cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Numerical Study and Scale Analysis of Inner and Outer Diameters Prediction in Fabrication of Hollow Fiber Membranes for Nerve Regeneration

Recently the semi-permeable hollow fiber membrane (HFM) is finding promising applications in promoting axonal outgrowth for nerve repair and regeneration. It is of interest to model the phase inversion-based HFM fabrication process and control the fabricated HFM geometry. The effect of gravity and surface tension which is frequently ignored in general fiber spinning should be carefully addressed in HFM fabrication modeling. Both the volume of fluid (VOF) method and the scale analysis have been applied to appreciate the effect of gravity and surface tension on the HFM geometry profile. The VOF method-based simulation results reveal that both the gravity and/or surface tension significantly reduce the predicted radii/diameters, while the scale analysis reveals that the gravity or surface tension affects the HFM fabrication process dynamics. Both the approaches warrant the need of including the gravity and surface tension in HFM fabrication process modeling.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
THE CERTAINTY OF UNCERTAINTY: HEART FAILURE RISK MODELS CAN RARELY IDENTIFY PATIENTS WHO WILL DIE IN THE NEXT YEAR

Guidelines recommend the use of validated risk models in patients with heart failure (HF) to inform medical decisions. Yet, application of population-based estimates to individual patients is problematic. Probability of survival was calculated by the Seattle Heart Failure Model (SHFM) in patients
Using a Vortex To Disaggregate Platelet Clumps

Clumping of platelets in blood anticoagulated with EDTA is a main cause of reports of falsely low platelet counts by automated analyzers. To obtain reliable platelet counts in such cases, laboratorians often collect and analyze a citrated or nonanticoagulated blood specimen. The patient thus is subjected to a second venous or capillary puncture, and the availability of results is delayed. Our data on an alternative approach suggest that reliable automated platelet counts can be obtained from many blood specimens that reveal microscopic platelet clumps after mixing them by vortex and rerunning the samples through the analyzer. Mixing the blood by vortex at the maximum possible speed for 1 to 2 minutes disaggregated platelet clumps completely in 44% of specimens and partially in another 49% of specimens.
Cardiovascular Collapse in Anaphylaxis Successfully Treated With Vasopressin: Case Report and Review of Mechanism

In this report, we describe the case of a 52-year-old man who suffered a severe anaphylactic reaction in the operating room that was unresponsive to epinephrine. After an uneventful induction and intubation, he received antibiotics and was placed in the prone position. His blood pressure began to decline and despite escalating doses of phenylephrine, ephedrine, and then epinephrine, his pressure continued to deteriorate and became unobtainable. When all other resuscitative measures failed, a single dose of vasopressin 20 units was given intravenously; the patient had an immediate response with dramatic reversal of the cardiovascular collapse. He was then stabilized, transferred to the ICU, and subsequently discharged home without neurologic sequelae. In this article, we review the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis seen in patients under anesthesia and consider the pathophysiologic mechanisms of the reaction that support the use of vasopressin.
Small Things Considered

Our appreciation of the colors of nature is limited by the narrow wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum that our eyes can detect. Yet this narrow margin between 390 and 750 nm allows us to see all the colors of the rainbow on a rainy day. Some natural surfaces can also selectively reflect and control the intensity of specific wavelengths and, therefore, of specific colors. This optical effect, called iridescence (from iris, Greek for “rainbow”), produces some of the most intense colors in nature, such as the rainbow-like coloration of soap bubbles, the inside of some shells, and the exoskeleton of some insects. The structure of iridescent surfaces causes the reflected light waves to interact in such a way that some wave crests and troughs align (i.e., they are in phase), thus enhancing the intensity of the reflected color; other wavelengths, however, are reflected out of phase and cancel each other out so those colors never manifest. The net effect is the production of one or more predominant colors, the wavelength and intensity changing with the angle of illumination and/ or observation. Thus, iridescent colors are “structural”: they do not result from pigmentation but from physical interactions between light and surfaces.
Evaluation of KIR4.1 as an Immune Target in Multiple Sclerosis.

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of antibodies in the serum of 86 patients with multiple sclerosis and that of 51 healthy controls that used KIR4.1 as the target protein showed no significant between-group difference.
Administration of crushed extended-release pentoxifylline tablets: bioavailability and adverse effects

The pharmacokinetics of crushed and intact pentoxifylline tablets were compared, and the frequency of adverse effects was evaluated. Intact 400-mg extended-release pentoxifylline tablets, crushed 400-mg tablets, intact 600-mg tablets, and crushed 600-mg tablets were given sequentially to 10 healthy male volunteers. Blood samples were collected at time 0, at 30-minute intervals for the first three hours, and at 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24 hours after the dose and analyzed by capillary gas chromatography for pentoxifylline and three major metabolites. The bioavailability of the crushed tablets relative to the intact tablets was 156% for the 400-mg strength and 137% for the 600-mg strength. The area under the plasma drug concentration-time curve from 0 to 24 hours (AUC0-24) for the 400-mg tablets (crushed and intact) differed significantly from that for the 600-mg tablets; there was no significant difference between intact 400-mg and intact 600-mg tablets or crushed 400-mg and crushed 600-mg tablets. The maximum plasma drug concentration (Cmax) was significantly greater and the time to maximum concentration (t(max)) significantly shorter for crushed tablets than intact tablets. The 400-mg crushed tablet caused mild nausea in three subjects. The 600-mg crushed tablet caused both moderate nausea and dizziness in seven subjects and diaphoresis, headache, and vomiting in one subject each. Cmax was higher and tmax shorter when pentoxifylline tablets were administered crushed rather than intact, and the increase in maximum plasma concentrations appeared to cause dose-related adverse effects; crushing the tablets did not decrease the relative bioavailability.
Recent High-Field Work on Diluted Magnetic Semiconductors

Magnetic polarons are ferromagnetic spin clusters created by the exchange interaction of a carrier spin (electron or hole) with localized spins embedded in a semiconductor lattice. They were first studied in magnetic semiconductors [1]; more recently, there have been extensive investigations [2] of polaron behavior in diluted magnetic semiconductors (DMS), such as Cd1-xMnxTe. DMS are favorable media for magnetic polaron studies because they have simple s-p bands, excellent optical properties, and can be grown in large single crystals. Two types of magnetic polarons have been identified in DMS — the bound magnetic polaron (BMP), whose carrier is localized by an impurity [3], and the free polaron (FP) consisting of a carrier trapped by its own, self-consistently-maintained, exchange potential [4].
N-acetylation of drugs: isolation and properties of an N-acetyltransferase from rabbit liver.

The characteristics and kinetic properties of an N-acetyltransferase have been studied in partially purified preparations from rabbit liver. The enzyme catalyzes the acetylation of isonicotinic acid hydrazide, sulfadiazine, sulfamerazine, sulfamethazine, and sulfanilamide. A "ping-pong Bi-Bi" mechanism, which involves the formation of an acetylated enzyme, is proposed for the acetylation of INH from our studies of initial velocity patterns and product inhibition. The possible limitations of the Michaelis constant (Km) as a means of characterizing an enzyme which catalyzes "ping-pong Bi-Bi" reactions or other reactions involving two or more substrates and two or more products are noted.
Systemic and regional acetate kinetics in dogs.

Little is known about the sites of production and uptake of acetate in nonruminants. We placed blood sampling catheters in the femoral artery and in the femoral, portal, hepatic, and renal veins of mongrel dogs (n = 11). The animals were studied in the conscious state 2 wk later during a primed continuous infusion of [1-14C]acetate. Systemic acetate turnover, oxidation, and clearance were determined, as well as regional uptake and release, by measuring 14CO2 excretion as well as plasma concentration and specific activity at the five sampling sites. Results showed systemic acetate turnover was 8.8 +/- 1.9 mumol.kg-1.min-1, approximating 5% of energy expenditure in dogs. Simultaneous uptake and release of acetate was demonstrated in intestine, liver, kidney, and hindlimb. The intestine was the greatest contributor to acetate production, whereas the liver was the most important site of uptake. Plasma acetate oxidation was 77 +/- 4% of turnover. Both systemic clearance (129 +/- 22 ml.kg-1.min-1) and tissue fractional extraction (68-85%) were many times greater than values reported for glucose, free fatty acids, lactate, or amino acids. In conclusion, most tissues simultaneously take up and release acetate in dogs. This may represent a mechanism for interorgan transport of energy, especially under conditions of caloric deprivation.
Architecting a development and testing plan for the Army's common operating environment: Applying agile systems of systems development to army network acquisition

Information is the fuel of modern society; from social media to the stock exchange, the ability for individual entities to connect with each other over distance makes everything possible. Similarly, the ability to leverage information across a complex battlespace is one of the key elements that makes the U.S. Army such a potent fighting force. At the heart of this capability is a robust and adaptive tactical network that facilitates mission command at every echelon. Though the Army possess a strong network, continuing efforts to improve it over time is a struggle. Cost and schedule overruns have become normal occurrences as individual systems fail to pass the Army's rigorous interoperability certification requirements. Without interoperability, the network does not work. The Army's acquisition community's shift to focus on a new paradigm of network development, the Common Operating Environment (COE), promised to create a better system for insuring network interoperability in a timely manner. Old habits and practices, however, have threatened the promise of the new paradigm in terms of development, evaluation, and certification. This document examines current practices and issues regarding network development and makes a recommendation for how to approach COE to achieve greater levels of interoperability faster and cheaper. By utilizing an agile based approach, COE can be developed as a system of systems through iterative sprints that focus on developing an interconnected network that works the first time.
Real Estate Valuation

A traditional step in the evaluation process for investment real estate is the completion of an appraisal by an independent appraiser. The investor may desire an unbiased valuation for purposes of agreeing on a fair sales price for the property. If the buyer of the property requires financing by a bank, the bank will utilize the appraisal in order to set their loan to value ratios. Federal regulations mandate that in order for a financial institution to utilize an appraisal for lending purposes, that the appraisal must have been engaged by a financial institution and not the customer (CFR 2011).
upSET, the Drosophila homologue of SET3, Is Required for Viability and the Proper Balance of Active and Repressive Chromatin Marks.

Chromatin plays a critical role in faithful implementation of gene expression programs. Different post-translational modifications (PTMs) of histone proteins reflect the underlying state of gene activity, and many chromatin proteins write, erase, bind, or are repelled by, these histone marks. One such protein is UpSET, the Drosophila homolog of yeast Set3 and mammalian KMT2E (MLL5). Here, we show that UpSET is necessary for the proper balance between active and repressed states. Using CRISPR/Cas-9 editing, we generated S2 cells that are mutant for upSET . We found that loss of UpSET is tolerated in S2 cells, but that heterochromatin is misregulated, as evidenced by a strong decrease in H3K9me2 levels assessed by bulk histone PTM quantification. To test whether this finding was consistent in the whole organism, we deleted the upSET coding sequence using CRISPR/Cas-9, which we found to be lethal in both sexes in flies. We were able to rescue this lethality using a tagged upSET transgene, and found that UpSET protein localizes to transcriptional start sites (TSS) of active genes throughout the genome. Misregulated heterochromatin is apparent by suppressed position effect variegation of the w m4 allele in heterozygous upSET -deleted flies. Using nascent-RNA sequencing in the upSET -mutant S2 lines, we show that this result applies to heterochromatin genes generally. Our findings support a critical role for UpSET in maintaining heterochromatin, perhaps by delimiting the active chromatin environment.
The morality of faith in Martin Buber and William James

Some philosophers have become atheists because of “intellectual probity.” Martin Buber relates two occasions during which he advocated his view of the term “God” and rejected alternative perspectives. He never justified the basis for either his advocacy or his rejection, yet both play an important role in all his writing, especially his specific type of Zionism. Using what has been called the mere theism of William James’ “The Will to Believe” and the criteria for faith that James advances in that essay illuminates both Buber’s general view of the divine and more particularly his Zionism. Once Buber, no less than James, is understood as a mere theist the basis of what he accepts and what he rejects as true religion becomes clearer. Buber’s theism meets James’ requirement of being a live, forced, momentous option and his Zionism also strives to meet those standards.
Bifurcation in deformation behavior of Cu and Ta by accumulative roll-bonding at high temperature

Abstract Cu and Ta are co-deformed at 673 K by the accumulative roll-bonding technique up to 8 passes. At an equivalent von Mises strain (ɛvm) of ~ 2 the deformation is bifurcated into shear accommodated by the ‘soft’ Cu, and plane-strain by the ‘hard-but-ductile’ Ta. This is attributed to transitions occurring collectively at ɛvm ~ 2 in crystallographic texture, partitioning of recovery and recrystallization, and the nature of interfaces as elucidated by orientation relations, Hall-Petch behavior and manifestation of instabilities at higher strain.
Abstract 3490: Interrogation of small RNA-seq data for small noncoding RNA in human colon cancer

Genomic analysis of the human transcriptome has been made possible only in last decade by next generation sequencing (NGS). Recent advancements in NGS has further allowed us to look into small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) such as microRNAs (miRNAs), Piwi-interacting-RNAs (piRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) & small nuclear/nucleolar RNAs (sn/snoRNAs). Recently, the roles of sncRNAs in biological processes have been implicated in biomarker development for diagnosis, prognosis t 7 TNM stage II & 43 TNM stage III) which contained 27 female & 23 male samples. 24 samples had metachronous metastasis (MM) & 26 non-metachronous metastasis (NMM). The small RNA-seq data was analyzed using PartekFlow. In depth analysis showed aberrant expression of 48 miRNAs (all upregulated) in TNM-III vs TNM-II specimens & 20 miRNAs (17 upregulated & 3 downregulated) in MM vs NMM. Further investigation of dysregulated miRNA through pathway analysis confirmed that the majority of the miRNAs were involved in cancer signaling pathways. Analysis of piRNA found unusual expression of 60 piRNAs (57 upregulated & 3 downregulated) in TNM-III vs TNM-II & 31 piRNAs (28 upregulated & 3 downregulated) in MM vs NMM. Further analysis of long non-coding RNAs, we found 77 lncRNAs were significantly expressed in TNM-III vs TNM-II &18 lncRNAs in MM vs NMM. We also, investigated small nuclear/nucleolar RNAs (sn/snoRNAs), miscRNAs & mtRNAs, we identified 37 snRNAs, 105 snoRNAs, 28 miscRNAs & 5 mtRNAs in TNM-III vs TNM-II whereas 2 snRNAs, 11 snoRNAs, 57 miscRNAs & 8 mtRNAs in MM vs NMM were identified. In summary, our comprehensive analysis on publicly available small RNA-seq data identified multiple small non-coding RNAs that need to be further explored for their use in the prognosis, diagnosis & therapy of colon cancer. Citation Format: Srinivas V. Koduru, Angelique Nyinawabera, Dino J. Ravnic, Amit K. Tiwari. Interrogation of small RNA-seq data for small noncoding RNA in human colon cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3490. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-3490
P153 Utility of the virtual crossmatch for living donor evaluations

Aim Our institution performs 750–900 flow cytometric crossmatches (FCXM) annually in support of living-donor renal transplantation. The FCXM is costly, time consuming, and has interpretational conundrums (i.e., FCXM + donor specific antibody (DSA) negative or FCXM−/DSA+). By combining high resolution HLA typing with solid-phase antibody (SAB) testing, recipients should be transplantable based solely on a virtual crossmatch (vXM). Given the increased utilization of the vXM, our aim was to assess its utility in living donor evaluations. Methods We reviewed 100 living donor FCXMs and retrospectively performed a vXM for each pair. vXM was performed only on cases with available donor typing and SAB specificity testing. Additionally, ΔMESF values of the FCXM, FlowPRA results, and mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) values of DSA were analyzed. Results Initially, there was a 75% correlation between FCXM and vXM: 60 cases were negative for both FCXM and vXM; 15 cases were positive for both. However, 20 cases were FCXM+ (mostly B-cell) but vXM−, which tended to occur in non-alloimmunized recipients. 3/20 had autoimmune disease and 8/20 were transplanted without development of DSA. Although deemed compatible, the remaining 12 were not transplanted. These 20 cases were considered False Positive FCXMs. 5 cases were FCXM−/vXM+. Of these, 4 had Class I DSAs and 1 had both Class I and II DSAs; however, all 5 had low MFI values. (Table 1). Thus, reclassifying the false positive FCXMs, the final correlation was 95%. Download : Download high-res image (146KB) Download : Download full-size image Conclusions Though the initial FCXM/vXM correlation rate was only 75%, there are key characteristics such as differences in FCXM, ΔMESF, PRA values, and DSA MFI values that can help interpret discrepant result. Notably, there were 4 times more false positive FCXMs then false positive vXMs. Reclassifying the False Positive FCXM cases increased the correlation to 95%. These data support the utility of the vXM as a replacement for a physical FCXM for most living donor evaluations.
Vibrations of Unsymmetrically Laminated Plates Subjected to Inplane Initial Stresses

Exact, closed-form equations are presented for the free vibration frequencies of unsymmetrically laminated cross-ply and angle-ply plates having simply-supported edge conditions and subjected to uniaxial or biaxial inplane, static loading conditions. Parametric studies are made for both cross-ply and angle-ply plates showing the effects of changing inplane loading magnitude (Nx), biaxial stress ratio (Ny/Nx), aspect ratio (a/b), material stiffness ratios, number of plies and angle-ply orientation angle upon the frequencies.
Characterization of single particle aerosols by elastic light scattering at multiple wavelengths

Abstract We describe a system to characterize individual aerosol particles using stable and repeatable measurement of elastic light scattering. The method employs a linear electrodynamic quadrupole (LEQ) particle trap. Charged particles, continuously injected by electrospray into this system, are confined to move vertically along the stability line in the center of the LEQ past a point where they are optically interrogated. Light scattered in the near forward direction was measured at three different wavelengths using time-division multiplexed collinear laser beams. We validated our method by comparing measured silica microsphere data for four selected diameters (0.7, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 µm) to a model of collected scattered light intensities based upon Lorenz-Mie scattering theory. Scattered light measurements at the different wavelengths are correlated, allowing us to distinguish and classify inhomogeneous particles.
A Comparative study on the aeromechanic performances of upwind and downwind horizontal-axis wind turbines

Abstract Traditional horizontal-axis wind turbines are mainly designed as upwind configuration. In order to avoid blade strikes, the rotor blades have to be positioned far enough away from the turbine tower and have to be designed as inflexible as possible. In addition, a complicated yaw control system is required to keep the turbine rotor facing the incoming wind. Due to these drawbacks, the turbine in downwind configuration is proposed to overcome these disadvantages because, first of all, rotor blades can be designed more flexible since there is no danger of blade strikes, and secondly, yaw control system could be eliminated if nacelle is designed appropriately to follow the incoming wind direction passively. In the present study, a comparative experimental investigation was conducted to quantify the aeromechanic performance of a downwind turbine (DWT), in comparison to that of a traditional upwind turbine (UWT). The thrust coefficient of the DWT model was found to be increased slightly in the time-averaged quantity, but have a significant augment in the fluctuations. Due to the shadow effect, the power outputs of the DWT model was found to be decreased by 3.2% when they were operated in a same atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) wind. In addition, a high-resolution particle image velocimetry (PIV) system was employed to characterize the ensemble-averaged and phase-locked wake flow structures to quantify the turbulent flow characteristics in the turbine wakes. The velocity deficit in the lower half turbine wake for the UWT case was found to be greater than that of the DWT case at the location of X/D
Behavioral and endocrine consequences of placentophagia in male California mice (Peromyscus californicus).

Ingestion of placenta by mammalian mothers can lead to changes in pain sensitivity, hormone levels, and behavioral responses to newborns. In some biparental mammals, males, in addition to females, ingest placenta when their offspring are born. In the monogamous, biparental California mouse (Peromyscus californicus), males first become attracted to placenta when cohabitating with their pregnant mate, and virgin males administered placenta are less neophobic than males given oil vehicle. In this study, we investigated the effects of placentophagia on pain sensitivity, anxiety-like behavior, behavioral responses to pups, and circulating corticosterone levels of both breeding and nonbreeding male California mice. We orally administered either a conspecific placenta or oil vehicle to male mice from three reproductive conditions (first-time fathers, first-time expectant fathers, and virgin males) and tested their pain sensitivity 1 h later, as well as their exploratory behavior and paternal responsiveness in an open field 4 h post-treatment. We measured plasma corticosterone immediately after the open-field test. We found that placenta-treated males, independent of reproductive condition, traveled significantly longer distances in the open field than males treated with oil, indicative of lower anxiety. Additionally, fathers had shorter latencies to approach and to care for pups (i.e., huddling and licking pups), and spent more time engaging in these behaviors, than did age-matched expectant fathers and virgin males, independent of treatment. We found no effect on plasma corticosterone levels or pain sensitivity as a result of either treatment or reproductive condition. These findings indicate that placenta ingestion decreases anxiety-related behaviors in male California mice, but might not influence pain sensitivity, paternal responsiveness, or plasma corticosterone concentrations.
Critical Revolutionary Praxis in the Neoliberal University

I would like to begin with some reflections on the theme of this double issue of Works and Days and Cultural Logic, Transforming Praxis in and beyond the University . The phrase, “transforming praxis,” which obviously refers to Marx’s work, is a pleonasm. For Marx, all praxis is transformative, although the object and mode of transformation varies in the two kinds of praxis he describes.
Ictal and preictal power changes outside of the seizure focus correlate with seizure generalization.

Objective The treatment of focal epilepsies is largely predicated on the concept that there is a "focus" from which the seizure emanates. Yet, the physiological context that determines if and how ictal activity starts and propagates remains poorly understood. To delineate these phenomena more completely, we studied activity outside the seizure-onset zone prior to and during seizure initiation. Methods Stereotactic depth electrodes were implanted in 17 patients with longstanding pharmacoresistant epilepsy for lateralization and localization of the seizure-onset zone. Only seizures with focal onset in mesial temporal structures were used for analysis. Spectral analyses were used to quantify changes in delta, theta, alpha, beta, gamma, and high gamma frequency power, in regions inside and outside the area of seizure onset during both preictal and seizure initiation periods. Results In the 78 seizures examined, an average of 9.26% of the electrode contacts outside of the seizure focus demonstrated changes in power at seizure onset. Of interest, seizures that were secondarily generalized, on average, showed power changes in a greater number of extrafocus electrode contacts at seizure onset (16.7%) compared to seizures that remained focal (3.8%). The majority of these extrafocus changes occupied the delta and theta bands in electrodes placed in the ipsilateral, lateral temporal lobe. Preictally, we observed extrafocal high-frequency power decrements, which also correlated with seizure spread. Significance This widespread activity at and prior to the seizure-onset time further extends the notion of the ictogenic focus and its relationship to seizure spread. Further understanding of these extrafocus, periictal changes might help identify the neuronal dynamics underlying the initiation of seizures and how therapies can be devised to control seizure activity.
Unintended effects of drug carriers: Big issues of small particles.

Abstract Humoral and cellular host defense mechanisms including diverse phagocytes, leukocytes, and immune cells have evolved over millions of years to protect the body from microbes and other external and internal threats. These policing forces recognize engineered sub-micron drug delivery systems (DDS) as such a threat, and react accordingly. This leads to impediment of the therapeutic action, extensively studied and discussed in the literature. Here, we focus on side effects of DDS interactions with host defenses. We argue that for nanomedicine to reach its clinical potential, the field must redouble its efforts in understanding the interaction between drug delivery systems and the host defenses, so that we can engineer safer interventions with the greatest potential for clinical success.
Qualitätssicherung und -optimierung und ihre grundsätzliche Bedeutung für die MST-Programme

Das vielversprechende Angebot der MST fur jugendliche Straftater – Verringerung der kriminellen Aktivitaten und des Substanzkonsums, Vorbeugung von Fremdunterbringung, Verbesserung der sozialen Eingliederung in die Familie, Peers und Schule sowie Kosteneinsparungen – hat soziale Einrichtungen, Geldgeber, Therapeuten und Familien in 32 Bundesstaaten der USA und in neun weiteren Landern der Welt dazu bewogen, MST-Programme aufzubauen.
Quantifying the Spatiotemporal Effects of 2,3-Butanedione Monoxime (BDM) on Ventricular Fibrillation with a Conventional Mapping System

One important tool for studying ventricular fibrillation (VF) is optical mapping. Unfortunately this technique is highly prone to motion artifact. An electrocontractile uncoupler (2,3-butanedione monoxime (BDM)) is sometimes used to suppress the mechanical activity of the heart, under the assumption that this uncoupler does not affect the VF under study. Previous attempts to test this assumption have had limited spatial extent, or used optical mapping, reintroducing the confounding factor of motion artifact. Here, we test this assumption with high resolution quantitative conventional mapping. Male guinea pigs weighing more than 800 g were anesthetized using IV propofol. A median sternotomy and pericardiectomy were done to expose the heart. An intracardiac injection of BDM (0–250 mM) was given and VF was induced by 60-Hz AC stimulation. Epicardial unipolar recordings were made for 4 s using an Ag/AgCl electrode array (14 × 14) along with a video recording of the heart. The experimental procedure was repeated for control, saline, and drug. Quantitative analysis of the data was done using spatial correlation, frequency spectrum, and autocorrelation analyses. BDM significantly decreased the mechanical activity of the heart and increased the level of temporal organization during VF (reflected by frequency spectrum and autocorrelation analysis) with no changes in the level of spatial correlation. BDM does have an effect on the electrical activity of the heart along with its mechanical effects.
Recent Research at GFDL on Surface Temperature Trends and Simulations of Tropical Cyclone Activity in the Indian Ocean Region

In this extended abstract, we report on progress in two areas of research at GFDL relating to Indian Ocean regional climate and climate change. The first topic is an assessment of regional surface temperature trends in the Indian Ocean and surrounding region. Here we illustrate the use of a multi-model approach (CMIP3 or CMIP5 model ensembles) to assess whether an anthropogenic warming signal has emerged in the historical data, including identification of where the observed trends are consistent or not with current climate models. Trends that are consistent with All Forcing runs but inconsistent with Natural Forcing Only runs are ones which we can attribute, at least in part, to anthropogenic forcing.
25-Hydroxyvitamin D Testing: Immunoassays Versus Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Vitamin D has been associated with many health conditions. Because of widespread deficiency in the general population, laboratory testing of vitamin D has increased exponentially in recent years. Currently, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) is considered the best marker of vitamin D status. Automated immunoassays and tandem mass spectrometry are the most widely used assays for the measurement of 25(OH)D. Because a medical decision of vitamin D deficiency and treatment are made based on specific levels, it is important that different 25(OH)D assays are harmonized. Despite standardization efforts, significant differences remain among various methods and laboratories for the measurement of 25(OH)D.
Testing General Relativity with Black Hole-Pulsar Binaries

Binary pulsars allow us to carry out precision tests of gravity and have placed stringent bounds on a broad class of theories beyond general relativity. Current and future radio telescopes, such as FAST, SKA, and MeerKAT, may find a new astrophysical system, a pulsar orbiting around a black hole, which will provide us a new source for probing gravity. In this paper, we systematically study the prospects of testing general relativity with such black hole-pulsar binaries. We begin by finding a mapping between generic non-Einsteinian parameters in the orbital decay rate and theoretical constants in various modified theories of gravity and then summarize this mapping with a ready-to-use list. Theories we study here include scalar-tensor theories, varying $G$ theories, massive gravity theories, generic screening gravity and quadratic curvature-corrected theories. We next use simulated measurement accuracy of the orbital decay rate for black hole-pulsar binaries with FAST/SKA and derive projected upper bounds on the above generic non-Einsteinian parameters. We find that such bounds from black hole-pulsars can be stronger than those from neutron star-pulsar and neutron star-white dwarf binaries by a few orders of magnitude when the correction enters at negative post-Newtonian orders. By mapping such bounds on generic parameters to those on various modified theories of gravity, we find that one can constrain the amount of time variation in Newton's constant $G$ to be comparable to or slightly weaker than the current strongest bound from solar system experiments, though the former bounds are complementary to the latter since they probe different regime of gravity. We also study how well one can probe quadratic gravity from black hole quadrupole moment measurements of black hole-pulsars. We find that bounds on the parity-violating sector of quadratic gravity can be stronger than current bounds by six orders of magnitude. These results suggest that a new discovery of black hole-pulsars in the future will provide powerful ways to probe gravity further.
Gendered differences in academic emotions and their implications for student success in STEM.

Understanding student anxiety is an important factor for broadening the gender diversity of STEM majors due to its disproportionate and negative influence on women. To investigate how student anxiety is related to other academic emotions I conducted open-ended interviews with 19 university students and analyzed the data using emergent grounded theory. Emergent grounded theory uses inductive and deductive reasoning to develop a model of cognition and human behavior. Data analysis led to the development of a detailed theoretical model outlining connections among student anxiety, positive and negative academic emotions, self-regulated learning, and performance. In addition, the data highlight important emotional differences between men and women that have the potential to influence retention in STEM. Specifically, the model elaborates on the concept of a self-deprecating cycle driven by negative academic emotions and suggests that women may be more likely to become trapped in this cycle. The model incorporates students’ emotions as a powerful influence on performance and can be used to inform strategies aimed at changing how university students experience and deal with emotions such as student anxiety.
A Control Scheme for Panel Level Maximum Power Extraction of Solar Panel Companion Inverters

Solar Panel Companion Inverter (SPCI) is a single stage DC-AC power converter, installed behind each solar panel. Each SPCI synthesizes an AC quasi-square wave voltage with variable pulse width. The width of AC output voltage of each SPCI is proportional to available power on the solar panel. When these voltages are aggregated across multiple solar panels connected in a series string, they synthesize an AC waveform that can be interfaced with the power grid. In this paper, the analysis for synthesizing an AC output voltage synthesized across each SPCI is presented. Also, control algorithm for SPCI, which implements maximum power extraction at panel level is presented. A modified sort and stack algorithm is presented and implemented for Sorted Staircase Modulation and Sorted Pulse Width Modulation strategies. The efficacy of control algorithm is verified in simulations using MATLAB Simulink. Experimental waveforms of a laboratory prototype are presented.
Visual Analysis to Explore Mystery at Wildlife Preserve

We conducted visual analytics to find out possible reasons of the decreasing of Rose-Crested Blue Pipit, a popular local bird in a wildlife Preserve at Midford. Given two large scale and multidimensional datasets on chemical release and meteorological information, we utilized Tableau visualization toolset to reveal the patterns of monitor observation and chemical release. Additionally, we developed a prediction method to connect the wind direction with the chemical release, which eventually suggests the release origins from surrounding manufactories.
When Do People Want AI to Make Decisions

AI systems are now or will soon be sophisticated enough to make consequential decisions. Although this technology has flourished, we also need public appraisals of AI systems playing these more important roles. This article reports surveys of preferences for and against AI systems making decisions in various domains as well as experiments that intervene on these preferences. We find that these preferences are contingent on subjects' previous exposure to computer systems making these kinds of decisions, and some interventions designed to mimic previous exposure successfully encourage subjects to be more hospitable to computer systems making these weighty decisions.
HRDBMS: Combining the Best of Modern and Traditional Relational Databases.

HRDBMS is a novel distributed relational database that uses a hybrid model combining the best of traditional distributed relational databases and Big Data analytics platforms such as Hive. This allows HRDBMS to leverage years worth of research regarding query optimization, while also taking advantage of the scalability of Big Data platforms. The system uses an execution framework that is tailored for relational processing, thus addressing some of the performance challenges of running SQL on top of platforms such as MapReduce and Spark. These include excessive materialization of intermediate results, lack of a global cost-based optimization, unnecessary sorting, lack of index support, no statistics, no support for DML and ACID, and excessive communication caused by the rigid communication patterns enforced by these platforms.
Creative Music Strategies Based upon Poetry and the Language

Formal composition should not be a beginning creative musical activity, but should be preceded by freer, more divergent experiences with sound. Also, the concept of “composition” should be put aside in favor of that “organization of sounds.” Free exploration of sounds, using poetry or other means, may ultimately lead to the convergent skills required for formal composition.Five ways of using poetry and the language for creative experiences in music are discussed: 1.Inventing words for familiar songs2.Writing song lyrics to a familiar melodic pattern3.Adding sounds to an existing poem4.Creating an original sound-piece from a poem5.Improvising upon verbal stimuli
Evaluation of Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Herbal Aqueous Extracts and Their Chemical Characterization.

Abstract Plant extracts are gaining more attention as therapeutic agents against inflammation. In this study, four different widely used herbals were selected, such as holy basil leaf, sesame seed,...
A theoretical model for focal seizure initiation, propagation, termination, and progression

We developed a neural network model that can account for the major elements common to human focal seizures. These include the tonic-clonic transition, slow advance of clinical semiology and corresponding seizure territory expansion, widespread EEG synchronization, and slowing of the ictal rhythm as the seizure approaches termination. These were reproduced by incorporating usage-dependent exhaustion of inhibition in an adaptive neural network that receives global feedback inhibition in addition to local recurrent projections. Our model proposes mechanisms that may underline common EEG seizure onset patterns and status epilepticus and postulates a role for synaptic plasticity in emergence of epileptic foci. Complex patterns of seizure activity and bi-stable seizure evolution end-points arise when stochastic noise is included. With the rapid advancement of clinical and experimental tools, we believe that this can provide a roadmap and potentially a testbed for future explorations of seizure mechanisms and clinical therapies.
Seasonal dynamics of cyanobacteria and eukaryotic phytoplankton in a multiple-reservoir recycling irrigation system

Agricultural runoff recycling systems are manmade aquatic ecosystems of growing significance to global water sustainability, crop health, and production. This study investigated the seasonal dynamics of microbial community in a three-reservoir recycling irrigation system with a stepwise water flow and compared with that of an adjacent runoff-free stream. Runoff water from all production areas was captured in a sedimentation reservoir which overflowed to a transition reservoir then retention reservoir through a culvert. Stream water was pumped to replenish the reservoirs as needed during growing seasons. 16S rDNA PCR clone libraries of quarterly water samples from three reservoirs and one stream were sequenced, and 575 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were identified and assigned to cyanobacteria, eukaryotic phytoplankton, and other bacteria. When compared to the stream, three reservoirs consistently had low microbial diversity. A distinct seasonal pattern of microbial community structure was observed for each reservoir and the stream. Stream was consistently dominated by other bacteria. Retention reservoir was dominated by cyanobacteria during the summer and fall and eukaryotic phytoplankton during the winter and spring. Sedimentation reservoir was dominated by cyanobacteria beginning in the spring but that dominance was altered when water was pumped from the stream from early spring to fall seasons. Transition reservoir had the greatest shift of microbial community structure, being dominated by other bacteria in the summer, cyanobacteria in the fall, and eukaryotic phytoplankton in the winter and spring. Water temperature and ammonium level were the two most important contributing factors to the seasonality of microbial community in these reservoirs. The three recycling irrigation reservoirs consistently had lower microbial diversity and distinct community structure when compared to the stream. These reservoirs were typically dominated by cyanobacteria during warm seasons and eukaryotic phytoplankton during cool seasons. This seasonal pattern was altered when water was pumped from the stream. The cyanobacteria dominance was associated with rising water temperature and ammonium level. These results highlight the importance of preventing agricultural runoff from entering natural waterways and water resources and provide a useful framework for further investigations into the ecological processes of this emerging ecosystem.
αvβ8 integrin adhesion and signaling pathways in development, physiology and disease.

ABSTRACT Cells must interpret a complex milieu of extracellular cues to modulate intracellular signaling events linked to proliferation, differentiation, migration and other cellular processes. Integrins are heterodimeric transmembrane proteins that link the extracellular matrix (ECM) to the cytoskeleton and control intracellular signaling events. A great deal is known about the structural and functional properties for most integrins; however, the adhesion and signaling pathways controlled by αvβ8 integrin, which was discovered nearly 30 years ago, have only recently been characterized. αvβ8 integrin is a receptor for ECM-bound forms of latent transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) proteins and promotes the activation of TGFβ signaling pathways. Studies of the brain, lung and immune system reveal that the αvβ8 integrin–TGFβ axis mediates cell–cell contact and communication within complex multicellular structures. Perturbing components of this axis results in aberrant cell–cell adhesion and signaling leading to the initiation of various pathologies, including neurodegeneration, fibrosis and cancer. As discussed in this Review, understanding the functions for αvβ8 integrin, its ECM ligands and intracellular effector proteins is not only an important topic in cell biology, but may lead to new therapeutic strategies to treat human pathologies related to integrin dysfunction.
Vulnerable Road Users Detection based on Convolutional Neural Networks

The roads support many different types of users. With geared efforts to advance connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs), smart mobility systems, and advanced driver assistance-based vehicles, the safety of road users becomes a growing concern. Some users may require more cautious interactions and support to ensure safe usage of the road infrastructures. While considerable effort has been done to detect different types of road users or objects from a vehicle’s viewpoint, there are certain classes of vulnerable road users which have been overlooked in prior works. The objective of this work is to detect vulnerable road users (e.g., Strollers, Motorbikes, and Bicycles) in order to aid in reduction of collisions. We investigate the performance of one-stage and two-stage deep object detection methods in detection of said vulnerable users. Since there is a lack of publicly accessible datasets containing objects of our interest from an infrastructure viewpoint, we introduce our own dataset collected from a road side. We highlight the benefits and shortcomings of the studied methods in the context of vulnerable road users detection under challenging conditions such as occlusions.
An intersectional approach to analyse gender productivity and open access: a bibliometric analysis of the Italian National Research Council

Gender equality and Open Access (OA) are priorities within the European Research Area and cross-cutting issues in European research program H2020. Gender and openness are also key elements of responsible research and innovation. However, despite the common underlying targets of fostering an inclusive, transparent and sustainable research environment, both issues are analysed as independent topics. This paper represents a first exploration of the inter-linkages between gender and OA analysing the scientific production of researchers of the Italian National Research Council under a gender perspective integrated with the different OA publications modes. A bibliometric analysis was carried out for articles published in the period 2016–2018 and retrieved from the Web of Science. Results are presented constantly analysing CNR scientific production in relation to gender, disciplinary fields and OA publication modes. These variables are also used when analysing articles that receive financial support. Our results indicate that gender disparities in scientific production still persist particularly in STEM disciplines, while the gender gap is the closest to parity in medical and agricultural sciences. A positive dynamic toward OA publishing and women’s scientific production is shown when disciplines with well-established open practices are related to articles supported by funds. A slightly higher women’s propensity toward OA is shown when considering Gold OA, or authorships with women in the first and last article by-line position. The prevalence of Italian funded articles with women’s contributions published in Gold OA journals seems to confirm this tendency, especially if considering the weak enforcement of the Italian OA policies.