cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Student self-regulation in capstone design courses: A case study of two project teams

We studied two teams of senior engineering students in a mechanical and aerospace engineering capstone design course for four months to learn about their self-regulation strategies while immersed in an authentic classroom environment. The first team, which consisted of six students, were designing a patient lift system to be used by a semi-paralyzed lady in the local community. The second team, which consisted of five students, was working on a low-cost, motorized wheelchair for a client in India. Using a mixed methods approach, we collected data through nine different sources: Engineering Design Metacognitive Questionnaire (EDMQ), Canvas™ course webpage, an e-Journal, written interviews, participants' weekly presentations, journey maps, participants' cloud storage (Google Docs and Box), and participant-researcher-email communications. These digital data (i.e., voice, video, image, and text documents) are safely stored digitally in our secure network storage. This preliminary report addresses one major research question: In what ways do students actively employ self-regulated learning during design activities of a capstone senior design course. We drew upon Butler & Cartier's model of self-regulation and Dym & Little's design process frameworks to answer this question. The analysis used 48 e-Journal entries as its main source. We classified participants' entries by their design processes and activities; two engineering experts assisted in categorizing dubious records. Our data and interpretations were triangulated against other data sources during these processes to increase corroboration of our collected data. Our preliminary findings suggest that (1) groups' efforts were focused in conceptual design and project management activities, (2) groups' design processes were dynamics, and (3) management activities were reported throughout the project time. Further analysis will include other data sources, especially transcripts of students' weekly presentations, journey maps, and written interview responses, to uncover teams' self-regulation strategies during the design process.
Obesity in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Burden, Drivers, and Emerging Challenges

We have reviewed the distinctive features of excess weight, its causes, and related prevention and management efforts, as well as data gaps and recommendations for future research in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Obesity is rising in every region of the world, and no country has been successful at reversing the epidemic once it has begun. In LMICs, overweight is higher in women compared with men, in urban compared with rural settings, and in older compared with younger individuals; however, the urban–rural overweight differential is shrinking in many countries. Overweight occurs alongside persistent burdens of underweight in LMICs, especially in young women. Changes in the global diet and physical activity are among the hypothesized leading contributors to obesity. Emerging risk factors include environmental contaminants, chronic psychosocial stress, neuroendocrine dysregulation, and genetic/epigenetic mechanisms. Data on effective strategies to prevent the onset of obesity in LMICs or elsewhe...
Tribal Justice Systems

This short paper is produced for the Allegheny College conference Democracy Realized? The Legacies of the Civil Rights Movement (March 28-29, 2014).United States Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black, a former member of the Ku Klux Klan, authored the Court’s opinion in Williams v. Lee, a decision hailed as the opening salvo in the modern era of federal Indian law. The Williams decision was the work of the liberal wing of the Court, with important input by Chief Justice Warren and Justices Brennan and Douglas. Williams, a ringing endorsement of inherent tribal governance authority, more specifically endorsed tribal justices systems as embodied in tribal courts. Without Williams and similar cases, it is unlikely that tribal governments and Congress would act to develop tribal justice systems. Williams, and the tribal courts that arose as a result, was a powerful civil rights decision that commentators rightfully have linked to Brown v. Board of Education.This paper will survey several tribal justice systems in an effort to identify commonalities and complexities. There are hundreds of tribal justice systems in the United States; each of them unique in the details, but many of them similar to other tribal, state, and federal courts.The paper is divided into three sections. The first two parts include a section on adversarial tribal justice systems and a section on non-adversarial tribal justice systems, often called restorative justice systems. The third part involves greater discussion of the complexities of incorporating tribal customary and traditional law into tribal common law.
Were the Ancient Greeks Epistemic Democrats

Epistemic defences of democracy are increasingly popular. These defences are typically advanced on philosophical grounds, but the ancient Greeks are said to provide historical support. This article challenges that claim. It argues, first, that there is no evidence to suggest that the ancient Greeks stressed the role of knowledge in decision-making, the crux of the epistemic view. Next, it examines the distinction between knowledge (epistēmē), understood as information that exists independently of our will, and judgment (gnomē or krisis), understood as a view produced by and inextricably linked to particular willing agents, and shows that the ancient Greeks consistently conceived of political decision-making in terms of the latter rather than the former. Finally, taking Athens’ relations with the Melians and the rise of Macedonia as examples of significant political problems, it suggests that the ancient Greek view shows a better grasp of the inherently creative character of political action.
Polyquaternium-mediated delivery of morpholino oligonucleotides for exon-skipping in vitro and in mdx mice.

Antisense oligonucleotide therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy has shown great potential in preclinical and clinical trials, but its therapeutic applications are still limited due to inefficient delivery. In this study, we investigated a few polyquaterniums (PQs) with different size and composition for their potential to improve delivery performance of an antisense phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomer (PMO) both in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that LuviquatTM series, especially PQ-1 and PQ-3, promoted the exon-skipping efficiency comparable to Endoporter-mediated PMO delivery in vitro. Significant enhancement in skipping dystrophin exon 23 has also been achieved with PQ-3 up to seven-fold when compared to PMO alone in mdx mice. Cytotoxicity of the PQs was lower than Endoporter and PEI 25 K in vitro and muscle damage not clearly detected in vivo under the tested concentrations. These results together demonstrate that the optimization of PQ in molecular size, composition and distribution of positive charges is the key factor to achieve enhanced PMO exon-skipping efficiency. The higher efficiency and lower toxicity endow polyquaternium series as AO delivery enhancing agents for treating muscular dystrophy and other diseases.
Comparison of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the serum of hypothyroxinemic and euthyroid dogs

Author(s): Lau, Grace; Walter, Kyla; Kass, Philip; Puschner, Birgit | Abstract: ObjectiveTo determine the profile of 14 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and 23 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in serum of domestic canines and whether this was predictive of thyroid hormone status.SamplesSerum samples were collected from 51 client-owned dogs visiting the University of California Davis William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital during 2012 to 2016 for routine appointments. Fifteen dogs were diagnosed with hypothyroxinemia while 36 were euthyroid.ProceduresConcentrations of PBDEs and PCBs in canine serum samples were measured by gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between the presence/absence of canine hypothyroxinemia and the serum concentration of individual PBDE or PCB congeners.ResultsThe median concentrations of total PBDE and PCB congeners in the hypothyroxinemic group were 660 and 1,371 ng/g lipid, respectively, which were higher than concentrations detected in the control group. However, logistic regression analysis determined that current concentrations of PBDEs and PCBs in canines were not significantly associated with hypothyroxinemia. BDE 183 was the only congener showing near significance (p = 0.068).ConclusionsPBDE and PCB congeners were detected in all canine samples confirming ongoing exposure to these pollutants. Because household dogs share the human environment, they may serve as biosentinels of human exposure to these contaminants.
Administrators' Perceptions of Physical Education Teacher Evaluation.

Purpose: Using a mixed methods approach, this study aimed to develop a better understanding of school administrators’ perceptions of teacher evaluation systems, specific to physical education (PE). Method: This study used two sources of data collection: (a) a survey sent to administrators (n = 19) in one urban school district and (b) a formal semistructured interview with 10 administrators from the original surveyed group. Results: Statements from the survey indicated that administrators valued PE, but could not control policies concern-ing amount and quality of PE. Administrators also felt that they were not properly trained in PE teacher evaluation and needed help. Four common themes that emerged from the interview data were (1) I value PE, but I live in reality (administrators value PE, but practice within their reality); (2) good teaching is good teaching; (3) I know my limitations, and I want/need help (relative to teacher evaluation in PE); and (4) where’s the training? (administrators felt there were short-comings in their training specific to teacher evaluation). Conclusion: Evidence from this study suggests more training for administrators in PE teacher evaluation is needed, along with a content-specific evaluation instrument. Subscribe to TPE
VLSI Design Strategies

The growing complexity of VLSI chips creates a need for better CAD tools and data management techniques. The rapidly changing nature of the field requires a modular toolbox approach — rather than a fixed monolithic design system — and the involvement of the designer in the toolbuilding process. A short overview over the Berkeley design environment and our recent Synthesis Project is also given.
The Metabolism of Truncated Forms of Apolipoprotein B in Hypobetalipoproteinemia

In recent years explanations have been found for the very low levels of total- and LDL-cholesterol seen in some humans (Young, 1990). In addition to patients with “classical” abetalipoproteinemia, homozygous hypobetalipoproteinemia and chylomicron retention disease whose total plasma cholesterol levels approximate 40 mg/dl (~ 1mM) and who may suffer from the consequences of severe fat malabsorption (Herbert et al., 1985; Huang et al., 1991; Pessah et al., 1991), there are persons whose total plasma cholesterols are of the order of 100–120 mg/dl (~ 2.5–3.0mM, <5th percentile for age and sex) and who appear to be in good health. Indeed, some affected individuals may attain very long lifespans. We now know that many of these cases of uncomplicated hypobetalipoproteinemia are associated with genetically determined truncations of apoB-100, (the major apolipoprotein of LDL), and that the low LDL levels are due to alterations in the metabolism of the truncated apoB-containing lipoprotein particles.
Code-VEP vs. Eye Tracking: A Comparison Study.

Even with state-of-the-art techniques there are individuals whose paralysis prevents them from communicating with others. Brain–Computer-Interfaces (BCI) aim to utilize brain waves to construct a voice for those whose needs remain unmet. In this paper we compare the efficacy of a BCI input signal, code-VEP via Electroencephalography, against eye gaze tracking, among the most popular modalities used. These results, on healthy individuals without paralysis, suggest that while eye tracking works well for some, it does not work well or at all for others; the latter group includes individuals with corrected vision or those who squint their eyes unintentionally while focusing on a task. It is also evident that the performance of the interface is more sensitive to head/body movements when eye tracking is used as the input modality, compared to using c-VEP. Sensitivity to head/body movement could be better in eye tracking systems which are tracking the head or mounted on the face and are designed specifically as assistive devices. The sample interface developed for this assessment has the same reaction time when driven with c-VEP or with eye tracking; approximately 0.5–1 second is needed to make a selection among the four options simultaneously presented. Factors, such as system reaction time and robustness play a crucial role in participant preferences.
China and the Korean question

The Korean peninsula lies at the center of Northeast Asia, a region of immense strategic importance and one that for a century has been a field of interaction among the same four major powers: China, Japan, Russia, and the United States. The fact that since World War II the frontier between the Communist-dominated mainland of East Asia and the non-Communist periphery has bisected Korea, rather than passing through the Tsushima Strait between Korea and Japan, is the result of American insistence in 1945 on occupying South Korea, with the primary purpose of providing Japan with that much of a buffer against likely Soviet pressures, t The alternative, as Koreans tend to forget, was occupation of the entire peninsula, not by the United States, something that would have been impractical if only because of a certain Soviet veto, but by the Soviet Union. Once Soviet troops entered North Korea in August 1945, trouble for Korea inevitably followed; it took the form at first of the transformation of North Korea into a Soviet satellite, then its endowment with a powerful army, its attack on South Korea in June 1950, the necessity for the United States to intervene in order to restore the status quo ante, and finally the existence since the end of the Korean War in 1953 of a tense and dangerous armed confrontation between the two Koreas. This confrontation poses a constant threat to world peace not only because of the strategic importance of Northeast Asia, and Korea in particular, but because of the fact that all the major powers already mentioned are linked with one or the other of the two sides, the Soviet Union and the People's Republic of China by defensive alliances with North Korea dating from 1961, the United States by a defensive alliance with South Korea dating from 1954, and Japan by an informal but evidently firm commitment to allow the United States to use its Japanese bases for the defense of South Korea if the need should arise again. This paper traces the interests and role in the Korean peninsula of one of its most important neighbors, the People's Republic of China.
Refocusing the quality lens to examine real-life value.

In their manuscript, The Long Term Survival of Robotic Lobectomy for Non - Small Cell Lung Cancer : A Multi - Institutional Study , published in the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery , Cerfolio and coauthors astutely point out what is perhaps an unfortunately incomplete outcome measure for oncologic surgery as a whole (1).
CELL SURFACE ANTIGENS AND CELL SURFACE PROTEINS: Problems and Approaches for Protein Chemistry

Abstract: Cell-cell interactions and cell-ligand interactions depend upon the physico-chemical interactions of receptors, the specificity of these receptors, and their linkage to metabolic events within the cell. Analyses of these phenomena at the molecular level are providing challenges for the protein chemist that require a greatly expanded view and closer interaction with the cell biologist than in previous structural studies in immunology and enzymology. This paper reviews studies in our laboratory that provide the biological framework for our characterization of cell surface receptors at the molecular level. These studies include: 1) experiments on the mobility and redistribution of cell surface receptors and the modulation of receptor and cell movements by lectins such as concanavalin A and various drugs which suggest that these receptors may have a common anchorage system under the plasma membrane; 2) analysis of the initial events in the mitogenic stimulation of lymphocytes by Con A which suggests that the same colchicine-binding protein system may be involved in mediating the modulation of receptor mobility and mitogenic activation; and 3) direct analysis of the chemical structure of surface molecules such as β 2 -microglobulin which suggests that it may be possible to classify receptors into groups of molecules with common evolutionary origins.
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator in Medical Education: A Narrative Review and Analysis

Abstract Purpose Health professionals are moving beyond traditional roles as vessels of science and are expected to exhibit excellence in psychosocial sciences, communication, and humanities. Medical education has shifted focus to non-cognitive aspects of training, which have been correlated with clinical performance, professionalism, interpersonal skills, and in-service exam scores. Psychometric tests are a means to gauge an individual's personality and behavioral characteristics. They have been used in various professional settings. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is an introspective psychometric questionnaire explaining an individual's decision-making, perception, and interactions. Medicine has used the MBTI by surveying providers and trainees. Particular interest is paid to its use in medical education. This review aims to provide a comprehensive review and analysis of MBTI use in medical education. Method A PubMed search (1975–2018) was performed to identify studies addressing MBTI in medical education using a combination of Boolean and MeSH search terms. Forty articles were included in the final review. Results Overall, 30% (12/40) of articles addressed MBTI in specialty/training setting selection, 52.5% (21/40) addressed MBTI in medical curricula, and 17.5% (7/40) addressed MBTI in evaluation/selection of trainees. MBTI preferences of different specialties showed inconsistencies. MBTI improves trainee communication skills, identifies those at risk for burnout, directs use of personalized study resources, among other domains. Biases in medical school and residency admissions processes are unearthed with MBTI. Furthermore, certain MBTI traits show stronger correlation with trainee clinical evaluations than board exam scores. Conclusion MBTI is a potentially powerful tool for medical education. However, a large portion of studies (30%) investigate its role in specialty choice, a domain with inconsistent results. Instead, MBTI may be better served to provide trainees with individualized study environments/resources, enhance communication skills, and provide burnout screening and support. Furthermore, it may address biases in the subjective medical school and residency interview processes and increase class psychodynamic diversity. New era problem-based learning and team-based learning may be enhanced with MBTI. In these ways, the application and interpretation of this psychometric tool may advance personalized medical education in the 21st century.
Using Drawings to Assess Student Perceptions of Schoolyard Habitats: A Case Study of Reform-Based Research in the United States.

This case study describes the development and field-testing of a research-based scoring rubric for analyzing elementary students’ schoolyard habitat drawings. To justify schoolyard learning experiences in U.S. schools, teachers, program evaluators, and others need valid, reliable, and objective assessment tools for determining if, and how, these learning experiences influence students’ perceptions and understandings of ecological concepts. Three different raters used the 7-item rubric to evaluate 77 drawings. A high degree of inter-rater score reliability was found and no significant differences were found between scores of different raters. To determine if the rubric could detect measurable differences in drawings made by students of different genders, academic ability levels, and ethnicities, scores were compared and analyzed by subgroup. Results indicate that it is possible to develop a quantitative, easy-to-use tool for analyzing drawings and identifying differences in students’ perceptions of their schoolyard habitats.
Structure-activity relationship studies on Bax activator SMBA1 for the treatment of ER-positive and triple-negative breast cancer.

Abstract In an effort to develop novel Bax activators for breast cancer treatment, a series of diverse analogues have been designed and synthesized based on lead compound SMBA1 through several strategies, including introducing various alkylamino side chains to have a deeper access to S184 pocket, replacing carbon atoms with nitrogen, and reducing the nitro group of 9H-fluorene scaffold. Compounds 14 (CYD-2-11) and 49 (CYD-4-61) have been identified to exhibit significantly improved antiproliferative activity compared to SMBA1, with IC50 values of 3.22 μM and 0.07 μM against triple-negative breast cancer MDA-MB-231 and 3.81 μM and 0.06 μM against ER-positive breast cancer MCF-7 cell lines, respectively. Mechanism of action studies of compound 49 indicated that it can activate Bax protein to induce cytochrome c release and regulate apoptotic biomarkers, leading to cancer cell apoptosis. Further in vivo efficacy studies of compounds 14 and 49 in nude mice bearing MDA-MB-231 tumor xenografts demonstrated that these drug candidates can significantly suppress tumor growth, indicating their therapeutic potential for the treatment of breast cancer.
High throughput imaging identifies a spatially localized response of primary fetal pulmonary artery endothelial cells to insulin-like growth factor 1 treatment

Abstract A common strategy to measure the efficacy of drug treatment is the in vitro comparison of ensemble readouts with and without treatment, such as proliferation and cell death. A fundamental assumption underlying this approach is there is minimal cell to cell variability in the response to drug. Here, we demonstrate that ensemble and non-spatial single cell readouts applied to primary cells lead to incomplete conclusions due to cell to cell variability. We exposed primary fetal pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAEC) isolated from healthy newborn healthy and persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) sheep to the growth hormone insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). We found that IGF-1 increased proliferation and branch points in tube formation assays but not angiogenic signaling proteins at the population level for both cell types. We hypothesized that this molecular ambiguity was due to the presence of cellular subpopulations with variable responses to IGF-1. Using high throughput single cell imaging, we discovered a spatially localized response to IGF-1. This suggests localized signaling or heritable cell response to external stimuli may ultimately be responsible for our observations. Discovering and further exploring these rare cells is critical to finding new molecular targets to restore cellular function.
Interrelations of Cumulative Social Risk, Silent Myocardial Infarction, and Mortality in the General Population.

Cumulative social risk (CSR), defined as experiencing more than one social risk factor, is associated with a significant increase in cardiovascular mortality. However, it is unclear whether CSR is associated with prevalent silent myocardial infarction (SMI), and whether their joint presence is predictive of mortality more than the presence of CSR in isolation. This analysis included 6,708 participants from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey who were free of clinical cardiovascular disease at the time of enrollment. Baseline social risk factors (poverty-income ratio
Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation maintenance therapy for overactive bladder in women: long-term success rates and adherence

Our objectives are to (1) identify predictors of treatment success in women with overactive bladder (OAB) after 1 year of percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) maintenance therapy, (2) identify trends in success rates during that 1 year, and (3) assess maintenance treatment adherence. A retrospective study of 141 women with OAB was performed with the definition of success based on a Patient Global Impression-Improvement (PGI-I) score of 1 (“very much better”) or 2 (“much better”) or a PGI-I score of 1, 2, or 3 (“a little better”). Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with treatment response and the Cochrane-Armitage trend test to identify changes in the scores over time. After completing 12 weekly treatments, 141 women initiated maintenance therapy with a mean treatment interval of 29 days. At 1 year, 75/141 (53.2%) had discontinued treatment. Those adherent with treatment had a sustained treatment response, with 66.2% of women reporting a PGI-I score of 1, 2 and 92.3% reporting a PGI-I score of 1, 2, or 3 at 1 year. Considering those women who discontinued maintenance therapy as treatment failures, the success rate of 1 year of maintenance therapy ranged from 30.7%–42.9%. No clinical factors were found to be predictive of maintenance treatment success or failure. Although an effective treatment for those adherent, discontinuation rates of PTNS maintenance therapy at 1 year are high. Given the low numbers of women referred to maintenance therapy, and the high discontinuation rates, long-term PTNS treatment may be feasible for only a minority of women with OAB.
New chromosome number and cyto-molecular characterization of the African Baobab ( Adansonia digitata L.) - “The Tree of Life”

The African baobab (Adansonia digitata L.), also referred to as the “Tree of Life”, is a majestic, long-lived and multipurpose tree of sub-Saharan Africa. Internationally, a growing demand for baobab products in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries has been observed. Considering this, there is a need for scientific information on the genetics and breeding of A. digitata, including cytogenetics, genetic diversity and reproductive biology. The objectives of our cytogenetic research were to determine the genome size, chromosome number, and organization of ribosomal DNA (45S and 5SrDNA) of A. digitata. Flow cytometry analysis revealed a 2C-DNA value of 3.8 ± 0.6 pg (1Cx monoploid genome size 919.1 ± 62.9 Mbp). Using our improved chromosome preparation technique, we were able to unequivocally count the chromosomes resulting in 2n = 4x = 168, a revised chromosome number for A. digitata. Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis revealed two massively large variants of 45S rDNA and their corresponding nucleolus organizer regions (NOR). The NOR variants were about two to four times larger than the main body of their respective chromosomes. To our knowledge, this is the first report of this phenomenon in a plant species. Furthermore, we found that FISH analysis using the Arabidopsis-type telomere repeat sequence probe clarified and confirmed the new chromosome number and characterized the 45S rDNA structural organization.
The treatment of Burkitt lymphoma in adults

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is a highly aggressive, B-cell, non-Hodgkin lymphoma categorized into endemic, sporadic, and immunodeficiency-associated subtypes. BL has distinct pathologic and clinical features, characterized by rapidly progressive tumors with high rates of extranodal involvement. Next-generation-sequencing analyses have further characterized the genomic landscape of BL and our understanding of disease pathogenesis, although these findings have yet to influence treatment. Although most patients are cured with intensive combination chemotherapy, given the paucity of randomized trials, optimal therapy has not been defined. Furthermore, treatment of elderly patients, patients with central nervous system involvement, or those with relapsed disease remains an unmet need. In this review, we highlight the clinical, pathologic, and genomic features, as well as standard and emerging treatment options for adult patients with BL.
A 5-day Heat Acclimation Program Improves Heat Stress Indicators While Maintaining Exercise Capacity.

This study aimed to evaluate whether a daily 60 minutes isothermic biking protocol during a 5-day period could improve physiological heat acclimation and exercise performance capacity in partially acclimated subjects. A quasi-experimental study consisted of an intervention (INT, n = 7) and control (CON, n = 7) group completing 2 12 minutes Cooper tests (pre-CT on day 1 and post-CT on day 7) and a heat stress test (HST, on day 9). INT performed additional intensive exercise 1 hour per day on days 1-5, whereas CON did not. During CTs and HST, core temperature (Tc, telemetric capsule), skin temperature (Tsk, sensors at neck, right shoulder, left hand, and right shin), and heart rate (HR, chest strap) were continuously monitored and baseline, average, peak, and increment were calculated. During the HST, the INT group showed a smaller baseline-peak Tc increment (INT 0.88 +/- 0.27 vs. CON 1.64 +/- 0.90[degrees] C, p = 0.02), a lower HR peak (150.2 +/- 12.6 vs. 173.0 +/- 16.8 b[middle dot]min-1, p = 0.02), and lower Tsk peak (36.47 +/- 0.62 vs. 36.54 +/- 0.46[degrees] C, p = 0.04). There was a nonsignificant, but practical difference based on a moderate effect size for change in pre-CT to post-CT performance of nearly +2.7 +/- 12.3% in INT and -3.0 +/- 8.5% in CON (p = 0.32 and d = 0.51), and HST distance covered resulting in a nonsignificant difference of 464 +/- 849 m between INT and CON (p = 0.38 and d = 0.44). In conclusion a short-term 5-day heat acclimation program including 300 minutes of extra exercise resulted in positive physiological adaptions to heat stress, as indicated by lower core temperature and HR in comparison with a control group
Sodium zirconium cyclosilicate for the management of chronic hyperkalemia in kidney disease, a novel agent.

Hyperkalemia is a common finding in patients with advanced kidney disease for multiple reasons. Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone-System Inhibitors (RAASi) that are indicated for slowing down progressi...
Multi-Period AC/DC Transmission Expansion Planning Including Shunt Compensation

Due to the increasing penetration of large-scale renewable energy generation at transmission level, hybrid AC/DC transmission expansion is becoming more relevant by the day, especially if the considered renewable generation is far away from existing AC grid infrastructure. This paper presents a dynamic model for hybrid AC/DC network expansion planning that incorporates node voltages, reactive power and network losses. Since the operation of a high voltage DC link is influenced considerably by the converter stations, converter transformer, filter, and phase reactor are modeled in each converter station. Since the AC power flow equations render a non-convex problem whose solution algorithms do not always guarantee convergence or optimality, a second-order conic relaxation is utilized. The resulting model is a mixed-integer convex problem with a convergence guarantee that embodies a better approximation of system operation than its DC linear counterpart. Three case studies are considered to illustrate the proposed model.
Replication of viral DNA in SPO1-infected Bacillus subtilis. I. Replicative intermediates.

Abstract During virulent infection of Bacillus subtilis 168 M by bacteriophage SPO1, the synthesis of mature progeny viral DNA occurs by the sequential conversion of two rapidly sedimenting intermediate DNA species, both of which are resistant to lysozyme and detergent. The first intermediate (“VF”) is a complex of viral DNA with protein and RNA, which, at neutral pH, sediments 4–6 times as fast as the mature SPO1 DNA molecule. The sedimentation coefficient of “ VF” is rendered indistinguishable from that of the second and slower intermediate (“F”) by the action of pronase. “F” appears to be a high molecular weight concatemer of viral DNA, sedimenting up to 3 times as fast as mature DNA at neutral pH. Sedimentation at alkaline pH incates that both “VF” and “F” contain strands several times the size of mature strands. Both intermediates appear to contain numerous single-strand discontinuities. Examination of the kinetics of appearance of “VF”,“F”, and mature DNA by continuous, pulse, and pulse-chase labeling shows that about 10 min elapse between the onset of viral DNA replication and the first appearance of mature progeny DNA. During this time “VF” accumulates. The mechanism for conversion of “VF” to “F” then becomes active, and acts very rapidly. “F” is then converted to mature DNA by a somewhat slower process.
Effects of ring size on the reactions of cyclic olefins

Abstract Addition of HOCl to methylenecycloalkanes (ring sizes C4 through C7) gave mixtures of chlorohydrins with abnormal orientation predominating with the 4- and 6-membered ring compounds. Addition of HOBr to these olefins gave 1-bromocycloalkylmethanols as the only bromohydrin product. Cycloalkanecarboxaldehyde, in amounts dependent on ring size, accompanied the formation of bromohydrin from olefin oxide and HBr solution. An interpretation of these results is included.
Finite-Time Performance Analysis of Static Simulated Annealing Algorithms

Generalized hill climbing (GHC) algorithms provide a framework for modeling local search algorithms for addressing intractable discrete optimization problems. Current theoretical results are based on the assumption that the goal when addressing such problems is to find a globally optimal solution. However, from a practical point of view, solutions that are close enough to a globally optimal solution (where close enough is measured in terms of the objective function value) for a discrete optimization problem may be acceptable. This paper introduces β-acceptable solutions, where β is a value greater than or equal to the globally optimal objective function value. Moreover, measures for assessing the finite-time performance of GHC algorithms, in terms of identifying β-acceptable solutions, are defined. A variation of simulated annealing (SA), termed static simulated annealing (S2A), is analyzed using these measures. S2A uses a fixed cooling schedule during the algorithm's execution. Though S2A is provably nonconvergent, its finite-time performance can be assessed using the finite-time performance measures defined in terms of identifying β-acceptable solutions. Computational results with a randomly generated instance of the traveling salesman problem are reported to illustrate the results presented. These results show that upper and lower estimates for the number of iterations to reach a β-acceptable solution within a specified number of iterations can be obtained, and that these estimates are most accurate for moderate and high fixed temperature values for the S2A algorithm.
Measurement of E2 transition strengths in {sup 32,34}Mg

The degree of collectivity in the neutron-rich nuclei {sup 32}Mg and {sup 34}Mg has been determined via intermediate-energy Coulomb excitation in inverse kinematics. Measured energies of the first excited 2{sup +} states and reduced electric quadrupole transition probabilities B(E2;0{sub g.s.}{sup +}{yields}2{sub 1}{sup +}) are presented for {sup 32}Mg and {sup 34}Mg. The results agree with previous measurements and confirm the placement of both nuclei within the ''island of inversion.''.
Electrostatic discharge in microcircuits

The largest number of electrostatic discharge (ESD) failures have occurred in linear microcircuits employing one or more MOS capacitors. The detection of ESD failures is considered. The phenomena involved in the generation of static charge are examined and a description is provided of approaches which can be used to protect microcircuits from ESD hazards. It is pointed out that ESD failures can virtually be eliminated if the procedural guidelines of protecting static-sensitive devices are implemented and conscientiously observed.
What’s Past is Prologue: A Scoping Review of Recent Public and Global Health Informatics Literature

Objective: To categorize and describe the public health informatics (PHI) and global health informatics (GHI) literature between 2012 and 2014. Methods: We conducted a semi-systematic review of articles published between January 2012 and September 2014 where information and communications technologies (ICT) was a primary subject of the study or a main component of the study methodology. Additional inclusion and exclusion criteria were used to filter PHI and GHI articles from the larger biomedical informatics domain. Articles were identified using MEDLINE as well as personal bibliographies from members of the American Medical Informatics Association PHI and GHI working groups. Results: A total of 85 PHI articles and 282 GHI articles were identified. While systems in PHI continue to support surveillance activities, we identified a shift towards support for prevention, environmental health, and public health care services. Furthermore, articles from the U.S. reveal a shift towards PHI applications at state and local levels. GHI articles focused on telemedicine, mHealth and eHealth applications. The development of adequate infrastructure to support ICT remains a challenge, although we observed a small but growing set of articles that measure the impact of ICT on clinical outcomes. Discussion: There is evidence of growth with respect to both implementation of information systems within the public health enterprise as well as a widening of scope within each informatics discipline. Yet the articles also illuminate the need for more primary research studies on what works and what does not as both searches yielded small numbers of primary, empirical articles. Conclusion: While the body of knowledge around PHI and GHI continues to mature, additional studies of higher quality are needed to generate the robust evidence base needed to support continued investment in eHealth by governmental health agencies.
El futuro de las humanidades: Experimentando

?Tienen las Humanidades futuro? ?Hay lugar para el estudio de la literatura, el arte, el lenguaje y la filosofia en un mundo cada vez mas dominado por una logica economica de perdida y ganancia? ?Que proposito pueden cumplir estas disciplinas frente a tecnologias que parecen estar volviendo rapidamente obsoleta la que fuese la funcion quizas mas caracteristica del ''hombre'', al menos desde el Renacimiento europeo: la funcion del trabajo productivo? El futuro de las Humanidades en un mundo de virtualizacion y de globalizacion no puede residir en la propagacion continua de un modelo de unidad y totalidad para las sociedades o naciones
Educating For Tolerance And Compassion: Is There A Place For Meditation In A College Classroom?

Could contemplative practices change the way we think and act so that we move toward a more just, compassionate, and reflective classroom? The author’s personal experiences and preparation for the practice, the content, the impact of the practice on students, and reflections on contemplative practice as a movement in education are offered as an example of the potential for contemplative education in a college classroom.
The Digital Learning Challenge: Obstacles to Educational Uses of Copyrighted Material in the Digital Age

This foundational white paper reports on a year-long study by the Berkman Center for Internet and Society, funded by a grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, examining the relationship between copyright law and education. In particular, we wanted to explore whether innovative educational uses of digital technology were hampered by the restrictions of copyright. We found that provisions of copyright law concerning the educational use of copyrighted material, as well as the business and institutional structures shaped by that law, are among the most important obstacles to realizing the potential of digital technology in education. Drawing on research, interviews, two participatory workshops with experts in the field, and the lessons drawn from four detailed case studies, the white paper identifies four obstacles as particularly serious ones: * Unclear or inadequate copyright law relating to crucial provisions such as fair use and educational use; * Extensive adoption of digital rights management technology to lock up content; * Practical difficulties obtaining rights to use content when licenses are necessary; * Undue caution by gatekeepers such as publishers or educational administrators. The white paper concludes with some discussion of paths toward reform that might improve the situation, including certain types of legal reform, technological improvements in the rights clearance process, educator agreement on best practices, and increased use of open access distribution.
Catch and Shoot: The Influence of Advergame Mechanics on Preference Formation

The use of advergames for the purpose of brand and product promotion is growing in popularity as the mobile gaming industry expands. The extant research on advergames, however, has focused primarily on factors influencing the effectiveness of in-game advertising (e.g., banner and pop-up ads appearing beside gameplay). Therefore, this research seeks to examine the impact of branded content integrated directly into the mechanics of a game. Across two studies, the influence of common game mechanics (e.g., shooting, collecting, avoiding) on affective and attentional processes are investigated by manipulating the design elements of a custom advergame. The results suggest that advergame mechanics can influence subsequent choices through perceptual fluency and affective transfer. Additionally, perceived difficulty was found to moderate the relationship between affective response and choice.
A note on associative processors for data management

Associative “logic-per-track” processors for data management are examined from a technological and engineering point of view. Architectural and design decisions are discussed. Some alternatives to the design of comparators, garbage collection, and domain extraction for architectures like the Relational Associative Processor (RAP) are offered.
Extracting Elastic Properties of Heterogeneous Layered Materials using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)

AFM nano-indentation is used to evaluate micro-mechanical properties of biological samples. However, such samples often have multi-components with heterogeneous properties, whereas traditional data analysis yields an aggregate modulus that may not represent the individual constituents. This study aimed to develop an analysis technique that can extract individual elastic moduli from AFM indentation tests on heterogeneous multi-layered samples. Building on a modified homogenization theory (Li, Acta Mechanica, 2005), finite element modeling (FEM) was used to simulate the indentation response of layered samples and determine the relationship between equivalent volume ratio (fΩ) versus indentation depth (D), and to examine whether the relative substrate (E1) and inclusion (E2) properties could be extracted from depth-dependent apparent modulus values (Epw vs. D). To validate the FEM, two-layered polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) samples were fabricated with a top 5-um thick inclusion on a 50-um substrate layer, and were indented to 3-um depth with a 15-um spherical-tipped silicon probe. Our computational studies indicated that fΩ vs. D was highly influenced by the inclusion and indenter geometries, but was insensitive ( E1). Thus, our proposed method extracted heterogeneous properties of double-layered PDMS, and provides an approach to study layered biological samples using AFM indentation.
Rearrangement and matrix product inequalities

Abstract A relative of the rearrangement inequality of Hardy, Littlewood, and Polya is presented. From it are derived matrix product bounds.
Reversible Inactivation of Superoxide-Sensitive Aconitase in Aβ1-42-Treated Neuronal Cell Lines

The activity of the superoxide-sensitive enzyme aconitase was monitored to evaluate the generation of superoxide in neuronal cell lines treated with beta-amyloid (Abeta) peptide 1-42. Treatment of differentiated and undifferentiated rat PC12 and human neuroblastoma SK-N-SH cells with soluble Abeta1-42 (Abeta-derived diffusible ligands) or fibrillar Abeta1-42 caused a 35% reversible inactivation of aconitase, which preceded loss of viability and was correlated with altered cellular function. Aconitase was reactivated upon incubation of cellular extracts with iron and sulfur, suggesting that Abeta causes the release of iron from 4Fe-4S clusters. Abeta neurotoxicity was partially blocked by the iron chelator deferoxamine. These data suggest that increased superoxide generation and the release of iron from 4Fe-4S clusters are early events in Abeta1-42 neurotoxicity.
Optimal Minimum Airflow for Air Circulation of Single-Duct VAV Terminal Boxes

Thermal comfort in an area is directly controlled by terminal boxes in variable air volume (VAV) air-handling unit (AHU) systems. The terminal box either modulates airflow or adjusts the discharge air temperature. Reduced air circulation will cause thermal discomfort in a conditioned space if the airflow and discharge air temperature are not suitable. The objective of this study is to identify an optimal value for airflow and discharge air temperature that will maintain room thermal comfort. Optimal room airflow and discharge air temperature is analyzed, and the impact of room airflow and discharge air temperature on thermal stratification is verified through CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) simulations.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Design, synthesis and characterization of novel 1,2-benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one and 1,3,4-oxadiazole hybrid derivatives: Potent inhibitors of Dengue and West Nile virus NS2B/NS3 proteases

1,2-Benzisothiazol-3(2H)-ones and 1,3,4-oxadiazoles individually have recently attracted considerable interest in drug discovery, including as antibacterial and antifungal agents. In this study, a series of functionalized 1,2-benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one-1,3,4-oxadiazole hybrid derivatives were synthesized and subsequently screened against Dengue and West Nile virus proteases. Ten out of twenty-four compounds showed greater than 50% inhibition against DENV2 and WNV proteases ([I] = 10 μM). The IC(50) values of compound 7n against DENV2 and WNV NS2B/NS3 were found to be 3.75 ± 0.06 and 4.22 ± 0.07 μM, respectively. The kinetics data support a competitive mode of inhibition by compound 7n. Molecular modeling studies were performed to delineate the putative binding mode of this series of compounds. This study reveals that the hybrid series arising from the linking of the two scaffolds provides a suitable platform for conducting a hit-to-lead optimization campaign via iterative structure-activity relationship studies, in vitro screening and X-ray crystallography.