cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the Sensormedics® 3100A and Bronchotron® transporter in a neonatal piglet ARDS model†‡§¶

The Sensormedics® 3100A (Cardinal Health, Dublin, OH) (HFOV) and the Bronchotron® (Percussionaire, Sandpoint, ID) (HFPV) are high-frequency ventilation devices used to support neonatal respiratory failure; however, a comparison of the devices, with respect to gas exchange at similar ventilator settings, has not been previously studied. Thus, we compared the ability of HFOV to that of HFPV to provide oxygenation and ventilation during acute lung injury in a newborn animal model. Using a saline lung lavage model, 12 neonatal piglets were randomized to initial support with either the HFOV or HFPV with settings adjusted to achieve PaCO2 of 45–60 mmHg. After stabilization, ventilator settings and arterial blood gases were serially recorded for 30 min. Animals were then crossed over to the alternative device set to deliver the same Vt, MAP, and F for an additional 30 min with the same parameters recorded. We found that the ΔP needed to generate adequate Vt on HFPV (35 ± 7 cmH2O) trended higher versus HFOV (31 ± 7 cmH2O P = 0.09) when the devices were matched for Vt, F, and MAP. No significant differences in ventilation (PaCO2 = 50 ± 10.7 mmHg vs. 46 ± 10 mmHg, P = 0.22) or oxygenation (PaO2 = 150 ± 76 mmHg vs. 149 ± 107 mmHg, P = 0.57) between the devices were found. We conclude that HFPV ventilates and oxygenates as well as HFOV at equivalent ventilator settings. HFPV may require larger ΔP's to generate equivalent Vt. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2009; 44:693–700. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Growth Factors as Active Participants in Carcinogenesis: A Perspective

Growth factors are low molecular peptides active in the stimulation of cell proliferation and in the regulation of embryonic development and cellular differentiation. Significant progress has been made in developing effective strategies to treat human malignancies with new chemical compounds based on a rationale directed against various components of signaling pathways. Many of these drugs target a growth factor receptor--for instance, in the form of monoclonal antibodies or inhibitors of tyrosine kinases, such as monoclonal antibodies against epidermal growth factor receptors used in treating certain types of breast cancer. Imatinib mesylate [Gleevec]) is an excellent example of mediators of signal transduction, such as tyrosine kinases. Growth factors proper are used to ameliorate various and sometimes fatal side effects of cytotoxic and/or myelosuppressive chemotherapy. Basic characteristics of several growth families are discussed with therapeutic modalities based on growth factor activity or, more often, inhibition of such activity.
Epidural abscess caused by Mycobacterium abscessus.

Background: Mycobacterium abscessus is a member of the Rapidly Growing Mycobacterium (RGM). The incidence of Mycobacterium abscessus infections has steadily been increasing over the last decade. We report the case of an epidural abscess caused by Mycobacterium abscessus. RGM’s have infrequently been reported as spinal infections and we found no prior cases reporting M. abscessus as the definitive etiologic agent of an epidural abscess.
Nationalism in Tropical Africa

Postwar uprisings and nationalist assertions in Tropical Africaâ€”that part of the continent south of the Sahara and north of the Unionâ€”have directed increased attention towards the nature and implications of the awakening of the African to political consciousness. Among scholars this neglected area has long been the preserve of the scientific linguist or of the social anthropologist; only recently have American sociologists, economists, and political scientists developed an active interest in its problems. As a consequence, apart from certain efforts by anthropologists to popularize their findings and insights we have been obliged to rely primarily upon the somewhat contradictory accounts of colonial governments seeking to explain imperial connections, or of African nationalists determined to achieve self-government and the good life of which national self-determination has become the symbol. Thus, we have been placed in the uncomfortable position of having to formulate opinions and policy and to render judgments without sufficient knowledge, or, what could be worse, on the basis of evaluations provided by participants in the nationalist struggle. There is, therefore, a very real need for independent and objective research regarding the character and probable course of African nationalist development.
The Role of Rapid, Local, Postsynaptic Protein Synthesis in Learning-Related Synaptic Facilitation in Aplysia

The discovery that dendrites of neurons in the mammalian brain possess the capacity for protein synthesis stimulated interest in the potential role of local, postsynaptic protein synthesis in learning-related synaptic plasticity. But it remains unclear how local, postsynaptic protein synthesis actually mediates learning and memory in mammals. Accordingly, we examined whether learning in an invertebrate, the marine snail Aplysia, involves local, postsynaptic protein synthesis. Previously, we showed that the dishabituation and sensitization of the defensive withdrawal reflex in Aplysia require elevated postsynaptic Ca(2+), postsynaptic exocytosis, and functional upregulation of postsynaptic alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA)-type glutamate receptors. Here, we tested whether the synaptic facilitation that underlies dishabituation and sensitization in Aplysia requires local, postsynaptic protein synthesis. We found that the facilitatory transmitter, serotonin (5-HT), enhanced the response of the motor neuron to glutamate, the sensory neuron transmitter, and this enhancement depended on rapid protein synthesis. By using individual motor neurites surgically isolated from their cell bodies, we showed that the 5-HT-dependent protein synthesis occurred locally. Finally, by blocking postsynaptic protein synthesis, we disrupted the facilitation of the sensorimotor synapse. By demonstrating its critical role in a synaptic change that underlies learning and memory in a major model invertebrate system, our study suggests that local, postsynaptic protein synthesis is of fundamental importance to the cell biology of learning.
The Classic Measure of Disability in Activities of Daily Living Is Biased by Age but an Expanded IADL/ADL Measure Is Not

Objectives. To evaluate, by age, the performance of 2 disability measures based on needing help: one using 5 classic activities of daily living (ADL) and another using an expanded set of 14 activities including instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), walking, getting outside, and ADL (IADL/ADL ). Methods. Guttman and item response theory (IRT) scaling methods are used with a large ( N = 25,470) nationally representative household survey of individuals aged 18 years and older. Results. Guttman scalability of the ADL items increases steadily with age, reaching a high level at ages 75 years and older. That is reflected in an IRT model by age-related differential item functioning (DIF) resulting in age-biased measure ment of ADL. Guttman scalability of the IADL/ADL items also increases with age but is lower than the ADL. Although age-related DIF also occurs with IADL/ADL items, DIF is lower in magnitude and balances out without causing age bias. Discussion. An IADL/ADL scale measuring need for help is hierarchical, unidimensional, and unbiased by age. It has greater content validity for measuring need for help in the community and shows greater sensitivity by age than the classic ADL measure. As demand for community services is increasing among adults of all ages, an expanded IADL/ADL measure is more useful than ADL.
Modeling and experiment of transport properties of spin-valves with synthetic-antiferromagnet

Both band structure calculations and experiments show that the giant-magnetoresistance (GMR) of a spin-valve with a synthetic-antiferromagnetic pinned layer is smaller than that with a single pinned layer. This smaller GMR is shown to come from the s-d scattering in the Ru layer and part of the pinned layer that has the opposite moment direction. Half of the synthetic-antiferromagnet does not contribute to the GMR and only shunts the current.
Teachers Without Borders: Consequences of Teacher Labor Force Mobility

Many states have responded to teacher shortages by granting certification to individuals traditionally prepared out-of-state; now, out-of-state prepared teachers comprise a sizable percentage of th...
Design and realization of compact folded Lange coupler

A compact folded Lange coupler is presented in this paper. In order to reduce the circuit area, a single layer realization in a folded configuration is adopted. The coupler is modeled and simulated through Agilent ADS and is fabricated on Rogers 6010 laminate which has a dielectric constant of 10.2. The measurement results indicate an insertion loss of 1.7dB, a phase difference of 93.5 degrees between coupled port and through port at 1.5GHz and an isolation better than 17dB from 1GHz to 2GHz. A meander Lange coupler is also designed, simulated, fabricated and measured as a comparison. The proposed folded Lange coupler is well suited for MMIC technology and hybrid microwave integrated circuits using high dielectric constant laminate.
Infectious Complications of Hepatic Cryosurgery

Hepatic cryosurgery is a novel procedure for patients with metastatic liver disease. To date, no reviews of the infectious complications of this procedure have been published. One hundred and fifty patients underwent 158 hepatic cryosurgical procedures at Allegheny General Hospital (Pittsburgh) from November 1987 through July 1995. Gastrointestinal malignancies accounted for 93% of the underlying diagnoses. The following 12 infections were directly related to the cryosurgical procedure: hepatic abscess (six), intraperitoneal abscess (three), ascending cholangitis (two), and an intrahepatic device (Infusaid ; Strato/Infusoid, Norwood, MA) infection (one). Enterococcus was the most commonly isolated organism. Seven of the 12 infections were polymicrobial. The patients who developed infections had longer hospital stays (26 days vs. 13 days) and had more days of fever (6.5 days vs. 2.3 days). than those who did not develop infections. If perioperative manipulation of the biliary tree is avoided, the infection rate in patients who undergo hepatic cryosurgery may be decreased even further. Overall, cryoablation of the liver is not related to an increased risk of infection.
Low-Cost Low-Power Test-Bed for Experimental Investigation of Common-Mode Chokes for High-Power Applications

A low-cost method for experimental investigation of common-mode chokes for reducing high-frequency motor ground-currents of inverter-based drive systems of several hundred kW is presented. It provides a powerful tool during the design stage of such chokes to verify their predicted performance. The method draws from the mainly capacitive behavior of machines at very high frequencies. Results of experimental tests for drives with peak ground-current amplitudes of more than 60 Amperes, carried out on a 4 kW test-bed, are presented. They confirm the feasibility of such tests as well as the capability of small, inexpensive, single-turn chokes to effectively reduce the ground-current.
Analysis of “Kiss” Bonds Between Composite Laminates

One of the leading challenges to designing lightweight, cost-effective bonded structures is to detect low shear strength “kiss” bonds where no other defects such as voids and cracks exist. To develop a nondestructive testing method that is sensitive to kiss bonds, standards need to be fabricated with known strength values. In the current work, we attempt to create kiss bonds in between carbon fiber composite laminates that have been bonded with epoxy film adhesive and epoxy paste adhesive. Based on ultrasonic testing, when creating true kiss bonds using film adhesives, a complete disbond could not be avoided because of thermally induced stresses during the high-temperature cure. However, further work demonstrated that kiss bonds can be formed using room-temperature curable epoxy paste adhesives by creating an amine blush on the epoxy surface or applying a release agent on the bonding surfaces.
Studies concerning the inhibition of cellular reproduction by deoxyribonucleosides: I. Inhibition of the synthesis of deoxycytidine by a phosphorylated derivative of thymidine

Abstract Thymidine at high concentrations inhibits the reproduction of P815Y and L1578Y cells in culture. A subline (P815Y/FUDR) of the murine mast cell neoplasm, P815Y, was selected for resistance to 5-fluoro-2′-deoxyuridine, is unaffected by high concentrations of thymidine and is deficient in thymidine kinase activity. This finding suggests that the toxic form of thymidine is a phosphorylated derivative. The inhibition of growth by thymidine is specifically prevented by 2′-deoxycytidine. It is proposed that the functional form of thymidine inhibits the conversion of cytidylic acid to 2′-deoxycytidylic acid and, in this manner, restricts the capacity of the cells to synthesize deoxyribonucleic acid.
Deleterious system effects due to low-frequency polarization scrambling in the presence of nonnegligible polarization-dependent loss

We experimentally investigate the deleterious system effects due to polarization scrambling at frequencies of tens of kilohertz. In the presence of nonnegligible instantaneous polarization-dependent loss (PDL), transmission systems may suffer from performance variations due to the polarization-scrambling-induced intensity modulation. In particular, an instantaneous PDL of 2.6 dB can induce /spl sim/3 dB power penalty at a 29-dB optical signal-to-noise ratio.
A Critical Review of Stroke Trial Analytical Methodology: Outcome Measures, Study Design, and Correction for Imbalances

Despite considerable advances in understanding the pathophysiology of stroke, there has been a lack of success in identifying new therapies to improve outcome. Our work suggests that the execution of stroke trials is not the primary issue. Here, we consider the analysis of clinical trials as a potential source of error. We review several components of stroke trial analysis. We conclude that many of these trials have been plagued by inappropriate use of complex statistical analytical methods that have not considered the underlying assumptions required for their valid application. Unfortunately, many of these methods have been encouraged by publishing, regulatory, granting, and pharmaceutical entities, yet continue to generate flawed results, usually discovered when early results are not confirmed in subsequent large trials. Because these errors may be just as likely to occur when early studies appear negative and so potentially reflect a missed opportunity to identify an effective therapy, we urge a reassessment of these analytical principles and provide some alternative approaches.
Cross-Reactivity of Acetylfentanyl and Risperidone With a Fentanyl Immunoassay

Fentanyl and its analogs, such as acetylfentanyl, have become a concern for potential abuse. Fentanyl compliance monitoring and urine drug testing are becoming increasingly necessary; however, a limited number of fentanyl immunoassays have been validated for clinical use. The purpose of this study was to validate the use of the DRI® fentanyl immunoassay, determine the potential cross-reactivity of acetylfentanyl and other pharmaceuticals, and investigate acetylfentanyl use in San Francisco. All urine toxicology samples from patients presenting to the emergency department were analyzed using the fentanyl immunoassay for 4 months. Positive samples were analyzed qualitatively using liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) for fentanyl, fentanyl metabolites, fentanyl analogs and greater than 200 common drugs and metabolites. Subsequently, quantitative analysis was performed using LC-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS). Acetylfentanyl, risperidone and 9-hydroxyrisperidone were found to cross-react with the fentanyl immunoassay. No acetylfentanyl was detected in our emergency department patient population. The fentanyl immunoassay demonstrated 100% diagnostic sensitivity in a subset of urines tested; however, the specificity was only 86% due to seven false-positive samples observed. Five of the seven samples were positive for risperidone and 9-hydroxyrisperidone. The DRI® fentanyl immunoassay can be used to screen for fentanyl or acetylfentanyl; however, confirmatory testing should be performed for all samples that screen positive.
Obesity and Insulin Resistance Screening Tools in American Adolescents: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999 to 2010.

Abstract Objective To identify which feasible obesity and insulin resistance (IR) screening tools are most strongly associated in adolescents by using a nationally representative sample. Methods Adolescents aged 12.0 to 18.9 years who were participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (n=3584) and who were measured for height, weight, waist circumference (WC), triceps and subscapular skinfold thickness, glycated hemoglobin, fasting glucose (FG) and fasting insulin (FI) level were included. Adolescents were split by gender and grouped by body mass index (BMI) percentile. Age- and gender-specific classifications were constructed for each obesity screening tool measure to account for growth and maturation. General linear models were used to establish groups objectively for analysis based on when IR began to increase. Additional general linear models were used to identify when IR significantly increased for each IR measure as obesity group increased and to identify the variance accounted for among each obesity-IR screening tool relationship. Results As the obesity group increased, homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and FI significantly increased, while FG increased only (above the referent) in groups with BMI percentiles ≥95.0, and glycated hemoglobin level did not vary across obesity groups. The most strongly associated screening tools were WC and FI in boys (R2=0.253) and girls (R2=0.257). FI had the strongest association with all of the obesity measures. BMI associations were slightly weaker than WC in each in relation to IR. Conclusions Our findings show that WC and FI are the most strongly associated obesity and IR screening tool measures in adolescents. These feasible screening tools should be utilized in screening practices for at-risk adolescents.
Se Fertilizer Application Technique for Producing Selenium-rich Rice

Under field experiment condition,Se-fertilizer application techniques for producing selenium-rich rice were studied by usingⅡyou 7 and Chuanxiang 9838.There were five spraying times(SLBDP,PMCMS,FPS,6DAFP and 12DAFP),two Se-fertilizer rates(3000 and 6000 mL/hm2) and two application methods(one-time application at SLBDP,two-time application at SLBDP and 10DAFP).The results showed that SLBDP and 6-12 day after full panicle were key period of absorbing Se to rice grain.Spraying Se fertilizer could significantly increase yield and Se content in rice grain.The main reason of increasing yield was to promote the improvement of the setting.Spraying se-fertilizer 3000 mL/hm2 at SLBDF and 10DAFP respectively,Se content was stable in rice product and comply with the national standard of selenium-rich rice(GB/T22499-2008).
Pyruvate Occupancy in the Carboxyl Transferase Domain of Pyruvate Carboxylase Facilitates Product Release from the Biotin Carboxylase Domain through an Intermolecular Mechanism.

Protein structure, ligand binding, and catalytic turnover contributes to the governance of catalytic events occurring at spatially distinct domains in multifunctional enzymes. Coordination of these catalytic events partially rests on the ability of spatially discrete active sites to communicate with other allosteric and active sites on the same polypeptide chain (intramolecular) or on different polypeptide chains (intermolecular) within the holoenzyme. Often, communication results in long-range effects on substrate binding or product release. For example, pyruvate binding to the carboxyl transferase (CT) domain of pyruvate carboxylase (PC) increases the rate of product release in the biotin carboxylase (BC) domain. In order to address how CT domain ligand occupancy is “sensed” by other domains, we generated functional, mixed hybrid tetramers using the E218A (inactive BC domain) and T882S (low pyruvate binding, low activity) mutant forms of PC. The apparent Ka pyruvate for the pyruvate-stimulated release o...
Typical 3 + 3 Gait Motion Analysis of a Radial Symmetrical Six-Legged Robot Based on Metamorphic Theory

The locomotion of multi-legged robots has some characters similar to metamorphic mechanisms. Assuming the constraints of the feet on the ground with hinges, the supporting legs and the hexapod body are taken as a parallel mechanism, and each transporting leg is regarded as a usual serial manipulator. In different period there may been different equivalent mechanisms of multi-legged robot. The locomotion of hexapod robot can be considered as a series of varying hybrid serial-parallel mechanisms. Four typical 3 + 3 gaits of a radial symmetrical six-legged robot are studied in this paper based on metamorphic theory. A new static stability workspace is proposed to establish the static stability of four gaits, and a new method to calculate the stride length of multi-legged robots is present by analyzing the relationship between the workspaces of two adjacent equivalent parallel mechanisms in one gait cycle.
Mercury oxidation during coal combustion by injection of vanadium pentoxide (V2O5)

Abstract Although there are many commercially available methods to capture Hg emission from coal combustion, it is still difficult to use a single method that can control Hg emission both efficiently and economically from coal combustors due to the varying coal seams, operating conditions and downstream control devices. One methodology is the use of sorbent injection at elevated temperatures; and is examined in this study. V2O5 was tested as the sorbent and was found to effectively oxidize elemental mercury (Hg0). Ultrafine V2O5 particles are formed during the combustion process resulting in a high surface area aerosol that can effectively catalyze the oxidation of Hg0. The effect of varying chlorine (Cl) concentration in coal on Hg0 oxidation was also examined. The result shows that Cl can enhance Hg0 oxidation on the V2O5 surface.
ABI5-binding proteins (AFPs) alter transcription of ABA-induced genes via a variety of interactions with chromatin modifiers

Overexpression of ABI5/ABF binding proteins (AFPs) results in extreme ABA resistance of seeds via multiple mechanisms repressing ABA response, including interactions with histone deacetylases and the co-repressor TOPLESS. Several ABI5/ABF binding proteins (AFPs) inhibit ABA response, resulting in extreme ABA resistance in transgenic Arabidopsis overexpression lines, but their mechanism of action has remained obscure. By analogy to the related Novel Interactor of JAZ (NINJA) protein, it was suggested that the AFPs interact with the co-repressor TOPLESS to inhibit ABA-regulated gene expression. This study shows that the AFPs that inhibit ABA response have intrinsic repressor activity in a heterologous system, which does not depend on the domain involved in the interaction with TOPLESS. This domain is also not essential for repressing ABA response in transgenic plants, but does contribute to stronger ABA resistance. Additional interactions between some AFPs and histone deacetylase subunits were observed in yeast two-hybrid and bimolecular fluorescence assays, consistent with a more direct mechanism of AFP-mediated repression of gene expression. Chemical inhibition of histone deacetylase activity by trichostatin A suppressed AFP effects on a small fraction of the ABI5-regulated genes tested. Collectively, these results suggest that the AFPs participate in multiple mechanisms modulating ABA response, including both TOPLESS-dependent and -independent chromatin modification.
Four Theses for Critical Library and Information Studies: A Manifesto

This essay proposes four theses for a Critical Library and Information Studies (CLIS) research agenda. The author argues that a normative commitment to libraries as social institutions should guide any future CLIS research agenda, that the natural sciences are a poor model for CLIS research, that value neutrality should be abandoned, and that any CLIS project should propose alternatives.
HOM frequency control of SRF cavity in high current ERLs

Abstract The acceleration of high-current beam in Superconducting Radio Frequency (SRF) cavities is a challenging but essential for a variety of advanced accelerators. SRF cavities should be carefully designed to minimize the High Order Modes (HOM) power generated in the cavities by the beam current. The reduction of HOM power we demonstrate in a particular case can be quite large. This paper presents a method to systematically control the HOM resonance frequencies in the initial design phase to minimize the HOM power generation. This method is expected to be beneficial for the design of high SRF cavities addressing a variety of Energy Recovery Linac (ERL) applications.
Computational study for optimization of a plasmon FET as a molecular biosensor

Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) is currently being widely studied as it exhibits sensitive optical properties to changes in in the refractive index of the surrounding medium. As novel devices using SPR have been developing rapidly there is a necessity to develop models and simulation environments that will allow for continued development and optimization of these devices. A biological sensing device of interest is the Plasmon FET which has been proven experimentally to have a limit of detection (LOD) of 20pg/ml while being immune to the absorption of the medium. The Plasmon FET is a metal-semiconductor-metal detector which employ functionalized gold nanostructures on a semi-conducting layer. This direct approach has the advantages of not requiring readout optics reducing size and allowing for point-of -care measurements. Using Lumerical FDTD and Device numerical solvers, we can report an advanced simulation environment illustrating several key sensor specifications including LOD, resolution, sensitivity, and dynamic range, for a variety of biological markers providing a comprehensive analysis of a Direct Plasmon-to-Electric conversion device designed to function with colored mediums (eg.whole blood). This model allows for the simulation and optimization of a plasmonic sensor that already o ers advantages in size, operability, and multiplexing-capability, with real time monitoring.
County-level job automation risk and health: Evidence from the United States.

Abstract Rationale Previous studies have observed a positive association between automation risk and employment loss. Based on the job insecurity-health risk hypothesis, greater exposure to automation risk could also be negatively associated with health outcomes. Objective The main objective of this paper is to investigate the county-level association between prevalence of workers in jobs exposed to automation risk and general, physical, and mental health outcomes. Methods As a preliminary assessment of the job insecurity-health risk hypothesis (automation risk → job insecurity → poorer health), a structural equation model was used based on individual-level data in the two cross-sectional waves (2012 and 2014) of General Social Survey (GSS). Next, using county-level data from County Health Rankings 2017, American Community Survey (ACS) 2015, and Statistics of US Businesses 2014, Two Stage Least Squares (2SLS) regression models were fitted to predict county-level health outcomes. Results Using the 2012 and 2014 waves of the GSS, employees in occupational classes at higher risk of automation reported more job insecurity, that, in turn, was associated with poorer health. The 2SLS estimates show that a 10% increase in automation risk at county-level is associated with 2.38, 0.8, and 0.6 percentage point lower general, physical, and mental health, respectively. Conclusion Evidence suggests that exposure to automation risk may be negatively associated with health outcomes, plausibly through perceptions of poorer job security. More research is needed on interventions aimed at mitigating negative influence of automation risk on health.
Solidarity in biomedicine and beyond

What decisions, actions, feelings and similarities bind us together? How are “feelings of political community” transformed into the political action of individuals and collectives? (Prainsack and B...
Metal-Ligand Heats and Related Thermodynamic Quantities by Titration Calorimetry

Titration calorimetry provides a means to evaluate the thermodynamic quantites log K, AH, and AS for a wide range of metal - ligand reactions in solution. These quantities give information concerning extent of reaction, bond energies, and solvent interactions, respectively, which provide the basis for understanding metal-ligand reactions. Heat of reaction data for metal-ligand interactions are not numerous and many of the reported values were obtained from K versus 1/T plots making them of questionable validity (1).
HPBDC 2018 Keynote

We analyse the components that are needed in programming environments for Big Data Analysis Systems with scalable HPC performance and the functionality of ABDS – the Apache Big Data Software Stack. One highlight is Harp-DAAL which is a machine library exploiting the Intel node library DAAL and HPC communication collectives within the Hadoop ecosystem. Another highlight is Twister2 which consists of a set of middleware components to support batch or streaming data capabilities familiar from Apache Hadoop, Spark, Heron and Flink but with high performance. Twister2 covers bulk synchronous and data flow communication; task management as in Mesos, Yarn and Kubernetes; dataflow graph execution models; launching of the Harp-DAAL library; streaming and repository data access interfaces, in-memory databases and fault tolerance at dataflow nodes. Similar capabilities are available in current Apache systems but as integrated packages which do not allow needed customization for different application scenarios. We discuss the synergy between cloud management (DevOps) and cloud execution systems.
The Role of Public Relations in College Athletics: Identifying Roles, Tasks, and Importance of Public Relations

Public relations (PR) is becoming increasingly important in college athletics as the frequency and severity of controversy, legal issues, and crises heighten. With many stakeholders concerned about college athletic programs, coupled with an increased media presence and skyrocketing budgets, it is imperative that athletic programs communicate effectively and efficiently in times where clarity is needed. With that, the purpose of this research is to continue learning about the roles and perceptions of PR within an athletic department, as seen through the lens of ath-letic directors. Building on the work of (Ruihley & Fall, 2009), this research seeks to discover more about the following PR areas: tasks, stakeholder reach, benefits, and roles of PR staff. With mixed-method findings from NCAA Divisions I-A and I-AA athletic directors (n = 49), results indicate top responsibilities of the pri-mary PR staff member as maintaining media contacts and working with coaches and athletes. The top stakeholders indicated were student athletes, media, and the university. The top perceived role was problem-solving process facilitator. Lastly, the top indicated benefits of PR were identified in themes of communication and message, relationships, and strategic planning. The results of this research assist in understanding more about the fit of PR in college athletics.
The Shady Pink Elephant: End of Life Education for Young Women Affected by Breast Cancer

In an effort to improve participation of younger breast cancer survivors in end of life (EOL) discussions and planning, this study evaluated the impact of The Shady Pink Elephant EOL educational series on participants’ knowledge, attitudes and behaviors towards palliative care and EOL wishes. Data was gathered at baseline (pre survey and registration) following each event (post survey) and 6 months after the series as intervention (post survey). A total of 36 women with breast cancer, averaging 40 years of age, participated in the first online event, 24 in the second and 22 in the third. A total of 20 completed the 6-month post survey. Significant improvement in scores occurred from baseline to 6 months for the following items: belief that palliative care is only for those at the EOL, belief that EOL discussions are only important for those at the EOL, comfort with talking about EOL issues, confidence that EOL wishes will be honored by one’s health care power of attorney and knowledge of characteristics are important in the person assigned as a person’s health care power of attorney. The Shady Pink Elephant EOL educational series is therefore a promising intervention for improving EOL knowledge, attitudes and behavior. Further research with larger sample sizes is needed regarding understanding and accessing palliative care and deciding upon and communicating EOL wishes in this patient population.
Thermal performance and potential annual energy impact of retrofit thin-glass triple-pane glazing in US residential buildings

Heat transfer through the building envelope and associated air leakage comprise the largest HVAC loads in most climates, and windows, which are known as the weakest link in the thermal envelope, are responsible for about 5 Quads, or approximately 10%, of building energy use. Therefore, windows offer a significant opportunity for building energy savings. High performance windows, such as triple glazing, though comprised of less than 2% of all US window sales in 2016 and has remained stagnant because they typically require a full and expensive redesign of the typical window sash and frame. One potential low incremental cost solution to kick start the market is upgrading the glazing with a thin-glass triple-pane design that does not require modifications to existing frame and sash. In this work, we first define the characteristics and performance of current “typical” residential windows through an examination of the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) Certified Products Directory (CPD). With knowledge of the typical window, we determine the potential thermal performance impact of replacing typical glazing with thin-glass triple-pane glazing. Finally, with an understanding of the potential improvements to traditional performance metrics, such as U-factor, we show the energy savings potential of the thin-triple glazing in place of typical low-e windows in residential buildings is 16% in heating dominated climates such as Minneapolis, MN, 12% in mixed climates such as Washington DC, and 7% in cooling dominated climates such as Houston, TX.
Patellar-Trochlear Morphology in Pediatric Patients From 2 to 11 Years of Age: A Descriptive Analysis Based on Computed Tomography Scanning.

Background Despite the critical role the trochlea plays in patellofemoral (PF) pathology, the development of the trochlea is poorly understood. The purpose of this study was 2-fold: (1) Describe quantitative osseous and soft tissue anatomy of the patella and trochlea in skeletally immature cadaveric specimens utilizing known measurements used in PF instability, and (2) evaluate additional measurement techniques in the sagittal plane as they relate to PF morphologic development. Methods Thirty-one skeletally immature fresh frozen cadaveric knees between the ages of 2 and 11 years old were evaluated using 0.625 mm computed tomography scans. In the axial plane, measurements included condylar height asymmetry, trochlear facet asymmetry, trochlear depth, osseous sulcus angle, cartilaginous sulcus angle, patella sulcus angle, and tibial tubercle-trochlear groove distance. In the sagittal plane, measurements included previously undescribed measurements of trochlear length and condylar height asymmetry which are based on the anterior femoral cortex. Results Analysis of trochlear morphology using condylar height asymmetry (both axial and sagittal), trochlear facet asymmetry, and trochlear depth and length demonstrated an increase in the size of the medial and lateral trochlea as age increased. There was more variability in the change of size of the medial trochlea (height, length, and facet length) than the lateral trochlea. The osseous sulcus angle, cartilaginous sulcus angle, and patella sulcus angle decreased (became deeper) with age until after 8 years and then plateaued. Conclusions This cadaveric analysis demonstrated that there is an increase in the medial and lateral trochlear height as age increased by all measurements analyzed. The findings also demonstrate that the shape of the patella and trochlea change concurrently, which suggests that there may be interplay between the 2 during development. These new sagittal measurement techniques evaluating the medial, central, and lateral trochlear height and length with respect to age may help guide clinicians when investigating patellar instability in skeletally immature patients. Levels of evidence Level IV.
Unsafe at Any Depth: Geological Methods, Subjective Judgments, and Nuclear Waste Disposal

In one of the most ambitious technological programs ever undertaken, the US Department of Energy (DOE) is now developing plans to construct the world’;s first permanent facility for high-level commercial radioactive waste. Planned for a site in Yucca Mountain, Nevada, the facility is supposed to keep the waste isolated from the biosphere for more than 10,000 years. As of 1991, the DOE has spent more than $3 billion on assessments of site suitability. Apart from the scientific and technical questions raised by the proposal to build such a facility, the Yucca Mountain repository raises a whole host of ethical and policy questions, for example: Is it fair for present persons to impose the burden of nuclear waste on future generations? Is it equitable for most Americans to receive the benefits of fission-generated electricity while Nevadans bear the risks and costs of nuclear waste? Does the permanent disposal of radioactive waste present unacceptable burdens in terms of potential infringements on civil liberties and on rights to due process? Is it ethical to impose nuclear waste on those who have not consented to the risk and who will have received only minimal benefits from it?
Noninvasive Ventilation Device-Related Pressure Injury in a Children's Hospital

BACKGROUND: Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) contributes to the development of pressure injury in a significant number of hospitalized patients. Pressure injuries contribute to increased length of hospital stay, pain, infection, and disfigurement. This study examined the relationship between NIV use and pressure injuries in hospitalized subjects. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all patients on NIV at a tertiary-care children9s hospital over a 2-y period. We studied the relationship between the characteristics of NIV use and measures of pressure injury severity. RESULTS: A total of 255 subjects, mean ± SD age 11.3 ± 5.8 y with 343 episodes of NIV use were evaluated, 7.2% (25/343) of which were associated with pressure injury. In univariate analysis, the presence of pressure injury was associated with older age (P = .01), maximum leak (P = .01), 95th percentile leak (P = .01), the log duration of time on NIV until pressure injury formation (P = .01), and maximum inspiratory positive airway pressure level (P = .01). Maximum leak remained statistically significant after multivariable analysis. CONCLUSIONS: After multivariate analysis, only high mask leak was significantly associated with developing a pressure injury. Identifying risk factors that correlate with NIV device-related hospital acquired pressure injuries in children can direct procedures to prevent pressure injury in hospitalized children at high risk.
Let’s Create a Harmonious and Peaceful World through Quality Bilingual Education! Indigenous Tsotsil Children and Their Languages the Solution!

The purpose of this paper is to underline the implications that language endangerment has, not only for the speakers of a specific language, but for the entire world as losing a language involves the disappearance of cultural, spiritual and intellectual knowledge as well as cultural identity. Many indigenous languages in Mexico, for example, have been in danger as Spanish, the dominant language of the country, has put them at a disadvantage. Transitional bilingual education has been used to achieve such a goal. Since this has been the case, some indigenous communities have taken the initiative to work diligently to preserve and promote their native language and culture despite the sociopolitical, economic and educational pressures they face. An example of that is the Mayan Tsotsil community in Chiapas in southern Mexico. This paper offers a summary of the findings of the qualitative research study that was conducted to explore the situation of the Tsotsil language at a Spanish-Indigenous Tsotsil elementary bilingual school in Chiapas. Tsotsil children and their teacher show that it is possible to preserve and promote the Tsotsil language when working together as a community. It is concluded that quality bilingual education and inclusive schools can be great tools that can contribute to have a harmonious and peaceful world.
Social integration and confidence in the police: a cross-national multi-level analysis

Building on the insight of Durkheim, the current study examines the hypothesis that cross-national proxies for social integration explain variation in confidence in the police across different coun...
Aggregated Electric Vehicle Load Modeling in Large-Scale Electric Power Systems

Different electric vehicle (EV) charging algorithms result in different EV charging load profiles, that if aggregated, influence the power grid operation. The existing EV charging demand models are either based on the charging status upon EV arrival or smart charging algorithms reinforced with particular charging methods and/or charging levels. This article proposes a new data-driven approach for EV charging load modeling. We first introduce a mathematical model that characterizes the flexibility of EV charging demand. Advanced simulation procedures are then proposed to identify the parameters of different EV load models and simulate EV charging demand under different electricity market realizations. The proposed EV load modeling approach can simulate different EV operation schedules, charging levels, and customer participation as a benchmark system. The proposed framework will also provide informative guidelines to transmission system operators for EV charging infrastructure planning in modern power systems.
Unfamiliarity Breeds Resentment: Familiarity Bias in Inaugural Credit Ratings

While a company’s first-time, or inaugural, corporate credit rating should be highly informational, we are concerned that ratings agencies might be impacted by a lack of familiarity with newly rate...
Geometry of Discrete Groups

In this chapter, we study the geometry of discrete groups of isometries of S n , E n , and H n . The chapter begins with an introduction to the projective disk model of hyperbolic n-space. Convex sets, polyhedra, and polytopes in S n , E n , and H n are studied in Sections 6.2, 6.3, and 6.4, respectively. The basic properties of fundamental domains for a discrete group are examined in Sections 6.5 and 6.6. The chapter ends with a study of the basic properties of tessellations of S n , E n , and H n .
Etiology detection and investigation of A (H1N1) influenza outbreak in a middle school

Objective To analyse the cause of the A (H1N1) influenza outbreak and pandemic characteristics in a middle school,and to provide reference for the disease control. Methods Through the epidemiological analysis, collecting throat swab specimens and using RT-PCR test for the aetiology. Results 50 suspected cases were detected, 28 cases for males, 22 cases females. The ratio of males to females was 1.27: 1. Fever, sore throat, cough, headache,throat congestion were the main symptoms. Of the cases, 9 cases were influenza A (H1N1) virus positive detected by RT-PCR. The outbreak was soon controlled after quick treatment. Conclusions It is important for the disease control to strengthen the viral surveillance and give the preventive education in middle school during the period of H1N1 influenza pandemic. Key words: Influenza A virus, H1N1 subtype; Epidemiology; Etiology; RT-PCR
Compositional and operational impacts on the thermochemical reduction of CO2 to CO by iron oxide/yttria-stabilized zirconia

Ferrites have potential for use as active materials in solar-thermochemical cycles because of their versatile redox chemistry. Such cycles utilize solar-thermal energy for the production of hydrogen from water and carbon monoxide from carbon dioxide. Although ferrites offer the potential for deep levels of reduction (e.g., stoichiometric conversion of magnetite to wustite) and correspondingly large per-cycle product yields, in practice reactions are limited to surface regions made smaller by rapid sintering and agglomeration. Combining ferrites with zirconia or yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) greatly improves the cyclability of the ferrites and enables a move away from powder to monolithic systems. We have studied the behavior of iron oxides composited with YSZ using thermogravimetric analysis under operando conditions. Samples in which the iron was fully dissolved within the YSZ matrix showed greater overall extent of thermochemical redox and higher rate of reaction than samples with equal iron loading but in which the iron was only partially dissolved, with the rest existing as agglomerates of iron oxide within the ceramic matrix. Varying the yttria content of the YSZ revealed a maximum thermochemical capacity (yield per cycle) for 6 mol% Y2O3 in YSZ. The first thermochemical redox cycle performed for each sample resulted in a net mass loss that was proportional to the iron oxide loading in the material and was stoichiometrically consistent with complete reduction of Fe2O3 to Fe3O4 and further partial reduction of the Fe3O4 to FeO. Mass gains upon reaction with CO2 were consistent with re-oxidation of the FeO fraction back to Fe3O4. The Fe dissolved in the YSZ matrix, however, is capable of cycling stoichiometrically between Fe3+ and Fe2+. Varying the re-oxidation temperature between 1000 and 1200 °C highlighted the trade-off between re-oxidation rate and equilibrium limitations.
It Project Management: Lessons Learned from Project Retrospectives 1999-2020

Failure to learn from past mistakes and successes has consistently been a major obstacle to improving IT project management. IT Project Management: Lessons Learned from Project Retrospectives 1999-2020 addresses this shortcoming by integrating, updating, and extending the research findings from four previous studies on IT project retrospectives. The result is a “meta-retrospective” of 264 IT projects analyzed as part of a program of action research conducted between 1999 and 2020. When viewed individually, each retrospective tells a unique story and provides a rich understanding of the project management practices taken within a specific context during a particular timeframe. When viewed as a whole, these 264 projects provide an incredible opportunity to understand project management practices at a more macro level and to generate findings that can be generalized across a wide spectrum of applications and organizations.