cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification of the radical anions of C2N4S2 and P2N4S2 rings by in situ EPR spectroelectrochemistry and DFT calculations.

The previously unknown radical anions of unsaturated E2N4S2 ring systems (E = RC, R2NC, R2P) can be generated voltammetrically by the one-electron reduction of the neutral species and, despite half-lives on the order of a few seconds, have been unambiguously characterized by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroelectrochemistry using a highly sensitive in situ electrolysis cell. Cyclic voltammetric studies using a glassy-carbon working electrode in CH3CN and CH2Cl2 with [nBu4N][PF6] as the supporting electrolyte gave reversible formal potentials for the [E2N4S2]0/- process in the range of −1.25 to −1.77 V and irreversible peak potentials for oxidation in the range of 0.66 to 1.60 V (vs the Fc+/0 couple; Fc = ferrocene). Reduction of the neutral compound undergoes an electrochemically reversible one-electron transfer, followed by the decay of the anion to an unknown species via a first-order (chemical) reaction pathway. The values of the first-order rate constant, kf, for the decay of all the radic...
Instrumentation and control techniques for dynamic response. Experiments in living tissue.

The development of Polarographic micro oxygen electrodes with tips less than 10μ has allowed the study of cellular and tissue oxygen levels in response to dynamic changes. Several investigators have recorded the in vivo behavior of pO2 in the cerebral cortex tissue when arterial pO2 was made to vary by a step change in the respired O2 concentration. Of particular note are the reports by Bicher (1) in the cat cerebral cortex and Metzger in the cortex of rats (2). A transient overshoot in tissue pO2 was observed during recovery from a one-minute induced hypoxia. This behavior is not predicted directly from first order models with constant metabolism (3). Subsequent analysis ascribed this behavior to delayed brain blood flow transients (4), but instantaneous flow rates were not recorded during the cited experiments.
The Evolution of Research Design

Research focused on disease prevention and treatment has been a component of medicine since antiquity. Some of the earliest evidence of clinical research is seen in what may be the earliest known description of cancer by Imhotep in Egypt from around 3000 BC, as well as in records of experimentation
Tetraphenylborate conductance through lipid bilayer membranes

Abstract At low concentrations of the anion in the water solutions on either side of the membrane ( −9 cm 2 /sec).
Ultrafiltration with self-generated RO concentrate pulse backwash in a novel integrated seawater desalination UF-RO system

Abstract Ultrafiltration as a pretreatment for RO feedwater with enhanced UF backwash, which combines continuous with pulse backwash, was investigated in a novel UF-RO process integration. Direct supply of RO concentrate to the UF module served for UF backwash which was further enhanced with pulse backwash generated using bladder-type hydraulic accumulators. Model analysis of the hydraulic accumulator operation, which was validated via a series of field experiments, demonstrated a capability for accumulator charging directly from the RO concentrate stream within a period of 30–40 s. Moreover, pulse backwash over a short period (~5 s) which was added to the continuous UF backwash (directly from the RO brine stream), enabled peak UF backwash flux up to a factor of 4.2–4.6 higher than the normal filtration flux. The above mode of UF operation with multiple consecutive backwash pulses was more effective than with a single pulse, while inline coagulation further increased the UF performance. Relatively long-term field operation (over eight days where) of the UF-RO system with self-adaptive triggering of UF backwash, whereby the number of consecutive pulses increased when a higher membrane fouling resistance was encountered, was highly effective in enabling stable UF operation over a wider range of water quality conditions and without the need for chemical cleaning. These encouraging results suggest that direct UF-RO integration with enhanced pulse UF backwash is an effective approach for dead-end UF filtration without sacrificing water productivity.
Microarray gene expression analysis in ovine ductus arteriosus during fetal development and birth transition.

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in the newborn is the most common congenital heart anomaly and is significantly more common in preterm infants. Contemporary pharmacological treatment is effective in only 70–80% of the cases. Moreover, indomethacin or ibuprofen, which are used to close a PDA may be accompanied by serious side effects in premature infants. To explore the novel molecular pathways, which may be involved in the maturation and closure of the ductus arteriosus (DA), we used fetal and neonatal sheep to test the hypothesis that maturational development of DA is associated with significant alterations in specific mRNA expression. We conducted oligonucleotide microarray experiments on the isolated mRNA from DA and ascending aorta from three study groups (premature fetus—97 ± 0 d, near-term fetus—136 ± 0.8 d, and newborn lamb—12 ± 0 h). We compared the alterations in mRNA expression in DA and aorta to identify genes specifically involved in DA maturation. Results demonstrate significant changes in wingless–integrin1, thrombospondin 1, receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B, nitric oxide synthase, and retinoic acid receptor activation signaling pathways. We conclude that these pathways may play an important role during both development and postnatal DA closure and warrant further investigation.
'Public Good,' or 'Good for the Public?' How Political Entrepreneurship Has Endogenized the Public Funding of Science

Public goods are traditionally classified according to an exogenous, technological definition of possessing the characteristics of nonrivalry and nonexcludability. This paper takes a more endogenous approach, where goods are defined by the political purposes that specific actors have revolving these goods, and emerge through political entrepreneurship. I use government sponsorship of basic scientific research as a case study. Proponents argue that scientific research constitutes a public good requiring government assistance, but in fact, government provision of science is endogenous, and better explained by the political entrepreneurship involved in convincing the public of the superiority of political over private provision.
Comparison of ferumoxytol‐enhanced MRA with conventional angiography for assessment of severity of transplant renal artery stenosis

Purpose To determine the accuracy of ferumoxytol-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) in assessing the severity of transplant renal artery stenosis (TRAS), using digital subtraction angiography (DSA) as the reference standard. Materials and methods Our Institutional Review Board approved this retrospective, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-compliant study. Thirty-three patients with documented clinical suspicion for TRAS (elevated serum creatinine, refractory hypertension, edema, and/or audible bruit) and/or concerning sonographic findings (elevated renal artery velocity and/or intraparenchymal parvus tardus waveforms) underwent a 1.5T MRA with ferumoxytol prior to DSA. All DSAs were independently reviewed by an interventional radiologist and served as the reference standard. The MRAs were reviewed by three readers who were blinded to the ultrasound and DSA findings for the presence and severity of TRAS. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for identifying substantial stenoses (>50%) were determined. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated among readers. Mean differences between the percent stenosis from each MRA reader and DSA were calculated. Results On DSA, a total of 42 stenoses were identified in the 33 patients. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of MRA in detecting substantial stenoses were 100%, 75-87.5%, and 95.2-97.6%, respectively, among the readers. There was excellent agreement among readers as to the percent stenosis (ICC = 0.82). MRA overestimated the degree of stenosis by 3.9-9.6% compared to DSA. Conclusion Ferumoxytol-enhanced MRA provides high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for determining the severity of TRAS. Our results suggest that it can potentially be used as a noninvasive examination following ultrasound to reduce the number of unnecessary conventional angiograms. Level of evidence 3 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;45:779-785.
Genomic and transcriptomic characterization of E. coli and Shigella

E coli/Shigella exist as the major facultative anaerobe in the human gastrointestinal tract, but also can cause serious disease especially in young children, travelers and those that do not have access to clean water. E. coli/Shigella have been a model microbial system in use for decades, the advent of the genomic era has allowed unprecedented insight into the variation of this important species. Genome scale analysis has identified that approximately half of the E. coli/Shigella genome, ~2.2 Mbp, is highly conserved and represents an open genome structure that is constantly acquiring novel genetic material. Detailed studies have focused on the enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) pathovar and the Shigella species. Genomic studies of each of these pathogens have revealed a complex and convoluted genomic evolution that is unique to each of the examples. Additionally, we have examined the ETEC transcriptional response to known virulence signals such as glucose concentration and intra-kingdom signals and have identified a number of candidate ETEC virulence factors. In addition to potential virulence factors, we have also identified novel genes that are conserved and may be involved in the regulation of virulence in this group of pathogens. Comparative genomics and transcriptomics has reached a new era where the number of strains that can be rapidly sequenced will begin to address epidemiological questions and become a more integrated component of the global health care system. David A. Rasko, J Bacteriol Parasitol 2013, 4:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2155-9597.S1.004
Circulating Tumor Cells in Genitourinary Malignancies: An Evolving Path to Precision Medicine.

Precision medicine with molecularly directed therapeutics is rapidly expanding in all subspecialties of oncology. Molecular analysis and treatment monitoring require tumor tissue, but resections or biopsies are not always feasible due to tumor location, patient safety, and cost. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) offer a safe, low-cost, and repeatable tissue source as an alternative to invasive biopsies. “Liquid biopsies” can be collected from a peripheral blood draw and analyzed to isolate, enumerate, and molecularly characterize CTCs. While there is deserved excitement surrounding new CTC technologies, studies are ongoing to determine whether these cells can provide reliable and accurate information about molecular drivers of cancer progression and inform treatment decisions. This review focuses on the current status of CTCs in genitourinary (GU) cancer. We will review currently used methodologies to isolate and detect CTCs, their use as predictive biomarkers, and highlight emerging research and applications of CTC analysis in GU malignancies.
Stealthy Control Signal Attacks in Linear Quadratic Gaussian Control Systems: Detectability Reward Tradeoff

The problem of false data injection through compromised cyber links to a physical control system modeled by linear quadratic Gaussian dynamics is studied in this paper. The control input stream is compromised by an attacker who modifies the (cyber) control signals transmitted with the objective of increasing the quadratic cost incurred by the (physical) controller whilst maintaining a degree of stealthiness . The tradeoff between the increase in quadratic cost and the stealthiness (or detectability), are measured by the Kullback–Leibler distance between legitimate and falsified state dynamics is characterized analytically. It is shown that the optimal adversarial strategy is a sequence of independent Gaussian noise signals with carefully chosen variances whose eigenvalues align with those of the legitimate noise covariance with the scaling reflecting the desired quadratic cost increase. As the stealthiness decreases, the optimal tradeoff is shown to be linear with slope inversely proportional to the maximal of maximal eigenvalue of modified reward matrices. Numerical simulations are presented that showcase the optimal tradeoff and the comparison of the legitimate and falsified dynamics under different requirements on detectability.
TummyTrials: A Feasibility Study of Using Self-Experimentation to Detect Individualized Food Triggers

Diagnostic self-tracking, the recording of personal information to diagnose or manage a health condition, is a common practice, especially for people with chronic conditions. Unfortunately, many who attempt diagnostic self tracking have trouble accomplishing their goals. People often lack knowledge and skills needed to design and conduct scientifically rigorous experiments, and current tools provide little support. To address these shortcomings and explore opportunities for diagnostic self tracking, we designed, developed, and evaluated a mobile app that applies a self experimentation framework to support patients suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in identifying their personal food triggers. TummyTrials aids a person in designing, executing, and analyzing self experiments to evaluate whether a specific food triggers their symptoms. We examined the feasibility of this approach in a field study with 15 IBS patients, finding that participants could use the tool to reliably undergo a self-experiment. However, we also discovered an underlying tension between scientific validity and the lived experience of self experimentation. We discuss challenges of applying clinical research methods in everyday life, motivating a need for the design of self experimentation systems to balance rigor with the uncertainties of everyday life.
Textbooks for Pervasive Computing Training and Education

Many pervasive computing courses don't require a textbook. Instead, a variety of papers are given as assigned reading. Although there are advantages to using papers for reading assignments, there are disadvantages as well. With each course, instructors must curate their own list of important papers, and students don't have the benefit of a well-planned book, which ties together topics systematically. In light of this, Andrew Kun reviews nine books that might be a good match for pervasive computing courses.
MIGET: Basic Physiological Principles

This chapter builds on the historical concepts outlined in the previous chapter and expands them for a general understanding of the underlying theory of MIGET. The technique is based on simple principles of mass balance: inert gas retention (i.e., the amount of each gas retained in arterial blood as a fraction of the amount delivered to the lung in the pulmonary arterial blood) is a function of the inert gas partition coefficient (λ) and the ventilation (\( {\dot{V}}_{\mathrm{A}}/\dot{Q} \)) ratio distribution. Thus, the \( {\dot{V}}_{\mathrm{A}}/\dot{Q} \) distribution can be determined by measuring λ and retention during steady-state inert gas elimination. By evaluating data from gases of varying solubility (λ between 0.001 and 100), the overall distribution can be recovered. Low-solubility gases will be largely eliminated, high-solubility gases will be almost completely retained, and gases of medium solubility will have intermediate retention in blood. In a lung with \( {\dot{V}}_{\mathrm{A}}/\dot{Q} \) inequality, the retention of any gas in arterial blood is the blood flow-weighted average of the retention values from all regions of the lung, which may have potentially differing \( {\dot{V}}_{\mathrm{A}}/\dot{Q} \) ratio. The \( {\dot{V}}_{\mathrm{A}}/\dot{Q} \) distribution can be represented by plotting ventilation and blood flow separately against \( {\dot{V}}_{\mathrm{A}}/\dot{Q} \) ratio as a frequency distribution, represented by 48 \( {\dot{V}}_{\mathrm{A}}/\dot{Q} \) compartments with additional compartments for each of the extremes: shunt and deadspace. Parameters used to describe the distribution quantitatively include the first moment (mean position of the distribution along the \( {\dot{V}}_{\mathrm{A}}/\dot{Q} \) axis) and the second moment about the mean, expressing heterogeneity. The second moments of the ventilation and perfusion distributions are called LogSD\( {V}_A \) and LogSD\( Q \), respectively. The higher the value of these, the greater the extent of \( {\dot{V}}_{\mathrm{A}}/\dot{Q} \) mismatch.
Emotional Delivery in Pro-social Crowdfunding Success

How do fundraisers effectively use emotions in pro-social crowdfunding platforms? Pro-social crowdfunding platforms allow for online campaigns to raise money, and these fundraisers rely more heavily on emotions to attract backers because there are no financial incentives to contribute to these campaigns. People give to pro-social crowdfunding campaigns out of empathy and sympathy for the campaign beneficiaries. Using prior research on empathy, we considered the emotional drivers of empathy and examined how campaigns convey those emotions using campaign pictures and language. We analyzed the facial expressions in campaign pictures and the emotional words in the campaign language, and we found that emotions shape fundraising success. Furthermore, our study shows that the same emotion - happiness/joy - leads to different fundraising success based on whether it is conveyed visually or textually. A future experiment will more explicitly connect these emotions to empathy in potential backers.
High-Power Recirculating Planar Crossed-Field Amplifier Design and Development

The recirculating planar crossed-field amplifier (RPCFA) was designed and simulated using the finite-element frequency-domain code ANSYS HFSS and the particle-in-cell (PIC) code MAGIC. The RPCFA is a high-power microwave device adapted from the recirculating planar magnetron, developed at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. Electromagnetic (EM) PIC simulations of a planar, meander line, and slow wave structure demonstrated 13.5-dB amplification of a 1.3-MW, 3-GHz signal to approximately 29 MW. The RPCFA is designed to be driven by pulsed power from the Michigan electron long beam accelerator-ceramic insulator, which is currently configured to deliver pulses at −300 kV, 1–10 kA, with 0.3– $1~\mu \text{s}$ pulse lengths. The RF input-drive signal will be provided by an MG5193 magnetron which delivers 5- $\mu \text{s}$ pulses up to 2.6 MW at 3 GHz. EM PIC simulations also demonstrated zero-drive stability of the design and were used to evaluate changes in performance resulting from variations of several experimental parameters. Variation of the drive frequency suggested that the RPCFA is expected to have a 3-dB amplification bandwidth of 300 MHz or 10%.
Transversus Abdominis Plane Blocks in Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction: Analysis of Pain, Narcotic Consumption, Length of Stay, and Cost.

BACKGROUND Transversus abdominis plane blocks are increasingly being used in microvascular breast reconstruction. The implications of these blocks on specific reconstructive, patient, and institutional outcomes remain to be fully elucidated. METHODS Patients undergoing abdominally based microvascular breast reconstruction from 2015 to 2017 were reviewed. Length of stay, complications, narcotic consumption, donor-site pain, and hospital expenses were compared between patients who did and did not receive transversus abdominis plane blocks with liposomal bupivacaine. Outcomes were subsequently compared in patients with elevated body mass index. RESULTS Fifty patients (43.9 percent) received blocks [27 (54.0 percent) under ultrasound guidance] and 64 patients (56.1 percent) did not. Patients with the blocks had significantly decreased oral and total narcotic consumption (p = 0.0001 and p < 0.0001, respectively) and significantly less donor-site pain (3.3 versus 4.3; p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in hospital expenses between the two cohorts ($21,531.53 versus $22,050.15 per patient; p = 0.5659). Patients with a body mass index of 25 kg/m(2) or greater who received a block had a significantly decreased length of stay (3.8 days versus 4.4 days; p = 0.0345) and decreased narcotic consumption and postoperative pain compared with patients without blocks. Patients with a body mass index less than 25 kg/m(2) did not have a significant difference in postoperative pain, narcotic consumption, or length of stay between groups. CONCLUSIONS Transversus abdominis plane blocks with liposomal bupivacaine significantly reduce oral and total postoperative narcotic consumption and donor-site pain in all patients after abdominally based microvascular breast reconstruction without increasing hospital expenses. The blocks also significantly decrease length of stay in patients with a body mass index greater than or equal to 25 kg/m(2). CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic, III.
Suppression and reversion of mutant phenotype in reovirus.

The concept of genetic suppression of phenotypes has existed since the original description of suppression of eye color in Drosophila (Sturdevant 1920). Subsequently, genetic suppression was recognized and characterized in a variety of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms (Gorini and Beckwith 1966; Hartman and Roth 1973) and was demonstrated to occur through a variety of mechanisms (Gorini 1970; Hartman and Roth 1973). Of particular use for genetic analysis of prokaryotic viruses were host-dependent suppressor-sensitive mutations, which were conditionally lethal depending on the host bacterial strain used as an indicator for viral growth (Edgar 1966). The first documentation of genetic suppression in an animal virus was in reovirus (Ramig et al. 1977). Suppression was subsequently documented in a number of animal viruses, including papovavirus (Shortle et al. 1979), picornavirus (King et al. 1980), vaccinia virus (McFadden et al. 1980), influenza virus (Tolpin et al. 1981), herpesvirus (Hall and Almey 1982), and adenovirus (Kruijer et al. 1983), demonstrating the general applicability of the concept to animal virus genetics.
Application of intermediate treatment of resonance absorption to heterogeneous fast reactor assembly

The intermediate resonance approximation of resonance absorption is applied to a heterogeneous fast reactor assembly to see how each resonance of 238U deviates from the narrow resonance approximati...
Extracellular Enzymes Within Microbial Biofilms and the Role of the Extracellular Polymer Matrix

Bacteria lie at the base of the food web, and occupy an important position in the recycling of organic matter in a range of natural and artificial systems. For example, organic matter turnover in ocean systems is largely mediated by bacterial processes (Pomeroy 1984). An important rate-limiting step in understanding bacterial activities and the more general transformation of organic matter is the extracellular hydrolysis of large molecular-weight organic matter by bacteria (Hoppe 1991).
The Ideal of a Human Rights Campus

Lindsey N. Kingston believes that educators have a responsibility to provide students with the knowledge and critical reasoning skills necessary for human rights advocacy—and that university HRE ought to take place on campuses where commitment to social justice is a defining characteristic. Her calls to include HRE in undergraduate programs and throughout campus life have taken on new urgency in the wake of the 2016 U.S. presidential election, in an age of increasingly polarized politics and growing rhetoric against fundamental freedoms. Reflecting on her experiences directing the undergraduate International Human Rights (HRTS) program at Webster University—one of only a handful of human rights degree programs in the United States—she offers advice for building HRE foundations based on critical thinking and social engagement, for fostering inclusiveness on campus, and for supporting social justice every day.
Synthesis and Evaluation of a Mitochondria-Targeting Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase-1 Inhibitor

The poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) family of enzymes plays a crucial role in cellular and molecular processes including DNA damage detection and repair and transcription; indeed, PARP inhibitor...
Metastasis and retroactive causality in incentive rhetoric

ABSTRACTOur contemporary moment is characterized by the pervasiveness of economics in social life, and the extension of “incentives” into new areas represents this movement’s keystone. Originally a fairly narrow term from neoclassical economic theory, politicians, journalists, and cultural ﬁgures deploy “incentives” to explain all manner of activity: judicial rulings, gendered wage gaps, and even whether soccer players score penalty kicks. To address this, I elucidate the trope of metastasis – the rhetorical mechanism by which social life is “economized.” Metastasis entails a ﬁgurative displacement, wherein cause shifts from one place to another. More than simply a spread of narrow economic ideas into culture, incentive rhetoric metastasizes. It displaces alternative explanations onto neoclassical market axioms. Since its proponents insist that incentives are causal mechanisms, I introduce Jacques Lacan’s interpretation of Aristotle’s discourse on causality. Lacan rereads Aristotle’s “ﬁnal cause” from a r...
Strategic and experimental analyses of conflict and terrorism

Understanding the root causes of conflict and terrorism ultimately will allow policymakers to enact measures to reduce violence’s associated costs. This special issue on “Strategic and Experimental Approaches to the Study of Conflict and Terrorism” consists of papers that analyze issues related to conflict or terrorism using the tools of applied game theory or experimental economics. This introductory article provides an overview of, and explains the relationships between, the studies included in the special issue.
Ventricular Dysfunction in a 40-Year-Old With Coronary Compression From Aortic Aneurysm Following Waterston Shunt and Complete Repair of Tetralogy of Fallot.

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is the most prevalent form of cyanotic congenital heart disease in the adult population and requires life-long follow-up with a specialist in adult congenital heart disease to closely monitor for known long-term complications.1, 2 Common complications seen in TOF include aortic root dilation and sequelae related to right ventricular volume overload, although they can differ depending on the surgical history.3, 4 Recommendations for surveillance include annual imaging with either echocardiography or cardiac magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate anatomy and hemodynamics.1, 5 We present a case of an unusual complication related to surgical palliation in an adult with TOF requiring multimodality imaging for diagnosis.
A Problem-Based Learning Session on Pregnancy Options, Counseling, and Abortion Care

Introduction Before their clinical rotations, medical students have limited exposure to women's health issues, particularly abortion. Methods We piloted a problem-based learning (PBL) module to int...
Kaposi Sarcoma Herpesvirus Inflammatory Cytokine Syndrome-like Clinical Presentation in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-infected Children in Malawi

We describe 7 human immunodeficiency virus-infected Malawian children with Kaposi sarcoma who met criteria for Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV) inflammatory cytokine syndrome. Each presented with persistent fevers, bulky lymphadenopathy, massive hepatosplenomegaly, and severe cytopenias. Plasma analyses were performed in 2 patients, both demonstrating extreme elevations of KSHV viral load and interleukin 6.
Does IT Use Matter? Toward a Deeper Understanding of the Impacts of IT Use on Individual Work Performance

Researchers and practitioners have paid much attention to the impacts of information technologies (IT). However, while studied at the organizational level extensively, the impact of IT use at the individual level receives less attention. Therefore, my dissertation is aimed at a deeper understanding of the impacts of IT use on the individual work-related performance. This research involves two Phases. In Phase I, I will reconceptualize IT use. Based on a comprehensive literature review, I found that IT use is obviously a critical concept yet previous conceptualizations of IT use are not sufficient. IT use has been measured primarily by the amount of time, the frequency and duration, and tasks completed. Other aspects of IT use should also be considered. Therefore, I first apply activity theory and other relevant theories to deconstruct and reconceptualize the too simply defined IT use. According to activity theory, an activity involves three major components: subjects and objects that are mediated by tools. Their interactions are also influenced by organizational and technological environments. Activity theory provides us a new perspective to analyze IT use behavior. In Phase II, the nomological values of the new conceptualization of IT resulting from Phase I will be examined. Specifically, I will consider the relationships between IT use and its antecedents (personal traits, perceptions, etc) and consequences (performance). This research has implications for both researchers and practitioners.
Aggregation of Opinions and Preferences in Decision Problems

The analyst who wants more data than are available through statistics, may decide to use the opinion of experts; he then faces several questions that will affect the quality of the information that he will obtain: To whom to go for valuable insights? How to present his questions? Should he use iterative techniques? Should he avoid or create experts’ interaction? And finally, how should he aggregate the data that he gathered from them?
Theatricality in Deep History and the Human Brain

The introductory chapter considers reasons to study theatre history today, with the theatricality of everyday life and the role of each generation in reframing the past to make choices about the future. It investigates the relationship between truth, morality, and theatrical media—through the ancient fable of Plato’s cave. It explores the animal–human evolution of our brain’s “inner theatre,” involving primal drives, mirror neurons, contagious emotions, mimetic desires and rivalries, symbolic reflections, and symptomatic expressions from stage to screen (including recent “enfacement” and “body-swapping” experiments). It offers questions to apply in subsequent chapters about the bio-cultural identity needs of each person (especially when young), regarding inner/outer simulations, social frameworks, and human tragic flaws. Specific, related questions are given in bold in each chapter that follows.
Preparation of a geopolymer from red mud slurry and class F fly ash and its behavior at elevated temperatures

Abstract This study employed a synthesis method for a geopolymer sourced from red mud (RM) slurry and fly ash (FA) powder. Properties, including mechanical behavior, volume change, weight loss, and microstructural change, of the RMFA geopolymer in the temperature range of room temperature to 1000 °C were investigated. The geopolymer was successfully synthesized at 50 °C for seven days, followed by curing at room temperature and 40% relative humidity for an additional seven days. After curing for fourteen days, the RMFA geopolymer exhibited compressive strengths over 17 MPa. Mechanical tests found the material to retain its strength up to 600 °C. Although the mechanical properties remained relatively stable under 600 °C, weight loss and thermal shrinkage were observed in thermogravimetric analysis and dimensional measurements. These behaviors were attributed to the loss of free and structural water as well as the dehydroxylation reaction under heating. Above 600 °C, the mechanical properties, including compressive strength and Young’s modulus, dropped quickly, and the material showed rapid volume expansion. This observation was associated with the start of the breakdown of the geopolymer matrix, as well as recrystallization, as evident in the X-ray diffraction pattern. The RMFA geopolymer may be explored as an alternative material to ordinary Portland cement, thermal barrier material on substrate metal, thermal insulation material for large equipment, with environmental benefits including red mud and fly ash repurposing.
Induction of enteric oxalate secretion by Oxalobacter formigenes in mice does not require the presence of either apical oxalate transport proteins Slc26A3 or Slc26A6

Oxalobacter sp. promotion of enteric oxalate excretion, correlating with reductions in urinary oxalate excretion, was previously reported in rats and mice, but the mechanistic basis for this affect has not been described. The main objective of the present study was to determine whether the apical oxalate transport proteins, PAT1 (slc26a6) and DRA (slc26a3), are involved in mediating the Oxalobacter-induced net secretory flux across colonized mouse cecum and distal colon. We measured unidirectional and net fluxes of oxalate across tissues removed from colonized PAT1 and DRA knockout (KO) mice and also across two double knockout (dKO) mouse models with primary hyperoxaluria, type 1 (i.e., deficient in alanine-glyoxylate aminotransferase; AGT KO), including PAT1/AGT dKO and DRA/AGT dKO mice compared to non-colonized mice. In addition, urinary oxalate excretion was measured before and after the colonization procedure. The results demonstrate that Oxalobacter can induce enteric oxalate excretion in the absence of either apical oxalate transporter and urinary oxalate excretion was reduced in all colonized genotypes fed a 1.5% oxalate-supplemented diet. We conclude that there are other, as yet unidentified, oxalate transporters involved in mediating the directional changes in oxalate transport across the Oxalobacter-colonized mouse large intestine.
Abstract 4973: The immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment of metastatic osteosarcoma inhibits the cytotoxic effect of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes

Background: Patients with metastatic osteosarcoma (OS) have a 5 year overall survival of Methods: Immunohistochemistry (IHC) slides from 66 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded OS tissue blocks were analyzed. Laser capture microdissection and RNA extraction was performed on 13 OS specimens, and gene expression profiles of the tumor interior vs. tumor interface region were compared utilizing RNA seq. Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) were isolated from 25 freshly obtained OS specimens and analyzed by multiparameter flow cytometry (MFC). Results: Digital image analysis of IHC specimens revealed significantly higher immune cell infiltration (CD3+ and CD8+ cells) in the pulmonary metastases compared to primary bone tumors, particularly at the interface between the OS lesion and normal lung tissue. There is increased expression at the interface of the immune checkpoint molecules programmed cell death 1 (PD-1), T cell immunoglobulin mucin-3 (TIM-3) and lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG-3). Gene expression profiling showed increased CD8 T cell and resting CD4 memory T cell signature at the interface compared to the tumor interior, and a strong M2 and M0 macrophage signature in both regions. TILs isolated from pulmonary metastases and analyzed by MFC had higher expression of PD-1 and other immune checkpoint molecules, and these TILs were more capable of producing the effector molecules IFN-gamma and granzyme B. Conclusions: Pulmonary metastatic OS lesions are more highly infiltrated with immune cells than primary bone lesions, particularly at the interface. The fact that these immune cells are shown via MFC to be capable of producing cytotoxic cytokines and proteases suggests that these TILs may be tumor-specific lymphocytes capable of acting against the tumor if they were not being inhibited by multiple immune checkpoint molecules. The inability of these immune cells to penetrate further into the tumor interior may represent an adaptive immune response by the tumor through a combination of repellant cytokines and inhibition of TILs via upregulation of PD-1, TIM-3 and LAG-3. Treatment with a combination of anti-PD-1, anti-TIM-3 or anti-LAG-3 directed treatments may unleash these immune cells and allow them to destroy OS tumor cells. Citation Format: John A. Ligon, Teniola F. Oke, Woonyoung Choi, Megan H. Fong, Adam Levin, Daniel S. Rhee, Carol D. Morris, Nicholas Siegel, Emily H. Hsieu, Christian F. Meyer, David J. McConkey, Robert A. Anders, Drew M. Pardoll, Nicolas J. Llosa. The immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment of metastatic osteosarcoma inhibits the cytotoxic effect of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4973.
Crying helps, but being sad doesn’t: Infants constrain nominal reference online using known verbs, but not known adjectives

Abstract Speakers can make inferences about the meaning of new words appearing in an utterance based on the lexical semantics of other words that co-occur with them. Previous work has revealed that infants at 19 and 24 months of age can recruit the semantic selectional restrictions of known verbs (e.g., eating) to deduce that a noun appearing in the subject position maps onto an animate referent. We asked whether this ability to capitalize on the semantics of familiar words to identify the referent of a novel noun in subject position extends to adjectives, which also denote properties, and which also have animacy constraints (e.g., hungry). We found that unlike in the previous studies with verbs, neither 24- nor 36-month-olds could successfully recruit known adjectival semantics in an online task to home in on an animate nominal referent. However, 36-month-olds were successful in a more interactive, forced-choice version of the task without such strict time limitations. We discuss multiple non-mutually-exclusive hypotheses for this pattern of results, focusing on the role of the morphosyntactic cues, the (lack of) perceptual cues for the target property in context of the utterance, truth conditions, and cross-linguistic implications. These possibilities raise fundamental questions about the infant’s developing lexicon and the linguistic and conceptual mechanisms at play in the process of word learning.
Experiences of harassment and empowerment after sharing personal abortion stories publicly.

Author(s): Woodruff, Katie; Schroeder, Rosalyn; Herold, Stephanie; Roberts, Sarah CM; Berglas, Nancy F | Abstract: ObjectiveIn recent years, in an attempt to counter stigma and increase empathy, public education campaigns have encouraged people to share their personal abortion stories. This exploratory study sought to document negative and positive experiences of those who have shared their abortion stories publicly.Study designWe conducted an anonymous online survey of people who have shared their abortion story publicly (N = 88), recruited via partners affiliated with two abortion story-sharing campaigns. The survey asked about the context in which respondents shared their abortion story, any negative and positive experiences online and in "real life" as a result of story sharing, and any problems or benefits resulting from these experiences. We analyzed survey data using descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses and categorizing responses to open-ended questions.ResultsSixty percent of respondents reported experiencing harassment and other negative incidents after sharing their story publicly. These experiences contributed to emotional stress, problems with loved ones and difficulties at work and/or school. These harms were reported even by many respondents who used only a first name or alias when sharing their story. Despite this, positive experiences as a result of story sharing were reported by four out of five respondents and motivated many to continue sharing their story.ConclusionsThis exploratory study indicates that many people who share their abortion story publicly find it to be an empowering, rewarding experience. Yet they also experience harassment and threats at high rates. Future research should explore both positive and negative experiences in more depth.ImplicationsSharing one's personal abortion story as part of a public education campaign can be a positive, empowering experience. Nevertheless, policymakers, journalists and reproductive health advocates should recognize the potential harms experienced by people who share their abortion story publicly and consider measures to support these individuals.
Economic Analysis of Hybrid Mechanisms: Arb-Med and Med-Arb as Arbitral Innovations

Hybrid mechanisms combining arbitration and mediation emerged as popular forms of dispute resolution in the last two decades. This paper distinguishes Arb-Med and Med-Arb, two simple hybrid mechanisms, by focusing on their distinct choice environments in the two stages of arbitration and mediation. In Arb-Med, first-stage arbitration choices dynamically influence second-stage mediation outcomes. By contrast, second-stage arbitration in Med-Arb takes place only when first-stage mediation has failed. Moreover, during second-stage mediation in Arb-Med, first-stage arbitration cost is sunk and does not enter parties' mediation consideration. By contrast, during first-stage mediation in Med-Arb, parties rationally consider the cost of second-stage arbitration. I demonstrate that under facilitative or transformative mediation, Med-Arb outperforms Arb-Med and stand-alone arbitration. However, under evaluative mediation, Arb-Med outperforms Med-Arb when the cost of first-stage arbitration in Arb-Med is sufficiently low; otherwise, Med-Arb performs better.
The Scholar and the State

The title of this chapter coincides with the title of the whole book. This is where the lessons learned in the archival research of the Third Reich are applied to problems of today's world, to the problems a scholar faces in his interactions with the state.
Three-Dimensional Impedance Tomographic Mapping of Metabolically Active Endolumen

Real-time detection of vulnerable atherosclerotic lesions, characterized by a high content of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL)-laden macrophages or foam cells, remains an unmet clinical need. While fractional flow reserve (FFR)-guided revascularization in angiographically intermediate stenoses is utilized to assess hemodynamic significance, in vivo detection of oxLDL-rich plaques may provide a new paradigm for treating metabolically unstable lesions. Herein, we have demonstrated endoluminal mapping of lipid-laden lesions using 3-D electrical impedance spectroscopy-derived impedance tomography (EIT) in a pre-clinical swine model. We performed surgical banding of the right carotid arteries of Yucatan mini-pigs, followed by 16 weeks of high-fat diet, to promote the development of lipid-rich lesions. We implemented an intravascular sensor combining an FFR pressure transducer with a 6-point micro-electrode array for electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements. 3-D EIT mapping was achieved using an EIS-based reconstruction algorithm. We demonstrated that EIT mapping corresponds to endoluminal histology for oxLDL-laden lesions. We further used computational models to theoretically predict and validate EIS measurements. Thus, our 3-D EIS-derived EIT provides in vivo detection of metabolically active plaques with the goal of guiding optimal intravascular intervention.
Impact of Initial eGlycemic Management System Dosing Strategy on Time to Target Blood Glucose Range.

Background:Glucommander™ (GM), an electronic glycemic management system, was implemented across a multi-hospital health system as the standard of care for glycemic control. GM provides insulin dosi...
A Biology-based CS1: Results and Reflections, Ten Years In

For a decade, our institution has offered both a biology-based CS1 (CS1-B) and a traditional, breadth-based CS1. This project follows the paths of students in both courses -- tracking their subsequent interests (what courses do the two groups choose afterwards') and their grades in those courses. Within the biology-based cohort, we also contrast the futures of the students who chose a biology-themed introduction with the group who expressed no preference or requested the breadth-based approach. Even when student preference was not accommodated, equitable downstream performance results hold. We discuss the implications of these results, including the possibility that, like introductory writing, introductory computing is a professional literacy in which many disciplines have a stake.
Understory community shifts in response to repeated fire and fire surrogate treatments in the southern Appalachian Mountains, USA

Decades of fire exclusion in the southern Appalachian Mountains, USA, has led to changing forest structure and species composition over time. Forest managers and scientists recognize this and are implementing silvicultural treatments to restore forest communities. In this study, conducted at the southern Appalachian Fire and Fire Surrogate Study site in Green River Game Land, North Carolina, USA, we assessed the effects of four fuel-reduction methods (burned four times, B; mechanical treatment two times, M; mechanical treatment two times plus burned four times, MB; and control, C) on the changes in understory community from pre-treatment to post-treatment years (2001 to 2016). We used non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) to determine overall understory community heterogeneity, agglomerative hierarchical cluster analyses (AHCA) to determine finer-scale changes in understory community structure, and indicator species analyses (ISA) to identify the species that were associated with the different fuel reduction treatments over time. The NMDS ordination showed little separation between treatment polygons. The AHCA resulted in two main categories of understory species responses based on how treatment plots clustered together: (1) species apparently unaffected by the treatments (i.e., no treatment pattern present within cluster); and (2) species that responded to B, M, or MB treatments (i.e., pattern of treatment plots present within cluster). Nearly half (49.2%) of tree-species plots clustered based on treatments; 60% of shrub-species plots clustered based on treatments; and 64% of herbaceous-species plots clustered based on treatments. Many plots clustered similarly in response to fire-related treatments (B and MB). The ISA identified 11 total tree species: three in B, one in M, and seven in MB; six total shrub species: two in M, and four in MB, and 17 total herbaceous species or genera: one in C, and 16 in MB. Fire and fire surrogate treatments did not dramatically shift understory composition after 15 years. However, certain ruderal and early seral species responded positively to MB, which was the most intensive treatment. Modest understory community changes were also observed in B, suggestive of early signs of shifting composition toward a more open forest community after four burns.