cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Baker, Ella J.

Born: December 13, 1903, Norfolk, VA Education: Shaw University, B.A. valedictorian, 1927 Died: December 13, 1986, New York, NY Cofounder of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, Baker delivered a great speech at its 1964 convention. “Until the killing of black mothers’ sons becomes as important as the killing of white mothers’ sons,” she declared, “we who believe in freedom cannot rest.” An activist in “the long civil rights movement” from the 1930s, she also devoted her post-movement years to progressive politics. She never rested. Fundi: The Story of Ella Baker (1981), a prize-winning documentary, sums up her activism. In its native Swahili, fundi means one who masters an art and transmits it, the leader, storyteller, or teacher whose strength and wisdom are shared by the full community. Student organizers called her the fundi , as she challenged and guided them in promoting literacy, practical life skills, the right to vote, citizenship, and empowerment among ordinary people. As an organizer, Baker promoted “group-centered leadership rather than a leadership centered group” (Grant, 2001, p. 40), a freedom struggle much larger than that of a leader like Martin Luther King, Jr. This reflected Baker's experience in grassroots movements for justice. She honed her antiracist and freedom strategies organizing workers and women during the Great Depression and as NAACP Director of Branches, 1940–46.
An acquisition method for interactive deformable models

This work gives a brief review on deformable modeling in computer graphics and it summarizes our work on the acquisition of deformable models for interactive visual and haptic simulation. Our method for deformable model acquisition is based on data obtained with the UBC active measurement (ACME) facility. ACME is a robotic measurement system which is capable of recording the local deformation of an object based on manipulator force sensing and the global deformation based on our visual range-flow technique. We have acquired data for the robust estimation of elastic models including extensions to large scale deformation and viscoelastic object behavior. We re-iterate our results obtained for a plush toy, a medical physical soft-tissue wrist model and a triceratops rubber toy.
Sigmoidal Systems and Layer Analysis

My purpose here is to describe a variety of wave-like phenomena which depend, for their existence, on the nonlinear nature of the underlying laws governing the dynamics of the medium. It will be assumed that these underlying laws can be expressed in terms of field equations of reaction-diffusion type, although some of the methods which have been developed for such systems have also been extended to other types of evolutionary laws. I make no claim that reaction-diffusion systems have a direct bearing on acceptable models for large scale neural nets. But they exhibit patterns and waves suggestive of phenomena expected in such nets, and it is hoped that their theory, which is moderately well developed, may provide a fruitful source of methods for the mathematical analysis of the neural models. Indeed, some parts of the theory, dealing for example with small-amplitude phenomena, have already been extended to the latter context (Ermentrout 1980; Ermentrout and Cowan 1979, 1980a, 1980b).
Koko: engineering affective applications

Representing and reasoning about affect (i.e. emotion) is essential for producing believable characters and empathic interactions with users, both of which are necessary for effective entertainment and education. Leading applications of interest include pedagogical tools [1], military training simulations [2], and educational games [3].
Identifying Effective Boards: Boards’ Symbolic versus Psychological Independence

In spite of decades of research on determinants of board effectiveness, the empirical evidence on what accounts for board effectiveness remains ambiguous. In this paper, we propose an alternative perspective on board effectiveness, using developments in identity theory and its application. In particular, we believe that the ambiguity about board effectiveness stems from ambivalence about the value of board independence in determining effectiveness. We resolve this ambivalence by conceptualizing a separate, organizational identity of the board, that varies based on which of their multiple identities individual board members bring to the board, and how these are melded together "board identity." We then distinguish between board’s "symbolic independence" and its identity-based "psychological independence." While arguments exist regarding why board independence may make boards ineffective, we show that these arguments may apply only to symbolic independence of the board. We develop a conceptual framework arg...
An IoT BOF (Abstract Only)

The recipe might not sound particularly exciting: take a microcontroller, garnish with sensors and various output devices, season with a bit of code, and then network until done: but the result -- the Internet of Things (IoT) -- is a rapidly burgeoning field that provides a novel and enticing context for sophomore to senior level students to hone their networking, coding, problem solving and presentation skills, exercise their creativity, and unleash their entrepreneurial spirit. In short, it is a perfect mid-to-upper division elective course. Faculty considering such a course are faced with a myriad of difficult decisions, however, including the appropriate class level, course structure, prerequisites, and platform choice. The purpose of this session is to bring together people who have taught, or are considering teaching, IoT, to discuss these issues. Topics may include: a) an overview of platforms and tools, b) appropriate course topics, c) platform acquisition, deployment, and costs, d) identification of support materials (e.g., classroom friendly materials/guides/documentation), e) appropriate prerequisites, f) IoT platform fidelity (i.e. will the experience translate to real-world IoT skills), and g) discussion of potential broader curricular advantages that come from including IoT topics..
Ultrafast terahertz snapshots of excitonic Rydberg states and electronic coherence in an organometal halide perovskite

How photoexcitations evolve into Coulomb-bound electron and hole pairs, called excitons, and unbound charge carriers is a key cross-cutting issue in photovoltaics and optoelectronics. Until now, the initial quantum dynamics following photoexcitation remains elusive in the hybrid perovskite system. Here we reveal excitonic Rydberg states with distinct formation pathways by observing the multiple resonant, internal quantum transitions using ultrafast terahertz quasi-particle transport. Nonequilibrium emergent states evolve with a complex co-existence of excitons, carriers and phonons, where a delayed buildup of excitons under on- and off-resonant pumping conditions allows us to distinguish between the loss of electronic coherence and hot state cooling processes. The nearly ∼1 ps dephasing time, efficient electron scattering with discrete terahertz phonons and intermediate binding energy of ∼13.5 meV in perovskites are distinct from conventional photovoltaic semiconductors. In addition to providing implications for coherent energy conversion, these are potentially relevant to the development of light-harvesting and electron-transport devices. The generation of bound electron and hole pairs—excitons—is a key process in photovoltaic technologies, yet it is challenging to follow their initial dynamics. Here, Luoet al. probe the Rydberg eigenstates that characterize the excitonic transport and coherent conversion in a perovskite material.
Leveraging correlations in utility learning

We present two approaches for leveraging correlations in learning the utilities of non-cooperative agents' competing in a game: correlation and coalition utility learning. In the former, we estimate the correlations between agents using constrained Feasible Generalized Least Squares with noise estimation and then use the estimated correlations to generate a correlation utility function for each agent which is a weighted sum of its own estimated utility function and all the agents' estimated utilities that are highly correlated with them. We then optimize the weights to boost the performance of the estimators. In the latter, we use a small amount of training data to estimate the correlations between players and form coalitions between agents that are positively correlated. We then estimate the parameters of the utility functions for each coalition where agents in a coalition jointly optimize their utilities. The correlation utility learning method outperforms existing schemes while the coalition utility learning method is simple enough to be adapted to an online framework after an initial training phase, yet it matches the performance of much more complex schemes. To demonstrate the efficacy of the estimation schemes, we apply them to data collected from a social game framework for incentivizing more efficient shared resource consumption in smart buildings.
Using science fiction texts to surface user reflections on privacy

We explore how an excerpt from a science fiction novel describing a near-future miniature wireless streaming camera technology can be used to elicit privacy concerns from participants. We conduct an online experiment (n=151) to compare participants' responses to a narrative fiction passage and a "plain" functional description of the same imagined technology. Qualitatively we find that participants with the fiction passage raised concerns about different types of privacy harms and were more likely to suggest design modifications to protect privacy. Quantitatively, we find that participants with the fiction passage provided higher ratings of negative affect, and lower ratings of comfort and acceptability. This suggests that researchers trying to understand users' privacy concerns with new ubiquitous computing technologies may benefit from presenting the technology in multiple formats to elicit a broader range of values reflections.
Principals’ Working Conditions, Job Stress, and Turnover Behaviors Under NCLB Accountability Pressure:

Purpose: Many studies have investigated the impact of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act and its sanctions on students and teachers. Little research, however, has systematically examined the relat...
Sustainable Development and Economic Growth

Since its introduction into mainstream environmental thought via the Brundtland Commission report (Brundtland 1987), the meaning of the term ‘sustainable development’ has seemingly acquired several connotations based on its broad definition. One is that, to many environmentalists, sustainable development is desirable only if it means economic development without growth. This position is exemplified by economist Daly (1993) who writes: In its physical dimensions the economy is an open subsystem of the earth ecosystem, which is finite, nongrowing, and materially closed. As the economic subsystem grows it incorporates an ever greater proportion of the total ecosystem into itself and must reach a limit at 100 percent, if not before. Therefore its growth is not sustainable….The term ‘sustainable development’ therefore makes sense for the economy, but only if it is understood as development without growth-i.e., qualitative improvement of a physical economic base that is maintained in a steady state by a throughput of matter-energy that is within the regenerative and assimilative capacities of the ecosystem.
Septic Arthritis and Osteomyelitis

Septic arthritis and osteomyelitis are two of the most common diseases that affect bone and joints. Septic arthritis is a true rheumatologic emergency, mandating immediate joint drainage and antibiotics. Adult osteomyelitis most commonly arises from open fractures, diabetic foot infections, or surgical treatment of closed injuries. This chapter provides an overview of the etiology, diagnosis, and antimicrobial management of septic arthritis and adult osteomyelitis.
Agent-Based Modeling Approaches to Multi-Scale Systems Biology: An Example Agent-Based Model of Acute Pulmonary Inflammation

Implicit in systems biology is the concept that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Agent-based modeling, an object-oriented, discrete event, population-based computational modeling method, is well suited to meeting this goal. By viewing systems as aggregates of populations of interacting components, agent-based models (ABMs) map well to biological conceptual models and present an intuitive means by which biomedical researchers can represent their knowledge in a dynamic computational form. ABMs are particularly suited for representing the behaviour of populations of cells (i.e. “cell-as-agents”), but ABMs have also been used to model molecular interactions, particularly when spatial and structural properties are involved. Presented herein are a series of ABMs of biomedical systems that cross multiple scales of biological organization, as well as a detailed description of an example ABM of acute pulmonary inflammation. Because of these characteristics agent-based modeling is a useful addition to the suite of equation-based mathematical modeling methods found in systems biology, and can serve as an integrating framework for dynamic knowledge representation of biological systems.
Functional expression of keratinase (kerA) gene from Bacillus licheniformis in Pichia pastoris

A 1.2 kb DNA fragment coding for the pro-peptide and mature keratinase from Bacillus licheniformis PWD-1 (kerA) was cloned into vectors pPICZαA and pGAPZαA for extracellular expression in the methylotrophic yeast, Pichia pastoris. Recombinant keratinase was secreted by the pPICZαA-kerA transformants 24 h after methanol induction of shake-flask cultures, and reached a final yield of 124 mg l−1 (285 U ml−1) 144 h after the induction. The recombinant keratinase was glycosylated (∼ 39 kDa), and was optimal between pH 8.5–9.5 and between 55 °C –60 °C using azokeratin as substrate. The enzyme degraded bovine serum albumin, collagen, and soy protein concentrate. In conclusion, P. pastoris can be used as an efficient host to express keratinase for nutritional and environmental applications.
Sustaining Informal Caregivers for Persons with AIDS

Friends, partners, and relatives of persons with HIV/AIDS face significant challenges in providing for the emotional, physical, and practical needs of their loved ones. Moreover, the responsibiliti...
Silicon Cold Field Emission Electron Sources for Electron Microscopy Inspection Systems

Next generation electron beam inspection tools will require a high brightness electron source. We have designed, microfabricated and tested arrays of metal coated silicon cold field emitters that have high current density and high reduced brightness, offering a promising alternative to thermal field emitters. One of the main challenges that must be addressed with cold field emitters is achieving stable emission current. Using current pulsing, we have been able to improve the stability of field emission currents and have demonstrated beam currents with less than 1 % noise.
Optically Controlled Microwave Attenuator Based on InP/InGaAs Photovaractor

We report an optically controlled variable microwave attenuator based on zero-biased photovaractor. In the frequency range of 5 GHz to 55 GHz, an attenuation dynamic range up to 40 dB and phase variation < 10 degree are achieved, respectively.
Exploring twist-2 GPDs through quasidistributions in a diquark spectator model

Quasi parton distributions (quasi-PDFs) are currently under intense investigation. Quasi-PDFs are defined through spatial correlation functions and are thus accessible in lattice QCD. They gradually approach their corresponding standard (light-cone) PDFs as the hadron momentum increases. Recently, we investigated the concept of quasi-distributions in the case of generalized parton distributions (GPDs) by calculating the twist-2 vector GPDs in the scalar diquark spectator model. In the present work, we extend this study to the remaining six leading-twist GPDs. For large hadron momenta, all quasi-GPDs analytically reduce to the corresponding standard GPDs. We also study the numerical mismatch between quasi-GPDs and standard GPDs for finite hadron momenta. Furthermore, we present results for quasi-PDFs, and explore higher-twist effects associated with the parton momentum and the longitudinal momentum transfer to the target. We study the dependence of our results on the model parameters as well as the type of diquark. Finally, we discuss the lowest moments of quasidistributions, and elaborate on the relation between quasi-GPDs and the total angular momentum of quarks. The moment analysis suggests a preferred definition of several quasidistributions.
NASA RTLX as a Novel Assessment for Determining Cognitive Load and User Acceptance of Expert and User-Based Evaluation Methods Exemplified Through a mHealth Diabetes Self-Management Application Evaluation

Many diabetes patients utilize mobile health applications for their personalized self-management needs, but a majority of these systems have deficient usability. To assess the usability, different evaluation methods can be used. Two such methods are the expert-based cognitive walkthrough (CW) and user-based think aloud (TA) which have different advantages and disadvantages and can lead to the detection of many types of usability problems. There is, however, a lack of research on how the evaluators experience performing these different methods; an important aspect to include due to its possible implications for the evaluation overall. In this paper the focus was on assessing the evaluators' cognitive load and method acceptance through an instrument novel for this particular purpose, the NASA RTLX, and through in-depth interviews. Six usability experts and 6 diabetes patients performed the evaluations where 18 usability problems were found with the CW and 20 with the TA and with system usability (SUS) scores of 23.75 and 59.58. Both methods had similarly high cognitive loads: the CW with a RTLX score of 56.11, and the TA of 53.47 and both were experienced as cognitively demanding. The results indicate the potential importance of these dimensions for decision-making purposes between different evaluation methods.
Bariatric surgery: a potential cure for asthma?

Asthma incidence and severity are increased in obese populations. Systematic reviews have shown benefit from weight-loss interventions on asthma outcomes, but the role of bariatric surgery is still unclear. In this review, cohorts of obese asthmatic patients undergoing bariatric surgery were examined regarding different asthma outcomes. The available data on patients who were followed up showed improvements in asthma control, exacerbation risk, asthma-related hospitalisation, medication use and airway hyperresponsiveness, with some patients not requiring further treatment for asthma. Follow-up duration was variable, being mostly of 1 year, with some studies reporting long-term outcomes after 5 years. The studies reviewed had many limitations, including small numbers of patients, lack of control arm in some studies and lack of standardisation of asthma diagnosis, classification and outcome measures, in addition to possible reporting bias. Data on small numbers of patients also show the possibility of benefit exclusively in nonallergic asthma. Larger, more stringent clinical trials are needed before recommending bariatric surgery for treatment of asthma.
Promoting intercultural thinking and reflection through U.S. history

Language textbooks present cultural content in a typically homogeneous fashion, thereby ignoring inherent diversity both within and between cultures and reinforcing monodimensional views. Consequently, instructors must find ways to facilitate students’ critical engagement with and reflection on cultural representations in order to provide them with the space to more critically examine cultural heterogeneity, which is essential for effective and appropriate interactions in real settings. The current study describes novel cultural modules built around the PBS documentary series Latino Americans to be integrated into a Spanish 1 course. The modules introduced students to historical events regarding the long‐standing Latino presence in the United States and Latinos’ points of view, perceptions, and values. To ascertain the effectiveness of the modules, students’ development of intercultural sensitivity was assessed via surveys and class observations. The analysis was framed using M. Bennett's model of intercultural development. Results demonstrated students’ shifts in both ethnocentric and ethnorelative perceptions of cultural difference. Regarding ethnorelative perspectives, results suggest discrete improvements particularly as seen in the prevalence of data that support a shift toward acceptance.
Deep learning-based image quality improvement for low-dose computed tomography simulation in radiation therapy.

Low-dose computed tomography (CT) is desirable for treatment planning and simulation in radiation therapy. Multiple rescanning and replanning during the treatment course with a smaller amount of dose than a single conventional full-dose CT simulation is a crucial step in adaptive radiation therapy. We developed a machine learning-based method to improve image quality of low-dose CT for radiation therapy treatment simulation. We used a residual block concept and a self-attention strategy with a cycle-consistent adversarial network framework. A fully convolution neural network with residual blocks and attention gates (AGs) was used in the generator to enable end-to-end transformation. We have collected CT images from 30 patients treated with frameless brain stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for this study. These full-dose images were used to generate projection data, which were then added with noise to simulate the low-mAs scanning scenario. Low-dose CT images were reconstructed from this noise-contaminated projection data and were fed into our network along with the original full-dose CT images for training. The performance of our network was evaluated by quantitatively comparing the high-quality CT images generated by our method with the original full-dose images. When mAs is reduced to 0.5% of the original CT scan, the mean square error of the CT images obtained by our method is ∼1.6 % , with respect to the original full-dose images. The proposed method successfully improved the noise, contract-to-noise ratio, and nonuniformity level to be close to those of full-dose CT images and outperforms a state-of-the-art iterative reconstruction method. Dosimetric studies show that the average differences of dose-volume histogram metrics are p > 0.05). These quantitative results strongly indicate that the denoised low-dose CT images using our method maintains image accuracy and quality and are accurate enough for dose calculation in current CT simulation of brain SRS treatment. We also demonstrate the great potential for low-dose CT in the process of simulation and treatment planning.
Fundamental study of DC and RF breakdown of atmospheric air

Radio frequency (RF) breakdown in air at a frequency of particular relevance to ionospheric heating—3.3 MHz, close to the low end of the applicable frequency range—is studied at centimeter-sized gap distances and compared to the literature for small gaps. To establish a reference point, Paschen's early DC breakdown study utilizing two brass spheres of 1 cm radius was replicated following the original procedure and subsequently extended to examine RF breakdown. Various electrode combinations were tested with brass cathodes creating the highest variance in the datasets among DC tests. The greatest variation in RF breakdown arose when either electrode was brass. Gap distances of 1–10 mm were tested for both DC and RF with the slow-rise time (5 mV/μs) RF breakdown occurring at approximately 80% of the DC breakdown value, a value corroborated by Monte Carlo breakdown simulations. Pushing the envelope rise time of the applied RF voltage into the microsecond regime yielded an RF voltage of roughly 20% above the DC breakdown value accompanied by a distinct increase in breakdown amplitude fluctuations. Illuminating the gap electrodes with deep ultraviolet (280 nm and below) minimized the breakdown amplitude fluctuations due to photoemission at the electrodes as expected. Finally, to address the conditions found in real-world geometries with sharp corners or protrusions, RF corona behavior utilizing tungsten needles above a ground plane is measured. The obtained results help us define the operation limits of high-power antennas at 1–10 MHz frequencies.
Toxicity of urban air pollution particulate matter in developing and adult mouse brain: Comparison of total and filter-eluted nanoparticles

Air pollution (AirP) is associated with many neurodevelopmental and neurological disorders in human populations. Rodent models show similar neurotoxic effects of AirP particulate matter (PM) collected by different methods or from various sources. However, controversies continue on the identity of the specific neurotoxic components and mechanisms of neurotoxicity. We collected urban PM by two modes at the same site and time: direct collection as an aqueous slurry (sPM) versus a nano-sized sub-fraction of PM0.2 that was eluted from filters (nPM). The nPM lacks water-insoluble PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) and is depleted by >50% in bioactive metals (e.g., copper, iron, nickel), inorganic ions, black carbon, and other organic compounds. Three biological models were used: in vivo exposure of adult male mice to re-aerosolized nPM and sPM for 3 weeks, gestational exposure, and glial cell cultures. In contrast to larger inflammatory responses of sPM in vitro, cerebral cortex responses of mice to sPM and nPM largely overlapped for adult and gestational exposures. Adult brain responses included induction of IFNγ and NF-κB. Gestational exposure to nPM and sPM caused equivalent depressive behaviors. Responses to nPM and sPM diverged for cerebral cortex glutamate receptor mRNA, systemic fat gain and insulin resistance. The shared toxic responses of sPM with nPM may arise from shared transition metals and organics. In contrast, gestational exposure to sPM but not nPM, decreased glutamatergic mRNAs, which may be attributed to PAHs. We discuss potential mechanisms in the overlap between nPM and sPM despite major differences in bulk chemical composition.
Bioinformatics of Selenoproteins

Significance: Bioinformatics has brought important insights into the field of selenium research. The progress made in the development of computational tools in the last two decades, coordinated with growing genome resources, provided new opportunities to study selenoproteins. The present review discusses existing tools for selenoprotein gene finding and other bioinformatic approaches to study the biology of selenium. Recent Advances: The availability of complete selenoproteomes allowed assessing a global distribution of the use of selenocysteine (Sec) across the tree of life, as well as studying the evolution of selenoproteins and their biosynthetic pathway. Beyond gene identification and characterization, human genetic variants in selenoprotein genes were used to examine adaptations to selenium levels in diverse human populations and to estimate selective constraints against gene loss. Critical Issues: The synthesis of selenoproteins is essential for development in mice. In humans, several mutations in selenoprotein genes have been linked to rare congenital disorders. And yet, the mechanism of Sec insertion and the regulation of selenoprotein synthesis in mammalian cells are not completely understood. Future Directions: Omics technologies offer new possibilities to study selenoproteins and mechanisms of Sec incorporation in cells, tissues, and organisms.
Sleep in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

Despite evidence showing that sleep is integral for the health of children, research shows that children admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit do not get enough sleep during their stay in the hospital. This chapter explains sleep stages, common factors disrupting sleep, and solutions to resolve sleep disruption.
Comparison of analytical methods for phenols, cyanide, and sulfate as applied to groundwater samples from underground coal gasification sites

Groundwater samples, obtained near two underground coal gasification experiment sites, have been analyzed for phenols, cyanide, and sulfate. The samples were analyzed in the field; they were also preserved and sent to remote laboratories for analysis. Comparisons of the results have shown that the agreement between laboratory and field analyses is fairly good. This indicates that the methods of preservation are effective for these types of groundwater samples and that field analysis gives reliable information. 9 refs.
Dynamics of an Expanding Cell Monolayer

This work considers an expansion of a dense monolayer of cells: a collective multicellular phenomenon, where cells divide, grow, and maintain contacts with their neighbors. During migration, cells display complex behavior, adjusting both their division rate and their growth after division to the local mechanical environment. Experimental observations show that cells near the edge of the expanding monolayer are larger and move faster than cells deep inside the colony. To explain these observations and describe cell migration patterns, we formulate a spatio-temporal theoretical model for multicellular dynamics in terms of the cell area distribution; the model includes cell growth after division and effective pressure. Numerical simulations of the model predict both the speed of invasion and the width of the outer proliferative rim; these predictions are in a good agreement with experimental observations. Theoretical analysis yields the equation for density of cells and reveals a novel type of propagating front with compact support. The velocity of front propagation (monolayer expansion) is derived analytically and its dependence on all the relevant parameters is determined.
Real-time moisture monitoring of edible coated apple chips during hot air drying using miniature NIR spectroscopy and chemometrics

Abstract Fruits and vegetable powders are gaining attention due to their flavor, color, high nutritional content, and consumers’ demand for compact and lightweight foods. This study was undertaken to explore their commercial applications as an edible coating onto sliced apples to incorporate various functional and nutritional characteristics to apple chips. The subsequent aim of this work was to investigate miniature NIR spectroscopy as a tool to rapidly monitor and develop a predictive model for the drying of edible coating on these apple slices. The apple slices coated with selected fruit powders were dried and compared with uncoated samples. NIR spectra were collected at different drying times, and multivariate calibration models were developed using partial least-squares regression (PLSR) with raw and various pre-treated spectra. Instead of selecting different sets of feature wavelengths for coated and uncoated apple slices, a set of 7 key wavelengths was selected for convenient application to monitor moisture content during drying of apples with or without edible coatings. The results showed that the miniature NIR spectroscopy was able to monitor the drying process and discriminate between the coated and uncoated apple slices and drying times, primarily by the differences in sugar and water absorption bands.
A time-geographic approach to quantify the duration of interaction in movement data

Interaction between moving individuals is a critical factor in shaping social dynamics and human networks. Recent advancements in trajectory analytics have resulted in promising methods to identify and extract spatio-temporal patterns of interaction using movement tracking data. However, methodologies to quantify the duration of interaction remain limited. In the present work, we advance the existing time-geographic based approach that mainly relies on potential path area computation and polygon intersection to quantify the duration of potential concurrent interactions (i.e. synchronous interaction in space and time) between mobile individuals. Two case studies using real human GPS tracking data in California reveal that in general, the proposed time-geographic based approach outperforms the proximity-based approach which is commonly used in digital contact tracing technologies. Our method is more effective in the identification of potential continuous interactions, especially when individuals do not move together. In addition, the results show that the proposed method can estimate the duration of contacts more accurately and can identify more complete interactions over a continuous time period, while the proximity-based approach underestimates contacts which may result in more intermittent interactions with shorter durations.
Genomic diversity of hospital-acquired infections revealed through prospective whole genome sequencing-based surveillance

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) cause mortality, morbidity, and waste of healthcare resources. HAIs are also an important driver of antimicrobial resistance, which is increasing around the world. Beginning in November 2016, we instituted an initiative to detect outbreaks of HAI using prospective whole genome sequencing-based surveillance of bacterial pathogens collected from hospitalized patients. Here we describe the biodiversity of bacteria sampled from hospitalized patients at a single center, as revealed through systematic analysis of their genomes. We sequenced the genomes of 3,004 bacterial isolates from hospitalized patients collected over a 25-month period. We identified bacteria belonging to 97 distinct species, which were distributed among 14 species groups. Within these groups, isolates could be distinguished from one another by both average nucleotide identity (ANI) and principal component analysis of accessory genes (PCA-A). Genetic distances between isolates and rates of evolution varied between different species, which has implications for the selection of distance cut-offs for outbreak analysis. Antimicrobial resistance genes and the sharing of mobile genetic elements between different species were frequently observed. Overall, this study describes the population structure of pathogens circulating in a single healthcare setting, and shows how investigating microbial population dynamics can inform genomic epidemiology studies.
Tunable, High Purity Two-Photon Interference From Independent Sources On a Silicon Photonic Chip

We successfully demonstrate tunable quantum interference between two micro-ring sources on a silicon photonic chip. Additionally, we show that the visibility can be optimized based on the tunable coupling to the integrated sources.
Norepinephrine Induced Growth and Expression of Virulence Associated Factors in Enterotoxigenic and Enterohemorrhagic Strains of Escherichia coli

The small intestine is richly innervated by the sympathetic nervous system. High concentrations of monoamines, most notably norepinephrine, are found throughout the various intestinal layers. In order to determine whether norepinephrine is capable of influencing bacterial pathogenesis, the growth and production of virulence factors in ETEC and EHEC were examined in a physiologically relevant medium utilizing very low initial bacterial inoculums to more closely mimic in vivo conditions. The growth of ETEC strain B44 and the production of the K99 pilus adhesin on a protein equivalent basis was greatly increased in the presence of norepinephrine. Growth of EHEC 0157:H7 was also increased in norepinephrine containing medium as well as production of SLT-I and SLT-II. The ability of norepinephrine to increase both bacterial growth and expression of virulence factors was shown to be non-nutritional in nature. Given the abundant adrenergic innervation in the small intestine, these in vitro results suggest that the neurohumoral environment of the host may play a role in bacterial growth and expression of virulence factors.
A TECHNIQUE TO ESTIMATE INPUT PRODUCTIVITY FROM FARM DATA

Unfortunately, procedures are not available for handling variations induced by unquantifiable difference in location, soil, weather or management, particularly if the data source is farm survey information from relatively small samples for a single production season. Estimation problems occur regardless of whether classical, profit or trans-log approaches are used. Procedures suggested by Hoch and Hoch and Mundlak for handling these disturbances in classical production functions require a priori knowledge to devise a weighting system or observations over time to provide estimates of weights. Profit functions as proposed by Lau and Yotopoulos require data to be of such nature that a production function can be specified either in the normal form or that the relationship between profit and input quantities can be specified and estimated. The price of the product is also required to be either a function of quality or of selling costs or that some common or average price is utilized.
Voluntary disclosure of accounting information for product warranty liability

This paper investigates factors that are associated with management decisions to disclose warranty information voluntarily. First, I find that firms with lower warranty liabilities are more likely to disclose the information. Second, firms whose warranty provisions are lower than other firms with similar warranty liabilities or lower than what their own warranty liabilities would imply choose to disclose the provision amount. Third, firms which disclose warranty liabilities voluntarily are characterized by less volatile time-series of warranty liabilities. The evidence supports the notion that the benefits from signaling good news exceed potential proprietary costs from adverse reactions of consumers or from competitors' responses.
‘Raw Materials’ in tissue engineering (82.1)

My group is interested in new technologies and strategies for osteochondral tissue regeneration. Some of the core tenets of our philosophy for tissue regeneration include the use of “raw materials” as building blocks, the engineering of continuous gradients, and leveraging osteochondral tissue engineering to enhance cartilage regeneration. The use of scaffolds built exclusively from microspheres provides a means for both raw materials and gradients to be employed in osteochondral tissue engineering. With the use of microspheres, we have shown that a single osteochondral biomaterial implant can be created with a continuous gradient in both material composition and growth factor release, with a seamless transition from one side to the other. A series of in vivo tests in both the knee and in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ, or jaw joint) have yielded promising results for the use of microsphere-based scaffolds. As an alternate strategy, we are pioneering the use of interpenetrating network (IPN) hydrogels t...
Donald Burkholder's work in martingales and analysis

The two mathematicians who have most advanced martingale theory in the last seventy years are Joseph Doob and Donald Burkholder. Martingales as a remarkably flexible tool are used throughout probability and its applications to other areas of mathematics. They are central to modern stochastic analysis. And martingales, which can be defined in terms of fair games, lie at the core of mathematical finance. Burkholder’s research has profoundly advanced not only martingale theory but also, via martingale connections, harmonic and functional analysis.
Isothermal titration calorimetry and inhibition of platelets aggregation by [D-Phe/(transcinnamoyl)-Pro-D-Arg-P1'-CONH2] peptides inhibitors of thrombin.

Introduction Thrombin is the major product of the plasma coagulation “cascade” of sequential “zymogen-to-protease” steps. As the result of a series of proteolytic cleavages, thrombin converts fibrinogen into fibrin, which deposits at the site of bleeding or thrombosis as the fibrinous portion of a haemostatic plug or thrombotic mass(1). Thrombin also stimulates the platelets through its protein G-coupled receptors PARs (protease activated receptors) (PAR1,4 in humans) being their most potent activator. Thrombin induced-platelets activation plays a critical role in the pathophysiology of thrombosis (1). Activated platelets bind to fibrinogen, causing platelets to aggregate at the site of a cardiovascular injury to form a thrombus that is further stabilized by thrombin-generated fibrin network (1). The discovery of new antithrombotic drugs was primarily focused on finding competitive inhibitors of thrombin, however new approaches target thrombin receptor PAR-1 (such as the PAR-1 structural antagonists) offering additional cardiovascular utility in the treatment of atherosclerosis and restenosis (1). We previously reported the discovery of new tetrapeptides with the sequence space D-Phe-Pro-D-Arg-P1’-CONH2 as reversible competitive inhibitors of thrombin (2) (were P1’ requires small, polar natural or unnatural aminoacids). To further evaluate their potential as antithrombotic drugs and as potential PAR-1 antagonists we synthesized new peptides based on the same sequence space but with D-configuration in P1’. The actual paper presents the structure-activity relationship (SAR) for some L/D tetrapeptides isomers and their evaluation as thrombin inhibitors using biophysical/biochemical approaches (isothermal titration calorimetry and kinetics of thrombin inhibition) and cell-based assays (thrombin mediated platelets aggregation). The synthesis of the D-isomers was performed only for the lead L-peptides (Ki (inhibitory constant) less then 20 μM) (2). Additional tetrapeptides were synthesized with the transcinnamoyl group at P3 position (instead of D-Phe) based on their prediction as high affinity competitive binders of thrombin (2).
3-D Point Defect Density Distributions in Thin Film Cu(In,Ga)Se2 Measured by Atom Probe Tomography

Abstract This paper will discuss the findings of an ordered vacancy compound (OVC) phase that exists deep into the bulk of a high-efficiency Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) absorber that is shown to be a result of many ordered defect pairs of 2VCu + (In,Ga)Cu as determined by atom probe tomography (APT). To date, literature has shown that absorbers grown with the three-step process exhibit the OVC Cu(In,Ga)3Se5 (135 phase) only within the first few nanometers from the CdS/CIGSe interface and at grain boundaries. In this contribution, we have found a small volume (100 nm × 100 nm × 300 nm) of an OVC phase to exist about 400 nm into the absorber. We show through concentration and density profiles that the concentration change from the stoichiometric Cu(In,Ga)Se2 to the OVC is indeed a result of many ordered defect pairs. We use this volume to perform point defect density distributions to give unique insight to the band structure at the nanoscale.
Robust conventional based midcourse guidance for spacecraft intercepts

The performance robustness of a modified zero effort miss guidance law used during the midcourse phase of spacecraft intercepts, with propulsion system modeling uncertainties present, is addressed. For comparison purposes, a Lambert-energy management guidance law (no thrust termination capability) is also considered. Fundamental differences between the two guidance laws are noted and include: 1) thrust vector pointing philosophies, and 2) dependency upon the nominal propulsion system model. These differences imply the conventionally based intercept scheme is a more forgiving guidance law under the indicated uncertainties. A numerical engagement simulation, exercising both guidance techniques, is undertaken to verify and quantify the performance robustness advantage. In contrast, the two guidance laws are shown to be one and the same as the targeting distance reduces to a level that is synonymous with the terminal phase of the intercept. This equivalence also suggests a specific function for the zero effort miss guidance gain.
Limitations of dormant conduction as a predictor of atrial fibrillation recurrence and pulmonary vein reconnection after catheter ablation

Background Adenosine (ADO) can uncover dormant conduction following pulmonary vein (PV) isolation. We sought to identify the value of dormant conduction for predicting atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence and chronic PV reconnection. Methods One hundred fifty-two patients (80 male; age 60 ± 11 years) undergoing PV isolation for AF were studied. After PV isolation, sites of ADO-induced PV reconnection were recorded and targeted with additional ablation. In patients undergoing repeat ablation for recurrent AF, chronic PV reconnection was assessed. Results Forty-five (30%) patients had ADO-induced PV reconnection following PV isolation. Dormant conduction was successfully eliminated with additional ablation in 41 (91%) of these patients. After follow-up of 598 ± 270 days, 60 (39%) patients had recurrent AF. Dormant PV conduction was not a significant predictor of AF recurrence (hazard ratio 1.51; 95% confidence interval: 0.89–2.56; P = 0.12) although three of four (75%) patients with residual dormant conduction following initial ablation developed recurrent AF. Twenty-six patients with recurrent AF underwent repeat ablation with 52 of 99 (53%) PVs found to have chronic reconnection. Nine of 11 (82%) PVs with dormant conduction and 43 of 88 (49%) PVs without dormant conduction at initial procedure had chronic reconnection at repeat ablation. Conclusions When additional ablation is performed to eliminate ADO-induced PV reconnection after PV isolation, dormant conduction is not a significant predictor of recurrent AF. Although PVs with dormant conduction at initial procedure may develop chronic reconnection, the majority of PVs that show conduction recovery at repeat ablation occur in nondormant PVs.
Mercury isotopes in a forested ecosystem: Implications for air‐surface exchange dynamics and the global mercury cycle

[1] Forests mediate the biogeochemical cycling of mercury (Hg) between the atmosphere and terrestrial ecosystems; however, there remain many gaps in our understanding of these processes. Our objectives in this study were to characterize Hg isotopic composition within forests, and use natural abundance stable Hg isotopes to track sources and reveal mechanisms underlying the cycling of Hg. We quantified the stable Hg isotopic composition of foliage, forest floor, mineral soil, precipitation, and total gaseous mercury (THg(g)) in the atmosphere and in evasion from soil, in 10-year-old aspen forests at the Rhinelander FACE experiment in northeastern Wisconsin, USA. The effect of increased atmospheric CO2 and O3 concentrations on Hg isotopic composition was small relative to differences among forest ecosystem components. Precipitation samples had δ202Hg values of −0.74 to 0.06‰ and ∆199Hg values of 0.16 to 0.82‰. Atmospheric THg(g) had δ202Hg values of 0.48 to 0.93‰ and ∆199Hg values of −0.21 to −0.15‰. Uptake of THg(g) by foliage resulted in a large (−2.89‰) shift in δ202Hg values; foliage displayed δ202Hg values of −2.53 to −1.89‰ and ∆199Hg values of −0.37 to −0.23‰. Forest floor samples had δ202Hg values of −1.88 to −1.22‰ and ∆199Hg values of −0.22 to −0.14‰. Mercury isotopes distinguished geogenic sources of Hg and atmospheric derived sources of Hg in soil, and showed that precipitation Hg only accounted for ~16% of atmospheric Hg inputs. The isotopic composition of Hg evasion from the forest floor was similar to atmospheric THg(g); however, there were systematic differences in δ202Hg values and MIF of even isotopes (∆200Hg and ∆204Hg). Mercury evasion from the forest floor may have arisen from air-surface exchange of atmospheric THg(g), but was not the emission of legacy Hg from soils, nor re-emission of wet-deposition. This implies that there was net atmospheric THg(g) deposition to the forest soils. Furthermore, MDF of Hg isotopes during foliar uptake and air-surface exchange of atmospheric THg(g) resulted in the release of Hg with very positive δ202Hg values to the atmosphere, which is key information for modeling the isotopic balance of the global mercury cycle, and may indicate a shorter residence time than previously recognized for the atmospheric mercury pool.