cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of Glucocorticosteroid Treatment on Intracellular Calcium Homeostasis in Mouse Lymphoma Cells

There is growing evidence for the involvement of Ca2+ in the programmed cell death (apoptosis) of lymphocytes, but the nature of glucocorticoid-induced Ca2+ fluxes and their role in the cell death pathway are poorly understood. In the study reported here, we assessed the effect of glucocorticoid treatment on intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis in W7MG1 mouse lymphoma cells. Levels of cytosolic Ca2+ were measured using the intracellular Ca2+ indicator fura2 AM, and total cellular Ca2+ was measured by atomic absorbance spectroscopy. The level of Ca2+ within internal stores, including the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), was estimated by measuring the increase in cytosolic Ca2+ induced by either ionomycin, an ionophore that mobilizes Ca2+ from a variety of internal stores, and by thapsigargin, a specific inhibitor of the ER-associated Ca(2+)-ATPase that mobilizes Ca2+ from the ER. Glucocorticoid treatment induced a significant decrease in ionomycin- and thapsigargin-mobilizable Ca2+ stores that was accompanied by an i...
The Influence of Death Attitudes and Knowledge of End of Life Options on Attitudes toward Physician-Assisted Suicide

End of life decisions, such as physician-assisted suicide (PAS), have continued to be controversial as health care policy, moral, and individual health care issues. This study considers knowledge of end of life options and death attitudes as predictors of attitudes toward PAS. Data were gathered from approximately 300 adults through a mailing sent to a household research panel. Validated measures of attitudes toward PAS, knowledge about that state's assisted suicide laws, demographics, and attitudes toward death as measured through the Death Attitude Profile-Revised (DAP-R) were collected and analyzed. The data indicate that attitudes toward PAS are a function of knowledge of end of life options as well as death attitudinal factors.
A Design for the Study of Archeological Characteristics1

With a sample of stemmed projectile points, the nonredundant description of archeological characteristics is demonstrated by principal-axes factor analysis. The obtained dimensions of the artifacts are tested for cultural significance by variance techniques. The concept of “culturability,” or c2, is introduced as the total predictable variance of a measurement of an artifact from a knowledge of its location in time and space. Both the psychologically derived factor-analytic model and c2, analagous to the concept of heritability in population genetics, are found to be useful in interpreting archeological data. The use of available programs and high-speed digital computers allows a complete analysis with a small expenditure of time.
Knowledge Management Capability Assessment: Validating a Knowledge Assets Measurement Instrument

Measurement of organizational knowledge assets is necessary to determine the effectiveness of knowledge management initiatives. A Knowledge Management Capability Assessment instrument has been developed and operationalized to measure knowledge assets identified as Knowledge Capability Areas. A longitudinal field study is initiated in a large microchip manufacturing company to determine the reliability and validity of the KMCA and to assess the success of KM initiatives. In this paper, we provide the initial validation of the KMCA with empirical evidence from two business units of the company. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed that four Knowledge Capability Areas can be conceptualized in terms of latent descriptor variables. Each capability area is identified as an overall latent factor influencing a set of latent descriptor variables. Second Order and General-Specific structural equation models of each capability area provide evidence of the validity of measurement of these knowledge assets.
Distributional theories of impression formation

This paper examines theories of impression formation which represent stimulus information as distributions on subjective dimensions rather than points along a continuum. These theories explain why unfavorable information often overrides favorable information. Subjects were asked to imagine hypothetical persons described by single adjectives or adjective combinations and to estimate the probability that each person would have various degrees of likeableness. Three models were considered to describe how the likeableness distribution for the adjective combination depends on the distributions of the single adjectives. All three models assume that the mean of the distribution for the adjective combination is described by the equal probability criterion which, for symmetric distributions, implies a weighted average of the single adjective means with weights inversely proportional to their standard deviations. The models can be distinguished on the basis of the standard deviations of the adjective combinations. Estimated standard deviations of the single unfavorable adjectives were smaller than those for the single favorable adjectives. Furthermore, the standard deviation associated with an adjective combination tended to fall between the standard deviations of the single adjectives, consistent with the horizontal averaging model.
Object lifetime manager a complementary pattern for controlling object creation and destruction

Creational patterns, such as Singleton and Factory Method [1], address object construction and initialization, but do not consider object destruction. In some applications, however, object destruction is as important as object construction. The Object Lifecycle Manager pattern addresses issues associated with object destruction. Object Lifecycle Manager is also an example of a complementary pattern, which completes or extends other patterns. In particular, the Object Lifecycle Manager pattern completes creational patterns by considering the entire lifecycle of objects. 1I ntent The Object Lifecycle Managerpattern can be used to govern the entire lifecycle of objects, from creating them prior to their first use to ensuring they are destroyed properly at program termination. In addition, this pattern can be used to replace static object creation (and destruction) with dynamic object preallocation (and deallocation) that occurs automatically during application initialization (and termination).
NOx, NMHC and CO emissions from biomass derived gasoline extenders

Abstract Comparative analyses of pollutant emission levels from a spark ignition (SI) engine were performed on mixtures of gasoline with potential liquid fuel extenders including biomass derived α-methyltetrahydrofuran (MTHF). Thus, nitrogen oxides (NOx), non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHC), and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions were determined for 10% blends of MTHF, methyl t-butyl ether (MTBE), ethanol and methanol, and compared with unleaded gasoline. The power output, specific fuel consumption, air-fuel ratios, equivalence ratios, and exhaust gas temperature were also measured. The experiments were conducted on a 2·3 liter internal combustion SI Ford Motor Company engine at wide-open throttle over engine speeds of 2000, 2400, 2800 and 3200 rpm. The NOx emissions were analyzed spectrophotometrically while the NMHC and CO emissions were analyzed using a gas chromatograph equipped with a flame ionization detector. The fuel blend containing 10% MTHF has power outputs and CO, NOx, and NMHC emissions that most closely resemble unleaded gasoline.
CDF of the spectral-efficiency of a simple distributed channel assignment algorithm in spatially distributed wireless networks

The Cumulative-Distribution-Function (CDF) of the spectral efficiency of links in spatially distributed networks with orthogonal channels and a simple channel assignment algorithm is presented for constant link-lengths and nearest-neighbor links. Transmitters are randomly distributed on the plane with uniform probability, and receivers are either randomly distributed or at hexagonal lattice sites. This result includes random channel assignments as a special case. The CDF is used to find the spectral efficiency for a given, small outage probability which is used to optimize the number of channels to maximize the spectral efficiency. The optimum number of channels represents the best trade off between increasing Signal-to-Interference-Ratio (SIR) and reducing the communication bandwidth by channelization. For the system parameters presented here, a greater than three-fold increase in spectral efficiency is possible going from random channel selection to the best-faded-channel algorithm which requires just a marginal increase in complexity in duplex systems with reciprocity making it an attractive alternative to random channel assignments. Additionally, it is found that the hexagonal placement of receivers results in approximately twice the spectral efficiency compared to a random placement of receivers for the same receiver density and outage probability.
Raman Spectroscopy of Some Hydrocarbons and Freons in the Gas Phase

The usefulness of Raman Scattering for monitoring sources of simple gases such as CO, NO, SO2, CO2 has been demonstrated. Some hydrocarbons such as methane and benzene also give Raman spectra which are simple and separated well enough from other species to make analysis straightforward. However, other hydrocarbons, no less important, such as toluene and pentane, have more complicated spectra. Spectra for various hydrocarbons are presented with scattering cross sections normalized to N2. Spectra of various freons are also included and their use as internal standards for mass measurements discussed.
Recent Developments in Pediatric Community-Acquired Pneumonia

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is the most common acute infectious cause of death in children worldwide. Consequently, research into the epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of pediatric CAP spans the translational research spectrum. Herein, we aim to review the most significant findings reported by investigators focused on pediatric CAP research that has been reported in 2014 and 2015. Our review focuses on several key areas relevant to the clinical management of CAP. First, we will review recent advances in the understanding of CAP epidemiology worldwide, including the role of vaccination in the prevention of pediatric CAP. We also report on the expanding role of existing and emerging diagnostic technologies in CAP classification and management, as well as advances in optimizing antimicrobial use. Finally, we will review CAP management from the policy and future endeavors standpoint, including the influence of clinical practice guidelines on clinician management and patient outcomes, and future potential research directions that are in the early stages of investigation.
Continuities and Discontinuities in Cultural Conditioning

(1938). Continuities and Discontinuities in Cultural Conditioning. Psychiatry: Vol. 1, No. 2, pp. 161-167.
Optical Coherence Tomography – Translating Technology to Clinical Practice

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is based on photonics and has had a powerful impact in medicine and research. This presentation describes the history, recent advances and process of translating OCT technology from laboratory to clinic.
Implications of 123I whole body scan pre-ablation of thyroid remnant in papillary thyroid cancer patients

311 Objectives The use of 123I whole body scan (WBS) before 131I radioiodine ablation (RIA) of the post-surgical thyroid remnant in patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) remains debated. The ATA’s guidelines state that WBS may be useful before RIA. Some institutions do not require the use of WBS as part of the protocol. We therefore evaluated the impact of WBS prior to ablation of thyroid remnant in patients with PTC. Methods We reviewed 117 consecutive patients with PTC who had total thyroidectomy and were referred for RIA between Aug 2007 - Feb 2009. There were 84 women and 33 men, 13-82 year-old (average: 45.5). Three endocrinologists blinded to the results of the WBS reviewed patients’ data including sex, age, pathology, Tg, anti-Tg, TSH and ultrasound. Each then returned the RIA dose that each patient would have received, based on the following rules: 50-75 mCi (remnant only); 75-125 mCi (lymph nodes metastases); 150 mCi (lung metastases) and 200 mCi (bone metastases). We compared their recommended doses with the actual RIA doses prescribed after analyzing the WBS. Results The dose prescribed by the endocrinologists matched the dose administered after analyzing the WBS in 59 patients (50.4%). However, for 31 patients (26.5%) the endocrinologists would have given a lower dose and for 25 patients (21.4%) a higher dose than administered based on the results of the WBS. The endocrinologists recommended doses in disagreement with each other in 2 patients (1.7%). In the group of patients who would have received a higher dose there were 8 patients that were not treated after analyzing the WBS: 4 of them had no abnormal iodine uptake and the other 4 had breast uptake. Conclusions Our study suggests a significant role of the pre-therapy WBS in PTC patients referred for RIA post-thyroidectomy. The actual RIA dose that was administered based on the WBS differed from the dose suggested in the absence of the WBS in 49.6% of the cases.
Picosecond Studies of Nonequilibrium Flux Dynamics in Superconductors

A fast time-domain magneto-optical technique is used to explore magnetic flux dynamics in the optically driven nonequilibrium state of Type I superconducting Pb films. It is found that the effective penetration of flux through the nonequilibrium intermediate state can be dramatically faster than through the normal metal. The system is probed through the application of rapid transient magnetic field pulses. Above the superconducting transition temperature, a direct measure of the diffusion coefficient of the magnetic field in the normal metal is obtained, on a time scale where the inhomogeneous spatial distribution of scattering sites is relevant. In the nonequilibrium superconductor the observations are dominated by coupling of the field transients to local motion of magnetic flux threading the normal domains. Studies as a function of how far the system is driven from equilibrium, and of the effect of a static applied magnetic field, indicate that the observations reflect the dynamics of normal/superconducting interfaces, and are strongly dependent on the microscopic arrangement of the intermediate state. By contrasting the response of pure Pb films to that of Pb1−xInx alloys, a comparison to Type II superconductivity is made.
Microstructural Characterization of Texture in Tungsten Films made by Ion-Assisted Evaporation

The microstructure of tungsten films deposited by ion-assisted evaporation (IAE) has been examined by transmission electron microscopy. It is proposed that grain shape is strongly associated with stress and texture changes in IAE films. Evidence is also found of stress induced damage in the substrate due to stress transfer from the deposited tungsten films.
Development of a Reduced Kinetic Mechanism for PICA Pyrolysis Products

A Nonequilibrium Ablation and Pyrolysis model is presented along with the development of a detailed kinetic mechanism for the decomposition of pyrolysis products for carbon-phenolic thermal protection systems. The detailed mechanism consists of 49 species and 136 reactions. A simple procedure for kinetic mechanism reduction is outlined and then used to form a reduced model that is comprised of 19 species and 23 reactions. Results are obtained using the 19 species model for a 5 cm slab of PICA-like material heated to 1644 K. A more comprehensive and more fundamentally base mechanism reduction procedure is then employed to arrive at a reduced model which applies over the entire parameter space of the pyrolysis gas. The resulting reduced model consists of 19 species and 18 reactions. The benets and problems associated with each mechanism reduction approach are also discussed.
New Baits and Attractants for Slugs

The slug Deroceras reticulatum (Muller) was attracted to beer and fell into shallow vessels of the liquid and drowned. Moderately attractive baits were fresh unfermented grape juice and a fermenting sugar-yeast Drosophila bait. Commercial and laboratory-prepared metaldehyde baits on wheat bran or a plastic foam (Oasis®) were increased in effectiveness when moistened with beer but were no more effective than beer alone. Bay 37344 (4-(methylthio)-3,5-xylyl methylcarbamate) on bran and plastic foam plus beer also were highly effective. Baits containing metaldehyde on wheat bran or rice hulls were also increased in attractiveness to Vaginulus plebeius Fisher by adding beer. Observations indicate that slugs do not deliberately crawl into the liquid but tumble in from edges of the vessels.
Effect of Quick Freezing at Very Low Temperatures of Donor Tissue in Gorneal Transplants.

Summary1. Corneas frozen in liquid nitrogen can be grafted in rabbits, but invariably become opaque. Transplants of living corneal tissue, using the same technic as in the frozen, are successful and remain clear. 2. The use of frozen tissue is no handicap in the performance of the operation. 3. The results support the hypothesis that for the production of permanently clear corneal transplants living tissue must be used. 4. The data also support the suggestion that the corneal stroma of a clear graft retains its identity as donor tissue for a long period of time.
Analysis of Oil-whip in an Imported 330MW Steam Turbine Generator and its Solution

The treatment process of the five times oil-whip malfunction of an import 330 MW steam turbine generator since 1997 is introduced.The mechanism of the generator to produce 16Hz low frequency vibration is analyzed.It is considered that the main caus- es of the oil-whip of this unit is the overproof gap between the bearing shells and the light load of them.
Connections, Themes, and Implications for the Future of Evaluation

This final article explores some of the unique and common connections the seven early and influential evaluators have made between their extraprofessional and professional evaluation lives, as reflected in their comments and stories in their individual articles and one prominent theme noted across all cases: These evaluators described how their values developed and eventually shaped their evaluation approaches. In addition, some subthemes are identified and questions for further study are posed. Following, in one page each, the seven authors review their colleagues’ articles and offer their own responses regarding what they learned from each other and what possible implications they foresee for future evaluation. Based on these reviews, readers are invited to think about possible implications for their own and their clients’ evaluation lives. The entire document invites readers to relate to evaluation less as a technology and more as a values-based activity involving their own values and those of other participants in their evaluations.
Dysregulation of Dopamine Systems in a Developmental Disruption Model of Schizophrenia: Implications for Pathophysiology, Treatment, and Prevention

Abstract Clinical observations, postmortem work, and neuroimaging have fostered hypotheses on the etiology, pathology, psychology, and progression of schizophrenia. However, animal models are indispensable tools for testing and expanding these hypotheses rigorously. Here we review the methylazoxymethanol (MAM)-17 neurodevelopmental animal model of schizophrenia in which gross brain abnormalities observed in schizophrenia can be reliably mimicked by exposure to MAM in the rat on gestational day 17. In establishing the validity of this model, we summarize the rationale for approaching schizophrenia as a neurodevelopmental disorder, for using the MAM compound, and the schizophrenia-like abnormalities that the model reproduces. Work in this model has already led to the generation of unifying hypotheses on network dysfunction in schizophrenia, especially the relationship between anomalous hippocampal activity and dopamine dysregulation. Looking forward, the MAM-17 is an important animal model in which the critical neurodevelopmental events underlying the adolescent onset of this disorder may be elucidated and novel treatments may be tested and compared with currently available antipsychotics.
Strategies to Improve the Efficacy of Neutron Capture Therapy of Brain Tumors by Optimizing Delivery of Boron Compounds

As recently reviewed by us,1,2 considerable effort has been directed towards the design and synthesis of low and high molecular weight boron delivery agents to target brain tumors for neutron capture therapy. Until recently,3, 4, 5, 6, 7 however, little effort has been directed towards the development of strategies to maximize tumor boron uptake and concomitantly to minimize normal brain and blood levels. Greig8 has reviewed the chemical, pharmacologic, and pharmacokinetic requirements for optimizing drug delivery to brain tumors. We9 and Chen et al.10 have addressed this subject from the perspective of boron compound delivery. Factors that may influence the delivery of boron compounds to brain tumors include: 1) the plasma concentration profile of the boron containing drug, which depends upon the amount and route of administration, 2) the permeability of the blood-brain-barrier (BBB) to the boron containing compound, and 3) blood flow within the tumor. One major determinant is the lipophilicity of the drug, and two of the chemotherapeutic agents that have been widely used for treating patients with brain tumors, bischloroethylnitrosourea (BCNU) and cyclohexylchloroethylnitrosourea (CCNU), have high octanol/water partition coefficients, and correspondingly high permeability values. In general, a high steady-state blood concentration will maximize brain uptake, while rapid clearance will reduce it, except in the case of intra-arterial drug administration. The intravenous route currently is being used clinically to deliver both sodium borocaptate (BSH)11 and boronophenylalanine (BPA),12 and although this is convenient, it may not be ideally suited for delivering low and high molecular weight agents to brain tumors.
Perceived Walking Speed, Measured Tandem Walk, Incident Stroke, and Mortality in Older Latino Adults: A Prospective Cohort Study

Background Walking speed is associated with functional status and all-cause mortality. Yet the relationship between walking speed and stroke, also a leading cause of disability, remains poorly understood, especially in older Latino adults who suffer from a significant burden of stroke. Methods A total of 1,486 stroke-free participants from the Sacramento Area Latino Study on Aging, aged 60 and older at baseline in 1998-1999, were followed annually through 2010. Participants reported their usual walking speed outdoors which was classified into slow, medium, or fast. We also assessed timed tandem walk ability (unable or eight or more errors vs less than eight errors). We ascertained three incident stroke endpoints: total stroke, nonfatal stroke, and fatal stroke. Using Cox proportional hazards models, we estimated hazard ratios (HRs) for stroke at different walking speed and timed tandem walk categories. Results Over an average of 6 years of follow-up (SD = 2.8), the incidence rate of total strokes was 23.2/1,000 person-years for slow walkers compared to 15.6/1,000 person-years for medium walkers, and 7.6/1,000 person-years for fast walkers. In Cox models adjusted for sociodemographics, cardiovascular risk, cognition and functional status, and self-rated health, the hazard of total stroke was 31% lower for medium walkers (HR: 0.69, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.47, 1.02) and 56% lower for fast walkers (HR: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.24, 0.82) compared with slow walkers. We found similar associations with timed tandem walk ability (fully adjusted HR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.45, 0.98). Conclusions Our findings suggest perceived walking speed captures more than self-rated health alone and is a strong risk factor for stroke risk in Latino older adults.
Two is company, three is a crowd Age-related differences in processing concurrent visual, auditory, and tactile cues

In many data-rich and safety-critical environments, multimodal displays (i.e., displays that present information in the visual, auditory, and tactile channels) are employed to support operators in ...
Simulation of Late Summer Arctic Clouds during ASCOS with Polar WRF

AbstractLow-level clouds are extensive in the Arctic and contribute to inadequately understood feedbacks within the changing regional climate. The simulation of low-level clouds, including mixed-phase clouds, over the Arctic Ocean during summer and autumn remains a challenge for both real-time weather forecasts and climate models. Here, improved cloud representations are sought with high-resolution mesoscale simulations of the August–September 2008 Arctic Summer Cloud Ocean Study (ASCOS) with the latest polar-optimized version (3.7.1) of the Weather Research and Forecasting (Polar WRF) Model with the advanced two-moment Morrison microphysics scheme. Simulations across several synoptic regimes for 10 August–3 September 2008 are performed with three domains including an outer domain at 27-km grid spacing and nested domains at 9- and 3-km spacing. These are realistic horizontal grid spacings for common mesoscale applications. The control simulation produces excessive cloud liquid water in low clouds resultin...
Project-based learning in a Probabilistic Analysis course in the CS curriculum

This paper presents our experience in using a project-based learning approach in a senior-level class, which is not a traditional candidate for learning through projects in the CS curriculum. The objective of this class was to expose students to computer science applications of probabilistic analysis and stochastic processes. The class project expected the students to apply the concepts of Markov Chains constructed during in-class lectures to develop an understanding of the ranking algorithms used by the widely popular search giant, Google. These ranking algorithms sort web pages according to their relevance to a search query. Based on their understanding, the students were also expected to identify and document some strategies that can be employed by owners to improve the rank of their web sites. We found that our project, that guided the students through the four phases of project-based learning, led to unprecedented outcomes in the students' understanding of the subject. Not only did they apply the in-class knowledge to cultivate an understanding of a real-world problem and its solution, but they were also able to project strategies that were external to the class material. In the end-of-the-semester course evaluation, students commented that the project was very cool and well thought out, informally validating the value of our project-based approach to their learning.
Mechanical testing of the thoracic spine and related implants

While orthopedic implants commonly involve the thoracic spine, it has been less frequently a focus of mechanical testing studies than the lumbar and cervical spines. Orthopedic implants may be used in the thoracic spine to address conditions such as vertebral fractures, kyphotic and scoliotic deformities, disc degeneration, and spinal instability or neural compression due to metastatic tumors. Fusion and fixation techniques are common for many of these indications, while specialized implants that allow for spinal growth are of particular interest for adolescent scoliosis. The unique features of the thoracic spine, particularly its integration with the rib cage, add challenge and complexity to testing and analyzing the performance of thoracic implants. For certain cases existing standards focused on cervical and/or lumbar implant testing might be applied to thoracic implant studies. However, to better evaluate performance in situ, mechanical testing of thoracic implants should consider the overall structure including the rib cage. Some studies have reported on methods for testing in larger segments or whole cadaveric thoracic spines with the rib cage intact, and future studies should consider adopting and expanding on these methods. Computational modeling studies offer several strengths to complement laboratory experiments, including the future possibility of analyzing implant performance in models of patients for treatment planning. Overall, the complexities of thoracic spine testing and lack of standards specific to thoracic implants remain challenges. In this chapter we have summarized approaches that may inform current and future best practices.
Forbearance as Redistribution: The Politics of Informal Welfare in Latin America

Why do governments tolerate the violation of their own laws and regulations? Conventional wisdom is that governments cannot enforce their laws. Forbearance as Redistribution challenges the standard interpretation by showing that politicians choose not to enforce laws to distribute resources and win elections. Alisha Holland demonstrates that this forbearance towards activities such as squatting and street vending is a powerful strategy for attracting the electoral support of poor voters. In many developing countries, state social programs are small or poorly targeted and thus do not offer politicians an effective means to mobilize the poor. In contrast, forbearance constitutes an informal welfare policy around which Holland argues much of urban politics turns. While forbearance offers social support to those failed by their governments, it also perpetuates the same exclusionary welfare policies from which it grows.
The impact of the great recession on the financial management practices of state and local governments: part I

The Chief Financial Officers Act and subsequent legislation require federal agencies to produce corporate-style financial statements. Arguments for financial statements drew on private sector analogies and suggested policy makers and managers would use the information to make better public policy and management decisions and improve accountability for financial management and program performance. Nearly all major government agencies have unqualified audit opinions and improvements in financial management are claimed. But benefits for policy making and management are not yet well understood. This paper examines the question by comparison with the private sector and by examining what agencies say about the uses and users of financial statement information. The emerging challenge in the evolution of federal financial reporting is to develop better government-specific analytical tools and other financial information for policy makers and managers.
The curmudgeon counterexample seeking sustainable STEM transformation

When it comes to evidence-based practices (EBPs) such as interactive engagement, collaborative problem solving, and project-based learning, the proof is in the name. These pedagogies are called “evidence-based” because there is little conflicting evidence about their efficacy. Yet, discipline-based education research still tends to focus on students' outcomes from EBPs, rather than on how to successfully sustain the use of those EBPs. Because of students' transient engagement with STEM higher education (i.e., a four-to five-year window), STEM education reformers should not rely on them as the primary change agents for sustained transformation of the culture in STEM fields, especially when instructors can spend decades in the STEM higher education context and touch the lives of thousands of students. That is, rather than asking about students' outcomes from EBPs, the truly transformative questions are a) given all of the evidence that EBPs are effective, why are so many instructors still unwilling to abandon straight didactic lecture, and b) why are EBP-supportive instructors still referred to as the “choir,” rather than the norm? This work-in-progress begins with the hypothesis that instructors' own mental processes around teaching and learning may be the most important and least explored aspects of the slow progress in transforming the culture in STEM fields. Through the development of a brief (less than 15 question) survey, this work seeks to answer three important questions related to why instructors choose to implement EBPs (or not) in their teaching: 1. What psychological attributes correlate with sustained implementation of EBPs? 2. Are there “counterexample” instructors who successfully implement EBPs when their psychological attributes predict that they would not? 3. What factors contribute to counterexample instructors' success in implementing EBPs? By drawing out themes from the answers to these questions, this work proposes to operationalize instructors' experiences into actionable methods of helping reluctant instructors with higher psychological tolls for implementing EBPs overcome those tolls.
No Effect of Assisted Hip Rotation on Bat Velocity

Softball and baseball are games that require multiple skill sets such as throwing, hitting and fielding. Players spend a copious amount of time in batting practice in order to be successful hitters. Variables commonly associated with successful hitting include bat velocity and torso rotation. The concept of overspeed bodyweight assistance (BWA) has shown increases in vertical jump and sprint times, but not hip rotation and batting. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of assisted hip rotation on bat velocity. Twenty-one male and female recreational softball and baseball players (15 males, age 23.8 ± 3.1yrs; height 177.67 ± 6.71cm; body mass 85.38 ± 14.83kg; 6 females, age 21.5 ± 2.1yrs; height 162.20 ± 9.82cm; body mass 60.28 ± 9.72kg) volunteered to participate. Four different BWA conditions (0%, 10%, 20%, and 30%) were randomly applied and their effects on bat velocity were analyzed. Subjects performed three maximal effort swings under each condition in a custom measurement device and average bat velocity (MPH) was used for analysis. A mixed factor ANOVA revealed no interaction (p=0.841) or main effect for condition, but there was a main effect for sex where males had greater bat velocity (43.82±4.40 - 0% BWA, 41.52±6.09 - 10% BWA, 42.59±7.24 - 20% BWA, 42.69±6.42 - 30% BWA) than females (32.57±5.33 - 0% BWA, 31.69±3.40 - 10% BWA, 32.43±5.06 - 20% BWA, 32.08±4.83 - 30% BWA) across all conditions Using the concept of overspeed training with assisted hip rotation up to 30% BWA did not result in an increase in bat velocity. Future research should examine elastic band angle and hip translation at set-up.
THE RELATION BETWEEN HUMAN NATURAL KILLER CELLS AND INTERLEUKIN 2

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the association of natural killer (NK) cells and their growth in interleukin 2 (IL-2)-containing medium and the ability of this lymphokine to augment mouse-NK-cell activity. In a study described in the chapter, the purification of human IL-2 and the generation of monoclonal antibodies against this lymphokine made it possible to study the effect of IL-2 or monoclonal anti-IL-2 antibody on highly enriched NK cell populations, obtained from human peripheral blood. Anti-IL-2, at concentrations sufficient to block growth of the IL-2 dependent cell line CT6, caused 50% inhibition of the cytotoxicity compared to cells treated with control antibodies. Nonadherent cells from human PBL were separated in a seven-step discontinuous Percoll gradient. Considering the hypothesis that T cells provided the IL-2, which was found in populations with high NK-cell activity after stimulation or which was necessary for the NK cell activity, further steps were taken to eliminate T cells from the enriched NK cell populations. The experiments unexpectedly documented the difficulty to distinguish between NK cells and T cells using markers recognized by monoclonal antibodies.
A "Transport" Condensed History Method

“Condensed history” methods [1–4] are Monte Carlo electron transport simulation algorithms in which the cumulative effects of multiple electron collisions are approximated in a single “step” of (user-specified) path length s0. This “step,” often chosen to be many mean free paths, is the distance that each Monte Carlo electron travels between “collisions”. Many current condensed history methods utilize a splitting routine over the range 0 ≤ s ≤ S0. For example, the PENELOPE method [3] splits each step into two substeps; one with length ξS0 and one with length (1 — ξ)s0, where ξ is a random number from 0 < ξ < 1. A simpler method was proposed earlier by Berger [1], who suggested that the two substeps should have equal length s0/2. Because condensed history methods approximate the physical transport process, solutions of condensed history simulations contain both statistical errors and a truncation error - which is presumably proportional to some power of the path length s0. Also, because condensed history schemes are not equivalent to transport schemes, they contain features that lead to difficulties in some practical calculations. Most notably, it is not always easy to move condensed history Monte Carlo particles accurately across a material interface. For example, as a Monte Carlo particle approaches an interface, the PRESTA method in EGS2 considers a sequence of smaller steps, until the particle is almost traveling in an analog mode [4]. After the particle passes through the interface, the steps are gradually increased back to s0.
Vascular mechanobiology, immunobiology, and arterial growth and remodeling

Abstract Since the mid-1970s, it has been increasingly recognized that vascular cells—endothelial, smooth muscle, and fibroblasts—are highly sensitive to mechanical stimuli, changing their gene expression profile in response to changes in mechanics. Such changes explain many observed vascular adaptations to perturbations in hemodynamics and certain pathologies. Similar to mechanical loading, inflammation also affects the extent of many vascular adaptations and disease progression. In this chapter, we briefly note some of the many mechanobiological and immunobiologic aspects of vascular growth and remodeling, with an emphasis on interactions between these two important contributors to vascular health and disease.
Force Matching Approaches to Extend Density Functional Theory to Large Time and Length Scales

We present methods for the creation of semi-empirical quantum approaches and reactive force fields through force matching to quantum simulation data for materials under reactive conditions. Our methodologies overcome the extreme computational cost of standard Kohn–Sham Density Functional Theory (DFT) by mapping DFT computed simulation data onto functional forms with linear dependence on their parameters. This allows for quick parameterization of our models by avoiding the nonlinear fitting bottlenecks associated with most molecular dynamics model development. We illustrate our approach with two different systems: (i) determination of density functional tight binding models for aqueous glycine dimerization, and (ii) determination of the Chebyshev Interactional Model for Efficient Simulation (ChIMES) reactive force field for metallic liquid carbon. In each case, we observe that our approach is easy to parametrize and yields a model that is orders of magnitude faster than DFT while largely retaining its accuracy. Overall, our methods have potential use for studying complex long time and length scale chemical reactivity at extreme conditions, where there is a significant need for computationally efficient atomistic simulations methods to aid in the interpretation and design of experiments.
Pediatric Malignant Mediastinal Masses.

OBJECTIVE To describe the clinical spectrum and outcome-associated variables of pediatric malignant mediastinal masses in a resource-limited setting. STUDY DESIGN Descriptive study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, The Children's Hospital, Lahore, from October 2016 to November 2017. METHODOLOGY Children with malignant mediastinal masses were enrolled. The variables studied were median age at presentation, gender distribution, immunisation status, socio-economic background, causes of delayed presentation, presenting complaints, complications of disease, methods for mass biopsy, final diagnosis, staging, and outcome of the disease. Results were described in terms of descriptive statistics. RESULTS The median age at diagnosis was 7.5 years with male-to-female ratio of 2:1. The commonest presenting complaint was fever (82%), respiratory distress (58%), and lymphadenopathy (51%). Seventy-eight percent patients belonged to lower socio-economic class. Eighty-six percent of patients had delayed presentation to the tertiary care hospital and the most common reason was delayed diagnosis by the medical professionals (49%). Fifty-one percent patients had weight-for-age less than 5th percentile. Common complications were airway obstruction (35%), pericardial effusion (19.6%), superior vena cava syndrome and gross pleural effusion (13.7% each). Commonest diagnosis was T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (35%) followed by lymphoblastic lymphoma and Hodgkin's lymphoma (15.7% each). Fourtyfive percent patients expired, 2% defaulted treatment and 5.9% completed treatment; 25% patients were under treatment, 3.9% patients had progressive disease while outcome of 17.6% of patients could not be known. The most significant factor associated with the outcome primary diagnosis (p<0.001), delayed presentation (p=0.007) and educational status of the family. CONCLUSION The pattern of clinical presentation, complications and diagnoses of pediatric malignant mediastinal masses showed some variation from the already reported. Low literacy rate and delay in presentation are common and contribute significantly to the poor outcome.
P74 Impact of the WV Kids Market Program on Children's Knowledge, Attitudes and Consumption of Fruits and Vegetables

Objective To evaluate the impact of the West Virginia (WV) Kids Market Program on children's knowledge, attitudes and consumption of fruits and vegetables (FV) using a parent survey. Use of Theory or Research Ninety percent of WV adults do not eat five servings of FV daily. Without positive parent role modeling and consistent home access, children are unlikely to develop preferences for FV, putting them at risk for obesity later in life. Repeated exposures and opportunities to taste in a positive environment are needed to encourage acceptance and consumption of FV by children. Target Audience The program targeted low income children of all ages at SNAP-Ed and EFNEP nutrition education sites and their parents. Program Description Each child received $4 vouchers to shop at a farmers market set up at their school, child care center or other youth-based program site. Children received nutrition education and were offered taste tests in conjunction with markets. Evaluation Methods A 12-question, parent survey was sent home with all children participating in the market. Paper surveys were entered in SurveyMonkey for analysis. A total of 724 were returned (32% response rate). Results Of those parents returning surveys, 91% said their child ate all the produce they purchased, 77% said their child was more excited about FV, 71% said their child talks about FV more and 78% said their child could identify more FV. Conclusions Parents reported changes in their child's knowledge, attitude and consumption of FV because of the program which are important factors in development of food preferences. This program offers a replicable model for nutrition education programs focused on increasing FV consumption and access in low income audiences. Funding None.
The LARP1 La-Module recognizes both ends of TOP mRNAs

La-Related Protein 1 (LARP1) is an RNA-binding protein that regulates the stability and translation of mRNAs encoding the translation machinery, including ribosomal proteins and translation factors...
Public pension shortfalls and state economic growth: a preliminary examination.

Public pension funding problems may contribute to a state's poor economic performance. This paper examines that proposition, using state-level data on public pensions developed by the Pew Trust, and jointly by the Federal Reserve Board and the Bureau of Economic Analysis. There is little evidence that measures of the level of unfunded pension plan liabilities lead directly to a state's soft economic performance, though growth in unfunded liabilities appear to be associated with lower growth. While these results suggest that reductions in the growth of a state's pension debt may be beneficial, they arguably do not imply that dramatic action to reduce liabilities is necessarily called for. In that regard, the implications are comparable to those of Lenney et al. (2019), that suggest that reasonable goals for some presumed highly troubled systems are stabilization of the ratio of their unfunded liabilities to their state's nominal GDP, rather than outright elimination of the debt.
A flexible ChIP-sequencing simulation toolkit.

A major challenge in evaluating quantitative ChIP-seq analyses, such as peak calling and differential binding, is a lack of reliable ground truth data. Accurate simulation of ChIP-seq data can mitigate this challenge, but existing frameworks are either too cumbersome to apply genome-wide or unable to model a number of important experimental conditions in ChIP-seq. We present ChIPs, a toolkit for rapidly simulating ChIP-seq data using statistical models of key experimental steps. We demonstrate how ChIPs can be used for a range of applications, including benchmarking analysis tools and evaluating the impact of various experimental parameters. ChIPs is implemented as a standalone command-line program written in C++ and is available from https://github.com/gymreklab/chips . ChIPs is an efficient ChIP-seq simulation framework that generates realistic datasets over a flexible range of experimental conditions. It can serve as an important component in various ChIP-seq analyses where ground truth data are needed.
Replicating the discovery, scrutiny, and decline model of media coverage in presidential primaries

Media coverage has long been thought crucial to shaping the electoral fortunes of presidential primary candidates in the post-reform era, making how the media allot coverage a topic of paramount im...
The Influence of Supranutritional Zinc and Ractopamine Hydrochloride Supplementation on Early Postmortem pH Decline and Meat Quality Development of Beef

The objectives of this experiment were to determine the impact of zinc (Zn) and ractopamine hydrochloride (RH) supplementation of beef steers on early postmortem pH decline and meat quality development of aged longissimus thoracis steaks. Angus steers (n = 20; 516 kg average initial body weight) were fed in a 2 × 2 factorial and equally assigned to Zn and RH treatments: control (analyzed 36 mg Zn/kg dry matter [DM]) or supranutritional Zn supplementation (control diet + 60 mg Zn/kg DM [from ZnSO4] þ 60 mg Zn/kg DM [from Zn–amino acid complex]) dietary treatments for the entire 89-d trial. Starting 28 d before harvest, steers were blocked by body weight within Zn treatments to RH treatments of 0 or 300 mg per steer per day. Steers were harvested, and the following data were collected: longissimus thoracis pH and temperature (1, 3, 6, and 24 h postmortem), carcass measurements, and quality attributes of aged steaks (1, 3, 7, or 14 d postmortem). Muscle samples were taken at 1 h and 1, 3, 7, and 14 d postmortem for biochemical analysis. Supplementation of supranutritional Zn trended for a lower (pH 5.49; P = 0.06) pH in samples at 6 h postmortem and lower (5.40 kg; P = 0.06) Warner-Bratzler shear force value at 1 d postmortem. Supplementation of RH in samples resulted in a higher (pH 5.86; P = 0.04) pH at 6 h postmortem, greater (7.64 kg; P < 0.01) Warner-Bratzler shear force value at 1 d postmortem, and lesser whole muscle desmin (P = 0.05) and troponin-T (P = 0.04) degradation at 1 d postmortem. The observed differences in this study lends further credence to the need to more fully understand the role of Zn and RH in muscle growth and early postmortem metabolism because of potential impacts on beef quality.