cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Blood plasma/implant interfaces FT--IR studies of adsorption on polyethylene and heparin-treated polyethylene surfaces.

Described is an attenuated total reflection (ATR), Fourier Transform infrared (FT–IR) technique useful for studying the adsorption of blood plasma proteins onto polymer surfaces. This technique has the advantage of employing Whole blood plasma and has detected differences between the species adsorbed onto heparin-treated polymers as compared to the species adsorbed on untreated polymers. Differences detected consist of 1) changes in conformation and/or composition of proteins adsorbed on treated and untreated polymers, and 2) changes in amounts of carbohydrate-containing materials on the treated and untreated polymer surfaces. The advantages of FT–IR are its extreme sensitivity and its ability to work with highly complex systems such as whole blood plasma. These abilities should be of great value for providing direct molecular level information concerning protein adsorption from intact blood systems.
Divalent Cation Reversal of Tetracycline-Inhibited Respiration of Klebsiella pneumoniae

Magnesium and ferrous compounds reversed tetracycline inhibition of respiration in Klebsiella pneumoniae, and the two compounds together had greater reversing ability than either alone.
Central limit theorem: Use with caution

The validity of the Central Limit Theorem for the sum of N, K distributed random phasors is investigated. It is demonstrated that the number of phasors that must be summed to obtain an amplitude distribution that can be approximated by a Rayleigh depends strongly on the underlying K-distribution, and is of order 200 for Weibull statistics.
Faculty to Administration and Back Again: I’m a Stranger Here Myself

The article describes my experience related to entering academic administration following more than 20 years as a full-time faculty member. The use of a daily journal was employed to capture the events, reactions, outcomes, both positive and negative, associated with 7 years in administration. I continued the journal process following my return to faculty and, therefore, was able to identify the transitions entering administration as well as coming back to full-time teaching. I discuss the learning that emerged, including the political challenges, student contributions, faculty resistance, strategies in resolving differences, and lessons in understanding the administrative role. In addition, I discuss the struggles I encountered when returning to the classroom—The shift in responsibility was abrupt and took, unexpectedly, time to adjust to the rigors of full-time teaching. I conclude by sharing with readers my reflections for those interested in pursuing an administrative role.
FATIGUE PERFORMANCE OF AAR CLASS A RAILROAD WHEEL STEEL AT AMBIENT AND ELEVATED TEMPERATURES

Classical stress-life (S-N) curves were developed for Association of American Railroads (AAR) Class A wheel steel with specimens removed from the rim area of an as-forged railcar wheel. The specimen geometry was a standard hourglass fatigue test specimen with a low stress concentration (Kt) of 1.05. Fatigue testing was performed at stress ratios of -1.0, 0.05, 0.5 and 0.7. Testing was performed at ambient, 500°F and 1000°F using high current resistance or convection methods. Endurance limit data was obtained for all R-ratios, although for the 1000°F condition there did not appear to be a clear endurance limit transition. These endurance limit data were used to estimate the Sines parameters, A and α.
Oxidative-mechanical stress signals stem cell niche mediated Lrp5 osteogenesis in eNOS(-/-) null mice.

Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is the most common indication for valve surgery in the USA. This study hypothesizes that CAVD develops secondary to Wnt3a/Lrp5 activation via oxidative-mechanical stress in eNOS null mice. eNOS(-/-) mice were tested with experimental diets including a control (n=20), cholesterol (n=20), cholesterol + Atorvastatin (n=20). After 23 weeks the mice were tested for the development of aortic stenosis by Echo, Histology, MicroCT, and RTPCR for bone markers. In vitro studies measured Wnt3a secretion from aortic valve endothelial cells and confirmed oxidative stress via eNOS activity. Anion exchange chromatography was performed to isolate the mitogenic protein. Myofibroblast cells were tested to induce bone formation. Cholesterol treated eNOS mice develop severe stenosis with an increase in Wnt3a, Lrp5, Runx2 (threefold increase (P<0.0001) in the bicuspid versus tricuspid aortic valves. Secretion of Wnt3a from aortic valve endothelium in the presence of abnormal oxidative stress was correlated with diminished eNOS enzymatic activity and tissue nitrite levels. Initial characterization of the architecture for a stem cell nice was determined by protein isolation using anion-exchange chromatography and cell proliferation via thymidine incorporation. Osteoblastogenesis in the myofibroblast cell occurred via Lrp5 receptor upregulation in the presence of osteogenic media. Targeting the Wnt3a/Lrp5 pathway in valve calcification and activation of osteogenesis is via an oxidative-mechanical stress in CAVD. These findings provide a foundation for treating this disease process by targeting the cross talk mechanism in a resident stem cell niche.
Unbiased Capital Allocation in an Asymptotic Single Risk Factor (ASRF) Model of Credit Risk

This paper derives unbiased capital allocation rules for portfolios in which credit risk is driven by a single common factor and idiosyncratic risk is fully diversified. The methodology for setting unbiased capital allocations is developed in the context of the Black-ScholesMerton (BSM) equilibrium model. The methodology is extended to develop an unbiased capital allocation rule for the Gaussian ASRF structural model of credit risk. Unbiased capital allocations are shown to depend on yield to maturity as well as probability of default, loss given default, and asset correlations. Unbiased capital allocations are compared to capital allocations that are set equal to unexpected loss in a Gaussian credit loss model—an approach that is widely applied in the banking industry and used to set minimum bank regulatory capital standards under the Basel II Internal Ratings Based (IRB) approach. The analysis demonstrates that the Gaussian unexpected loss approach substantially undercapitalizes portfolio credit risk relative to an unbiased capital allocation rule. The results include a suggested correction for the IRB capital assignment function. The corrected capital rule calls for a substantial increase in minimum capital requirements over the existing Basel II IRB regulatory capital function.
Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma Classification Tied Up Nicely with a "String"

Molecular classification of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a critical biologic, prognostic, and predictive distinction. Since the discovery of two molecular types of DLBCL in otherwise morphologically indistinguishable cases, numerous methodologies for making this distinction have been published. A method and technical platform may now be reaching consensus.
TUITION‐WAIVER POLICIES FOR OLDER ADULTS: WHAT ARE THE ASSUMPTIONS?

Although state tuition‐wavier policies have been in existence since the early 1970s, older adults’ participation remains very low. This paper looks more closely at the rationale and assumptions behind tuition‐waiver legislation including three key assumptions: 1) Older people have the ability and desire to seek additional knowledge; 2) There are currently barriers to participation of older adults in institutions of higher education; and 3) The major barrier to participation is financial. An analysis of the empirical literature suggests that older adults do have the ability to seek additional knowledge, but the desire to seek such knowledge through higher education is rare. In addition, it appears that cost is only one of several barriers, and may not be the most critical in participation decisions. Several key policy issues emerge from this analysis, and these are identified along with their implications for future policy directions.
Primary DNA damage in human blood lymphocytes exposed in vitro to 2450 MHz radiofrequency radiation.

Abstract Vijayalaxmi, Leal, B. Z., Szilagyi, M., Prihoda, T. J. and Meltz, M. L. Primary DNA Damage in Human Blood Lymphocytes Exposed In Vitro to 2450 MHz Radiofrequency Radiation. Human peripheral blood samples collected from three healthy human volunteers were exposed in vitro to pulsed-wave 2450 MHz radiofrequency (RF) radiation for 2 h. The RF radiation was generated with a net forward power of 21 W and transmitted from a standard gain rectangular antenna horn in a vertically downward direction. The average power density at the position of the cells in the flask was 5 mW/cm2. The mean specific absorption rate, calculated by finite difference time domain analysis, was 2.135 (±0.005 SE) W/kg. Aliquots of whole blood that were sham-exposed or exposed in vitro to 50 cGy of ionizing radiation from a 137Cs γ-ray source were used as controls. The lymphocytes were examined to determine the extent of primary DNA damage (single-strand breaks and alkali-labile lesions) using the alkaline comet assay with three ...
Expected Dangerously Low Potassium Concentrations

A 29-year-old man presented to the Emergency Department with head trauma following a motorcycle accident. On arrival, he was hypoxic and unresponsive. Examinations showed skull fractures and hemorrhage, with climbing intracranial pressures. Laboratory tests revealed dangerously low potassium concentrations (<2 mmol/L; reference interval, 3.6–5.2 mmol/L) over an extended period …
Ureteral Obstruction and Pyelonephritis Caused by an Inguinal Hernia: Report of a Case

AbstractAn elderly man had pyelonephritis and sepsis owing to ureteral obstruction. Retrograde pyelography showed entrapment of the right ureter In an Inguinal hernia. This condition, which may be congenital or acquired, should be considered before herniorrhaphy Is performed and as a possible cause of ureteral obstruction.
Three-Dimensional Imaging Analysis of Two-Particle Correlations in Heavy-Ion Reactions

We report an extension of the source imaging method for imag- ing full three-dimensional sources from three-dimensional like-pair correlations. Our technique consists of expanding the correlation data and the underlying source function in spherical harmonics and inverting the resulting system of one-dimensional integral equations. With this method of attack, we can image the source function quickly, even with the extremely large data sets common in three-dimensional analyses. We apply our method to the recently measured E859 un-Coulomb corrected data.
Estrogen receptor alpha activation enhances mitochondrial function and systemic metabolism in high-fat-fed ovariectomized mice

Estrogen impacts insulin action and cardiac metabolism, and menopause dramatically increases cardiometabolic risk in women. However, the mechanism(s) of cardiometabolic protection by estrogen remain incompletely understood. Here, we tested the effects of selective activation of E2 receptor alpha (ER α ) on systemic metabolism, insulin action, and cardiac mitochondrial function in a mouse model of metabolic dysfunction (ovariectomy [OVX], insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia, and advanced age). Middle‐aged (12‐month‐old) female low‐density lipoprotein receptor ( Ldlr ) −/− mice were subjected to OVX or sham surgery and fed “western” high‐fat diet (WHFD) for 3 months. Selective ER α activation with 4,4′,4″‐(4‐Propyl‐[1H]‐pyrazole‐1,3,5‐triyl) (PPT), prevented weight gain, improved insulin action, and reduced visceral fat accumulation in WHFD‐fed OVX mice. PPT treatment also elevated systemic metabolism, increasing oxygen consumption and core body temperature, induced expression of several metabolic genes such as peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma, coactivator 1 alpha, and nuclear respiratory factor 1 in heart, liver, skeletal muscle, and adipose tissue, and increased cardiac mitochondrial function. Taken together, selective activation of ER α with PPT enhances metabolic effects including insulin resistance, whole body energy metabolism, and mitochondrial function in OVX mice with metabolic syndrome.
AHR Activation Is Protective against Colitis Driven by T Cells in Humanized Mice.

Summary Existing therapies for inflammatory bowel disease that are based on broad suppression of inflammation result in variable clinical benefit and unwanted side effects. A potential therapeutic approach for promoting immune tolerance is the in vivo induction of regulatory T cells (Tregs). Here we report that activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor using the non-toxic agonist 2-(1′H-indole-3′-carbonyl)-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester (ITE) induces human Tregs in vitro that suppress effector T cells through a mechanism mediated by CD39 and Granzyme B. We then developed a humanized murine system whereby human CD4 + T cells drive colitis upon exposure to 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid and assessed ITE as a potential therapeutic. ITE administration ameliorated colitis in humanized mice with increased CD39, Granzyme B, and IL10-secreting human Tregs. These results develop an experimental model to investigate human CD4 + T responses in vivo and identify the non-toxic AHR agonist ITE as a potential therapy for promoting immune tolerance in the intestine.
GLOBAL WARMING: Natural Science versus Social Sciences Issues

It is true that climate change and its implications are given much more attention now, after the COP21 Agreement in Paris. There are almost weekly conferences about global warming and the debate is intense all over the globe. This is a positive, but one must point out the exclusive focus upon natural science and technological issues, which actually bypasses the thorny problems of international governance and the coordination of states. The social science aspects of global warming policy-making will be pointed out in this article. This is a problematic by itself that reduces the likelihood of successful implementation of the goals of the COP21 Agreement (Goal I, Goal II and Goal III in global decarbonistion).
How Proteomics Got Started

The following is a personal account of the beginning years of what is now called proteomics. Odd that I, almost a Luddite, should be writing about the origin of a field initiated by a dramatic technical advance; I tend to avoid complex new scientific instruments and techniques. As a graduate student under Boris Magasanik at Harvard Medical School during the early 1950s, I was glad that my project (induced enzyme synthesis in bacteria) could readily be approached with simple technology. Bacterial growth could be monitored turbidimetrically with a Klett colorimeter; the same instrument could provide colorimetric assays of enzyme activities. Only the phage geneticists of that era, using sterile toothpicks to pick viral recombinants or mutants from plaques on Petri dishes, had it technologically easier.
Applying the Japanese 'thin markets' strategy to industrial new product development

The 'thin markets' strategy, a marketing approach being perfected by the Japanese, advances product adoption timetables through field experience. The Japanese also lead in developing advanced ceramic material commercial applications ranging from optical to nuclear functions. The practicality of transferring a thin–markets approach to the US ceramic cutting tools industry is explored.
Blockade of alcohol escalation and “relapse” drinking by pharmacological FAAH inhibition in male and female C57BL/6J mice

Anandamide (AEA)-dependent signaling is regulated by the catabolic enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). Several lines of evidence have demonstrated that FAAH and AEA are involved in the behavioral effects of alcohol. Therefore, we investigated whether a selective FAAH inhibitor, URB597 (cyclohexylcarbamic acid 3′-[aminocarbonyl]-[1,1′-biphenyl]-3-yl ester), altered alcohol intake in mice in a voluntary alcohol drinking model. Mice, subjected to 3 weeks of chronic intermittent access (IA) in a two-bottle choice paradigm with 24-h access every other day, developed rapid escalation of alcohol intake and high preference. We evaluated the pharmacological effects of URB597 after both acute (1-day) withdrawal from chronic IA and 1-week withdrawal using the alcohol deprivation effect (ADE) model. AEA and N-acyl ethanolamide (NAE) abundances were determined after chronic IA, acute (1-day), or long-term (1 and 2 weeks) withdrawal in four brain regions. Acute pretreatment with URB597 reduced alcohol intake and preference after acute withdrawal. This effect was blocked by pretreatment with a selective type 1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1) antagonist, suggesting a CB1-mediated mechanism. Both single- and multiple-dosing regimens with an effective dose of URB597 prevented the ADE, with no tolerance development after the multi-dosing regimen. AEA and NAE levels were transiently increased in all brain regions measured after acute withdrawal, indicating that the endocannabinoid system is involved in acute alcohol withdrawal stress response. FAAH inhibitors reduce alcohol escalation and “relapse” drinking in mice.
Variations: Sources and Characterization

This chapter discusses the different sources of variation which can deviate a circuit’s characteristics from its intended behavior. First we discuss the sources of process variation during manufacturing, followed by environmental variations during usage. Environmental variations include temperature, voltage fluctuations, and temporal variations. Finally, we discuss the state of art characterization circuits (or sensors) employed to understand the extent and impact of variations.
Filter-Based Protein Digestion (FPD): A Detergent-Free and Scaffold-Based Strategy for TMT Workflows

High-throughput proteome profiling requires thorough optimization to achieve comprehensive analysis. We developed a filter aided sample preparation (FASP)-like, detergent-free method, termed Filter-Based Protein Digestion (FPD). We compared FPD to protein extraction methods commonly used in isobaric tag-based proteome profiling, namely trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and chloroform–methanol (C–M) precipitation. We divided a mammalian whole cell lysate from the SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line for parallel protein processing with TCA (n = 3), C–M (n = 2), and FPD using either 10 kDa (n = 3) or 30 kDa (n = 3) molecular weight cutoff membranes. We labeled each sample with tandem mass tag (TMT) reagents to construct a TMT11-plex experiment. In total, 8654 proteins were quantified across all samples. Pairwise comparisons showed very little deviation for individual protein abundance measurements between the two FPD methods, whereas TCA and FPD showed the most difference. Specifically, membrane proteins were more read...
Thiaminase I Provides a Growth Advantage by Salvaging Precursors from Environmental Thiamine and Its Analogs in Burkholderia thailandensis

ABSTRACT Thiamine is essential to life, as it serves as a cofactor for enzymes involved in critical carbon transformations. Many bacteria can synthesize thiamine, while thiamine auxotrophs must obtain it or its precursors from the environment. Thiaminases degrade thiamine by catalyzing the base-exchange substitution of thiazole with a nucleophile, and thiaminase I specifically has been implicated in thiamine deficiency syndromes in animals. The biological role of this secreted enzyme has been a long-standing mystery. We used the thiaminase I-producing soil bacterium Burkholderia thailandensis as a model to ascertain its function. First, we generated thiamine auxotrophs, which are still able to use exogenous precursors (thiazole and hydroxymethyl pyrimidine), to synthesize thiamine. We found that thiaminase I extended the survival of these strains, when grown in defined media where thiamine was serially diluted out, compared to isogenic strains that could not produce thiaminase I. Thiamine auxotrophs grew better on thiamine precursors than thiamine itself, suggesting thiaminase I functions to convert thiamine to useful precursors. Furthermore, our findings demonstrate that thiaminase I cleaves phosphorylated thiamine and toxic analogs, which releases precursors that can then be used for thiamine synthesis. This study establishes a biological role for this perplexing enzyme and provides additional insight into the complicated nature of thiamine metabolism and how individual bacteria may manipulate the availability of a vital nutrient in the environment. IMPORTANCE The function of thiaminase I has remained a long-standing, unsolved mystery. The enzyme is only known to be produced by a small subset of microorganisms, although thiaminase I activity has been associated with numerous plants and animals, and is implicated in thiamine deficiencies brought on by consumption of organisms containing this enzyme. Genomic and biochemical analyses have shed light on potential roles for the enzyme. Using the genetically amenable thiaminase I-producing soil bacterium Burkholderia thailandensis, we were able to demonstrate that thiaminase I helps salvage precursors from thiamine derivatives in the environment and degrades thiamine to its precursors, which are preferentially used by B. thailandensis auxotrophs. Our study establishes a biological role for this perplexing enzyme and provides insight into the complicated nature of thiamine metabolism. It also establishes B. thailandensis as a robust model system for studying thiamine metabolism.
Effect of Pressure on the Diving Animal

Several potential hazards to deep diving are a direct result of the physical gas laws of Boyle, Dalton, and Henry. Boyle’s law states that at a constant temperature the gas volume varies inversely with the pressure to which the gas is subjected, PV = C, where P is pressure, V is volume and C is a constant. Dalton’s law of partial pressure states that the pressure exerted by a mixture of gases is equal to the sum of the separate pressures that each gas would exert if it alone occupied the whole volume, thus \( PV = V({P_{{{N_2}}}} + {P_{{{0_2}}}} + {P_{{C{O_2}}}}) \). Henry’s law states that the amount of dissolved gas in a liquid at constant temperature is directly proportional to the partial pressure of the gas. Thus, Vd = α PVL, where Vd is volume of gas dissolved, VL is volume of the liquid, P is gas pressure, and α is the solubility coefficient of the gas at a given temperature.
Superconducting properties of PbxSn1−xTe

Abstract Superconducting transition temperatures and critical magnetic field curves on low carrier concentration Pb x Sn 1− x Te samples where 0.25 ⩽ x ⩽0.55 are reported. These data are interpreted in terms of a changing band structure from that of SnTe to one which is similar to that of GeTe. The importance of carriers (holes) in secondary maxima of the valence band is emphasized.
Electrical Measurement of Ureteral Flow

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the use of electrical measurement for ureteral flow. The field gradient technique holds promise as a useful tool for measuring cross-sectional areas and flow rates in the ureter, at least as long as insertion devices are tolerated. The potential exists for designing a gradient probe that can be implanted in the body as a self-contained unit. Electronic detecting and telemetering components can be packaged and placed in the bladder with the probe itself extending from the package into the ureter. The battery power supply would be limited by the size that could be passed through the urethra and interference with normal bladder function would be a danger, but continuous monitoring of human ureteral function for perhaps a day or two seems a reasonable possibility.
Granulocytic Sarcoma Presenting as a Diffuse Renal Mass before Hematological Manifestations of Acute Myelogenous Leukemia

Granulocytic sarcoma is a rare tumor composed of granulocytic precursor cells. The most common sites of involvement include the bones, soft tissue, lymph nodes and skin. Granulocytic sarcoma usually develops as a delayed manifestation of the disease process in patients with known acute myelogenous leukemia. To our knowledge we report the first case of renal granulocytic sarcoma presenting as the first sign of acute myelogenous leukemia. Computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed diffuse nonspecific global tumor infiltration of the kidney and ureter. Renal granulocytic sarcoma was diagnosed on open renal biopsy and acute myelogenous leukemia on bone marrow biopsy. There has been partial response to combination chemotherapy. Renal granulocytic sarcoma may diffusely involve the kidney as the only manifestation of acute myelogenous leukemia and it should be included in the differential diagnosis of the many disease entities with global renal involvement since initial treatment is combination chemotherapy.
On J. Ball’s Fundamental Existence Theory and Regularity of Weak Equilibria in Nonlinear Radial Hyperelasticity

In 1982, J. Ball formulated a pioneering theory on the existence and uniqueness of weak radial equilibria to the pure displacement boundary value problem associated with isotropic, frame-invariant strain-energy functions in nonlinear hyperelasticity. In the theory [Bal82], he posed the following question: “Does strong ellipticity (‘of the stored energy’) imply that all solutions to the equilibrium equations which pass through the origin and have finite energy are trivial?” J. Ball’s work depended critically on the number of elasticity dimensions.
Subcarrier-Index Modulation for Reed Solomon Encoded OFDM-Based Visible Light Communication

In this paper, we propose the subcarrier-index modulation with Reed Solomon encoded Optical Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing with index modulation (IM-RS-OFDM) scheme for visible light communication (VLC). In this technique, the data is encoded using an RS codeword and then part of the redundancy introduced by the frame which exceeds the clipping range are punctured and their corresponding subcarriers are set as inactive, where the indices of these inactive subcarriers are used to transmit extra information bits. The puncturing of the redundancy aids in mitigating clipping noise generated due to the dynamic range constraints of the optical transmitter by shortening the number of active subcarriers, while the locations of the punctured subcarriers are exploited to convey more bits in order to compensate for the reduction in spectral efficiency caused by coding redundancy. In the proposed scheme, the bipolar transmitting signal is clipped and biased according to DC bias optical OFDM (DCO-OFDM) system, and a Log-Likelihood ratio (LLR) calculation based detector is used to find the indices of punctured symbols in the codeword. Our simulation results show that the new scheme offers a better bit error rate performance compared to the conventional coded OFDM-based visible light communication.
Comorbidities, treatment-related consequences, and health-related quality of life among rural cancer survivors.

We explored how lifetime comorbidities and treatment-related cancer symptoms were associated with quality of life (QOL) in rural cancer survivors. Survivors (n = 125) who were rural Illinois residents aged 18+ years old were recruited from January 2017 to September 2018. We conducted 4 multivariable regressions with QOL domains as outcomes (social well-being, functional well-being, mental health—MHQOL, physical health—PHQOL); the number of physical and psychological comorbidities (e.g., arthritis, high blood pressure, stroke) and treatment-related cancer symptoms (e.g., worrying, feeling sad, lack of appetite, lack of energy) as predictors; and, cancer-related and demographic factors related to these variables as covariates. The number of comorbidities and number of treatment-related symptoms were inversely associated with functional well-being (Std β = − 0.36, p < 0.0001 and − 0.18, p = 0.03), and MHQOL (Std β = − 0.30, p = 0.001 and Std β = − 0.25, p = 0.004). Comorbidities were associated inversely with social well-being (Std β = − 0.27, p = .003). Comorbidities and treatment-related symptoms were not associated with PHQOL (p = 0.20–0.24). Sensitivity analyses suggested that psychological comorbidities, treatment-related psychological symptoms, and physical comorbidities were associated with social well-being, functional well-being, and MHQOL. Our study highlights the utility of risk-based survivorship care plans to address the negative, additive impact of comorbidities and the treatment-related symptoms to improve the health-related QOL among rural survivors. Future research should assess how contextual factors (e.g., geographic distance to oncologists and other providers) should be incorporated in survivorship care planning and implementation for rural survivors.
Vibrant Digital—A Personal Journey Navigating the Cognitive Era

There has been a seismic shift in the last decade in how we think about what computers are able to do in our everyday lives. Many tasks that we thought only humans could perform, such as those requiring specialized knowledge, sophisticated judgment, and advanced reasoning, we now see computers taking on more and more. There are many underlying causes for this shift, but three primary advances are driving the revolution.
Tax cuts and ”middle-class” workers

Abstract The supporters of the new tax plan, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, have suggested that the benefits will primarily go to workers through higher wages. In this article, I examine the impact Romer and Romer (2010) exogenous tax changes have on median weekly earnings. The findings suggest that the direct impact of lower taxes on median weekly earnings is not statistically significant. Nevertheless, the results suggest that deficit-driven tax increases contribute to lower median weekly earnings.
Postmodernism and Emotional and Behavioral Disorders: Distraction or Advancement?:

Because students with emotional and behavioral disorders (E/BD) present significant academic and social behavior challenges for educators, solutions are likely to be incremental, slow, and expensiv...
Visibility of WECC Wide Area System Tests Measured from the Consumer Level

For over a decade, the BPA and WECC have been routinely performing system wide tests. These tests involve injecting known probing signals at the PDCI or applying the Chief Joseph Brake. Most of the literature analyzing the tests have been carried out with data gathered from transmission level voltages. This paper takes a low voltage perspective and analyzes the power signal from a consumer viewpoint using PMU measurements. The objective is to see which of these tests are visible at the consumer level and, if detectable, the size of the disturbance. There are some probing signals that will not be detected as consumer voltages are noisy compared to their transmission counterparts and the signal is attenuated. This paper focuses on signals that can be detected.
EFFECT OF INSTITUTIONAL TRANS-CATHETER AORTIC VALVE REPLACEMENT (TAVR) VOLUME ON MORTALITY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

TAVR has revolutionized the treatment of aortic stenosis and there has been an exponential increase in the number of TAVR centers since its introduction in 2011. Multiple studies have been conducted to evaluate if there is any relationship between institutional TAVR volume and patient outcomes. We
Intimidation, Discrimination, and Retaliation: Hit-by-Pitches during the Integration of Major League Baseball

During the first ten seasons of integrated Major League Baseball, black batters were hit by pitches about 86% more often per plate-appearance than white batters. However, on average black players during this period were superior players. To investigate to what extent the difference in hit-by-pitch can be explained by performance and characteristics other than race, we use a fractional logit model to estimate hit-by-pitch per plate appearance during a season. Our data are from Baseball-Reference.com. Controlling for differences in performance and other characteristics and including interaction terms with race, the difference falls to about 42%. A little over half the difference is explained by factors beyond race. The remaining difference might reflect different batting styles for early black batters. However, when observations where hit-by-pitch per plate appearance are in the top 2.5% of the sample are removed, black players were about 46% more likely to be hit. Plots of the marginal effects from a model using interactive terms show that the likelihood of a black player being hit rose relative to that of a white player as base-on-balls, singles, doubles, home runs, or stolen bases per plate appearance rose. Some pitchers may have exhibited animosity towards black players either by hitting them or taking less care to avoid hitting them. Our findings support previous research that better batters and batters who play for teams who score more runs are more likely to be hit by pitches. Because empirical evidence suggests pitchers might alter pitches to intimidate, discriminate, or retaliate, changes to existing rules could reduce the frequency of hits-by-pitch.
Impact of a Child’s Celiac Disease Diagnosis and Management on the Family

Little attention has been paid to family-wide repercussions of a child’s celiac disease diagnosis and concomitant gluten-free diet management. We quantitatively and qualitatively describe positive and negative family-wide effects of a child’s celiac disease diagnosis and disease management. We interviewed 16 families with at least one child currently following a gluten-free diet, with a biopsy-confirmed celiac disease diagnosis ≥ 1 year prior. Mothers and fathers independently rated child’s dietary adherence, concern about child’s health status, burden in caring for child’s dietary needs, and level of change in various aspects of life post- diagnosis. Children rated their own celiac-specific quality of life through a validated scale. Seventy-one in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 children with celiac disease, 31 parents, and 24 siblings. Mothers and fathers rated the effects of their child’s celiac disease differently, with mothers reporting more lifestyle changes and heavier burden. Negative and positive themes emerged from the interviews. Mothers felt the burden of managing a gluten-free diet. Fathers felt guilty for carrying a celiac disease-associated gene and both fathers and siblings regretted limited food choices at restaurants and home. The need to be a more creative cook was seen as a positive effect by mothers. Fathers appreciated new family traditions. Siblings felt they had developed empathy for others. A framework is proposed to illustrate these family-wide interactions. A child’s celiac disease diagnosis and disease management affects the entire family. Our results will inform family-centered interventions that maximize quality of life for families.
Nickel-Catalyzed Decarbonylative Synthesis of Fluoroalkyl Thioethers

This report describes the development of a nickel-catalyzed decarbonylative reaction for the synthesis of fluoroalkyl thioethers (RFSR) from the corresponding thioesters. Readily available, inexpen...
A Layer-to-layer Control-Oriented Model for Selective Laser Melting.

Selective Laser Melting (SLM) is a common additive manufacturing technique which uses a scanning laser source to fuse metal powder layer by layer. Although complex geometries can be produced, quality and repeatability of parts are still two challenges due to complex physical transformations of the metal powder and highly dynamic temperature fields. Finite Element Models (FEMs) have been developed by researchers in order to predict melt pool behaviors. However, simulations on FEM software are too computationally intensive for real-time control applications. Thus, there arises the need for a control-oriented model of SLM processes. In this paper, a state-space control-oriented layer-to-layer model based on the general heat conduction equation is developed. The layer-to-layer model is constructed to step from one layer's thermal feature measurement to the next, thus reducing computational complexity to a level suitable for control. To validate the model, an experiment of a rectangular thin part was conducted, and the simulation described the experimental thermal measurements with 5% error in the output.
High-Frequency Wide-Range Resonant Converter Operating as an Automotive LED Driver

This article introduces an immittance network-based wide-range LCL-T resonant dc–dc converter, where two control variables, a phase shift between two inverter half-bridges, and a phase shift between inverter and rectifier half-bridges, are utilized to achieve output current regulation while minimizing losses over wide ranges of input and output voltages. A practical control strategy is developed to adjust the phase shifts so that zero voltage switching of all devices is achieved while minimizing conduction losses. Efficiency improvements over a standard LCL-T converter are demonstrated by loss modeling and by experiments. The features of the proposed WR-LCL-T converter are well suited for automotive LED drivers. Experimental results demonstrating operation with the loss minimizing control strategy are shown for a 2-MHz converter prototype operating from an input voltage ranging from 8 to 18 V, and delivering 0.5-A output current to a string of 1–14 LEDs, which corresponds to an output voltage range of 3–45 V. Using silicon MOSFETs, the prototype achieves a peak power stage efficiency of 92.4% and maintains greater than 86% power stage efficiency across the wide input and output voltage ranges.
Thoracofemoral bypass outcomes in the Vascular Quality Initiative.

ABSTRACT Objective Thoracofemoral bypass (TFB) is used infrequently but is an alternative for selective patients with aortoiliac occlusive disease. There is limited data in the existing literature regarding TFB, with all studies being small, single-center series. We aim to describe perioperative and long-term survival, patency, and rate of major perioperative complications following TFB in a large national registry. Methods The Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) suprainguinal bypass module was used to identify patients undergoing TFB for occlusive disease from 2009-2019. A descriptive analysis was performed to provide rates of survival, patency, major complications, and freedom from major amputation in the perioperative period and at 1-year follow up. Major complications were compared by procedure indication with categorical variables analyzed using chi-square tests while continuous variables were analyzed using ANOVA. Kaplan Meier curve analysis was used to estimate survival at 1 and 5-year follow up intervals as well as freedom from major amputation at 1 year. Results There were 154 TFB procedures identified. Fifty-nine patients (38.3%) had prior inflow bypass while 22 patients (14.2%) had prior leg bypass. Procedure indications included claudication (42.9%, n=66), rest pain (38.3%, n=59), tissue loss (12.3%, n=19), and acute limb ischemia (6.5%, n=10). Major complication (wound infection, respiratory, major stroke, new dialysis, cardiac, embolic, major amputation, occlusion) occurred in 31.2% of the cohort, and when examined by indication, acute limb ischemia and claudication cohorts had increased rate of major complication (acute limb ischemia: 60.0%, claudication: 34.8%, critical limb ischemia: 24.4%; p=.05). Survival at 30 days was 95.5% with Kaplan Meier estimated 1-year survival of 92.7% ± 2.2%. Primary patency at discharge from the index hospitalization was 92.9% and 89.0% at 1 year. Postoperative major amputation occurred in 1 patient during index hospitalization with Kaplan Meier estimated freedom from major amputation at 1-year follow up of 97.1% ± 2.2%. Two patients developed in-hospital bypass occlusion and 3 additional patients had occlusion occurring within 1 year for an overall freedom from occlusion rate of 96.8% at 1 year. Conclusion Thoracofemoral bypass is associated with a high rate of perioperative major complications; however, long-term survival and patency following the procedure remain acceptable when performed for limb salvage. High perioperative complication rates of TFB procedures performed for claudication suggest this procedure should be used rarely in this population. These data can be used to counsel patients and aid in decision making prior to operative intervention.
Reductions in HIV incidence are likely to increase the importance of key population programmes for HIV control in sub-Saharan Africa.

Introduction An efficient HIV response requires that resources be focussed on effective interventions for those most at risk of acquiring and transmitting infection. As HIV epidemics evolve the distribution of HIV across key and other populations will change. Here, the epidemiological concepts underpinning these changes are described and the importance of appropriate allocation of effective interventions is discussed. Discussion In many sub-Saharan African countries HIV epidemics have been categorized as "generalized," and HIV testing, treatment and prevention interventions have focussed on the "general" population. As HIV epidemics are better controlled the relative importance of "key" populations will increase, dominating the ongoing burden of disease and providing the potential for repeated outbreaks of HIV if interventions are relaxed. The basic reproductive number (R0 ) describes the potential for an infectious disease to spread at the boundary of invasion or elimination, whereas the effective reproduction number (Rt ) describes the current potential for spread. Heterogeneity in risk means that while Rt is temporarily below one and prevalence declining, the R0 can remain above one, preventing eventual elimination. Patterns of HIV acquisition are often used to guide interventions but inadequately capture the transmission dynamics of the virus and the most efficient approach to controlling HIV. Risks for HIV acquisition are not identical to risks for HIV transmission and will change depending on the epidemiological context. In addition to the challenges in measuring HIV transmission dynamics, there is a tension between using epidemiology to drive the HIV response and the social and political realities constraining how programmes and providers can practically and appropriately focus on key populations and maintain political support. In addition to being well focussed, interventions need to be effective and cost-effective, which requires a better understanding of packages of interventions rather than specific tools. Conclusions Continued control of HIV will increasingly rely on resources, programmes and interventions supporting key populations. Current epidemiological and programmatic approaches for key populations in sub-Saharan Africa are insufficient with a need for an improved understanding of local epidemiology and the effectiveness of interventions.
Vibropolaritonic chemistry: theoretical perspectives

Vibrational polaritons are hybrid light-matter states arising from the collective strong-coupling of ensembles of localized molecular vibrations and IR modes in a microcavities. Ground-state chemical reactions have been experimentally shown to be modified by vibrational polaritons. Currently available theories seem to be unable to explain these observations. We will describe our most recent progress in the understanding of this puzzle. In particular, we will highlight how cavity versions of transition-state and Marcus theories for chemical kinetics are limited in explaining the experiments. We argue that the underlying problem is the large number of molecules N that partake in the collective strong coupling, yielding an enormous ratio of dark states per polariton mode. We conclude with a potential solution to this problem, which relies on recognizing the conditions under which the many dark states can yield nontrivial chemical dynamics.
Prediction of suicidal behavior using self-reported suicidal ideation among patients with bipolar disorder.

Abstract Background People with bipolar disorder have elevated suicide risk. We estimated the ability of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ9) to predict suicide outcomes for outpatients with bipolar disorder. Methods Visits by adults with bipolar disorder who completed a PHQ9 were identified using electronic health record (EHR) data. Bipolar diagnoses and suicide attempts were ascertained from EHR and claims data, and suicide deaths from state and federal records. Depression severity was assessed via the first eight items of the PHQ9, while suicidal ideation was assessed by the ninth item. Results 37,243 patients made 126,483 visits. Patients reported at least moderate symptoms of depression in 49% and suicidal ideation in 30% of visits. Risk of suicide attempt was 4.21% in the subsequent 90 days for those reporting nearly daily suicidal ideation compared to 0.74% in those reporting none. Patients with nearly daily suicidal ideation were 3.85 (95% CI 3.32–4.47) times more likely to attempt suicide and 13.78 (95% CI 6.56–28.94) times more likely to die by suicide in the subsequent 90 days than patients reporting none. Patients with self-harm in the last year were 8.86 (95% 7.84–10.02) times more likely to attempt suicide in the subsequent 90 days than those without. Limitations Our sample was limited to patients completing the PHQ9 and did not include data on some important social risk or protective factors. Conclusions The PHQ9 was a robust predictor of suicide. Suicidal ideation reported on the PHQ9 should be considered a strong indicator of suicide risk and prompt further evaluation.
Research productivity of radiation therapy physics faculty in the United States

Purpose Research productivity metrics are important for decisions regarding hiring, retention, and promotion in academic medicine, and these metrics can vary widely among different disciplines. This article examines productivity metrics for radiation therapy physicists (RTP) in the United States. Methods and materials Database searches were performed for RTP faculty at US institutions that have RTP residencies accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Education Programs (CAMPEP). Demographics, academic rank, number of publications, academic career length, Hirsch index (h-index), m-quotient, and history of National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding as a principal investigator (PI) were collected for each RTP. Logistic regression was performed to determine the probability of academic rank as a function of h-index and m-quotient. Statistical tests used included the Wilcoxon ranked sum test and the Pearson χ2 test. Results A total of 1038 faculty and staff were identified at 78 institutions with CAMPEP-accredited residencies. The average RTP academic career duration is 13.5 years, with 46.7 total publications, h-index of 10.7, and m-quotient of 0.66. Additionally, 10.5% of RTP have a history of NIH funding as a PI. Large disparities were found in academic productivity of doctoral-prepared physicists compared to those with a terminal master's degree. For differences in junior and senior faculty, statistical tests yielded significance in career duration, number of publications, h-index, and m-quotient. Gender disparities were identified in the overall distribution of RTP consistent with the membership of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine. Further gender disparities were found in the number of doctoral-prepared RTP and physicists in senior faculty roles. Conclusions This manuscript provides objective benchmark data regarding research productivity of academic RTP. These data may be of interest to faculty preparing for promotion, and also to institutional leadership.
Storing Twitter Data

In the previous chapter, we covered data collection methodologies. Using these methods, one can quickly amass a large volume of Tweets, Tweeters, and network information. Managing even a moderately-sized dataset is cumbersome when storing data in a text-based archive, and this solution will not give the performance needed for a real-time application. In this chapter we present some common storage methodologies for Twitter data using NoSQL.