cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Regulation of tissue factor gene expression in human endometrium by transcription factors Sp1 and Sp3.

Prior studies indicate that tissue factor (TF), the primary cellular initiator of hemostasis, is persistently up-regulated in human endometrial stromal cells (HESCs) undergoing progestin-induced decidualization in vivo and in vitro. The mechanism underlying progestin enhancement of TF mRNA and protein levels in these cells involves transcriptional activation of the TF gene. Transient transfections of HESCs with the truncated TF promoters driving the luciferase reporter gene have demonstrated that the region spanning −111 to +14 bp retained differential progestin-enhancing effects. We now demonstrate that RU486 displays inhibitory effects on the progestin-induced TF promoter activity, confirming the involvement of the progesterone receptor. Since the TF minimal promoter (pTF 111 spanning −111 to +14 bp) contains three overlapping Sp1 and three Egr-1 sites, the present study determined whether Sp1 and/or Egr-1 were required for progestin-regulated TF expression. The results indicate that the three Sp1 sites...
On stabilization of nonlinear systems affine in control

In a recent paper, we developed a structural decomposition for MIMO nonlinear systems that are affine in control but otherwise general. In this paper we exploit the properties of such a decomposition for the purpose of solving the stabilization problem. In particular, this decomposition simplifies the conventional backstepping design, motivates a new backstepping design procedure that is able to stabilize some systems on which the conventional backstepping is not applicable, and allows the stabilization of non-square systems.
Curriculum integration in the freshman year at the University of Alabama-foundation coalition program

The University of Alabama presented its first set of freshman year courses as part of the NSF sponsored Foundation Coalition during the 1994-1995 academic year. The three major thrust areas of this coalition are: curriculum integration; technology enabled education; and human interface issues. The focus of the paper is on the integration aspects of the freshman year engineering, mathematics, and sciences curriculum. Most freshman level mathematics, chemistry, and physics courses are taught in isolation from each other. Consequently, there is relatively little interaction on the education level between engineering professors and their colleagues in the math and science departments. As a result, most engineering programs lose many students during the freshman year. Our solution to this problem is an integrated set of courses for all engineering majors in chemistry, engineering, mathematics and physics, which must be taken together. The authors were the instructors for the initial offering of the courses mentioned above. The paper focuses on several specific examples of curriculum integration that have been attempted, along with observations about the success of the program. The Foundation Coalition consists of the following: Arizona State University, Maricopa Community College District, Rose Hulman Institute of Technology, Texas A&M University, Texas A&M University Kingsville, Texas Women's University, The University of Alabama.
Conceptual dynamical models for turbulence.

Understanding the complexity of anisotropic turbulent processes in engineering and environmental fluid flows is a formidable challenge with practical significance because energy often flows intermittently from the smaller scales to impact the largest scales in these flows. Conceptual dynamical models for anisotropic turbulence are introduced and developed here which, despite their simplicity, capture key features of vastly more complicated turbulent systems. These conceptual models involve a large-scale mean flow and turbulent fluctuations on a variety of spatial scales with energy-conserving wave–mean-flow interactions as well as stochastic forcing of the fluctuations. Numerical experiments with a six-dimensional conceptual dynamical model confirm that these models capture key statistical features of vastly more complex anisotropic turbulent systems in a qualitative fashion. These features include chaotic statistical behavior of the mean flow with a sub-Gaussian probability distribution function (pdf) for its fluctuations whereas the turbulent fluctuations have decreasing energy and correlation times at smaller scales, with nearly Gaussian pdfs for the large-scale fluctuations and fat-tailed non-Gaussian pdfs for the smaller-scale fluctuations. This last feature is a manifestation of intermittency of the small-scale fluctuations where turbulent modes with small variance have relatively frequent extreme events which directly impact the mean flow. The dynamical models introduced here potentially provide a useful test bed for algorithms for prediction, uncertainty quantification, and data assimilation for anisotropic turbulent systems.
A High-Efficiency Synthetic Promoter That Drives Transgene Expression Selectively in Noradrenergic Neurons

Gene promoter systems that drive high-level, long-term, and cell-specific transgene expression are of great interest because of their potential utility for gene therapy. To generate an efficient promoter system specific for noradrenergic (NA) neurons, we multimerized an NA-specific cis-regulatory element (PRS2) identified in the human dopamine beta-hydroxylase (hDBH) promoter, and combined it with a minimal promoter (containing a TATA box and transcription start site). Forms of this synthetic promoter that contain 8 or more copies of PRS2 were >50 times more effective than the 1.15-kb hDBH promoter at driving reporter gene expression in cell lines originated from NA neurons. Neither the synthetic promoter nor the 1.15-kb hDBH promoter drove reporter gene expression in nonneuronal cells. Microinjections of an adenoviral vector containing the synthetic promoter directly into rat brain caused more strict NA-specific reporter gene expression than that caused by a vector containing the 1.15-kb hDBH promoter when the targeted region contained large numbers of NA neurons (locus coeruleus). Furthermore, the vector containing the synthetic promoter caused less nonspecific ("leaky") reporter gene expression than that caused by the vector containing the 1.15-kb hDBH promoter when the targeted region was devoid of NA neurons (cerebellum, dentate gyrus). Together, these studies provide in vitro and in vivo evidence that this novel synthetic promoter can target transgene expression to NA neurons even more efficiently and selectively than the naturally occurring, 1.15-kb hDBH promoter.
Central Cardiovascular Function in Amphibians: Qualitative Influences of Phylogeny, Ontogeny, and Season

The central cardiovascular function of amphibians has been studied in detail for many decades. Some investigators have been motivated primarily by the search for supposedly simple models which may provide a greater understanding of the circulations of higher vertebrates. Others were interested in physiological problems presented by the cardiovascular systems of amphibians, because these vertebrates are of interest in their own right, as a unique, specialized and highly successful group (see Feder 1992). Whatever the rationale for studying the amphibian cardiovascular system, investigators routinely experience its paradoxical nature. In some respects, the circulation of various amphibians represents a relatively simple system for convective transport of blood (e.g. lack of anatomical division of the ventricle). Yet, in other aspects (e.g. the control of cardiac output distribution), the amphibian circulation rivals that of any other vertebrate class in terms of flexibility and adaptability.
Spatio-temporal asynchronous co-occurrence pattern for big climate data towards long-lead flood prediction

Recent research efforts aim at utilizing Big Climate Data to predict floods 5 to 15 days in advance. Improvements in the prediction of heavy precipitation, a major factor related with flood occurrences, have lagged behind due to the high-dimensionality and non-linearity in the weather, hydriology and dydraulic systems. In this paper, we introduce Spatio-Temporal Asynchronous Co-Occurrence Pattern to associate heavy precipitation with dense precipitable water and explore long-lead flood prediction from the machine learning perspective. Our model predicts one location's flooding risk by connecting the heavy precipitation with its preceding precipitable water through an association mining method. We discover asynchronous co-occurrence location and discuss a spatio-temporal ensemble learning method for predictive modeling. Our framework requires less computational cost and smaller train data compared to other existing approaches. In addition, the framework is designed to be scalable and allows distributed computing. Our real-world case study in the state of Iowa has achieved 87% accuracy on predicting the heavy precipitations which trigger severe floods at least 9 days in advance.
Potable Water Availability on Long Oceanic Islands

Potable ground water supplies on oceanic islands are in the form of freshwater lenses floating on the more dense salt water. Indiscriminate pumping of this water can result in its contamination by salt water. The extent of the fresh water lens on long oceanic islands is predicted from results of a Hele-Shaw model study. The locations of the freshwater free surface and the freshwater-salt-water interface are presented graphically as a function of soil characteristics, island dimensions, and average infiltration rate. The effect of pumping from a horizontal gallery located at the island midpoint is also presented graphically. The maximum safe pumping rate for a horizontal gallery located at the island midpoint is predicted as a function of the net average infiltration rate.
Limits and Continuity

We have been assuming up to now that the functions we were working with were “continuous.” That is, we have assumed that if ƒ(r)=0 and x0, x1, x2, … were numbers that got closer and closer to r, then the numbers ƒ(x0), ƒ(x1), ƒ(x2), … would get closer and closer to ƒ(r) = 0. More generally, a function ƒ is continuous if for each point y and each sequence x0, x1, x2 … = x2 that has y as limit, x2→y, we have ƒ(x2)→ƒ(y). We may also express this by writing $$\mathop {\lim }\limits_{x \to y} f(x)\; = \;f(y)$$
Trial of a survey instrument to establish the hurricane preparedness of and medical impact on a vulnerable, older population

INTRODUCTION: Millions of vulnerable, elderly individuals live in coastal areas susceptible to hurricanes and are at risk for adverse health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine the status of preparedness for and possible health consequences of a hurricane on a vulnerable, but experienced, elderly population. PROBLEM: Preparedness guidelines have been published, but it is unclear how well-prepared elderly individuals are for hurricanes, and what impact hurricanes may have on their health. METHODS: Five hundred forty-seven ambulatory patients who attended an urban teaching hospital's geriatrics clinic in Florida were surveyed. A 25-question survey that asked whether subjects followed the American Red Cross guidelines for hurricane preparation was developed. The participants were asked what hurricane supplies they had, and whether they would need to evacuate or utilize storm-proof window shutters. They also were queried about definitions and their understanding of hurricane warnings. Three possible health impacts during the two weeks following Hurricane Wilma in 2005 were asked: (1) falls; (2) missed medication; and (3) missed doctor's appointments. An additional 105 patients in the same clinic were asked about the same three health outcomes one and one-half years after the hurricane struck. RESULTS: Two-thirds of respondents were missing at least one supply item. A multivariate analysis indicated that there was no relationship between the subjects' demographic characteristics and the possession of the suggested disaster supplies. Although 36% would need to evacuate, only 56% of these 36% had a plan. Only 63% had storm-proof windows or shutters, and of these, only 46% could install them. Gasoline-powered electrical generators can be useful, but also a source of morbidity or mortality following a hurricane. For example, this study found that 28% of respondents had generators, but only 46% knew how to use them. Subjects immediately after the hurricane missed fewer doses of medication than at other times (3.4% vs. 6.7%; p Language: en
Tree-ring δ13C and δ18O, leaf δ13C and wood and leaf N status demonstrate tree growth strategies and predict susceptibility to disturbance

Understanding how tree growth strategies may influence tree susceptibility to disturbance is an important goal, especially given projected increases in diverse ecological disturbances this century. We use growth responses of tree rings to climate, relationships between tree-ring stable isotopic signatures of carbon (δ(13)C) and oxygen (δ(18)O), wood nitrogen concentration [N], and contemporary leaf [N] and δ(13)C values to assess potential historic drivers of tree photosynthesis in dying and apparently healthy co-occurring northern red oak (Quercus rubra L. (Fagaceae)) during a region-wide oak decline event in Arkansas, USA. Bole growth of both healthy and dying trees responded negatively to drought severity (Palmer Drought Severity Index) and temperature; healthy trees exhibited a positive, but small, response to growing season precipitation. Contrary to expectations, tree-ring δ(13)C did not increase with drought severity. A significantly positive relationship between tree-ring δ(13)C and δ(18)O was evident in dying trees (P < 0.05) but not in healthy trees. Healthy trees' wood exhibited lower [N] than that of dying trees throughout most of their lives (P < 0.05), and we observed a significant, positive relationship (P < 0.05) in healthy trees between contemporary leaf δ(13)C and leaf N (by mass), but not in dying trees. Our work provides evidence that for plants in which strong relationships between δ(13)C and δ(18)O are not evident, δ(13)C may be governed by plant N status. The data further imply that historic photosynthesis in healthy trees was linked to N status and, perhaps, C sink strength to a greater extent than in dying trees, in which tree-ring stable isotopes suggest that historic photosynthesis was governed primarily by stomatal regulation. This, in turn, suggests that assessing the relative dominance of photosynthetic capacity vs stomatal regulation as drivers of trees' C accrual may be a feasible means of predicting tree responses to some disturbance events. Our work demonstrates that a dual isotope, tree-ring approach can be integrated with tree N status to begin to unravel a fundamental question in forest ecology: why do some trees die during a disturbance, while other conspecifics with apparently similar access to resources remain healthy?
Improving the Estimation Procedure for the Beta Binomial TV Exposure Model

The authors propose an improved model for estimating audience exposure to network television, and test this model against the best previously reported models. The model involves a new method for es...
Direct Broadcast Home Terminals — A Status Report

This article examines the rapidly emerging direct broadcast satellite (DBS) service as a medium which promises to deliver not only consumer satellite service but a host of new technologies as well. Various aspects of the new technology are discussed, including the development of antennae, the role of gallium arsenide in the low-noise converter for satellite reception, and the practical considerations of interfacing with a growing number of home video services. The practical applications of the service are reviewed as DBS affects the future of the broadcasting industry.
The Undergraduate Mathematical Curriculum of the Liberal Arts College

(1930). The Undergraduate Mathematical Curriculum of the Liberal Arts College. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 37, No. 2, pp. 46-54.
On the Number of Unstable Equilibrium Points on Spatially-Periodic Stability Boundary

Unstable equilibrium points are fundamental in the study of dynamical systems, and can have various implications for nonlinear physical and engineering systems. In the present technical note, we derive lower bound as well as upper bound on the number of unstable equilibrium points on the stability boundary. For a class of nonlinear dynamical systems, by taking advantage of the spatial-periodicity, it is shown that there are at least $(k+1)C_{n}^{k}$ type- $k$ equilibrium points on a stability boundary, where $C_{n}^{k}=n!/k!(n-k)!$ . Meanwhile, an upper bound is obtained by applying the Bezout's Theorem, when the system can be converted to polynomials by variable substitution.
Reward Processing, Neuroeconomics, and Psychopathology

Abnormal reward processing is a prominent transdiagnostic feature of psychopathology. The present review provides a framework for considering the different aspects of reward processing and their assessment, and highlights recent insights from the field of neuroeconomics that may aid in understanding these processes. Although altered reward processing in psychopathology has often been treated as a general hypo- or hyperresponsivity to reward, increasing data indicate that a comprehensive understanding of reward dysfunction requires characterization within more specific reward-processing domains, including subjective valuation, discounting, hedonics, reward anticipation and facilitation, and reinforcement learning. As such, more nuanced models of the nature of these abnormalities are needed. We describe several processing abnormalities capable of producing the types of selective alterations in reward-related behavior observed in different forms of psychopathology, including (mal)adaptive scaling and anchori...
Oestradiol levels may differ between premenopausal women, ages 18-50, with type 1 diabetes and matched controls.

Background This study aimed to investigate whether oestradiol differs between premenopausal women with and without type 1 diabetes and whether levels are associated with such factors as age, reproductive history or diabetes management. Methods Oestradiol in premenopausal women with type 1 diabetes (n = 89; age = 18-50 years; duration = 13-18 years) and age-matched/race-matched controls without diabetes (n = 76) was collected during a cross-sectional ancillary study of the Wisconsin Diabetes Registry Study, a population-based incident cohort. Total and bioavailable oestradiol and sex hormone-binding globulin were compared using multivariable regression (e.g. adjusting for reproductive history). Results Adjusted mean total and bioavailable oestradiol did not differ overall by diabetes status (p ≥ 0.74), while adjusted mean sex hormone-binding globulin was higher in type 1 diabetes women (p = 0.02). However, only in women with type 1 diabetes and not controls (interaction p = 0.0005) was total oestradiol positively associated with the duration of reproductive years with unsuppressed ovarian function (UnsuppOvFx = years since menarche minus years on hormonal contraceptives/pregnant/breastfeeding). When stratified into less than/equal to or greater than the median 9 years' duration of UnsuppOvFx, compared with controls, women with type 1 diabetes had significantly lower total oestradiol in the ≤9 years group [β = -43.2 pg mL-1 (-158.6 pmol L-1 ), p = 0.04] and significantly higher total oestradiol in the >9 years group [β = 53.9 pg mL-1 (197.9 pmol L-1 ), p = 0.04]. Results remained consistent during additional statistical adjustments and sensitivity analyses. Conclusions Compared with controls, women with type 1 diabetes may have lower oestradiol when they have a shorter duration of UnsuppOvFx and higher oestradiol when they have a longer duration of UnsuppOvFx. Given the potential effects of insulin on ovarian function, oestradiol production may vary across the lifespan for women with type 1 diabetes. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Effects of Urine on the Viability and Activity of Lymphocytes

AbstractCirculating lymphocytes were incubated for 72 hours in either pure culture medium or a medium-urine mixture in the presence of phytohemagglutinin, concanavalin A or pokeweed mitogen, and assayed for blastogenesis and viability. The amount and osmolality of the urine were varied. Between 80 and 90 per cent of the cells remained viable during the entire study despite the culture mixture. If 50 per cent of the culture was replaced by urine at an osmolality of 150, 300 or 500 mOsm. a severe but uniform depression of lymphocyte activity was seen. However, if only 25 per cent or less of the medium was replaced by urine at 300 mOsm. the cells stimulated as well as they did in pure medium.
Stimulation by inositol trisphosphate and tetrakisphosphate of a protein phosphatase.

Hormone-receptor coupling often results in the activation of phospholipase C which in turn hydrolyzes phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate into two second messengers, 1,2-diacylglycerol (DAG) and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate [Ins(1,4,5)]P3. It is well known that DAG remains in the membrane domain and activates protein kinase C while Ins(1,4,5)P3 is soluble and is known to increase the intracellular level of Ca2+. 1,2 Ins(l,4,5)P3 may subsequently be converted to Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 by a soluble inositol trisphosphate 3-Phosphokinase.3 Both Ins(1,4,5)P3 and Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 are substrates of a membrane-bound 5-Phosphomonoesterase being degraded to Ins(1,4)P2 and Ins(1,3,4)P3 respectively.4,5 Ins(1,4,5)P3 and Ins(1,3,4)P3 both mobilize Ca2+,2,6 while the physiological function of Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 is unknown although indirect evidence suggests that it may affect plasma membrane Ca2+ channels.7,8
Another look at the integral of exponential Brownian motion and the pricing of Asian options

It is shown that Marc Yor’s formula (Adv. Appl. Probab. 24:509–531, 1992) for the density of the integral of exponential Brownian motion taken over a finite time interval is an extremal member of a family of previously unknown integral formulae for the same density. The derivation is independent from the one by Yor and obtained from a simple time-reversibility feature, in conjunction with a Fokker–Planck type argument. Similar arguments lead to an independent derivation of Dufresne’s result (Scand. Actuar. J. 90:39–79, 1990) for the law of the integral taken over an infinite time interval. The numerical aspects of the new formulae are developed, with concrete applications to Asian options.
James A. Garfield and Chester A. Arthur

Even in Garfield’ s brief presidency, he made his mark, defying the Senate on appointments, and winning resoundingly. He strengthened the presidency. Arthur had not held elective office until he became vice president. Despite his background in machine politics, he ran a clean and efficient government. He signed into law the Pendleton Act creating a merit-based civil service, and had campaigned vigorously for it. He used the veto wisely and effectively, generally pursued wise policies, and he too, added strength to the presidency.
1.1 Basic Science of Advanced Ceramics

Modern ceramics are a very diverse group of materials with widely varying physical properties that can be adapted to many technological needs. The basic science of advanced ceramics is approached in three steps. First, the major classes of ceramic materials are introduced and their crystal structures and crystal chemistry described. Then, the various models for chemical bonding in ceramic compounds are briefly outlined. The third step is to relate physical properties to crystal chemistry and crystal structure. The properties depend on crystal structure, on the electronic structure of the individual ions that make up the structure, and on the chemical bonding within the structure. Structures are determined in large part by ratios of the atomic constituents and by ionic radii. Bonding is a function of the collective interaction (or lack of interaction) of the outer-shell electrons with each other. There are three main models that can be applied to chemical bonds in ceramics and each has its own theoretical structure. These are the classical electrostatic model, augmented by crystal field theory, for ionic compounds; the molecular orbital model for covalent compounds; and the band model for semiconductors and metals.
Jan Deutsch: An Appreciation

This brief Appreciation of the late Jan Deutsch sketches several "encounters" I had with Deutsch and his thought, and explains how that thought formed part of the underpinning of my thinking about law and, specifically, Critical Legal Studies.
A guidance robot for the visually impaired: System description and velocity reference generation

This paper presents a guidance robot for the visually impaired along with generation of velocity reference signals. The guidance robot has an interface grip with a force sensor on the top. The robot can be operated intuitively through the interface grip, and at the same time, the position and the behavior of the robot can be provided to the user. An underactuated mobile mechanism is used. It can be moved in X and Y directions and is unconstrained in turning direction. The rotation center of the robot is determined by the user's position. Environmental sensors are equipped for avoiding obstacles and hazards. In addition, the robot has redundant anti-falling systems for safety. The systems work independently from the environmental sensors. The robot is lightweight, foldable, and easy to carry. A versatile time-optimal reference generation algorithm is proposed for the robot's velocity reference. The algorithm can set the bounds for the acceleration, jerk, and snap. Moreover, initial conditions and final conditions of the velocity, acceleration, and jerk can be specified. The switching surfaces are obtained with these parameters in the three-dimensional phase space, which allows the determination of the snap command for easy motion pattern generation. These parameters are changeable online.
Rethinking Social Movements with Societies in Movement

There is a new form of social movement organizing taking place around the globe, one grounded in direct action, horizontalidad, prefiguration and self-organization. The Contentious Politics framework in sociology is not sufficient to understand these movements, as these new movements do not have as their point of reference the government or making a ‘claim’ as their starting point. This chapter opens a conversation on thinking more broadly about what is taking place, using the concept of societies in movement. In particular, it looks to movement practices in Latin America over the past 20 years to garner ways of rethinking theory based in practice.
Exploring the preferences for place of death among cancer patients and their caregivers.

40 Background: Understanding the preferred place of death (POD) for advanced cancer patients (Pts) is very important when they are approaching the end of life. Meeting the preferences of Pts is considered an important palliative care (PC) outcome. Prior studies reported that more than 80% of Pts with terminally ill cancer prefer to die at home. In many countries such as the UK, Italy, Greece, South Korea and Japan home deaths have been falling, but in some states of the US and Canada there are indications of a reversal of trends. Dying at home may be more difficult for Pts in severe physical and psychosocial distress, or when there are social or financial difficulties. The purpose of this study was to determine POD preference among PC Pts in the outpatient center (OC) and the palliative care unit (PCU). Methods: A sectional anonymous questionnaire was administered to advanced cancer Pts and caregivers (PCU patients and OC) between August 2012 and September 2014. PCU Pts responded when there was no deliriu...
Towards a New Paradigm for Automation: Designing for Situation Awareness

Abstract Automation is being implemented in a variety of systems in an effort to improve performance and overcome high operator workload. In examining accidents with automated systems, it becomes apparent that current automation approaches may underlie these problems by reducing operator situation awareness. Furthermore, evidence suggests that in many ways current automation approaches fail to achieve the desired reduction in workload, yet the prevailing approach to system design is still to automate to reduce workload. An alternate design approach is presented that focuses on enhancing situation awareness.
Adverse Pathologic Findings for Men Electing Immediate Radical Prostatectomy: Defining a Favorable Intermediate-Risk Group.

Importance Active surveillance is recommended for patients with very low-risk (VLR) and low-risk (LR) prostate cancer. Despite controversy, recent clinical guidelines state surveillance may be considered for men with low-volume intermediate-risk (LVIR) disease. Objective To compare rates of adverse pathologic findings among VLR, LR, and LVIR men electing immediate radical prostatectomy and evaluate criteria to define if a favorable intermediate-risk group minimizing risk exists. Design, Setting, and Participants This was a cohort study of men (2005-July 2016) with clinically localized VLR (1264 patients), LR (4849 patients), and LVIR (608 patients) (1-2 cores, Gleason 3 + 4 = 7, prostate-specific antigen [PSA] level Interventions Radical prostatectomy. Main Outcomes and Measures The proportions of men found to have at least Gleason 4 + 3 = 7 disease and other adverse pathologic features were compared by risk group. Log-binomial regression calculated relative risk (RR) of adverse pathologic findings in the LVIR cohort compared with VLR and LR cohorts. Analyses were repeated in subgroups of the LVIR population who otherwise met criteria for VLR (T1c, PSA density [PSAD] Results The rate of adverse pathologic findings was significantly higher for LVIR disease (150 of 608 patients [24.7%]; RR, 4.50; 95% CI, 3.73-5.43;P Conclusions and Relevance Nearly 25% of men (150 of 608) electing immediate radical prostatectomy with low-volume, Gleason 3 + 4 prostate cancer on biopsy are found to harbor adverse surgical pathologic findings. These data do not support the presence of a “favorable” subgroup among included patients and could have important implications for active surveillance in similar patients with Gleason 3 + 4 = 7 prostate cancer.
Correlated model fusion

Model fusion methods, or more generally ensemble methods, are a useful tool for prediction. Combining predictions from a set of models smooths out biases and reduces variances of predictions from individual models, and hence, the combined predictions typically outperform those from individual models. In many algorithms, individual predictions are arithmetically averaged with equal weights. However, in the presence of correlated models, the fusion process is required to account for association between models; otherwise, the naively averaged predictions will be suboptimal. This article describes optimal model fusion principles and illustrates the potential pitfalls of naive fusion in the presence of correlated models for binary data. An efficient algorithm for correlated model fusion is detailed and applied to algorithms mining social media information to predict civil unrest. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Grundlagen für die praktische Umsetzung

Inhalte dieses Kapitels Therapeutische Grundlagen, Prozesse und Arbeitshilfen fur die praktische Umsetzung von MST Risikoanalyse und Interventionen zur Herstellung von Sicherheit Implementierung des Systems zur Qualitatssicherung und -optimierung in den therapeutischen Verlauf und den Aufbau der MST Strategien zum Aufbau der Mitwirkungsbereitschaft der Familien in der Therapie
Observation of Single-Event Burnout During Inductive Switching

A power MOSFET demonstrated destructive single-event effect (SEE) during ion irradiation in a switching circuit. Further investigation showed that the inductive load causing a spike in the drain-to-source voltage ( $V_{\text {DS}}$ ) that exceeded the manufacturer’s rating for several nanoseconds was enough to allow single-event effect (SEB). These results indicate that SEB may occur in a very short window and flyback is critical for disciplined power supply design.
Change without Change? Assessing Medicare Reimbursement for Advance Care Planning

In January 2016, Medicare began reimbursing clinicians for time spent engaging in advance care planning with their patients or patients' surrogates. Such planning involves discussions of the care an individual would want to receive should he or she one day lose the capacity to make health care decisions or have conversations with a surrogate about, for example, end-of-life wishes. Clinicians can be reimbursed for face-to-face explanation and discussion of care and advance directives and for the completion of advance care planning forms. Although it seems that political barriers to reimbursement for such planning have largely faded, the Medicare policy's impact on provider billing practices appears to be limited, suggesting other barriers to clinician engagement in advance care planning. Additionally, the effects of this policy on patient behavior and the clinician-patient relationship are not yet known.
The Question of Ethical Hypocrisy in Human Resource Management in the U.K. and Irish Charity Sectors

Whilst there is a growing volume of literature exploring the ethical implications of organisational change for HRM and the ethical aspects of certain HRM activities, there have been few published U.K. studies of how HR managers actually behave when faced with ethical dilemmas in their work. This paper seeks to enhance the foundations of such knowledge through an examination of the influence of organisational values on the ethical behaviour of Human Resource Managers within a sample of charities in the U.K. and the Republic of Ireland. A qualitative research design is adopted utilising semi-structured interviews. Findings highlight ethical inconsistency in people management in the charity sector arising from the clear application of strong and explicit organisational values to external client groups but their limited influence on people management strategies and practices within the organisation. Many of the ethical issues faced by HRM professionals in both countries arise from this inconsistency. In their handling of ethical dilemmas, the HRM professionals exhibit a combination of a care ethic and a concern for justice but it is also clear that in situations of management intransigence, a desire to be conscience driven often gives way to a contingent approach. Whilst respondents considered it inappropriate for the HRM function to be the conscience of the organisation, it is seen to have a key role in providing management with advice on ethical action. However, the ability of HRM to influence ethical behaviour is highly dependent on the status of the function within the organisation.
Plants and Medical Practices

In critical respects, the varieties of medical practice in 18th-century France bore greater resemblance to those of the ancient and medieval worlds than to those of the later 19th and 20th centuries. The use of plants for healthful nutrition, and their related use for the maintenance of health, was of primitive origin, providing the 18th century with an elaborate tradition of medicinal practices, both learned and folkloric. But whereas botany became increasingly distinct from medicine, as a science, in the 18th century, medicine, as we know it today, would not be established on its biological foundations until the later 19th century. In effect, both disciplines would separate themselves from traditional herbalism. The separation did not imply that plants were no longer believed to possess valuable medicinal virtues. Rather, both disciplines rejected all received ideas unless they could be verified by empirical research.
Identification of a neurosteroid binding site contained within the GluR2-S1S2 domain.

Glutamate receptors play a major role in neural cell plasticity, growth, and maturation. The degree to which ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluR) conduct current is dependent on binding of extracellular ligands, of which glutamate is the native agonist. Although the glutamate binding site of the GluR2 class of amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) iGluR has been structurally characterized, the allosteric sites attributed to neurosteroid binding have yet to be localized. Here, using intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence spectroscopy, we show that the extracellular glutamate binding core of the GluR2 class of AMPA receptors also binds to two neurosteroids, pregnenolone sulfate (PS) and 3α-hydroxy-5β-pregnan-20-one sulfate, both of which negatively modulate its activity. Interest in these sulfated neurosteroids stems from their differential modulation of other members of the iGluR family and their potential use as endogeneous agents for stroke therapy. In particular, whereas PS inhibits AMPA and other non-N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) family members, it activates the NMDA receptor. In addition to providing evidence for binding of these neurosteroids to the glutamate binding core of the GluR2 class of AMPA receptors, our data suggests that both neurosteroids bind in a similar manner, consistent with their modulation of activity of this class of iGluR. Interestingly, the conformational change induced upon binding of these neurosteroids is distinct from that induced upon glutamate binding.
Complexation of Tc(IV) with $$ {\text{SO}}_{4}^{2 - } $$ SO 4 2 - in NaCl Medium

This work reports the experimental determination of the stability constant for the complexation of the Tc(IV) cation by $$ {\text{SO}}_{4}^{2 - } $$ at 1.0 mol·kg−1 ionic strength (NaCl) and pcH 1.51 ± 0.05, using a solvent extraction method. The data herein represent a first step in determining unknown thermodynamic parameters for the complexation of Tc(IV) by simple polyatomic anions. Radiotracer studies were carried out with 99Tc and 35S, using both HDEHP and TOPO as extractants, to characterize the mechanism of the solvent extraction and to examine the extraction of the competing species, TcO(HSO4)+ and TcOSO4, into the organic phase. The apparent stability constant log10 βapp for the complexation of Tc(IV) by sulfate was found to be 1.13 ± 0.04.
Technology and the Development of Mathematical Creativity in Advanced School Mathematics

The availability of sophisticated computer programs capable of complex symbolic computations has created challenges for mathematics educators working with mathematically motivated students. Whereas technology may be praised for enabling educators to bridge the gap between the past—when only some students were able to do mathematics, and the present—when an average student is able to enjoy finding an answer to a difficult problem using a computer, it can also put a barrier in the way of developing students’ creative mathematical skills. This dichotomy between positive and negative affordances of technology in the teaching of mathematics calls for the development of new curriculum enabling the outcome of problem solving not to be dependent on students’ ability to simply enter correctly all data into a computer. Towards this end, the chapter proposes a way of modifying traditional problems from advanced mathematics curriculum to be both technology-immune and technology-enabled in the sense that whereas software can facilitate problem solving, its direct application is not sufficient for finding an answer.
Navigation Requirements Development and Performance Assessment of a Martian Ascent Vehicle

To support development of Martian Ascent Vehicles, analysis tools are needed to support the development of Guidance, Navigation, and Control requirements. This paper presents a focused approach to Navigation analysis to capture development of requirements on initial state knowledge and inertial sensor capabilities. A simulation and analysis framework was used to assess the capability of a range of sensors to operate inertially along a range of launch trajectories. The baseline Martian Ascent Vehicle was used as the input for optimizing a set of trajectories from each launch site. These trajectories were used to perform Monte Carlo analysis dispersing error sensor terms and their effects on integrated vehicle performance. Additionally, this paper provides insight into the use of optical navigation techniques to assess state determination and the potential to use observations of local extraplanetary bodies to estimate state. This paper provides an initial level of performance assessment of navigation components to support continued requirements development of a Martian Ascent Vehicle with applications to both crew and sample return missions.
Citizens' perceptions of body-worn cameras (BWCs): Findings from a quasi-randomized controlled trial

Abstract Purpose This study examines citizens' perceptions of police body-worn cameras (BWCs) and whether the exposure to BWCs impacts citizens' perceptions of BWCs. Method A quasi-randomized controlled trial was conducted. Drivers assigned to the experimental group encountered the traffic police officers wearing BWCs whereas those assigned to the control group encountered with the traffic police officers without BWCs. A survey that also included an open-ended question was administered on the drivers after the traffic stop. The answers to the open-ended question were coded first, and then analyzed. Findings Almost all of the respondents reported that they would support the use of BWCs. They also reported that BWCs would improve evidence, transparency, quality of treatment, police behavior, police lawfulness, compliance, and both police and citizen behavior, and decrease corruption and complaints. The results of the chi-square test for bivariate analysis and the logistic regression test for multivariate analysis showed that the exposure to BWCs significantly improved just citizens' perceptions of BWCs including quality of treatment, police behavior, police lawfulness, and corruption. Conclusion Citizens have positive views about the effects of BWCs, and the exposure to BWCs has positive impact on citizens' perceptions of the effects of BWCs.
Prevalence and Nature of Financial Considerations Documented in Narrative Clinical Records in Intensive Care Units.

Importance The extent to which financial considerations alter intensive care unit (ICU) decision making is poorly understood. Objectives To characterize the prevalence and nature of financial considerations documented in narrative clinical records and their association with patient-level demographic and clinical features. Design, Setting, and Participants In silico cohort study applying natural language processing to narrative notes from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC-III) study. Data from all individuals hospitalized between June 1, 2001, and October 31, 2012, in the ICU of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center were analyzed from April 1 to April 30, 2018. Main Outcomes and Measure Presence of financial considerations in narrative clinical notes. Results Among 46 146 index ICU admissions, 1936 patients (4.2%) were identified with at least 1 note reflecting financial considerations during the ICU stay. Of these 1936 patients, 1135 (58.6%) were male, with a mean (SD) age of 38.8 (28.4) years and mean (SD) length of stay of 21.7 (27.1) days. Among the remaining 44 210 admissions in the cohort, 24 780 (56.1%) were male, with a mean (SD) age of 48.6 (32.1) years and mean (SD) length of stay of 9.2 (11.4) days. Among the 46 146 admissions, 142 (0.3%) included notes describing a change in the discharge plan, 142 (0.3%) describing a change in the treatment plan, and 303 (0.7%) describing a change in medication or previous nonadherence to medication associated with financial considerations. In logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, marital status, and insurance type, longer hospital stays were significantly associated with the presence of financial notes (odds ratio, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.01-1.01). Conclusions and Relevance In this study, among patients in the ICU, clinical notes document the association of financial considerations with care decisions. Although such notes likely underestimate the frequency of such considerations, they highlight the need to develop better systematic approaches to understanding how financial constraints may alter care decisions in US health systems.
Dynamic Programming

Dynamic programming is a mathematical technique for solving certain types of sequential decision problems. We characterize a sequential decision problem as a problem in which a sequence of decisions must be made with each decision affecting future decisions. We need to consider such problems because we rarely encounter an operational situation where the implications of any decision do not extend far into the future. For example, the best way to invest funds this year depends upon how the proceeds from this year's investments can be employed next year. The maintenance policy we should use for our machinery this year depends upon what we intend to do with this machinery in the future. The examples are as numerous as the fields of man's endeavor.
Physiological and Perceptual Responses to High-Intensity Circuit Training using Body Weight as Resistance: Are There Sex-Specific Differences?

High-intensity circuit training (HICT) using body weight as resistance is a popular fitness trend and an ideal exercise modality in terms of functionality and economy. Given the popularity of HICT, evidence suggests that sex may elicit unique physiological and perceptual responses to this mode of exercise and there is a need for further work in this area. The purpose of this study was to examine physiological and perceptual responses of females and males to HICT using body weight resistance exercise. Forty-five participants (23 females and 22 males) completed baseline testing and a 15-minute HICT exercise bout wearing a portable metabolic analyzer. %VO2max, %HRmax, and RER were monitored during exercise and analyzed at 3 different 5-minute time segments during the HICT (beginning, middle, end). RPE was assessed half-way through the circuit (7.5), immediately upon cessation of exercise (15), and 15-minutes post-exercise (Session RPE). There was a significant (p 0.20). Males reported a higher RPE immediately post-exercise compared to females (p=0.01). Taken together, these data suggest that there are distinct, sex-specific physiological and perceptual responses to HICT; thus, sex-specific exercise prescription considerations are warranted.
Beyond Scandal and Shame? Ecclesiology and the Longing for a Transformed Church:

The need for reform of the Catholic Church’s structures features prominently in discussion of the clerical sexual abuse scandal. Less common has been reflection on the challenge that the crisis pre...
Teaching and learning design engineering: What we can learn from co-curricular activities

A gap exists in the effective teaching and learning of design engineering. The Design graduate attribute is one of 12 attributes developed by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board to which Canadian universities must comply across engineering curriculum. This paper discusses how student run design-build-test-compete co-curricular activities meet CEAB Design graduate attribute indicators using the example of the SAE International Collegiate Design Series (CDS) team at Concordia University, Concordia SAE. Advantages, challenges, and recommendations are made for integrating aspects of the co-curricular platform into existing academic infrastructure in the interest of attributing accreditation units to this type of design experience. This approach would improve accessibility by providing all students the opportunity to participate in co-curricular-like activities, improve resource allocation to co-curricular activities, and improve student engagement and motivation in engineering design learning.