cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Number of Siblings and Social Skills Revisited Among American Fifth Graders

Most research on the consequences of the number of siblings highlights their downside—the negative association between sibship size and educational outcomes. But recently scholars have begun to understand the potential benefits of siblings, with some research indicating that kindergartners are more socially adept when they have at least one brother or sister. We expand this line of inquiry by studying fifth graders, a point where sufficient school-based peer interactions have occurred to potentially eliminate the social skills deficit observed among only children beginning kindergarten. Analyzing 11,820 children from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study—Kindergarten Cohort of 1998-99, we find that, contrary to our expectations, only children failed to gain more social skills between kindergarten and fifth grade than their counterparts with siblings. This pattern has important implications for the one in five children now raised without siblings.
MESOSCOPIC MODEL FOR SIMULATION OF CNT-BASED MATERIALS

A mesoscopic computational model is developed for simulation of the collective behavior of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in CNT-based materials. The model adopts a coarsegrained representation of a CNT as a sequence of stretchable cylindrical segments defined by a chain of nodes. The dynamic behavior of CNTs is governed by the equations of motion for the nodes, enabling computationally efficient “molecular dynamics-type” simulations. The internal part of the mesoscopic force field takes into account stretching and bending of individual CNTs. A novel computationally-efficient “tubular” potential method is developed for the description of van der Waals interactions among the nanotubes. The parameterization of the “tubular” potential is based on an interatomic potential for non-bonded interactions between carbon atoms. The application of the mesoscopic model to simulation of systems consisting of hundreds of CNTs demonstrates perfect energy conservation for times as long as tens of nanoseconds. Self-assembly of CNTs into bundles with hexagonal ordering of nanotubes is observed in simulations performed for systems with initial random orientation of CNTs.
Cost-based scheduling of workers and equipment in a fabrication and assembly shop

Many manufacturing firms that use Material Requirements Planning MRP cannot deliver products on schedule and within budget. Faced with bewildering bottlenecks, erratic process flows, and unrealistic due dates, they are unable to develop accurate schedules for their raw material acquisitions, workforce, and equipment. Their MRP plans must be translated into a workable schedule, one which determines when individual tasks will be performed by workers at work centers. There is a clear need for such an enhancement to MRP, a means to operate on detailed task data, yet capable of producing a schedule that directly relates to the MRP plan, the master production schedule, and the resource plan. We describe a method for determining feasible and cost-effective schedules for both labor and machines in a job shop. The method first sequences tasks at resources and then minimizes overall earliness and lateness cost by solving a series of maximum flow problems. By using the model as an enhancement to a company's MRP system, we simulated the cost effects of redeploying its workforce. Although the model was not used for real-time scheduling, it served a strategic role in workforce expansion and deployment decisions.
The Impact of Global Warming on Agriculture: A Ricardian Analysis: Reply

We measure the economic impact of climate on land prices. Using cross-sectional data on climate, farmland prices, and other economic and geophysical data for almost 3,000 counties in the United States, we find that higher temperatures in all seasons except autumn reduce average farm values, while more precipitation outside of autumn increases farm values. Applying the model to a global-warming scenario shows a significantly lower estimated impact of global warming on U.S. agriculture than the traditional production-function approach and, in one case, suggests that, even without CO{sub 2} fertilization, global warming may have economic benefits for agriculture. 16 refs., 5 figs., 5 tabs.
A dominant strategy double auction

A double auction mechanism that provides dominant strategies for both buyers and sellers is analyzed. This mechanism satisfies the 1n convergence to efficiency of the buyer's bid double auction. In addition, the mechanism always produces full information first best prices; the inefficiency arises because the least valuable profitable trade may be prohibited by the mechanism. The mechanism has an oral implementation utilizing bid and asked prices.
Constraint-aware robustness insertion for optimal noise-tolerance enhancement in VLSI circuits

Reliability of nanometer circuits is becoming a major concern in today's VLSI chip design due to interferences from multiple noise sources as well as radiation-induced soft errors. Traditional noise analysis/avoidance and manufacturing testing are no longer sufficient to handle the dynamic interactions between various noise sources and unpredictable operational variations. Therefore, "robustness insertion" has been adopted as the supplementary approach to ensure high circuit reliability through on-line protections. However, the related design overhead is not always acceptable, especially for cost/timing-sensitive designs. In this paper, we present a novel "constraint-aware robustness insertion" methodology protect the sequential elements in digital circuits against various noise effects. Based on a configurable hardening sequential cell design and an efficient sequential cell robustness estimation technique, an optimization algorithm is developed to search for the optimal protection scheme under given timing and area constraints. Experiment results demonstrate that the proposed methodology is able to achieve a high degree of noise-tolerance while keeping the protection cost within limit.
New brain pathways found in the vocal control system of a songbird.

Songbirds use a complex network of discrete brain areas and connecting fiber tracts to sing their song, but our knowledge of this circuitry may be incomplete. The forebrain area, "caudal mesopallium" (CM), has received much attention recently for its song-related activities. HVC, a prominent song system nucleus, projects to a restricted area of the CM known as the avalanche nucleus (Av). However, the other connections of Av remain unknown. Here we used tract-tracing methods to examine the connections of Av to other song system nuclei. Injections of biotinylated dextran amine (BDA) into Av labeled both afferent terminals and neurons in HVC and the interfacial nucleus of the nidopallium (NIf), suggesting that there is complex feedforward and feedback communication between these nuclei (HVC$Av$NIf). Labeled neurons were also found in the uvaeform nucleus (Uva), which was substantiated by BDA injections into Uva that labeled terminals in Av. Double fluorescent tracing experiments confirm that both HVC and Uva project to Av. The present study adds complex new connections that expand the traditional song system circuitry into the caudal mesopallium. These new pathways are likely to have broad implications for deciphering how this intricate system works.
Simulation, implementation, and analysis of an optical fiber bundle distance sensor with single mode illumination

A simulation model for an optical fiber bundle distance sensor with a single mode fiber as the illumination fiber and a multimode fiber as the receiving fiber is presented. Approximating the illumination light exiting the single mode fiber as having a Gaussian intensity profile, a closed-form solution of the reflected light coupled into the receiving fiber was derived. A distance sensor was implemented and the measured sensor outputs were compared with the simulation data to verify the theoretical model. The performance of the distance sensor with different design parameters was analyzed. Design guidelines for achieving desired sensor performances are suggested.
Megakaryoblastic leukemia-1 is required for the development of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis.

Background Fibrosing disorders of the lung, such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, are characterized by progressive extracellular matrix accumulation that is driven by myofibroblasts. The transcription factor megakaryoblastic leukemia-1 (MKL1) mediates myofibroblast differentiation in response to several profibrotic stimuli, but the role it plays in mediating pulmonary fibrosis has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we utilized mice that had a germline deletion of MKL1 (MKL1 (−,-)) to determine the role that MKL1 plays in the development of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis.
Paget's Disease of Bone

Sir James Paget described the disease as follows: It begins in middle age or later, is very slow in progress, may continue for many years without influence on the general health, and may give no other trouble than those which are due to the changes of shape, size, and direction of the diseased bones (Paget 1877). Paget's disease is a focal disorder of bone remodeling that occurs in an aging skeleton. Aberrant osteoclast activation is the critical lesion leading to the disease phenotype. Paget's disease leads to impaired structural integrity and distortion of bone, the consequences of which include localized bone pain, deformity, fracture, and early arthritis. Neurological sequelae such as hearing loss, spinal stenosis, and neuropathies can occur, depending on the sites of affected bones. Osteosarcomas arise in pagetic bone in a small number of cases (Seton 2008; Hansen et al. 2006) Both familial and sporadic cases of Paget's disease are caused often by a mutation in SQSTM1. This mutation results in a C→ T transition mutation (P392L) that in turn results in aberrant osteoclast activation (Laurin et al. 2002). However, not all cases are associated with this disease mutation (Kurihara et al. 2007; Morissette et al. 2006). The serum alkaline phosphatase, a marker of osteo-blastic activity, is a good indicator of skeletal extent and activity of Paget's disease. Spot urine assays for N-telopeptide levels have replaced 24-h urine collections for hydroxyproline as a measure of antiresorptive activity. The goal of treating Paget's disease with antiresorptive agents such as the bisphosphonates and calcitonin is to normalize the serum alkaline phosphatase and urine N-telopeptide levels. Bisphosphonates are the treatment of choice. However, calcitonin has a role in the elderly patient with renal insufficiency in whom relief of pain rather than remission is a reasonable outcome. Resistance to the effects of one bisphosphonate does not predict resistance to another.
A multiunit catalyst with synergistic stability and reactivity: a polyoxometalate-metal organic framework for aerobic decontamination.

A combination of polyanion size and charge allows the Keggin-type polyoxometalate (POM), [CuPW11O39]5–, a catalyst for some air-based organic oxidations, to fit snuggly in the pores of MOF-199 (HKUST-1), a metal–organic framework (MOF) with the POM countercations residing in alternative pores. This close matching of POM diameter and MOF pore size in this POM–MOF material, [Cu3(C9H3O6)2]4[{(CH3)4N}4CuPW11O39H] (1), results in a substantial synergistic stabilization of both the MOF and the POM. In addition, this heretofore undocumented POM–MOF interaction results in a dramatic increase in the catalytic turnover rate of the POM for air-based oxidations. While 1 catalyzes the rapid chemo- and shape-selective oxidation of thiols to disulfides and, more significantly, the rapid and sustained removal of toxic H2S via H2S + 1/2 O2 → 1/8 S8 + H2O (4000 turnovers in <20 h), the POM or the MOF alone is catalytically slow or inactive. Three arguments are consistent with the catalytic reactions taking place inside the...
Characterization of Mammary Tumors Using Noninvasive Tactile and Hyperspectral Sensors

The use of both tactile and hyperspectral imaging sensors, which exploit the mechanical and physiological changes in tissues, can significantly increase the performance in automatic identification of tumors with malignant histopathology. Tactile imaging measures the elastic modulus of a tumor, whereas hyperspectral imaging detects important biochemical markers. Spontaneous mammary tumors in canines were used to demonstrate the efficacy of our approach. The tactile sensor achieved a sensitivity of 50% and a specificity of 100% in identifying malignant tumors. The sensitivity and specificity of the hyperspectral sensor were 71% and 76%, respectively. We investigated several machine learning techniques for fusing the tactile and spectral data, which increased the sensitivity and specificity to 86% and 97%, respectively. Our tactile and hyperspectral imaging sensors are noninvasive and harmless (no ionized radiation is used). These imaging sensors may not only eliminate unnecessary surgeries, but will also motivate the development of similar sensors for human clinical use, due to the fact that canine and human tumors have similar physiology and biology.
Modalities Matter: Microinsurance Take-Up Under Different Payment Schemes

Poor people lead busy lives, and the variety of challenges they face daily leaves little space for attention-burdening requirements in how they manage their affairs. This paper shows that, beyond price, modalities of payment of a life microinsurance product can have a large impact on take-up. Mexican microcredit borrowers were 47 percent less likely to purchase a life microinsurance policy along with their loan when they were required to pay the premium up front rather than in installments bundled with their loan repayment. The up front payment modality is 12 percent less expensive but requires remembering to bring the payment at the group’s next weekly meeting. The drop in take-up is not due to liquidity constraints or unusual discount rates; I argue that it stems from the cognitive burden associated with up front payment, which must be larger for clients than the financial savings from using this payment method over paying in installments. The finding that small modalities can have a large impact on take-up has implications for the design of financial products and other voluntary development interventions designed for mass use, particularly when participation rates are lower than expected or desired.
High-speed Railway Coverage Solution Under SDR Networking

It presents high-speed railway coverage solution with BBU+RRU distributed base station,expounds the issues for attention on GSM planning in high-speed railway scenes.
Application comparison of least square finite element method and finite volume method in CFD

To compare the advantages and disadvantages of Least Square Finite Element Method(LSFEM) and finite volume method in actural applications,a least square method is used to discrete the finite element model of incompressible N-S equation,the positive definite symmetric linear system is obtained,and the equations are solved by efficient preconditioned conjugate gradient method;the least square finite element method and FLUENT which is based on finite volume method are separately used to calculate the examples such as Kovasznay flow,steady 2D and 3D backward-facing step flows,and unsteady flow around cylinder.The comparison results indicate that the least square finite element method performs better convergence rate and accuracy than finite volume method and shows good application value in CFD.
A Seven-Day Synchronization Method for Ewes Using Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (MAP) and Prostaglandin Fα

Estrous cycles of adult (n = 27), farm-flock, Suffolk ewes and Polypay range ewes (n = 224) were controlled with medroxyprogesterone acetate (MAP)-impregnated vaginal pessaries inserted (d 0) for 7 d in combination with prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) injected on d 6. Descriptive criteria of the effects of this treatment regimen on endocrine characteristics of the estrous cycle were evaluated in the experiment with farm-flock ewes. The efficacy of this synchronization regimen on reproductive performance of range-bred ewes was tested in a second trial. Suffolk ewes bred at the second observed estrus after treatment to provide comparisons of cycle length between treated and control ewes. Polypay ewes were exposed to fertile rams at the controlled estrus. Eighty-nine percent of Suffolk ewes were in estrus within 3 d after pessary removal. All nonsynchronized Suffolk ewes (n = 24) were in estrus over a 21-d period. Estrous cycle lengths of treated ewes averaged 16.8 +/- .2 d. Plasma progesterone concentrations were similar for treated and control ewes during the luteal phase of the estrous cycle. Ninety-one percent of the range-bred, controlled ewes lambed. Sixty-two percent of these ewes lambed within 150 d after exposure to fertile rams compared with only 17% of nonsynchronized ewes (P less than .05). Lambing percentage was similar by 167 d for treated (87%) or control (88%) ewes. Lambs per ewe exposed averaged 1.68 and 1.80 for treated and nonsynchronized groups, respectively. These data indicate the effectiveness of this 7-d treatment method for control of the estrous cycle of ewes during the normal breeding season. Results further show that this treatment scheme has practical application for range breeding of ewes.
The Water Permeability and Pore Entrance Structure of Aquaporin-4 Depend on Lipid Bilayer Thickness.

Aquaporin-4 (AQP4), the primary water channel in glial cells of the mammalian brain, plays a critical role in water transport in the central nervous system. Previous experiments have shown that the water permeability of AQP4 depends on the cholesterol content in the lipid bilayer, but it was not clear whether changes in permeability were due to direct cholesterol-AQP4 interactions or to indirect effects caused by cholesterol-induced changes in bilayer elasticity or bilayer thickness. To determine the effects resulting only from bilayer thickness, here we use a combination of experiments and simulations to analyze AQP4 in cholesterol-free phospholipid bilayers with similar elastic properties but different hydrocarbon core thicknesses previously determined by x-ray diffraction. The channel (unit) water permeabilities of AQP4 measured by osmotic-gradient experiments were 3.5 ± 0.2 × 10(-13) cm(3)/s (mean ± SE), 3.0 ± 0.3 × 10(-13) cm(3)/s, 2.5 ± 0.2 × 10(-13) cm(3)/s, and 0.9 ± 0.1 × 10(-13) cm(3)/s in bilayers containing (C22:1)(C22:1)PC, (C20:1)(C20:1)PC, (C16:0)(C18:1)PC, and (C13:0)(C13:0)PC, respectively. Channel permeabilities obtained by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were 3.3 ± 0.1 × 10(-13) cm(3)/s and 2.5 ± 0.1 × 10(-13) cm(3)/s in (C22:1)(C22:1)PC and (C14:0)(C14:0)PC bilayers, respectively. Both the osmotic-gradient and MD-simulation results indicated that AQP4 channel permeability decreased with decreasing bilayer hydrocarbon thickness. The MD simulations also suggested structural modifications in AQP4 in response to changes in bilayer thickness. Although the simulations showed no appreciable changes to the radius of the pore located in the hydrocarbon region of the bilayers, the simulations indicated that there were changes in both pore length and α-helix organization near the cytoplasmic vestibule of the channel. These structural changes, caused by mismatch between the hydrophobic length of AQP4 and the bilayer hydrocarbon thickness, could explain the observed differences in water permeability with changes in bilayer thickness.
It Doesn’t Matter What You Think, This is Real: Expanding Conceptions About Urban Students in Science Classrooms

We are at a point in time in the field of science education where many of the recommendations for improving teaching and learning are presented in very interesting and innovative ways. Researchers have various avenues to present their work and have developed the ability to utilize various means to disseminate it. There are conferences, symposia, journals, online journals, professional organizations, and even blogs that support the sharing and discussion of the outcomes of science education research. However, despite the innovations in the realms of presentation and dissemination, many of the approaches to science education are firmly rooted in pre-established precedents and accepted preconceptions. In other words, the outcomes of research are often new representations of old ideas developed in times past to connect students from a specific time and very specific demographic to science. Whereas science education research and practice appears to be inclusive, the view of urban populations as participants in science is not as expansive. For example, burgeoning areas of interest include the teaching for inquiry and the nature of science. These areas have a space within the framework for connecting marginalized youth to science but do not attack what is at the core of students’ exclusion from full participation in the discipline. Educators and researchers who nest their actions and practices in existing approaches often replicate past practice and engage in actions that reify age-old approaches to the discipline. These educators often engage in work based on what they think of the students in the classroom and not on what are the true reflections of students’ experiences. This is the case with the focus on teaching only for disseminating content and strict classroom management that has been closely tied to instruction in the science classrooms where I have conducted research.
Paradox, Play, Politics

As a practical man of theater, as actor turned playwright, as the only English Renaissance dramatist to spend his entire career within the theatrical establishment, Shakespeare owed his allegiances as a writer first to his company and his audience, and those were to create theatrically exciting plays. To a growing number of recent scholars, seeing his plays as opposing or contesting the dominant ideological positions of his day suggests reassessing traditional conceptions of Shakespeare, but we need not replace an orthodox or conservative playwright with an adversarial one, openly and consistently subversive. The early history plays themselves warn us against conclusions and invite us to explore instead the paradoxes, to think about the nature of Shakespeare’s theater rather than “Shakespeare’s politics.”
Abstract 4988: Reprogramming the immunologic microenvironment through radiation and Axl targeting

There is increasing evidence that hypofractionated high dose ionizing radiation (RT) can enhance antitumor immune responses in many cancers. In some cases the combination of RT and checkpoint immunotherapy can enhance antitumor immune responses. Here, we developed a model to study the genetic, microenvironmental, and immunologic factors of immune mediated antitumor responses after radiation. Two different tumor clones from the same parental transgenic PyMT mammary carcinoma model reveal similar growth characteristics but different responses to RT primarily due to an antitumor immune response. The responsive Py117 tumors increase expression of PD-L1 after RT and the antitumor response is enhanced with immune checkpoint antibodies (Ab) targeting PD-1 and CTLA-4. However the unresponsive Py8119 tumors do not respond to radiation or combination immunotherapy. Key differences in the microenvironment include greater infiltration of suppressive macrophages, lower MHCI on tumor cells, and low T cell infiltrates. Upon profiling differences in the tumors we found that Axl a receptor tyrosine kinase of the TAM family associated with invasion and metastasis in a broad range of tumors was overexpressed on the surface of Py8119 cells but not Py117. We genetically knocked out Axl in Py8119 cells using CRISPR/Cas technology and found greater tumor latency and enhanced radiosensitivity in the mouse but not in culture. The effects are largely immune mediated as the RT response was diminished in nude mice. On analysis of the tumor cells we found that MHCI is significantly increased and secretion of a number of chemokines is diminished after Axl targeting. In the tumor microenvironment there was significant decrease in macrophages, increase in myeloid dendritic cells, and resulting influx of T cells by 10 days after RT. These data suggest that Axl may not only mediate invasion and metastasis but can influence immunoserveilance and response to therapy through suppression of antigen presentation and supporting a tumor promoting immune microenvironment through chemokine signaling. Citation Format: Todd A. Aguilera, Marjan R. Rafat, Laura Castellini, Mihalis S. Kariolis, Rie vonEbyen, Edward E. Graves, Amato J. Giaccia. Reprogramming the immunologic microenvironment through radiation and Axl targeting. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 4988.
Fundamental Limit of Sample Eigenvalue based Detection of Signals in Colored Noise using Relatively Few Samples

Sample eigenvalue based estimators are often used for estimating the number of high-dimensional signals in colored noise when an independent estimate of the noise covariance matrix is available. We highlight a fundamental asymptotic limit of sample eigenvalue based detection that brings into sharp focus why in the large system, relatively large sample size limit, underestimation of the model order may be unavoidable for weak/closely spaced signals. We discuss the implication of these results for the detection of two weak, closely spaced signals.
On the kinetics of transgranular particle embrittlement during simulated carburizing in steel containing grain-refining additions of aluminum and niobium plus aluminum

Abstract The kinetics of toughness degradation resulting from transgranular particle embrittlement are evaluated as a function of composition and processing history for simulated carburizing operations in air-melt steel containing grain-refining additions of aluminum and aluminum plus niobium. The kinetics of particle embrittlement are inherently linked to the ripening of AlN precipitates after extended austenitization in steel containing carbon contents representative of both the case and core of a carburized component. Embrittlement in steel containing AlN occurs with an activation energy similar to the value for aluminum diffusion in austenite, although an AlN volume fraction effect on the embrittlement kinetics is manifested as decreases in activation energy with decreases in the [Al]/[N] ratio of steel. In contrast, the presence of niobium substantially retards the kinetics of particle embrittlement in steel containing 120–200 ppm N. Observations of AlN precipitates coated with Nb(C,N) indicate that the decreases in embrittlement kinetics are related to a reduction in the potential for AlN ripening during austenitization.
P263 Analysis of multi-year TRALI testing using luminex solid phase product

Aim Analyze the HLA and MICA antibody detection data from multiple years of screening female blood donors for TRALI mitigation. Methods Over 4000 female blood donors with history of at least 1 pregnancy were screened using One Lambda, Inc. LabScreen Mixed Product. The samples were analyzed using HLA Fusion™ software. Normalized/NBG ratios were used to assign negative or positive results. Previously determined Cutoff Ratios were used: Table 1. Results HLA antibody was detected in over 20 % of the female blood donors that presented for donation. Table 2. Conclusions Significant levels of either HLA Class I or Class II antibody were detected in over 20% of female donors (reporting 1 plus pregnancy). This information is important as blood centers assess the impact of additional testing (i.e. Zika) on recruitment strategy, despite reduced blood product usage. Download : Download high-res image (48KB) Download : Download full-size image Download : Download high-res image (102KB) Download : Download full-size image
Association of shared decision-making on patient-reported health outcomes and healthcare utilization.

Abstract Background Shared decision-making (SDM) is a process that respects the rights of patients to be fully involved in decisions about their care. By evaluating all available healthcare options and weighing patients' personal values and preferences against available unbiased evidence, patients and healthcare professionals can make health-related decisions together, as partners. We sought to evaluate the impact of perceived SDM on patient-reported outcomes, healthcare quality, and healthcare utilization. Methods Patients were identified from the 2010–2014 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) cohort. The Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) survey was levied to create a weighted composite score of satisfaction with SDM on a 12-point scale, and then categorized as optimal, average or poor SDM based on weighted scores. Weighting and variance techniques were applied to assure results were representative of the U.S. civilian population. Chi-square analysis was used to estimate differences across SDM groupings and multivariate logistic regression was performed to generate odds ratios (OR) and confidence intervals (CI). Results The study cohort included 63,931 responses to the survey tool. Results of SDM satisfaction across the three categories were skewed, with 46.6% (n = 29,807) of the respondents reporting optimal SDM, 42.1% (n = 26,887) reporting average scores and only 11.3% (n = 7237) reporting poor perceived SDM. Non-white race, lower educational level, low socioeconomic status, non-married status, and uninsured or underinsured status were all associated with higher incidence of poor perceived SDM (p Conclusions Poor SDM was associated with worse patient-reported health outcomes, worse established quality indicators, and higher healthcare utilization. While increasing physician education may help optimize SDM, differences in patient-perceived SDM were also strongly driven by inherent patient characteristics.
A Longitudinal Analysis of the Indirect Effect of Violence Exposure on Future Orientation Through Perceived Stress and the Buffering Effect of Family Participation

Exposure to violence (ETV) during adolescence has been associated with negative effects in later life, and may negatively affect an individual's future orientation. Future orientation has important health implications and warrants being studied. Yet, few researchers have examined how ETV affects an individual's future orientation as a young adult. The purpose of this study was to examine the indirect effect of ETV during adolescence on future orientation as a young adult through perceived stress. We also tested the moderating effect of family participation on the relationship between perceived stress and future orientation. Longitudinal data from a sample of 316 African American participants (42.10% male and 57.90% female, Mage = 14.76 at Wave 1) from low socioeconomic backgrounds recruited from a Midwestern school district were used in the analysis. Multigroup structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test our hypotheses. Our findings indicated that greater ETV during adolescence is associated with higher levels of perceived stress and, in turn, a more negative outlook on one's future as a young adult. This indirect effect occurred for individuals with lower family participation, but was not evident for individuals with greater family participation. These findings provide important implications for youth development interventions.
Calcium and calmodulin may not regulate the disease resistance and pisatin formation responses of Pisum sativum to chitosan or Fusarium solani

No correlation was found between the chitosan or Fusarium solani-induced disease resistance responses in pea pod tissue and fluctuations in [Ca2+], inhibition of calmodulin, blockage of Ca2+ channels or host membrane leakage. Addition of exogenous Ca2+ 3 h before or after chitosan or F. solani treatments of pea pod tissue failed to alter the host response within 6 h, the time when the host actively resists both the compatible (F. solani f. sp. pisi) and incompatible (F. solani f. sp. phaseoli) macroconidia. Additionally, Ca2+ applied exogenously 3 h before or after chitosan significantly altered the level of UV-absorbing material released from the host tissue; however, it failed to affect the chitosan's ability to elicit phytoalexin formation by 24 h. Addition of exogenous Ca2+ 3 h before or after inoculation with either the compatible (f. sp. pisi) or incompatible (f. sp. phaseoli) fungi did not significantly change the host response by 24 h. The addition of EGTA or Ca2+ channel antagonists with the chitosan treatments also failed to significantly alter the chitosan-induced host response, thereby suggesting that chitosan probably does not function in the pea system by causing a Ca2+ influx into the host tissue which might then activate the host's resistance response. Inhibition of calmodulin related activities by calmidazolium failed to inhibit the chitosan or fungal induced host response. These results suggest that the response(s) induced in pea pod tissue by chitosan treatment or fungal inoculation may not be mediated by Ca2+, calmodulin or membrane leakage.
Exponential Asymptotics and Approximation of Stable and Unstable Manifolds in Singularly Perturbed Nonlinear Systems

We will focus our attention on the mechanism of the onset of chaotic behavior in singularly perturbed dynamical systems. In particular, we are interested in analytic expressions to approximate the stable and unstable manifolds in such systems. The approach that we take is to apply the technique of exponential asymptotics (also known as asymptotics beyond all orders) as developed by M.D. Kruskal and H. Segur [1]. The strength of this approach lies in its ability to capture the effect of terms that are exponentially small in the perturbation parameter that become critical in the long time limit.
R matrix analysis of sup 239 Pu neutron cross sections in the energy range up to 1000 eV

This paper reports on the results of an R matrix analysis of the {sup 239}Pu neutron cross sections up to 1000-eV neutron energy. The analysis was performed with the multilevel multichannel Reich-Moore code SAMMY. The method of analysis is describe, and the selection of experimental data is discussed. Some tabular and graphical comparisons between calculated and measured cross sections and transmissions are presented. The statistical properties of the resonance parameters are examined. The resonance parameters are proposed for the new evaluated data files ENDF/B-VI and JEF2.
Computerized History Taking on the HELP System: Initial Efforts, Goals, Methods, and Evaluations

A program has been developed at LDS Hospital that uses historical data gathered directly from the patient and a knowledge base developed by medical experts and information scientists to calculate the probability of the patient having a given disease. This program is a direct continuation of experiments performed by Dr. Homer R. Warner in the early 1960s to demonstrate the ability of the computer to determine diagnoses correctly from clinical data. The current program generates a list of the patient’s most likely diagnoses using Bayesean inferencing strategies. Evaluation studies reveal that 75% of the time, the program includes the patient’s actual disease (as determined retrospectively) in the list of the five most likely diseases.
Comparative Transcriptome Analysis between a Resistant and a Susceptible Wild Tomato Accession in Response to Phytophthora parasitica

Phytophthora parasitica is one of the most widespread Phytophthora species, which is known to cause multiple diseases in tomato and is capable of infecting almost all plant parts. Our current understanding of tomato-Phytophthora parasitica interaction is very limited and currently nothing is known at the whole genome or transcriptome level. In this study, we have analyzed and compared the transcriptome of a resistant and a susceptible wild tomato accession in response to P. parasitica infection using the RNA-seq technology. We have identified 2657 and 3079 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in treatment vs control comparison of resistant (Sp-R) and susceptible (Sp-S) samples respectively. Functional annotation of DEGs revealed substantial transcriptional reprogramming of diverse physiological and cellular processes, particularly the biotic stress responses in both Sp-R and Sp-S upon P. parasitica treatment. However, subtle expression differences among some core plant defense related genes were identified and their possible role in resistance development against P. parasitica is discussed. Our results revealed 1173 genes that were differentially expressed only in Sp-R accession upon P. parasitica inoculation. These exclusively found DEGs in Sp-R accession included some core plant defense genes, for example, several protease inhibitors, chitinases, defensin, PR-1, a downy mildew susceptibility factor, and so on, were all highly induced. Whereas, several R genes, WRKY transcriptions factors and a powdery mildew susceptibility gene (Mlo) were highly repressed during the resistance outcome. Analysis reported here lays out a strong foundation for future studies aimed at improving genetic resistance of tomato cultivars against to Phytopphthora species.
Crowdsourcing punishment: Individuals reference group preferences to inform their own punitive decisions

Justice systems delegate punishment decisions to groups in the belief that the aggregation of individuals’ preferences facilitates judiciousness. However, group dynamics may also lead individuals to relinquish moral responsibility by conforming to the majority’s preference for punishment. Across five experiments (N = 399), we find Victims and Jurors tasked with restoring justice become increasingly punitive (by as much as 40%) as groups express a desire to punish, with every additional punisher augmenting an individual’s punishment rates. This influence is so potent that knowing about a past group’s preference continues swaying decisions even when they cannot affect present outcomes. Using computational models of decision-making, we test long-standing theories of how groups influence choice. We find groups induce conformity by making individuals less cautious and more impulsive, and by amplifying the value of punishment. However, compared to Victims, Jurors are more sensitive to moral violation severity and less readily swayed by the group. Conformity to a group’s punitive preference also extends to weightier moral violations such as assault and theft. Our results demonstrate that groups can powerfully shift an individual’s punitive preference across a variety of contexts, while additionally revealing the cognitive mechanisms by which social influence alters moral values.
Power Difference in a χ2 Test vs Generalized Linear Mixed Model in the Presence of Missing Data – A Simulation Study

Longitudinal randomized controlled trials (RCTs) often aim to test and measure the effect of treatment between arms at a single time point. A two-sample χ2 test is a common statistical approach when outcome data are binary. However, only complete outcomes are used in the analysis. Missing responses are common in longitudinal RCTs and by only analyzing complete data, power may be reduced and estimates could be biased. Generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) with a random intercept can be used to test and estimate the treatment effect, which may increase power and reduce bias. We simulated longitudinal binary RCT data to compare the performance of a complete case χ2 test to a GLMM in terms of power, type I error, relative bias, and coverage under different missing data mechanisms (missing completely at random and missing at random). We considered how the baseline probability of the event, within subject correlation, and dropout rates under various missing mechanisms impacted each performance measure. When outcome data were missing completely at random, both χ2 and GLMM produced unbiased estimates; however, the GLMM returned an absolute power gain up to from 12.0% as compared to the χ2 test. When outcome data were missing at random, the GLMM yielded an absolute power gain up to 42.7% and estimates were unbiased or less biased compared to the χ2 test. Investigators wishing to test for a treatment effect between treatment arms in longitudinal RCTs with binary outcome data in the presence of missing data should use a GLMM to gain power and produce minimally unbiased estimates instead of a complete case χ2 test.
Examining metrics for fatigue life predictions of additively manufactured IN718 via crystal plasticity modeling including the role of simulation volume and microstructural constraints

Abstract There is a growing demand for the development of precise, accurate, and industrially applicable predictive models for evaluating the fatigue performance of additively manufactured (AM) materials to accelerate their qualification. Six fatigue metrics based on microstructure-sensitive crystal plasticity finite element (CPFE) simulations are utilized to assess the fatigue performance of Inconel 718 produced via selective laser melting (an AM technique). Each metric is used to predict the probable locations of failure and the scatter in fatigue life under high cycle fatigue loading conditions. The predicted scatter from all the fatigue metrics was in good agreement with the experimental test data. The predictions locations of failure using two of the metrics, plastic strain accumulation, and plastic strain energy density, were found to correlate in a statistical sense with the post mortem fractography results. Moreover, an additional set of CPFE simulations were performed with varying volumes of the input microstructures, with the largest microstructure having a volume close to that of the test specimen's gauge section. This additional analysis was intended to provide informed guidelines for simulation volume that is both computationally tractable, and results in consistent scatter predictions, which was estimated to be a simulation volume consisting of ~200 grains. Lastly, fatigue life predictions obtained from traction-free and more realistic microstructure constraints were compared to understand the role of boundary conditions (BCs) in fatigue life predictions. This work is beneficial in determining the statistical minimum for safe-life analyses, thereby reducing the overall number of experimental tests and accelerating the qualification process.
Magnet Hospitals and 30-Day Readmission and Mortality Rates for Medicare Beneficiaries.

Background US hospitals are penalized for excess 30-day readmissions and mortality for select conditions. Under the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services policy, readmission prevention is incentivized to a greater extent than mortality reduction. A strategy to potentially improve hospital performance on either measure is by improving nursing care, as nurses provide the largest amount of direct patient care. However, little is known as to whether achieving nursing excellence, such as Magnet status, is associated with improved hospital performance on readmissions and mortality. Objective The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between hospitals' Magnet status and performance on readmission and mortality rates for Medicare beneficiaries. Research design This is a cross-sectional analysis of Medicare readmissions and mortality reduction programs from 2013 to 2016. A propensity score-matching approach was used to take into account differences in baseline characteristics when comparing Magnet and non-Magnet hospitals. Subjects The sample was comprised of 3877 hospitals. Measures The outcome measures were 30-day risk-standardized readmission and mortality rates. Results Following propensity score matching on hospital characteristics, we found that Magnet hospitals outperformed non-Magnet hospitals in reducing mortality; however, Magnet hospitals performed worse in reducing readmissions for acute myocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass grafting, and stroke. Conclusions Magnet hospitals performed better on the Hospital Value-Based Purchasing Mortality Program than the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program. The results of this study suggest the need for The Magnet Recognition Program to examine the role of nurses in postdischarge activities as a component of its evaluation criteria.
Oxygen Supplementation in a Model of a Ventilator-Dependent Tracheostomized Child

Background: Pediatric patients receiving chronic mechanical ventilation via tracheostomy have variable needs for oxygenation. Supplemental oxygen can be supplied either through the ventilator or at the tracheostomy site. In this study we compared tracheal FIO2 achieved through 2 different methods in a model of pediatric mechanical ventilation via tracheostomy. We hypothesize that administering oxygen through the tracheostomy would provide a higher FIO2. Methods: An in-vitro model of pediatric ventilation via tracheostomy was utilized with a home ventilator (Breas Vivo 65) which was connected in series to a single-limb heated wire passive ventilator circuit (Fisher & Paykel RT219, internal diameter 30 mm), a tracheostomy ring (t-ring) adapter, 4.0 pediatric tracheostomy tube with cuff inflated (Bivona TTS), t-piece with oxygen analyzer (trachea), filter, and an infant test lung (20% leak, resistance Rp50 and compliance 2 mL/mbar). Ventilator settings were PC-SIMV, RR 30, PC 30, I-time 0.6, PEEP 5 and PS 15. Oxygen was administered through the ventilator’s designated oxygen inlet and through the t-ring at different flows and the resultant FIO2 was measured at the tracheal level. Measurements were done in quadruplicate after 5 minutes of continuous operation. A T-test was used to compared tracheal FIO2 obtained with different connections. Results: See Table. Conclusions: In an in-vitro model of pediatric ventilation via tracheostomy, delivering supplemental oxygen through the t-ring provided a higher FIO2 than using the ventilator port when oxygen flows were ≥ 3 L/min. However, the use of a t-ring could potentially affect the monitored tidal volume.
ArduinoTM microprocessors as a platform for modeling framework labs

Modeling is an essential skill for the career physical scientist or engineer. One approach that attempts to integrate this element of critical thinking into the laboratory environment is the modeling framework lab. In this style of lab exercise, students construct a model of both the measurement apparatus and the phenomenon under investigation. A key challenge to implementing this approach in introductory mechanics courses is that the use of electronic data acquisition modules obfuscates the process by which primary measurements are made and interpreted. Conversely, the use of simple analog devices does not adequately prepare students for scientific investigations in the “real world.” Here, the ArduinoTM microprocessor is considered as a platform to bridge this pedagogical gap. Student survey data regarding perceived value of the labs, force concept inventory testing, and analysis of final exam scores were used to assess the efficacy of this approach. Results from this style of lab were compared to “task-measurement” style labs, in which students followed a set of instructions and utilized commercial “black box” data acquisition tools. ArduinoTM-based modeling framework labs showed robust increases in both perceived and measured quantitative skills compared to “task-measurement”-taught sections. These data support the use of open-source microprocessors as a powerful pedagogical platform for offering modeling framework labs in introductory mechanics.
Improving reference standards for validation of AI-based radiography.

Objective:Demonstrate the importance of combining multiple readers' opinions, in a context-aware manner, when establishing the reference standard for validation of artificial intelligence (AI) appl...