cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Embracing online education: exploring options for success

ABSTRACTAs the marketplace for higher education changes, attracting and retaining students is of utmost importance. Providing successful course delivery methods (e.g. face-to-face, fully online, hybrid) offers an opportunity for universities to differentiate from each other. This research investigates the relationships involved in student acceptance of online course management systems. Business students at a university located in the southwestern region of the United States completed an online questionnaire. The results indicate support for the core relationships of the technology acceptance model. In addition, personal innovativeness and support services both demonstrated an influence on acceptance. As a response to competition, universities should identify and make use of particular students as champions of the institutions’ online delivery options. Furthermore, there exist the potential to increase the value of online course delivery through the administration of significant support services.
Interaction of extender composition and freezing method for effective semen cryopreservation in the North American river otter (Lontra canadensis).

Semen cryopreservation and storage in genome resource banks (GRBs), in combination with artificial insemination (AI), could be invaluable for genetic management and conservation of endangered otter species. For any applied conservation benefit, effective methods for otter sperm processing and cryopreservation first must be established. In this study, our objective was to develop an effective semen cryopreservation method for the North American river otter, evaluating the effect of extender composition (i.e., glycerol concentration, Equex STM paste supplementation) and freezing protocol (timing of glycerol addition, pre-freeze cooling rate, freezing/packaging method) on post-thaw sperm motility, longevity and acrosome status. Semen was collected from 14 otters housed at 9 zoos, and following cryopreservation in an egg-yolk based extender, thawed to assess sperm motility and acrosome status immediately post-thaw and during 6 h of in vitro culture. Results indicated that extender containing 4% glycerol was preferable (p 0.05) post-thaw sperm parameters. Treatments with extender containing Equex and frozen by pelleting on dry ice showed greater (p < 0.05) motility and percentage of intact acrosomes compared to treatments frozen in extender without Equex, regardless of pre-freeze cooling rate. In the absence of Equex, pelleting provided superior post-thaw sperm motility (p < 0.01) and higher (p < 0.001) percentage of sperm with intact acrosomes compared to samples frozen in straws over liquid nitrogen vapor. Results of this study indicate that cryopreservation of otter sperm using an egg-yolk -TEST based extender containing 4% glycerol and 1% Equex, with the pellet freezing method, provided superior post-thaw sperm motility, longevity and acrosomal integrity compared to other combinations. Neither alterations in timing of glycerolated extender addition nor pre-freeze cooling rate had a discernable effect on post-thaw otter sperm parameters. These findings represent the first assessment of semen cryopreservation in any otter species and may be of value as a model for development of semen cryopreservation strategies in other endangered otter species.
Emergence of Argument in Children's Mathematical Writing.

Recent educational policy documents have encouraged engaging students in mathematical argumentation via discussion and writing. Most recently in the U.S., the Common Core State Standards recommend ...
A DNA Neural Network Constructed from Molecular Variable Gain Amplifiers

Biological nucleic acids have important roles as diagnostic markers for disease. The detection of just one molecular marker, such as a DNA sequence carrying a single nucleotide variant (SNV), can sometimes be indicative of a disease state. However, a reliable diagnosis and treatment decision often requires interpreting a combination of markers via complex algorithms. Here, we describe a diagnostic technology based on DNA strand displacement that combines single nucleotide specificity with the ability to interpret the information encoded in panels of single-stranded nucleic acids through a molecular neural network computation. Our system is constructed around a single building block—a catalytic amplifier with a competitive inhibitor or “sink.” In previous work, we demonstrated that such a system can be used to reliably detect SNVs in single stranded nucleic acids. Here, we show that these same building blocks can be reconfigured to create an amplification system with adjustable gain \(\alpha \). That is, the concentration of an output signal produced is exactly \(\alpha \) times larger than the concentration of input added initially, and the value of \(\alpha \) can be adjusted experimentally. Finally, we demonstrate that variable gain amplification and mismatch discrimination elements can be combined into a two-input neural network classifier. Together, our results suggest a novel approach for engineering molecular classifier circuits with predictable behaviors.
Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 Inhibitor Therapy: Payer Approvals and Rejections, and Patient Characteristics for Successful Prescribing

Background: Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors (PCSK9i) are a novel class of medications for patients with familial hypercholesterolemia or clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease requiring additional lipid lowering beyond dietary measures and statin use. Because of the drugs’ high cost, rates of prescription approval by payers may be low. We aimed to identify payer approval and rejection rates for PCSK9i prescriptions and the potential factors influencing these rates. Methods: This is a retrospective, descriptive cohort study using nationwide pharmacy claims linked to electronic medical records from a nationwide data warehouse. The data set includes >220 million patients from all 50 states and all payer types with 5140 distinct health plans. PCSK9i prescriptions were submitted for 51 466 patients in the pharmacy data set. The main outcome was approval or rejection of PCSK9i prescription claims. Factors associated with approval and rejection of these medications in the United States were assessed. Results: Among patients who were prescribed a PCSK9i, 47.0% were approved for coverage by the payer. Variables that were associated with PCSK9i approval included age >65 years ( P P P P =0.03), longer statin duration ( P =0.01), and noncommercial payers ( P Conclusions: Rates of approval for PCSK9i therapy are low, even for patients who appear to meet labeled indications. Although a combination of clinical characteristics increases the likelihood of approval, payer type is the most significant factor.
Epplets: A Tool for Solving Parsons Puzzles

Performance on Parsons puzzles has been found to correlate with that on code-writing exercises. Parsons puzzles are preferred by students over alternative programming tasks. In order to make Parsons puzzles widely available to students in the introductory programming course, we developed a tool that administers the puzzles in C++, Java and C#, called epplets. Our design of the tool improves upon the work done by earlier researchers in several ways: students rearrange lines of code rather than program fragments; they get credit based on the number of actions they take to reassemble the code; they get feedback that helps them fix their incorrect answer; and the tool adapts to the needs of the student. The tool runs as a Java Web application. We describe our experience using the tool for two years: how it benefited the students; the revisions made to address the feedback provided by the users; and our plans for future work. We found that practicing with the tool helped reduce the time and actions with which students solved successive puzzles.
A Nonsynonymous Variant in the GOLM1 Gene in Cutaneous Malignant Melanoma.

Background Statistically significant linkage of melanoma to chromosome 9q21 was previously reported in a Danish pedigree resource and independently confirmed in Utah high-risk pedigrees, indicating strong evidence that this region contains a melanoma predisposition gene. Methods Whole-exome sequencing of pairs of related melanoma case subjects from two pedigrees with evidence of 9q21 linkage was performed to identify the responsible predisposition gene. Candidate variants were tested for association with melanoma in an independent set of 454 unrelated familial melanoma case subjects and 396 unrelated cancer-free control subjects from Utah, and 1534 melanoma case subjects and 1146 noncancer control subjects from Texas (MD Anderson) via a two-sided Fisher exact test. Results A rare nonsynonymous variant in Golgi Membrane Protein 1 (GOLM1), rs149739829, shared in two hypothesized predisposition carriers in one linked pedigree was observed. Segregation of this variant in additional affected relatives of the index carriers was confirmed. A statistically significant excess of carriers of the variant was observed among Utah case subjects and control subjects (odds ratio [OR] = 9.81, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 8.35 to 11.26, P < .001) and statistically significantly confirmed in Texas case subjects and control subjects (OR = 2.45, 95% CI = 1.65 to 3.25, P = .02). Conclusion These findings support GOLM1 as a candidate melanoma predisposition gene.
For the further training of individuals in neurosurgery: a history of the William P. Van Wagenen Fellowship

The William P. Van Wagenen Fellowship, celebrating its 50th anniversary, is an annual award given by the AANS and administered by the Neurosurgery Research and Education Foundation (NREF). Named after its benefactor, Dr. William Van Wagenen, the fellowship continues his legacy of mentorship and innovation. As the premier research award for young neurosurgeons, it has provided a foundation for career development for many thought leaders in the field. The award was created in the spirit of Van Wagenen’s belief in collaboration with other institutions as a means of refining neurosurgical technique, creating new research initiatives, and improving patient outcomes. Van Wagenen’s commitment was informed by his early experiences in neurosurgery with his mentor Dr. Harvey Cushing, who helped to fund Van Wagenen’s scientific endeavors in Europe. This journey catalyzed Van Wagenen’s lifelong commitment to mentorship, which is exemplified by his instrumental role in the creation of the Harvey Cushing Society, now t...
Aberrant DNA damage response and DNA repair pathway in high glucose conditions.

Author(s): Zhong, Amy; Chang, Melissa; Yu, Theresa; Gau, Raymond; Riley, Daniel J; Chen, Yumay; Chen, Phang-Lang | Abstract: BackgroundHigher cancer rates and more aggressive behavior of certain cancers have been reported in populations with diabetes mellitus. This association has been attributed in part to the excessive reactive oxygen species generated in diabetic conditions and to the resulting oxidative DNA damage. It is not known, however, whether oxidative stress is the only contributing factor to genomic instability in patients with diabetes or whether high glucose directly also affects DNA damage and repair pathways.ResultsNormal renal epithelial cells and renal cell carcinoma cells are more chemo- and radiation resistant when cultured in high concentrations of glucose. In high glucose conditions, the CHK1-mediated DNA damage response is not activated properly. Cells in high glucose also have slower DNA repair rates and accumulate more mutations than cells grown in normal glucose concentrations. Ultimately, these cells develop a transforming phenotype.ConclusionsIn high glucose conditions, defective DNA damage responses most likely contribute to the higher mutation rate in renal epithelial cells, in addition to oxidative DNA damage. The DNA damage and repair are normal enzyme dependent mechanisms requiring euglycemic environments. Aberrant DNA damage response and repair in cells grown in high glucose conditions underscore the importance of maintaining good glycemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus and cancer.
Polypeptide Composition of Rubisco as an Aid in Studies of Plant Phylogeny

Rubisco is an abundant protein found in photosynthetic organisms. It is composed of large subunits whose polypeptides are coded by chloroplast genes and small subunits with polypeptides coded by nuclear genes. Polypeptide resolution and analysis of composition is readily made by electrofocusing. Origin of amphiploids has been determined by rubisco electrofocusing analysis. Small subunit polypeptide compositions may be an indicator of the degree of ploidy. Both large and small subunit compositions, together or separately, could be used as markers in plant taxonomy and as indicators of the relative age of genera and species in plant phylogeny.
Thermal Management, Design, and Cooling for Power Electronics

The operation of a semiconductor device is sensitive to junction temperature (Integrated circuits thermal test method environment conditions-natural convection (still air), 1995). When the junction temperature exceeds the functional limit, the device does not operate in a normal way. It is also well known that the failure rates of semiconductor devices increase exponentially as the junction temperature rises. It is very crucial that the package designer and set application engineer understand the definition, characteristics, and application of the thermal resistance of the electronic packaging for proper device operation. Power dissipation during the operation of the semiconductor device induces an increase in the junction temperature. This depends on the amount of power dissipation and the thermal resistance between the junction and the package surface (referred to as “case” hereafter), an ambient and some other specified reference point. This chapter introduces the thermal management, design, and cooling methods for power electronic packaging.
Overstating, Downplaying, and Denying Indigenous Conquest Warfare in Pre-Hispanic Empires of the Andes

This chapter explores some of the issues that surround overstating, downplaying, or denying the occurrence of conquest warfare in the pre-Hispanic Andes. This form of conflict had great impact on the societies involved, and it is well known that Andean groups engaged in conquest warfare, particularly during the expansion of the Inca Empire. Reports of Inca conquest warfare were problematic from the beginning, with early written accounts enveloped in the debate about the legitimacy of Spanish imperialism in the Americas. In particular, the Spanish colonial administration benefited from overstating the scope and level of violence of Inca conquest warfare, utilizing such reports to help justify Spanish conquest and rule over the Andes. In terms of current archaeological reporting of pre-Hispanic conflict, various factors may cause researchers to downplay, if not ignore or deny the occurrence of conquest warfare. These include the difficulty of detecting the occurrence of warfare archaeologically, popular theoretical trends in the field, anti-war political sentiments, and the tendency of archaeologists to be partisans of the past inhabitants of the regions they study. But downplaying or ignoring the occurrence of conquest warfare can be problematic for two reasons. First, this may have a negative impact in terms of the objective to interpret accurately the archaeological record. Second, downplaying, ignoring, or denying conquest warfare can pose an ethical dilemma by conflicting with indigenous narratives of the past that link group identity to participation in past battles against or in league with the Incas.
Achieving success in quality reporting

The focus on value-based healthcare has increased with the escalating cost associated with delivery of care. Regulatory and reimbursement pressures have been established to highlight this new emphasis without the objective process needed to make such determinations. This chapter discusses the role of clinical registries in this process and the efforts made by the organized neurosurgery community to meet this standard. The Quality Outcomes Database (QOD), formerly known as the National Neurosurgery Quality and Outcomes Database (N2QOD), was established and has become the largest cooperative spine registry in North America. The key components of inception and execution are discussed along with key publications utilizing established registry data.
Cohabiting and Marriage Formation During Young Men's Career Development Process

Using recently released cohabitation data for NLSY79 males, this study conducts multinomial discrete-time event history-analyses of how young men’s career development process affects both the formation and dissolution of cohabiting unions. For a substantial proportion of young men, cohabitation seems to represent an adaptive strategy during a period of career immaturity, as measured by employment instability, while marriage was a far more likely outcome for both stably employed cohabitors and noncohabitors alike. Earnings positively affected the entry into either a cohabiting or marital union and exhibited a strong threshold effect. However, consistent with a selectivity argument, once cohabiting, earnings had little effect on the odds of marrying out of a cohabitation although higher earnings did discourage separations among whites. Men with better long-run socioeconomic prospects, i.e., the college educated, were far more likely to marry from either the noncohabiting or cohabiting state and this was particularly true for blacks.
Canonical and noncanonical Wnt gene expression is differentially altered in a transgenic rat prostate cancer model.

5036 There is increasing evidence that dysregulation of developmental genes and their signaling pathways play a critical role in carcinogenesis. While alterations in Wnt signaling have been well characterized for multiple human cancers, their involvement in prostate cancer has not been clearly delineated. The purpose of the present study was to test the hypothesis that specific Wnt genes involved in prostate gland development are dysregulated during prostate carcinogenesis. Using RT-PCR and in situ hybridization, we identified 6 Wnt gene family members that are highly expressed during neonatal rat prostate morphogenesis; the canonical (β -catenin mediated) Wnt 2, Wnt2b and Wnt7b genes and the noncanonical Wnt4, Wnt5a and Wnt11 genes. To determine if these genes are altered during prostate cancer progression, we examined their expression in PB/Tag Sprague-Dawley rats which develop prostate cancer induced by the SV 40 large T antigen (Tag) transgene driven by the rat probasin (PB) promoter. PB/Tag rats developed prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) by 5 weeks and prostate carcinomas at 100% incidence by 15 weeks with lesions resembling the human disease. Wnt gene expression was measured by quantitative real-time RT-PCR in ventral prostates from PB/Tag rats and wild-type littermates at 5, 10 and 25 weeks of age. Results showed a unique pattern for the noncanonical and canonical Wnt genes. By 5 weeks of age (PIN stage), the expression of Wnt 4, Wnt5a and Wnt11 (non-canonical Wnts) was markedly reduced compared to wild-type prostates (P
Effects of Preoperative Vascular Embolization on Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma Surgical Outcomes: A Study of the Kids’ Inpatient Database

Objectives The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of preoperative vascular embolization (PVE) on juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) surgical outcomes using a national pediatric hospitalization database. Methods The health care cost and utilization project Kids' Inpatient Database was queried for all cases of operative management of JNA between the years of 1997 and 2016. Cases were stratified based on whether the patient received PVE. A multiple linear regression was used to predict the effect of PVE on hospital length of stay (LOS) and total cost while controlling for patient demographic factors and comorbidities. The odds ratio (OR) of receiving a perioperative blood transfusion was computed using a binary logistic regression for PVE patients. Results A total of 473 patients who underwent JNA surgical resection in this time period were identified. The use of PVE has increased from 0% in 1997 to 66% of all cases by 2016. PVE was found to decrease LOS by 1 day (p = 0.036) and decrease the odds of needing a perioperative blood transfusion (OR = 0.511, p = 0.041). Patients receiving PVE were charged an additional $35,600 (p Conclusion PVE of JNA is becoming increasingly prevalent. Embolization results in decreased hospital LOS and lower odds of needing blood transfusions. While embolization increases the cost of management, this trend should be re-evaluated as this procedure is becoming more widespread.
A physics-based machine learning study of the behavior of interstitial helium in single crystal W–Mo binary alloys

In this work, the behavior of dilute interstitial helium in W–Mo binary alloys was explored through the application of a first principles-informed neural network (NN) in order to study the early stages of helium-induced damage and inform the design of next generation materials for fusion reactors. The neural network (NN) was trained using a database of 120 density functional theory (DFT) calculations on the alloy. The DFT database of computed solution energies showed a linear dependence on the composition of the first nearest neighbor metallic shell. This NN was then employed in a kinetic Monte Carlo simulation, which took into account two pathways for helium migration, the T-T pathway (T: Tetreahedral) and the T-O-T pathway (a second order saddle in both W and Mo) (O: Octahedral). It was determined that the diffusivity of interstitial helium in W–Mo alloys can vary by several orders of magnitude depending on the composition. Moreover, T-O-T pathways were found to dominate the T-T pathways for all alloy compositions for temperatures over about 450 K. Heterogeneous structures were also examined to account for radiation-induced segregation. It was observed that diffusion was fast when W segregated to the grain interior region and Mo to the grain outer region and was slow for the reverse situation. This behavior was explained by studying the energy landscape. Finally, thermodynamic simulations indicated that Mo-rich regions of the alloy were most favorable for binding the interstitial helium and may be the sites for the nucleation of helium bubbles.
Demo Abstract: Active Structural Occupant Detector

This paper presents the Active Structural Occupant Detector, an active vibration sensing system that detects stationary occupants through injection of vibration signals into the floor. Many smart buildings require occupant detection in order to provide personalized services. Some examples include optimized energy usage and security. Several methods currently exist for occupant detection, each with their own drawbacks, such as installation requirements. Structural vibration sensing overcomes many of these drawbacks by measuring impulses created by occupants to infer their movements, but cannot detect stationary occupants. The ASOD utilizes active vibration sources, which inject acoustic waves into the structure then measure how the structure responds to them. Any occupants present interact with these waves, causing changes to the measured signal. By characterizing the changes in how the waves travel, we can predict the presence or lack of an occupant with up to a 97.7% accuracy, as demonstrated by experiments in a real- world environment.
Rethinking erasure codes for cloud file systems: minimizing I/O for recovery and degraded reads

To reduce storage overhead, cloud file systems are transitioning from replication to erasure codes. This process has revealed new dimensions on which to evaluate the performance of different coding schemes: the amount of data used in recovery and when performing degraded reads. We present an algorithm that finds the optimal number of codeword symbols needed for recovery for any XOR-based erasure code and produces recovery schedules that use a minimum amount of data. We differentiate popular erasure codes based on this criterion and demonstrate that the differences improve I/O performance in practice for the large block sizes used in cloud file systems. Several cloud systems [15, 10] have adopted Reed-Solomon (RS) codes, because of their generality and their ability to tolerate larger numbers of failures. We define a new class of rotated Reed-Solomon codes that perform degraded reads more efficiently than all known codes, but otherwise inherit the reliability and performance properties of Reed-Solomon codes.
Perspectives on Work from Rural Parents with Different Levels of Education.

The purpose of this exploratory study was to determine: (1) work perspectives from parents with three levels of education and located in an economically and geographically disadvantaged Appalachian county and (2) how they see their role in the vocational guidance of their children. In-depth interviews were conducted with 34 respondents with varying educational attainments. These were content analyzed to see if differences existed. Respondents with high school educations or less held unfavorable views about work, considering it hard and tiring. Parents with some college or vocational training voiced more positive views, considering work rewarding and self-fulfilling. However, all parents were concerned about their children's careers and most expressed concern that they could not guide their youth into appropriate vocations without help from schools.
Optimization of a microchannel condenser with separation circuitry

Abstract Experiments in the past proved that separation of vapor and liquid was beneficial for a condenser prototype with a specific separation circuitry. The prototype elaborated had the inlet in the middle of the height and separates into two flow paths downstream of the second header. The two paths recombined upstream of the subcooling pass of the condenser. This paper first explains the trade-off between the capacity in the upper passes and the lower passes, based on an experimentally validated steady-state condenser model built in a previous study by the same authors. The condenser model incorporates a mechanistic model for the second header to calculate the separation efficiency. Then, this paper presents a search for the optimal design of a microchannel condenser with the separation circuitry (separation condenser) using R134a. Parameters are optimized on pass circuitry, fin density, and air velocity distribution. An order for the tube number of each pass, in general, is given for the optimal pass circuitry. After the optimization, the separation condenser shows a 17.8% improvement in the mass flow rate of R134a compared to a conventional condenser with the same total airside area.
Measuring implementation of medication optimization services: Development and validation of an implementation outcomes questionnaire.

Abstract Background Implementation outcomes serve as progress and success indicators of the implementation process. They are also key antecedents to achieving the more traditional clinical outcomes typically associated with a service. Despite their importance, there are few implementation outcomes measures with appropriate psychometric properties, none of which have yet been adapted for medication optimization services. Objectives This study aims to develop and validate the Implementation Outcomes Questionnaire (IOQ) to assess implementation of medication optimization services, starting with Comprehensive Medication Management (CMM). The resulting IOQ is a 40-item self-report instrument for six implementation outcomes, including adoption, acceptability, feasibility, appropriateness, penetration, and sustainability. Methods A three-phase approach was used to develop and validate the IOQ. Development of the instrument, Phase I, was informed by a targeted search of existing implementation outcomes measures in other fields, a review of suitableoptions options by an expert panel, and item adaptation. To assess content validity, Phase II, an internal vetting process was conducted using an adapted version of Rubio and colleagues’ methodology. Evidence of reliability and construct validity, Phase III, was obtained through a pilot test with 167 pharmacists within 78 different care settings. Results Overall, the results supported the reliability and validity (both content and construct) of the IOQ, with further psychometric testing needed for adoption. The items' relevance, clarity, and alignment with each implementation concept were high, except for Penetration. As a result, the Penetration items were refined for further use. Best-fit models were identified for each outcome based on the MCFA analyses, thereby providing insights into the factor structures and interpretation for each measure. Cronbach’ alphas indicated good internal consistency. Conclusions This questionnaire is the first of its kind tailored to medication optimization services, starting with CMM. Access to this survey should facilitate measurement of implementation outcomes, thereby increasing the likelihood of achieving the desired clinical outcomes.
Embodiment and disembodiment in live art: from Grotowski to hologram: by Ke Shi, New York, Routledge, 2020, 227 pp., $160 (hardcover), ISBN 9780367430160

As society becomes increasingly entangled with computer technology, the question of what constitutes liveness and presence has become all the more relevant to our personal, social, and professional...
Residential proximity to plant nurseries and risk of childhood leukemia.

Abstract Background Pesticides are a potential risk factor for childhood leukemia. Studies evaluating the role of prenatal and/or early life exposure to pesticides in the development of childhood leukemia have produced a range of results. In addition to indoor use of pesticides, higher risks have been reported for children born near agricultural crops. No studies have looked at pesticide exposure based on proximity of birth residence to commercial plant nurseries, even though nurseries are located much closer to residences than agricultural crops and can potentially result in chronic year-round pesticide exposure. Objectives To evaluate whether risk of childhood leukemia is associated with pesticide use as determined by distance of residence at birth to commercial, outdoor plant nurseries. Methods We conducted a large statewide, record-based case-control study of childhood leukemia in California, which included 5788 childhood leukemia cases and an equal number of controls. Pesticide exposure was based on a spatial proximity model, which combined geographic information system data with aerial satellite imagery. Results Overall, the results supported an increased childhood leukemia risk only for birth residences very close to nurseries. For birth residences less than 75 m from plant nurseries, we found an increased risk of childhood leukemia (odds ratio (OR) 2.40, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.99-5.82) that was stronger for acute lymphocytic leukemia (OR 3.09, 95% CI 1.14-8.34). Discussion The association was robust to choices of reference group, cut points and data quality. Our findings suggest that close proximity to plant nurseries may be a risk factor for childhood leukemia and that this relationship should be further evaluated.
Multi-objective Interval Optimization of Virtual Power Plant Considering the Uncertainty of Source and Load

As the proportion of electric vehicles and distributed power sources connected to the power grid continues to increase, virtual power plants provide new ideas for effectively solving electric vehicles and distributed power sources connected to the grid. Considering that there are obvious uncertainties in the number of dispatchable electric vehicles and the output of distributed power sources, this paper focuses on the multi-objective interval optimization problem of virtual power plants considering the uncertainty of source load. Based on the analysis of the virtual power plant architecture, aiming at the uncertainty of the source load, a multi-objective interval optimization model of the virtual power plant was established using the interval number theory; in order to verify the validity of the established model, a virtual power plant in a certain area was selected as an example for analysis. The results show that the uncertainty of distributed power sources and electric vehicles can be better avoided in the interval optimization process, and the proposed scheme has strong robustness.
Associations between Fasting Duration, Timing of First and Last Meal, and Cardiometabolic Endpoints in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Background: Research indicates potential cardiometabolic benefits of energy consumption earlier in the day. This study examined the association between fasting duration, timing of first and last meals, and cardiometabolic endpoints using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Methods: Cross-sectional data from NHANES (2005–2016) were utilized. Diet was obtained from one to two 24-h dietary recalls to characterize nighttime fasting duration and timing of first and last meal. Blood samples were obtained for characterization of C-reactive protein (CRP); glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c %); insulin; glucose; and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and total cholesterol. Survey design procedures for adjusted linear and logistic regression were performed. Results: Every one-hour increase in nighttime fasting duration was associated with a significantly higher insulin and CRP, and lower HDL. Every one-hour increase in timing of the last meal of the day was statistically significantly associated with higher HbA1c and lower LDL. Every one-hour increase in first mealtime was associated with higher CRP (β = 0.044, p = 0.0106), insulin (β = 0.429, p < 0.01), and glucose (β = 0.662, p < 0.01), and lower HDL (β = −0.377, p < 0.01). Conclusion: In this large public health dataset, evidence for the beneficial effect of starting energy consumption earlier in the day on cardiometabolic endpoints was observed.
SKELETAL MUSCLE MONOAMINE OXIDASE ACTIVITY IN PSYCHIATRIC PATIENTS AND NORMAL CONTROLS

ABSTRACT Skeletal muscle monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity with benzylamine as substrate was found to be significantly decreased in 29 chronic schizophrenics and 22 acute schizophrenics compared to 25 normal controls. Skeletal muscle MAO was also non-significantly decreased in 20 patients with affective psychoses. There was no correlation between platelet MAO activity (benzylamine substrate) and muscle MAO activity.
Transport Phenomena, 3. Transport in Multicomponent Systems

The article contains sections titled: 1. Diffusive Mass Transfer in Binary Systems 1.1. Species Mass Balances 1.2. Species Diffusion Fluxes 1.3. Fick's First Law of Diffusion 1.4. Special Cases of Diffusion 1.5. Diffusivities of Gases and Liquids 1.6. Theoretical Foundations of Steady-State Measurement of Diffusion 1.7. Diffusion with Homogeneous Chemical Reaction 1.8. Diffusion with Heterogeneous Reaction 1.9. Perspective 2. Convective Mass Transport 2.1. Gas Absorption in a Falling Film with Reaction 2.2. Mass Transfer in Laminar and Turbulent Boundary Layers 3. Mass Transfer Across Interfaces 3.1. Mass-Transfer Coefficients 3.2. Functional Forms of Mass-Transfer Coefficient Relations 3.3. Relations for Low Mass-Transfer Rates 3.4. Relations for High Mass-Transfer Rates
Authoring branching storylines for training applications

Progress in the area of interactive training applications has led to the formulation of methodologies that have been successfully transitioned out of research labs and into the practices of commercial developers. This paper reviews the academic origins of a methodology for developing training applications that incorporate branching storylines to engage users in a first-person learn-by-doing experience, originally referred to as Outcome-Driven Simulations. Innovations and modifications to this methodology from the commercial sector are then reviewed, and the steps in this methodology are described, as implemented in current best practices. Finally, new research efforts based on this methodology are examined, including the introduction of natural language processing technology to enable human-computer conversations and the integration of branching storylines into real-time virtual reality environments. A prototype application to support leadership development within the U.S. Army that includes these advances is described.
Diffraction-induced transformation of picosecond acoustic pulses

We use ultrafast laser pulses to generate acoustic pulses in an Al film grown on a (111) Si wafer. We investigate diffractive (far-field) effects on the acoustic pulse shape after it has propagated across the wafer.
Association of organophosphate pesticide exposure and paraoxonase with birth outcome in Mexican-American women.

Author(s): Harley, Kim G; Huen, Karen; Aguilar Schall, Raul; Holland, Nina T; Bradman, Asa; Barr, Dana Boyd; Eskenazi, Brenda | Abstract: BackgroundEpidemiologic studies suggest that maternal organophosphorus (OP) pesticide exposure is associated with poorer fetal growth, but findings are inconsistent. We explored whether paraoxonase (PON1), a key enzyme involved in detoxification of OPs, could be an effect modifier in this association.MethodsThe study population included 470 pregnant women enrolled in the CHAMACOS Study, a longitudinal cohort study of mothers and children living in an agricultural region of California. We analyzed urine samples collected from mothers twice during pregnancy for dialkyl phosphate (DAP) metabolites of OP pesticides. We analyzed maternal and fetal (cord) blood samples for PON1 genotype (PON1(192) and PON1(-108)) and enzyme activity (paraoxonase and arylesterase). Infant birth weight, head circumference, and gestational age were obtained from medical records.ResultsInfants' PON1 genotype and activity were associated with birth outcome, but mothers' were not. Infants with the susceptible PON1(-108TT) genotype had shorter gestational age (β = -0.5 weeks, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): -0.9, 0.0) and smaller head circumference (β = -0.4 cm, 95% CI: -0.7, 0.0) than those with the PON1(-108CC) genotype. Infants' arylesterase and paraoxonase activity were positively associated with gestational age. There was some evidence of effect modification with DAPs: maternal DAP concentrations were associated with shorter gestational age only among infants of the susceptible PON1(-108TT) genotype (p-value(interaction) = 0.09). However, maternal DAP concentrations were associated with larger birth weight (p-value(interaction) = 0.06) and head circumference (p-value(interaction)l0.01) in infants with non-susceptible genotypes.ConclusionsInfants whose PON1 genotype and enzyme activity levels suggested that they might be more susceptible to the effects of OP pesticide exposure had decreased fetal growth and length of gestation. PON1 may be another factor contributing to preterm or low birth weight birth.
Residual cadmium in a soil profile and accumulation in wheat grain

Two experiments were conducted to measure the accumulation of acid-extractable (1N HCl) soil Cd in wheat grain and the distribution of Cd in the soil profile over 6 cropping years from initial single applications (1–3 Pmg Cd g−1 and 10.00 μg Cd g−1 soil, respectively) of soluble Cd salts incorporated into the rooting zone of an acid sandy loam soil supporting annual winter crops in S. Texas. The bioavailability of the soil Cd progressively decreased during the 6 years of sequential annual cropping following the initial application of Cd to the root zone. After the 3rd cropping season, accumulation of Cd in grain averaged 1.5 μg g−1; further reduced by the 6th year to concentrations comparable but slightly higher than total diet levels (FDA) of Cd in wheat flour (0.02 μg Cd g−1). Not only did the bioavailability of Cd decrease, but the concentration of soil Cd in the 0–16 cm profile depth progressively decreased with time. About 81% of the soil Cd initially incorporated into the rooting zone was depleted after the 6th cropping season and the acid-extractable Cd essentially was removed from the soil profile (circa 75 cm depth). Soils subjected to an episodic contamination with soluble Cd at levels <3.0 ppm could be used for grain after the 6th year.
Absolute thermoelectric power of chromium-ruthenium alloys

Abstract The absolute thermoelectric power ( S ) of chromium and chromium alloys containing 0.9, 2.1, 3.0, 4.8, and 8.3 at.% ruthenium has been determined as a function of temperature ( T ) between 350 and 1000 K. The S vs . T curves exhibit large anomalies in this temperature range due to the change from a paramagnetic to an antiferromagnetic state. The relative size of the anomaly increases with increasing ruthenium concentrations up to the 3.0 at.% sample. For higher concentrations, the anomalous effect becomes smaller with an increase in solute concentration. The large increases in the thermopower with decreasing temperatures in the antiferromagnetic region can be approximately correlated with the corresponding rise in the electrical resistivity curves. The CrRu alloy system is found to violate the Nordheim-Gorter rule.
Phylogenetic analysis of RNA editing: a primitive genetic phenomenon.

Abstract RNA editing by extensive uridine addition and deletion creates over 90% of the amino acid codons in the cytochrome-c oxidase subunit III (COIII) transcript in Trypanosoma brucei and Herpetomonas, whereas editing of the COIII transcripts in Leishmania tarentolae and Crithidia fasciculata generates only 6% of the amino acid codons and is limited to the 5' ends. Is extensive RNA editing a primitive or derived character? We constructed a phylogenetic tree based on nuclear small-subunit and mitochondrial large- and small-subunit ribosomal RNA sequences for nine species of kinetoplastid protozoa. Our results suggest that extensive editing is a primitive genetic phenomenon that has disappeared in recent evolutionary time and also that there have been multiple losses of the digenetic lifestyle by loss of the vertebrate host in parasite evolution.
A surprising simplicity to protein folding

The polypeptide chains that make up proteins have thousands of atoms and hence millions of possible inter-atomic interactions. It might be supposed that the resulting complexity would make prediction of protein structure and protein-folding mechanisms nearly impossible. But the fundamental physics underlying folding may be much simpler than this complexity would lead us to expect: folding rates and mechanisms appear to be largely determined by the topology of the native (folded) state, and new methods have shown great promise in predicting protein-folding mechanisms and the three-dimensional structures of proteins.
Thermal Integrity Profiling of Drilled Shafts

AbstractThe construction of drilled shafts as well as other cast in place foundation alternatives relies heavily on good practices from the contractor, engineer, and inspector in order to produce a quality foundation element. As many of the installation methods involve blind concreting processes, it is difficult to be certain of an intact concrete mass of the intended dimensions. A new integrity test has been developed that provides additional insight into the integrity of drilled shaft concrete. By measuring the temperature throughout the shaft via standard access tubes, the measured temperature profile can be compared to the normal signature associated with a shaft of the specified size. This article provides an overview of the new method development, test procedure, analysis, and results.
Anticholinesterase activity of bromophos in rats and dogs.

Abstract Bromophos [ O,O -dimethyl- O -(2,5-dichloro-4-bromophenyl)thionophosphate] was examined for cholinesterase inhibition in the erythrocytes, plasma, brain, and liver of rats and dogs after oral administration in acute, subchronic, and chronic experiments. The determinations of cholinesterase inhibition were either electrometrically or manometrically carried out. Acetylcholine was used as the substrate. The only detectable reaction to single, multiple, or chronic administrations of small doses of Bromophos is cholinesterase inhibition in blood, brain, and liver. The maximal inhibition of cholinesterase in rats in vivo was detected 8 hours after administration. Complete regeneration after administration of 0.5 × LD50 of Bromophos was observed after about 5 days in erythrocytes and 3 days in blood plasma.
Ethical aspects of participating in psychology experiments: effects of anonymity on evaluation, and complaints of distressed subjects.

(1983). Ethical Aspects of Participating in Psychology Experiments: Effects of Anonymity on Evaluation, and Complaints of Distressed Subjects. Teaching of Psychology: Vol. 10, No. 3, pp. 146-149.
Linking Abstract Analysis to Concrete Design: A Hierarchical Approach to Verify Medical CPS Safety

To manage design complexity and provide verification tractability, models of complex cyber-physical systems are typically hierarchically organized into multiple abstraction layers. Formal reasoning about such systems, therefore, usually involves multiple modeling formalisms, verification paradigms, and associated tools. System properties verified using an abstract component specification in one paradigm must be shown to logically follow from properties verified --- possibly using a different paradigm --- on a more concrete component description. As component specifications at one layer of abstraction get elaborated into more concrete component descriptions at the next lower level, abstraction induced differences come to the fore; differences that have to be reconciled. In this paper, we present an approach to tie together distinct verification paradigms and reconcile these abstraction induced differences using a medical device cyber-physical system as an example. While the specifics are particular to the example at hand, we believe the techniques are applicable in similar situations for verifying cyber-physical system properties.
Gender Differences in Delinquency in Early, Middle, and Late Adolescence: An Exploration of Parent and Friend Relationships

Researchers often examine juvenile delinquency without considering the developmental differences between early, middle, and late adolescence. Much research suggests that relationships with parents and friends differ throughout adolescence; however, no research to date has explored how gender differences in friend and parent relationships throughout the stages of adolescence may affect delinquent involvement. In the current project, I utilize a large sample of adolescents to explore the ways friend and parental relationships differ among young men and women throughout adolescence and how these changing relationships affect gender differences in delinquency. I find that both friend relationships and parent–child bonding affect delinquency and that these relationships differ by both gender and stage of adolescence.
A Model of AP/HTPB Composite Propellant Combustion in Rocket-Motor Environments

A comprehensive theoretical/numerical model for treating AP/HTPB composite-propellant combustion in a rocket-motor environment is presented. The formulation takes into account the conservation equations in both the gas and condensed phases, and accommodates finite-rate chemical kinetics and variable thermophysical properties. The processes in the two phases are coupled at the surface to determine the propellant burning behavior. An asymptotic analysis based on a large activation-energy approximation for the condensed-phase decomposition is applied to help resolve the combustion wave structure in the interfacial layer. A simplified global reaction is employed to characterize the final diffusion flame between the decomposition products of AP and the pyrolysis products of HTPB. Only laminar flows are considered here, to avoid complications arising from turbulence. A detailed parametric study is conducted on the gas-phase flame structures of AP/HTPB composite propellants. The dependence of burning rate, flame...