cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ethanol-induced cell death by lipid peroxidation in PC12 cells

Free radical generation is hypothesized to be the cause of alcohol-induced tissue injury. Using fluorescent cis-parinaric acid and TBARS, lipid peroxidation was shown to be increased in the presence of trace amounts of free ferrous ion in PC12 cells. This increase in lipid peroxidation was enhanced by ethanol in a dose dependent manner and also correlated with loss of cell viability, as measured by increased release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Resveratrol, a potent antioxidant, had a protective effect against lipid peroxidation and cell death. These findings strongly suggest that ethanol-induced tissue injury and cell death is a free radical mediated process, and may be important in alcohol-related premature aging and other degenerative diseases.
Power profiling with real-world workloads: A case study with MobileMark 2012

Technology clients expect with the release of a new device model that the device is more powerful and more energy efficient than its predecessor. There are many profiling tools aimed at profiling the energy efficiency of different platforms in order to provide consumers fair comparison of the energy efficiency of available platforms. Since improving the power consumption of devices is no longer the sole duty of hardware manufacturers but it is also the responsibility of software developers, we present a case study in this paper where we power profile Windows® 8 and Windows® 7 on the same hardware configuration using MobileMark® 2012 in order to compare how their efficiency compare to one another. Based on our results, we were able to show that Windows® 8 is a step forward to a better energy efficient operating system when compared to its predecessor.
Microgravity-Induced Activation of Nlrp3 Inflammasomes in Mouse Vascular Endothelial Cells

In the microgravity environment, astronauts usually have cardiovascular deconditioning, even endothelial dysfunction that may initiate or accelerate coronary heart disease. Although pro-inflammator...
Deep Function Machines: Generalized Neural Networks for Topological Layer Expression

In this paper we propose a generalization of deep neural networks called deep function machines (DFMs). DFMs act on vector spaces of arbitrary (possibly infinite) dimension and we show that a family of DFMs are invariant to the dimension of input data; that is, the parameterization of the model does not directly hinge on the quality of the input (eg. high resolution images). Using this generalization we provide a new theory of universal approximation of bounded non-linear operators between function spaces. We then suggest that DFMs provide an expressive framework for designing new neural network layer types with topological considerations in mind. Finally, we introduce a novel architecture, RippLeNet, for resolution invariant computer vision, which empirically achieves state of the art invariance.
Respiratory outcomes of ultrafine particulate matter (UFPM) as a surrogate measure of near-roadway exposures among bicyclists

Studies have shown a consistent association between exposure to traffic-related air pollution and adverse health effects. In particular, exposure can be high for cyclists who travel near roadways. The objective of the current study was to examine the relationship between short-term exposure of near-road traffic emissions and acute changes in lung function among individuals who frequently bike in the Sacramento and Davis areas in California. Ultrafine particulate matter (UFPM) was used as a surrogate for near-roadway exposure in this study since the main source of this pollutant is from motor vehicle exhaust. Thirty-two bicyclists were recruited and completed two rides on separate days during the study period of March-June, 2008. One ride was on a high traffic route paralleling a section of Interstate 80 (I-80)/Interstate Business 80 (I-80B), and a second one was on a low traffic route, such as bike paths away from major highways. The participant’s lung function was measured before and after each ride, and UFPM exposure was measured during the rides using a condensation particle counter (CPC). In the final linear mixed-effect model using median UFPM concentrations as the main exposure, we observed that lung function change (post–ride minus baseline measurements) shifted in the negative direction. Lung function changed by 216 mL for FVC and 168 mL for FEV1, respectively, for an interquartile range (IQR: 12,225 to 36,833 number of particles/cm3) increase of UFPM concentration after adjusting for other covariates of age, sex, wind direction, and day of the week. This study found significant associations between increased levels of UFPM concentrations as a proxy for near road traffic pollution, and decrements in lung function measurements. Our results are related to short-term exposures, and the long-term health effects of cycling near heavy traffic require further research. Our study suggests the need to reduce traffic pollution, particularly near roads. Cyclists should plan their route to reduce their exposure where possible and further research on built environment designs may help urban planners to reduce the potential health concerns of cyclists’ exposure to traffic-related air pollution.
Generational and family structural differences in male attitudes and orientations towards shopping

Abstract New evidence suggests Millennial men are assuming the role for household shopping at a growing pace. This study employs the generational cohort theory to examine differences among male shoppers. Specifically, exploring the variables of family structure and social class relative to male enjoyment of their shopping experience through an online questionnaire. ANOVA and logistic regression were used to analyze the data of 443 respondents. The results show significant differences in the impact of family structures across generations. Present social class and the social class during ones upbringing lead to key differences in Millennials in terms of entertainment facilities and willingness to wait on purchases.
Benefits of preparing for childbirth with mindfulness training: a randomized controlled trial with active comparison

Childbirth fear is linked with lower labor pain tolerance and worse postpartum adjustment. Empirically validated childbirth preparation options are lacking for pregnant women facing this problem. Mindfulness approaches, now widely disseminated, can alleviate symptoms of both chronic and acute pain and improve psychological adjustment, suggesting potential benefit when applied to childbirth education. This study﻿, the Prenatal Education About Reducing Labor Stress (PEARLS) study, is a randomized controlled trial (RCT; n = 30) of a short, time-intensive, 2.5-day mindfulness-based childbirth preparation course offered as a weekend workshop﻿, the Mind in Labor (MIL): Working with Pain in Childbirth, based on Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting (MBCP) education.﻿ First-time mothers in the late 3rd trimester of pregnancy were randomized to attend either the MIL course or a standard childbirth preparation course with no mind-body focus. Participants completed self-report assessments pre-intervention, post-intervention, and post-birth, and medical record data were collected. In a demographically diverse sample, this small RCT demonstrated mindfulness-based childbirth education improved women’s childbirth-related appraisals and psychological functioning in comparison to standard childbirth education. MIL program participants showed greater childbirth self-efficacy and mindful body awareness (but no changes in dispositional mindfulness), lower post-course depression symptoms that were maintained through postpartum follow-up, and a trend toward a lower rate of opioid analgesia use in labor. They did not, however, retrospectively report lower perceived labor pain or use epidural less frequently than controls. This study suggests mindfulness training carefully tailored to address fear and pain of childbirth may lead to important maternal mental health benefits, including improvements in childbirth-related appraisals ﻿and﻿ the prevention of postpartum depression symptoms. There is also some indication that MIL participants may use mindfulness coping in lieu of systemic opioid pain medication. A large-scale RCT that captures real-time pain perceptions during labor and length of labor is warranted to provide a more definitive test of these effects. The ClinicalTrials.gov identifier for the PEARLS study is: NCT02327559 . The study was retrospectively registered on June 23, 2014.
High temporal & spatial resolution imaging of catastrophic & soft breakdown in self-assembled nanodielectrics (SANDs) films

Breakdown processes in polymer dielectrics pose a limitation to energy storage and high-power operation of many electronic devices. These processes have been studied for many decades, and a great deal of progress has been made in developing phenomenological models [1]. Nonetheless, many open questions remain, particularly regarding the development of a single, unified theory to describe all stages of the breakdown process, from initiation, to sub-critical filament advance, to catastrophic breakdown and/or “soft breakdown” [2]. To develop and validate such a detailed understanding, it is essential to first develop high-speed, spatially-resolved in situ characterization techniques. Here we demonstrate that thermoreflectance imaging [3-5] can provide such a capability for voltage stress-induced defects in self-assembled polymer nanodielectrics (SANDs) films [6]. Temporal evolution of self-heating and material blister formation for soft and catastrophic failure sites in SANDs films are imaged at submicron spatial resolution. This result shows that thermoreflectance characterization techniques provide insight into the breakdown processes determining polymer dielectric performance and reliability.
Pressure swing adsorption separation of H2S/CO2/CH4 gas mixtures with molecular sieves 4A, 5A, and 13X

Pressure swing adsorption experiments were carried out for the separation of equimolar mixtures of carbon dioxide and methane containing small amounts of hydrogen sulfide, utilizing 4A, 5A, and 13X...
Childhood sexual abuse and current suicidal ideation among adolescents: Problem-focused and emotion-focused coping skills

Abstract Introduction The present study aims to investigate whether problem-focused and emotion-focused coping skills were associated with suicidal ideation. In addition, we examined whether childhood maltreatment (i.e. physical, psychological, sexual abuse, and neglect) is a risk factor for later-on suicidal ideation. Methods Youths aged 16 or 18 (n = 307, 56% females) from San Diego and Seattle at Wave 6 and Wave 7 of the LONGSCAN were included in the study. We used hierarchical logistic regression. Results & Conclusions 17.6% reported suicidal ideation. Those who reported better emotion-focused coping were .80 times less likely to report suicidal ideation. However, even after controlling for coping skills, adolescents with sexually abuse histories were 3.08 times more likely to report suicidal ideation. Our findings suggest implications for early intervention efforts. Building youth assets through promotion of positive youth development may serve as a driving force to reduce negative outcomes in youth who have experienced sexual abuse.
Of vaccination and infectious diseases in 2003.

Vaccination has entered its 3rd century, having started with the use of vaccinia virus by Jenner in the last decade of the 18th century. Pasteur put vaccination on a more empirical footing in the 1880s, and vaccine development proceeded slowly up to the mid-20th century. During this early period, live bacterial and viral vaccines were attenuated by passage in animals and we learned how to kill microbes without destroying their immunogenicity. In addition, knowledge of bacterial toxins and capsular polysaccharides permitted the development of important new vaccines for epidemic infections.
Reconstruction options following pancreaticoduodenectomy after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a systematic review

Obesity is a risk factor for pancreatic cancer which may be treated with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and represents an increasing morbidity. Post-RYGB anatomy poses considerable challenges for reconstruction after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), a growing problem encountered by surgeons. We characterize specific strategies used for post-PD reconstruction in the RYGB patient. PubMed search was performed using MeSH terms “Gastric Bypass” and “Pancreaticoduodenectomy” between 2000 and 2018. Articles reporting cases of pancreaticoduodenectomy in post-RYGB patients were included and systematically reviewed for this study. Three case reports and five case series (25 patients) addressed PD after RYGB; we report one additional case. The typical post-gastric bypass PD patient is a woman in the sixth decade of life, presenting most commonly with pain (69.2%) and/or jaundice (53.8%), median 5 years after RYGB. Five post-PD reconstructive options are reported. Among these, the gastric remnant was resected in 18 cases (69.2%), with reconstruction of biliopancreatic drainage most commonly achieved using the distal jejunal segment of the pre-existing biliopancreatic limb (73.1%). Similarly, in the eight cases where the gastric remnant was spared (30.8%), drainage was most commonly performed using the distal jejunal segment of the biliopancreatic limb (50%). Among the 17 cases reporting follow-up data, median was 27 months. Reconstruction options after PD in the post-RYGB patient focus on resection or preservation gastric remnant, as well as creation of new biliopancreatic limb. Insufficient data exists to make recommendations regarding the optimal reconstruction option, yet surgeons must prepare for the possible clinical challenge. PD reconstruction post-RYGB requires evaluation through prospective studies.
Visualization and Interpretation of Convolutional Neural Network Predictions in Detecting Pneumonia in Pediatric Chest Radiographs.

Pneumonia affects 7% of the global population, resulting in 2 million pediatric deaths every year. Chest X-ray (CXR) analysis is routinely performed to diagnose the disease. Computer-aided diagnostic (CADx) tools aim to supplement decision-making. These tools process the handcrafted and/or convolutional neural network (CNN) extracted image features for visual recognition. However, CNNs are perceived as black boxes since their performance lack explanations. This is a serious bottleneck in applications involving medical screening/diagnosis since poorly interpreted model behavior could adversely affect the clinical decision. In this study, we evaluate, visualize, and explain the performance of customized CNNs to detect pneumonia and further differentiate between bacterial and viral types in pediatric CXRs. We present a novel visualization strategy to localize the region of interest (ROI) that is considered relevant for model predictions across all the inputs that belong to an expected class. We statistically validate the models’ performance toward the underlying tasks. We observe that the customized VGG16 model achieves 96.2% and 93.6% accuracy in detecting the disease and distinguishing between bacterial and viral pneumonia respectively. The model outperforms the state-of-the-art in all performance metrics and demonstrates reduced bias and improved generalization.
Pay Rates and Subject Performance in Social Science Experiments Using Crowdsourced Online Samples

Mechanical Turk has become an important source of subjects for social science experiments, providing a low-cost alternative to the convenience of using undergraduates while avoiding the expense of drawing fully representative samples. However, we know little about how the rates we pay to “Turkers” for participating in social science experiments affects their participation. This study examines subject performance using two experiments – a short survey experiment and a longer dynamic process tracing study of political campaigns – that recruited Turkers at different rates of pay. Looking at demographics and using measures of attention, engagement and evaluation of the candidates, we find no effects of pay rates upon subject recruitment or participation. We conclude by discussing implications and ethical standards of pay.
Making Multiple RNA Interaction Practical

Multiple RNA interaction can be modeled as a problem in combinatorial optimization, where the “optimal” structure is driven by an energy-minimization-like algorithm. However, the actual structure may not be optimal in this computational sense. Moreover, it is not necessarily unique. Therefore, alternative sub-optimal solutions are needed to cover the biological ground.
Optimization of size and timing of base salary increases

Salary administration research mostly examines the compensation guides in a subjective manner and lacks quantitative approaches. Recent failure instances of salary administration demonstrate the ex...
Characteristics of ETF Owners: Exploring the Role of Investor Knowledge, Fee Aversion, and Financial Advice Seeking

Using the 2015 NFCS Investor Survey, this study investigated the relationship between individual financial characteristics and ETF ownership. While ETFs offer many benefits in comparison to traditional mutual funds, only 22% of investors held ETFs in their investment portfolios. Those ETF owners had higher financial knowledge than their non-ETF owning counterparts, supporting bounded rationality as a driver of investment behavior. The source of the financial knowledge, whether subjective or objective, made no significant difference. Seeking financial help through a financial advisor and aversion to fees were not significant variables in explaining the variation in ETF ownership while increased risk tolerance and financial satisfaction were associated with ETF ownership.
Simple Homemade Tools to Handle Fruit Flies—Drosophila melanogaster

The fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, is widely used both in biological research and biology education. Handling adult flies is common but difficult in practice, as adult flies fly. Demonstrated here is how to make some simple and cost-effective tools to address difficult issues in the handling of Drosophila. Holes in foam stoppers are made and pipette tips or funnels are inserted into the holes. Flies then move only in one direction into the pipette tip/funnel assemblage, allowing efficient control of the transfer of adult Drosophila into or out of a vial. Existing protocols have been modified for cool-anesthetizing flies by chilling in crushed ice and transferring them onto a cold, hard icepack surface. The icepack is covered with a piece of medical gauze that keeps immobilized flies from the condensed water when examined under a stereomicroscope. The flies are finally euthanized for counting and sorting or discarded by microwaving. A bottle-shaped cage has also been developed for collecting eggs, as well as a labor-saving device and accompanying protocol for cleaning glass culture vials.
A Sliding Mode Disturbance Observer-Based Approach for Grid Connected Wind Energy Systems

An observer based-sliding mode approach is proposed in this paper for a (DFIG)-based wind energy system directly connected to the grid. The design aims at maintaining the current fluctuations resulting from grid faults within acceptable ranges and ensuring robustness to system uncertainties. An integral terminal sliding mode disturbance observer (ITSMDO) was designed first to estimate system uncertainties. Then an ITSMC approach was derived to steer the rotor currents to their desired values. A fuzzy logic approach was considered to auto-tune the controller gains. System stability and finite time convergence were established using the Lyapunov theory. The effectiveness of the proposed approach was validated under severe grid faults and in the presence of parameter variations.
Morphological Analysis of Size and Shape (MASS): An integrative software program for morphometric analyses of leaves.

Premise Morphometric analysis is a common approach for comparing and categorizing botanical samples; however, completing a suite of analyses using existing tools may require a multi-stage, multi-program process. To facilitate streamlined analysis within a single program, Morphological Analysis of Size and Shape (MASS) for leaves was developed. Its utility is demonstrated using exemplar leaf samples from Acer saccharum, Malus domestica, and Lithospermum. Methods Exemplar samples were obtained from across a single tree (Acer saccharum), three trees in the same species (Malus domestica), and online, digitized herbarium specimens (Lithospermum). MASS was used to complete simple geometric measurements of samples, such as length and area, as well as geometric morphological analyses including elliptical Fourier and Procrustes analyses. Principal component analysis (PCA) of data was also completed within the same program. Results MASS is capable of making desired measurements and analyzing traditional morphometric data as well as landmark and outline data. Discussion Using MASS, differences were observed among leaves of the three studied taxa, but only in Malus domestica were differences statistically significant or correlated with other morphological features. In the future, MASS could be applied for analysis of other two-dimensional organs and structures. MASS is available for download at https://github.com/gillianlynnryan/MASS.
Evaluating Mean Corpuscular Volume As Predictor for Erythropoiesis Stimulating Agent Response in Elderly Patients Diagnosed with Myelodysplasia

Background: Low-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndrome (LR-MDS) is genetically heterogeneous. Transfusion dependency (TD) adversely impacts overall survival (OS). Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) are first line for anemia and delay onset of TD, improving quality of life. In older LR-MDS patients harboring a larger number of mutations, ESA response is dramatically reduced. Predictors of ESA response include hemoglobin between 8-10 g/dL, del (5q) anomaly, erythropoietin (EPO) level Download : Download high-res image (94KB) Download : Download full-size image Disclosures Yellapragada: Novartis: Employment, Other: Spouse Employment ; Celgene: Research Funding; BMS: Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding.
The Impact of Different Levels of Autonomy and Training on Operators’ Drone Control Strategies

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), also known as drones, have extensive applications in civilian rescue and military surveillance realms. A common drone control scheme among such applications is human supervisory control, in which human operators remotely navigate drones and direct them to conduct high-level tasks. However, different levels of autonomy in the control system and different operator training processes may affect operators’ performance in task success rate and efficiency. An experiment was designed and conducted to investigate such potential impacts. The results showed us that a dedicated supervisory drone control interface tended toward increased operator successful task completion as compared to an enhanced teleoperation control interface, although this difference was not statistically significant. In addition, using Hidden Markov Models, operator behavior models were developed to further study the impact of operators’ drone control strategies as a function of differing levels of autonomy. These models revealed that people with both supervisory and enhanced teleoperation control training were not able to determine the right control action at the right time to the same degree that people with just training in the supervisory control mode. Future work is needed to determine how trust plays a role in such settings.
Diagnóstico físico-ambiental do assentamento paraíso, Alegre, ES

A presente pesquisa tem como objetivo gerar informacoes dos componentes da paisagem do Assentamento Paraiso visando fornecer subsidios para o planejamento geoambiental desse local. Utilizaram-se para isso cartas planialtimetricas, fotografias aereas verticais, levantamentos de campo e o Sistema de Informacao Geografica ArcGIS®10. O estudo da area revela que o Assentamento apresenta 446 ha divididos em 44 lotes, os quais abrigam 40 familias assentadas. O solo predominante e o Latossolo Vermelho-Amarelo. Cerca de 35% do Assentamento apresenta declividades de 20 a 45%. As pastagens representam 69% do uso da terra, em altitudes que variam de 525 a 740 m. Os fragmentos florestais somam apenas 18%, destinados, na sua totalidade, a area de Reserva Legal. Os sinais observados de degradacao ambiental, manifestados por conflito de uso da terra em areas de preservacao permanente, por vocorocas e por deslizamentos de terras, contrapoem-se com o clima, a paisagem e os talentos de alguns assentados para o artesanato, indicadores potenciais para o ecoturismo e o agroturismo. Urge a adocao de acoes pelo poder publico e pela sociedade organizada de modo a garantir a sustentabilidade do assentamento em questao.
Physical Activity and Adiposity in a Racially Diverse Cohort of US Infants.

OBJECTIVE Early life physical activity may help prevent obesity, but objective quantification in infants is challenging. METHODS A total of 506 infants were examined from 2013 to 2016. Infants wore accelerometers for 4 days at ages 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Daily log-transformed physical activity counts were computed, averaged, and standardized across assessments. A linear mixed model was used to examine trends in standardized physical activity counts as well as associations between physical activity and BMI z score, sum of subscapular and triceps skinfold thickness for overall adiposity (SS+TR), and their ratio for central adiposity (SS:TR). RESULTS Among infants, 66% were black and 50% were female. For each additional visit, standardized physical activity counts increased by 0.23 (CI: 0.18 to 0.27; P < 0.0001). This translates to 126.3 unadjusted physical activity counts or a 4% increase for each visit beyond 3 months. In addition, a 1-SD increase in standardized physical activity counts (550 unadjusted physical activity counts) was associated with a 0.01-mm lower SS:TR (95% CI: -0.02 to -0.001; P = 0.03). However, standardized physical activity counts were not associated with BMI z score or SS+TR. CONCLUSIONS Physical activity increased over infancy and was associated with central adiposity. Despite limitations, researchers should consider objective measurement in infants.
Rate and Factors Associated With Change in Surgeon for Revision Endoscopic Sinus Surgery.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS A subset of patients will undergo revision endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) with a different otolaryngologist than the one who performed their primary surgery. The purpose of this study is to report the incidence of and clinicodemographic factors associated with a change in surgeon for revision ESS. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. METHODS Adult patients who underwent at least two outpatient ESS procedures between 2009 and 2014 using the State Ambulatory Surgery Database for Florida were included in the study. Change in surgeon was defined by a change in a unique provider identifier for the revision procedure. Multivariable regression analysis was used to determine characteristics associated with a change in surgeon. RESULTS A total of 2,963 patients were included. For the revision procedure, 47.7% of patients changed their surgeon. On multivariable logistic regression, a medium- (odds ratio [OR]: 0.64; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.53-0.77) or high-volume (OR: 0.50; 95% CI: 0.42-0.61) surgeon performing the index surgery and advanced age (≥65 years) (OR: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.63-0.99) were associated with decreased odds of surgeon change for revision ESS. Longer time elapsed between index and revision surgery (OR: 1.15; 95% CI: 1.13-1.17) was associated with increased odds of surgeon change. CONCLUSIONS Nearly half of patients who undergo revision ESS select a surgeon other than the one who performed their primary procedure. Surgeon volume, age, and time between surgeries affect the likelihood of a change in surgeon for revision ESS. These findings may provide introductory insights into patient preferences and decision making in the surgical management of recalcitrant chronic rhinosinusitis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4 Laryngoscope, 131:E1049-E1053, 2021.
Exploring Elements of Exchange Rate Theory in a Controlled Environment

This paper analyzes the simple implications of exchange rate theories in the laboratory. It shows that purchasing power parity, covered interest parity, and uncovered interest parity fare well in simple environments. Not-traded goods and non-stationary domestic prices do cause deviations from these elements of exchange rate theories. But the experimental evidence indicates that non-stationary domestic prices have a much stronger effect than not-traded goods in causing deviations from purchasing power parity and the two interest parity conditions.
A Robust Segmented Mixed Effect Regression Model for Baseline Electricity Consumption Forecasting

Renewable energy production has been surging in the United States and around the world in recent years. To mitigate increasing renewable generation uncertainty and intermittency, proactive demand response algorithms and programs are proposed and developed to improve the utilization of load flexibility further and increase power system operation efficiency. One of the biggest challenges to efficient control and operation of demand response resources is how to forecast the baseline electricity consumption and estimate the load impact from demand response resources accurately. In this paper, we propose to use a mixed-effect segmented regression model and a new robust estimate for forecasting the baseline electricity consumption in Southern California by combining the ideas of random effect regression model, segmented regression model, and the least trimmed squares estimate. Since the log-likelihood of the considered model is not differentiable at breakpoints, we propose a new backfitting algorithm to estimate the unknown parameters. The estimation performance and predictive power of the new estimation procedure have been demonstrated with both simulation studies and the real data application for the electric load baseline forecasting in Southern California.
Learning through Peer Reviewing and Publishing in the Pi Sigma Alpha Undergraduate Journal of Politics: Twenty Years Later

The Pi Sigma Alpha Undergraduate Journal of Politics (PSAJ), sponsored by the Pi Sigma Alpha National Honor Society, was founded in 2001 at Purdue University. After 20 years, much has changed in undergraduate research and publishing, but the benefits of producing a peer-reviewed journal remain the same. Undergraduate research has increased in prominence, and the journal has modernized to meet these transformations. This article describes the history, purpose, and operations of the PSAJ. Most important, a survey of former Editorial Board members, Pi Sigma Alpha Faculty Chapter Advisors, and published authors in the journal reveal attitudes toward operating an undergraduate journal, using undergraduate research in the college classroom, and publishing in a peer-reviewed journal, respectively. We conclude with calls to continue to encourage undergraduate research and to assign published undergraduate research in upper-level courses.
How college students are coping with COVID-19: a qualitative study.

Objective The purpose of this study was to measure college students' coping strategies and change of lifestyle during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants Students from the State University in California were recruited during July 2020. Methods A total of 11 focus group meetings were conducted. Results Students' coping strategies were analyzed aligning with the Transactional model of stress and coping - primary appraisal, secondary appraisal and coping efforts, and meaning-based coping. Their physical activity patterns were dramatically changed. They used various ways of managing stress and tried to overcome the unexpected situation caused by COVID-19. Conclusions This study mainly analyzed the three constructs of the transactional model: primary appraisal, secondary appraisal and coping efforts, and meaning-based coping. It is expected that the future study will focus on the last construct, coping outcomes/adaptation after the COVID-19 pandemic to measure the association between coping strategies and their outcomes.
LXIII. Poiseuille's law at very low rates of shear

(1905). LXIII. Poiseuille's law at very low rates of shear. The London, Edinburgh, and Dublin Philosophical Magazine and Journal of Science: Vol. 9, No. 53, pp. 685-692.
Physical properties and kinetic behavior of a cephalosporin acetylesterase produced by Bacillus subtilis.

An esterase that deacetylates cephalosporins was recovered from the supernatant of a Bacillus subtilis culture. It was partially purified by ammonium sulfate fractionation and ultrafiltration. The enzyme had a temperature optimum between 40 and 50 C and a pH optimum of 7.0. The molecular weight was estimated by gel filtration to be 190,000. The enzyme was very stable and retained greater than 80% of its activity after storage in solution at 25 C for 1 month. The esterase exhibited Michaelis-Menton kinetics with the substrates 7-aminocephalosporanic acid (7-ACA) and 7-(thiophene-2-acetamido)cephalosporanic acid (cephalothin); the Km values were 2.8 × 10-3 and 8.3 × 10-3 M, respectively. The products of 7-ACA deacetylation were weak competitive inhibitors, and a Ki value of 5.0 × 10-2 M was determined for acetate and of 3.6 × 10-2 M for deacetyl-7-ACA. Weak product inhibition did not prevent the deacetylation reaction from going to completion. A 5-mg/ml solution of partially purified esterase completely hydrolyzed (>99.5%) a 24-mg/ml solution of 7-ACA in 3 h. Because of the kinetic properties and excellent stability, this enzyme may be useful in an immobilized form to prepare large quantities of deacetylated cephalosporin derivatives.
Implications of Anthracycline‐Resistant and Taxane‐Resistant Metastatic Breast Cancer and New Therapeutic Options

Patients with advanced or metastatic breast cancer commonly develop disease resistant to chemotherapy (typically anthracyclines and taxanes), which presents a major obstacle to therapy and leaves few effective treatment options. Drug resistance can occur due to various mechanisms including modification of drug efflux membrane transporters such as P-glycoprotein, as well as alterations in beta-tubulin. The novel epothilone B analog, ixabepilone, which has low susceptibility to various drug-resistance mechanisms, has demonstrated preclinical activity in drug-resistant breast cancer. The clinical activity of ixabepilone was evaluated in metastatic breast cancer patients with highly pretreated and/or resistant/refractory disease. Results were reviewed from three phase II trials in which ixabepilone was administered as monotherapy and one phase III trial that evaluated ixabepilone in combination with capecitabine. As a single agent, ixabepilone demonstrated activity in women who were heavily pretreated and resistant to an anthracycline, a taxane, and/or capecitabine. The combination of ixabepilone and capecitabine was significantly more active than capecitabine alone in patients with prior treatment or resistance to anthracyclines and taxanes. Treatment-related adverse events were generally low grade except for grade 3/4 toxicities, including neutropenia (53-54%) and reversible peripheral sensory neuropathy (14-16%). Ixabepilone has significant activity in patients with heavily pretreated metastatic breast cancer who are disease resistant or refractory to anthracyclines and taxanes. Further clinical evaluation of this agent in patients with drug-resistant breast cancer and in specific patient subsets is warranted.
Combination therapy of stem cell derived neural progenitors and drug delivery of anti-inhibitory molecules for spinal cord injury

Abstract Regeneration of lost synaptic connections following spinal cord injury (SCI) is limited by local ischemia, cell death, and an excitotoxic environment, which leads to the development of an inhibitory glial scar surrounding a cystic cavity. While a variety of single therapy interventions provide incremental improvements to functional recovery after SCI, they are limited; a multifactorial approach that combines several single therapies may provide a better chance of overcoming the multitude of obstacles to recovery. To this end, fibrin scaffolds were modified to provide sustained delivery of neurotrophic factors and anti-inhibitory molecules, as well as encapsulation of embryonic stem cell-derived progenitor motor neurons (pMNs). In vitro characterization of this combination scaffold confirmed that pMN viability was unaffected by culture alongside sustained delivery systems. When transplanted into a rat sub-acute SCI model, fibrin scaffolds containing growth factors (GFs), anti-inhibitory molecules without pMNs, or pMNs with GFs had lower chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan levels compared to scaffolds containing anti-inhibitory molecules with pMNs. Scaffolds containing pMNs, but not anti-inhibitory molecules, showed survival, differentiation into neuronal cell types, axonal extension in the transplant area, and the ability to integrate into host tissue. However, the combination of pMNs with sustained-delivery of anti-inhibitory molecules led to reduced cell survival and increased macrophage infiltration. While combination therapies retain potential for effective treatment of SCI, further work is needed to improve cell survival and to limit inflammation. Statement of Significance Spinal cord injury (SCI) creates a highly complex inhibitory environment with a multitude of obstacles that limit recovery. Many therapeutic options have been developed to overcome single obstacles, but single therapies typically only lead to limited functional improvement. Therefore combination therapies may improve recovery by targeting several inhibitory obstacles simultaneously. The present study used biomaterial scaffolds to combine the sustained release of anti-inhibitory molecules and growth factors with cell transplantation of highly purified progenitor motor neurons. This expands upon previously established biomaterial scaffolds by supporting surviving cells, limiting inhibition from the extracellular environment, and replenishing lost cell populations. We show that while promising, certain combinations may exacerbate negative side-effects instead of augmenting positive features.
Trypanosoma brucei spliced-leader RNA methylations are required for trans splicing in vivo.

Abstract The Trypanosoma brucei spliced leader (SL) RNA donates its 5' leader sequence to all nuclear pre-mRNAs via trans RNA splicing. The SL RNA is a small-nuclear U RNA-like molecule which is present in the cell as part of a small ribonucleoprotein particle. However, unlike the trimethylguanosine-capped small nuclear U RNAs, the SL RNA has a highly modified 5' terminus containing an m7G cap and methylations on the first four transcribed nucleotides. Here, we show that incubation of procyclic-form T. brucei in the presence of the S-adenosylmethionine analog, sinefungin, leads to a rapid inhibition of SL RNA methylation. A concomitant inhibition of trans splicing and an accumulation of high-molecular-weight tubulin transcripts were also observed. The effects of sinefungin on SL RNA methylation and on trans splicing were correlated by labeling of cells incubated in the presence of the antibiotic. The results indicate that 5' modifications of the SL RNA are necessary for it to participate in trans splicing. SL RNA modification is not required for assembly of the core SL ribonucleoprotein, as these Cs2SO4-resistant particles can be formed with either methylated or undermethylated SL RNA.
Singing with your mobile: from DSP arrays to low-cost low-power chip sets

The world's first software-only Karaoke Machine released in Japan (2002) has no ASIC for sound synthesis and effects processing, but instead a group of load-sharing DSPs that run a multiprocessor version of the author's Extended Csound to support a 64-voice orchestra, real-time MPEG decode, live voice tracking with pitch and tempo following and a full range of audio effects. A new version of the software aimed at low-cost low-power silicon now enables similar interactive performance on lightweight mobile platforms with the same professional audio quality and Internet connectivity. This presentation will describe the system, and close with a live demonstration.
Author’s Response to Letter to Editor on “Characteristics and Outcomes of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Patients Admitted to an Intensive Care Unit in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia”

I agree with Dr Wiwanitkit that patients with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS CoV) often present with acute respiratory illness that can progress to respiratory failure, with worse outcome in patients with comorbid conditions. This has also been confirmed by other investigators. Although early diagnosis remains important and combination therapy with interferon a-2b combined with ribavirin has been shown to improve survival at 14 days, however, this effect was not noted at 28 days. Despite promise from invitro studies, the mainstay of treatment remains supportive. Having said that, our practice remains to have a low threshold to test patients with symptoms for MERS CoV and to treat patients with MERS-CoV with combination therapy as soon as possible. In Saudi Arabia, as of May 30, 2015, there have been 1016 cases reported with 447 deaths (44% mortality). Given the relatively high mortality, emphasis should remain on preventing human to human transmission, especially among health care workers. However, as the recent experience from South Korea shows controlling the spread of MERS CoV remains challenging even for developed nations.
Defect development in neutron irradiated type 316 stainless steel

Abstract The effects of fast neutron irradiation on the defect development in unstressed solution treated Type 316 stainless steel were investigated by transmission electron microscopy. The irradiation conditions investigated covered the fluence range from 0.75 to 5.1 × 10 22 n/cm 2 ( E > 0.1 MeV ) and temperatures from 380 to 850°C. Empirical equations were developed relating the void volume, void number density, mean void size, Frank faulted loop diameter, Frank loop number density and dislocation density with the neutron fluence and irradiation temperature. Void nucleation changes from homogeneous at low irradiation temperature (⪅ 400°C) to heterogeneous at higher temperatures in that voids are preferentially associated with irradiation induced rod shaped precipitates. The void number density decreases while the void diameter increases with irradiation temperature. The total faulted loop line length per unit volume and dislocation density increases with fluence and decreases with temperature. The Frank loop diameter increases and number density decreases with temperature. The range of temperature in which Frank faulted loop formation occurs decreases with neutron fluence.
Wing pattern formation in Lepidoptera: A model

A formal model is presented that demonstrates how the color patterns of the wings of butterflies and moths can be analysed in terms of current concepts of pattern formation. A review of pertinent literature on this little-known developmental system is provided. Crucial to the understanding of color pattern formation in lepidopteran wings is the realization that the wing pattern is a mosaic. The pattern in each wing cell (i.e., the area bordered by wing veins) is determined independently from the pattern in other cells. Within a cell, pigments are deposited in a definite relation to a central focus. A focus always lies on the cell midline and is often visible as a small pigmented dot. In the simplest condition the color pattern is laid down around a focus as a system of perfect concentric circles (eyespots). More often these circles are considerably distorted and have an axis of bilateral symmetry that parallels the wing veins. The nature and extent of these distortions from circularity account, to a large degree, for the species-specific character of the wing pattern. The determination of such patterns is most readily explained if it is assumed that a focus represents the reference point with respect to which positional information (for pigment deposition) is specified. Circular patterns are thus obtained if all points equidistant from a focus undergo identical differentiation. Deviations from circularity of the pattern around a focus indicate that either the specification or interpretation of positional information is not the same in all areas around a focus. This phenomenon is most conveniently described as an “interpretation landscape”: a gradient system whose value at any point in a morphogenetic field is a measure of how positional information is to be interpreted at that location. Examples are provided of how species-specific wing patterns can be generated by modest alterations in the shape of the interpretation landscape. As a rule the field of a focus is limited by the margins of the wing cell in which it is centered except in cases where no focus is present in an adjacent cell. Under those circumstances one focus can determine the pattern in several adjoining wing cells.
Acid/Base, Copper Binding, and Cu2+/H+ Exchange Properties of Goethite, an Experimental and Modeling Study

For aquatic systems, the movement, fate, and impact of trace metals strongly depend on the metal's tendency to partition to surfaces. An experimental and modeling study of proton and copper(II) sorption and Cu2+/H+exchange to goethite (α-FeOOH), an important oxide mineral, was conducted. Copper partitioning data covered three pHs, two ionic strengths, three orders of magnitude in copper surface coverage, and six orders of magnitude in solution copper(II) activity. Three surface complexation models [diffuse layer model (DLM), triple-layer model (TLM), and modified triple-layer model (Mod TL)] successfully replicated copper partitioning when at least two classes of copper binding sites, differing significantly in copper binding affinity, were included in the analysis. The (combination of) surface complex(es) that fit the data well depends on the model employed. Fits to the copper partitioning data do not permit selection of a “best” model/complex(es) combination. However, only the TLM and Mod TL reasonably ...
Striped bass survival in Lake Blackshear, Georgia during drought conditions: implications for restoration efforts in Gulf of Mexico drainages

Endemic striped bass Morone saxatilis (Walbaum) populations in Gulf Coast rivers have declined dramatically since the 1940s as a result of anthropogenic activities that limited access to historical spawning areas and adversely affected cool-water springs. Efforts to restore these populations to self-sustaining levels have been under way since the 1950s and continue to the present. In 1998–1999, we fitted 27 adult Gulf-strain striped bass with radio transmitters and released them in Lake Blackshear, Georgia. We used data on their survival, habitat use, and movement patterns to assess the potential long-term survival of fingerling striped bass stocked in this lake since 1996. Overall, we re-located only 27% of tagged fish in cool-water springs, and all radio-tagged striped bass that remained in the lake died during summer. Drought conditions based on rainfall and groundwater withdrawals during the study caused some cool-water springs in Lake Blackshear to stop flowing. Lake temperatures >27°C for 13 consecutive weeks, die-offs of non-tagged fish, intermittent spring flows, and widespread mortality of tagged fish suggest that the long-term survival of stocked striped bass in Lake Blackshear probably will be poor. Successful re-introductions of Gulf-strain striped bass to rivers and reservoirs in their historic range will depend on the presence of cool-water springs. The persistence, abundance, and sizes of springs in this region are heavily dependent on the periodicity of droughts and the magnitude of groundwater use. Regional climatological data indicate that droughts occur about every 3 years. Therefore, better management of groundwater withdrawals during drought periods will become increasingly important to maintain aquifer levels (and cool-water springs) needed for restoring native striped bass to Gulf Coast rivers.