cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A primary current distribution model of a novel micro-electroporation channel configuration

Traditional macro and micro-electroporation devices utilize facing electrodes, which generate electric fields inversely proportional to their separation distance. Although the separation distances in micro-electroporation devices are significantly smaller than those in macro-electroporation devices, they are limited by cell size. Because of this, significant potential differences are required to induce electroporation. These potential differences are often large enough to cause water electrolysis, resulting in electrode depletion and bubble formation, both of which adversely affect the electroporation process. Here, we present a theoretical study of a novel micro-electroporation channel composed of an electrolyte flowing over a series of adjacent electrodes separated by infinitesimally small insulators. Application of a small, non-electrolysis inducing potential difference between the adjacent electrodes results in radially-varying electric fields that emanate from these insulators, causing cells flowing through the channel to experience a pulsed electric field. This eliminates the need for a pulse generator, making a minimal power source (such as a battery) the only electrical equipment that is needed. A non-dimensional primary current distribution model of the novel micro-electroporation channel shows that decreasing the channel height results in an exponential increase in the electric field magnitude, and that cells experience exponentially greater electric field magnitudes the closer they are to the channel walls. Finally, dimensional primary current distribution models of two potential applications, water sterilization and cell transfection, demonstrate the practical feasibility of the novel micro-electroporation channel.
The Use of Bullets in Textual Web Content

This study examined the use of bullets in textual web content. Thirty-six undergraduate and graduate college-age participants completed nine information search tasks in one of three text formats (standard paragraph form, bulleted sentences, or bulleted phrases). Overall, participants were able to find information significantly more quickly in the true bulleted format; otherwise, there were no statistical differences found between conditions for measures of success, difficulty or satisfaction.
Robust supervised classification algorithm for multivariate contaminated data based on modified M-estimates

Presents a robust Gaussian maximum likelihood (ML) classifier that makes use of the modified M-estimates of the first and second order statistics. The optimal solutions that minimize the modified Huber criterion replace the least squares (LS) estimates. A heuristic approach to deciding the threshold value that influences the estimates and overall classification accuracy is presented. The performance of the robust ML classifier is examined along with the conventional ML classifier for two common contamination cases. >
Employment outcomes of persons following traumatic brain injury: pre-injury, post-injury, and supported employment

This paper provides a prospective analysis of the pre-injury, post-injury and supported employment work histories of 20 persons who survived a severe head injury. All persons had a very limited or inconsistent work history post-injury, due to the severity of the injury. Data are presented on the placement outcomes and include factors such as wages, hours worked, months of employment and type of occupation. The supported employment model is described and the job coach approach is presented in some detail. The most significant finding of this preliminary report is that, as an aggregate group, supported employment was able to facilitate restoration of vocational capacity from pre-injury levels based on total months worked.
Comfort Properties of Heat Resistant Protective Workwear in Varying Conditions of Physical Activity and Environment. Part II: Perceived Comfort Response to Garments and its Relationship to Fabric Properties

Controlled garment wear trials are used to evaluate comfort response to a well-characterized set of heat-resistant workwear materials. Multiple categories of perceived comfort reactions to garment wear in diverse conditions are explained in terms of measured fabric properties assessed in Part I. The important role of fabric surface character, especially surface roughness and predicted skin contact area, is revealed. Fabric sweat management, measurable using a modified demand wettability test, is also identified as a useful predictor of moisture-related skin contact sensations. Heat-resistant fabric designs incorporating structural features that minimize skin contact, while also providing liquid absorption capacity, are predicted to show enhanced comfort performance. Blending of hydrophilic fibers and wicking finishes, however, do not necessarily improve the comfort perceptions in the tested scenarios. Selected fabric thermophysiological and sensorial properties are closely correlated with subjective comfo...
Binge-Like Alcohol Exposure of Neonatal Rats Via Intragastric Intubation Induces Both Purkinje Cell Loss and Cortical Astrogliosis

Binge-like alcohol exposure in neonatal rats on postnatal days 4 to 9 via artificial rearing results in a well-documented transient astrogliosis in the cerebral cortex. A recent study, which replicated the astrogliosis using artificial rearing, found that alcohol administered via daily exposure cycles in a vapor inhalation chamber on postnatal days 4 to 9 failed to elicit the effect, thus suggesting that the gliosis was an interactive effect of the artificial rearing administration and not specific to alcohol. The present study evaluated the effects in an intragastric intubation model that replicated the dosing parameters of the artificial rearing while avoiding the stress of surgery and extended maternal separation. In coronal frozen sections through parietal cortex labeled immunohistochemically for glial fibrillary acidic protein, the pups exposed to alcohol by intubation had a significantly greater density of glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive astrocytes per unit volume, compared with littermate controls intubated with a maltose-dextrin formula; alcohol also induced fibrillary hypertrophy of the labeled astrocytes. In the cerebellum, alcohol induced a significant reduction in Purkinje cell number as determined using the optical disector method. These outcomes extend previous findings that neonatal binge alcohol exposure induces acute cortical astrogliosis and Purkinje cell loss, and confirm that the alcohol-induced astrogliosis is not an artifact of artificial rearing.
Extended Enterprise Metrics: The Key To Achieving Synthesized Effectiveness

In this paper we argue that the Extended Enterprise is a natural response to changing competitive dynamics and is predicated upon adapting some of the traditional performance measures. We examine how the constructs of the Balanced Scorecard, Economic Profit (or Economic Value Added) and boundary spanning metrics such as the cash-to-cash cycle are useful tools for developing metrics for the Extended Enterprise. We illustrate that when these measures are jointly adopted they can help to drive the integrating behaviors that epitomize the truly revolutionary Extended Enterprise. The key phrase here is integrative – what is good for one must be good for all since the true competitive battle is fought supply chain against supply chain.
The Bornological Tensor Product of two Riesz Spaces

We construct the bornological Riesz space tensor product of two bornological Riesz spaces. This unifies the Archimedean Riesz space tensor product and the projective tensor product, both introduced by Fremlin. We extend the results, even in these special cases, by considering maps of bounded variation rather than positive maps. This note is without proofs, but the proof and complete bornology background of a similar result are discussed elsewhere in this volume.
The Creative Project: Design, Implementation, and Assessment

One of the primary objectives in most STEM classrooms is to provide educational experiences that will build and enhance students’ ability to think critically and to solve a wide set of different types of problems. To be competitive in the increasingly global society of the twenty-first century, scientists and engineers must often be able to innovate and “think outside the box” when solving a problem or designing a new tool or product. Within a typical STEM classroom, however, assignments often focus primarily on solving textbook-type problems that allow little room for innovation and creative thinking. While these textbook-type problems help students develop their critical thinking skills, they do little for helping them learn to think creatively and innovatively. There is a need for pedagogical activities that include a creative component that would all students to become creative and innovative thinkers. The objective of this paper is to showcase some examples of assessment activities that can be used to facilitate the creative component of student learning in a physics course. The course is entitled Changing Views of the Universe and is often taken by students to satisfy the university’s general education requirements towards graduation. The activities assessed in the course include reading quizzes, free-writing assignments, a short paper activity, a creative project, and a final exam. Emphasis will be placed on the design, implementation and assessment of the creative project activity which was first piloted in spring 2014. A discussion related to student perceptions of the activity will be included. In addition, a summary of some of the lessons learned during the implementation phase will be shared.
Defining potential roles of Pb2+ in neurotoxicity from a calciomics approach

Metal ions play crucial roles in numerous biological processes, facilitating biochemical reactions by binding to various proteins. An increasing body of evidence suggests that neurotoxicity associated with exposure to nonessential metals (e.g., Pb2+) involves disruption of synaptic activity, and these observed effects are associated with the ability of Pb2+ to interfere with Zn2+ and Ca2+-dependent functions. However, the molecular mechanism behind Pb2+ toxicity remains a topic of debate. In this review, we first discuss potential neuronal Ca2+ binding protein (CaBP) targets for Pb2+ such as calmodulin (CaM), synaptotagmin, neuronal calcium sensor-1 (NCS-1), N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) and family C of G-protein coupled receptors (cGPCRs), and their involvement in Ca2+-signalling pathways. We then compare metal binding properties between Ca2+ and Pb2+ to understand the structural implications of Pb2+ binding to CaBPs. Statistical and biophysical studies (e.g., NMR and fluorescence spectroscopy) of Pb2+ binding are discussed to investigate the molecular mechanism behind Pb2+ toxicity. These studies identify an opportunistic, allosteric binding of Pb2+ to CaM, which is distinct from ionic displacement. Together, these data suggest three potential modes of Pb2+ activity related to molecular and/or neural toxicity: (i) Pb2+ can occupy Ca2+-binding sites, inhibiting the activity of the protein by structural modulation, (ii) Pb2+ can mimic Ca2+ in the binding sites, falsely activating the protein and perturbing downstream activities, or (iii) Pb2+ can bind outside of the Ca2+-binding sites, resulting in the allosteric modulation of the protein activity. Moreover, the data further suggest that even low concentrations of Pb2+ can interfere at multiple points within the neuronal Ca2+ signalling pathways to cause neurotoxicity.
Brecht's Epic Theatre and the French Stage

(1962). Brecht's Epic Theatre and the French Stage. Symposium: A Quarterly Journal in Modern Literatures: Vol. 16, No. 1, pp. 28-35.
Influence of Pocket Gophers on Meadow Voles in a Tallgrass Prairie

Creation of mounds by plains pocket gophers ( Geomys bursarius ) may affect the distribution of meadow voles ( Microtus pennsylvanicus ) and subsequent patterns of herbivory. An association between abundance of meadow voles and density of neighborhood mounds might be expected if voles use mounds as feeding sites (positive association), or if vole avoid mounds due to lack of cover (negative association). Mounds also may indirectly affect vegetative patterns, if mounds affect the distribution of herbivores. During two consecutive summers, we livetrapped voles and mapped mounds on three 80 m × 80 m plots. Regressions of vole captures at each trap station against the number of mounds within a range of radii of each trap were consistently negative across most spatial scales, but strongest correlation was found to be at 10 m. In all cases, bivariate scattergrams revealed a “factor-ceiling” distribution, with data points widely scattered below an upper limit. We also conducted an experiment to determine if seedlings had a greater or lesser mortality due to small-mammal herbivory when growing on mounds versus off mounds. A two-tailed paired t -test on the proportion of seedlings eaten after 13 days failed to show differences between on-mound and off-mound rates of herbivory ( P = 0.066); however, prior analyses showing voles avoiding areas with high rates of disturbance give weight to the hypothesis that seedlings growing off mounds experience higher rates of herbivory. Thus, through a second-order indirect effect, the presence of gopher mounds could lead to distinct changes in the plant community.
Synthesis and characterization of a primary amine-substituted bis(phosphino)amine metal complex cis-PhN[P(NHPh)2]2 Mo(CO)4

Die Titelverbindung (III) wird wie aufgezeigt auf drei Wegen aus (I), (IV) oder (V) erhalten und IR-, massen- sowie 1H- und 31P-NMR-spektroskopisch charakterisiert.
Catalytic Synthesis of Bis(iodolyl)methanes by Molecular Iodine under Microwave Irradiation

Bis(indolyl)methanes can be prepared rapidly in several minutes and in good yields from indole with arylaldehydes or imine under microwave irradiation using molecular iodine on neutral alumina as a catalyst. Their structure were characterized by ~1H NMR, IR and elemental analysis.
THE APPROXIMATION OF MEYER-KNIG-ZELLE OPERATOB ON FUNCTION WITH DISCONTINUOUS POINT OF THE FIRST KIND

Meyer-Knig and Zelle change from Berstein operator. The approximation problems of operator on f(x) have been studied when f(x) is continuous function in interval[0,1]. In this paper, we study the approximation problems of Meyer-Konig-Zelle operator on f(x), if point x is in interval(0, 1) and x is discontinuous point of the first kind. We have drawn a conclusion: lim n→∞ Mn(f;x)=1/2[f(x+0)+f(x-0)]
Competitive Assays of Label-Free DNA Hybridization with Single-Molecule Fluorescence Imaging Detection

Single-molecule imaging of fluorescently labeled biomolecules is a powerful technique for measuring association interactions; however, care must be taken to ensure that the fluorescent labels do not influence the system being probed. Label-free techniques are needed to understand biomolecule interactions free from the influence of an attached label, but these techniques often lack sensitivity and specificity. To solve these challenges, we have developed a competitive assay that uses single-molecule detection to track the population of unlabeled target single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) hybridized with probe DNA immobilized at a glass interface by detecting individual duplexes with a fluorescently labeled “tracer” ssDNA. By labeling a small fraction (<0.2%) of target molecules, the “tracer” DNA tracks the available probe DNA sites without significant competition with the unlabeled target population. Single-molecule fluorescence imaging is a good read-out scheme for competitive assays, as it is sufficiently sensit...
Bayesian Inference for a New Class of Distributions on Equivalence Classes of Three-Dimensional Orientations With Applications to Materials Science

Experiments in materials science investigating cubic crystalline structures often collect data which are in truth equivalence classes of crystallographically symmetric orientations. These intend to represent how lattice structures of particles are orientated relative to a reference coordinate system. Motivated by a materials science application, we formulate parametric probability models for “unlabeled orientation data.” This amounts to developing models on equivalence classes of three-dimensional rotations. We use a flexible existing model class for random rotations (called uniform-axis-random-spin models) to induce probability distributions on the equivalence classes of rotations. We develop one-sample Bayesian inference for the parameters in these models, and compare this methodology to some likelihood-based approaches. We also contrast the new parametric analysis of unlabeled orientation data with other analyses that proceed as if the data have been preprocessed into honest orientation data. Supplemen...
Development of Peer Instruction Questions for Cybersecurity Education

Cybersecurity classes should be focused on building practical skills along with the development of the open mindset that is essential to tackle the dynamic cybersecurity landscape. Unfortunately, traditional lecture-style teaching is a poor match for this task. Peer instruction is a non-traditional, active learning approach that has proven to be effective in many fundamental courses of computer science. The main challenge for faculty in adopting peer instruction is the development of conceptual questions. This paper presents a methodology for developing peer instruction questions systematically for cybersecurity courses. The method consists of four stages: concept identification, concept trigger, question presentation, and question development. The paper further provides an analysis of 172 questions developed over the period of ten months by the authors for two cybersecurity courses: introduction to computer security and network penetration testing. Finally, it discusses four examples of peer instruction questions in the context of the aforementioned methodology.
Perfusion Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance in a Child With Ischemic Heart Disease Potential Advantages Over Nuclear Medicine

A 19-month-old boy presented with acute cardiac failure and was found to have an anomalous origin and course of the left coronary artery (LCA). It arose from the anterior aortic sinus and was compressed between the aorta and the pulmonary artery. He underwent placement of a left internal mammary artery graft to the left anterior descending coronary artery and made a good recovery. At 2\batchmode \documentclass[fleqn,10pt,legalpaper]{article} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amsmath} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \(\frac{1}{2}\) \end{document} years of age, he had mild limitation of physical exertion. Cardiac catheterization showed the left internal mammary artery graft to be occluded and the proximal course of the LCA origin to be significantly narrowed (Figure 1). Serial technetium-99m single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) myocardial perfusion scans showed ongoing inducible ischemia in the anterior and anterolateral walls (Figure 2). He consequently underwent surgical enlargement of the LCA origin with a good final result. Figure 1. Invasive coronary angiography/aortogram at 2![Formula][1] years of age showing a proximal stenosis of the native left main stem coronary artery (black arrow). Figure 2. Technetium-99m–tetrofosmin perfusion scintigraphy performed at 5 years of age showing significant perfusion abnormalities in the anteroapical and anterolateral regions (white arrowheads). By 7\batchmode \documentclass[fleqn,10pt,legalpaper]{article} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amsmath} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \(\frac{1}{2}\) \end{document} years of age, he had developed significantly reduced exercise tolerance, chest pain on exercise, and shortness of breath. … [1]: F1/embed/tex-math-2.gif
Elevated Apurinic/Apyrimidinic Endonuclease Activity Significantly Contributes to DNA Instability in Multiple Myeloma.

Apurinic/apyrimidic (AP) sites are the commonest DNA damage lesions and are highly mutagenic and cytotoxic requiring immediate repair. AP endonucleases (APE) 1 and 2 are the key proteins involved in the repair of AP sites and therefore play an important role in maintaining genomic integrity. However, if APE activity is dysregulated, it may lead to increase in DNA breaks leading to genomic rearrangements. In this study we demonstrate that endonuclease activity as measured by a novel plasmid based assay is elevated over 5 fold in myeloma cell lines and primary myeloma cells relative to normal plasma cells. APE1 and 2 were identified as the major endonuclease in MM by gene expression profiling and protein studies as well as using methoxamine (MX), which specifically inhibits APE activity by reacting with the aldehyde group of an abasic site. To further investigate the role of elevated APE activity in MM, we cultured MM cells in the presence of MX and demonstrate a significant inhibition of DNA recombination activity, as well as acquisition of new mutations as assessed by change in genome-wide loss of heterozygosity (LOH) using the 100K single nucleotide polymorphism arrays. Conversely, in cell line with lower APE activity we demonstrate a significant increase in genomic rearrangement with acquisition of significant number of new LOH loci. These data suggest that dysregulated AP endonuclease activity plays an important role in ongoing accrual of mutational changes, which may be associated with progression of myeloma and/or development of drug resistance. Moreover APE1 and APE2 provide a novel target to prevent disease progression and drug resistant phenotype associated with genomic instability.
Percutaneous Image-Guided Cryoablation of Head and Neck Tumors for Local Control, Preservation of Functional Status, and Pain Relief

OBJECTIVE. We report nine consecutive percutaneous image-guided cryoablation procedures of head and neck tumors in seven patients (four men and three women; mean age, 68 years; age range, 50–78 years). Ablation of the entire tumor for local control or ablation of a region of tumor for pain relief or preservation of function was achieved in eight of nine procedures. One patient experienced intraprocedural bradycardia, and another developed a neopharyngeal abscess. There were no deaths, permanent neurologic or functional deficits, vascular complications, or adverse cosmetic sequelae due to the procedures. CONCLUSION. Percutaneous image-guided cryoablation offers a potentially less morbid minimally invasive treatment option than salvage head and neck surgery. The complications that we encountered may be avoidable with increased experience. Further work is needed to continue improving the safety and efficacy of cryoablation of head and neck tumors and to continue expanding the use of cryoablation in patients ...
Engineering Options for an Emission-Free Global Economy by 2050

An overview is presented of the two engineering options which have been offered during the past seven years to accomplish a complete transition to renewable global power generation by 2050. These two approaches are the Wind-Water-Solar program, proposed by Jacobson and Delucchi, and the Energy Ship program, proposed by Platzer and Sarigul-Klijn. A comparative evaluation of the technical, economic and social acceptability aspects of the two options is given. It is argued that the demonstration of techno-economic feasibility needs to be supplemented by an additional ranking criterion, namely the social acceptability factor, in order to select the most promising engineering approach for a successful transition to an emission-free global economy by 2050.Copyright © 2016 by ASME
Entropy generation analysis of electrodialysis

Abstract Electrodialysis (ED) is a desalination technology with many applications. In order to better understand how the energetic performance of this technology can be improved, the various losses in the system should be quantified and characterized. This can be done by looking at the entropy generation in ED systems. In this paper, we implement an ED model based on the Maxwell-Stefan transport model, which is the closest model to fundamental equations. We study the sources of entropy generation at different salinities, and locate areas where possible improvements need to be made under different operating conditions. In addition, we study the effect of the channel height, membrane thickness, and cell-pair voltage on the specific rate of entropy generation. We express the second-law efficiency of ED as the product of current and voltage utilization rates, and study its variation with current density. Further, we define the useful voltage that is used beneficially for separation. We derive the rate of entropy generation that is due to the passage of ions through a voltage drop, and we investigate whether voltage drops themselves can provide a good estimate of entropy generation.
Holocene climatic change in the Alaskan Arctic as inferred from oxygen-isotope and lake-sediment analyses at Wahoo Lake

Despite recent progress in understanding high-latitude climate variability, paleoclimate records are scarce from the Alaskan Arctic. We conducted isotopic and sediment analyses at Wahoo Lake to infer Holocene climate variability in northeastern Alaska. Water δ18O and δD values from the lake and its inlet/outlet streams suggest that winter precipitation dominates modern water inputs and that evaporation has limited influence on the lake’s hydrological budget. The isotopic composition of Pisidium exhibits marked variations during the past 11,500 years, with δ18O ranging between −18.7‰ and −16.2‰ and δ13C between −7.1‰ and −2.3‰ (Vienna Pee Dee Belemnite (VPDB)). Elevated δ18O and sediment composition from 11.5 to 8.9 kcal. BP suggest evaporative 18O enrichment and arid conditions. Rising lake levels are evidenced by the disappearance of Pisidium and a transition to low-carbonate gyttja ca. 6.3 kcal. BP and by the onset of sediment deposition on an adjacent shelf by 5.3 kcal. BP. These changes coincided with...
Sox2 regulates Müller glia reprogramming and proliferation in the regenerating zebrafish retina via Lin28 and Ascl1a.

Sox2 is a well-established neuronal stem cell-associated transcription factor that regulates neural development and adult neurogenesis in vertebrates, and is one of the critical genes used to reprogram differentiated cells into induced pluripotent stem cells. We examined if Sox2 was involved in the early reprogramming-like events that Muller glia undergo as they upregulate many pluripotency- and neural stem cell-associated genes required for proliferation in light-damaged adult zebrafish retinas. In the undamaged adult zebrafish retina, Sox2 is expressed in Muller glia and a subset of amacrine cells, similar to other vertebrates. Following 31 h of light damage, Sox2 expression significantly increased in proliferating Muller glia. Morpholino-mediated knockdown of Sox2 expression resulted in decreased numbers of proliferating Muller glia, while induced overexpression of Sox2 stimulated Muller glia proliferation in the absence of retinal damage. Thus, Sox2 is necessary and sufficient for Muller glia proliferation. We investigated the role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, which is a known regulator of sox2 expression during vertebrate retinal development. While β-catenin 2, but not β-catenin 1, was necessary for Muller glia proliferation, neither β-catenin paralog was required for sox2 expression following retinal damage. Sox2 expression was also necessary for ascl1a (neurogenic) and lin28a (reprogramming) expression, but not stat3 expression following retinal damage. Furthermore, Sox2 was required for Muller glial-derived neuronal progenitor cell amplification and expression of the pro-neural marker Tg(atoh7:EGFP). Finally, loss of Sox2 expression prevented complete regeneration of cone photoreceptors. This study is the first to identify a functional role for Sox2 during Muller glial-based regeneration of the vertebrate retina.
A Pattern Recognition Method for Solving Large Scale Mathematical Programming Problems with Applications to Scheduling

Abstract This paper presents a technique for making the selection of the dynamic decisions involved in scheduling through a pattern recognition method. This is done in order to provide the best possible decisions for the scheduling problem without requiring the solution of the large scale optimization problem of a model on line. The decisions to be used for the system are obtained by off-line calculations. The resulting sets of possible decisions are then divided into several groups in such a way that each member within a group shares a set of common characteristics. Then, a statistical pattern classification technique is applied to classify the groups of decisions on the basis of the features describing the state of the scheduling system. Finally the results obtained by each of these groups of decisions are compared with plant data to show which set of decisions should be made for any given plant situation. Such a pattern recognition approach to the scheduling of ingot processing in soaking pits and slabbing mills in steel production is used as an example in this paper. At present the required optimization model for scheduling the system demands far too much computing time to be of use in on-line decision making. However once the classifier described herein has been determined, the pattern recognition approach may be exploited to overcome the dimensionality and computational requirements in such a massive dynamic scheduling problem.
“High modernism” and its limits – Assessing state incapacity in Putin's Russia, 2000–2008

Abstract This paper uses an analytical framework developed from James C. Scott's concept of state-sponsored “high modernism” to understand the scope and limits of Putin's attempt to reconfigure state-society relations under the guise of “managed democracy.” It argues that Kremlin, under Putin's first two presidential terms (2000–2008), attempted to treat society as a reified object separate from the state and as an object of management. The paper analyzes the Russian state's weak regulatory capacity that coexists with its relatively strong coercive and extractive capacities. It is argued that, in spite of accessing vast resources from the energy sector, the state under Putin's presidency was unable to successfully carry out civil service reform or implement critical reforms in the pension and housing sectors. The analytical framework used offers insights into the limits of authoritarian state-crafting and modernization in contemporary Russia.
P30 Why is cow’s milk protein allergy diagnosis so difficult in infants with gastrointestinal symptoms?

Background and aims Current research reveals an increasing prevalence of cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA). We aimed to evaluate infants with gastrointestinal symptoms and the consequent diagnosis of CMPA in a Romanian paediatric population. Methods Authors report partial results (July 2014-November 2016) of an on-going prospective study conducted in the Gastroenterology Department of ‘Grigore Alexandrescu’ Emergency Children’s Hospital, Bucharest. Children aged≤12 month with gastrointestinal symptoms suggestive for CMPA were included (persistent diarrhoea, bloody stools, loose mucous stools, recurrent vomiting, food refusal, constipation, abdominal pain). All underwent clinical evaluation, blood work-up, exclusion diet and for those without immediate reaction a oral food challenge (OFC) was done. Results Our study included 139 infants with symptoms suggesting CMPA. We excluded 87 patients: 7 infants didn’t respond to exclusion diet, 11 of them had negative OFC and the rest of 69 didn’t have an OFC (parents refused, had growth impairment or were lost from follow-up). 52 children were consequently diagnosed with CMPA following ESPGHAN guidelines. Median age at onset of symptoms was 3 months. 92% of infants came from urban areas. Sex ratio M/F=0.9. One third of the patients had a first-degree sibling with allergy. Only 37.5% were exclusively breastfeed until 4 month. Growth impairment was noted in 42.3% of cases. The most frequent presenting symptoms were loose mucous stool (46%), recurrent vomiting (28.8%), regurgitation (28.8%), food refusal (25%), bloody stools (23%). Cutaneous manifestations (urticaria, atopic eczema) were associated in 88.4% of patients. Specific IgEs were positive in 44.2% of patients. 15.3% of infants associated another food allergy (mostly eggs allergy). Conclusions CMPA remains a challenge for the paediatrician. Gastrointestinal symptoms are non-specific. However, associated cutaneous manifestations may be an usefull clinical indicator of CMPA. The gold standard in diagnosing CMPA remains OFC, which in daily practice is underused.
Optimization of high-inclination orbits using planetary flybys for a zodiacal light-imaging mission

The zodiacal light caused by interplanetary dust grains is the second-most luminous source in the solar system. The dust grains coalesce into structures reminiscent of early solar system formation; their composition has been predicted through simulations and some edge-on observations but better data is required to validate them. Scattered light from these dust grains presents challenges to exoplanet imaging missions: resolution of their stellar environment is hindered by exozodiacal emissions and therefore sets the size and scope of these imaging missions. Understanding the composition of this interplanetary dust in our solar system requires an imaging mission from a vantage point above the ecliptic plane. The high surface brightness of the zodiacal light requires only a small aperture with moderate sensitivity; therefore a 3cm camera is enough to meet the science goals of the mission at an orbital height of 0.1AU above the ecliptic. A 6U CubeSat is the target mass for this mission which will be a secondary payload detaching from an existing interplanetary mission. Planetary flybys are utilized to produce most of the plane change Δv; deep space corrective maneuvers are implemented to optimize each planetary flyby. We developed an algorithm which determines the minimum Δv required to place the CubeSat on a transfer orbit to a planet’s sphere of influence and maximizes the resultant orbital height with respect to the ecliptic plane. The satellite could reach an orbital height of 0.22 AU with an Earth gravity assist in late 2024 by boarding the Europa Clipper mission.
Theory of Designing the Anthropomorphic Lower Limb Prostheses

In this chapter, we will show how the model of ballistic gait has been applied to synthesizing a mechanism of the prosthetic ankle and knee joints. Once the desired mechanical output of a prosthetic joint is determined, a routine must be developed for synthesizing some mechanism providing such an output. However, similar outputs can be generated by mechanisms of different types. In our study, we have chosen mechanisms with a higher pair because of their similarity with the structure of joints in an anatomical skeleton. The mechanisms of prosthetic ankle and knee joints were synthesized, and mechanical testing demonstrated to show that the anticipated “moment–angle” dependencies were achieved.
Face-to-Face and Email Negotiations: A Comparison of Emotions, Perceptions and Outcomes

The purpose of this research was to conduct an exploratory study comparing email to face-to-face negotiations primarily focusing on emotions across the two negotiation environments. We used a bargaining task with a negative bargaining zone for the negotiation and pre- and post-negotiation surveys to measure motivations, emotions, and perceptions. We found that email dyads had less pro-social concerns, were less likely to reach agreement, less satisfied with the quality of the interaction during the negotiation, reported less rapport and rated future trust in their partner significantly lower than face-to-face dyads. Those negotiating face-to-face rated their own emotions during the negotiation and those of the other party significantly higher than those negotiating over email. However, accuracy in emotion perception was greater in the email dyads. Finally, our research shows that accuracy in perceiving negative emotions is a significant predictor of settlement, regardless of negotiation environment. Limitations and implications for future research directions are discussed.
Incidence and outcome of primary Epstein-Barr virus infection and lymphoproliferative disease in pediatric heart transplant recipients.

Background The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) in pediatric heart transplant recipients. EBV is implicated in the development of PTLD. However, the relationship between primary EBV infection and PTLD is not well understood. Methods Serial EBV titers were determined prospectively in 50 children before and after heart transplantation. Results were correlated with the development of PTLD. The clinical presentation, management, and outcome of PTLD were characterized. Results Before transplantation, EBV titers were positive in 19 and negative in 31 patients. After transplantation, all EBV-positive patients remained positive; 1 developed PTLD. Among EBV-negative patients, 12 of 31 remained negative; none developed PTLD. Nineteen patients demonstrated serologic evidence of primary EBV infection after heart transplantation; 12 developed PTLD. Mean follow-up after heart transplantation was 3.3 years (range 0.4 to 8.4 years). Mean time from heart transplantation to histologic confirmation of PTLD was 29 months (range 3 to 72 months). Survival with PTLD was 92%. Conclusions Twelve of 13 pediatric heart transplant recipients who developed PTLD had evidence of primary EBV infection. Serial monitoring of EBV titers may lead to earlier identification and improved treatment of PTLD.
Pigmentary Degeneration of the Retina: Early Diagnosis and Natural History

Twenty-five patients were examined by means of several tests of visual function to determine tests best suited for early diagnosis, for evaluation of progression, and for analysis of visual capabilities. Nine patients were tested two or more times during intervals ranging from one to 34 years. In the incipient stage cone function is usually normal. Measures of the light threshold of the dark-adapted eye in a number of locations from center to periphery of the retina detect localized areas of deficient rod vision. At a later stage conventional perimetric examination of the light-adapted eye detects areas in which both cone and rod function are impaired. At a far-advanced stage the field is reduced to a small patch and visual acuity is significantly reduced. Quantitative tests of ability to read continuous text determine whether or not ordinary print can be read with ease and, if not, whether magnification can provide useful reading vision. The rate at which visual function is lost varies markedly even among members of the same family.
X-ray Crystal Structures of Some Arene Oxides

Using a recently disclosed modification to the dimethyldioxirane method we have synthesized four arene monooxides and one trioxide in good to excellent yield. The X-ray crystal structures have been determined for all of these compounds. In the case of the chrysene trioxide the X-ray determination reveals that the structure is bent out of the plane.
The Politics of Fundamentality

What justifies the allocation of funding to research in physics when many would argue research in the life and social sciences may have more immediate impact in transforming our world for the better? Many of the justifications for such spending depend on the claim that physics enjoys a kind of special status vis-a-vis the other sciences, that physics or at least some branches of physics exhibit a form of fundamentality. The goal of this paper is to articulate a conception of fundamentality that can support such justifications. I argue that traditional conceptions of fundamentality in terms of dynamical or ontic completeness rest on mistaken assumptions about the nature and scope of physical explanations.
Blocking RpoN reduces virulence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from cystic fibrosis patients and increases antibiotic sensitivity in a laboratory strain

Multidrug-resistant organisms are increasing in healthcare settings, and there are few antimicrobials available to treat infections from these bacteria. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen in burn patients and individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF), and a leading cause of nosocomial infections. P. aeruginosa is inherently resistant to many antibiotics and can develop resistance to others, limiting treatment options. P. aeruginosa has multiple sigma factors to regulate transcription. The alternative sigma factor, RpoN (σ54), regulates many virulence genes and is linked to antibiotic resistance. Recently, we described a cis-acting peptide, RpoN*, which is a “molecular roadblock”, binding consensus promoters at the -24 site, blocking transcription. RpoN* reduces virulence of P. aeruginosa laboratory strains, but its effects in clinical isolates was unknown. We investigated the effects of RpoN* on phenotypically varied P. aeruginosa strains isolated from CF patients. RpoN* expression reduced motility, biofilm formation, and pathogenesis in a P. aeruginosa-C. elegans infection model. Furthermore, we investigated RpoN* effects on antibiotic susceptibility in a laboratory strain. RpoN* expression increased susceptibility to several beta-lactam-based antibiotics in strain P. aeruginosa PA19660 Xen5. We show that using a cis-acting peptide to block RpoN consensus promoters has potential clinical implications in reducing virulence and improving antibiotic susceptibility.
Early Check: translational science at the intersection of public health and newborn screening.

Newborn screening (NBS) occupies a unique space at the intersection of translational science and public health. As the only truly population-based public health program in the United States, NBS offers the promise of making the successes of translational medicine available to every infant with a rare disorder that is difficult to diagnose clinically, but for which strong evidence indicates that presymptomatic treatment will substantially improve outcomes. Realistic NBS policy requires data, but rare disorders face a special challenge: Screening cannot be done without supportive data, but adequate data cannot be collected in the absence of large-scale screening. The magnitude and scale of research to provide this expanse of data require working with public health programs, but most do not have the resources or mandate to conduct research. To address this gap, we have established Early Check, a research program in partnership with a state NBS program. Early Check provides the infrastructure needed to identify conditions for which there have been significant advances in treatment potential, but require a large-scale, population-based study to test benefits and risks, demonstrate feasibility, and inform NBS policy. Our goal is to prove the benefits of a program that can, when compared with current models, accelerate understanding of diseases and treatments, reduce the time needed to consider inclusion of appropriate conditions in the standard NBS panel, and accelerate future research on new NBS conditions, including clinical trials for investigational interventions. Clinicaltrials.gov registration # NCT03655223 . Registered on August 31, 2018.
Nurses' attitudes and emotions toward caring for adults with intellectual disabilities: Results of a cross‐sectional, correlational‐predictive research study

Background Negative healthcare provider attitudes may contribute to healthcare disparities in adults with intellectual disabilities. This study identified predictors of nurses' attitudes and emotions toward caring for adults with intellectual disabilities in the United States. Method A convenience sample of 248 nurses was used to collect nurses' attitudes and emotions toward caring for adults with intellectual disabilities (Adapted Caring for Adults with Disabilities Questionnaire) and quality of life beliefs (Prognostic Beliefs Scale). Results Overall, nurses held less positive attitudes toward caring for an adult with intellectual disability versus a physical disability. Intellectual disability nurses held more positive attitudes and emotions and less negative emotions than non-intellectual disability nurses. Quality of life beliefs predicted nurse attitude, positive emotions and negative emotions. The number of adults with intellectual disabilities cared for during the nurse's career predicted negative emotions. Conclusions Future interventions should focus on improving nurses' understanding of the quality of life of adults with intellectual disabilities.
Introduction, evaluation and application of an energy balance model for photovoltaic modules

Abstract Here we introduce a new energy balance model that accurately simulates the complete diurnal dynamics of photovoltaic (PV) thermal behavior with routinely available meteorological input. The model is evaluated extensively against observed module surface temperatures (day and nighttime), electrical output, and sensible heat flux measurements. It is demonstrated that different tracking systems have a significant effect on module temperatures and sensible heat fluxes by modulating the total radiation received on the PV surface. A model intercomparison study indicates significant improvements in the representation of module temperatures compared to an earlier study, the commercial software PVsyst and the Python package PVLIB. A sensitivity study demonstrates a considerable effect of the PV conversion efficiency and longwave emissivity on sensible heat fluxes emitted by the module. The model is available as a stand-alone program (UCRC-Solar) written in Python and planned to be implemented in mesoscale meteorological models to study the geophysical impacts of PV arrays at larger spatial and longer temporal scales.
Recalcitrant methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection of bone cells: Intracellular penetration and control strategies.

Aims To characterize the intracellular penetration of osteoblasts and osteoclasts by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and the antibiotic and detergent susceptibility of MRSA in bo...
STEM Leader Excellence: A Modified Delphi Study of Critical Skills, Competencies, and Qualities

With the push by government and business leaders for greater emphasis on STEM education at all grade levels, STEM leaders (i.e., educational leadership and teacher leaders) are challenged to pioneer integrative praxes that prepare students for success in a scientifically and technologically driven society. Additionally, these STEM leaders must transverse the barriers of developing transformative educational experiences that involve diverse stakeholders. This study utilized a modified Delphi technique to investigate what STEM leader skills, competencies, and qualities are identified as critical by STEM professionals within integrative STEM education. Findings are presented for the following seven themes: mission and culture, equity and social responsibility, infrastructure and programming, curriculum and instruction, professional growth, evaluation and assessment, and extended learning. These findings may inform the development of courses and programs that prepare or provide professional development for STEM leaders.