that may be spatially correlated with school quality. However, it may produce estimates that are biased downwards since it relies on home sales near school borders, where residents' expectations of future school assignment may be different from contemporary expected school quality in the interior. I use 22,604 homes sales in DeKalb County, Georgia that occurred between 2003 and 2012 to investigate if information about potential school reassignment biases border method estimates downward. During this time, the school system sent differential signals to residents regarding their future school quality by announcing potential areas for reassignment long before the approval of final plans. Exploiting the variation between certain and uncertain borders, I find evidence that school assignment uncertainty reduces capitalization of school quality. The results provide evidence that residents' expectations of future school assignment are important factors contributing to the degree of school quality capitalization and suggest that future research should consider factors that influence people's expectations of school quality.
Trials and Tribulations in the First Three Years in Operation of the SSAMS for Biomedical 14C-AMS at LLNL.

Abstract We report on the first several years of operation of our recently installed 250 kV SSAMS at LLNL, purchased to replace our 1-MV AMS system for the measurement of 14C from labeled biochemical samples. We have modified the ion source region to improve ion output. Additionally, the SSAMS required significant software modifications to the data acquisition system in order to accurately measure 14C at the high-count rates typically encountered with labeled biochemical samples. We found that the data can be corrected assuming a nonparalyzable dead time response with a single event dead time of 6 µs. Since operation began, we have measured over 13,000 graphitic unknowns and over 1900 standards with an overall precision of 1.0%. We have optimized our system for the analysis of CO2 gas samples. We compared aliquots of identical samples measured as solid graphite and as liquid drops. Excellent agreement was found between the two, although the average precision of the graphite targets was an order of magnitude better than the liquid drop analysis due to the much larger number of 14C atoms available for measurement.
The Descent Monomials and a Basis for the Diagonally Symmetric Polynomials

Let R(X) e Qlx1, x2, …, xnr be the ring of polynomials in the variables X e lx1, x2, …, xnr and Ra(X) denote the quotient of R(X) by the ideal generated by the elementary symmetric functions. Given a σ ∈ Sn, we let g_\sigma (X)=\prod _{\sigma_1 \gt {\sigma_{i+1}}} (x_{\sigma_1}x_{\sigma_2}\ldots x_{\sigma_i}). In the late 1970s I. Gessel conjectured that these monomials, called the descent monomials, are a basis for Ra(X). Actually, this result was known to Steinberg l10r. A. Garsia showed how it could be derived from the theory of Stanley-Reisner Rings l3r. Now let R(X, Y) denote the ring of polynomials in the variables X e lx1, x2, …, xnr and Y e ly1, y2, …, ynr. The diagonal action of σ ∈ Sn on polynomial P(X, Y) is defined as \sigma P(X, Y)= P({x_{\sigma_1}, x_{\sigma_2},\ldots , x_{\sigma_n}, y_{\sigma_1}, y_{\sigma_2},\ldots ,y_{\sigma_n}}). Let Rρ(X, Y) be the subring of R(X, Y) which is invariant under the diagonal action. Let Rρa(X, Y) denote the quotient of Rρ(X, Y) by the ideal generated by the elementary symmetric functions in X and the elementary symmetric functions in Y. Recently, A. Garsia in l4r and V. Reiner in l8r showed that a collection of polynomials closely related to the descent monomials are a basis for Rρa(X, Y). In this paper, the author gives elementary proofs of both theorems by constructing algorithms that show how to expand elements of Ra(X) and Rρa(X, Y) in terms of their respective bases.
Orientation and Contextualization

I sat in the back of the gymnasium as people settled into rented folding chairs. The smells of new paint and plaster and a thin layer of dust covering every surface spoke of new construction. This was my first year at the school and I had never seen a graduation. But it was not simply a graduation this year. It was a celebration of 38 years as a school for children with learning disabilities and the inaugural event at the school’s new home, a newly constructed building of elegant, high concept architecture. This was a big step up for the school, a product of tireless fundraising and the accumulation of years of enthusiastic support from one of the highest strata of Boston’s society. The construction had been almost entirely paid for through contributions from the wealthy parents, alumni and supporters of the school.
Barriers to Cancer Evaluation Follow-Up: Reasons and Predictors of Missed Visits in a Rural Population in Botswana

Background: Missed clinical appointments contribute to delayed cancer diagnosis, treatment, and ultimately poorer outcomes. In Botswana, a middle income sub-Saharan African country where oncology t...
The Relationship Between Demographic Characteristics and Engagement in an Undergraduate Engineering Online Forum

This Research Category Full Paper explores the relationship between the demographic characteristics of students and their participation in an online forum. Online discussion forums have become widely used in undergraduate classrooms. They extend the learning space beyond the classroom and provide asynchronous opportunities for peer-to-peer collaborations. Past studies have suggested that online posting behavior plays a role in students’ learning outcomes; however, the study of the demographic characteristics of students who do or do not participate in online discussions is limited. We address this research question here. We chose our demographic variables based on prior studies of students’ general online behaviors, and therefore we compare gender, race/ethnicity and international status, as well as declared majors, with engagement in the online forum. The discussion forum provided a platform for the students to ask or answer their peers’ questions about the course material and homework assignments. The setting for this study was a sophomore-level dynamics and vibrations class that incorporated active, blended, and collaborative learning strategies. We tracked an individual’s posting behavior throughout a semester. Study participants were grouped by whether they posted to the discussion forum at least once, and the Chi-squared test of independence was used to determine the statistical significance of demographic differences across the participation groups. The data show that female students were significantly more likely to be involved in online discussions than their male counterparts. Also, White and Asian American students were overrepresented, and international and Hispanic students were underrepresented in the engaged group. Interestingly, students who were required to take this specific course as a graduation requirement do not show more engagement than those who took this class for general engineering credits. This work extends our knowledge of who uses online collaboration tools, and in the future, we will analyze the content of the engagement (posts and comments) and explore the influence of forum participation on the students’ grades.
Towards Standardised SLAs

This paper introduces the concept of standardised Service Level Agreements. It describes the state of the art in four areas that need to be progressed to make standardised SLAs a commercial reality: SLA-aware interfaces, SLA data models, SLA vocabularies and legal frameworks. A summary of SLA-related initiatives within standards development organisations is also presented.
Abstract 269: Miofibroblast Tgf-beta Signaling in a Proteotoxic Mouse Model

Introduction: Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGFβ) is an important cytokine in mediating the fibrogenic response and, in particular, cardiac fibrosis. Extensive fibrosis accompanies the cardiac r...
Opportunities to Develop Training in New and Novel Techniques

Over the last 30 years, there has been a rapid evolution and introduction of surgical and procedural technologies that require practicing surgeons to learn new skills to gain mastery of these new technologies. A learning curve is always present and often impacts the surgical resident and fellow’s operative learning time. Simulation has entered the education landscape and is well defined for basic laparoscopic skills, however technology and surgical techniques continue to evolve at a rapid pace. In order to keep up new training techniques are being developed to decrease the time to surgical mastery and supplement surgical resident and fellow education.
Allogeneic HSC Transplantation for Multiple Myeloma: A Single Institution Experience.

Background: Despite development of new therapies and advances in autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), MM remains, for the most part, an incurable condition. Allogeneic HSCT, through induction of a graft-versus-myeloma effect, can potentially overcome resistance to conventional therapy and induce prolonged disease control. Such approach is limited by the risk of acute and chronic GVHD and the high treatment-related mortality and has been restricted to young patients with aggressive or refractory disease. We reviewed our experience with allogeneic HSCT at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN. Methods: Retrospective single-institution review of consecutive allogeneic transplants performed for multiple myeloma between 1991 and 2006. Results: Thirty-three patients underwent a myeloablative (52%) or reduced-intensity conditioning (48%) HSCT 3.2 months to 15 years after their diagnosis of multiple myeloma (n=31) or plasma cell leukemia (n=2). Median age at the time of HSCT was 48 years (range 33–61) and 19 patients (57%) had received one (n=12) or two (n=7) prior autologous HSCT. Donors were HLA-matched siblings in 25 cases (76%), matched unrelated (n=8), and 5/6 (n=1) and 6/6 (n=1) match, non-sibling family members. Source of HSC was peripheral blood exclusively in 21 (64%) and bone marrow in 12 (35%) transplants. Outcomes are being reported after a median follow up of 21.8 months (25.6 for survivors). Day+100 mortality was 21.2% and the incidences of any grade and grades 3/4 acute GVHD were 54.5% and 33.3% respectively. Among the 26 patients surviving beyond day+100, 57.7% developed chronic extensive GVHD. All 6 patients transplanted after a complete response (CR) to prior therapy remained so after the transplant. Of the 27 patients with measurable disease, disease reassessment could be performed for 20 after the transplant. Ten patients (50%) achieved a CR or near-CR and 8 patients (40%) obtained a partial response. Median time to progression and overall survival (Figure) after HSCT were 21.8 and 40.6 months respectively. Twenty-one patients have died, 10 as a consequence of disease progression. Twelve patients are alive, including 6 patients in CR, 8.3 to 172.7 months after the transplant. In a multivariate model the use of a non-sibling donor and peripheral blood HSC were associated with decreases risk of relapse, but had no effect on overall survival. Conclusion: Allogeneic HSCT is a feasible treatment for young patient with adverse disease features. Graft-versus-myeloma can induced myeloma eradication and prolonged disease control. Download : Download high-res image (61KB) Download : Download full-size image Figure
The Role of Evidence in the Value of Plea Bargains

It has been well established that a “plea discount” or “trial penalty” exists, such that defendants who plead guilty receive significant sentencing discounts relative to what they would receive if convicted at trial. Theorists argue that the exact value of this plea discount is determined by bargaining “in the shadow of a trial,” meaning that plea decision-making is premised on the perceived probable outcome of a trial. In trials, the strength of the evidence against defendants greatly impacts the probability of conviction. In the present study, we estimate the probability of conviction at the individual level for those who pleaded guilty. We find that, contrary to the rational choice model, evidentiary factors either do not impact or negatively impact the probability of conviction, which stands in stark contrast to the impact evidence has at trials. These preliminary findings suggest that plea bargain decision-making does not occur in the shadow of the trial.
Subtypes of Girls Who Engage in Serious Delinquency and Their Young Adult Outcomes

Girls are increasingly becoming involved with the juvenile justice system; however, what brings girls to engage in delinquency or what obstacles these girls face later in life resulting from adoles...
An engineered factor Va prevents bleeding induced by direct-acting oral anticoagulants by different mechanisms

Control of bleeding with direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) remains an unmet clinical need. Activated superFactor V (superFVa) is an engineered activated protein C (APC)-resistant FVa variant with enhanced procoagulant activity resulting from an A2/A3 domain disulfide bond and was studied here for control of DOAC-induced bleeding. SuperFVa reversed bleeding induced by FXa inhibitors (rivaroxaban, apixaban), and the FIIa inhibitor dabigatran in BalbC mice. The blocking anti-protein C and APC [(A)PC] antibody SPC-54 also reduced FXa inhibitor induced bleeding similar to superFVa, whereas dabigatran-induced bleeding was not affected. This indicated that sufficient APC was generated to contribute to bleeding in the presence of FXa inhibitors, but not in the presence of dabigatran, suggesting that mechanisms contributing to bleeding differed for FXa and FIIa inhibitors. Despite different mechanisms contributing to bleeding, superFVa effectively reduced bleeding for all DOACs, indicating the versatility of superFVa's properties that contribute to its universal prohemostatic effects for DOAC associated bleeding. Supported by thrombin generation assays on endothelial cells in normal plasma spiked with DOACs and patient plasma anticoagulated with DOACs, 3 complementary mechanisms were identified by which superFVa achieved DOAC class-independent prohemostatic efficiency. These mechanisms are resistance to inactivation by APC, overcoming the FV activation threshold, and maximizing the efficiency of the prothrombinase complex when the available FXa is increased by FVIIa-based prohemostatics. In summary, it is this versatility of superFVa that delineates it from other prohemostatic agents as a promising class-independent rescue agent in bleeding situations associated with DOACs.
When racial trauma is a chief complaint among health-care staff.

This article explores that racial trauma, similar to the refugee experience, is a human rights violation It needs to be acknowledged and addressed Staff may need mental health counselling The COVID-19 pandemic has not only revealed major health disparities in people of colour, in line with previous research findings, but also highlighted the often overlooked impact of racial trauma on health-care workers Racial trauma is emerging as a chief complaint among healthcare practitioners dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring the importance of acknowledging these invisible wounds in the clinical setting (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved)
Justifying Religious Freedom: The Western Tradition

Religious freedom is regarded as one of our most precious rights and an essential attribute of a free society. But why? Why does the First Amendment single out religion for special protection in our constitutional system? What, if anything, about religion merits unique constitutional rules? Those in the colonial and founding generations who participated in the theoretical articulation and political achievement of religious freedom believed that religion is special because it entails duties owed to God. Their principal justifications for religious freedom were derived largely from Christian thinkers in early modern England and Europe who presented an array of religiously-based arguments favoring religious toleration, freedom of conscience, and disestablishment. These advocates, in turn, discovered the fundamental ideas of religious toleration and freedom in third and fourth century Christian thought, which provided the first principled justifications for religious toleration that went beyond political expediency. While other arguments, both theoretical and pragmatic, were advanced to support religious freedom, the arguments for religious freedom based on the nature of God and of authentic faith were the predominant principled response to religious intolerance and persecution and the centerpiece of the intellectual offensive against state-imposed religious uniformity.Modern legal scholarship has broadly covered the events surrounding the ratification of the First Amendment’s Religion Clause, but insufficient attention has been given to the rationales for religious toleration that emerged from sixteenth and seventeenth century England and Europe and formed the historical context and theoretical foundation for the American achievement of religious freedom. Neglect of these reasons has resulted in a Religion Clause jurisprudence that lacks the coherence and resonance of our eighteenth-century commitment of religious freedom.“Justifying Religious Freedom: The Western Tradition” is the first in a trilogy of articles that examine the justifications on religious grounds for religious freedom’s special status in the First Amendment. The series will trace the religious justifications for religious freedom from their theoretical and historical origins, show their predominance during America’s colonial and founding periods, and explain why they must provide the principal intellectual and rhetorical underpinnings of modern Religion Clause jurisprudence. This article sketches the origins, loss, and recovery of the religious justifications for religious freedom in Western thought through the sixteenth century. Two future articles will complete the series: one will trace the influence of the religious justifications in developing America’s constitutional commitment to religious freedom; the other will examine the weaknesses of modern secular justifications for religious freedom and argue for recovering the religious justifications as the best apologetic for a Religion Clause jurisprudence threatened by both religious majoritarianism and skeptical secularism.
Exploring the presentation of HPV information online: A semantic network analysis of websites.

Abstract Context Negative vaccination-related information online leads some to opt out of recommended vaccinations. Objective To determine how HPV vaccine information is presented online and what concepts co-occur. Methods A semantic network analysis of the words in first-page Google search results was conducted using three negative, three neutral, and three positive search terms for 10 base concepts such as HPV vaccine , and HPV immunizations . In total, 223 of the 300 websites retrieved met inclusion requirements. Website information was analyzed using network statistics to determine what words most frequently appear, which words co-occur, and the sentiment of the words. Results High levels of word interconnectivity were found suggesting a rich set of semantic links and a very integrated set of concepts. Limited number of words held centrality indicating limited concept prominence. This dense network signifies concepts that are well connected. Negative words were most prevalent and were associated with describing the HPV vaccine's side-effects as well as the negative effects of HPV and cervical cancer. A smaller cluster focuses on reporting negative vaccine side-effects. Clustering shows the words women and girls closely located to the words sexually , virus , and infection . Discussion Information about the HPV vaccine online centered on a limited number of concepts. HPV vaccine benefits as well as the risks of HPV, including severity and susceptibility, were centrally presented. Word cluster results imply that HPV vaccine information for women and girls is discussed in more sexual terms than for men and boys.
Issues and Trends in Brazilian Studies in South Korea: Social Sciences and Humanities

A medida que o Brasil surge como um pais significativo e influente na arena global, os estudos relacionados ao Brasil cresceram em varios paises. Nesse sentido, os “estudos brasileiros” tem crescido consideravelmente nas ultimas decadas e tem solida representacao na maioria das disciplinas, particularmente nas ciencias sociais e humanas. Na Coreia do Sul, os estudos brasileiros tambem se tornaram uma disciplina competitiva e promissora por meio do esforco dos brasileiros pioneiros, mas menos vivaz do que os estudos brasileiros nos Estados Unidos e outros paises europeus que nortearam esse campo. Empregando metodos baseados na internet, incluindo busca online e analise bibliografica com base nos dados coletados pela DBpia, este estudo tem como objetivo apresentar e examinar as questoes, tendencias e estado atual da educacao e pesquisa em estudos brasileiros na Coreia do Sul, especialmente com foco nas ciencias sociais e humanas.
Intrinsic Incentives: A Field Experiment on Leveraging Intrinsic Motivation in Public Service Delivery

Although extrinsic and intrinsic motivation likely jointly explain the effort of many agents engaged in public service delivery, canonical models of incentives in firms focus on the former. In the context of a rural health worker program in India, I develop and test a novel mobile phone app designed to increase agents’ intrinsic returns to effort. At one year of follow-up, the self-tracking app leads to a 24% increase in performance as measured by the main job task (home visits). Moreover, the app is most effective when it leverages pre-existing intrinsic motivation: it produces a 41% increase in performance in the top tercile of intrinsically motivated workers, but no improvement in the bottom tercile. This treatment effect persists over time for the most intrinsically motivated workers, whereas early improvements decay among the least motivated workers. Supplementary evidence suggests that the treatment effect on performance is mediated primarily by making effort more intrinsically rewarding, and not by other mechanisms such as the provision of implicit extrinsic incentives. Despite these effects on worker performance, I find no effect on health outcomes.
Screening for Barrett's Esophagus in Patients with Cirrhosis Using WATS3D.

The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease and neoplastic progression in patients with cirrhosis is higher compared to patients without liver disease. The gold standard for screening for Barrett’s esophagus (BE) is esophagogastroduodenoscopy with forceps biopsy using the Seattle protocol. However, many physicians refrain from taking biopsies in cirrhotic patients and rely solely on endoscopic findings to avoid hemorrhagic complications secondary to variceal bleeding or coagulopathy. In this case series, we present seven cirrhotic patients at high risk of bleeding that underwent screening for BE by upper endoscopy using WATS3D with no postprocedural complications.