cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Constructing O(n Log n) Size Monotone Formulae For The k-th Elementary Symmetric Polynomial Of n Boolean Variables

In this paper, we construct formulae for the k-th elementary symmetry polynomial of n Boolean variables, using only conjunction and disjunction, which for fixed k are of size O(n log n), with the construction taking time polynomial in n. We also prove theorems involving n log n/spl middot/(polynomial in k) upper bounds on such formulae. Our methods involve solving the following combinatorial problem: for fixed k and any n construct a collection of r=O(log n) functions f/sub 1/,...,f/sub r/ from {1,...,n} to {1,...,K} such that any subset of {1,...,n} of order k is mapped 1-1 to {1,...,k} by at least one f/sub i/..
Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties important for inhaled corticosteroids

Background Inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) continue to be the cornerstone of treatment for asthma, and a number of ICSs are currently available, with others in the latter stages of development. The degree of pulmonary targeting and selectivity achieved by inhalation therapy depends on a number of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) properties, which vary for each drug, and on the efficiency of the inhalation device used for delivery. Objective To review and discuss PK/PD properties of ICSs with respect to their clinical relevance for achieving pulmonary selectivity in asthma therapy. Methods Peer-reviewed articles, books, and other publications that focused on the PK/PD properties pertinent to ICS therapy were retrieved using MEDLINE searches and other external sources. Results Results show that pulmonary deposition, pulmonary activation, pulmonary residence time, receptor binding affinity, the transactivation-transrepression ratio, tissue distribution, clearance rate, degree of tissue and plasma protein binding, and half-life of each compound play an important role in the safety and efficacy of ICS therapy. The role of transporters and the genetic predisposition of patients with respect to ICS sensitivity may also affect the safety and effectiveness of ICS therapy. Conclusions The pulmonary selectivity of ICSs can be improved by optimizing various PK/PD properties, which may lead to safer, more effective therapies for the treatment of asthma.
Five versus three days of ofloxacin therapy for traveler's diarrhea: A placebo-controlled study

In this double-blind study with 232 patients, 300 mg of ofloxacin given orally twice daily for 5 or 3 days was compared with placebo for the treatment of acute diarrhea in U.S. students visiting Guadalajara, Mexico. The 3-day regimen of ofloxacin was found to be as effective as the 5-day regimen in producing a clinical and microbiologic cure. Clinical cures for patients who received ofloxacin for 5 days occurred in 59 of 66 (89%) subjects, whereas clinical cure occurred in 77 of 81 (95%) of those who received ofloxacin for 3 days and in 56 of 79 (71%) of those who took placebo (P = 0.0001). When the duration of diarrhea after therapy was begun was compared in subgroups, a significant (P less than 0.05) shortening of posttreatment illness occurred in comparison with that in the placebo group for the following groups: for 5 days of ofloxacin, cases of shigellosis (32 versus 98 h); for 3 days of ofloxacin, all cases (28 versus 56 h), cases of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli diarrhea (26 versus 66 h), cases of shigellosis (24 versus 98 h), all cases of illnesses associated with a bacterial enteropathogen (28 versus 69 h), and cases of illnesses in which numerous leukocytes were found in stool by microscopy (22 versus 49 h). Microbiologic eradication rates were 75 of 78 (96%) for patients who received ofloxacin and 37 of 46 (80%) for patients who received placebo (P = 0.009). There was no significant difference in the number of adverse events reported by patients in either of the treatment groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Nonlinear interactions between electrons and RF waves in crossed electric and magnetic fields

A laboratory experiment has been initiated to study nonlinear electron-wave interactions. In this experiment, the interaction between a guided RF wave and an electron beam is investigated using a large crossed field amplifier. The electron beam is injected through externally imposed crossed electric and magnetic fields. The large-amplitude RF wave is guided by a serpentine slow wave structure and travels at a phase velocity approximately equal to the average velocity of the electron beam. The formation of long-wavelength density structures has been proposed to affect the emission characteristics of the RF wave itself. Possible applications of the experiment in space plasmas are discussed. >
Power and Reduced Temporal Discounting

Decision makers generally feel disconnected from their future selves, an experience that leads them to prefer smaller immediate gains to larger future gains. This pervasive tendency is known as temporal discounting, and researchers across disciplines are interested in understanding how to overcome it. Following recent advances in the power literature, we suggest that the experience of power enhances one's connection with the future self, which in turn results in reduced temporal discounting. In Study 1, we found that participants assigned to high-power roles were less likely than participants assigned to low-power roles to display temporal discounting. In Studies 2 and 3, priming power reduced temporal discounting in monetary and nonmonetary tasks, and, further, connection with the future self mediated the relation between power and reduced discounting. In Study 4, experiencing a general sense of power in the workplace predicted actual lifetime savings. These results have important implications for future research.
Architecture of the artifact-based collaboration system matrix

The UNC Collaboratory project is concerned with both the process of collaboration and with computer systems to support that process. Here, we describe a component of the Artifact-Based Collaboration (ABC) system, called the Matrix, that provides an infrastructure in which existing single-user applications can be incorporated with few, if any, changes and used collaboratively. We take the position that what is needed is not new tools but better infrastructure for using familiar single-user tools collectively. The paper discusses the Matrix architecture, a Virtual Screen component, and generic functions that provide conferencing, hyperlinking, and recording of users' actions for all applications. INTRODUCTION AND MOTIVATION
Passivation of Si(100)2×l Surfaces With Elemental Sulfur

Deposition of elemental S on Si(100)2×1 surfaces at room temperature changes the reconstructed Si( 100)2×1 to its original bulk-terminated Si(100)1×1 surface. Sulfur forms initially a (2×1) on the Si(100)2×1 surface and subsequently a (1×1) on the Si(100)1×1. Above 1ML, sulfur is diffused into the Si bulk near the surface. The sticking coefficient of S on Si(100) surface is constant up to 2 ML. Deposition of S at RT up to 1 ML increases the work function of the surface by about.3±0.05 eV. Above 1 ML, as the S is diffused into the Si bulk,the work function decreases.
Quality in Physical Therapist Clinical Education: A Systematic Review

Background Many factors affect student learning throughout the clinical education (CE) component of professional (entry-level) physical therapist education curricula. Physical therapist education programs (PTEPs) manage CE, yet the material and human resources required to provide CE are generally overseen by community-based physical therapist practices. Purpose The purposes of this systematic review were: (1) to examine how the construct of quality is defined in CE literature and (2) to determine the methodological rigor of the available evidence on quality in physical therapist CE. Methods This study was a systematic review of English-language journals using the American Physical Therapy Association's Open Door Portal to Evidence-Based Practice as the computer search engine. The search was categorized using terms for physical therapy and quality and for CE pedagogy and models or roles. Summary findings were characterized by 5 primary themes and 14 subthemes using a qualitative-directed content analysis. Results Fifty-four articles were included in the study. The primary quality themes were: CE framework, CE sites, structure of CE, assessment in CE, and CE faculty. The methodological rigor of the studies was critically appraised using a binary system based on the McMaster appraisal tools. Scores ranged from 3 to 14. Limitations Publication bias and outcome reporting bias may be inherent limitations to the results. Conclusion The review found inconclusive evidence about what constitutes quality or best practice for physical therapist CE. Five key constructs of CE were identified that, when aggregated, could construe quality.
Zinc‐Assisted Hydrodeoxygenation of Biomass‐Derived 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5‐Dimethylfuran

2,5-Dimethylfuran (DMF), a promising cellulosic biofuel candidate from biomass derived intermediates, has received significant attention because of its low oxygen content, high energy density, and high octane value. A bimetallic catalyst combination containing a Lewis-acidic Zn(II) and Pd/C components is effective for 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) to DMF with high conversion (99%) and selectivity (85% DMF). Control experiments for evaluating the roles of zinc and palladium revealed that ZnCl2 alone did not catalyze the reaction, whereas Pd/C produced 60% less DMF than the combination of both metals. The presence of Lewis acidic component (Zn) was also found to be beneficial for HMF HDO with Ru/C catalyst, but the synergistic effect between the two metal components is more pronounced for the Pd/Zn system than the Ru/Zn. A comparative analysis of the Pd/Zn/C catalyst to previously reported catalytic systems show that the Pd/Zn system containing at least four times less precious metal than the reported catalysts gives comparable or better DMF yields. The catalyst shows excellent recyclability up to 4 cycles, followed by a deactivation, which could be due to coke formation on the catalyst surface. The effectiveness of this combined bimetallic catalyst has also been tested for one-pot conversion of fructose to DMF.
The Disease Environment, Schooling, and Development Outcomes: Evidence from Ethiopia

AbstractThe disease environment could help explain underdevelopment in Africa. This article shows that local malaria risk is associated with worse local development outcomes. Combining an Ethiopian household survey with satellite-derived topographical information, the article shows that malaria incidence is correlated with village elevation, slope and their interaction; that is, malaria is sensitive to elevation in flatlands, where the habitat is suitable for mosquito breeding, but not in steeper lands. Using topography as a predictor of the disease environment, education levels are found to be negatively correlated with malaria. I find suggestive evidence that some other outcomes are related to malaria risk. Finally, the performance of topography predictors is assessed against other climate-based predictors of malaria.
Sequestering survivin to functionalized nanoparticles: a strategy to enhance apoptosis in cancer cells

Survivin belongs to the family of inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAP) and is present in most cancers while being below detection limits in most terminally differentiated adult tissues, making it an attractive protein to target for diagnostic and, potentially, therapeutic roles. Sub-100 nm poly(propargyl acrylate) (PA) particles were surface modified through the copper-catalyzed azide/alkyne cycloaddition of an azide-terminated survivin ligand derivative (azTM) originally proposed by Abbott Laboratories and speculated to bind directly to survivin (protein) at its dimer interface. Using affinity pull-down studies, it was determined that the PA/azTM nanoparticles selectively bind survivin and the particles can enhance apoptotic cell death in glioblastoma cell lines and other survivin over-expressing cell lines such as A549 and MCF7 relative to cells incubated with the original Abbott-derived small molecule inhibitor.
Distribution of plasma fibronectin (cold-insoluble globulin) and components of the factor VIII complex after heparin-induced precipitation of plasma

Factor VIII procoagulant (VIII:C) activity, factor VIII coagulant antigen (VIII:CAg), von Willebrand ristocetin cofactor (VIIIR:RC) activity, factor VIII-related antigen (VIIIR:Ag), and plasma fibronectin (CIg; cold-insoluble globulin) were measured in the heparin precipitable fraction (HPF) and heparin supernatant fraction (HS) of normal human plasma. Following heparin induced precipitation, most measurable VIII:C activity (77% +/- 24%) was recovered in the HS. Although there was little VIII:C activity (less than 1%) in the HPF, 20% +/- 6.5% VIII:CAg was present as well as CIg (81% +/- 5.6%). VIIIR:RC activity (72% +/- 12%), and VIIIR:Ag (34 +/- 5.2%). As assessed by Na dodecyl SO4 glyoxyl agarose electrophoresis, the multimeric forms of plasma VIIIR:Ag could be resolved into a series of bands. Larger multimers tended to precipitate with the HPF whereas the smaller multimers tended to remain supernatant. Plasma from a subject with congenital afibrinogenemia was also studied. Although the afibrinogenemic HPF contained CIg, neither VIIIR:RC activity nor VIIIR:Ag was precipitated. However, both were present in the HPF from afibrinogenemic plasma to which fibrinogen had been added, suggesting that they are incorporated in this precipitate because of an affinity for fibrinogen. The ability of heparin to induce precipitation of CIg while leaving most VIII:C activity in the supernatant plasma may be useful in the preparation of procoagulant-rich plasma subfractions, since VIII:C can subsequently be recovered in good yield by cryoprecipitation.
Enhanced sensitization in mice by simultaneous injection of antigen and specific rabbit antiserum.

SummaryMice were injected intravenously with a solution of serum albumin (human and bovine) plus specific rabbit antiserum in antigen excess. The antibody response to serum albumin was tested and compared to that obtained in mice injected intravenously with serum albumin alone or with albumin and normal rabbit serum. The results show that antibody response elicited with serum albumin plus specific rabbit antiserum is significantly greater than that elicited using serum albumin alone or with normal rabbit serum.
An Organocobalt–Carbon Nanotube Chemiresistive Carbon Monoxide Detector

A chemiresistive detector for carbon monoxide was created from single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) by noncovalent modification with diiodo(η5:η1-1-[2-(N,N-dimethylamino)ethyl]-2,3,4,5-tetramethylcyclopentadienyl)-cobalt(III) ([Cp∧CoI2]), an organocobalt complex with an intramolecular amino ligand coordinated to the metal center that is displaced upon CO binding. The unbound amino group can subsequently be transduced chemiresistively by the SWCNT network. The resulting device was shown to have a ppm-level limit of detection and unprecedented selectivity for CO gas among CNT-based chemiresistors. This work, the first molecular-level mechanistic elucidation for a CNT-based chemiresistive detector for CO, demonstrates the efficacy of using an analyte’s reactivity to produce another chemical moiety that is readily transduced as a strategy for the rational design of chemiresistive CNT-based detectors.
The Mechanism of Rhomboid Intramembrane Protease

The activities of many membrane proteins, including transcription factors, receptors, growth factors, and transporters, are regulated by a cleavage event within their transmembrane domains. The intramembrane proteolytic reaction is catalyzed by highly specialized membrane-embedded proteases belonging to three mechanistic families. The rhomboid serine protease, first discovered by Drosophila genetics, represents a large family of functionally diverse membrane proteins that share a common core domain of six transmembrane segments. Extensive crystallographic analysis of the bacterial rhomboid GlpG has generated insight into how peptide hydrolysis occurs inside the hydrophobic environment of membrane bilayers. Here we examine the conformational change that takes place during substrate binding and catalysis based on x-ray structures of GlpG in complex with inhibitors and peptide analogs.
Analysis of Communication Technology Application in Power Consumption Information Collection System in Smart Grid

This paper analyzes the requirements,architecture,and process of power consumption information collection system,makes clear the role of communication channel layer in power consumption information collection system. Then remote communication technology from the concentrator to the system platform and the local communication from collector to the concentrator are introduced. Then the remote communication technology and local communication technology are analyzed and compared respectively. Namely to make clear the advantages and disadvantages of various communication technologies can adjust measures to local situations to choose the appropriate communication solution. The work presented in this paper can provide reference for the communication construction of power consumption information collection system.
Analysis and Calculation model on JDAM Damaged by APDS

Analyzing the JDAM configuration,on the basis of the firing theory of anti-aircraft gun,the end effect theory,damage calculation model,experiment data and object configuration characteristic,the article set up the model on damaged by APDS and simulate the process of antiaircraft gun shooting against JDAM.In addition,the article illustrates the reason that different anti-aircraft gun have different shooting probability against JDAM,conclude on the rules of shooting against JDAM.
Scaling Properties of Soft Thermal Turbulence in Rayleigh-Bénard Convection

We present an experimental study of Rayleigh-Benard convection in helium gas at 5K, in a cell of aspect ratio 1. Analysis is performed for the “soft turbulence” regime (2.5×105<Ra<4×107), the Prandtl number Pr=0.7. There is a simple scaling law in the entire regime, following the classical boundary layer theory of Malkus and Howard. The dimensionless heat flux is proportional to Ra1/3. The Fourier spectra of the local temperature probes have a self-similar law with Rayleigh number. A characteristic time 1/ωH is deduced and is proportional to Ra−2/3, like the classical boundary layer scaling time. For the lowest Rayleigh number values the bottom probe shows 1/f spectrum for the low frequency part.
Moral Disagreement and Moral Semantics

When speakers utter conflicting moral sentences (“X is wrong”/“X is not wrong”), it seems clear that they disagree. It has often been suggested that the fact that the speakers disagree gives us evidence for a claim about the semantics of the sentences they are uttering. Specifically, it has been suggested that the existence of the disagreement gives us reason to infer that there must be an incompatibility between the contents of these sentences (i.e., that it has to be the case that at least one of them is incorrect). This inference then plays a key role in a now-standard argument against certain theories in moral semantics. In this paper, we introduce new evidence that bears on this debate. We show that there are moral conflict cases in which people are inclined to say both (a) that the two speakers disagree and (b) that it is not the case at least one of them must be saying something incorrect. We then explore how we might understand such disagreements. As a proof of concept, we sketch an account of the concept of disagreement and an independently motivated theory of moral semantics which, together, explain the possibility of such cases.
Using Hypermedia to Represent Emerging Student Understanding: Science Learners and Preservice Teachers

Publisher Summary The rationale for engaging students in constructing hypermedia artifacts is grounded in recent research on learning that emphasizes the active role of the learner, the importance of collaboration, and the need for authentic or meaningful contexts for problem solving. Building artifacts are one possible means for helping students develop conceptual understanding. Students engage in many elements of design when building artifacts. As students design and construct artifacts, they integrate new information into their existing conceptual framework, developing relationships among ideas. The degree to which students illustrate relationships among ideas within their artifacts provides insights regarding their level of understanding. Constructing artifacts provides the aforementioned learning opportunities both for science learners and preservice science teachers. Artifact building engages students in selecting and organizing concepts, representing those concepts, and developing connections among them. Technological tools and software offer new opportunities for creating artifacts. Technology enhances the value of student-constructed artifacts by allowing easy incorporation and linking multiple representations, interactive testing, and document revision.
Multimodal Delivery of Isogenic Mesenchymal Stem Cells Yields Synergistic Protection From Retinal Degeneration and Vision Loss

We previously demonstrated that subretinal injection (SRI) of isogenic mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) reduced the severity of retinal degeneration in Royal College of Surgeons rats in a focal manner. In contrast, intravenous MSC infusion (MSCIV ) produced panoptic retinal rescue. By combining these treatments, we now show that MSCIV supplementation potentiates the MSCSRI -mediated rescue of photoreceptors and visual function. Electrophysiological recording from superior colliculi revealed 3.9-fold lower luminance threshold responses (LTRs) and 22% larger functional rescue area from combined treatment compared with MSCSRI alone. MSCIV supplementation of sham (saline) injection also improved LTRs 3.4-fold and enlarged rescue areas by 27% compared with saline alone. We confirmed the involvement of MSC chemotaxis for vision rescue by modulating C-X-C chemokine receptor 4 activity before MSCIV but without increased retinal homing. Rather, circulating platelets and lymphocytes were reduced 3 and 7 days after MSCIV , respectively. We demonstrated MSCSRI -mediated paracrine support of vision rescue by SRI of concentrated MSC-conditioned medium and assessed function by electroretinography and optokinetic response. MSC-secreted peptides increased retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) metabolic activity and clearance of photoreceptor outer segments ex vivo, which was partially abrogated by antibody blockade of trophic factors in concentrated MSC-conditioned medium, or their cognate receptors on RPE. These data support multimodal mechanisms for MSC-mediated retinal protection that differ by administration route and synergize when combined. Thus, using MSCIV as adjuvant therapy might improve cell therapies for retinal dystrophy and warrants further translational evaluation. Stem Cells Translational Medicine 2017;6:444-457.
Stroke-Related Epilepsy

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses various aspects of stroke-related epilepsy. Strokes with cortical involvement are more commonly associated with the presence of seizures than the ones with only a subcortical location. It is found that patients with corticosubcortical lesions were more likely to develop recurrent seizures than the ones with only cortical lesions. It is proposed that in most patients with seizures, in contrast with those without seizures, lenticulostriate infarcts diagnosed by CT were accompanied by cortical involvement on magnetic resonance imaging or single photon emission computed tomography. Within hemorrhagic strokes, the presence of an arteriovenous malformation was identified as a risk factor for seizures. Ischemic strokes from embolic sources were more commonly reported to be associated with development of seizures than thrombotic strokes. It is found that patients with cortical lesions and associated persistent paresis had a 50% risk of developing seizures. It is observed that late seizures occur more commonly in patients with early seizures (32%) in comparison with patients with stroke without early seizures. The role of anticonvulsant prevention after stroke and intervention in stroke-related seizures and epilepsy is also elaborated.
Cortically Coupled Computing: A New Paradigm for Synergistic Human-Machine Interaction

Unlike traditional brain-computer interfaces that use brain signals for direct control of computers and robotics, a cortically coupled computer system opportunistically senses the brain state, capturing a user's implicit or explicit computation, and then communicates this information to a traditional computer system via a neural interface.
Modeling the Motion of a Flapping Wing Aerial Vehicle

The article discusses the vertical flight of a flapping wing aerial vehicle, which is also called an ornithopter. The robot is a chain of five links connected in series by active cylindrical hinges with the central link being the body and the remainder forming folding wings in pairs. The distinctive feature of this device is that the flaps of its wings imitate those of a seagull i.e. the device has a biological prototype. We construct a mathematical model of this device; much attention is given to the model of the interaction of the wings with the air environment and we determine the positions and velocities of points of application of the reduced aerodynamic forces to each of the links. Based on the results of numerical modelling of the vertical flight of the robot three modes of flight were established: ascent, hovering at a certain height and descent. The device can operate in these modes based on the oscillation parameters of the wings in particular flapping frequency and amplitude, the ratio of the amplitudes of two links and one wing and the shift of the equilibrium oscillation position of the wings relative to zero.
iMPROVE: Enhancing the Introduction of Services on Programmable Virtual Networks

Programmable Virtual Networks (PVNs) make the network more flexible and allow the fast introduction of new services. However, several shortcomings hamper their wider adoption, including: (i) the extensive knowledge required to configure and manage the NetApps, (ii) the lack of descriptors to detail all nuances of the NetApps, and (iii) there is no solution that enables to distribute and configure NetApps over distinct technologies. Therefore, we propose iMPROVE to simplify the introduction of services in PVNs, enhancing the distribution of NetApps. We also extend the ETSI network service descriptor to support distinct technologies as well as to represent conflict issues. We demonstrate evidence of iMPROVE's feasibility in a case study and compare it with the main solutions for distributing and deploying applications over multiple platforms.
Short-term understory plant community responses to salvage logging in beetle-affected lodgepole pine forests

Abstract Recent bark beetle outbreaks in western North American subalpine forests have prompted managers to salvage log some beetle-affected stands. We examined the short-term (i.e., two to three years post-treatment) consequences of such salvage logging on vascular understory plant (i.e., graminoid, forb, and shrub) communities. At 24 lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) sites in Colorado, USA, that had been attacked by mountain pine beetles (Dendroctonus ponderosae), we evaluated how logging operations impacted understory plant species richness, cover, and composition by comparing paired unlogged and logged stands. At half of the sites, we also evaluated how logging-related slash management and site preparation activities impacted understory plant cover by comparing experimentally-implemented treatments. Average total species richness increased 18% following logging due to an increase in graminoids and forbs, while average total cover decreased 33% due to a decrease in shrubs. Experimental treatments showed that, within logged stands, average total and shrub cover were greatest where slash was retained on-site and lowest where slash was taken off-site and the soil was scarified. Average exotic species richness more than doubled after logging but values were low even in logged stands, while average exotic cover was unaffected by logging. Taken together, our results suggest that salvage logging following beetle outbreaks altered understory plant communities in the short-term by making them richer, sparser, more graminoid- and forb-dominated, less shrub-dominated, and somewhat more invaded by exotics. Our results also suggest that slash management and site preparation activities can impact the magnitude of some of the understory plant community changes brought about by logging.
Electronic Health Information Exchange Opportunities for Self-management of Care: Responses from Older Adults With and Without Cancer History in the United States

Of 15.5 million US cancer survivors, 80% are ≥ 55 years. Supporting older patients in care self-management through electronic health information (EHI) exchange may enhance recovery. We assessed: (1) perceived importance of EHI access to adults ≥ 55 years (incl survivors) and (2) age-related preferences for EHI exchange. Older adults are one of the fastest-growing user groups for internet/technologies. Most older adults 55–64 years are active internet users, and use among adults ≥ 65 years is growing quickly as baby boomers mature. Understanding EHI patient-provider exchange preferences may provide opportunities for older patients but also begin to address the future needs of other patient populations, including cancer survivors. We observed a “digital divide” for perceived importance of EHI access and EHI exchange interests. Engaging older adults (i.e., ≥ 75 years) to improve comfort/experience with technologies may support EHI use in self-management. Survivors may have distinct EHI needs/preferences than older adults without cancer history.
Understanding Virtual Reality: Presence, Embodiment, and Professional Practice

Introduction: Virtual reality (VR) has gained popularity across industries for its ability to engage users on a level unprecedented by print or 2-D media; however, few guidelines exist for the use of VR technologies in technical and professional communication (TPC) curricula. To address this need, this experience report details the study of a recognizable and adopted set of VR devices to promote understanding of the ways in which emerging VR technologies provide new approaches to pedagogy. Literature review: Drawing from literature in computer science, communication studies, and anthropology, as well as embodiment and phenomenology, the authors provide a historical account of VR development. About the study: Using three concurrent case studies and qualitative interviews, the authors share their deployment of three low-end to high-end VR devices: Google Cardboard, Google Daydream View, and HTC Vive. Using a modified heuristic, the authors assess the functions, features, and uses of the devices; showcase current or potential deployments; and for triangulation, provide a user study of two devices. Results/discussion: VR immersion can provide students with a deeper understanding of course content; immersion in future workplaces can give students an initial vision of their project and profession; concepts can be seen from new vantage points; and user themes include felt experience, sense and sensibility, agency and autonomy, and constant identities. Together, these themes provide an entry into discussions of designing VR content for technical and professional communication. Conclusion: The authors discuss limitations to VR integration and provide resources so practitioners might implement VR in engaging and relevant ways.
Between Anger and Engagement: Donald Trump and Black America

History suggests that social movements for change are often met with powerful counter-movements. Relying upon movement counter-movement dynamics, this paper examines whether or not contemporary reactionary conservatism—in this case Donald Trump's candidacy in 2016, offers an opportunity for African-American mobilization. Today, the reactionary right presents a threat to racial progress and the black community as it has grown from direct opposition to the election of President Obama, immigration reform, and gay and lesbian rights. With conditions ripe for a movement in response to the right, we examine the mobilizing effect on African-Americans of the threatening political context symbolized by Donald Trump. If African-Americans are to retain political relevance beyond the Obama era, then black turnout will need to reach rates similar to the historic 2008 election. Using the 2016 Black Voter Project (BVP) Pilot Study, we explore African-American political engagement in the 2016 election, a time void of President Obama as a mobilizing figure. We find that African-Americans who hold strong negative opinions of Trump in 2016 voted at rates similar to the historical turnout of 2008, offering a possible strategy to mobilize blacks beyond Obama's presidency. Moreover, the threat that Trump represents significantly drives blacks to engage in politics beyond voting even after accounting for alternative explanations. In the end, Trump and the reactionary movement behind him offers a powerful mobilizing force for an African-American population that can no longer look toward the top of the Presidential ticket for inspiration.
A positivity-preserving high order discontinuous Galerkin scheme for convection–diffusion equations

Abstract For constructing high order accurate positivity-preserving schemes for convection–diffusion equations, we construct a simple positivity-preserving diffusion flux. Discontinuous Galerkin (DG) schemes with such a positivity-preserving diffusion flux are nonlinear schemes, which can be regarded as a reduction of the high order positivity-preserving DG schemes for compressible Navier–Stokes equations in [1] to scalar diffusion operators. In this paper we focus on the local DG method to discuss how to apply such a flux. A limiter on the auxiliary variable for approximating the gradient of the solution must be used so that the diffusion flux is positivity-preserving in the sense that DG schemes with this flux satisfies a weak positivity property. Together with a positivity-preserving limiter, high order DG schemes with strong stability preserving time discretizations can be rendered positivity-preserving without losing conservation or high order accuracy for convection–diffusion problems with periodic boundary conditions or a special class of Dirichlet or Neumann boundary conditions. Numerical tests on a few parabolic equations and an application to modeling electrical discharges are shown to demonstrate the performance of this scheme.
GoFish: A Streamlined Environmental DNA Presence/Absence Assay for Marine Vertebrates

Here we describe GoFish, a streamlined environmental DNA (eDNA) presence/absence assay. The assay amplifies a 12S segment with broad-range vertebrate primers, followed by nested PCR with M13-tailed, species-specific primers. Sanger sequencing confirms positives detected by gel electrophoresis. We first obtained 12S sequences from 77 fish specimens representing 36 northwestern Atlantic taxa not well documented in GenBank. Using the newly obtained and published 12S records, we designed GoFish assays for 11 bony fish species common in the lower Hudson River estuary and tested seasonal abundance and habitat preference at two sites. Additional assays detected nine cartilaginous fish species and a marine mammal, bottlenose dolphin, in southern New York Bight. GoFish sensitivity was equivalent to Illumina MiSeq metabarcoding. Unlike quantitative PCR (qPCR), GoFish does not require tissues of target and related species for assay development and a basic thermal cycler is sufficient. Unlike Illumina metabarcoding, indexing and batching samples are unnecessary and advanced bioinformatics expertise is not needed. The assay can be carried out from water collection to result in three days. The main limitations so far are species with shared target sequences and inconsistent amplification of rarer eDNAs. We think this approach will be a useful addition to current eDNA methods when analyzing presence/absence of known species, when turnaround time is important, and in educational settings.
Applications, Representation, and Management of Signaling Pathway Information: Introduction to the SigPath Project

This chapter reviews current approaches for managing signaling pathway information. After a brief introduction to signaling pathways and their computational uses in support of biomedical research, the chapter covers the data representation paradigms currently used to store and compute information about signaling pathways. File formats, ontologies, and databases are considered and compared. The chapter includes a description of the SigPath project, which is an information management system for signaling pathway information.
Newer model years are associated with reduced risk of motor vehicle crash fatalities among older drivers

Older drivers are a growing and particularly vulnerable population. Advances in vehicle safety may reduce the risk of death in the event of a motor vehicle crash (MVC). Although previous studies ha...
Evaluation of 2.5 kV Silicon Carbide MOSFET for 1.5 kV Solar Inverter Application

1.5 kV DC link voltage has been a trend for the solar industry. Moving from 1 kV to 1.5 kV DC voltage can increase string length, enhance inverter conversion ability, increase array block sizes, and improve performance. Multilevel converters are the natural choices while the control becomes more complicated. If a simple two-level converter is adopted, the 1.7 kV device may not be applicable considering the voltage derating for certain failure rate. Therefore, devices with higher blocking voltage should be considered. This paper reports for the first time the performance characterization of 2.5 kV Silicon Carbide (SiC) MOSFET. The potential application of this device for 1.5 kV solar inverter is also evaluated.
Shape-Dependent Transport of Microparticles in Blood Flow: From Margination to Adhesion

AbstractWe explore the shape effect of microparticles (MPs) on their margination behaviors in blood flow through three-dimensional numerical simulations. Six different shapes of MPs were considered...
The moderating effects of mate-value on the relationship between perceived sex ratio and mating strategies

Abstract This study tested the hypothesis that the impact of sex and sex ratio on mating strategies (where favorable sex ratios increase the likelihood of men moving towards an unrestricted sociosexual orientation and of women moving towards a restricted sociosexual orientation) would be strongest for persons low in mate-value. Further, it was proposed that the effects of mate-value and sex-ratio would be mediated by changes in perceived mating opportunities. To test these hypotheses, male and female participants read a report designed to manipulate perceived sex ratio. The report gave participants the perception that there were either more men or more women available in their current environment. Participants then completed measures of their perceived mate-value and mating strategy (sociosexual orientation). As predicted, the interaction between the sex of the participant and sex ratio was strongest for persons low in mate-value.
NMDA receptor blockade unmasks novel gating and memory mechanisms in vagal control of respiratory rhythm.

Afferent feedback from lung receptors plays a key role in the vagal self-steering control of the respiratory rhythm.1,2 Although this control process is generally considered to be purely reflexive, there is increasing recognition that the central processing of these afferent inputs may involve more complex mechanisms such as memory and gating in the respiratory controller.3 For example, it was recently shown4 that the Hering-Breuer reflex may be adapted centrally through dual-process nonassociative learning in the form of habituation and desensitization in parallel vagal-pontine pathways to the respiratory central pattern generator (RCPG).
Attractiveness of Species of Vitex (Chastetree) to Pollinators

Abstract Native and non-native bees are important pollinators of both food and ornamental crops. However, bee populations across the world have declined, mainly through loss of habitat. Careful sel...
Cost-effectiveness of prophylactic antibiotic use to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections.

We evaluate the cost-effectiveness of prophylactic antibiotic use to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections. A decision tree model was used to assess the cost-effectiveness of prophylactic antibiotics in preventing catheter-associated urinary tract infections for patients with a short-term indwelling urinary catheter. The model accounted for incidence of urinary tract infections with and without the use of prophylactic antibiotics, incidence of antibiotic-resistant urinary tract infections, as well as costs associated with diagnosis and treatment of urinary tract infections and antibiotic-resistant urinary tract infections. Costs were calculated from the health care system’s perspective. We conducted one-way sensitivity analyses. The base case analysis showed that the use of prophylactic antibiotics is cost-saving in preventing catheter-associated urinary tract infections. The use of prophylactic antibiotics resulted in lower costs and higher quality-adjusted life-years compared with no prophylactic antibiotics. Sensitivity analyses showed that the optimal strategy changes to no prophylactic antibiotics when the incidence of urinary tract infections after prophylactic antibiotics exceeds 22% or the incidence of developing urinary tract infections without prophylactic antibiotics is less than 12%. Varying the costs of prophylactic antibiotics, urinary tract infection treatment, or antibiotic-resistant urinary tract infection treatment within a reasonable range did not change the optimal strategy. Prophylactic antibiotic use to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections is cost-effective under most conditions. These results were sensitive to the likelihood of developing catheter-associated urinary tract infections with and without prophylactic antibiotics. Our results are limited to the cost-effectiveness perspective on this clinical practice.
Differentiation syndrome in acute promyelocytic leukaemia.

Acute promyelocytic leukaemia differentiation syndrome (APL DS) is seen when patients with APL are treated with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and/or arsenic trioxide (ATO). Presenting symptoms are varied but frequently include dyspnoea, unexplained fever, weight gain >5 kg, unexplained hypotension, acute renal failure and a chest radiograph demonstrating pulmonary infiltrates or pleural or pericardial effusion. Immediate treatment with steroids at the first clinical suspicion is recommended and ATRA/ATO should be stopped in severe cases or if there is no response to treatment. The utility of steroid prophylaxis in order to prevent APL DS is less certain. Here we provide a detailed review of the pathogenesis, clinical signs and symptoms as well as management and prophylaxis strategies of APL DS.
Comparison between functional and non-functional adrenocortical carcinoma

Abstract Background While roughly half of adrenocortical carcinomas are functional, whether functional status impacts outcomes remains controversial. We compared presentation and survival for functional and nonfunctional neoplasms. Methods Adult patients presented with adrenocortical carcinomas at the Mayo Clinic were included. Tumor characteristics and outcomes were analyzed. Results The 266 identified patients presented with stage I (6%), II (33%), III (26%), and IV disease (32%); stage was unknown in 3%. Fifty-three percent of tumors were functional; patients with functional adrenocortical carcinomas were younger, more likely to be female, and more likely to present with metastatic disease. Surgical resection was undertaken in 84% of patients with 69% having R0 resection. While 30-day morbidity was similar between functional and nonfunctional adrenocortical carcinomas, median overall survival was better for nonfunctional adrenocortical carcinomas (median 66 vs 22 months, P = .01). Functional adrenocortical carcinomas was independently associated with shorter survival after adjusting for age, sex, grade, stage, and resection attempt: hazard ratio = 1.5 (95% confidence interval, 1.04–2.14, P = .03). Conclusion In our cohort, long term survival was worse for all patients with functional tumors. However, when analyzing patients with R0 resection, there was no survival difference between functional and nonfunctional adrenocortical carcinomas, signaling need for better understanding of adrenocortical carcinomas behavior to individualize and optimize treatment strategies.
The Characteristics and Challenge on Large-Scale Renewable Energy Grid Integration

In some regions, for example in Northwest and Northeast China, Northern Germany, Denmark, Spain, Portugal, Ireland or Texas, RE generation supplies a significant amount of the total energy demand. In the future, more and more countries are likely to experience similar situation as RE generation is increasingly considered not only as a means to reduce CO2 emissions, but also as an interesting economic alternative in areas with appropriate RE resources. However, RE generation delivers a variable level of power depending on the wind speed, and is not dispatchable in the same way as conventional energy sources due to the special characteristics. The integration of high penetration level of RE generation in some regions has brought much challenge on maintaining power system reliability and the balance between load and generation. Since the power system were originally designed around large-scale synchronous generators, new approaches and solutions are required when RE generation is integrated into power system with high penetration. This paper provides an introduction about the special characteristics of RE generation, and tries to explore potential challenge caused by the integration of RE generation into power systems. In addition, this chapter will focus on wind and solar power considering their high share in RE generation.
Prevalence of zoonotic Bartonella among prairie rodents in Illinois

Bartonella is a genus of gram-negative bacteria that includes a variety of human and veterinary pathogens. These pathogens are transmitted from reservoirs to secondary hosts through the bite of arthropod vectors including lice and fleas. Once in the secondary host, the bacteria cause a variety of pathologies including cat-scratch disease, endocarditis, and myocarditis. Reservoirs of these bacteria are numerous and include several species of large mammals, mesocarnivores, and small mammals. Research on reservoirs of these bacteria has focused on western North America, Europe, and Asia, with little focus on the eastern and central United States. We assessed the prevalence of zoonotic Bartonella species among prairie-dwelling rodent species in the midwestern United States. Tissue samples (n = 700) were collected between 2015 and 2017 from five rodent species and screened for the presence of Bartonella DNA via PCR and sequencing of two loci using Bartonella-specific primers. Bartonella were prevalent among all five species, with 13-lined ground squirrels (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus) serving as a likely reservoir of the pathogen B. washoensis, and other rodents serving as reservoirs of the pathogens B. grahamii and B. vinsonii subsp. arupensis. These results demonstrate the value of studies of disease ecology in grassland systems, particularly in the context of habitat restoration and human–vector interactions.