cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Extracting Decisions from Multi-Party Dialogue Using Directed Graphical Models and Semantic Similarity

We use directed graphical models (DGMs) to automatically detect decision discussions in multi-party dialogue. Our approach distinguishes between different dialogue act (DA) types based on their role in the formulation of a decision. DGMs enable us to model dependencies, including sequential ones. We summarize decisions by extracting suitable phrases from DAs that concern the issue under discussion and its resolution. Here we use a semantic-similarity metric to improve results on both manual and ASR transcripts.
THE POTENTIAL MISUSE OF OVERTIME1,2

This research investigates the use of overtime as it relates to productivity, staff growth, and attitudes. Data were collected from employees in 42 district offices of a Federal Agency (N= 603). Findings show that offices using more overtime were less productive and were growing in staff size. Overtime was also negatively related to satisfaction with job and pay. Thus, overtime was neither productive nor motivational. Implications for a general policy of overtime use on a productivity rather than a need basis are discussed.
A lab for undergraduate control engineering education equipped with industrial distributed control systems

The paper demonstrates how a set of pilot plant air blower/heater systems connected to modern industrial distributed control systems (DCS) are used in different control engineering laboratories for the undergraduate level. Student's tasks include the identification of static and dynamic process models and the tuning and commissioning of Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) control loops, as well as the utilization of commercial tools for DCS engineering. Using the same pilot plants, DCS and scientific computing environment in different courses lowers the costs, allows the reutilization of results and enables an efficient lab organization. It also supports the process of learning the inner context of different control engineering related subjects. The use of industrial-scale equipment and commercial software helps students to easily integrate in their later teams and to avoid the “reality shock” when making the transition from academia to industry. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput. Appl. Eng. Educ.; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cae; DOI 10.1002/cae.21708
Hyporheic exchange in gravel bed rivers with pool-riffle morphology: Laboratory experiments and three-dimensional modeling

Received 7 June 2005; revised 30 June 2006; accepted 25 August 2006; published 31 January 2007. [1] We report the first laboratory simulations of hyporheic exchange in gravel pool-riffle channels, which are characterized by coarse sediment, steep slopes, and three-dimensional bed forms that strongly influence surface flow. These channels are particularly important habitat for salmonids, many of which are currently at risk worldwide and which incubate their offspring within the hyporheic zone. Here we perform a set of laboratory experiments examining the effects of discharge and bed form amplitude on hyporheic exchange, with surface-subsurface mixing measured directly from the concentration decay of a conservative tracer (fluorescein) injected into the surface flow. Near-bed pressure measurements were also used to predict hyporheic exchange from a three-dimensional pumping transport model. Comparison of the predicted and observed hyporheic exchange shows good agreement, indicating that the major mechanism for exchange is bed form–induced advection. However, the effect of bed forms is modulated by discharge and the degree of topographic submergence. We also tested the performance of the hydrostatic pressure as a proxy for the observed near-bed pressure in driving hyporheic exchange, which would facilitate field measurement and analysis of hyporheic flow in natural rivers. We found agreement with measured hyporheic exchange only for low bed form amplitudes and high flows.
Nickel potentiates the genotoxic effect of benzo[a]pyrene in Chinese hamster lung V79 cells.

The modulating effect of acute exposure to NiCl2 on the induction of chromosome aberrations by a model carcinogen, benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), was examined in Chinese hamster V79 lung cells. At concentrations up to 20 μg/ml (84.2 μM), NiCl2 did not significantly increase the frequency of chromosome aberrations in V79 cells when the cells were exposed concomitantly to 0.5 μg/ml B[a]P. Addition of the S15 liver microsomal fraction together with the B[a]P did not alter the results. Addition of NiCl2 2 hr before treatment of cells with 0.5 μg/ml B[a]P also did not result in a significant elevation of the frequency of chromosome aberrations, even at NiCl2 concentrations as high as 20 μg/ml. Contrasting sharply with these findings, when V79 cells were treated with NiCl2 immediately after B[a]P exposure, a significant increase in the frequency of chromosome damage was observed at NiCl2 concentrations as low as 5 μg/ml (21.1 μM). NiCl2-mediated enhancement of chromosome damage was also observed when V79 cells were exposed to the reactive B[a]P intermediate, benzo[a]pyrene–r−7,t−8-dihydrodiol-t−9,10-epoxide (BPDE). In the BPDE-treated cells, the level of NiCl2-mediated enhancement was similar to that observed with the tumor promoter 12-o-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA, 100 ng/ml). These results are consistent with the view that the effect of nickel (II) on B[a]P-induced genetic damage is dependent on the relative times of exposure to Ni2+ and B[a]P. NiCl2 did not enhance the frequency of chromosome aberrations induced by Chromium (VI), regardless of the order of addition of the chemicals to the V79 cells. These results suggest that nickel may act as a promoter of chemically-induced genetic damage through induction of error-prone repair. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2006. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Smoothed Histograms for Frequency Data on Irregular Intervals

Frequency tables are often constructed on intervals of irregular width. When plotted as bar charts, the underlying true density information may be quite distorted. The majority of introductory statistics texts recommend tabulating data into intervals of equal width, but seldom caution the consequences of failing to do so. An occasional introductory text correctly emphasizes that area rather than frequency should be plotted. Nevertheless, the correctly scaled density figure is often visually less informative than one might expect, with wide bins at constant height. In many cases, the right most bin interval has no well-defined end point, making its depiction some what arbitrary. In this note, we introduce a regular histogram approximation that matches the frequencies and also minimizes a roughness criterion for visual and exploratory appeal. The resulting estimate can reveal the density structure much more clearly. We also formulate an alternative criterion that explicitly takes account of the uncertainty ...
Multirate signal processing for multiple listener low frequency room acoustic equalization

Low frequency room acoustic equalization is a challenging problem to solve with realizable low order digital equalization filters. In this paper we address the problem of low frequency room equalization for multiple listeners, simultaneously, using multirate filtering with a pattern recognition approach. The pattern recognition model captures the variabilities in room acoustics between different listening positions, whereas multirate processing allows effective filtering, of low frequency room responses, at low rates. An important feature of the proposed filter is its ability to perform simultaneous equalization of responses at low frequencies at multiple locations with a reduced computational requirement. A comparison of equalization performance between the proposed filter and a lower order filter, designed using a popular warping technique, is also presented.
Interval estimates for epidemic thresholds in two-sex network models

Abstract Epidemic thresholds in network models of heterogeneous populations characterized by highly right-skewed contact distributions can be very small. When the population is above the threshold, an epidemic is inevitable and conventional control measures to reduce the transmissibility of a pathogen will fail to eradicate it. We consider a two-sex network model for a sexually transmitted disease which assumes random mixing conditional on the degree distribution. We derive expressions for the basic reproductive number ( R 0 ) for one and heterogeneous two-population in terms of characteristics of the degree distributions and transmissibility. We calculate interval estimates for the epidemic thresholds for stochastic process models in three human populations based on representative surveys of sexual behavior (Uganda, Sweden, USA). For Uganda and Sweden, the epidemic threshold is greater than zero with high confidence. For the USA, the interval includes zero. We discuss the implications of these findings along with the limitations of epidemic models which assume random mixing.
Recurrent Antiviral-Resistant Genital Herpes in an Immunocompetent Patient

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) resistance to antiviral drugs has been described primarily in immunocompromised patients. We report an apparently immunocompetent, human immunodeficiency virus-negative male patient who has experienced repeated HSV-2 genital outbreaks despite receiving antiviral prophylaxis with several different drugs. Several of the HSV-2 genital isolates from this patient have been confirmed as resistant to acyclovir and penciclovir. Antiviral resistance occurred in the setting of long-term prednisone treatment and intermittent acyclovir prophylaxis at suboptimal doses and persisted despite the cessation of oral steroid treatment. The patient's genital herpes outbreaks were not controlled by high-dose prophylaxis with acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir. Cessation of antiviral prophylaxis resulted in reversion of this patient's HSV-2 isolates to acyclovir and penciclovir sensitivity, although resistant virus reappeared when antiviral prophylaxis was resumed. Transmission of a sensitive HSV-2 strain from this patient to a female sex partner was observed. These observations confirm previous reports that resistance to acyclovir may develop during prophylactic therapy in an otherwise well, immunocompetent patient. These findings support the conclusion that both drug-sensitive and drug-resistant HSV-2 strains established latency in this patient and that both strains are capable of frequent reactivation.
Intercontinental Comparison of Evaporation Estimates

The success of estimating pan evaporation by three methods was evaluated by comparing estimates with measured values for nine locations in the United States, Africa, Europe, and Australia. The locations represent coastal, inland, humid, equatorial, high latitude, and high elevation locations. The Christiansen, Kohler-Nordenson-Fox, and Olivier methods were evaluated. Pan evaporation estimates by the Kohler, et al method fit measurements best over a wide range of conditions. The Christiansen method provides excellent estimates under some conditions. The Olivier method estimates show the poorest fit, but require the least input data. None of the three methods gives satisfactory estimates for all locations.
Polythiosemicarbazides. II. Effect of chemical structure on chelating properties. Structure of the chelates

Polythiosemicarbazides react with acqueous Cu+2 solutions with formation of polymeric chelates, for which the following structure is typical: The adsorption of Cu2+ by the polymer proceeds selectively and in preference to Fe3+, Zn2+, W6+, Al3+, Be2+, Cr3+, UO22+, Ni2+, V5+, Mo6+, Hf4+, Zr4+, Ta5+, Nb5+. Separations of these metals from Cu2+ are therefore possible.
Presidential Campaign Funds, 1944.

The 1944 campaign was the second presidential election in which the ceilings of the Hatch Act were operative, and the first campaign in which contributions from labor organizations were prohibited. It furnishes convincing evidence of the ineffectiveness of these limitations and of the imperative need for complete revision of existing regulations of campaign funds.The financing of the 1944 campaign was subjected to close study by special committees of both the House and Senate, and their hearings and reports supplement at many important points the reports required by the Corrupt Practices Act. The most controversial issues of the campaign centered about the Political Action Committee of the CIO, and this organization was subjected to close study by both committees. The House committee, headed by Representative Clinton P. Anderson (now Secretary of Agriculture), also stressed the increasing importance and questionable practices of non-party “opinion moulders,” but did not attempt to summarize the total expenditures of the campaign. Senator Green's committee, in addition to studying certain party committees and independent organizations in detail, made a great effort to compile complete data on receipts and expenditures affecting the presidential campaign, and its report makes available what is probably the most complete and accurate over-all picture of the financing of a presidential election ever recorded. The notable recommendations of this committee will be discussed later.
Global Trade and Its Effects on China's Female Labor Market

In the contemporary world, China is viewed as an emerging power. To some extent, China, together with several other developing countries such as India and Brazil, can be seen as the propeller of contemporary economic globalization. China’s active participation and expansion in global trade are definitely inseparable to its rich labor forces. In terms of international economics theory, free global trade could benefit the laborers in developing countries on the whole. However, reality is far more complex than theorems. The past research of international trade and globalization pay little attention to female workers in China, and this research paper attempts to fill in the gap. The innovative feature of this research paper is to engage the themes of international economics and gender perspective. The main question of this paper is how global trade affects the female labor market in China.
Nuclear Data Sheets for179Ir

Nuclear structure data pertaining to179Ir have been compiled and evaluated, and incorporated into the ENSDF data file. This evaluation of179Ir supersedes the previous publication (C. Baglin,Nuclear Data Sheets 72,617 (1994) (literature cutoff date September 1994)), and includes literature available by 8 October 1998. The newly incorporated references are: 96Ji04 (which supersedes 93JiZW), 95Au04, 95Bi01 and 94Mu18.
Gap and Stagger Effects on Biplanes with End Plates Part I

Modern flow diagnostics applied to a very old aerodynamic problem has produced a number of intriguing new results and new insight into previous results. Part I demonstrated large differences in lift due to changes in gap and positive and negative stagger. Part I also used downwash to elucidate some of the reasons behind this behavior; however it is noted that the inviscid assumption was not adequate to capture this behavior in the theoretical and computational models used. Part II will present a generalized empirical method for the prediction of lift coefficient as a function of gap, stagger and angle of attack determined from the parametric force balance results. The resulting empirical approach allows for a rapid determination of CL for a biplane having different gap, stagger, AR and taper without the need for a complete viscous flowfield analysis. The momentum deficit method and Kutta-Joukowski theorem (Trefftz plane Stereo PIV) were applied to the PIV data for the purpose of measuring the drag and lift force. The accuracy of these methods was found to be comparable to the force balance measurements. Trefftz-plane Stereo PIV shows that the positive stagger configuration has significantly different flow morphology. The spanwise and vertical velocity components in the wake can be largely manipulated by the presence and shape of the endplates and the stagger condition of the upper wing. A dramatic lift slope change ( L C  ) was found almost universally on all
Integrated System Design Using Bayesian Belief Networks

The use of exact inference discrete Bayesian Belief Networks (BBNs) can be a powerful decision-making tool when considering the conceptual design of complex systems. A design method is demonstrated which applies BBN’s to a conceptual design of a complex system. The notional example system is modeled after a direct energy weapon since it provides an excellent example of the interactions between thermal and electrical management and distribution systems. Assessing interactions and trades between subsystems in of vital importance when attempting to reduce uncertainty and risk early in the design process. It is shown how BBN’s can be used to reduce risk in the conceptual design phase by assessing the impact of uncertainty on the interaction of the various subsystems. Several scenarios are examined which demonstrate the usefulness of such a method. Emphasis is placed on how uncertainty design choices early on in the design phase may have large impacts later in the design cycle. Finally a simulated walkthrough is performed in multiple phases that show how the method may be applied in a design iteration between the system level and subsystem designer.
Source and Time of Release of Histamine-Destroying Factor (Histaminase) During Anaphylactic Shock in Rats.

Conclusions1. Histaminase is released after anaphylactic shock in rats. Its release is consistently noted in blood drawn 6 to 13 minutes after injection of the antigen, less consistently in blood drawn prior to 6 minutes. 2. The site of histaminase release during anaphylactic shock in rats is the intestinal tract, probably the small intestine. 3. Histamine is released into the blood stream following anaphylactic shock in the rat despite ligation of intestinal and renal blood vessels.
Precise formation of dovetail structures for inp-based devices

Anisotropic etching of InP along specific crystallographic directions leads to negative sidewall angles along dovetail direction. This is an important process for self-alignment of electrical contacts where sub-micron alignment is needed. However, existing etching methods are only suitable for shallow etching, and for stress-free layers. Here we demonstrate a new etching method that is capable of producing dovetail patterns with 10 times larger etch depth, and where interface stress exists. We believe this new etching method is useful for many electronic and optoelectronic devices that require precise negative angle sidewalls in their fabrication scheme. © 2013 The Electrochemical Society. [DOI: 10.1149/2.007305ssl] All rights reserved.
An electrophoretic study of purified thrombin.

SummaryElectrophoresis on filter paper strips has been performed on purified thrombin prepared by recently developed technics of ion exchange chromatography. Mobility in veronal buffer, pH 8.6, ionic strength 0.1, was calculated to be 3.14 × 10-5 cm2/volt/second. The isoelectric point was shown to be 5.6.
Using Stella Models to Explore the Dynamics of Earth Systems: Experimenting with Earth's Climate System Using a Simple Computer Model

Described herein is a simple computer model that enables undergraduate students to learn some interesting and fundamental lessons about the dynamics of Earth's climate system. This model uses the program STELLA to treat the climate system as just two boxes (reservoirs) that represent the thermal energy stored in the atmosphere and the Earth's surface (a combination of land and water). These reservoirs are linked by a small number of flows that transfer energy from one reservoir to another as well as to and from outer space. The simple nature of this model means that it cannot provide information about the spatial variations in temperature. The model developed here incorporates real values for the components of the system and thus yields reasonable estimates for the temperature of the Earth's surface and atmosphere under a range of conditions. The model can be used to study the response of the climate system to a wide variety of changes such as increasing or decreasing the efficiency of the greenhouse effe...
Retinal Astrocytic Hamartoma Arises in Nerve Fiber Layer and Shows “Moth-Eaten” Optically Empty Spaces on Optical Coherence Tomography

Purpose To evaluate the specific spectral-domain (SD) optical coherence tomography (OCT) features of retinal astrocytic hamartoma (RAH) and the relationship of these features with tumor size and location. Design Retrospective case series. Participants Forty-seven eyes of 42 patients with RAH. Methods All patients with clinically confirmed RAH were imaged with fundus photography and SD OCT. Main Outcome Measures Precise OCT location of RAH features and the relationship of patient age, visual acuity, tumor size, and tumor location to the presence and size of intralesional optically empty spaces (OESs), appearing as so-called moth-eaten spaces. Results Of 42 patients with RAH, 36 (86%) had unilateral disease and 6 (14%) had bilateral disease. Systemic tuberous sclerosis complex was present in 8 patients (19%). The largest tumor (per eye) demonstrated a mean basal diameter of 3.0 mm (median, 2.0 mm) and a mean thickness of 1.9 mm (median, 1.8 mm). The mean tumor proximity to the foveola was 3.0 mm and that to the optic disc was 1.8 mm. Related features included subretinal fluid (n = 9; 19%), cystoid retinal edema (n = 6; 13%), retinal traction (n = 11; 23%), intralesional cavities (n = 28; 60%), and intralesional calcification (n = 29; 62%). On SD OCT, the tumor epicenter was in the nerve fiber layer (n = 47; 100%), with all other retinal layers appearing thinned or compressed. The tumor showed OESs (n = 43; 91%), representing intralesional calcification or cavitation, and each OES showed a mean diameter of 327 μm (median, 200 μm). When comparing the number of OESs per SD OCT cut through the mass, we found no relationship with patient age, tumor diameter and thickness, distance to the foveola or optic disc, tumor calcification, central macular thickness, or logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) visual acuity. However, a correlation of OES number with OES size ( P = 0.01) and macular tumor location ( P = 0.03) was found. Further analysis demonstrated OES size correlated with tumor basal diameter ( P P P = 0.01), and logMAR visual acuity ( P = 0.02). Conclusions Retinal astrocytic hamartomas arose in the nerve fiber layer in every case and demonstrated moth-eaten OES, related to intrinsic calcification or cavitation, in 91% of cases. Macular tumors have a greater number of OESs, whereas larger calcified tumors have larger OES diameter.
Double-Strand Break-Induced Targeted Mutagenesis in Plants

Double-strand breaks are very potent inducers of DNA recombination. There is no recombination between DNA molecules unless one or two DNA strands are broken. It has become feasible to introduce double-strand breaks at specific chromosomal loci by using dedicated, redesigned endonucleases with altered DNA-binding specificities. Such breaks are mainly repaired by error-prone nonhomologous recombination pathways in somatic cells, thus frequently producing mutations at the preselected chromosomal sites. Although the art and science of reengineering protein properties have been advancing quickly, an empirical validation of new endonucleases in a particular experimental environment is essential for successful targeted mutagenesis experiments. This chapter presents methods that were developed for a comprehensive evaluation of the DNA-binding and DNA-cutting activities of homing endonucleases in maize cells; however, they can be adopted for similar evaluation studies of other endonucleases and other plant species that are amenable for Agrobacterium-mediated transformation.
Characterization of a restriction barrier and electrotransformation of the cyanobacterium Nostoc PCC 7121

We have investigated host restriction as a barrier to transformation and developed a method for gene transfer into the previously untransformable, heterotrophic cyanobacterium Nostoc PCC 7121. A restriction endonuclease, designated Nsp 7121I, has been partially purified by phosphocellulose chromatography of Nostoc cell extract. Comparisons of Nsp 7121I digests of bacteriophage lambda and plasmid DNAs with computer-generated restriction fragment profiles showed that Nsp 7121I is an isoschizomer of restriction endonucleases, such as Asu I, Nsp 7524IV, Sau 96I, and Eco 47II, that recognize the sequence GGNCC. Cleavage by Nsp 7121I within this sequence was confirmed by sequence analysis of DNA fragments cleaved at a unique Nsp 7121I site. These data further suggested that cleavage occurs after the first G (5′-G/GNCC-3′) in this site to generate a three base 5′ overhang. Nsp 7121I degraded all plasmids used in previous transformation attempts but modification of these DNA molecules by Eco 47II methylase effectively prevented digestion by Nsp 7121I. Plasmids premethylated by passage through Escherichia coli carrying a plasmid encoded Eco 47II methylase have now been used in an electroporation procedure to transform Nostoc PCC 7121 to neomycin resistance at frequencies as high as one transformant per 103 viable cells. Transformation, and stable replication within Nostoc of one of the transforming plasmids (pRL25), was confirmed by recovery of pRL25, in its original form, from transformants. Conjugal transfer of pRL25 from E. coli into Nostoc was also possible but at much lower efficiency than by electroporation. These findings establish the basis for genetic analysis of Nostoc PCC 7121, from which genes for photosynthetic electron transport have been cloned.
A formal approach to modeling and analyzing human taskload in simulated air traffic scenarios

In complex systems, like the modern air traffic system, human operator taskload can have a profound influence on how well the system performs. Because of the system's complexity, however, it can be difficult to determine all of the situations where taskload issues can arise. Simulation and formal verification have been used separately to explore human taskload in complex systems. However, both have problems that limit their usefulness. In this paper, we describe a formal modeling architecture designed to enable the discovery of interesting human operator taskload conditions though the synergistic use of formal verification and simulation. This architecture formally represents original simulation constructs using computationally efficient abstractions that ensure that temporal and ordinal relationships between simulation events (actions) are represented realistically. Taskload for each agent is represented based on a priority queue model where only a limited number of actions can be performed or remembered by a human at any given time. We provide an overview of this architecture, discuss its essential features, and describe the mathematical foundations needed for its instantiation. We present insights into its capabilities for finding interesting taskload conditions by formulating several checkable specification properties. The implications of this architecture are discussed in terms of its broader supported analysis method and directions for future work are explored.
Clearing Up Perceived Problems with the Sue-and-Settle Issue in Environmental Litigation

Advocacy groups and associations representing industries, regulated entities, and environmental causes have a long history of using citizen suits in environmental litigation. Citizen suit provisions of certain environmental laws allow private citizen plaintiffs access to federal courts to force agencies to perform non-discretionary duties, including the area of analysis highlighted within this paper, informal rulemaking. Recently, there has been focused attention on the citizen suit practice of “sue-and-settle” in environmental litigation. Sue-and-settle is a process whereby an advocacy group sues a regulatory agency, charging the agency with violation of a non-discretionary statutory duty. While the impact of sue-and-settle on the regulatory process is under continued study and evolution, the issue of its role in the rulemaking process is the center of a reignited discussion, taking on national significance. Legislation to reform the process has been introduced in the U.S. House and Senate over the past two sessions and political debate on the issue has made national head-lines.6 The debate regarding the current use and proliferation of the sue-and-settle practice suggests a potential misunderstanding of the legality and mechanism of the practice. This misunderstanding and critique may be resolved by an analysis of the legislative intent and an explanation of changes to the rulemaking process, which could improve the directness of the mechanism and its potential elements. Additionally, sue-and-settle within environmental litigation has, in recent years, undergone much scrutiny for perceived misuse of rulemaking authority. However, the sue-and- settle mechanism is actually a useful part of the democratic process due to the issues surrounding environmental regulation and the lack of resources allocated to implement the available pro-grams for successful environmental protection. This paper intends to better inform the ongoing discussion over the sue-and-settle process and provide further insight into the potential courses of action that can be taken in the future to refine and reshape the process. One specific recommendation is potential legislative actions to increase public involvement and transparency of the process, result, and agency actions.
The Status Quo of Racial Discrimination in Japan and the Republic of Korea and the Need to Provide for Anti-Discrimination Laws

Japan and the Republic of Korea, two neighboring nations situated in East Asia, have homogenous demographics. Both societies face large influxes of foreigners—from immigration and tourism alike—due to various factors ranging from rapidly aging populations, low birth rates, and globalization. Despite this, neither country has sufficient legal means of halting racially discriminatory practices that occur within them. This Note illustrates the rampant nature of racial discrimination in Japan and the Republic of Korea, analyzes the current state of their anti-discrimination laws, argues that the existing legal protections for foreigners against racial discrimination are inadequate at best, and finally, urges that the two governments adopt available means to improve upon the situation.
Collecting duct carcinoma of the kidney: Disease characteristics and treatment outcomes from the National Cancer Database

Abstract Objective To use a large population-level database to assess survival outcomes for collecting duct renal cell carcinoma (CDRCC). Materials and methods The National Cancer Database was queried for all cases of CDRCC and clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC) from 2004 to 2013. After removing patients with other cancer diagnoses, the analytic cohort was composed of 201,686 CCRCC and 577 CDRCC cases. Kaplan-Meier and cox proportional hazards analysis were employed to model survival. Results Compared to CCRCC, patients with CDRCC presented with higher grade and stage, node positive, and metastatic disease (70.7% vs. 30.0% with metastasis; P Conclusion CDRCC is an aggressive subtype of renal cell carcinoma. Median survival is 13 months after diagnosis, drastically lower than for CCRCC. More than 70% of patients have metastatic disease at diagnosis. Chemo/radiation in addition to CNx is associated with a survival benefit over single mode therapy.
Linear optical properties of Al 1-x In x As and In 1-x Ga x As for photovoltaic applications: A first-principles investigation with the (TB-mBJ) approach

Abstract In this study, a 16-atom simple cubic supercell based on the special quasi-random structure scheme of Zunger et al. of Al 1-x In x As and In 1-x Ga x As ternary alloys has been considered for linear optical properties using the full-potential linearized augmented plane method wave based on density functional theory. The generalized gradient approximation of Wu and Cohen (GGA-WC) scheme has been used for calculating the structural properties of both ternary alloys for x (0.125 ≤ x ≤0.875). Band structure calculations are executed using the newly called Tran-Balha modified Becke–Johnson (TB-mBJ) approximation. The calculated lattice parameters, bulk modulus and band gap values are in good agreement with available experimental and theoretical results. The density of states of Al 1-x In x As and In 1-x Ga x As ternary alloys were analyzed. Finally, the linear optical properties such as dielectric function, refractive index, extinction coefficient, absorption coefficient, optical conductivity and reflectivity are calculated and discussed in detail. Our results agree well with the offered theoretical and experimental data in the literature. The obtained results approves that the two ternary alloys are a promising candidate for photovoltaic applications
Generating synthetic electric power system data with accurate electric topology and parameters

In this paper we review and expand our previous work on developing random topology networks as a way to generate synthetic power grid data. We first present an algorithm that is able to generate the small-world “eletric” topology appropriate for a transmission network. Next we re-examine the definitions of the proposed numerical measure called “Bus Type Entropy”, to characterize the correlated assignment of generation, load, and connection buses in a real power grid, using the IEEE test cases and newly obtained realistic grid data. In order to study the scaling property of bus type assignment versus network work, we revise the entropy definition for better statistical property and improved numerical stability. We then develop an more efficient search algorithm for the best bus type assignments with the help of the derived scaling function. Finally we introduce some most recent work to generate other electrical parameters such as generation capacities and load settings.
Anticipatory prefrontal cortex activity underlies stress-induced changes in Pavlovian fear conditioning.

Abstract Excessive stress exposure often leads to emotional dysfunction, characterized by disruptions in healthy emotional learning, expression, and regulation processes. A prefrontal cortex (PFC)-amygdala circuit appears to underlie these important emotional processes. However, limited human neuroimaging research has investigated whether these brain regions underlie the altered emotional function that develops with stress. Therefore, the present study used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate stress-induced changes in PFC-amygdala function during Pavlovian fear conditioning. Participants completed a variant of the Montreal Imaging Stress Task (MIST) followed (25 min later) by a Pavlovian fear conditioning task during fMRI. Self-reported stress to the MIST was used to identify three stress-reactivity groups (Low, Medium, and High). Psychophysiological, behavioral, and fMRI signal responses were compared between the three stress-reactivity groups during fear conditioning. Fear learning, indexed via participant expectation of the unconditioned stimulus during conditioning, increased with stress reactivity. Further, the High stress-reactivity group demonstrated greater autonomic arousal (i.e., skin conductance response, SCR) to both conditioned and unconditioned stimuli compared to the Low and Medium stress-reactivity groups. Finally, the High stress group did not regulate the emotional response to threat. More specifically, the High stress-reactivity group did not show a negative relationship between conditioned and unconditioned SCRs. Stress-induced changes in these emotional processes paralleled changes in dorsolateral, dorsomedial, and ventromedial PFC function. These findings demonstrate that acute stress facilitates fear learning, enhances autonomic arousal, and impairs emotion regulation, and suggests these stress-induced changes in emotional function are mediated by the PFC.
On big data algorithmics

The extensive use of Big Data has now become common in plethora of technologies and industries. From massive data bases to business intelligence and datamining applications; from search engines to recommendation systems; advancing the state of the art of voice recognition, translation and more. The design, analysis and engineering of Big Data algorithms has multiple flavors, including massive parallelism, streaming algorithms, sketches and synopses, cloud technologies, and more. We will discuss some of these aspects, and reflect on their evolution and on the interplay between the theory and practice of Big Data algorithmics. An extended summary will be available at http://goo.gl/FbYh9
Abstract 2833: Low Erythropoietin Serum Levels Are Associated With Angiographic No-reflow After Primary Intervention For Acute Myocardial Infarction

Background : No-reflow after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains a clinical challenge. Erythropoietin (EPO) has been associated with reduced infarct size due to EPO’s antiapoptotic and nitric oxide enhancing effects. We aimed to assess the association between EPO serum levels measured on admission and angiographic no-reflow in patients undergoing primary PCI. Methods : From a consecutive series of 60 patients presenting with ST elevation myocardial infarction within 12 h of chest pain onset and undergoing successful primary PCI (i.e. residual stenosis Results : Patients with and without no-reflow did not differ significantly in age, sex, cardiovascular risk factors or standard therapy for acute myocardial infarction. Thrombus aspiration was used in 16 patients (32%) whereas abciximab in 31 (63%), and they did not differ between the two groups. Patients with angiographic no-reflow had lower EPO serum levels compared to those having angiographic reflow (4.2 (0.56 –9.5) vs 12.2 (5.7–20.2) mUI/ml, p=0.001). The left anterior descending artery (LAD) was the culprit vessel in 83% of patients having no-reflow as compared to 30% of those having reflow (p Conclusion : These data suggest a significant role for EPO in modulating microcirculatory injury after mechanical reperfusion in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction.
Increasing empathy through role-play: A meal planning and grocery shopping activity

Abstract Although students may learn about empathy in the didactic setting, this role-play experience integrates experiential learning. Students must assist simulated clients with diverse needs, limited financial resources, and special dietary needs in developing a meal plan and grocery list. Students go to a local supermarket and “shop” for groceries to determine if their plan fits the needs of the client. This article describes a hands-on activity aimed at increasing empathy for clients of vulnerable populations.
Toward a care ethical approach to access to health care in neoliberal times

AbstractIn December 2017, the Republican-controlled US Congress closed its session by pushing through a comprehensive tax overhaul bill, HR 1. Additional provisions of the ‘must pass’ bill included...
An Enhanced SMART-RECON Algorithm for Time-Resolved C-Arm Cone-Beam CT Imaging

Temporal resolution in time-resolved cone-beam CT (TR-CBCT) imaging is often limited by the time needed to acquire a complete data set for image reconstruction. With the recent developments of performing nearly limited-view artifact-free reconstruction from data in a limited-view angle range and a prior image, temporal resolution of TR-CBCT imaging can be improved. One such an example is the use of Simultaneous Multiple Artifacts Reduction in Tomographic RECONstruction (SMART-RECON) [1] technique. However, with SMART-RECON, one can only improve temporal resolution up to 1 frame per second (fps) which is an improvement of 4.5 times over that of the conventional FBP reconstruction. In this paper, a new technique referred to as enhanced SMART-RECON (eSMART-RECON) was introduced to enhance the temporal performance of SMART-RECON in a multi-sweep CBCT data acquisition protocol. Both numerical simulation studies with ground truth and in vivo human subject studies using C-arm CBCT acquisition systems were conducted to demonstrate the following key results: for a multi-sweep CBCT acquisition protocol, eSMART-RECON enables 4–7.5 fps temporal resolution for TR-CBCT which is 4–7.5 times better than that offered by the original SMART-RECON, and 18–34 times better than that offered by the conventional FBP reconstruction.
How Children’s Literature and Librarians Can Engage Young People in Conversations about Race and Privilege

On May 25, 2020, in a convenience store that was four blocks from my father’s house an African American man named George Floyd lost his life to the brutality of four Minneapolis police officers. Th...
The Managerial Perception of Uncertainty and Cost Behavior

Extensive theoretical research demonstrates the pivotal role uncertainty plays in shaping a firm’s cost behavior. Our study contributes to this literature by conducting a comprehensive multivariate analysis of the inherent tension between the effects of price and demand uncertainty on cost elasticity and cost asymmetry. Using the occurrence of words implying uncertainty in forward-looking statements in the Management Discussion and Analysis section of 10-K reports to measure the managerial perception of the overall, price, and demand uncertainty, we provide evidence of a positive and significant association between price uncertainty and cost elasticity and a negative and significant association between demand uncertainty and cost elasticity. The former finding is consistent with managers’ desire to shift to a more elastic cost function in the face of high price uncertainty; the latter supports the hypothesis that firms facing demand uncertainty will increase their capacity of fixed resources to avoid disproportionately large production congestion costs associated with high demand realizations. We reconcile findings in prior studies by demonstrating that the association between demand uncertainty and cost elasticity is negative for manufacturing firms but is positive for firms in the healthcare sector. We also document that managerial perception of the overall uncertainty exacerbates the degree of cost asymmetry. Our empirical evidence supports the theoretical argument that the managerial perception of uncertainty and its components influences their resource allocation decisions, and suggests that any analysis of the relation between uncertainty and a firm’s cost behavior needs to be conducted in the context of a specific type of uncertainty and industry affiliation.
Palliative Care in Pediatric Critical Care

The field of pediatric palliative care has grown substantially since first recognized as a subspecialty in 2006. This expansion has clear implications for pediatric critical care medicine practitioners. Palliative care services should be provided for children and their families from the time of diagnosis of a life-limiting condition and throughout their frequent admissions to the hospital and pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Quality end-of-life (EOL) care in the PICU remains an essential pillar of any successful pediatric critical care program, yet the successful integration of palliative medicine into routine care remains a challenge. Comprehensive and time-intensive care may be particularly challenging for the critical care provider who is confronted with simultaneously caring for other critically ill children. Even the determination of cardiopulmonary death has become increasingly more complex alongside the expansion of organ donation programs across the United States. The identification and successful treatment of the physical, psychosocial, spiritual, and environmental needs of the child and his/her family at the end of life may provide much comfort and minimize the suffering experienced during this time. In addition, the pediatric critical care provider must be familiar with the many potential ethical issues associated with end of life including the appropriate use of “Do-Not-Resuscitate” orders, the difference between withdrawal and limiting of life-sustaining therapies, the Doctrine of Double Effect, recognizing conflict associated with potentially futile or inappropriate therapies, and navigating the challenges of organ donation after cardiac death. Finally, the pediatric intensive care clinician must understand the concepts of bereavement, grief, and coping and recognize the actions that might help families work through the most difficult of losses, the death of their child. A focus on clear, compassionate, and effective communication is essential to quality EOL care.
Influence of NaCl on shape deformation of polymersomes

Polymersomes frequently appear in the literature as promising candidates for a wide range of applications from targeted drug delivery to nanoreactors. From a cell mimetic point of view, it is important to understand the size and shape changes of the vesicles in the physiological environment since that can influence the drug delivery mechanism. In this work we studied the structural features of polymersomes consisting of poly(ethylene glycol)–poly(dimethylsiloxane)–poly(ethylene glycol) at the nanoscopic length scale in the presence of NaCl, which is a very common molecule in the biotic aqueous environment. We used dynamic light scattering (DLS), cryo-TEM, small angle neutron scattering (SANS) and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). We observed transformation of polymersomes from spherical to elongated vesicles at low salt concentration and into multivesicular structures at high salt concentration. Model fitting analysis of SANS data indicated a reduction of vesicle radius up to 47% and from the SAXS data we observed an increase in membrane thickness up to 8% and an increase of the PDMS hydrophobic segment up to 11% indicating stretching of the membrane due to osmotic imbalance. Also, from the increase in the interlamellar repeat distance up to 98% under high salt concentrations, we concluded that the shape and structural changes observed in the polymersomes are a combined result of osmotic pressure change and ion–membrane interactions.
Rapid Makerspace Microfabrication and Characterization of 3D Microelectrode Arrays (3D MEAs) for Organ-on-a-Chip Models

Integrated sensors in “on-a-chip” in vitro cellular models are a necessity for granularity in data collection required for advanced biosensors. As these models become more complex, the requirement for the integration of electrogenic cells is apparent. Interrogation of such cells, whether alone or within a connected cellular framework, are best achieved with microelectrodes, in the form of a microelectrode array (MEA). Makerspace microfabrication has thus far enabled novel and accessible approaches to meet these demands. Here, resin-based 3D printing, selective multimodal laser micromachining, and simple insulation strategies, define an approach to highly customizable and “on-demand” in vitro 3D MEA-based biosensor platforms. The scalability of this approach is aided by a novel makerspace microfabrication assisted technique denoted using the term Hypo-Rig. The MEA utilizes custom-defined metal microfabricated microelectrodes transitioned from planar (2D) to 3D using the Hypo-Rig. To simulate this transition process, COMSOL modeling is utilized to estimate transitionary forces and angles (with respect to normal). Practically, the Hypo-Rig demonstrated a force of ~40N, as well as a consistent 70° average angular transitionary performance which matched well with the COMSOL model. To illustrate the scalability potential, $3\times 3$ , $6\times 6$ , and $8\times 8$ versions of the device were fabricated and characterized. The 3D MEAs, demonstrated impedance and phase measurements in the biologically relevant 1 kHz range of 45.4 $\text{k}\Omega $ , and −34.6° respectively, for polystyrene insulated, $\sim 70~\mu \text{m}$ sized microelectrodes. [2021-0121]