cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Preemptive control: A paradigm in supporting high renewable penetration levels

This paper investigates a preemptive approach to cope with solar induced grid voltage intermittencies. To do so, this paper proposes a combination of a predictor and a voltage controller to eliminate the delays associated with conventional sample based voltage regulation. Unlike model predictive controllers, the proposed preemptive approach focuses on the input disturbances and does not neglect them as zero mean wiener processes. Additionally, due to the utilization of input predictors, the controller is no longer bound to causal response to the sampled data and can preemptively compensate for upcoming events. After introducing the proposed controller, simulation results are provided to compare the effectiveness of this approach in comparison with the existing voltage regulator schemes.
Narrative Theory: A Critical Introduction

Kent Puckett's Narrative Theory: A Critical Introduction provides an account of a methodology increasingly central to literary studies, film studies, history, psychology and beyond. In addition to introducing readers to some of the field's major figures and their ideas, Puckett situates critical and philosophical approaches towards narrative within a longer intellectual history. The book reveals one of narrative theory's founding claims - that narratives need to be understood in terms of a formal relation between story and discourse, between what they narrate and how they narrate it - both as a necessary methodological distinction and as a problem characteristic of modern thought. Puckett thus shows that narrative theory is not only a powerful descriptive system but also a complex and sometimes ironic form of critique. Narrative Theory offers readers an introduction to the field's key figures, methods and ideas, and it also reveals that field as unexpectedly central to the history of ideas.
Postcranial Osteology of the North American Middle Eocene Protocetid Georgiacetus

Archaeocete whales are a paraphyletic assemblage of species that represent the evolutionary intermediaries between modern, fully marine cetaceans (Odontoceti and Mysticeti) and their terrestrial ancestors, the Mesonychia (Van Valen, 1966; Fordyce and Barnes, 1994; Thewissen, 1994). For over 80 years the holotype specimen of Protocetus atavus from the middle Eocene of Egypt was the oldest known postcranial skeleton of a cetacean. Necessarily it figured prominently in studies on the early evolution of the postcranial skeleton of cetaceans (e.g., Kellogg, 1936). Several critical specimens collected over the past two decades have greatly improved this record. Notable among these are partial postcranial skeletons of Ambulocetus natans (Thewissen et al., 1994, 1996); Rodhocetus kasrani (Gingerich et al., 1994), Remingtonocetus harudiensis (Gingerich et al., 1993; listed therein as Indocetus ramani but partly reidentified by Gingerich et al., 1995), and Georgiacetus vogtlensis (Hulbert et al., 1998). A fifth specimen, the Habib Rahi whale, remains undescribed (Gingerich, 1991). All of these are more complete than the holotype of P. atavus and include some appendicular elements. The postcrania of Ambulocetus and Remingtonocetus have been thoroughly described and illustrated (Gingerich et al., 1993, 1995; Thewissen et al., 1996). The purpose of this report is to describe the postcranial remains of G. vogtlensis and compare them with those of other archaeocetes.
The Qualitative Fundamental Motor Performance Characteristics of Preadolescent Obese Children

This study examined the qualitative motor performance characteristics of 35 preadolescent obese children (18 female, 17 male) in the Midwest of the United States. An available sample of children ages six to 13 were classified as obese based on a BMI score of 30 or greater. The Test of Gross Motor Development-2 (TGMD-2)was used to assess all subjects. This test measures the qualitative motor ability of children using two subtest categories of fundamental motor skills including locomotors (running, hopping, skipping, jumping, leaping and galloping) as well as object control skills (throwing, catching, kicking, bouncing a ball, rolling a ball and striking). All participants received a raw score, standardized score, sum of standards and gross motor quotient score. All scores were compared to national norms established by the authors of the TGMD-2. The results indicated that the group norms of the obese children were significantly below the mean scores of the national average for all measures including locomotor standard scores (M=3.80, SD=2.44, p<0.001) and object-control standard scores(M=4.43, SD=2.89, p<0.001)and the gross motor development quotient (M=64.69, SD=15.05, p<0.001).The researchers concluded that the significantly lower motor performance scores of obese children may lead this population to participate less in health enhancing movement opportunities as they grow into adolescence and adulthood. The authors noted that the TGMD-2 is designed for children ages 3-10 and has a significant ceiling effect for older children. A younger population may reveal more robust conclusions in further study. Additionally, further study is recommended to determine whether programs aimed at lowering obesity levels in children can have an impact on qualitative fundamental motor skill performance.
Implementing a UDL Framework: A Study of Current Personnel Preparation Practices

Abstract Young adults with intellectual disability (ID) continue to experience the least successful postschool outcomes among transition-aged youth (Sanford et al., 2011). Experts disagree on the most effective approach to improve outcomes such as employment, postsecondary education, and community living. In 2015, the National Goals Conference brought together educational researchers to set an agenda to guide the field in terms of research, practice, and policy (Thoma, Cain, & Walther-Thomas, 2015). One of their recommendations, based on promising research and practices, urged the field to identify effective personnel preparation and professional development practices that ensure general and special educators can implement a UDL framework (Thoma, Cain, et al., 2015). This study surveyed program coordinators at accredited universities to determine what is currently being done to prepare educators to implement a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework, the extent to which a UDL framework is being inco...
Endometrial cancer survivors: What is their knowledge about obesity?

5599 Background: Obesity is a well-established risk factor for development of endometrial cancer (EC); it has been linked to decreased survival, worse surgical outcomes, and poor quality of life in...
Do Privacy and Privilege Converge? Thoughts on the Coming Storm of Privilege-Based Privacy Affordance

The extraordinary capabilities of networked information systems increase and amplify social, political and economic inequities by collecting damning information about people and groups, permanently storing it, and making it available for replication and ongoing analytics. Information systems and data sets reflect the biases of the people who create them, and as such, are inscribed with their socio-cultural baggage and worldviews. The people most harmed by information systems are those with the least social power, or “privilege,” because their hardships are meticulously documented and judged by state and commercial surveillant assemblages and associated scoring and profiling systems. Those with privilege experience fewer harms and enjoy a range of digital affordances to enhance and preserve their social and economic power. States of privilege are reified and social divides worsened by information technology that disadvantages “unprivileged” people, and contributes to their continued marginalization, while sheltering and entrenching the socially dominant. In this paper I argue that ICT capabilities, political trends, and market forces working together amplify preexisting inequalities through the enablement of selective and discriminatory privacy invasion. These trends are expressed through the previously impossible depth, granularity, and ubiquity of commercial and state surveillance, supported by immense computing power and widespread technology adoption. Those with greater social power (“privilege”) are better positioned to avoid unwanted surveillance and are the likely beneficiaries of the tracking and sorting of those with less privilege. “Weblining,” or the offering/withholding of services and opportunities based on discriminatory user profiling, is just one increasingly evident artifact. Through the availability of “boutique” data tools and services, and the power of linked data and algorithmic processing, power and privilege are not merely transferred to the online/networked world, they are reified and amplified in ways that increase existing inequalities, signifying deeper social divisions and greater injustices in the years to come.
Tumor-specific prognosis of mutation-positive patients with head and neck paragangliomas

Abstract Background Genetic testing to identify succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) mutations in patients with head and neck paraganglioma (HNP) has been in clinical practice for more than a decade. However, the recurrence and metachronous tumor occurrence risks in surgically treated mutation-positive patients are not well studied. Methods Clinical and procedural details of consecutive patients who underwent excision for HNP from January 1996 to October 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. End points included recurrence, metachronous tumor detection, and mortality. Germline DNA was tested to identify mutations in SDHx genes. Patients were divided into three groups on the basis of genetic testing: group I, positive; group II, negative; and group III, unknown or offered but not tested. Results HNP was diagnosed in 268 patients, 214 (147 female; mean age, 47 years) included in this study. Directed genetic testing was performed in 68; mutations were detected in SDH in 47 (69%), a majority SDHD. In group I, 47 patients had 64 procedures for 81 tumors (52 carotid body tumors [CBTs]); 17 (36%) were bilateral, 7 (15%) multiple, 3 (6%) functional, and 7 (15%) malignant. Residual tumor in 10 was significant in 2, managed by radiation therapy and reoperation. Local recurrence was detected in 12 patients (25%) at a median of 8 years; 11 metachronous mediastinal and retroperitoneal paragangliomas were detected in 8 (17%) at a median of 13 years. Systemic metastases occurred in five (10%). Six patients (13%) had more than one recurrence. In group II, 21 patients had 22 procedures for 23 tumors, 17 CBTs. Two (9%) were bilateral and two (9%) malignant. Excision was complete in all with no recurrence or systemic metastasis at last follow-up. For group III, 146 patients underwent 153 procedures for 156 tumors, 95 CBTs; 7 (5%) were bilateral, 2 (1%) multiple, 8 (5%) functional, and 1 (0.6%) malignant. Local recurrence was detected in nine (6%) at a median of 9 years and metachronous HNP in three (2%) at a median of 5 years. Systemic metastases occurred in two (1%). Mortality was 4% in group I and 3% in group III, none procedure or tumor related. Group I (mutation positive) had 10-year overall, recurrence-free, and metachronous tumor-free survival rates of 93%, 69.4%, and 73%, respectively, lower than the other groups (P Conclusions Bilateral, functional, malignant, recurrent, and metachronous tumors are more common in SDH mutation-positive patients with HNP. Overall survival in patients with HNP is high. Metachronous tumors or local recurrences occur late, and long-term follow-up is necessary.
Perspectives and limitations of touchless fingerprints

In recent years, fingerprinting technology has developed at a rapid pace. Fingerprinting is still the most prevalent method of verifying an individual's identity because every person, has unique fingerprints. However, fingerprinting technology does have its limitations. The perception that fingerprint, as biometric trait, does not change with time is not correct. Aging and medical conditions of an individual do impact the overall shape of a fingerprint. Current study reviews the state of the art in fingerprinting technology emphasizing limitations of fingerprints produced by contact methods versus contactless techniques, describing drawbacks of the hardware as well as the limitations of software.
Inpatient infliximab is ineffective at preventing colectomy for steroid refractory extensive colitis.

Abstract Background Despite data suggesting safety and efficacy in ulcerative colitis patients treated with inpatient infliximab, prior studies did not focus on patients with extensive colitis, the group at highest risk for requiring surgery. Methods This was a single center, retrospective study (2008-2015) of consecutive patients who required admission because of severe extensive ulcerative colitis defined by preoperative symptoms and computed tomography scans and postoperative histology. Patients admitted for high-dose steroids were compared with steroid refractory inpatients provided with one or two infusions of infliximab. The primary study outcome was colectomy rates; secondary outcomes included mean length of stay and 60-d complication rates. Results A total of 174 patients required admission with steroids for extensive ulcerative colitis. Of these, 19 (10%) also received infliximab. Among the subjects treated with infliximab, 15 (78%) required total colectomy during that admission versus 81 (52%) who received steroids alone ( P = 0.03). Postoperative readmission rates, surgical-site infections, return to the operating room, and all-complication rates were similar between the cohorts ( P > 0.05). Conclusions For steroid refractory extensive ulcerative colitis, inpatient infliximab did not lower colectomy rates or increase postoperative complications compared with patients treated with steroids alone.
Perceived needs of parents of critically ill infants in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Purpose To identify the perceived needs of parents of infants in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Method A convenience sample of 52 parents of NICU infants completed the NICU Family Needs Inventory that was modified from the Critical Care Family Needs Inventory (CCFNI). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The differences between mother and father responses were analyzed by ANOVA. Findings The ten most important and least important need statements were identified. The participants reported assurance and information-related needs as the most important, while support needs were ranked as least important. An ANOVA revealed a significant difference between mother and father responses. Fathers ranked support, information, and assurance needs as significantly less important than mothers did. Conclusions The findings suggest the need to inform parents of the infants treatment plan and procedures, answer parents' questions honestly, actively listen to parents' fears and expectations, assist parents in understanding infant responses to hospitalization, and other effective nursing interventions to help meet the needs of parents of NICU infants.
Diagnostic properties of hammerstone-broken long bone fragments, specimen identifiability, and Early Stone Age butchered assemblage interpretation

Abstract Zooarchaeological assemblages in a variety of geographic and temporal contexts are dominated by fragmentary long bone specimens, and precise identification of side, skeletal element, and bone portion underlie archaeological interpretations, including specimen counts for skeletal part profiles, minimum number of element (MNE), and individual (MNI) estimates. Actualistic hammerstone and anvil breakage of domestic goat limb bones was used to document how fragmentation impacts precise identification of skeletal specimens, analysis of assemblage composition, and reconstructions of butchery behavior. Specimens greater than 2-cm in size were assigned to categories that describe the precision with which side, element, upper, intermediate and lower limb segment, and long bone portion could be identified. Results suggest that specimen size is positively related to identifiability, and more identifiable specimens tend to include epiphyses and relatively complete shaft circumferences. Most elements produced a similar number of fragments, including highly identifiable ends that yield accurate skeletal part profiles, MNE, and MNI estimates. However, if density-mediated destruction removes these specimens, analysis of less-identifiable shaft fragments significantly underrepresents element and individual abundance. The number of identified limb specimens (NISP), MNE, and epiphysis-to-shaft ratios in fragmentary archaeological butchery assemblages suggest limb end underrepresentation deflates measures of assemblage abundance and reduces the behavioral resolution of butchery interpretations. However, zooarchaeological analyses can productively incorporate fragmentary, less-identifiable specimens when they define hypotheses that match the scale of archaeological data.
Queerness and Dating Violence Among Adolescent Mothers in Foster Care

Adolescent mothers, queer, and foster youth are all groups at heightened vulnerability for teen dating violence victimization. It is unknown how mothers in residential foster care perceive and expe...
Evaluating interest in an influenza A(H5N1) vaccine among laboratory workers who work with highly-pathogenic avian influenza viruses in the United States.

Abstract Background Highly pathogenic avian influenza A (HPAI) viruses found in poultry and wild birds occasionally infect humans and can cause serious disease. In 2014, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) reviewed data from one licensed ASO3-adjuvanted influenza A(H5N1) vaccine for consideration of use during inter-pandemic periods among persons with occupational exposure. To guide vaccine policy decisions, we conducted a survey of laboratory workers to assess demand for HPAI vaccination. Methods We designed an anonymous web survey (EpiInfo 7.0) to collect information on demographics, type of work and time spent with HPAI viruses, and interest in HPAI vaccination. Eligible participants were identified from 42 entities registered with United States Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Select Agent program in 2016 and emailed electronic surveys. Personnel with Biosafety Level 3 enhanced (BSL-3E) laboratory access were surveyed. Descriptive analysis was performed. Results Overall, 131 responses were received from 33 principal investigators, 26 research scientists, 24 technicians, 15 postdoctoral fellows, 6 students, and 27 others. The estimated response rate was 15% among the laboratory personnel of responding principal investigators. One hundred respondents reported working in a BSL-3E area where HPAI experiments occurred with a mean time of 5.1–11.7 h per week. Overall, 49% were interested in receiving an A(H5N1) vaccine. By role, interest was highest among students (80%) and among those who spent >50% of their time in a BSL-3E area (64%). Most (61%) of those who said they might be or were not interested in vaccine believed it would not provide additional protection to current safety practices. Conclusions Half of responding laboratory workers was interested in receiving an influenza A(H5N1) vaccine. HPAI vaccination of laboratory workers at risk of occupational exposure could be used along with existing safety practices to protect this population.
Effect of treatment of symptomatic convergence insufficiency on reading in children: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND To evaluate the impact of treatment of symptomatic convergence insufficiency using office-based vergence/accommodative therapy on reading skills in children. METHODS Children (n = 44) ages nine to 17 years with symptomatic convergence insufficiency were administered the following four reading tests: Wechsler Individual Achievement Test II; Test of Word Reading Efficiency; Test of Silent Word Reading Fluency; and the Gray Oral Reading Test, at baseline and eight weeks after completion of a 16-week program of office-based vergence/accommodative therapy. To determine whether significant change occurred with therapy, change in performance was compared to zero. Treatment response was determined using a composite score of symptoms and signs at the conclusion of treatment and at the 24-week outcome visit. Participants were classified as early responders, late responders, or non-responders based upon whether criteria for successful treatment were met at the completion of 16 weeks of treatment, at the 24-week outcome visit, or not met at either visit, respectively. RESULTS After treatment for convergence insufficiency, statistically significant improvements were found for reading comprehension (mean = 4.2, p = 0.009) and the reading composite score (mean = 2.4, p = 0.016) as measured by the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test at the 24-week visit. These improvements were related to the clinical treatment outcome measures (p = 0.011) with the largest improvements occurring in those who were early responders to treatment. Reading speed (words per minute) increased significantly on the Gray Oral Reading Test (p < 0.0001). No significant improvements were observed for single word reading or reading fluency as measured by the Test of Word Reading Efficiency, the Test of Silent Word Reading Fluency or the Gray Oral Reading Test. CONCLUSION Improvements in reading comprehension and reading composite were found after office-based vergence/accommodative therapy, with the greatest improvements in those who responded early to treatment.
Response: The Outcomes from Engaging Liberal Education and Critical Inquiry: Matrimony, Divorce, or Kissing Cousins?

I have been a faculty member in three liberal arts colleges, each of which had a particular history, and a distinguishing character and set of values. The culture of one of those institutions was framed within an ethos that was virtually antiintellectual, which of course had a significant impact on both students and faculty. At the same time, the administration of the college generated a new structure and timetable for classroom activities that would enhance the college’s budget. The upshot was a significant focus on economic rationality, on one hand, and a lack of faculty collegiality, on the other.
School-Age Children in Immigrant Families: Challenges and Opportunities for America's Schools:

Background/ContextBy the year 2030, when the baby boom generation born between 1946 and 1964 will be in the retirement ages, 72% of the elderly will be non-Hispanic Whites, compared with 56% for wo...
Exotic Grasses Potentially Slow Invasion of an N-fixing Tree into a Hawaiian Woodland

This paper examines the effect of an abundant non-native species, Schizachyrium condensatum, on establishment of a later arriving, but very potent invader, Myrica faya, in a seasonally dry forest on the island of Hawaii. Using a replicated removal experiment, we determined that S. condensatum, a perennial C4 grass, reduced recruitment of M. faya, an N-fixing tree species. Recruitment of Myrica was 90% higher in S. condensatum removal plots compared to controls. We believe that because S. condensatum substantially reduces light at the soil surface it reduces germination and early seedling growth of the M. faya.
Proximity Tracking on Dynamic Bipartite Graphs: Problem Definitions and Fast Solutions

Large bipartite graphs which evolve and grow over time (e.g., new links arrive, old links die out, or link weights change) arise in many settings, such as social networks, co-citations, market-basket analysis, and collaborative filtering.
Laboratory Evaluation of Crosslinked Polymer Gels for Water Diversion

Many crosslinked gel treatments are currently available for injection profile modification in secondary oil recovery waterflood operations. The gels usually consist of a water-soluble polymer, such as polyacrylamide or polysaccharide, crosslinked with a metal ion (A13+, Cr3+, Zr4+) or organic compounds. Due to the large number of systems available and possible conditions which must be considered, a rapid testing procedure must be used to screen these systems on a timely basis.
Lower overhead design for testability of programmable logic arrays

A new technique for designing easily testable PLAs is presented. The salient features of this technique are: 1) low overhead, 2) high fault coverage, 3) simple design, 4) little or no impact on normal operation of PLA and 5) elimination of the need for test pattern generation. This technique consists of the addition of a small number of bit lines in such a way that, in test mode, any single product line can be activated and its associated circuitry and dev ices tested. Using this technique all multiple stuck-at faults, as well as all multiple extra and multiple missing device faults, are detected.
Introduction: Text and the Leadership Context of the Gītā

This chapter establishes the text and the leadership context of the Bhagavad Gitā. The Gitā is a non-sectarian spiritual text with a universal message for living a life of meaning and purpose and for leading from our authentic self. Although traditionally interpreted as a religious-spiritual text, the Gitā encompasses great practical life and leadership lessons for modern times. It shows how to manage oneself, as a necessary prelude to leading others. The Bhagavad Gitā’s call for selfless action inspired many leaders of the Indian independence movement including Gandhi, who regarded it as his “spiritual dictionary.”
Modeling and Simulation in OML

One of the fundamental problems in many areas of science and engineering is the problem of modeling and simulation. OML provides several tools for developing and simulating models of several types. When combined with Activate, the number and capabilities are greatly increased. For several of these tools it is possible to use them with abbreviated commands and default values of some parameters. However, to know how to choose the appropriate tools and how to get the kind of answers desired, it is often necessary to know something about how the algorithms are set up and what to do if there are difficulties.
Multidisciplinary Group Composition in the STEAM Classroom

This study examines collaborative learning environments with students from a variety of STEAM disciplines in a university-level course on beer and brewing. This course attracts students from a broad spectrum of academic fields of research who engage in multidisciplinary learning projects. For this reason, the course offers an interesting testing ground to examine the effects of heterogeneous or homogeneous grouping of students in collaborative learning environments. In particular, this study poses the question whether small groups that are made up of students who share the same academic major are more or less satisfied and collaborate more or less willingly with each other than those whose majors are diverse. Forty students in 21 different academic fields, including those in engineering, natural and physical sciences, business, and humanities, took part in 2 collaborative wiki projects in either homogeneous or heterogeneous groups based on their majors. Results of a survey with Likert scale and free response questions indicate that there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups, although the heterogeneous groups tend to be slightly more satisfied with their learning experience and the homogeneous groups more willing to collaborate with each other. The implications for these findings are discussed in the context of research on group formation, collaborative learning, and the multidisciplinary nature of STEAM courses.
CBT, medication and the combination are effective for childhood anxiety.

Commentary on : Wang Z, Whiteside SPH, Sim L, et al . Comparative Effectiveness and Safety of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Pharmacotherapy for Childhood Anxiety Disorders. A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Pediatrics . 2017;171:1049–56. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health disorders among children1 and adolescents,2 characterised by excessive and persistent fear and anxiety that is difficult to control and negatively impacts daily life.3 Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are often recommended as first-line interventions in reducing anxiety symptoms and improving function,4 however, comparative effectiveness has not been determined. The present study5 conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on effectiveness and safety of CBT, pharmacotherapy, and the combination for childhood anxiety disorders. Studies were included if (1) They treated children or adolescents between the ages of 3 years and 18 years with one or more diagnosed anxiety disorder (excluding trials solely treating PTSD or OCD). (2) They received CBT or any medication …
Flavin-N5-oxide intermediates in dibenzothiophene, uracil, and hexachlorobenzene catabolism.

Abstract Flavin-N5-oxide is a new intermediate in flavoenzymology. Here we describe the identification of DszA (dibenzothiophene catabolism), RutA (uracil catabolism) and HcbA1 (hexachlorobenzene catabolism) as flavin-N5-oxide-utilizing enzymes. Mechanistic analysis of these reactions suggests a model for the identification of other examples of this catalytic motif.
Adrenocortical and autonomic attunement between romantic partners in emerging adulthood.

AbstractParent-child physiological attunement, particularly during stressful situations, appears adaptive as shared stress reactivity may promote dyadic engagement. Romantic partners eventually rep...
Two-Stage Nonlinear Compression of a Yb: KGW Laser Amplifier to Sub-10 Fs Duration

We demonstrate the nonlinear compression of pulses from a commercial Yb: KGW laser amplifier using a two-stage hollow-core fiber and multi plate continuum compressor to below 9 fs duration with an overall system transmission of 60%. © 2019 The Author(s)
The role of liraglutide in the management of obesity

Obesity has been defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health. Obesity is associated with multiple comorbidities, affecting mechanical systems within the body as well as...
Building the STEM Pipeline through Oceangoing Research and Near-Peer Mentoring

Oregon Sea Grant (OSG) has been providing marine education programs for over forty years, including teacher professional development, field and classroom programs, undergraduate internships, and graduate level fellowships. Over the last decade as the need for marine technology workforce has increased, OSG began to utilize marine technology as a hook to engage students in ocean issues and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) skill development. In collaboration with partners, OSG has created a suite of marine technology-focused programs for K-12 and undergraduate college students. From coordinating underwater robotics competitions to involving students in the creation and deployment of a variety of marine technologies, OSG has increased career exposure, interest, and STEM skills in thousands of student participants. Starting in 2016, OSG initiated at-sea research experiences for high school and undergraduate students aboard Oregon State University (OSU) research vessels utilizing a "near-peer" mentoring structure which has led to demonstrated increases in STEM-related skills and student interest in STEM. These student-focused research cruises offer the opportunity for high school students to explore their interests, while providing college and post-baccalaureate students the chance to advance their skills and further their training. This continuum of learning has been shown to foster the development of young scientists and engineers while encouraging students of various ages to remain within the STEM pipeline.
Obesity and Baseline Estradiol Levels Are Independent Predictors for Initiation of Anastrozole in Hypogonadal Men on Clomiphene Citrate

Purpose To assess the conversion rate from clomiphene citrate (CC) monotherapy to combination CC+anastrozole (AZ) therapy in hypogonadal men and the predictors associated with the initiation of AZ. Materials and methods A retrospective review of records from hypogonadal men treated with CC in a single fertility center was performed from 2013 to 2018. Patient age, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, and reproductive hormones were obtained at baseline. Obesity was defined as BMI≥30 kg/m². Cox proportional hazards models were used to identify predictors of switching to combination CC+AZ therapy. Results A total of 318 men on CC were included. Median (interquartile range) age was 34 years (30-39 years) and patients were followed for a median of 9 months (4-17 months). Of these, 97 (30.5%) were started on CC+AZ therapy. These patients had higher baseline BMI and estradiol, which in multivariable regression were significant predictors for switching to CC+AZ therapy. A threshold of 18.5 pg/mL for baseline estradiol provided the highest accuracy for predicting the addition of AZ after adjusting for baseline BMI and total testosterone levels. Conclusions In our practice, following CC monotherapy, 30% of men were initiated on CC+AZ. Obesity (BMI≥30 kg/m²) and baseline estradiol ≥18.5 pg/mL can predict the conversion to combination therapy with addition of AZ. This information can be used to counsel patients and also help to identify patients who can be started on combination therapy upfront.
Epidemiology, Genetics, and Neurobiology of Substance Use and Disorders

This chapter reviews the epidemiology, genetic and epigenetic influences, and involved neuroanatomy and circuitry in substance use disorders (SUD), providing a broad overview. The spectrum of unhealthy substance use and its morbidity is introduced, alongside prevalence data for specific substances and trends in patterns of use in the United States. Effects of age, gender, culture, immigration, and psychiatric comorbidity are reviewed, as well as the markedly low rate of engagement in treatment for those with SUD (i.e., the treatment gap). Genetic influences on risk of developing SUD are heuristically organized by their functional effects on substance metabolism or SUD-related neurocircuitry. Gene-by-environment interactions and epigenetic mechanisms (including DNA methylation, histone modification, and microRNA regulation) are reviewed. Clinically relevant effects of genetic heterogeneity in SUD populations (e.g., polymorphisms in genes important for hepatic metabolism of methadone) are also highlighted. Finally, major neuroanatomical structures and circuits involved in the three-stage model of the addiction cycle are presented, with associated neurotransmitter systems and the differential effects of individual substances on these systems.
UNOS Registry Study: The Impact of Preoperative Mechanical Circulatory Support Devices to Heart Transplant Outcomes in over 78,000 Patients

Purpose Preoptimizing the hemodynamics and volume status prior to heart transplant is essential for the outcome. Temporary mechanical circulatory support (MCS) has been expanding especially after recent changes to the UNOS donor heart allocation criteria. The aim of our study is to evaluate the incidence of various MCS device use and outcomes of preoperative MCS to heart transplantation. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis using the UNOS Resistry of all adult heart transplant recipients from 1997 to 2017 comparing various MCS device regarding days to discharge, hospital survival and 2 year survival rates. Patient who did not have MCS preoperatively were analyzed as base line survival. A multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis was performed, adjusted for recipient hemodynamics, age, and various MCS devices. Kaplan Meier survival analysis and log-rank test were used to compare survival. Results There were 78,181 patient included in our study. Devices used for bridging included HeartMate II (N = 6,053), HVAD (N = 2,195), Syncardia (N = 322), Impella (N = 72), TandemHeart (N = 18), CentriMag (N = 153), ECMO (N = 1,513), and IABP (N = 2,509). Bridging with HM2 (HR 0.74, p Conclusion Our study showed BTT MCS can provide comparable clinical outcomes to primary OHT. However, ECMO was independent predictors of mortality after transplantion. This finding may guide the decision on heart transplant candidacy and timing of heart transplant.
CHAPTER TWO – SPECTRAL ANALYSIS

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the spectral or frequency-domain analysis that often provides useful insights into the properties of a series. It is proposed that any stationary time series can be thought of as the sum of (possibly) a noncountable infinite number of uncorrelated components, each associated with a particular frequency, and the importance of any group of components with frequencies falling into some narrow band is measured by their composite variance. This variance when plotted against frequency is the power spectral function. To discuss the possibility of a filter inserting a spurious cycle into their data, spectral methods are described that makes the interpretation easier. The cross-spectral analysis is also discussed that is a generalization of the power spectrum to the two-series case and provides a sophisticated method of interpreting the relationship between a pair of series. Moreover, some examples of the use of spectral and cross-spectral analysis are also described in the chapter with estimation problem.
Overview: Why and How Does Reflection Matter in Workplace Learning?:

The ProblemWhile reflection is central to adult learning processes and theories, its meaning and definitions vary. Authors approach reflection from different perspectives and assumptions.The Soluti...
Complete Genome Sequence of a Gram-Positive Bacterium, Leifsonia sp. Strain PS1209, a Potato Endophyte.

ABSTRACT We report the complete and annotated genome sequence of a Gram-positive bacterium, Leifsonia sp. strain PS1209, a potato endophyte that was isolated from apparently healthy tubers of potato cultivar NY166. The circular genome is 4,091,164 bp long, with a GC content of 69.08%, containing 3,926 genes.
Physical and Functional Analysis of the Putative Rpn13 Inhibitor RA190.

Summary Rpn13 is one of several ubiquitin receptors in the 26S proteasome. Cys88 of Rpn13 has been proposed to be the principal target of RA190, an electrophilic small molecule with interesting anti-cancer activities. Here, we examine the claim that RA190 mediates its cytotoxic effects through engagement with Rpn13. We find no evidence that this is the case. In vitro, RA190 is has no measurable effect on any of the known interactions of Rpn13. In cellulo, we see no physical engagement of Rpn13 by RA190, either on C88 or any other residue. However, chemical proteomics experiments in two different cell lines reveal that dozens of other proteins are heavily engaged by RA190. Finally, increasing or reducing the level of Rpn13 in HeLa and melanoma cells had no effect on the sensitivity of HeLa or melanoma cells to RA190. We conclude that Rpn13 is not the physiologically relevant target of RA190.
Tests and Counseling: The Marriage That Failed

Tests on the whole have made very limited contributions to counseling, certainly far below their promise. Several reasons for this failure are suggested in this article. First, most tests were deve...
Amiodarone Use Prior to Cardiac Transplant Impacts Early Post-Transplant Survival

It remains unclear if use of amiodarone pre-cardiac transplantation impacts early post-transplant survival. We selected all patients undergoing heart transplant from 2004 to 2006 with available information using the United Network for Organ Sharing database (n = 4057). Multivariable Cox models compared the risk of death within 30 days post-transplant in patients who were taking amiodarone at the time of transplant listing (n = 1227) to those who were not (n = 2830). Mean age was 52 (± 12) years, and 23% were women. Patients who died within 30 days (n = 168) were older; had higher panel reactive antibody levels, higher bilirubin levels, and higher prevalence of prior cardiac surgery; were often at status 1B; and had higher use of amiodarone at listing compared to those who survived (5.3% versus 3.6%; p = 0.02). Cause of death was unknown in 49% and was reported as graft failure in 43% of cases. In multivariable Cox models, patients on amiodarone at the time of listing had 1.56-fold higher risk of post-transplant death within 30 days (95% confidence intervals 1.08–2.27) compared to patients who were not on amiodarone at listing (C-statistic 0.70). In conclusion, patients who reported taking amiodarone at the time of listing for transplant had a higher risk of death within 30 days post-transplant.
A Reflective Conversation With Professor Louis Markos About Myths And The Humanities

Louis Markos holds a BA in English and History from Colgate University and an MA and PhD in English from the University of Michigan. He is a Professor of English and Scholar in Residence at Houston Baptist University, where he holds the Robert H. Ray Chair in Humanities and teaches courses on British Romantic and Victorian Poetry and Prose, the Greek and Roman Classics, C. S. Lewis, and J. R. R. Tolkien. He is the author of twenty books, including The Myth Made Fact: Reading Greek and Roman Mythology through Christian Eyes, Ancient Voices: An Insider’s Look at Classical Greece, On the Shoulders of Hobbits: The Road to Virtue with Tolkien and Lewis, Apologetics for the Twenty First Century, From Achilles to Christ: Why Christians Should Read the Pagan Classics, Lewis Agonistes: How C. S. Lewis can Train us to Wrestle with the Modern and Postmodern World, Atheism on Trial, and The Dreaming Stone and In the Shadow of Troy, children’s novels in which his kids become part of Greek Mythology and the Iliad and Odyssey. He has produced two lecture series on C. S. Lewis and literary theory with The Teaching Company/Great Courses, published 300 book chapters, essays, and reviews, given well over 300 public lectures in some two dozen states as well as Rome, Oxford, and British Columbia, and had his adaptations of The Iphigenia in Tauris of Euripides, The Helen of Euripides, and The Electra of Sophocles performed off-Broadway. He is committed to the concept of the Professor as Public Educator and believes that knowledge must not be walled up in the Academy but must be disseminated to all who have ears to hear. Visit his amazon author page at amazon.com/author/louismarkos In this interview he responds to questions about his latest book!
Temporal trends in referral patterns for PET myocardial perfusion and viability imaging

2721 Objectives PET myocardial viability testing may help to determine the extent of viability in ischemic cardiomyopathy to identify patients who may benefit from revascularization. However, the recently published randomized STICH trial results and other observational studies question the role of viability testing in this population and may reduce referrals for viability testing. This study aims to identify the trends in referral patterns of patients for PET myocardial viability in 2007 compared to 2014. Methods The Nuclear Cardiology Laboratory database was used to identify all patients who underwent PET myocardial perfusion and viability scans in the years 2007 and 2014 to compare temporal trends. Patient demographics and history, including statuses of angina and heart failure symptoms, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, smoking, family history, and creatinine levels, were recorded along with the physician reports of each study. Results Referrals for viability testing were 65 patients in 2007 and 108 patients in 2014. In 2007, 54 men (83%) (age: 68.6 yrs; mean ht: 175.0 cm; mean wt: 86.5 kg) and 11 women (17%) (mean age: 65.3 yrs; mean ht: 158.8 cm; mean wt: 83.7 kg) had a PET viability test, compared to 70 men (65%) (mean age: 64.2 yrs; mean ht: 175.5 cm; mean wt: 94.8 kg) and 38 women (35%) (mean age: 60.5 yrs; mean ht: 160.4 cm; mean wt: 77.5 kg) in 2014. The table shows the clinical characteristics of the referred patients. Compared to 2007, a substantially higher proportion of patients with prior infarction and prior revascularization were present in 2014; however, the proportion of patients with traditional cardiovascular risk factors was lower in 2014. Conclusions Despite the more recent literature questioning the role of viability testing in ischemic cardiomyopathy, referral for PET myocardial viability testing increased by about 40% from 2007 to 2014. The data suggests that while viability referrals have increased, less sick patients are being referred for PET viability testing at this single tertiary referral.
Relations among cultural identity, motivation for language learning, and perceived English language proficiency for international students in the United States

As the number of international students in the United States increases, many researchers show interest in understanding how international students adapt to the local society and what factors influe...
Variability in the Mechanical Properties of Commercially Available Thermally Modified Hardwood Lumber

Research indicates that users of thermally modified wood lack information regarding the improved performance and any variations that may exist for the “same” product when manufactured by different companies. The goal of this study was to evaluate the variability in mechanical properties of three thermally modified hardwoods and determine the variability between three different manufacturers. To determine the hardness, bending (modulus of elasticity and module of rupture) and shrinkage values, testing was conducted following ASTM standard D143. The samples were conditioned at 20 °C and a relative humidity of 65% until they reached an equilibrium moisture content before testing. Analysis of variance was used to determine the variability within and between the different processes used by each company. Seven out of 18 (39%) tests indicated that there were statistical differences regarding the mechanical performances of the wood samples. Yellow poplar had the least variation between companies (only difference in equilibrium moisture content, EMC) and red maple had the most (hardness, tangential shrinkage, and EMC). While the means for these properties were statistically different, the differences in application for hardness and EMC are slight. For example, the largest difference between processes in hardness was 83.6 kg, for tangential shrinkage, 0.45% and 1.37% for EMC. These differences are suggested to be inconsequential when compared to the values that exist between different species of untreated wood.
Combined effect of curing temperature, curing period and alkaline concentration on the mechanical properties of fly ash-based geopolymer

Abstract This paper presents a comprehensive study of the impacts of three governing factors: Alkaline concentration, curing temperature and curing period on the mechanical properties of a geopolymer that include the uniaxial compressive strength, Poisson’s ratio, and Young’s modulus of elasticity. As literature review indicates, most of the previous research studies were focused on the effect of single factor, while there is a lack of comprehensive studies to simultaneously investigate the combined effects of all these factors, especially in a systematic experimental setup. Acknowledging this rarely exploited area of geopolymer research, this work developed a sequential experimental setup to perform a detailed study to understand the mechanical behaviors of the geopolymer as a function of alkaline concentration, curing temperature and curing period. The test results show that the compressive strength of geopolymer is mostly governed by the curing temperature as compared to alkaline concentration and curing period. Geopolymer samples cured at 60 °C and 80 °C give a competitive compressive strength of about 30 MPa even when prepared with less alkaline activator and cured for a shorter period. This observation is justified by the microscopic analysis of samples at each curing temperature that explains the formation of microcracks, amount of unreacted fly ash, sodium-aluminosilicate hydrate crystals (NASH), calcium-silicate hydrate (CSH) crystals and efflorescence.