cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Workload characterization in a high-energy data grid and impact on resource management

The analysis of data usage in a large set of real traces from a high-energy physics collaboration revealed the existence of an emergent grouping of files that we coined "filecules". This paper presents the benefits of using this file grouping for prestaging data and compares it with previously proposed file grouping techniques along a range of performance metrics. Our experiments with real workloads demonstrate that filecule grouping is a reliable and useful abstraction for data management in science Grids; that preserving time locality for data prestaging is highly recommended; that job reordering with respect to data availability has significant impact on throughput; and finally, that a relatively short history of traces is a good predictor for filecule grouping. Our experimental results provide lessons for workload modeling and suggest design guidelines for data management in data-intensive resource-sharing environments.
Influence of Perceived Neighborhood Diversity and Racism Experience on the Racial Socialization of Black Youth

Research on ecological factors that influence the experience of racial socialization by African American adolescents is limited but necessary in understanding how youth come to be exposed to these messages. This study examines how the cultural diversity of an adolescent’s neighborhood and his or her experience with racism moderates the frequency of experiencing protective and proactive racial socialization communications received from their families. Results reveal that boys are more likely than girls to receive coping with antagonism and cultural pride communications in high culturally diverse neighborhoods when they’ve had a personal experience with racism. Conversely, girls from low culturally diverse neighborhoods, predominantly Black, report receiving more cultural pride messages from family if they had a personal experience with racism. The moderating effects of neighborhood cultural diversity and racism on the racial socialization of Black youth are discussed.
Sunday, August 29, 2010—Chicago, IL

The half court game was two on two—Reuben and Joe against Caleb and Ani—shirts against skins, respectively. They played on an outdoor court in Joe’s old neighborhood, near Cicero.
Carotid distensibility characterized via the isometric exercise pressor response

Distensibility of the large elastic arteries is a key index for cardiovascular health. Distensibility, usually estimated from resting values in humans, is not a static characteristic but a negative curvilinear function of pressure. We hypothesized that differences in vascular function with gender and age may only be recognized if distensibility is quantified over a range of pressures. We used isometric handgrip exercise to induce progressive increases in pressures and carotid diameters, thereby enhancing the characterization of distensibility. In 30 volunteers, evenly distributed by gender and age across the third to fifth decades of life, we derived pulsatile distensibility slopes as a function of arterial pressure for a dynamic distensibility index and compared it with a traditional static index at a reference pressure of 95 mmHg. We also assessed intima-media thickness (IMT). We found that women had greater distensibility slopes within each decade, despite comparable IMT. Furthermore, declines in distensibility slope with increasing age were correlated to increased IMT. The static distensibility index failed to show gender-related differences in distensibility but did show age-related differences. Our results indicate that gender- and age-related differences can be manifest even in young, healthy adults and may only be identified with techniques that assess carotid distensibility across a range of pressures.
Innovations in Clinical Research Design and Conduct in Psychiatry: Shifting to Pragmatic Approaches

The classically structured clinical trial does not offer enough flexibility to make use of continuously emerging knowledge that is generated as the trial progresses. In this regard, there are consistent issues impeding effective psychiatric research, including limitations in efficiency, difficulty demonstrating significant differences between treatment arms, poor external validity, and ethical constraints. For example, research in the field of psychiatry shows that it is growing increasingly more challenging to demonstrate superiority of interventions to placebo in part related to the increasing placebo response rates. Various design innovations and other tricks of the trade have surfaced to improve sensitivity towards detecting drug-placebo differences and reduce sources of bias in psychiatric research. Diverse strategies have been developed to address these obstacles and improve the outcomes of clinical research in psychiatry. The current review highlights many of these innovations and describes examples of their practical use, mainly focusing on the study design and conduct perspectives. In the study design issues, adaptive, equipoise stratified, sequential parallel and effectiveness design will be explored. The proper strategies for pragmatic and ethical conduction of clinical trials will be also discussed in-depth.
Thermal degradation behavior of selective zinc oxide coatings: An optical modeling approach

Anodically oxidized leaf zinc was exposed to several heat-treatment conditions, and the changes in the optical properties with such exposures were recorded in the form of spectral reflectance curves. The changes in these curves with exposure times were then modeled with several plausible coating structure changes. The approaches included an effective medium approximation and a nonstoichiometric semiconductor oxide model.
Partial Nephrectomy: Technique Complications and Pathological Findings

AbstractPurpose: We evaluate whether partial nephrectomy can be performed safely and efficaciously for renal tumors.Materials and Methods: The results of 67 partial nephrectomies performed between 1977 and 1994 for renal cell carcinoma (51), oncocytoma (9), angiomyolipoma (3), transitional cell carcinoma (3) and other nonneoplastic lesions (2) were analyzed retrospectively in detail.Results: Diminished complication rates were noted after 1988, and were attributed to improvements in surgical technique and an increased incidence of smaller, serendipitously discovered tumors. Although 35.5 percent of the patients had preoperative renal impairment (mean serum creatinine 2.1 mg./dl.), there were minimal changes in renal function and no patient required acute hemodialysis following partial nephrectomy. Among 42 patients with clinical stage T1 to T2 renal cell carcinoma undergoing partial nephrectomy local recurrence was identified in 8.3 percent of those with primary neoplasms. All 6 patients with local recurre...
Effect of Maternal Treatment with Cyclic HPMPC in the Guinea Pig Model of Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection

Background. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection of the fetus is the leading cause of congenital infection. Using the guinea pig model of congenital CMV infection, we sought to determine whether antiviral treatment of a CMV­ infected dam could improve the outcome of offspring. Methods. Pregnant Hartley guinea pigs were inoculated with guinea pig CMV (GPCMV) during the late second/early third trimester of gestation. Guinea pigs received either 1 dose of cyclic 1-[((s)-2-hydroxy-2-oxo­ 1,4,2,-dioxaphosphorinan-5-yl)methyl]cytosine dihydrate (cHPMPC; 35 mg/kg) or placebo 24 h after GPCMV infection. Guinea pigs were monitored until delivery or were killed 10 days after infection, for the evaluation of the effect of cHPMPC on viral replication by polymerase chain reaction analysis in various dam and pup tissues. Results. cHPMPC treatment of infected dams improved pup survival from 28.2% (11/39) to 83.7% (36/43) (P< .00l) and extended the duration of pregnancy. cHPMPC treatment did not prevent infection of the placenta or disseminated infection of the dam and pup but significantly decreased the amount of GPCMV in tissues. GPCMV DNA levels in the placenta were reduced from 3.54 to 2.12 loglo genome copiesiJ-tg of DNA (P< .0001). Conclusions. Treatment of the GPCMV-infected pregnant dam with 1 dose of cHPMPC improves the outcome of congenital infection and decreases viral replication in a guinea pig model.
Intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography as a method to study peripheral vascular disease

In many patients with peripheral vascular disease, conventional arteriograms are not adequate to make proper preoperative decisions. In the past, these inadequate studies led to surgical exploration of vessels and intraoperative angiography to determine operability. Such efforts prolonged operating time and potentially had adverse effects on amputation levels. Recently, intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography (IDSA) has provided an excellent means to further evaluate these patients preoperatively. We presently have 30 patients in whom IDSA supplemented routine aortography and runoff studies. When standard angiographic studies were considered inadequate, the catheter was positioned appropriately and IDSA was obtained. Inadequate lower extremity distal runoff in 23 patients and no proximal or distal runoff in seven patients prompted the IDSA. The IDSA study yielded further information on all patients, and 26 of 30 patients underwent successful bypass operation. In all 17 patients having femoropopliteal or femorotibial bypass, the IDSA was confirmed by an intraoperative (after bypass) angiogram. Nine patients had inflow procedures, and operative findings corroborated the IDSA. Two patients refused surgery and two patients were not candidates for revascularization. The IDSA study provided an accurate "road map," eliminated unnecessary vessel exploration, saved vital operative time, and prevented compromise of potential amputation levels.
Theoretical and experimental investigation of a quasi-optical mode converter for a 110-GHz gyrotron

A quasi-optical mode converter has been designed to transform the TE/sub 22,6/ mode at 110 GHz to a Gaussian beam in free space. The converter consists of a rippled-wall waveguide launcher and two toroidal focusing reflectors. A full vector diffraction theory was developed to simulate the converter operation and predict the characteristics of the output beam. The simulation results were used to modify and improve the reflector design. The converter was built and tested on a 3-/spl mu/s pulsed gyrotron operating in the TE/sub 22,6/ mode at 110 GHz. Beam expansion and calorimetric efficiency measurements agreed well with diffraction theory predictions. Greater than 95% of the TE/sub 22,6/ power generated by the gyrotron was converted to a fundamental Gaussian beam and coupled into a corrugated waveguide. Four additional reflectors were built to transform the fundamental Gaussian beam into two similar Gaussian-like beams of approximately equal power level. The vector diffraction theory analysis suggested that simple sinusoidal and toroidal shaping mirrors can achieve high-efficiency beam splitting. Experiments showed that the beam splitting mirror relay successfully converted the fundamental Gaussian beam, produced by the launcher and two mirror relay, to two Gaussian-like beams. Calorimetric measurements indicated that 94% of the total power leaving the gyrotron was converted to the dual beam output with 52% of the power in the upper beam and 42% in the lower beam. The measured beam patterns and expansions were in good agreement with predictions of vector diffraction theory.
Minimisation of the peak to mean envelope power ratio of multicarrier transmission schemes by block coding

A block coding scheme for the reduction of the peak to mean envelope power ratio of multicarrier transmission schemes is described. The principle of the scheme is illustrated with the specific example of a four carrier signal. The potential of the technique is investigated and it is shown that the application of a 1/2 rate code could typically result in a peak to mean envelope power ratio of around 3 dB. The development of the technique in terms of the selection of suitable sets of code words based on Shapiro-Rudin sequences, Golay complementary sequences and other larger sets of code words is investigated. However, it is shown that none of these code sets are ideal.
Putting people first: re-thinking the role of technology in augmentative and alternative communication intervention.

AbstractCurrent technologies provide individuals with complex communication needs with a powerful array of communication, information, organization, and social networking options. However, there is the danger that the excitement over these new devices will result in a misplaced focus on the technology, to the neglect of what must be the central focus – the people with complex communication needs who require augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). In order to truly harness the power of technology, rehabilitation and educational professionals must ensure that AAC intervention is driven, not by the devices, but rather by the communication needs of the individual. Furthermore, those involved in AAC research and development activities must ensure that the design of AAC technologies is driven by an understanding of motor, sensory, cognitive, and linguistic processing, in order to minimize learning demands and maximize communication power for individuals with complex communication needs across the life...
Xenopus as a model organism for birth defects-Congenital heart disease and heterotaxy

Congenital heart disease is the leading cause of birth defects, affecting 9 out of 1000 newborns each year. A particularly severe form of congenital heart disease is heterotaxy, a disorder of left-right development. Despite aggressive surgical management, patients with heterotaxy have poor survival rates and severe morbidity due to their complex congenital heart disease. Recent genetic analysis of affected patients has found novel candidate genes for heterotaxy although their underlying mechanisms remain unknown. In this review, we discuss the importance and challenges of birth defects research including high locus heterogeneity and few second alleles that make defining disease causality difficult. A powerful strategy moving forward is to analyze these candidate genes in a high-throughput human disease model. Xenopus is ideal for these studies. We present multiple examples demonstrating the power of Xenopus in discovering new biology from the analysis of candidate heterotaxy genes such as GALNT11, NEK2 and BCOR. These genes have diverse roles in embryos and have led to a greater understanding of complex signaling pathways and basic developmental biology. It is our hope that the mechanistic analysis of these candidate genes in Xenopus enabled by next generation sequencing of patients will provide clinicians with a greater understanding of patient pathophysiology allowing more precise and personalized medicine, to help patients more effectively in the future.
Childhood posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome: Magnetic resonance imaging findings with emphasis on increased leptomeningeal FLAIR signal.

PurposePosterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a clinico-radiologic syndrome characterized clinically by headache, seizures, and altered sensorium and radiological changes which are ...
Design and Validation of a Particulate Matter Management System Computationally

A cost effective and efficient technology was developed to cleanly remove particulate and fibrous matter from a container while avoiding dispersing the particles in the environment. This paper presents the whole process of computationally developing and validating a system which works based on medium and particles characteristics and can efficiently remove particles in the size range of 5–1000μm from the container. In the presented system a viscous medium was designed to capture and flocculate the particulate matter. One of the factors which will lower the operating costs is that the viscous medium can be easily recycled and the flocculated particles with minimal volume can be disposed of safely. ANSYS FLUENT package was used to simulate our proposed design. The effects of various container geometry, particle size, particle specific gravity, and pressure-velocity boundary conditions on separation efficiency of the design have been studied by using different multiphase models along with viscous and discreet phase models. The result of simulation work led to develop the optimum design, find the maximum and minimum particle size and particulate specific gravity which can be separated while considering the effect of gravity on separation efficiency. Finally the maximum loading capacity of model was determined in a way that particles dispersion into environment was avoided.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
A Study of the Immunocytoadherence Test in the Serology of Experimental Sporotrichosis

The immunocytoadherence (ICA) test was used for the detection of an immune response in animals with sporotrichosis. Two groups of 12 male Hartley guinea pigs, injected intrascrotally with 4 X 108 viable cells of Sporothrix schenckii and kept in a room at 10 C, developed a localized infection. Rosettes appeared during the acute stage of the infection and disappeared during the healing process. The detection of these circulating, antibody-producing cells indicated that immunoglobulins had been produced against S. schenckii. These results suggest that the ICA test warrants further investigation as a serologic method for the detection of an immunologic response in human sporotrichosis.
Coma postopératoire chez un patient atteint ďun syndrome basilaire complet après une discectomie cervicale antérieure

Objectif Un accident ischemique du tronc cerebral, resultat de ľocclusion de ľartere basilaire pendant une operation de la colonne cervicale chez un patient auparavant asymptomatique, est un evenement rare. Nous presentons le cas ďun important accident ischemique du tronc cerebral cause par ľocclusion de ľartere basilaire pendant une discectomie cervicale anterieure chez un patient sans deficit neurologique ou signes ďinsuffisance vertebro-basilaire connus.
“Global/local” community engagement: advancing integrative learning and situated solidarity

AbstractThis article illustrates how “global/local” community engagement, a particular form of experiential learning and political work that draws upon geography conceptually, pedagogically, and programmatically, is well suited to advance integrative learning and invite students into social action. Through specific examples from Mount Holyoke College, we argue that “global/local” community engagement helps students cultivate the skills and dispositions of reciprocity, reflexivity, and place-based and interdependent knowledge production. These are habits of mind and patterns of praxis necessary for enacting “situated solidarity,” a practice with great potential for grappling with the complex challenges and marked divisiveness of the twenty-first century. As our empirical examples demonstrate, the geographic concept of contour lines matched with the pedagogies of accompaniment and co-labor guide “global/local” community engagement. We conclude with a set of recommendations for implementing “global/local” co...
MiR-221-regulated KIT level by wild type or leukemia mutant RUNX1: a determinant of single myeloblast fate decisions that – collectively – drives or hinders granulopoiesis

// Stefano Rossetti 1 , Michael J. Anauo 1 and Nicoletta Sacchi 1 1 Department of Cancer Genetics and Genomics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263 Correspondence to: Nicoletta Sacchi, email: nicoletta.sacchi@roswellpark.org Keywords: wild type RUNX1, RUNX1-MTG8 mutant, miR-221-KIT axis, miR-ON reporter, single myeloblast fate decisions Received: August 10, 2017 Accepted: September 15, 2017 Published: September 23, 2017 ABSTRACT RUNX1, a master transcription factor of hematopoiesis, was shown to orchestrate both cell proliferation and differentiation during granulopoiesis by regulating microRNAs (miRs). In this study, taking advantage of the miR-ON reporter system, we monitored first, how the granulocyte colony stimulation factor (GCSF) temporally modulates the concomitant level variation of miR-221 and one of its prototypic targets, the stem cell factor receptor KIT, in single 32D miR-ON-221 myeloblasts expressing wild type RUNX1. Second, with the same reporter system we assessed how these temporal dynamics are affected by the t(8;21)(q22;q22) acute myelogenous leukemia mutant RUNX1-MTG8 (RM8) in single 32D-RM8 miR-ON-221 myeloblasts. Depending on either wild type, or mutant, RUNX1 transcriptional regulation, the cell-context specific miR-221-regulated KIT level translates into differential single cell fate decisions. Collectively, single cell fate choices translate into either initial expansion of undifferentiated myeloblasts followed by terminal granulocyte differentiation, as it happens in normal granulopoiesis, or aggressive growth of undifferentiated myeloblasts, as it happens in RUNX1-MTG8-positive acute myelogenous leukemia. Increasing knowledge of biological changes, due to altered miRNA dynamics, is expected to have relevant translational implications for leukemia detection and treatment.
52 A gap analysis of evaluated evidence-based interventions to reduce sexual assaults on college campuses using the haddon matrix

One in five undergraduate women have reported experiencing sexual assault since entering college. This study aimed to: 1) review the literature on evaluated interventions addressing sexual assault on college campuses, 2) provide an analysis of this literature using the Haddon Matrix as an organising framework, and 3) identify gaps in the evidence and opportunities for research and practice. A systematic literature review was conducted in October 2016 using Pubmed, PsycINFO, and SCOPUS. Included studies were published in a peer-reviewed journal between January 2001 and September 2016, used an experimental or quasi-experimental design, were conducted with English speaking college undergraduate students in the US and reported on sexual assault, sexual violence, and/or rape experiences, knowledge, beliefs, and behaviours. Full text articles were reviewed, coded and categorised in the Haddon Phase-Factor Matrix. 194 abstracts were initially identified. After removing duplicates, 170 were reviewed for potential inclusion, and 29 articles were included. 21 studies were RCTs, 8 were quasi-experimental designs. Interventions varied across the studies, although many (n=14) involved bystander interventions. Most interventions were categorised as addressing the host (victim/potential victim) and the social environment (bystanders), and across all phases (pre-event, event, and post-event) of an assault. Impacts were typically assessed by self-report measures administered before the program and at least at one follow up point. Most studies reported a statistically significant change in at least one outcome measure, such as decreased rape myth acceptance and increased bystander efficacy and intentions. Few evaluated interventions were identified in the peer-reviewed literature. Few focused on the agent (perpetrator), and none addressed the physical environment (e.g., presence of security). These results can be used by professionals working to reduce sexual assault on college campuses to draw from the evidence about what works. A number of conceptual and practical gaps for future research are identified.
A Carbon-Aware Incentive Mechanism for Greening Colocation Data Centers

The massive energy consumption of data centers worldwide has resulted in a large carbon footprint, raising serious concerns to sustainable IT initiatives and attracting a great amount of research attention. Nonetheless, the current efforts to date, despite encouraging, have been primarily centered around owner-operated data centers (e.g., Google data center), leaving out another major segment of data center industry—colocation data centers—much less explored. As a major hindrance to carbon efficiency desired by the operator, colocation suffers from “split incentive”: tenants may not be willing to manage their servers for carbon efficiency. In this paper, we aim at minimizing the carbon footprint of geo-distributed colocation data centers, while ensuring that the operator's cost meets a long-term budget constraint. We overcome the “split incentive” hurdle by devising a novel online carbon-aware incentive mechanism, called $\mathsf {GreenColo}$ GreenColo , in which tenants voluntarily bid for energy reduction at self-determined prices and will receive financial rewards if their bids are accepted at runtime. Using trace based simulation we show that $\mathsf {GreenColo}$ GreenColo results in a carbon footprint fairly close (23 versus 18 percent) to the optimal offline solution with future information, while being able to satisfy the colocation operator's long-term budget constraint. We demonstrate the effectiveness of $\mathsf {GreenColo}$ GreenColo in practical scenarios via both simulation studies and scaled-down prototype experiments. Our results show that $\mathsf {GreenColo}$ GreenColo can reduce the carbon footprint by up to 24 percent without incurring any additional cost for the colocation operator (compared to the no-incentive baseline case), while tenants receive financial rewards for “free” without violating service level agreement.
Efficiency of Ground Glass Fiber as a cementitious material, in mitigation of alkali-silica reaction of glass aggregates in mortars and concrete

Abstract Millions of tons of waste glass are produced annually around the world. In the absence of an effective recycling method, much of the waste glass is disposed in landfills. Utilization of this material as an aggregate source in concrete mixtures has been widely explored in the past in reducing the burden of the waste glass on landfills. However, the susceptibility of this material to Alkali-Silica Reaction (ASR) in concrete has been the main barrier against its widespread use. Alternatively, waste glass in a finely ground form can be used as a pozzolanic additive in concrete that can potentially counter the negative effects of crushed glass aggregate. Waste glass fiber is one of the materials that can be used as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM), if it is milled in to a fine powder. Results from earlier studies have shown the promising performance of this material as an SCM in improving mechanical properties of concrete. In this study the effectiveness of Ground Glass Fiber (GGF) in mitigation of ASR in mixtures containing crushed glass aggregates is investigated. In this study, the accelerated mortar bar tests (ASTM C1260-ASTM C1567) and the miniature concrete prism tests (AASHTO TP110) were conducted on mixtures containing crushed glass aggregate as a reactive aggregate in combination with GGF at different cement replacement levels. Simultaneously, a finely ground glass powder derived from soda-lime glass (GLP) and metakaolin were also investigated in this study. The findings from this investigation showed the superior performance of GGF in mitigating ASR compared to GLP and MK. The beneficial effects of GGF were attributed to its high aluminum content and high specific surface area. While MK was found to be similarly effective as GGF at lower dosage levels, difficulty associated with workability of mixtures containing MK at higher dosage levels was found to be a limiting factor. Mixtures containing GLP were found to be not as effective as either MK or GGF in mitigating ASR at equivalent dosage levels.
Inferring transportation modes from GPS trajectories using a convolutional neural network

Abstract Identifying the distribution of users’ transportation modes is an essential part of travel demand analysis and transportation planning. With the advent of ubiquitous GPS-enabled devices (e.g., a smartphone), a cost-effective approach for inferring commuters’ mobility mode(s) is to leverage their GPS trajectories. A majority of studies have proposed mode inference models based on hand-crafted features and traditional machine learning algorithms. However, manual features engender some major drawbacks including vulnerability to traffic and environmental conditions as well as possessing human’s bias in creating efficient features. One way to overcome these issues is by utilizing Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) schemes that are capable of automatically driving high-level features from the raw input. Accordingly, in this paper, we take advantage of CNN architectures so as to predict travel modes based on only raw GPS trajectories, where the modes are labeled as walk, bike, bus, driving, and train. Our key contribution is designing the layout of the CNN’s input layer in such a way that not only is adaptable with the CNN schemes but represents fundamental motion characteristics of a moving object including speed, acceleration, jerk, and bearing rate. Furthermore, we ameliorate the quality of GPS logs through several data preprocessing steps. Using the clean input layer, a variety of CNN configurations are evaluated to achieve the best CNN architecture. The highest accuracy of 84.8% has been achieved through the ensemble of the best CNN configuration. In this research, we contrast our methodology with traditional machine learning algorithms as well as the seminal and most related studies to demonstrate the superiority of our framework.
Using supervised learning techniques for entity relationships

Given different financial data resources, it is very challenging to relate entities across the various resources since each resource has its own way of describing the entities and relationships. We work on identifying such relationships using context and available scores, using mainly supervised machine learning techniques to build classifiers and predict new relationships or validate the existing ones based on the suitable measures of similarity.
Introduction to Pharmacodynamics

Since the early appreciation of differences in the time course of antimicrobial activity, much has been learned about the pharmacodynamics of antimicrobials. Specific PK/PD indices have been identified which are of major importance for efficacy and for the prevention of the emergence of resistance. Of major importance, the magnitudes of these PK/PD indices for efficacy have been shown to be very similar in animal infection models and human infections. Modeling has also identified that there are few differences in the index magnitude with different dosing intervals, among drugs within the same antimicrobial class (providing free drug concentrations are used), with different infection sites (except occasionally for pneumonia), and among susceptible and resistant strains of the same type of bacteria. Addition studies have shown that the magnitude of indices can increase significantly with a higher inoculum for S. aureus and that neutrophils have a minor enhancing effect on antimicrobial activity against Enterobacteriaceae but a more variable enhancing effect on activity against S. pneumonia for different antimicrobials. Pharmacodynamic modeling has many applications including establishing new optimal dosing regimens, developing new antimicrobials and formulations, determining susceptibility breakpoints, providing guidelines for empiric therapy, and formulary development.
Athletics as a Source for Social Status among Youth: Examining Variation by Gender, Race/Ethnicity, and Socioeconomic Status

This study examines sport as a source for youth popularity, and its variation by gender, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status and grade level, using a nationally representative U.S. sample of 2,185 3rd—12th graders. Results indicate athletes are more likely than nonathletes to report self-perceived popularity equally across gender, socioeconomic status, and grade. Black athletes are less likely to report self-perceived popularity than Whites. When given a choice of popularity criteria, youth chose sport as the most important criterion for male, not female, popularity. Regarding male popularity, sport is chosen over other criteria by middle school youth more than elementary and high school youth. While sport is a status enhancer, there is variation by gender, ethnicity, and grade level.
Molecular and Functional Determinants of Ca2+ Signaling Microdomains

Calcium homeostasis is a finely tuned process that occurs within narrowly defined physiological parameters. Compartmentalization of the calcium signaling complex involved in sensing, generating, and propagating the signal ensures a rapid response to the stimuli and fidelity of the response. This is achieved by assembling the key components involved in this process into a closely associated complex. Such a complex has been well established in the case of store-operated calcium entry (SOCE), a critical Ca2+ signaling mechanism that regulates a variety of cellular functions. Membrane domains (e.g., the plasma membrane lipid raft domains) as well as specific proteins (e.g., caveolin-1) provide scaffolds for assembly of signaling complexes associated with Ca2+ entry, which include not only the channels mediating Ca2+ flux but also the regulatory proteins and downstream sensors. In this chapter, we will discuss the function of TRPC1 (a channel involved in SOCE) and organization of TRPC1 channel complexes, involving the role of newly identified proteins, Orai1 and STIM1. Finally, we will consider recent advances in the field that substantiate and extend our understanding of the molecular components which determine the assembly and compartmentalization of Ca2+ entry signals.
Chapter 1 – The Present, Past, and Future of Research on Aging and Decision Making

In this chapter, we orient the reader to the emerging field of aging and decision making portrayed in this edited volume. We trace recent progress made in addressing issues identified by the National Research Council (2000, 2006) in three general areas: neurobiological mechanisms, behavioral mechanisms (including cognition, affect, and motivation), and applied perspectives that address decision making in specific contexts of everyday life. We then provide an overview of each of the chapters in the volume and highlight how each contributes to advances in current knowledge of aging and decision making.
Development of an Interval Type-2 TSK Fuzzy Logic Attitude Controller for a UAV

Due to the inaccuracies of UAV models and the uncertainties introduced because of sensor measurement errors, noise, undesired environmental conditions as well as disturbances, stabilizing UAVs in real-time applications is a challenging task. Fuzzy logic controllers (FLCs) are capable of controlling a system without knowing much about the details of it's mathematical description. Particularly, type-2 FLCs are capable of effectively capturing and accommodating uncertainties. In this paper, therefore, we develop an interval type-2 (IT2) Takagi-Sugeno-Kang (TSK) fuzzy logic attitude controller for enhancing the performance of a quadcopter UAV. The effectiveness of the developed IT2 TSK FLC is verified by applying it to a software in the loop (SITL) simulation of a quadcopter UAV. The performance of the UAV when using the developed IT2 TSK FLC is compared with it's performance when using a classical PID controller.
On the Estimation of Wind Speed Diurnal Cycles Using Simulated Measurements of CYGNSS and ASCAT

Due to solar heating, many geophysical quantities, such as precipitation, sea surface temperature, and wind, have distinct diurnal signatures in the tropical region. To explore the potential of wind speed measurements of the Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System (CYGNSS) mission launched in December 2016, we examine the degree to which wind diurnal cycles can be estimated from the surface wind speed data provided by CYGNSS along with data from the ASCAT mission. Ocean wind speed measurements are simulated based on the Cross-Calibrated Multi-Platform analysis fields of surface wind vectors. We estimate the amplitude and phase of diurnal wind speed based on a discrete Fourier transform generalized to analyze unevenly sampled time series of wind speed anomalies. The results show that the combination of CYGNSS and ASCAT measurements can provide some ability to observe diurnal wind information, but that additional time samples (e.g., from other measurement sources) would likely provide further benefits in estimation performance.
Ranking Work-Family Policies across OECD Countries: Implications for Work-Family Conflict, Gender Equality, and Child Well-being

This research comparatively ranks OECD countries’ statutory policies of leave, early childhood education and care (ECEC), and flexible work arrangement, in terms of their levels of supportiveness and gender equality based on the Supportiveness and Gender Equality Indices. Among 33 countries, Sweden ranks 1st based on both Indices, while the United States ranks 30th for Supportiveness and 29th for Gender Equality. Mexico, Switzerland, and Turkey rank last for both Indices. Four types of policy regimes are identified. Among them, state-oriented caring regimes that challenge gendered opposition of paid work and unpaid care work through policy provisions are more likely to address work-family conflict, promote gender equality, and enhance child well-being. To better support working parents, leave would best be well paid and equally shared between fathers and mothers motivated by incentives; an entitlement to ECEC and flexibility has to be granted before or at the end of well-paid leave.
Dose Hypofractionated Stereotactic Radiotherapy for Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations: A Case Series and Review of the Literature.

Background Brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are pathologic tangles of intracerebral vessels. The treatment of AVMs aims to reduce the risk of devastating intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). Hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (HSRT) can be used to treat large lesions and reduce the risk of radiation toxicity to the surrounding structures. We analyzed the data from our institutional experience of the past 15 years in treating large AVMs with both 5- and 6-fraction HSRT and evaluated the pretreatment characteristics that are most predictive of the radiographic response. Methods We included 37 patients and 42 treatments of intracranial AVMs measuring >3 cm in their largest dimension. Data were collected retrospectively by reviewing the electronic health records. The AVM volume was measured before HSRT and at the most recent follow-up appointment. Symptomatic outcomes, including treatment-related inflammation, were measured and defined categorically. Results Complete obliteration was achieved in 11.9% of the patients. The mean AVM volume had decreased significantly after HSRT (P = 8.7e-8). The percentage of volume reduction differed significantly between patients receiving 30-Gy fractions, (∂V = −48.7%) and those receiving 25-Gy fractions (∂V = −29.1%; P = 0.035). Patients with partial or complete obliteration were more likely to have received a total dose of 30 Gy rather than 25 Gy (P = 0.056) and showed a trend toward being treatment naive (P = 0.053). Conclusion HSRT can be used as a method to manage large AVMs, with obliteration in some cases and sufficient volume reduction in most others for adjuvant treatment with other modalities. The 30-Gy total dose was generally superior to 25 Gy in achieving obliteration or volume reduction. Further studies focused on longer follow-up periods are warranted.
A review of performance of zero energy buildings and energy efficiency solutions

Abstract The enhancement of energy performance of buildings has become a pillar of energy policies. The main target is the cut of energy consumption to reduce buildings footprint. This aim is pursued by introducing constrains on building requirements in terms of properties of basic materials and components and exploitation of renewable energy sources . That results in the definition of the zero-energy building (ZEB) concept. The new paradigm introduced new challenges and, at the same time, involved all the different stakeholders in facing the barriers to the diffusion of the novel solutions proposed by the research development. This paper summarizes the actual state-of-art of whole performance of ZEBs and the related technical solutions, analysing their increasing potential in energy consumption. A collection of the different case studies reported in literature involving ZEBs is presented, compiling an analysis of the performance of the common solutions actually applied. The technologies involved are described discussing their impact in meeting the ZEB requirements. A debate is proposed, pointing out the main aspects deserving further investigations and outlining the critical elements in making the zero-energy target the new standard for the buildings.
Immune cell modulation of oligodendrocyte lineage cells.

Abstract Chronic demyelination and the concomitant loss of trophic support and increased energy demands in axons are thought to contribute to neurodegeneration in a number of neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Adult oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) play an important role in these demyelinating diseases by generating new myelinating oligodendrocytes that may help limit axonal degeneration. Thus, promoting the differentiation of OPCs and functional integration of newly generated oligodendrocytes is a crucial avenue for the next generation of therapies. Evidence to date suggests that the immune system may both positively and negatively impact OPC differentiation and endogenous remyelination in disease. Inflammatory cytokines not only suppress OPC differentiation but may also directly affect other functions of OPCs. Recent studies have demonstrated that OPCs and oligodendrocytes in both human multiple sclerosis lesions and mouse models of demyelination can express an immunogenic transcriptional signature and upregulate antigen presenting genes. In inflammatory demyelinating mouse models OPCs are capable of presenting antigen and activating CD8 + T cells. Here we review the evidence for this new role of oligodendroglia as antigen presenting cells and how these inflammatory OPCs (iOPCs) and inflammatory oligodendrocytes (iOLs) may influence myelin repair and other disease processes.
Combined Baccalaureate/Medical Degree Students Match Into Family Medicine Residencies More Than Similar Peers: A Matched Case-Control Study.

Background and objectives We sought to evaluate whether the University of New Mexico (UNM) Combined Baccalaureate/Medical Degree (BA/MD) program increases the likelihood that students match into family medicine residencies. Methods We used binary logistic regression to predict interest and actual residency match in family medicine. We compared BA/MD participants to similar peers (one-to-one match subject design) and all other students for the nine cohorts of medical students who have matriculated into UNM School of Medicine since the inception of the BA/MD program (medical school matriculation years 2009-2017). We also investigated whether BA/MD students were more likely to select family medicine as their specialty choice at the time of matriculation using survey responses. Results At the time of matriculation, the differences in identifying family medicine as a first specialty choice between BA/MD, similar peers, and all other students were small and not statistically significant. However, upon graduation, 33% of BA/MD students matched into family medicine compared to 17% of similar peers, a statistically significant difference even after controlling for United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) test scores and several demographic factors. Conclusions The University of New Mexico Combined Baccalaureate/Medical Degree students match into family medicine at nearly twice the rate of traditional medical degree students, suggesting that the UNM BA/MD program serves to increase the growth rate of the family medicine workforce.
Developing authentic happiness: Growth curve models to assess lifelong happiness

In assessing the personal development of happiness, the criticism has been raised that there are contradictions between results relating to the theoretical foundations in defining happiness. This a...
Schumann’s Träumerei : Argerich vs. Horowitz

We want to apply the inverse theory described in chapter 25 to a concrete case: The agogical tempo fields as measured by Bruno Repp [111] from recordings by Marta Argerich (ARG in Repp’s List, example ♫ 25) and Vladimir Horowitz (HO1 in Repp’s List, example ♫ 26) of Schumann’s Traumerei.
Evans syndrome in a patient with COVID-19.

Evans syndrome (ES) is a rare condition characterized by the combination of autoimmune hemolytic anemia and immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). While the precise pathophysiology is not entirely understood, it is believed that dysregulation of the immune system is a primary contributor to the condition. ES has been observed in viral infections including hepatitis C, cytomegalovirus, varicella‐zoster, and Epstein‐Barr viruses (1‐4). Initial cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) were first described in early December 2019 and has now spread to a global pandemic. While knowledge about COVID‐19 continues to evolve, clinicians have reported hematologic complications associated with the virus.
Building Community Capacity to Support Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Health through Grass Roots Organizing

Program Goals: At the start of 2018, a group of queer-identified undergraduate, medical and graduate students, healthcare professionals, and community members from the Greater Capital Region and Michigan State University met to discuss LGBTQIA+ community health and wellness needs. From that initial meeting we established Queering Medicine, a grassroots coalition that follows the tradition of queers taking their health into their own hands by seeking sustainable healthcare system changes. Since 2018, Queering Medicine has grown from a group of five individuals to more than twenty and recently entered a collaboration …
Diagnostic complications from "fecal" trichomonads

Routine methods for the culture of Tritrichomonas foetus cannot differentiate between it and faecal/enteric trichomonads. Faecal/enteric trichomonads can contaminate the sheath of bulls and result in their being classed as infected with trichomonads. Current Utah regulations require the slaughter of all trichomonad-positive bulls. The presence of faecal/enteric trichomonads is documented, but the extent in Utah is unknown. Culture of faecal samples from 55 bull calves in 11 herds was conducted to recover trichomonads. The faecal samples were collected on 29 October 2002. Typical positive trichomonad cultures were found in 23 of 55 faecal samples (42%), and in all of the 11 herds (100%). Three samples with the heaviest growth of trichomonads were sent to a second laboratory for PCR and staining diagnostics. All 3 isolates were negative using T. foetus-specific PCR primers. They were also observed to have 4 anterior flagella and were classified as Tetratrichomonas species. These results indicate that faecal trichomonads are common in cattle of Utah and southern Idaho. There is no evidence that this type of trichomonad is pathogenic. Regulations need to allow for further specific identification of trichomonad organisms from young bulls, and especially for valuable bulls.
China's Anti-Access-Area Denial (A2/AD) Capabilities: Is American Rebalancing Enough?

What are the major components of China’s A2/AD approach and how does the U.S. rebalancing address these challenges? In this chapter, I will lay out a comprehensive characterization of China’s active defense strategy — the A2/AD approach in American parlance. I will explore how China is responding to the U.S. declaration that it will rebalance toward Asia. I will then discuss some aspects of the rebalancing strategy manifested to date, their potential effectiveness, and what more could be done. Finally, I will argue that the Obama Administration will need to look beyond hardware responses to the kinetic and geographic components of China’s A2/AD strategy in order to appropriately counter those political and deterrent components designed to erode U.S. credibility as a Pacific power. To this end, I present three balancing acts the United States must master in its renewed focus on Asia if it is successfully to counter China’s A2/AD strategy at acceptable costs.