cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Differential cardiovascular effects of calcium channel blocking agents: Potential mechanisms*

The three major calcium channel blocking agents, diltiazem, nifedipine and verapamil, inhibit calcium entry into excitable cells. Despite this apparent common action at the cell membrane, these drugs produce quantitative and frequently qualitative differences in cardiovascular variables (for example, heart rate, atrioventricular [A-V] conduction and myocardial inotropic state) when evaluated at equieffective vasodilator doses. All three drugs increase coronary blood flow in a dose-dependent fashion (nifedipine greater than diltiazem = verapamil), and produce a negative inotropic effect in vitro in isolated atria and ventricles, also in a dose-dependent manner (verapamil greater than nifedipine greater than diltiazem). However, in conscious dogs nifedipine increases, verapamil decreases and diltiazem has little effect on the inotropic state. A-V conduction is slowed by diltiazem and verapamil but not by nifedipine in anesthetized dogs and in conscious dogs as judged from the P-R interval in the electrocardiogram. Heart rate is slowed in pentobarbital-anesthetized animals but is accelerated in conscious dogs (nifedipine greater than verapamil greater than diltiazem). Nifedipine also appears to interfere significantly with the arterial baroreceptor reflex by an apparent vagolytic action that is less evident with diltiazem and verapamil. Diltiazem, and possibly verapamil and nifedipine as well, appears to retard myocardial damage that accompanies ischemia. The mechanisms and sites of action of these drugs are presumed to be at the cell membrane; however, intracellular sites may also be involved.
The Association of the Type of Football Helmet and Mouth Guard With the Incidence of Sport Related Concussion in High School Football Players

Objectives: Approximately 40,000 Sport Related Concussions (SRC) occur annually in high school football in the US. Football helmet and mouth guard manufacturers cite laboratory research to claim that their models will absorb and lessen impact forces associated with SRC greater than their competitors models. Therefore, players who utilize their equipment may reduce the likelihood they will sustain a SRC. However, there are limited prospective data detailing how specific types of football helmets and mouth guards affect the incidence and severity of SRC in players actually participating in high school football. The objective of this study is to determine which types of football helmets and mouth guards are associated with the incidence and severity of SRC in high school football players.
Planetary ionospheres – sources and dynamic drivers

External energy inputs into all planetary upper atmospheres (including more than a half dozen moons with atmospheres) are comprised of combinations of solar EUV, soft x-rays, solar energetic particles, solar wind charged particles, magnetospherically accelerated particles, solar wind electric field, interplanetary dust particles as well as propagating lower atmosphere disturbances. Each input has analogous physical interactions with all planetary ionospheres and upper atmospheres, but the integrated consequences of the multiple energy inputs vary from planet to planet. The Earth forms the framework for most fundamental processes because of extensive measurements of the effects of each of the inputs. However the conditions at Earth are far different from those at the carbon dioxide atmosphere of magnetic field-free, slow-rotating Venus, the carbon dioxide atmosphere of Mars with patchy remnant magnetic fields, while the outer planets have hydrogen atmospheres, are fast rotating with intrinsic magnetic fields, and encompass moons that interact with the magnetospheres and have exotic atmospheres. Although the physical processes are known, our understanding of our solar system's ionospheres diminishes with increasing distance from the Sun.
Decentralized multi-point routing in wide area networks

Proposed novel applications, such as pay TV on demand, require point to multi-point routing for efficient bandwidth utilization. Finding the optimal point to multi-point route in a network is equivalent to finding the minimum cost spanning tree that spans a subset of the network nodes. This is the well known Steiner tree problem, which is NP complete. Efficient heuristics are, however, available to solve the Steiner tree problem. But, these heuristics for static networks are not suitable for practical telecommunication networks where the routing tree topology changes continuously with time due to addition and/or deletion of customer nodes, changes in link weights, etc. The paper presents heuristics which address point to multi-point routing in centralized networks, the networks where complete topological information is available at every node. >
Nodal shift impedance measurements in periodic waveguides

The nodal shift method of measuring the properties of a Coupling system connecting two transmission lines is a convenient and accurate method which does not require the existence of good terminations to match the lines. Using a generalized definition of impedance in a periodically loaded waveguide, such as is encountered in the Stanford linear accelerator or in traveling-wave tubes, this technique can be extended to determining the properties of a coupling system connected between a smooth waveguide and the periodic one, and when these are known, one can measure impedances in the periodic structure by observing those in the smooth guide. In addition, this impedance relation permits one to deduce the phase-shift constant of the structure at any frequency in the pass-band.
The value of ignorance about the number of players

We show how giving partial or no information to players about the number of other players may yield higher social welfare in games.
Seasonal Variation in Family Homeless Shelter Usage

AbstractSeasonal surges in family homeless shelter usage occur in numerous communities around the United States. These surges are significant because they may place demands on shelter systems, require families to use lower quality shelter facilities, or impose significant costs on the municipalities that provide shelter services. This study uses empirical data from Hennepin County, Minnesota, to provide explanations for the seasonality of family homeless shelter usage. The results suggest that multiple factors may contribute to the surge, but that families with school-age children are the primary driver of seasonal increases in the family shelter population. This study provides initial findings that may help to improve the targeting of homelessness prevention resources.
Diopatra (Onuphidae: Polychaeta) from intertidal sediments in southwestern Europe

Intertidal populations of Diopatra from Spanish, Portuguese and French Atlantic beaches have traditionally been identified as D. neapolitana. This species is present, mainly in Spain and Portugal. However, at least some French beaches are occupied by a distinct species, D. biscayensis, here described as new. In addition, in Portugal and Spain, a third species, here described as new, D. cryptornata, will also key out as D. neapolitana using standard keys, but is morphologically distinct. The three species can be separated not only on traditional characters, but also on obvious differences in anterior morphology not usually considered in descriptions. The French habitats now occupied by D. biscayensis, previously had populations of D. neapolitana alone as documented by collections in the Paris Museum made by Quatrefages and Saint-Joseph in the mid-late 1800s. Diopatra marocensis has recently been reported from Atlantic waters, from both intertidal and subtidal areas. Since this species can be confused with the three species named above, a partial re-description based on paratype material is included here. Finally, a fifth species, D. micrura, has recently been described from the area and is here briefly characterized based on the original description. A key to all five species has been constructed.
STUDY ON THE SYNERGISTIC BACTERICIDAL EFFECT OF PERACETIC ACID WITH OTHER PHYSICAL FACTORS

Objective To study the synergistic bactericidal effect of ultrasonic,heat and peracetic acid,and to provide basis for practical application for medical instrument sterilization.Methods Quantitative carrier test and qualitive bactericidal test were taken to evaluate the synergistic bactericidal effect of ultrasound,heat and peracetic acid.Results The killing rate of Bacillus subtilis var.niger spore in carrier exposed to 750 mg/L peracetic acid alone for 4 min was 99.93%,and the killing rate was 100% by dipping in 350 mg/L peracetic acid combined with ultrasound and heating at 50℃ for 2 min in ultrasonic cistern.In Bacillus subtilis var.niger spore qualitive killing test,there was no bacterial growth in carrier after soaking in 1 500 mg/L peracetic acid alone for 4 min,and the same effect can be achieved by using 750 mg/L peracetic acid,cooperating with ultrasound and heating at 50℃ for 10 min.Conclusion The effect of bacterial spores killing can be significantly improved by using peracetic acid synergy with ultrasound and heating at 50℃,and it has reference value in clinical medical instrument disinfection.
Five-Year Safety and Satisfaction Study of PMMA-Collagen in the Correction of Nasolabial Folds.

Background A polymethylmethacrylate-collagen filler is generally believed to give long-term benefits, but the risk of granuloma formation over time remains unclear. Objective To determine the incidence of granuloma formation and response to treatment and assess the degree of patient satisfaction over 5 years. Materials and methods Adults seeking correction of nasolabial folds underwent up to 3 injection sessions over 2 months. Subjects were then queried regularly for the development of signs and symptoms of a granuloma. Any positive responses were evaluated, and lesions suspicious for granulomas were confirmed by biopsy. Granulomas were treated at the discretion of the investigator. Subjects also completed regular satisfaction questionnaires. Results A total of 1,008 subjects were enrolled and 871 completed the full 5 years of the study. A biopsy-confirmed granuloma developed in 1.7% of subjects. Almost all granulomas responded to treatment. At study exit, 0.9% of subjects had an unresolved granuloma. Patient satisfaction remained high throughout the duration of the study. Conclusion The incidence of granuloma formation with a polymethylmethacrylate-collagen dermal filler is low, and almost all lesions are manageable with simple therapeutic measures. Patient satisfaction remains durable over 5 years. Polymethylmethacrylate-collagen offers a well-characterized and very favorable risk/benefit profile.
Academic literacy as language policy in community college developmental writing

ABSTRACTThis qualitative study offers critical insight into how language policy interacts with daily classroom decisions at a large and highly diverse urban community college in the United States. Specifically, it examines the challenges that faculty teaching developmental writing courses for English language learners experience when determining what constitutes academic literacy and what language dimensions should be taught when their students’ success is solely based on the results of a summative, high-stakes assessment of expository writing. To identify these challenges and analyze how teachers negotiate their curricular decisions and classroom practices, this study includes interviews with ten writing instructors regarding reading choices, writing assignments, syllabus construction, and pedagogical methodologies in order to ascertain descriptive theories of academic literacy knowledge. This study of micro-language planning demonstrates that how university writing instructors define academic literacy a...
Abstract 1461: MHCII-expressing breast cancer cells can induce anti-tumor immune response

We recently reported that the mRNA expression of genes in the Major Histocompatibility Complex class II (MHCII) antigen processing and presentation pathway in breast tumor tissues was strongly prognostic of good clinical outcome in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients (J Clin Oncol 33, 2015 suppl; abstr 1066). Although MHCII expression is most often observed on antigen-presenting cells, such as dendritic cells, macrophages and B cells, we observed MHCII protein expression on TNBC tumor cells. These observations suggested that TNBC cells expressing MHCII may have the ability to directly stimulate CD4 T cells and promote anti-tumor immune responses. To test this hypothesis, we transfected murine TS/A tumor cells (syngeneic, non-immunogenic, and metastatic breast cancer model) with a vector encoding the human MHCII Transcriptional Activator (hCIITA) under the control of a doxycycline (Dox)-inducible promoter. We found that TS/A-hCIITA cells did not express MHCII or CD74 until exposed to Dox, whereupon they expressed MHCII and CD74 mRNA and protein in a dose-dependent fashion. We also found that TS/A-hCIITA cells injected into the mammary fat pad expressed MHCII genes and cell surface MHCII proteins on tumor cells if mice received Dox in their drinking water. Importantly, tumor-bearing, Dox-exposed mice exhibited significantly impaired tumor growth compared to mice that were not exposed to Dox. We also found that tumor-bearing, Dox-exposed mice had a significantly enhanced tumor-specific CD8 T cell response in both the tumor-draining lymph node and tumor bed. Thus, breast cancer tumor cells expressing MHCII proteins promote anti-tumor immune responses, which likely contribute to the control of tumor growth in vivo. Citation Format: Mei Li, Tyler R. McCaw, Selene Meza-Perez, Troy D. Randall, Amy Weinmann, Donald J. Buchsbaum, Andres Forero, Albert F. LoBuglio. MHCII-expressing breast cancer cells can induce anti-tumor immune response. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 1461.
Optic Pathway Tumors and Precocious Puberty

The prevalence of precocious puberty and its relationship to optic pathway tumors (OPTs) have been examined in 219 children with neurofibromatosis 1 (NF-1) seen between Jan 1985 and April 1993 at Children’s Memorial Hospital, Chicago.
Quantifying the anthropogenic dust emission from agricultural land use and desiccation of the Aral Sea in Central Asia

A regional dust model system is applied to quantify the anthropogenic dust emission in the post-Soviet Central Asia from 2000 to 2014. Two physically-based dust schemes suggest a proportion of 18.3–32.8% of total dust emissions are contributed by agricultural land use and the desiccation of Aral Sea; whereas a simplified dust scheme yields higher estimates in the range of 49.7–56.5% depending on whether a static or dynamic preferential dust source function is used. The dust schemes also differ greatly in the spatial distribution of anthropogenic dust and the sensitivity to the use of land use intensity in separating natural and human-made source areas, suggesting that the model representation of erosion threshold velocity, especially the role of vegetation, is a key source of model uncertainty in quantifying anthropogenic dust. The relative importance of agriculture and dried Aral Sea bed (called Aralkum) differs greatly among the dust schemes. Despite increased dust from the expansion of Aralkum, there is a negative trend in the anthropogenic dust proportion, indicating a shift of dust emission toward natural source areas. All dust schemes show a decrease in anthropogenic dust in response to land cover changes over agricultural lands.
Correlates of Social Functioning in Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Role of Social Cognition.

Abstract Background Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience marked challenges with social function by definition, but few modifiable predictors of social functioning in ASD have been identified in extant research. This study hypothesized that deficits in social cognition and motor function may help to explain poor social functioning in individuals with ASD. Method Cross-sectional data from 108 individuals with ASD and without intellectual disability ages 9 through 27.5 were used to assess the relationship between social cognition and motor function, and social functioning. Results Results of hierarchical multiple regression analyses revealed that greater social cognition, but not motor function, was significantly associated with better social functioning when controlling for sex, age, and intelligence quotient. Post-hoc analyses revealed that better performance on second-order false belief tasks was associated with higher levels of socially adaptive behavior and lower levels of social problems. Conclusions Our findings support the development and testing of interventions that target social cognition in order to improve social functioning in individuals with ASD. Interventions that teach generalizable skills to help people with ASD better understand social situations and develop competency in advanced perspective taking have the potential to create more durable change because their effects can be applied to a wide and varied set of situations and not simply a prescribed set of rehearsed situations.
Monoclonal Antibodies for the Treatment of Nasal Polyps

Biologics are novel therapeutic medications developed for the targeted therapy for a variety of inflammatory conditions. The biologics currently investigated for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with nasal polyps modulate specific inflammatory pathways involved in the pathogenesis of disease. Investigations have focused on the most severe form of the disease, namely, CRS with nasal polyps. It is hoped that specific targeted therapies using these biologics can significantly modulate the immune system, offering both disease control and symptomatic relief. This review summarizes those therapies that have been used to treat nasal polyps.
In vivo whole-blood T2 versus HbO2 calibration by modulating blood oxygenation level in the femoral vein through intermittent cuff occlusion.

PURPOSE:To investigate the feasibility of estimating calibration constants (K and T2o ) in vivo for converting whole-blood T2 to blood hemoglobin oxygen saturation (HbO2 ) according to the Luz-Meiboom model, 1/T2=1/T2o+K(1-HbO2)2, where K and T2o are relaxivity and transverse relaxation time of fully saturated blood, respectively. METHODS:A range of HbO2 values was achieved in the superficial femoral vein with intermittent cuff occlusion in seven healthy adults (four males) to establish a calibration curve between blood T2 and HbO2 at 1.5T. HbO2 was derived via MR susceptometry, a technique previously validated, and the transverse relaxation time was quantified with an optimized T2 -prepared balanced steady-state free precession pulse sequence. To evaluate the accuracy of the in vivo calibration method, T2 and HbO2 were quantified in the superior sagittal sinus in six additional subjects and compared with susceptometry. RESULTS:Two sets of gender-specific calibration constants were derived, one for each gender corresponding to hematocrits of 0.47 ± 0.02 for males and 0.38 ± 0.01 for females, yielding K/T2o = 41 Hz/260 ms and 26 Hz/280 ms, respectively. The in vivo calibration returned physiologically plausible superior sagittal sinus SvO2 values (65 ± 5% HbO2 ), and there was no significant difference between the results from the two methods (average difference -0.3% HbO2 ). CONCLUSION:The results show feasibility of performing in vivo calibration for converting whole-blood T2 to HbO2 . The proposed approach bypasses the involved and cumbersome processes associated with in vitro calibration. Magn Reson Med 79:2290-2296, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Planar Multifrequency Wideband Bandpass Filters With Constant and Frequency Mappings

A new planar filter design technique with constant and frequency mappings has been proposed for multifrequency wideband bandpass filters (BPFs). The constant mapping treats components in the $LC$ circuit (e.g., frequency invariant admittances, capacitors, and ideal inverters) as frequency dependent. It is consistent with practical planar circuits and caters to a wide frequency range. Following the classic single-to-multiband transformation, a new frequency mapping function is proposed by incorporating this constant mapping idea. With these two mapping functions, a direct relation between the $LC$ circuit and its microstrip counterpart is established. Therefore, the multifrequency wideband BPF is readily designed from a lowpassing $LC$ circuit to the transmission line circuit. A ladder-type Chebyshev filter and a trisection filter with the general Chebyshev response have been designed as examples. The first one is a dual-band case exhibiting a wide bandwidth for each passband. The second filter is a triple-band one showing a large frequency ratio between the first and third passband. Both examples experimentally validate the proposed constant and frequency mapping technique.
Amicus Brief of Professor Orin S. Kerr in Carpenter v. United States, 16-402

In Carpenter v. United States, the Supreme Court will consider whether the Fourth Amendment imposes limits on the collection of historical cell-site records. Professor Kerr authored this amicus brief on his own behalf in support of the United States in the case.
Excitation wavelength dependent photon anti-bunching/bunching from single quantum dots near gold nanostructures

In this study, we aim to investigate the change in photon emission statistics of single CdSe/CdS core/shell quantum dots (QDs) on dielectric modified gold nanoparticle (NP) substrates as a function of the excitation wavelength. Photons emitted from single QDs are typically "anti-bunched" and are independent of the excitation wavelength. However, when QDs are coupled to plasmonic substrates, even at the low excitation power regime, we observed a significant change in photoluminescence emission behavior of single QDs; i.e. the emission transformed from incomplete photon anti-bunched to bunched when the excitation was changed from "off" to "on" plasmon resonance. Theoretical studies based on electrodynamics modeling suggested that for the QD-Au NP system, the quantum yield of single excitons decreases while that of biexcitons increases. In addition, when excited at the "on" resonance condition, the absorption is highly enhanced, resulting in an increased population of higher order excitons of the QDs. The higher order exciton emission was directly observed as an additional peak appeared at the blue side of the exciton peak of single QDs. The combined effect of the change in quantum yield and the increase in the absorption cross-section switches the photons emitted by single QDs from anti-bunched to bunched. These results provided direct evidence that not only the plasmonic nanostructures but also the excitation wavelength can effectively control the photon emission statistics of single QDs in the hybrid metal-semiconductor system. Manipulating the multiexciton-plasmon interaction in a hybrid complex like this could possibly open up new doors for applications such as entangled photon pair generation and plasmon-enhanced optoelectronic devices.
Gene-Based Neuromodulation

Abstract Gene therapy, the delivery of therapeutic genes to the nervous system to restore function, represents a promising alternative approach for the treatment of neurologic disorders for which pharmacotherapy and deep brain stimulation may be inadequate. Numerous clinical trials have demonstrated not only the potential of gene-based neuromodulatory strategies to treat genetic, degenerative, and oncologic diseases of the nervous system but also their safety and feasibility in patients. Moreover, our evolving understanding of the complex neural circuitry underlying neurologic disease is leading to elucidation of novel disease targets, gene-based approaches, and methods of noninvasive gene delivery and control. Continued advances within the field promise to expand the role of gene-based neuromodulation in treating neurologic disease. Here, we review the underlying technology of central nervous system gene therapy as well as data from a variety of human central nervous system gene therapy clinical trials, and then discuss emerging innovations in gene therapy that may help broaden its applications to a wider range of neurologic and psychiatric disorders.
Dynamic contrast-enhanced CT for the assessment of tumour response in malignant pleural mesothelioma: a pilot study.

The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the utility of haemodynamic parameters derived from dynamic contrast-enhanced computed tomography (DCE-CT) scans in the assessment of tumour response to treatment in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) patients. The patient cohort included nine patients undergoing chemotherapy and five patients on observation. Each patient underwent two DCE-CT scans separated by approximately 2 months. The DCE-CT parameters of tissue blood flow (BF) and tissue blood volume (BV) were obtained within the dynamically imaged tumour. Mean relative changes in tumour DCE-CT parameters between scans were compared between the on-treatment and on-observation cohorts. DCE-CT parameter changes were correlated with relative change in tumour bulk evaluated according to the modified RECIST protocol. Differing trends in relative change in BF and BV between scans were found between the two patient groups (p = 0.19 and p = 0.06 for BF and BV, respectively). No significant rank correlations were found when comparing relative changes in DCE-CT parameters with relative change in tumour bulk. Differing trends in the relative change of BF and BV between patients on treatment and on observation indicate the potential of DCE-CT for the assessment of pharmacodynamic endpoints with respect to treatment in MPM. A future study with a larger patient cohort and unified treatment regimens should be undertaken to confirm the results of this pilot study. • CT-derived haemodynamic parameters show differing trends between malignant pleural mesothelioma patients on treatment and patients off treatment • Changes in haemodynamic parameters do not correlate with changes in tumour bulk as measured according to the modified RECIST protocol • Differing trends across the two patient groups indicate the potential sensitivity of DCE-CT to assess pharmacodynamic endpoints in the treatment of MPM
Production of Biologicals by Plant Cell Cultures

The inclusion of a chapter on the production of biologicals by plant cell cultures in this volume is both appropriate and timely. The topic is timely because the production of a biological by plant cell cultures on commercial scale may be operational within five years. The primary purpose of this chapter is to review the current state of knowledge of plant cell culture as it bears on the production of biologicals.
Relative Foster Parents of HIV-Affected Children.

The HIV epidemic is one of the reasons for an increase in relative foster care. Most children of HIV-infected parents are not infected, but both the children and their caregivers are affected by the parent's illness. Twenty-eight caregivers participated in an exploratory, qualitative study of the permanency planning needs of HIV-affected relative foster parents. Of the caregivers, 17 disclosed that the foster child's parent was HIV-infected; 11 caregivers did not report HIV infection in the immediate family. HIV-affected caregivers' greatest need was a more adequate response from social workers and therapy services for the children; nonaffected caregivers needed financial assistance most. More HIV-affected caregivers were considering permanency than nonaffected caregivers. Child welfare workers and relative foster parents need training on HIV's effect on the families so that appropriate services can be accessed as early as possible.
Does Location Matter? Performance Analysis of the Affordable Housing Programs with Respect to Transportation Affordability in Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) Metropolis:

Transportation costs are the second largest expenditure for a family, thus have a substantial influence on housing affordability. In an auto-oriented region like DFW, the situation is exacerbated for low-income families due to limited transportation options. This study seeks to evaluate the efficiency of major affordable housing programs for low-income people in terms of transportation affordability. This study uses a rigorous methodology that involves a solid transportation cost modeling with disaggregated data available at property level for housing assistance programs in DFW. Our findings show that about 69% of the assisted units in DFW are unaffordable in terms of transportation costs. The majority of them are spending about 17% to 20% of their income on transportation. The most affordable program is Low-Income Housing Tax Credit with 58% affordability rate and the least affordable program is the Continuum of Care with 9% affordability rate when accounting for transportation costs. We also found that ...
An Indicator of One’s Life Satisfaction

How satisfied is each of us with the fulfillment of his life? In this paper after a thorough search of the literature about satisfaction, 58 criteria and subcriteria related to satisfaction or fulfillment were identified and arranged in a hierarchic structure. A process of prioritization known as the Analytic Hierarchy Process is used with the structure, putting in judgments from knowledgeable people to derive priorities for the criteria and subcriteria. A template was then developed for the reader to rate his satisfaction on each of the subcriteria in the structure to obtain an overall measure of satisfaction with their life. Someone who feels they have a perfect life would get 100%. The template can be used by any individual to determine what grade they get in life satisfaction. Readers can get the model to assess the reader’s level of life-satisfaction proposed in this paper at https://1drv.ms/x/s!Ao0b6FaIKSXM_AiH8x7JG5E09QCV .
Visual Uncertainty Model of Depth Estimation

This chapter introduces a novel uncertainty model supporting visual depth perception for humanoid robots. The supervised learning approach models the visual uncertainty distribution using ground truth data. The validation and discussion of the attained model are presented.
Irrefutable arguments: Teresa de Cartagena defends her right to authorship

Teresa de Cartagena wrote a masterful text of consolation for all who suffer illness or impairment entitled Arboleda de los enfermos [Grove of the Infirm] in which she recounts her spiritual respon...
Preface to the National Lawyers Guild Review, 67-3

Introduces: 1. "Original" Means Old, "Original" Means New: An "Original" Look At What "Originalists" Do by Harold Anthony Lloyd; 2. Familiar Stores: An International Suggestion for LGB Family Military Benefits After the Repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" by Maureen Brocco; 3. Collective Bargaining Rights Are Fundamental Human Rights -- Denying Them is Illegal by International Commission for Labor Rights; 4. Assault on Collective Bargaining Illegal, Says International Labor Rights Group by Jeanne Mirer and Marjorie Cohn; 5. Book Review: The United States and Torture by Alan Clarke; 6. Book Review: The Conservative Assault on the Constitution by Traci Yoder.
Adaptive sparse polynomial dimensional decomposition for derivative-based sensitivity

Abstract For applications, such as the plasma-coupled combustion system we consider, derivative-based sensitivity indices (DSI) are known to have several advantages over Sobol's total sensitivity indices, especially for small sample sizes. Several properties of derivative-based sensitivity measures are leveraged to develop a new and efficient numerical approach to estimate them. It is based on computing the DSI measures by effectively cost-free Monte Carlo sampling of an adaptively constructed orthogonal polynomial surrogate with uncertain input parameters that can have arbitrary probability distributions. The adaptivity reduces the number of necessary model evaluations, which is demonstrated both in a constructed example (the Moon function) and in two plasma-combustion systems with up to 55 uncertain parameters. Unimportant parameters are successfully identified and neglected with a low number of model evaluations, which makes it an attractive non-intrusive approach when adjoint solutions are unavailable to provide sensitivity information.
A novel bidirectional converter control for plug-in electric vehicles

In this paper, a novel bidirectional converter modelling and control is presented for the applications in plug-in electric vehicles. The controller is developed to enforce a pseudo-resistive behaviour at input terminals of the converter to ensure the unity power factor correction in power conversion. The proposed controller is based on a nonlinear sliding mode approach utilising a modified sliding manifold based on PI structure, as well as boundary layer solution to perform chattering compensation. The input resistance of the converter is regulated and controlled to positive and negative values depending on the charging or discharging state of the electric vehicle. Numerical simulations in PSIM environment are presented that evaluate performance of the proposed modelling and feedback control scheme.
The motif of Uzziah’s צרעת in the Deuteronomistic History, Chronicles, and beyond:

This article explores how the motif of Uzziah’s צרעת‎ in 2 Kgs. 15:1-7 has inspired the Chronicler, Josephus, and rabbinic commentators. In the Book of Kings, Uzziah’s disorder is used to explain a...
Abstract P380: Steps Per Day and Step Intensity are Associated With a Lower Risk of Diabetes. The Hispanic Community Health Study / Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL)

Introduction: Physical activity has been associated with a lower risk of diabetes but less is known about the association of steps per day (steps/d) and step intensity with incident diabetes. Hypot...
Evaluating the Co-dependence and Co-existence between Religion and Robots: Past, Present and Insights on the Future

The relationship between religions and science can be considered historically controversial in nature. In constantly evolving global societies, it is important to provide a new perspective on the past and present relationship between religions and technological developments in the different societies. In this regard, this paper will provide insights into the different ways in which ancient societies and their religious traditions helped in the development of technological progress. At one end, it will highlight some of the positive contributions of different religions towards technological progress in the past. At the other end, this discussion will aid in dispelling the viewpoint that perceived the ancient cultures and societies as bereft of technological knowledge and innovation. This paper will provide a historical perspective on the development of relationship between religion and robotics in the past. A brief look at the existing scenario within the contemporary societies will also be examined, along with discussion of socio-cultural norms and values related to perception of robots in different Eastern and Western cultures. The discussion will conclude with some predictions regarding the future, along with the different ways in which the relationship of co-existence and co-dependence is expected to evolve between religion and robotics in the future, which goes beyond the predictions of mass annihilation and mass enslavement by sentient AI-based robots.
Starting College, Quitting Foreign Language: The Case of Learners of Chinese Language during Secondary-Postsecondary Transition

Focusing on five initially committed learners of Chinese who decide to quit the language during their college freshman year, this study is a critique of the institutional structure that disengages ...
Patch Augmentation in Rotator Cuff Repair

Rotator cuff repair has excellent outcomes for many patients but continues to be suboptimal for large, retracted tears, and revision procedures. In these situations, patch augmentation may be considered in order to improve healing. The purpose of this article is to review the history, graft options, indications, surgical technique, outcomes, and complications associated with arthroscopic patch augmentation for rotator cuff repair. Patch augmentation has been shown in several studies to improve healing rates. After multiple investigations into different materials available for patch augmentation, acellular dermal allograft seems to be the graft with the best scientific support. While multiple techniques have been presented, few studies have compared their performance. While the arthroscopic technique for patch augmentation can be challenging, we present a systematic approach to this procedure with the potential to reliably and predictably perform patch augmentation. This technique is a valuable tool for surgeons that treat rotator cuff pathology.
Development of a high-throughput homogeneous AlphaLISA drug screening assay for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is in urgent need of therapeutic options. High-throughput screening (HTS) offers the research field an opportunity to rapidly identify such compounds. In this work, we have developed a homogeneous cell-based HTS system using AlphaLISA detection technology for the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein (NP). Our assay measures both recombinant NP and endogenous NP from viral lysates and tissue culture supernatants (TCS) in a sandwich-based format using two monoclonal antibodies against the NP analyte. Viral NP was detected and quantified in both tissue culture supernatants and cell lysates, with large differences observed between 24 hours and 48 hours of infection. We simulated the viral infection by spiking in recombinant NP into 384-well plates with live Vero-E6 cells and were able to detect the NP with high sensitivity and a large dynamic range. Anti-viral agents that inhibit either viral cell entry or replication will decrease the AlphaLISA NP signal. Thus, this assay can be used for high-throughput screening of small molecules and biologics in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
An Experiential Learning Approach to Research Methods in Computer Science based on SMART Goals

Research methods are perceived among the most challenging classes by students and faculty: in addition to theories, foundations, and technical aspects, they involve applying high-level critical-thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. Simultaneously, methods courses play a significant and holistic role in contributing to the personal and professional development of students. Therefore, designing engaging and meaningful learning experiences is especially important, as research methods classes touch every dimension of student success. To this end, experiential learning (EL) approaches are among the most successful strategies adopted by faculty: in the last decade, the benefits of incorporating components, such as simulations, internships, service-learning, and fieldwork, have been demonstrated in several domains. Indeed, sharing diverse examples of applications of EL in methods classes in specific fields is beneficial for contributing to the discourse, generating new strategies, and identifying best practices. This paper presents the case study of a course in research methods in computer science entirely based on experiential learning. Specifically, the class was designed to match the critical steps of the scholarly publishing process. Throughout the semester, students generate and refine applied research projects that could eventually be published in actual academic conferences or scientific journals. The findings from three years of data demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach discussed in the paper.
Laypeople’s beliefs about the effects of common estimator variables on memory

This research builds on James Ost’s research investigating whether laypeople’s beliefs align with those of experts. Recent studies that examined the relationship between high-confidence eyewitness ...
A Two Caregiver-Implemented Intervention Using Occupation-Centered Coaching

With the rising number of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), interventions that are evidence-based and responsive to the occupational needs of families as a unit are needed. Tw...
Beneath the Surface: A Transnational History of Skin Lighteners: By Lynn M. Thomas

Thomas, Lynn M. Beneath the Surface: A Transnational History of Skin Lighteners. Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 2020.
Optimizing active surveillance for low-risk prostate cancer: Characterizing provider and patient perspectives.

250Background: The number of men on active surveillance (AS) for low-risk prostate cancer is rapidly increasing. While AS requires routine clinical exams, labs, imaging, and prostate biopsies, many...
Study of social disparities in pediatric laparoscopic appendectomy outcomes and cost

Purpose:There is an increasing focus on racial and social disparities in health care. There have been several studies that have documented disparities in outcome between racial groups in the adult ...
Analysis of advanced driver assistance systems in police vehicles: A survey study

Abstract Few studies have examined the impact of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) on police officers to improve driver safety and prevent crashes. This is in spite of police officers having higher driving-related mortality rates than average civilians. To fill this gap, a survey study was conducted on 73 police officers to assess their opinions on various ADAS features as well as their recommendations for improvement. Results of the correlation analyses indicated that officer behavior and opinion on ADAS features were influenced by the trust officers had in the available ADAS systems among other key factors such as ADAS training and perceived usefulness. On this basis, guidelines for future research and development of ADAS were provided to improve officer driving safety in police operations. The guidelines need to be further validated in future driving simulation or naturalistic studies.
Laminar boundary-layer solutions in three dimensions

As an alternative to pure finite-difference techniques, the Method of Integral Relations (MIR) is formulated for three-dimensional boundary-layer flows with separation, and applied to two problems. The first concerns an incompressible laminar flow over a plate with an attached cylinder, where the potential solution of the flow round the circular cylinder is used as the boundary condition. In the second application the solution to the three-dimensional boundary-layer flow over blunt bodies is discussed and results for an ellipsoid of revolution at 30 deg incidence are presented. In both cases the results are found to be in satisfactory agreement with those obtained by finite-difference methods.
Mineralization of Diethylthiophosphoric Acid by an Enriched Consortium from Cattle Dip

Enrichment cultures were initiated from cattle dip solution with diethylthiophosphoric acid (DETP) as the carbon and energy source. An enriched consortium consisting of at least six distinct bacterial species was subsequently obtained. The consortium mineralized DETP to sulfate and phosphate while utilizing ethyl moieties as a carbon and energy source. These data demonstrate that DETP can be metabolized under environmentally realistic conditions.
Multiple regulatory events influence human cytomegalovirus DNA polymerase (UL54) expression during viral infection.

The human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) DNA polymerase gene (UL54; also called pol) is a prototypical early gene in that expression is mandatory for viral DNA replication. Recently, we have identified the major regulatory element in the UL54 promoter responsive to the major immediate early (MIE) proteins (UL122 and UL123) (J.A. Kerry, M.A. Priddy, and R. M. Stenberg, J. Virol. 68:4167-4176, 1994). Mutation of this element, inverted repeat sequence 1 (IR1), abrogates binding of cellular proteins to the UL54 promoter and reduces promoter activity in response to viral proteins in transient-transfection assays. To extend our studies on the UL54 promoter, we aimed to examine the role of IR1 in UL54 regulation throughout the course of infection. These studies show that viral proteins in addition to the MIE proteins can activate the UL54 promoter. Proteins from UL112-113 and IRS1/TRS1, recently identified as essential loci for transient complementation of HCMV oriLyt-dependent DNA replication, were found to function as transactivators of the UL54 promoter in association with MIE proteins. UL112-113 enhanced UL54 promoter activation by MIE proteins three- to fourfold. Constitutive expression of UL112-113 demonstrated that the MIE protein dependence of UL112-113 transactivational activity was not related to activation of cognate promoter sequences, suggesting that UL112-113 proteins function in cooperation with the MIE proteins. Mutation of IR1 was found to abrogate stimulation of the UL54 promoter by UL112-113, suggesting that this element is also involved in UL112-113 stimulatory activity. These results demonstrate that additional viral proteins influence UL54 promoter expression in transient-transfection assays via the IR1 element. To confirm the biological relevance of IR1 in regulating UL54 promoter activity during viral infection, a recombinant virus construct containing the UL54 promoter with a mutated IR1 element regulating expression of the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter gene (RVIRmCAT) was generated. Analysis of RVIRmCAT revealed that mutation of IR1 dramatically reduces UL54 promoter activity at early times after infection. However, at late times after infection CAT expression by RVIRmCAT, as assessed by RNA and protein levels, was approximately equivalent to expression by wild-type RVpolCAT. These data demonstrate IR1-independent regulation of the UL54 promoter at late times after infection. Together these results show that multiple regulatory events affect UL54 promoter expression during the course of infection.
A Neural Network Approach for Identification of Continuous-Time Nonlinear Dynamic Systems

In this paper, a neural network approach for identifying continuous time nonlinear dynamic systems is presented. The nonlinear dynamic system may be described by a state space model or represented by an input-output relationship. The concept of state-variable filter is employed such that no derivatives of the output or input are required. The weight adjustments are based on a gradient algorithm and can be carried out by a bank of parallel analog filters.
Britain's Political Parties and the EU: Conflict and Consensus

Controversy over the holding of an in/out referendum has made Europe once again a divisive issue in British politics. Graham Goodlad examines the differing attitudes of the UK's main political parties to the European Union in recent years.
Hurricane Katrina and Ocean Engineering lessons learned

Abstract : The hurricane season in USA runs between June 1 and November 30, and peak hurricane activity generally is between mid-August and mid-October. In an average year, there have been about 10 tropical storms developed in the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, or Atlantic Ocean since 1950, and only six storms became hurricanes. Approximately five hurricanes hit the United States mainland in a typical 3-year span, with two designated as major hurricanes (Categories 3 5). The southeastern United States is the region most vulnerable, and the States most likely to be hit by a major hurricane are the states of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas.