cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Periprocedural Management of New Oral Anticoagulants in Atrial Fibrillation Ablation

Background:Patients who undergo catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) are at increased risk of developing thromboembolic and bleeding complications periprocedurally. Many patients are now on newer oral anticoagulants (NOACs), but data regarding their safety and efficacy during AF ablation are limited.Methods and Results:This article reviews the literature in PubMed from 1998 to 2014 and includes clinical trials and meta-analysis that analyzed the safety and efficacy of NOACs during AF catheter ablation. Dabigatran seems to be as effective and safe as warfarin, although most data are from single-center studies, with small samples and very low overall bleeding and thromboembolic complications. Periprocedural anticoagulation protocols also vary greatly between studies. Some recent meta-analysis has shown that warfarin could still be a safer and more effective alternative. There are fewer studies with rivaroxaban in AF ablation, and there have been no meta-analysis yet comparing rivaroxaban to warfar...
Strain and temperature dependence of crack populations in columnar-grain ice

Il a ete demontre que, sous un effort de compression selon un axe, le developpement de joints de grains et de populations de fissures transgranulaires dans de la glace a grains en colonne isotropes et transverses, est un processus au hasard. Nous trouvons que la fonction de distribution en lognormal decrit bien la dependance de la densite et de la longueur des fissures sur la deformation. Nous montrons ici que ces populations sont induites dans les premiers 10 - 2 de la deformation. Ces limites en temps et en deformation, ainsi que les taux de deformation, l'effort, la temperature et la dependance de la grosseur de grain sur la population de fissure, suggerent un mecanisme a deux etapes impliquant le developpement de precurseurs et la formation de fissures. La probabilite croissante de formation de fissures en bordure des grains avec l'augmentation du taux de deformation est coherente avec une dependance en temps de la croissance des cavites et l'augmentation des facteurs d'intensite de l'effort associe. La probabilite croissante de formation de fissures transgranulaires avec la decroissance du taux de deformation est coherente avec la densite croissante de dislocations et la distorsion des grains sous cisaillement.
Measurement of Residual Stress Distributions by Energy Dispersive X-ray Diffraction Synchrotron Radiation

The application of high-resolution strain mapping in large engineering samples with both high-spatial and strain resolution is reviewed in this paper using high-energy photons between 100 and 300 KeV on beam line X17B1 of Brookhaven National Laboratory. This was achieved by using Energy Dispersive X-ray Diffraction (EDXRD) methods and synchrotron radiation for the nondestructive measurement of residual stresses in engineering components. Examples of residual stresses profiles will be presented which include: laser and shot peening and fatigue crack stress fields. The presented results have been validated with other methods such as FE and other model predictions. This technique represents a significant development in the in life prediction
A study to ascertain whether hydrocortisone 17-butyrate (Locoid) 0.1% cream has any effect on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in children with skin diseases.

A study was conducted in eight children requiring topical corticosteroid treatment for dermatological disorders. The trial was carried out with hydrocortisone 17-butyrate (Locoid®) 0·1% cream. The children were treated twice daily withLocoid cream applied to areas involvingat least 20% ofthe body surface for a period of2 to 3 weeks. Statistical analysis did not reveal any significant changes in plasma cortisol levels after treatment compared to pre-treatment baselinelevels. No side-effects were reported.
Risk of de novo post-transplant type 2 diabetes in patients undergoing liver transplant for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is often seen together with components of metabolic syndrome. The aim of this study was to assess the risk of de novo post-transplant type 2 diabetes (DM) in liver transplant recipients with NASH. All adult patients from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (2003–2012) transplanted for NASH or cryptogenic cirrhosis (the NASH cohort) without pre-transplant DM were included in this retrospective cross-sectional study. Total 2,916 NASH subjects and 14,268 controls with non-HCV related cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma were included. Patients with NASH were, on average, 6 years older, more likely female and overweight/obese. By 5 years post-transplant, 39.8 % NASH vs. 27.0 % controls developed at least one onset of de novo DM; this was observed starting 6 months post-transplant: 22.9 % vs. 16.7 % (relative risk 1.38). Later in follow-up, the relative risk of de novo DM was also higher in NASH: 1.46 by 3 years, 1.47 by 5 years (all p < 0.0001). After exclusion of DM that resolved after the first year, long-term DM remained higher in the NASH cohort: 7.6 % vs. 4.3 %, p < 0.0001. In multivariate analysis, after adjustment for confounders including the use of immunosuppressants, having NASH was independently associated with development of de novo post-transplant DM: adjusted hazard ratio (95 % CI) = 1.29 (1.18–1.42), p < 0.0001. Liver transplant recipients with NASH have a higher risk of de novo post-transplant DM. This suggests the presence of an underlying metabolic disorder beyond fatty liver that may be causative for both NASH and type 2 diabetes.
The Implicit Value of Corn Base Acreage

The impact of recent changes to the U.S. commodity program and efficacy of environmental regulations designed to discourage continuous corn rotations will depend upon the value farmers place on corn base acreage. This paper estimates this value by assuming that the benefits of access to the program are capitalized into farmland rents. Using Iowa rental survey data and a hedonic pricing approach, the rent gradient for base acreage is found to be on the order of $@@‐@@12 per acre. The discounted stream of returns to base acreage suggests an asset value for corn base of approximately $@@‐@@200 per acre.
Pressure Ulcers and Prevention Among Acute Care Hospitals in the United States

Article-at-a-Glance Background Most pressure ulcers can be prevented with evidence-based practice. Many studies describe the implementation of a pressure ulcer prevention program but few report the effect on outcomes across acute care facilities. Methods Data on hospital-acquired pressure ulcers and prevention from the National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators® 2010 Pressure Ulcer Surveys were linked to hospital characteristics and nurse staffing measures within the data set. The sample consisted of 1,419 hospitals from across the United States and 710,626 patients who had been surveyed for pressure ulcers in adult critical care, step-down, medical, surgical, and medical/surgical units. Hierarchical logistic regression analysis was performed to identify study variables associated with hospital-acquired pressure ulcers among patients at risk for these ulcers. Results The rate of hospital-acquired pressure ulcers was 3.6% across all surveyed patients and 7.9% among those at risk. Patients who received a skin and pressure ulcer risk assessment on admission were less likely to develop a pressure ulcer. Additional study variables associated with lower hospital-acquired pressure ulcer rates included a recent reassessment of pressure ulcer risk, higher Braden Scale scores, a recent skin assessment, routine repositioning, and Magnet or Magnet-applicant designation. Variables associated with a higher likelihood of hospital-acquired pressure ulcers included nutritional support, moisture management, larger hospital size, and academic medical center status. Conclusions Results provide empirical support for pressure ulcer prevention guideline recommendations on skin assessment, pressure ulcer risk assessment, and routine repositioning, but the 7.9% rate of hospital-acquired pressure ulcers among at-risk patients suggests room for improvement in pressure ulcer prevention practice.
The National Institutes of Health Oversight of Human Gene Transfer Research: Enhancing Science and Safety

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) oversight of human gene transfer research, which is defined as the deliberate transfer of recombinant and/or synthetic nucleic acid molecules to humans, originates with the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules (NIH Guidelines). The NIH Guidelines, which were first published in the Federal Register almost 40 years ago, have been amended numerous times to remain responsive to scientific progress and to clearly define the responsibilities of NIH, the Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee (RAC), investigators, and institutions. Human gene transfer trials conducted at clinical sites in the United States (USA) are subject to the NIH Guidelines if they are conducted at, or sponsored by, an institution that receives any support for recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid research from the NIH. Human gene transfer trials conducted either in the USA or abroad are also subject to the NIH Guidelines if the investigational agent was developed with NIH funds and the institution that developed the investigational materials sponsors or participates in these projects. Trials are registered with the NIH Office Biotechnology Activities (OBA) and there are ongoing reporting requirements. Each new trial is reviewed by the RAC, and those that are novel or raise unique ethical or social issues are selected for review at quarterly public RAC meetings. The RAC also advises the NIH on policy and other matters relating to clinical gene transfer research and biosafety.
Value of the Higher Education Doctorate for Community College Administrators.

To assist in determining the viability of a higher education doctorate as a credential for middle and senior‐level community college administrators, this study solicited perceptions of the content and value of the higher education doctorate from a randomly selected sample of community college presidents, deans of academic affairs, and deans of student affairs. With an overall response rate of 68%, the survey results indicated greater support of the degree as a qualifying credential for community college presidencies and student affairs or institutional management positions than for positions in academic affairs. Those who are familiar with the content of the degree judge it to be useful preparation for community college administrators.
Large Grain Creation and Destruction in Excimer Laser Crystallized Amorphous Silicon

For fast-pulse laser-crystallized thin-film Si on non-crystalline substrates, the average grain size exhibits a peak as a function excimer laser energy density at a characteristic laser fluence Fm. The average grain size increases with increasing laser fluence and can reach a maximum value on the order of 10 μm or about 100 times the film thickness. The grain size then decreases with further increases in fluence. This peak in grain size is accompanied by a similar peak in the Hall electron mobility and x-ray scattering intensity. Our experiments have investigated as-deposited and ion-implanted samples, using a double-scan laser crystallization process. Devices have also been fabricated and studied. The results are consistent with the increase in grain size occurring because of the destruction of nucleation sites with increasing laser fluence (i.e., increased heating and complete melting). But substrate damage occurs in the vicinity of Fm, creating nucleation sites which give rise to small grain sizes in the solidified film. The disruption of the interface causes substantial current leakage through the dielectric of bottom-gate transistors, implying that devices should be laser fabricated bel OW Fm.
The mutation of Escherichia coli to resistance to bacteriophages T1 and T1s.

The number of phage-resistant mutants in unirradiated and in ultraviolet-irradiated cultures ofE. coli strains B and B/r is usually greater when the selecting agent is Tls. It is shown that this cannot be explained by a) completely independent gene changes, b) the presence of host range phage mutants or c) new mutations due to prolonged survival of wild type bacteria in the prescence of phage. Evidence is presented which indicates that the difference in selection by Tl and Tls may be explained satisfactorily by the presence of incompletely expressed bacterial mutants in the cultures before plating. This constitutes indirect evidence for a phenotypic lag. It is shown further that the development of resistance to Tls probably precedes the development of full resistance to both phages. The appearance of new ultraviolet-induced mutations, selected by Tls, is found to fulfill expectations based on the existence of such a phenotypic lag.
Directed Osteoblast Adhesion at Particle Boundaries: Promises for Nanophase Metals

In spite of under performance, metals and metal alloys are currently being used in orthopedic implantable devices. Poor osseointegration, severe stress shielding, bone cell death and eventual necrotic bone resulting from the generation of wear debris are known to be some of the reasons responsible for their under performance. In addition, metallic corrosion products may also initiate cancer. Steady growth in the use of metals in orthopedic applications inspired researchers to deal with these problems in an integrated way. When conventional Ti, Ti6Al4V, and CoCrMo surfaces were modified to the nano-range, this study showed increased percentages of osteoblast (bone forming cell) adhesion on nanophase metals. Moreover, larger amounts of osteoblast adhesion was related to quantitative increases in the total length of particle boundaries per unit area and the total number of pores between surface particles per unit area, and the surface particle boundary index (SPBI) of nanophase metals. Additionally, we have developed a novel anticarcinogenic orthopedic metalloid, selenium (Se). When micron range surface particles of Se compacts were modified to the nano-range by chemical etching, we found positive relationships between directed osteoblast adhesion and various particle boundary parameters mentioned above under in vitro conditions. These results provided the first evidence to utilize nanosurface Se as an anticarcinogenic and bio-inspiring material for future applications in orthopedic metallic devices.
Examining Head-shape Differences and Ecology in Morphologically Similar Salamanders at Their Zone of Contact

Studying morphological features in addition to ecological characteristics of co-occurring species can provide insight into interactions between species. Determining factors that influence interactions between species provides a framework for understanding evolution in natural environments. Plethodontid salamanders are model taxa frequently used to study species interactions in regard to competition, coexistence, and exclusion. Past studies have suggested that P. ventralis and P. websteri exhibit character displacement in color and may competitively interact when in sympatry. We studied P. ventralis and P. websteri at a sympatric location in Jefferson County, Alabama and compared this population to allopatric populations of each species to identify whether these species differed in morphology and diet, which are indicators for interspecific competition. We found that P. ventralis and P. websteri differed in head shape, in general, and that head shape differed among populations within species. However, we d...
Training a child in the way he/she should go. Cultural transmission and child-rearing within the home in England, circa 1550–1800

The history of childhood has been dominated by a few main issues: whether or not there was a concept of childhood in the past; the amount of affection and intimacy between parents and children in the past; the severity of the discipline imposed on children in the past. One group of historians claims that the domestic, nuclear, child-centered family emerged gradually in the eighteenth century; the other that parent-child relations throughout history can be characterized by continuity rather than change.There seems little hope of reconciling the protagonists in the debate. We need to begin our study of past childhood afresh, attempting to discern not the existence of otherwise of concepts of love or childhood, but rather how parents viewed their role and what it was they wished to achieve as they nurtured their children from infancy to adulthood.All societies face similar problems in bringing up their young: how to ensure that children will become responsible, productive, mature individuals, fully compatibl...
The effect of pH on the hypothermic ventricular fibrillation threshold.

During cardiac operations using hypothermia, the pH measured at 37° C (and corrected to the patient’s body temperature) is generally kept at 7.40. However, ectotherms (cold-blooded animals) regulate pH alkaline of 7.40 as temperature falls, e.g., pH 7.58 at 25° C. Hypothermia and acidosis increase the propensity for ventricular fibrillation (VF). This study was undertaken to determine which scheme of pH regulation during hypothermia provided the highest level of cardiac electrical stability. Eleven dogs underwent median sternotomy and implantation of right ventricular and limb electrodes, aortic and central venous pressure catheters, and a probe to measure pulmonary artery blood temperature. To determine the VF threshold, a programmable stimulator was used to find the minimum current needed to produce VF by sweeping the vulnerable period of the cardiac cycle. The animals were divided into two groups for pH management: eight in the clinical scheme (pH 7.4) and seven in the ectothermic scheme, where pH varied with temperature. Control values were recorded prior to cooling and then repeated when core cooling had lowered the temperature to 25° C. In the clinical group, the VF threshold decreased from 23.1 ± 4.1 mA at 37° C to 17.0 ± 3.4 mA at 25° C (p = 0.002); in the ectothermic group, the VF threshold was unchanged by hypothermia (23.7 ± 3.2 to 22.8 ± 2.8 mA). Heart rate and arterial and central venous pressures were not different between the groups at either temperature. Corrected arterial pH and P co 2 were unchanged from control in the clinical group at 25° C (pH 7.40 ± 0.01, arterial P co 2 34 ± 2 torr), whereas arterial P co 2 was maintained at 20 ± 1 torr to achieve pH 7.59 ± 0.01 in the ectothermic group. Five of the eight dogs in the clinical group had spontaneous VF while cooling, as compared to one of the seven dogs in the ectothermic group. These studies demonstrate that allowing the corrected pH to rise with hypothermia and remain alkalotic relative to pH 7.4 improves the electrical stability of the heart during hypothermia, as evidenced by the VF threshold at 25° C. Since the ectothermic scheme increases the electrical stability of the heart, it could decrease the incidence of VF during hypothermia and decrease the temperature at which VF occurs during hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass.
Why Tell Children: A Synthesis of the Global Literature on Reasons for Disclosing or Not Disclosing an HIV Diagnosis to Children 12 and under

While the psychological and health benefits of knowing one’s HIV diagnosis have been documented for adults and adolescents, practice is still in development for younger children. Moderating conditions for whether or not to tell a child he/she has HIV vary by region and local context. They include accessibility of treatment, consideration of HIV as a stigmatizing condition, prevalence of HIV and an accompanying presumption that any illness is HIV-related, parent or caregiver concerns about child reactions, child’s worsening health, assumptions about childhood and child readiness to know a diagnosis, and lack of policies such as those that would prevent bullying of affected children in schools. In this systematic review of the global literature, we summarize the reasons caregivers give for telling or not telling children 12 and under their HIV diagnosis. We also include articles in which children reflect on their desires for being told. While a broad number of reasons are given for telling a child—e.g., to aid in prevention, adaptation to illness (e.g., primarily to promote treatment adherence), understanding social reactions, and maintaining the child-adult relationship—a narrower range of reasons, often related to immediate child or caregiver well-being or discomfort, are given for not telling. Recommendations are made to improve the context for disclosure by providing supports before, during and after disclosure and to advance the research agenda by broadening samples and refining approaches.
Characterization of Fusobacterium nucleatum ATCC 23726 adhesins involved in strain-specific attachment to Porphyromonas gingivalis.

Bacterial adherence is an essential virulence factor in pathogenesis and infection. Fusobacterium nucleatum has a central role in oral biofilm architecture by acting as a bridge between early Gram-positive and late Gram-negative colonizers that do not otherwise adhere to each other. In this study, we survey a key adherence interaction of F. nucleatum with Porphyromonas gingivalis, and present evidence that multiple fusobacterial adhesins have a role in the attachment of F. nucleatum ATCC 23726 to P. gingivalis in a highly strain-dependent manner. Interaction between these species displayed varying sensitivities to arginine, galactose and lactose. Arginine was found to hamper coaggregation by at least 62% and up to 89% with several P. gingivalis strains and galactose inhibition ranged from no inhibition up to 58% with the same P. gingivalis strains. Lactose consistently inhibited F. nucleatum interaction with these P. gingivalis strains ranging from 40% to 56% decrease in coaggregation. Among the adhesins involved are the previously described Fap2 and surprisingly, RadD, which was described in an earlier study for its function in attachment of F. nucleatum to Gram-positive species. We also provide evidence for the presence of at least one additional adhesin that is sensitive to arginine but unlike Fap2 and RadD, is not a member of the autotransporter family type of fusobacterial large outer membrane proteins. The strain-specific binding profile of multiple fusobacterial adhesins to P. gingivalis highlights the heterogeneity and complexity of interspecies interactions in the oral cavity.
Poem: Stopping by Euclid's Proof of the Infinitude of Primes (with apologies to Robert Frost)

(2005). Poem: Stopping by Euclid's Proof of the Infinitude of Primes (with apologies to Robert Frost) Mathematics Magazine: Vol. 78, No. 2, pp. 171-171.
Selective Influence and Classificatory Separability (Perceptual Separability) in Perception and Cognition: Similarities, Distinctions, and Synthesis

Abstract The question of whether and how two or more dimensions, features, or other psychological objects interact precedes the origins of scientific psychology. Using experimental factors to uncover vital aspects of psychological systems is perhaps not quite so hoary, but can be traced to at least the late 19th century. Two essential, but apparently distinct, avenues these take are, for item one, perceptual separability and, for item two, selective influence . This study examines their individual mathematical and logical foundations as well as their separate goals, philosophical underpinnings, and experimental applications. It is determined that deep structural correspondences exist between them, but that there are also profound distinctions, particularly in their respective goals and usages.
Determining the Geometric Parameters of a Sheared Layer in Drilling of Nonferrous Metals and Alloys with the Use of Axial Vibrations

The problem of determining the kinematic parameters of a vibrodrilling device and the geometric elements of a sheared layer produced in the course of treating nonferrous metals and alloys by drilling with the use of axial vibrations is considered. Relationships between the dimensions of an element of a chip and the frequency of the axial vibrations are found.
Bankers' perspective of mining project finance

Since the dismal performance of the Rand Mines management was called to account by its shareholders in 1994, the waves of change have continued to ripple across the South African mining industry. The number of listings on the gold board of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, that once numbered 40 or 50-odd, have now dwindled to no more than a handful as unprecedented restructuring has taken place. The redefining of the industry has not been limited to the gold sector, but across the base metal, coal, diamond, platinum and industrial mineral sectors as well. At the same time the Mining Houses began to reconsider their funding strategies. Originally established in the early part of the century to ensure the long-term sustainability of their group mining operations by providing substantial financial muscle and technical support, the Mining Houses were faced with a rapidly changing political environment, which proved to be a critical catalyst in giving momentum to the change. Furthermore, the significant development costs and increasing risk profile for new projects, coupled with pressure from shareholders demanding respectable returns, opened the door to opportunities for banks to begin providing external debt by the way of project finance. However, the provision of long-term debt to the South African mining industry had generally not been common since mining companies had financed new projects with equity, or with the cash flows from existing operations. Those banks that had the appetite for exposure to the perceived high risks of the mining sector rapidly built up specialist resource banking divisions capable of addressing the increasing demands of the industry. The application of project finance, the principles of which were developed in the 1970s specifically for infrastructure projects and privatization, is now commonly applied in the financing of greenfield and brownfield mining projects. This paper outlines the approach that lending banks would typically adopt when arranging or providing mining project finance, their usual areas of concern and the way in which the finance is structured to mitigate the many inherent risks.
Effect of Fillet Rolling Load on the Fatigue Performance of a Micro-Alloy Steel Diesel Engine Crankshaft

Fillet rolling process is an effective method used to improve the fatigue performance of crankshafts by hardening the fillet region and inducing compressive residual stresses. This paper summarizes the work conducted to investigate the effect of rolling load on fatigue behaviour of a micro-alloy steel crankshaft used in diesel engine applications. Based on the staircase test methodology, component-scale resonant bending fatigue tests were conducted to obtain stress versus number of cycles curves and to evaluate the fatigue endurance limits of the crankshaft at un-rolled condition and fillet-rolled conditions at three different loads. Test data was analysed by Dixon-Mood method to calculate the endurance limits. Results showed that the endurance limit increased significantly with fillet rolling process in comparison to un-rolled condition. Endurance limit further increased with the increasing rolling load however with a limited extent above which excessive hardening deteriorates the fillet region; that is the workability limit. The outcomes of this study has shed light on the fillet rolling process to select the optimum rolling load for the used design and material conditions.
The KISS1 metastasis suppressor appears to reverse the Warburg effect by shifting from glycolysis to mitochondrial beta-oxidation.

The shift by cancer cells toward aerobic glycolysis (Warburg effect) confers selective advantages by utilizing nutrients (e.g., lipids, amino acids, and nucleotides) to build biomass. Lipogenesis is generally enhanced, and its inhibition diminishes proliferation and survival. Re-expression of the metastasis suppressor KISS1 in human melanoma cells results in greater mitochondrial biogenesis, inhibition of glycolysis, utilization of beta-oxidation to provide energy, elevated oxidation of exogenous fatty acids, and increased expression of early-phase lipogenesis genes at both mRNA and protein levels. Correspondingly, the energy sensor AMPKβ is phosphorylated, resulting in inhibitory phosphorylation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), which is linked to enhanced beta-oxidation. Furthermore, PGC1α is required for KISS1-mediated phosphorylation of ACC and metastasis suppression. Collectively, these data further support the linkages between macromolecular metabolism and metastasis. • KISS1 alters fatty acid metabolism. • There may be connections between metastasis and metabolism. • PGC1alpha appears to be downstream mediator of KISS1 metastasis suppression.
On the Physical Properties and Potential Roles of Intracellular Water

Compared to our current understanding of the properties and roles of cellular macromolecules, we know very little indeed about water-the most abundant and pervasive molecule in cells. It is inescapable that water must be involved, directly or indirectly, in all forms of metabolic organization. That is so because it is an indispensable component of virtually all macromolecules, a substrate or product of many metabolic reactions, and obviously provides a dielectric continuum for diffusion and other translocation processes. Moreover, we can expect the aqueous phases of cells to operate importantly in the hydrophobic interactions involved with assembly processes, such as enzyme-enzyme and enzyme- cytomatrix associations.
Forces and Disease: Electrostatic force differences caused by mutations in kinesin motor domains can distinguish between disease-causing and non-disease-causing mutations

The ability to predict if a given mutation is disease-causing or not has enormous potential to impact human health. Typically, these predictions are made by assessing the effects of mutation on macromolecular stability and amino acid conservation. Here we report a novel feature: the electrostatic component of the force acting between a kinesin motor domain and tubulin. We demonstrate that changes in the electrostatic component of the binding force are able to discriminate between disease-causing and non-disease-causing mutations found in human kinesin motor domains using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC). Because diseases may originate from multiple effects not related to kinesin-microtubule binding, the prediction rate of 0.843 area under the ROC plot due to the change in magnitude of the electrostatic force alone is remarkable. These results reflect the dependence of kinesin’s function on motility along the microtubule, which suggests a precise balance of microtubule binding forces is required.
Uncertainty quantification of wind penetration and integration into smart grid: A survey

Quantification of uncertainty due to wind-energy production becomes more and more crucial as the penetration of wind into smart grid increases. System operators (TSOs) and planners would be interested to see how wind production varies over different look-ahead hours and estimate the probability of those variations under several uncertain conditions. As wind is a stochastic source of generation, this paper provides a state-of-the-art literature review on the uncertainties related to wind-energy dispatch.
Parisian Mad Men

The ensemble, Parisian Mad Men, was created during a one day design competition held at Framingham State University, sponsored by the student organization Fashion Club. Since the conception of the student design competition (fall 2009) I have been the advisor to the annual “Make it Work” Saturday competition.
Applications of Differential Rheometry

In many material characterization situations the variables of interest are the relative properties of a set of materials as a function of aging, composition or some other independent parameter. In these situations, the inherent variance of measurements on commercial rheometers may be of the same order of magnitude as the expected property difference. Clearly, reaching conclusions about the effect of the independent variable on the properties of the material would be impossible under these circumstances, even though the effect may be quite real. In a differential rheological technique one hopes to eliminate many of the interrun errors by comparing one material against the other during the same run. In this way one may emphasize the importance of relative properties and suppress the effect of absolute properties. In this manner one may obtain a better estimate of the differential properties than could be obtained by the subtraction of two very large, independently measured, numbers.
EXPRESSION OF DEVELOPMENT-PHASE SPECIFIC ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE ISOENZYMES IN CULTURED CANCER CELLS

The history of the demonstration of development-phase specific alkaline phosphatase (AP) isoenzymes goes back to 1976 when Lillian Fishman and her colleagues (1) reported their observations on placental AP. They found that the microvilli of placenta earlier than 10 weeks produced a different alkaline phosphatase than the one which characterized the second and third trimester placentas. The early placental alkaline phosphatase is heat-sensitive, inhibited by L-homoarginine, not L-phenylalanine, and migrates on electrophoresis faster than the term isoenzyme. The latter is very heat stable, inhibited by L-phenylalanine but not L-homoarginine, and is represented by a myriad of electrophoretic variants and distinctive immunologic determinants. Interestingly, the two isoenzymes overlapped in their expression between 10 and 12 weeks of pregnancy and both have the very same syncitiotropho-blast location.
Pre-spillover Prevention of Emerging Zoonotic Diseases: What Are the Targets and What Are the Tools?

The uneven standards of surveillance, human- or animal-based, for zoonotic diseases or pathogens maintained and transmitted by wildlife H(R)s, or even domestic species, is a global problem, readily apparent even within the United States, where investment in public health, including surveillance systems, has a long and enviable history. As of 2006, there appears to be little scientific, social, or political consensus that animal-based surveillance for zoonoses merits investment in international infrastructure, other than the fledgling efforts with avian influenza, or targeted nontraditional avenues of surveillance and research. National institutions charged with strategic planning for emerging diseases or intentional releases of zoonotic agents have emphasized improving diagnostic capabilities for detecting human infections, modifying the immune status of human or domestic animals through vaccines, producing better antiviral or antibacterial drugs, and enhancing human-based surveillance as an early warning system. With the possible exception of extensive human vaccination, each of these approaches target post-spillover events and none of these avenues of research will have the slightest impact on reducing the risk of additional emergence of viruses or other pathogens from wildlife. Novel schemes of preventing spillover of human pathogens from animal H(R)s can only spring from improving our understanding of the ecological context and biological interactions of pathogen maintenance among H(R)s. Although the benefit derived from investments to improve surveillance and knowledge of zoonotic pathogens circulating among wildlife H(R) populations is uncertain, our experience with HIV and the looming threat of pandemic avian influenza A inform us of the outcomes we can expect by relying on detection of post-spillover events among sentinel humans.
Abstract B199: Targeting the tumor microenvironment with first-in-class Semaphorin4D MAb for combination immunotherapy

Purpose: Mechanistic findings in preclinical studies demonstrate that antibody blockade of Semaphorin 4D (SEMA4D, CD100) reduces expansion of MDSC and shifts the balance of immune cells within the TME to facilitate tumor rejection. Efficacy is further enhanced when combined with various immunotherapies. Design of phase 1/2 combination trials of VX15/2503, a humanized IgG4 antibody targeting SEMA4D, with immune checkpoint inhibition will be presented. Methods: Anti-SEMA4D antibodies were evaluated alone and in combination with other immunotherapies in various preclinical models. Antitumor activity and immune response was characterized by immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, functional assays, and cytokine, chemokine, and gene expression analysis. A phase I trial for single agent VX15/2503 was completed. Results: SEMA4D restricts migration of monocytes and promotes expansion of suppressive myeloid cells in vitro. Strong expression of SEMA4D at the invasive margins of actively growing tumors in vivo restricts the infiltration and modulates polarization of leukocytes in the TME. Antibody blockade of SEMA4D facilitated recruitment of activated DCs and T lymphocytes in preclinical models. MDSCs were significantly reduced in tumor and blood following treatment, and new data characterizing MDSC function in preclinical models will be described. A significant shift towards increased Th1 cytokines (IFNg, TNFa) and CTL-recruiting chemokine CXCL9, with concurrent reduction in Treg-, MDSC- and M2-macrophage promoting chemokines (CCL2, CXCL1, CXCL5,) was also observed. Accordingly, Teff:Treg ratio (3x, p Citation Format: Elizabeth E. Evans, Holm Bussler, Crystal Mallow, Christine Reilly, Sebold Torno, Maria Scrivens, Cathie Foster, Alan Howell, Leslie Balch, John E. Leonard, Terrence L. Fisher, Clint Allen, Paul Clavijo, Siwen Hu-Lieskovan, Antoni Ribas, Ernest S. Smith, Maurice Zauderer. Targeting the tumor microenvironment with first-in-class Semaphorin4D MAb for combination immunotherapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2017 Oct 26-30; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2018;17(1 Suppl):Abstract nr B199.
Return to Sangamo Town: Research-Based Investigations at the Charles Broadwell Home Site, 1825–1845

This article discusses the results of research-based excavations at the Charles Broadwell site, located in the extinct town of Sangamo Town in central Illinois. A large cellar feature produced a ro...
SMC: Satisfiability Modulo Convex Programming

The design of cyber–physical systems (CPSs) requires methods and tools that can efficiently reason about the interaction between discrete models, e.g., representing the behaviors of “cyber” components, and continuous models of physical processes. Boolean methods such as satisfiability (SAT) solving are successful in tackling large combinatorial search problems for the design and verification of hardware and software components. On the other hand, problems in control, communications, signal processing, and machine learning often rely on convex programming as a powerful solution engine. However, despite their strengths, neither approach would work in isolation for CPSs. In this paper, we present a new satisfiability modulo convex programming (SMC) framework that integrates SAT solving and convex optimization to efficiently reason about Boolean and convex constraints at the same time. We exploit the properties of a class of logic formulas over Boolean and nonlinear real predicates, termed monotone satisfiability modulo convex formulas, whose satisfiability can be checked via a finite number of convex programs. Following the lazy satisfiability modulo theory (SMT) paradigm, we develop a new decision procedure for monotone SMC formulas, which coordinates SAT solving and convex programming to provide a satisfying assignment or determine that the formula is unsatisfiable. A key step in our coordination scheme is the efficient generation of succinct infeasibility proofs for inconsistent constraints that can support conflict-driven learning and accelerate the search. We demonstrate our approach on different CPS design problems, including spacecraft docking mission control, robotic motion planning, and secure state estimation. We show that SMC can handle more complex problem instances than state-of-the-art alternative techniques based on SMT solving and mixed integer convex programming.
DIGITAL AGE DIDACTICS: FROM TEACHING TO ENGINEERING OF LEARNING (Part 2)

The digital age demands re-thinking of traditional teaching and learning. Rapidly growing technological innovations in education force a paradigm shift from traditional teaching to engineering of learning. Thus, the main focus of the article is on the design, development, and implementation of effective learning environments through the use of Information and Communication Technologies in various formats: face-to-face, blended, and distance education. Engineering of learning requires new understanding and reconceptualization of traditional didactics toward e-Didactics in order to effectively design and skillfully align learning objectives, content, and assessment in the digital age classroom.
Fatiguing Trunk Flexor Exercise Decreases Pain Sensitivity in Postpartum Women.

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is common in the general population and among postpartum women. Abdominal muscle exercise is often used to treat LBP, but it is unknown if fatiguing abdominal muscle exercise can produce exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH). Objectives: To assess pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) at rest and following fatiguing trunk flexor exercise (EIH) in (1) nulligravid and postpartum women to evaluate the impact of pregnancy and childbirth and (2) nulligravid women and men to examine sex differences. Methods: Seventy healthy adults (31 postpartum women, 23 nulligravid women, 16 men) participated. Postpartum and nulligravid women were tested twice (16-18 weeks apart) to identify changes in EIH with postpartum recovery. PPTs were measured at the nailbed and superior rectus abdominis before and after exercise to investigate systemic and local EIH, respectively. Rectus abdominis muscle thickness was assessed with ultrasound. Results: Postpartum women reported lower PPTs than nulligravid women at the abdomen (p0.05), while men demonstrated hyperalgesia. Local EIH was positively associated with muscle thickness for men and women, which was not significant at the second timepoint. Limitations: Acute exercise response may not reflect changes that occur with exercise training. Conclusions: Fatiguing trunk flexor exercise produced local EIH for all groups. Trunk exercises may be useful to treat abdominal pain syndromes such as those demonstrated in postpartum women who were more sensitive to pain than nulligravid women.
Function of Nr4a Orphan Nuclear Receptors in Proliferation, Apoptosis and Fuel Utilization Across Tissues.

The Nr4a family of nuclear hormone receptors is composed of three members—Nr4a1/Nur77, Nr4a2/Nurr1 and Nr4a3/Nor1. While currently defined as ligandless, these transcription factors have been shown to regulate varied processes across a host of tissues. Of particular interest, the Nr4a family impinge, in a tissue dependent fashion, on cellular proliferation, apoptosis and fuel utilization. The regulation of these processes occurs through both nuclear and non-genomic pathways. The purpose of this review is to provide a balanced perspective of the tissue specific and Nr4a family member specific, effects on cellular proliferation, apoptosis and fuel utilization.
Bullying, Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, and Physical Violence: Common and Associated With Burnout in Pediatric Residents.

Abstract Background Many pediatric residents suffer from burnout. We aimed to describe the prevalence, source, and epidemiology of bullying, discrimination, harassment, and physical violence, and the relationship between these experiences and burnout. Methods We analyzed data from the Spring, 2019 Pediatric Resident Burnout and Resilience Study Consortium's 72-item online survey. Surveys included screening questions about burnout; residents’ characteristics and experiences, and attitudes about their learning environment. Results Nineteen hundred fifty-six residents (66% of those eligible) from 46 programs participated; most (70%) were women and most (66%) were Caucasian. Overall 45% reported weekly or more frequent burnout symptoms; 33% reported 1 or more of these experiences (“mistreatment”) during the past year: 19% reported experiencing bullying; 18% reported discrimination; 5% reported sexual harassment; and 1% reported physical violence. The most frequent sources of mistreatment were clinical staff (60%), patients’ families (54%), and faculty (43%). Women were more likely than men to report mistreatment (36% vs 25%, P Conclusions Mistreatment occurs frequently among pediatric residents, especially women; mistreatment is associated with burnout, stress, lower quality of life, and worse attitudes about the learning environment. Future studies could explore whether institutional efforts to improve workplace civility improves resident well-being and attitudes about training.
Thinking twice about sum scores

A common way to form scores from multiple-item scales is to sum responses of all items. Though sum scoring is often contrasted with factor analysis as a competing method, we review how factor analysis and sum scoring both fall under the larger umbrella of latent variable models, with sum scoring being a constrained version of a factor analysis. Despite similarities, reporting of psychometric properties for sum scored or factor analyzed scales are quite different. Further, if researchers use factor analysis to validate a scale but subsequently sum score the scale, this employs a model that differs from validation model. By framing sum scoring within a latent variable framework, our goal is to raise awareness that (a) sum scoring requires rather strict constraints, (b) imposing these constraints requires the same type of justification as any other latent variable model, and (c) sum scoring corresponds to a statistical model and is not a model-free arithmetic calculation. We discuss how unjustified sum scoring can have adverse effects on validity, reliability, and qualitative classification from sum score cut-offs. We also discuss considerations for how to use scale scores in subsequent analyses and how these choices can alter conclusions. The general goal is to encourage researchers to more critically evaluate how they obtain, justify, and use multiple-item scale scores.
Simulation of MHD instabilities with fluid runaway electron model in M3D- C 1

Runaway electrons are generated in a tokamak during the start up, during normal operation and during a plasma disruption. During a disruption, runaway electrons can be accelerated to high energies, potentially damaging the first wall. To predict the consequences of runaway generation during a disruption, it is necessary to consider resonant interactions of runaways with the bulk plasma. Here we consider the interactions of runaways on low mode number tearing modes. We have developed a fluid runaway electron model for the 3D MHD code M3D-C1[Jardin,et al. J Comput. Sci Discovery 6 014002 (2012)]. To benchmark, we have reproduced the MHD linear tearing mode results (with runaway electrons) in a circular cylinder presented in previous analytic studies[[Helander, P., et al, Phys. Plasmas 14 144102 (2007)] and extended here with a numerical eigenvalue calculation. We find that the low mode number tearing mode has a rotation caused by the MHD - runaways interaction, and the toroidal current scale length is much smaller with runaways than that for without and decreases as the runaway speed increases.