cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development and Evaluation of a Culturally Tailored Educational Video: Changing Breast Cancer–Related Behaviors in Chinese Women:

This study developed and evaluated a culturally tailored video guided by the health belief model to improve Chinese women's low rate of mammography use. Focus-group discussions and an advisory board meeting guided the video development. A 17-min video, including a soap opera and physician-recommendation segment, was made in Chinese languages. A pretest/posttest pilot was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of the video in changing knowledge, beliefs, and screening intentions among Chinese women (age ≥ 40) who were nonadherent to current National Cancer Institute's mammography guidelines (n = 52). The results showed that the video significantly increased these women's screening intentions, knowledge, perceived risk for breast cancer, and perceived benefits of mammography. Chinese immigrant women were less likely to hold an Eastern view of health care and report barriers to screening after viewing the video. This video might have the potential to increase adherence to mammography screening in Chinese women.
Do Gradations of Time Zone Separation Make a Difference in Performance? A First Laboratory Study

We often hear that global software engineering teams are affected by time differences. While there is considerable research on the difficulties of distance, culture and other dimensions, there has been little research that isolated the impact of just time differences. The research question that guides us is whether there are gradual differences across time zones that impact team performance. In this study we conducted a laboratory experiment with 42 dyadic teams. The teams were randomly assigned into 4 time zone overlap conditions: full overlap, 2/3 overlap, 1/3 overlap and no overlap. Using a fictional map task, we found that participants' perceptions of process are unrelated to actual objective performance measures of speed and accuracy. Consistent with our expectations, we found that a small time separation has no effect on accuracy, but that more time separation has a significant effect on accuracy. Also consistent with our expectations, we found that a small amount of time separation has a significant effect on production speed. However, contrary to our expectations, we found that further increases in partial overlap have less significant effects on speed, and when there is no overlap speed actually increases, albeit not significantly - a "U-shaped" effect.
Support for mobility and fault tolerance in Mykil

This paper describes the support provided for mobility and fault tolerance in Mykil, which is a key distribution protocol for large, secure group multicast. Mykil is based on a combination of group-based hierarchy and key-based hierarchy systems. Important advantages of Mykil include a fast and efficient rekeying operation for large group sizes, continuous availability of the key management service in a disconnected network environment, an ability to map group structure to the underlying network infrastructure, fault tolerance, and support for member mobility and smaller hand-held devices.
Process security analysis: γ‐Analysis and σ‐map

This work has introduced a number of tools and decision criteria for process-security analysis. As demonstrated in the case study (nonisothermal CSTR), these tools can be used in tandem to identify possible process-security problems, to analyze correlations between critical process inputs and security-sensitive outputs, and to find the principal factors leading to the security-threatening possibilities. γ-Analysis, consituted of the security theorem and first three definitions, presents a method for quickly evaluating process security for any given system. The Σ-maps are a visual tool to analyze the system and to deduce additional information about the process and its likely exposure to security threats, as exemplified in the case study.
What tau distribution maximizes fast axonal transport toward the axonal synapse

Abstract This theoretical research is aimed at investigating the question of why tau protein concentration exhibits a proximal–distal increase in healthy axons and a proximal–distal decrease in degenerating axons in Alzheimer’s disease. We developed a model of fast axonal transport toward the axon synapse. The model is based on recently published experimental results by Dixit et al. (2008) [1] who reported that the attachment rate of kinesin-1 to MTs is reduced by tau. Cytoplasmic dynein is affected less by tau (dynein is affected at much higher tau concentrations than those that affect kinesin-1). We used the model to investigate the effect of various tau distributions along the axon length on organelle flux toward the axon synapse. We found that a proximal–distal increase in tau concentration leads to a higher organelle flux while a proximal–distal decrease in tau concentration leads to a smaller organelle flux than a uniform tau concentration. We also computed what tau distribution would give the largest organelle flux toward the synapse. We found that in order to maximize organelle flux, the tau concentration has to be at its minimum level in the proximal axon and its maximum level at the distal axon, which is in agreement with the bang–bang principle in optimal control theory.
Fast 3-D dark-field reflection-mode photoacoustic microscopy in vivo with a 30-MHz ultrasound linear array

We present an in vivo dark-field reflection-mode photoacoustic microscopy system that performs cross-sectional (B-scan) imaging at 50Hz with real-time beamforming and 3-D imaging consisting of 166 B-scan frames at 1Hz with postbeamforming. To our knowledge, this speed is currently the fastest in photoacoustic imaging. A custom-designed light delivery system is integrated with a 30-MHz ultrasound linear array to realize dark-field reflection-mode imaging. Linear mechanical scanning of the array produces 3-D images. The system has axial, lateral, and elevational resolutions of 25, 70, and 200μm, respectively, and can image 3mm deep in scattering biological tissues. Volumetric images of subcutaneous vasculature in rats are demonstrated in vivo. Fast 3-D photoacoustic microscopy is anticipated to facilitate applications of photoacoustic imaging in biomedical studies that involve dynamics and clinical procedures that demand immediate diagnosis.
Interference avoidance in spectrally encoded multiple access communications using MPSK modulation

Spectral encoding is employed to provide interference avoidance and multiple access capability using M-ary phase shift keyed (MPSK) data modulation. Communication symbols are formed using composite phase modulation (independent data and coded multiple access) on selected spectral components and then inverse Fourier transforming to obtain time domain waveforms. This technique enables multiple access and adaptive channel interference suppression. One inherent advantage is analytic tractability of phase modulation components across domains which enables robust theoretical performance prediction with variation in multiple access phase value assignment. Detection and estimation is accomplished using conventional correlation receiver techniques and error performance is shown to be consistent with conventional MPSK signaling. Analytic and simulated results are provided for multiple access bit error performance and interference suppression demonstrated using randomly assigned, uniformly distributed multiple access phase values.
The Efficacy and Impact of the Alien Transfer Exit Programme: Migrant Perspectives from Nogales, Sonora, Mexico

The Alien Transfer Exit Programme (ATEP) is a US deportation strategy created in 2008 whereby migrants are returned to border regions of Mexico distant from their initial place of apprehension. The goal of this strategy is to geographically separate migrants from their coyotes [paid crossing guide], who are often waiting for them in Mexico, in an attempt to discourage people from attempting additional border crossings. The official government stance concerning this programme is that it is both effective at deterring migration and that it protects migrants from abusive coyotes who often “force” them to cross the harsh Sonoran desert. The effectiveness of this new policy or its impact on the experiences of migrants has yet to be examined. Using a combination of ethnography and archaeology, I describe ATEP and its impacts on the social process of border crossing with an emphasis on the experiences of migrants who have been deported from California to the Mexican border town of Nogales. I argue that recent formalized deportation strategies such as ATEP build on previous lateral relocation programmes that have long been ineffective at slowing migration. In addition, ATEP contributes to sustaining previous migration control policies of exclusion (based on age, gender, and health) that now produce new dangers for both those included and excluded from this programme. ATEP should be viewed as an enforcement strategy aimed at systematically placing migrants in harm's way by relocating them geographically and by undermining the resources (i.e., human and social capital) that people have come to rely on for successful (and safer) border crossings. These findings contribute to the growing literature on the anthropology of deportation and the critical phenomenology of illegality.
Rapid Identification of Yersinia enterocolitica in Blood by the 5′ Nuclease PCR Assay

Yersinia enterocolitica accounts for 50% of the clinical sepsis episodes caused by the transfusion of contaminated red blood cells. A 5′ nuclease TaqMan PCR assay was developed to detect Y. enterocolitica in blood. Primers and a probe based on the nucleotide sequence of the 16S rRNA gene from Y. enterocolitica were designed. Whole-blood samples were spiked with various numbers of Y. enterocolitica cells, and total chromosomal DNA was extracted. When the TaqMan PCR assay was performed, as few as six bacteria spiked in 200 μl of blood could be detected. The assay was specific and did not detect other Yersinia species. The TaqMan assay is easy to perform, takes 2 h, and has the potential for use in the rapid detection of Y. enterocolitica contamination in stored blood units.
The neural substrates of action identification

Mentalization is the process by which an observer views a target as possessing higher cognitive faculties such as goals, intentions and desires. Mentalization can be assessed using action identification paradigms, in which observers choose mentalistic (goals-focused) or mechanistic (action-focused) descriptions of targets’ actions. Neural structures that play key roles in inferring goals and intentions from others’ observed or imagined actions include temporo-parietal junction, ventral premotor cortex and extrastriate body area. We hypothesized that these regions play a role in action identification as well. Data collected using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) confirmed our predictions that activity in ventral premotor cortex and middle temporal gyrus near the extrastriate body area varies both as a function of the valence of the target and the extent to which actions are identified as goal-directed. In addition, the inferior parietal lobule is preferentially engaged when participants identify the actions of mentalized targets. Functional connectivity analyses suggest support from other regions, including the medial prefrontal cortex and amygdala, during mentalization. We found correlations between action identification and Autism Quotient scores, suggesting that understanding the neural correlates of action identification may enhance our understanding of the underpinnings of essential social cognitive processes.
Under the spotlight: The organic–inorganic hybrid halide perovskite for optoelectronic applications

Summary The dawn of a new era in optoelectronic technologies has emerged with the recent development of the organic–inorganic hybrid halide perovskite. Its exceptional attributes, including high carrier mobility, an adjustable spectral absorption range, long diffusion lengths, and the simplicity and affordability of fabrication render it one of the most exceptional and market-competitive optoelectronic materials for applications in photovoltaics, light emitting diodes (LED), photodetectors, lasers, and more. Moreover, its versatility in device architecture and ability to achieve relatively high performance devices via various processing techniques makes perovskites a highly promising material for various practical applications. Here, we review the organic–inorganic hybrid halide perovskite and delve into its recent progress and relevant applications.
The Busy Period, Output and Queues in Series

In this chapter we continue the study of the queueing systems M/M/1 and M/M/s. There exists an analogy between branching processes and the busy period in systems with Poisson arrivals. By using the well known properties of the branching process we derive the results for the busy period in M/M/1 and the system busy period in M/M/s. This is done in Section 3.2. In Chapter 7 this analogy will be used for the busy period in M/G/1.
Sub-lethal effects of energy development on a migratory mammal—The enigma of North American pronghorn

To meet societal demands for energy, ∼∼50,000 gas sites are developed annually in North America, among which many are in western less-developed and wildlife rich areas. To evaluate effects of increasing energy infrastructure requires sufficiently robust study designs, an onerous issue given the vastness of scale, limited funds, and an abject dearth of baseline data. Here we address these issues, first by discussion of the type of approaches needed to develop proper inference about potential effects of energy footprints, and subsequently through an empirical approach by examining the biological performances of more than 370 GPS radio-collared adult female pronghorn (Antilocapra americana). A rigorous attempt to examine if industrial development has any impact on pronghorn is based on three assumptions: (i) late-winter body mass reflects a period of inadequate food availability because winter habitat is altered; (ii) variation between population segments reflects spatial differences in food availability, increased energetic costs, or varying survival rates between gas field and non-developed sites; and (iii) reproductive correlates including physiological and immunological markers and adult survival are lower at sites varying in habitat quality. Our study area situated in one of the world’s premier wildlife regions–the southern Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem–harbors approximately 100,000 wintering ungulates, some of North America’s longest migrations, and two of the continent’s largest gas fields. We compared the response of five variables between wild pronghorn in control (not disturbed) and experimental (developed gas fields with well pads, roads, and traffic) sites—pregnancy, chronic stress, immune function, body mass, and adult survival. Despite shifts in animal movements, which included avoidance of energy infrastructure where development is occurring at the highest densities inside two of the largest natural gas fields in North America (Pinedale Anticline Project Area [PAPA] and Jonah fields) and other behavioral or ecological observations of sub-lethal effects, we failed to reject the null hypothesis that development is unrelated to parity in pronghorn biological responses. Studies intent on producing knowledge to assess whether energy development is inimical or not to ungulates will increasingly require appropriate time scales and understanding whether populations are below an expected food ceiling. Further, as with pronghorn in our study region, knowing if individuals are at the limits of their biological range (e.g. altitude) where stressful winter conditions may mask impacts of development is important.
CLUTCH SIZE, TIMING OF LAYING, AND REPRODUCTIVE SUCCESS IN A COLONY OF GREAT BLUE HERONS AND GREAT EGRETS

AI3STRACT.--During a 13-yr period mean Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) clutch size at a central California colony ranged between 2.72 and 3.35 eggs, with an overall mean of 3.16. Mean Great Egret (Casmerodius albus) clutch size ranged from 2.70 to 3.07 eggs, with an overall mean of 2.87. Annual differences in clutch size were weakly significant in both species, and clutch size in both species declined slightly with relative as well as absolute time of breeding. The overall mean number of fledglings produced from heron nests was 1.45, with annual means ranging from 0.89 to 2.38. Year, clutch size, and relative time of breeding had significant effects on heron fledging success. The mean number of fledged egrets/nest was 0.90, ranging from 0.03 to 2.04 annually; only annual differences accounted for a significant proportion of the variance in fledging success. In both species, the most frequent clutch size was 3 but the most productive size was 4. Overall, 46.8% of the heron eggs and 33.0% of the egret eggs fledged young. The herons nested in smaller numbers and earlier than the egrets. Annual variability in colony mean clutch-initiation dates was less for herons than for the egrets. Egret clutch and brood sizes were smaller before the 1972 ban on DDT and related chemicals than after. Laying dates before and after the ban did not differ significantly. A similar comparison for the herons showed no significant differences associated with the ban on DDT. The herons lost more young to starvation than to predation, and the egrets displayed the opposite trend. Mortality of the young was greatest for the herons in the second week of life and greatest for the egrets in the third; survival for both species was high after 5 weeks. Except for a drop in the number of breeding pairs of egrets after a year of heavy predation, fluctuations in population levels were not correlated with reproductive biology. Received 9 December 1983, accepted 7 July 1984.
“Union Yes” at a Public Ivy: Predictors of Faculty Voting Intentions at the University of Vermont

This study investigates predictors of prounion faculty voting intentions in a collective bargaining representational election. The research draws on a dataset developed during the course of the representational election campaign at the University of Vermont. The article explores the current context of higher education organizing in relation to the American labor movement. The literature review shows prounion attitudes, union instrumentality, demographic factors, job dissatisfaction, and active participation in the union campaign to be predictors of voting intentions. A general model of voting intentions emerges. Multiple logistic regression analysis is used to test the general model against assessments of voting intentions observed at four phases of the campaign. Specific models of voting intentions for each phase of the campaign materialize. An exploration of implications for both researchers and organizers follows.
Study of grain alignment of high Tc superconducting compound prepared by laser ablation.

High Tc superconducting YBCO compounds have been prepared by Ar-F eximer laser ablation on SrTiO3 and on metalic substrates. Critical temperature (Tc) of the specimen formed on SrTiO3 (100) substrate was 88K. Critical current densities (Jc) at 77K over 2mm×2mm squared area at 1.0T and 8.0T were 1.5×104A/cm2 and 2.0×103A/cm2, respectively. The excellent Jc properties in magnetic field despite of the weak c-axis grain alignment encourages practical conductor fabrication by this method. YBCO on the substrate, Hastelloy c-276, with SrTiO3 thin buffer layer for one of the metalic substrates in view of long wire has been prepared by this method with high Tc of 83K and Jc of 1, 000A/cm2 at 77K.
Contraction and endothelium-dependent relaxation in mesenteric microvessels from pregnant rats

We assessed KCl- and phenylephrine (PE)-induced vasoconstriction as well as acetylcholine (ACh)-induced endothelium-dependent vasodilation in small, isometrically mounted mesenteric arteries from virgin and gravid rats, studied in the absence and presence of NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA). Neither maximal vasoconstriction nor PE potency differed significantly between vessels from virgin and pregnant rats, either in the absence or presence of L-NNA. L-NNA resulted in similar twofold leftward shifts in the PE dose-response curves for both groups. ACh-induced relaxation was potentiated in vessels from gravid rats (half-maximum effective concentration = 0.25 vs. 0.04 microM, virgin and gravid rats, respectively). After L-NNA, maximal relaxation was inhibited significantly more in vessels from gravid rats (62 vs. 31%). Likewise, maximal slope of ACh dose-response curves and ACh potency were decreased in this group so that values no longer differed from those in virgins. We conclude that pregnancy does not alter basal nitric oxide (NO) synthesis in these isolated microvessels, but it does enhance ACh-induced NO release, while apparently inhibiting the action of a NO-independent, endothelium-derived vasodilator.
Constitutional Transformation, Irish Republican Secession, Indian Republican Accession and the Changing Position of the Crown

The wartime trend towards decentralisation continued with increasing momentum after the war. It was implicit in Commonwealth attitudes towards the new international organisation, and explicit in Commonwealth reconsideration of constitutional forms, more especially those of citizenship and Crown.
Examining the historical developments and contemporary relevance of the longitudinal-experimental design of the Cambridge-Somerville Youth Study: utility for research on intergenerational transmission of offending

Founded in 1939, the Cambridge-Somerville Youth Study represents the earliest longitudinal–experimental study in developmental crime prevention, combining the aims of understanding how the developmental process is related to future offending (i.e., longitudinal focus) as well as attempting to prevent offending through an experimental intervention during early adolescence. This article examines the historical context in which this novel design arose and provides a review of studies performed by Joan McCord based on her age-45 follow up of the study. The study made possible decades of research on developmental risk factors for delinquency and criminal offending. A central question that arises from McCord’s body of research is how these risk factors are transmitted from parents to children. This article reviews extant research on the transmission of intergenerational offending, and discusses the potential of the Cambridge-Somerville Youth Study to contribute to this literature. Specifically, the prospective longitudinal design makes it possible to include the children of the study participants and investigate the intergenerational transmission of offending, while the longitudinal–experimental design allows for the investigation of the transmission of treatment effects. This potential research stands as a testament to the study’s design and vision.
Determining Consumer Preferences for Sales Promotion Techniques via Conjoint Analysis

This article reports the findings of a systematic study involving conjoint analysis, undertaken to evaluate some hypothetical sales promotion techniques for a specific consumer product (beer) catering to a special market segment (students). A fractional factorial design involving three sales promotions at three levels each was undertaken and the ranked preferences of the respondents were analyzed using Kruskal’s MONANOVA algorithm.
The Naturalness of the Human–Plant Relationship

“If there's no meaning in it,” said the King, “that saves a world of trouble, you know, as we needn't try to find any. And yet I don't know.”
Traffic signal control with partial grade separation for oversaturated conditions

Abstract Increasing individual vehicular traffic is a major concern all around the world. This leads to more and more oversaturated intersections. Traffic signal control under oversaturated condition is a long-lasting challenge. To address this challenge thoroughly, this paper introduces grade separation at signalized intersections. A lane-based optimization model is developed for the integrated design of grade-separated lanes (e.g. tunnels), lane markings (e.g. left turns, through traffic, right turns, etc.) and signal timing settings. We take into account two types of lane configurations. One is conventional surface lanes controlled by signals, and the other is grade-separated lanes. This problem is formulated as a Mixed Integer Linear Program (MILP), and this can be solved using the regular branch-and-bound methods. The integer decision variables help in finding if the movement is on grade-separated or surface lanes, and also the successor functions to govern the order of signal display. The continuous variables include the assigned lane flow, common flow multiplier, cycle length, and start and duration of green for traffic movements and lanes. The optimized signal time settings and lane configurations are then represented in Vissim simulation. Numerical examples, along with a benefit-cost analysis show the good savings of the proposed optimization model for oversaturated traffic conditions. The benefit-cost ratio for installing 4 grade-separated lanes (as a tunnel) at a heavily oversaturated intersection (intersection capacity utilization rate equal to 1.57) exceeds 5.4.
Extractive scintillating polymer sensors for trace-level detection of uranium in contaminated ground water.

Abstract This contribution describes the synthesis of robust extractive scintillating resin and its use in a flow-cell detector for the direct detection of uranium in environmental waters. The base poly[(4-methyl styrene)- co -(4-vinylbenzyl chloride)- co -(divinylbenzene)- co -(2-(1-napthyl)-4-vinyl-5-phenyloxazole)] resin contains covalently bound fluorophores. Uranium-binding functionality was added to the resin by an Arbuzov reaction followed by hydrolysis via strong acid or trimethylsilyl bromide (TMSBr)-mediated methanolysis. The resin was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and spectrofluorometry. Fluorophore degradation was observed in the resin hydrolyzed by strong acid, while the resin hydrolyzed by TMSBr-mediated methanolysis maintained luminosity and showed hydrogen bonding-induced Stokes' shift of ∼100 nm. The flow cell detection efficiency for uranium of the TMSBr-mediated methanolysis resin was evaluated at pH 4, 5 and 6 in DI water containing 500 Bq L −1 uranium-233 and demonstrated flow cell detection efficiencies of 23%, 16% and 7%. Experiments with pH 4, synthetic groundwater with 50 Bq L −1 uranium-233 exhibited a flow cell detection efficiency of 17%. The groundwater measurements show that the resins can concentrate the uranyl cation from waters with high concentrations of competitor ions at near-neutral pH. Findings from this research will lay the groundwork for development of materials for real-time environmental sensing of alpha- and beta-emitting radionuclides.
Ventilator associated pneumonia in neonatal intensive care units

V pneumonia (VAP) is a serious complication related to mechanical ventilation in the neonatal period. However, lack of a specific definition and difficulties obtaining noncontaminated samples of the lower respiratory airway render microbiological diagnosis and etiological treatment extremely difficult. Thus far, only few studies have approached VAP using accepted Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria and reliable sampling techniques. In recent years, however, the blind-protected bronchoalveolar lavage technique with protected specimen brush and the development of validated biomarkers have attempted to overcome the diagnostic difficulties and assess the response to therapy. This presentation on neonatal VAP aims to stimulate neonatologists’ interest in this subtle but serious complication of mechanical ventilation
Anticoagulation does Not Prevent Venous Thromboembolism Following IVC Filter Placement: A Retrospective Study of 702 Patients.

Abstract Abstract 2104 Poster Board II-81 Purpose: Inferior vena cava filters (IVCF) are extensively used in the United States to treat venous thromboembolism (VTE). Although IVCF prevent pulmonary embolism (PE), IVCF are associated with an increased incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and IVC thrombosis (IVCT). It remains unclear whether anticoagulation (AC) could reduce thrombotic events post-filter placement. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of AC on clinical outcomes post-IVCF placement Materials and Methods: After institutional review board approval was obtained, consecutive patients who received an IVCF at the Johns Hopkins Hospital were identified using Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes. Demographic and clinical data were retrieved from the institutional electronic medical record (EMR). Clinical events including objectively-documented VTE were confirmed by an independent EPR review by two investigators. Clinical outcomes with and without AC were compared using non-parametric and parametric statistics. Marginal structural models were used to model the impact of anticoagulation on VTE Results: Between January 1, 2002 and December 31, 2006, 702 patients had an IVCF placed at the Johns Hopkins Hospital. AC was used in 276 patients(39.4%) post-filter placement. 46.8% of patients were female and 60.1% were white and these parameters did not differ based upon AC status (p > 0.45). Patients on AC were younger than patients not on AC (54.9 years versus 59.0 years, p = 0.0025). The most common reason for IVCF placement in both groups was a contraindication to AC. Patients subsequently treated with AC were equally likely to present with DVT (p = 0.852) but were more likely to present with PE (p Conclusions: In a large retrospective single center cohort study, AC use was associated with a reduced all cause mortality but an increased frequency of VTE in patients after IVCF placement. These data suggest AC may not protect patients from thrombotic complications associated with IVCF placement and warrant prospective confirmation. IVCF should be reserved for patients who have acute VTE and a contraindication to anticoagulation. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Ethical Gifts?: An Analysis of Soap-for-data Transactions in Malawian Survey Research Worlds

In 2008, thousands of Malawians received soap from an American research project as a gift for survey participation. Soap was deemed an ethical, non-coercive gift by researchers and ethics boards, but took on meanings that expressed recipients' grievances and aspirations. Research participants reframed soap and research benefits as "rights" they are entitled to, wages for "work," and a symbol of exploitation. Enlisting the perspectives of Malawi's ethics board, demographers, Malawian fieldworkers, and research participants, I describe how soap is spoken about and operates in research worlds. I suggest that neither a prescriptive nor a situated frame for ethics-with their investments in standardization and attention to context, respectively-provides answers about how to compensate Malawian research participants. The conclusion gestures toward a reparative framework for thinking ethics that is responsive not just to project-based parameters but also to the histories and political economy in which projects (and ethics) are situated.
Congestion in Café 67: Model Documentation and Guide

The purpose of this document is to describe each step in the development of a model for the exercise “Congestion in Cafe 67.” The system itself is described in Appendix 1. A short and simple description of the model's objects is included in Appendix 2. Excerpt UVA-OM-1552 Rev. Jun. 19, 2018 Congestion in Cafe 67: Model Documentation and Guide Contents . . .
Design-based research to broaden participation in pre-college engineering: research and practice of an interest-based engineering challenges framework

This paper presents a design-based research project undertaken to test and implement an interest-based engineering challenges framework for pre-college students. This work is motivated by the need ...
Control surfaces of aquatic vertebrates: active and passive design and function

Aquatic vertebrates display a variety of control surfaces that are used for propulsion, stabilization, trim and maneuvering. Control surfaces include paired and median fins in fishes, and flippers and flukes in secondarily aquatic tetrapods. These structures initially evolved from embryonic fin folds in fishes and have been modified into complex control surfaces in derived aquatic tetrapods. Control surfaces function both actively and passively to produce torque about the center of mass by the generation of either lift or drag, or both, and thus produce vector forces to effect rectilinear locomotion, trim control and maneuvers. In addition to fins and flippers, there are other structures that act as control surfaces and enhance functionality. The entire body can act as a control surface and generate lift for stability in destabilizing flow regimes. Furthermore, control surfaces can undergo active shape change to enhance their performance, and a number of features act as secondary control structures: leading edge tubercles, wing-like canards, multiple fins in series, finlets, keels and trailing edge structures. These modifications to control surface design can alter flow to increase lift, reduce drag and enhance thrust in the case of propulsive fin-based systems in fishes and marine mammals, and are particularly interesting subjects for future research and application to engineered systems. Here, we review how modifications to control surfaces can alter flow and increase hydrodynamic performance.
Introgression of Sub1 QTL into an elite rice (Oryza sativa L.) variety Jyothi through Marker Assisted Backcross Breeding

Sub1 QTL for submergence tolerance was introgressed into the most popular rice variety of Kerala, Jyothi, from the donor parent Swarna-Sub1 using Marker Assisted Backcross Breeding. For the foreground and recombinant selection of the F1 as well as the backcross populations, molecular markers linked to Sub1locus and markers flanking the locus, respectively, were used. Markers unlinked to the Sub1locus were used for background selection among the selected progeny. Selected BC2F2progeny were found to have recurrent parent genome recovery in the range of 83.4 - 85.9%. The size of the introgressed donor fragment into the selected lines was estimated to be 1.6 - 5.6 Mb. Analysis of the selected BC3F2progeny showed the recipient parent genome recovery varying from 92.1 - 98.9% with the introgressedSub1 donor fragment size ranging from 4.2 - 5.6 Mb. The survival score of the developed BC2F2 and BC3F2 lines were same as that of the donor parent, confirming the introgression of Sub1 QTL.
Generalizable and Scalable Visualization of Single-Cell Data Using Neural Networks

Summary Visualization algorithms are fundamental tools for interpreting single-cell data. However, standard methods, such as t-stochastic neighbor embedding (t-SNE), are not scalable to datasets with millions of cells and the resulting visualizations cannot be generalized to analyze new datasets. Here we introduce net-SNE, a generalizable visualization approach that trains a neural network to learn a mapping function from high-dimensional single-cell gene-expression profiles to a low-dimensional visualization. We benchmark net-SNE on 13 different datasets, and show that it achieves visualization quality and clustering accuracy comparable with t-SNE. Additionally we show that the mapping function learned by net-SNE can accurately position entire new subtypes of cells from previously unseen datasets and can also be used to reduce the runtime of visualizing 1.3 million cells by 36-fold (from 1.5 days to an hour). Our work provides a framework for bootstrapping single-cell analysis from existing datasets.
Deep Generative Breast Cancer Screening and Diagnosis

Mammography is the primary modality for breast cancer screening, attempting to reduce breast cancer mortality risk with early detection. However, robust screening less hampered by misdiagnoses remains a challenge. Deep Learning methods have shown strong applicability to various medical image datasets, primarily thanks to their powerful feature learning capability. Such successful applications are, however, often overshadowed with limitations in real medical settings, dependency of lesion annotations, and discrepancy of data types between training and other datasets. To address such critical challenges, we developed DiaGRAM (Deep GeneRAtive Multi-task), which is built upon the combination of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) and Generative Adversarial Networks (GAN). The enhanced feature learning with GAN, and its incorporation with the hybrid training with the region of interest (ROI) and the whole images results in higher classification performance and an effective end-to-end scheme. DiaGRAM is capable of robust prediction, even for a small dataset, without lesion annotation, via transfer learning capacity. DiaGRAM achieves an AUC of 88.4% for DDSM and even 92.5% for the challenging INbreast with its small data size.
Prospective study of oral microbiome and colorectal cancer risk in low-income and African American populations

Oral microbiome may play an important role in cancer pathogenesis. However, no study has prospectively investigated the association of the oral microbiome with subsequent risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC). We conducted a nested case-control study including 231 incident CRC cases and 462 controls within the Southern Community Cohort Study with 75% of the subjects being African-Americans. The controls were individually matched to cases based on age, ethnic group, smoking, season-of-study enrollment and recruitment method. Oral microbiota were assessed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing in pre-diagnostic mouth rinse samples. Multiple bacterial taxa showed an association with CRC risk at p <0.05. Oral pathogens Treponema denticola and Prevotella intermedia were associated with an increased risk of CRC, with odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of 1.76(1.19-2.60) and 1.55(1.08-2.22), respectively, for the individuals carrying these bacteria compared to non-carriers. In the phylum Actinobacteria, Bifidobacteriaceae was more abundant among CRC patients than among controls. In the phylum Bacteroidetes, Prevotella denticola and Prevotella sp. oral taxon 300 were associated with an increased CRC risk, while Prevotella melaninogenica was associated with a decreased risk of CRC. In the phylum Firmicutes, Carnobacteriaceae, Streptococcaceae, Erysipelotrichaceae, Streptococcus, Solobacterium, Streptococcus sp. oral taxon 058 and Solobacterium moorei showed associations with a decreased risk of CRC. Most of these associations were observed among both African- and European-Americans. Most of the associations were not significant after Bonferroni correction for multiple testing, which may be conservative. Our study suggests that the oral microbiome may play a significant role in CRC etiology.
Refining Prediction of Atrial Fibrillation–Related Stroke Using the P2-CHA2DS2-VASc Score

Background: In people with atrial fibrillation (AF), periods of sinus rhythm present an opportunity to detect prothrombotic atrial remodeling through measurement of P-wave indices (PWIs)—prolonged ...
Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Prostate Cancer

The paradigm for prostate cancer diagnosis and management that has persisted over the last 20 years has recently come under fire. The controversy stems from high rates of overdiagnosis and overtreatment of small, indolent cancers that pose little threat to a patient’s life yet whose treatment results in considerable side effects. Differentiating low-grade cancers that require no treatment from those that are potentially life threatening poses a considerable challenge. Improvement in imaging of localized prostate cancer with MRI has the potential to improve cancer detection and staging, help differentiate aggressive from indolent cancers, and enable personalized treatment selection. This chapter describes the fundamentals of prostate MRI; it summarizes the individual imaging techniques (T2-weighted imaging, diffusion-weighted imaging, dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging, and MR-spectroscopic imaging) that together make up state-of-the-art multiparametric MRI, explains the interpretation and reporting of prostate MRI, and discusses the role of MRI in clinical practice (targeted biopsy, active surveillance patient selection, surgical planning, and treatment follow-up).
Leveraging the Cardio-Protective and Anticancer Properties of Resveratrol in Cardio-Oncology

Cardio-oncology is a clinical/scientific discipline which aims to prevent and/or treat cardiovascular diseases in cancer patients. Although a large number of cancer treatments are known to cause cardiovascular toxicity, they are still widely used because they are highly effective. Unfortunately, therapeutic interventions to prevent and/or treat cancer treatment-induced cardiovascular toxicity have not been established yet. A major challenge for such interventions is to protect the cardiovascular system without compromising the therapeutic benefit of anticancer medications. Intriguingly, the polyphenolic natural compound resveratrol and its analogs have been shown in preclinical studies to protect against cancer treatment-induced cardiovascular toxicity. They have also been shown to possess significant anticancer properties on their own, and to enhance the anticancer effect of other cancer treatments. Thus, they hold significant promise to protect the cardiovascular system and fight the cancer at the same time. In this review, we will discuss the current knowledge regarding the cardio-protective and the anticancer properties of resveratrol and its analogs. Thereafter, we will discuss the challenges that face the clinical application of these agents. To conclude, we will highlight important gaps of knowledge and future research directions to accelerate the translation of these exciting preclinical findings to cancer patient care.
Crossing Goal Lines and Borders: Engaging Black Male Student-Athletes in Education Abroad

Many Black male student-athletes suffer from identity foreclosure at rates higher than their white peers as they fail to develop salient aspects of their identity outside of the athlete role (Murphy, Petitpas, & Brewer, 1996; Beamon, 2012). Education abroad offers the opportunity to take advantage of a holistic collegiate experience, which impedes the detrimental effects of the athletic identity foreclosure process. International educational opportunities can positively influence Black male student-athletes’ personal, academic, and professional development as they come to see the world beyond the gym and campus. This article examines the significance and value of creating education abroad opportunities for Black male student-athletes as a means of providing meaningful educational opportunities in the realm of higher education.
Ethical Theories Applied to End-of-Life Medical Care

While medical ethics can be dated back to the Ancient Greeks, cotemporary bioethics’ origin is typically dated to the early 1970s.
Development of a Set of Lupus-Specific, Ambulatory Care–Sensitive, Potentially Preventable Adverse Conditions: A Delphi Consensus Study

Objective Individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are at high risk for infections and SLE- and medication-related complications. The present study was undertaken to define a set of SLE-specific adverse outcomes that could be prevented, or their complications minimized, if timely, effective ambulatory care had been received. Methods We used a modified Delphi process beginning with a literature review and key informant interviews to select initial SLE-specific potentially preventable conditions. We assembled a panel of 16 nationally recognized US-based experts from 8 subspecialties. Guided by the RAND-UCLA Appropriateness Method, we held 2 survey rounds with controlled feedback and an interactive webinar to reach consensus regarding preventability and importance on a population level for a set of SLE-specific adverse conditions. In a final round, the panelists endorsed the potentially preventable conditions. Results Thirty-five potential conditions were initially proposed; 62 conditions were ultimately considered during the Delphi process. The response rate was 100% for both survey rounds, 88% for the webinar, and 94% for final approval. The 25 SLE-specific conditions meeting consensus as potentially preventable and important on a population level fell into 4 categories: vaccine-preventable illnesses (6 conditions), medication-related complications (8 conditions), reproductive health-related complications (6 conditions), and SLE-related complications (5 conditions). Conclusion We reached consensus on a diverse set of adverse outcomes relevant to SLE patients that may be preventable if patients receive high-quality ambulatory care. This set of outcomes may be studied at the health system level to determine how to best allocate resources and improve quality to reduce avoidable outcomes and disparities among those at highest risk.
Process-Dependent Composition, Microstructure, and Printability of Al-Zn-Mg and Al-Zn-Mg-Sc-Zr Alloys Manufactured by Laser Powder Bed Fusion

Additive manufacturing (AM) technology for metallic alloys such as laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) brings tremendous opportunities for development of novel alloys specifically designed for AM that would desensitize the inherent process variability and requires a refined understanding of processing–structure–property relationship that would contribute to future alloy development. In this study, two different alloys, Al-6Zn-2Mg and Al-6Zn-2Mg-0.7Sc-0.3Zr in wt. pct, representing traditional and AM-specific novel aluminum alloys, respectively, were manufactured by LPBF technique using pre-alloyed gas atomized powders. The Al-Zn-Mg ternary alloys exhibited cracks at various LPBF processing parameters, primarily along the grain boundaries of the large columnar grains that extended across multiple melt pools. The severity of cracking in LPBF Al-Zn-Mg alloys was process-dependent and could be correlated to the change in alloy composition due to evaporation of Zn and Mg with high vapor pressure. The Scheil–Gulliver non-equilibrium solidification calculations showed that the Al-Zn-Mg alloys with lower Zn and Mg concentrations had smaller solidification range (i.e., ΔT) and steepness values (i.e., $$ \left| {{\text{d}}T / {\text{d}}f_{\text{s}}^{1/2} } \right| $$ near $$ f_{\text{s}}^{1/2} = 1 $$), which corresponded to a lower cracking severity. On the other hand, no cracks were observed in Al-Zn-Mg-Sc-Zr alloys, although their solidification range and steepness values were similar to the ternary Al-Zn-Mg alloys. The microstructure of Al-Zn-Mg-Sc-Zr alloys exhibited a much refined heterogeneous microstructure containing small equiaxed and columnar grains within each melt pool, owing to the heterogeneous nucleation upon primary Al3(Sc,Zr) particles. Process-dependent microstructure was observed as a result of variation in thermal gradient and cooling rate associated with LPBF parameters. Findings from this study provide guidance for the future design of AM-specific aluminum alloys and insights into the microstructural control by LPBF.