cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Psychophysical Evaluation of Haptic Perception Under Augmentation by a Handheld Device

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effectiveness of force augmentation in haptic perception tasks. BACKGROUND: Considerable engineering effort has been devoted to developing force augmented reality (AR) systems to assist users in delicate procedures like microsurgery. In contrast, far less has been done to characterize the behavioral outcomes of these systems, and no research has systematically examined the impact of sensory and perceptual processes on force augmentation effectiveness. METHOD: Using a handheld force magnifier as an exemplar haptic AR, we conducted three experiments to characterize its utility in the perception of force and stiffness. Experiments 1 and 2 measured, respectively, the user's ability to detect and differentiate weak force (RESULTS: The user's ability to detect and differentiate small forces was significantly improved by augmentation at both threshold and suprathreshold levels. The augmentation also enhanced stiffness perception. However, although perception of augmented forces matches that of the physical equivalent for weak forces, it falls off with increasing intensity. CONCLUSION: The loss in the effectiveness reflects the nature of sensory and perceptual processing. Such perceptual limitations should be taken into consideration in the design and development of haptic AR systems to maximize utility. APPLICATION: The findings provide useful information for building effective haptic AR systems, particularly for use in microsurgery. Language: en
Biomass conversion: fermentation chemicals and fuels

Recent events clearly establish that petroleum can no longer be relied upon as a stable, economical raw material for energy and industrial chemicals. Plant biomass is currently being evaluated as a desirable alternative raw material to petroleum because of renewability and abundance. The most abundant form of biomass on the planet earth is lignocellulose which is composed of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. An estimated 4 X 10(9) tons per year of cellulose alone is readily available for conversion to energy or feedstuffs. This article explores the current state of research on the transformation of cellulose, hemi-cellulose, and lignin by various microorganisms and the subsequent production of fuels and chemicals. Current research activities are covered including technologies available for the utilization of biomass, chemicals from fermentation processes, conversion of biomass to sugar, direct bioconversion to liquid fuels.
Comorbidity among depression, conduct disorder, and drug use from adolescence to young adulthood: Examining the role of violence exposures

We assessed relations among depression, conduct disorder, and drug use from adolescence to young adulthood, and evaluated whether exposure to violence contributed to disorder co-occurrence. We used data from the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods. Respondents were 12-15 years old in 1995-1997 (N = 1,517), and were reinterviewed in 1997-2000 (n = 1,315), and 2000-2002 (n = 1,210). We examined exposure to violence at ages 12-15 and 14-17, and depression, conduct disorder, and drug use at ages 14-17 and 17-20. Multivariate transition models revealed an association between prior conduct disorder and drug use, as well as a relationship between prior depression and conduct disorder. Adolescent exposure to violence was associated with higher odds of conduct disorder and drug use but not depression. Comorbid relations between conduct disorder and drug use were independent of prior exposure to violence. Although preventing adolescent exposure to violence may reduce the risk of conduct disorder and drug use by young adulthood, future research needs to investigate alternative determinants of sequential comorbidity among depression, conduct disorder, and drug use in adolescence and young adulthood.
METAL TOLERANCE AND PREDATOR-PREY INTERACTIONS IN BENTHIC MACROINVERTEBRATE STREAM COMMUNITIES

Predicting responses of benthic communities to contaminants requires an understanding of both direct and indirect effects. I examined the influence of previous exposure to heavy metals on metal tolerance and susceptibility of benthic communities to stonefly predation in experimental streams and field cages. Benthic communities obtained from a reference stream, the Cache la Poudre River (PR), and a metal-polluted stream, the Arkansas River (AR), in Colorado were exposed to a mixture of Cd, Cu, and Zn at ∼2× the U.S. EPA chronic criterion level (2.2 μg Cd/L, 24 μg Cu/L, and 220 μg Zn/L) for 10 d in stream microcosms. Effects of metals on survival were significantly greater on mayflies (Ephemeroptera) from the unpolluted PR than from the metal-polluted AR. Metal exposure also significantly increased drift of Rhithrogena hageni, the dominant mayfly in the unpolluted stream but had no effect on invertebrates from the AR. In a second experiment, communities from the two locations were exposed to predatory stoneflies (Claassenia sabulosa) in stream microcosms. Stonefly predation significantly reduced total macroinvertebrate abundance, number of taxa, and abundance of Baetis tricaudatus (Ephemeroptera) and R. hageni. Mayflies from the metal-polluted AR were also more susceptible to stonefly predation, but these results were probably influenced by differences in initial prey density. Results of caging experiments conducted at PR and AR field sites were consistent with results of laboratory experiments and showed that stonefly predation significantly reduced abundance of B. tricaudatus and R. hageni; however, effects of predation in the AR were relatively weak because of high prey immigration. Results of these experiments suggest that abiotic factors influence the outcome of species interactions in metal-polluted streams. Ecosystems disturbed by contaminants, particularly those polluted for relatively long periods of time, provide excellent opportunities to study these interactions.
The Disparate Nature of Targeted Repurchases: Evidence from Long‐Run Performance

We examine the announcement stock returns and long-run performance of 352 targeted repurchases from 1979 to 1998. For those repurchases of blocks that are non-control related we find a positive announcement stock price response and positive long-run stock performance indicating that these repurchases are timed to occur when the company's shares are undervalued and that the market underreacts to this signal. In contrast, for those repurchases of blocks that are control related we find a negative announcement stock price response and insignificant long-run stock performance indicating that these repurchases occur for a different reason. We conclude that control related repurchases are utilized solely to dismiss potential takeover bids and are not timed when the stock is undervalued.
A functional henipavirus envelope glycoprotein pseudotyped lentivirus assay system.

Background: Hendra virus (HeV) and Nipah virus (NiV) are newly emerged zoonotic paramyxoviruses discovered during outbreaks in Queensland, Australia in 1994 and peninsular Malaysia in 1998/9 respectively and classified within the new Henipavirus genus. Both viruses can infect a broad range of mammalian species causing severe and often-lethal disease in humans and animals, and repeated outbreaks continue to occur. Extensive laboratory studies on the host cell infection stage of HeV and NiV and the roles of their envelope glycoproteins have been hampered by their highly pathogenic nature and restriction to biosafety level-4 (BSL-4) containment. To circumvent this problem, we have developed a henipavirus envelope glycoprotein pseudotyped lentivirus assay system using either a luciferase gene or green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene encoding human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) genome in conjunction with the HeV and NiV fusion (F) and attachment (G) glycoproteins. Results: Functional retrovirus particles pseudotyped with henipavirus F and G glycoproteins displayed proper target cell tropism and entry and infection was dependent on the presence of the HeV and NiV receptors ephrinB2 or B3 on target cells. The functional specificity of the assay was confirmed by the lack of reporter-gene signals when particles bearing either only the F or only G glycoprotein were prepared and assayed. Virus entry could be specifically blocked when infection was carried out in the presence of a fusion inhibiting C-terminal heptad (HR-2) peptide, a well-characterized, cross-reactive, neutralizing human mAb specific for the henipavirus G glycoprotein, and soluble ephrinB2 and B3 receptors. In addition, the utility of the assay was also demonstrated by an examination of the influence of the cytoplasmic tail of F in its fusion activity and incorporation into pseudotyped virus particles by generating and testing a panel of truncation mutants of NiV and HeV F. Conclusions: Together, these results demonstrate that a specific henipavirus entry assay has been developed using NiV or HeV F and G glycoprotein pseudotyped reporter-gene encoding retrovirus particles. This assay can be conducted safely under BSL-2 conditions and will be a useful tool for measuring henipavirus entry and studying F and G glycoprotein function in the context of virus entry, as well as in assaying and characterizing neutralizing antibodies and virus entry inhibitors.
Network Protocols Designed for Optimizability

Designing a communication network is a challenging task that requires selecting a network topology, as well as specific protocols and mechanisms, to meet current and future demands. Equally daunting, managing the network requires tuning these protocols and mechanisms over time in response to changing constraints and conditions. However, the protocols underlying today?s data networks, such as the Internet, were not designed with manageability in mind. As a result, managing these networks is, at best, a black art practiced by an increasingly overwhelmed community of engineers. Optimization tools can help the operators tune the protocol configuration and diagnose performance problems, based on measurements of the underlying network. However, many of the existing protocols were not designed with optimization in mind, leading to computationally difficult optimization problems even for the simplest of objective functions. In this position paper, we argue that future protocols should be designed with optimization in mind from the beginning, to simplify the process of configuring the protocols and diagnosing performance problems.
Optimism, Satisfaction With Needs Met, Interpersonal Perceptions of the Healthcare Team, and Emotional Distress in Patients’ Family Members During Critical Care Hospitalization

• BACKGROUND Families of critical care patients experience high levels of emotional distress. Access to information about patients’ medical conditions and quality relationships with healthcare staff are highpriority needs for these families. • OBJECTIVES To assess satisfaction with needs met, signs and symptoms of acute stress disorder, interpersonal perception of healthcare staff, level of optimism, and the relationships among these variables in patients’ family members. • METHODS Family representatives of 40 patients were administered a brief version of the Critical Care Family Needs Inventory, the Acute Stress Disorder Scale, the Brief Symptom Inventory, the Impact Message Inventory, and the Life Orientation Test shortly after admission of the patients to the intensive care unit and after discharge. • RESULTS Levels of dissociative symptoms associated with acute stress disorder were elevated in family members just after admission but decreased significantly after discharge. Needs the families thought were least satisfactorily cared for after admission involved lack of information. Interpersonally, attending physicians were viewed as more controlling than bedside nurses at admission; nurses were viewed as more affiliative than physicians both at admission and after discharge. At admission, higher optimism of the family members was strongly related to greater satisfaction with needs met, to perceptions of affiliation from physicians, and to perceptions of not being controlled by physicians. • CONCLUSIONS More interpersonal contact with medical staff can help meet the information needs of patients’ families. Nurses may aid in families’ adjustment by fostering a sense of optimism in family members and encouraging them to participate in the patients’ care. (American Journal of Critical Care. 2005;14:202-210)
Mapping the Nation and Security in Global Space: A Comparative Study of Danish, Egyptian, and U.S. Action-Adventure Fans

This article explores how being an action-adventure fan resonates with articulations of national identity, attitudes toward other nations, and fear of global terrorism in the United States, Denmark, and Egypt. Action-adventure film relies on global Hollywood production, yet the reception of this genre works quite differently in the cultural contexts of communities and affinities of fans. Being an action-adventure fan appears to bear a close relationship with a tendency to exhibit fear of global terrorism and to conceptualize Americans as heroes, particularly among U.S. audiences. Danish and U.S. fans seem more likely to want to cast Egyptian characters as villains than their non-fan counterparts, whereas Egyptian fans prefer Danish characters to be villains. Limited characterizations in this genre inspire and reinforce the imagined scenarios of fans in which American heroes are justified in crucifying foreign villains.
Sarcoplasmic reticulum and nuclear envelope are one highly interconnected Ca2+ store throughout cardiac myocyte

Previous ventricular myocyte studies indicated that ryanodine receptors (RyRs) are in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and are critical in excitation-contraction coupling, whereas the inositol trisphosphate (InsP(3)) receptors are separately localized on the nuclear envelope (NucEn) and involved in nuclear Ca(2+) signaling. Here, we find that both caffeine and InsP(3) receptor agonists deplete free [Ca(2+)] inside both SR and NucEn. Fluorescence recovery after photobleach (FRAP) was measured using the low-affinity Ca(2+) indicator Fluo-5N trapped inside the SR and NucEn (where its fluorescence is high because [Ca(2+)] is &1 mmol/L). After Fluo-5N photobleach in one end of the cell, FRAP occurred, accompanied by fluorescence decline in the unbleached end with similar time constants (tau&2 minutes) until fluorescence regained spatial uniformity. Notably, SR and NucEn fluorescence recovered simultaneously in the bleached end. Ca(2+) diffusion inside the SR-NucEn was also measured. SR Ca(2+)-ATPase was completely blocked but without acute SR Ca(2+) depletion. Then caffeine was applied locally to one end of the myocyte. In the caffeine-exposed end, free SR [Ca(2+)] ([Ca(2+)](SR)) declined abruptly and recovered partially (tau=20 to 30 seconds). In the noncaffeine end, [Ca(2+)](SR) gradually declined with a similar tau, until [Ca(2+)](SR) throughout the cell equalized. We conclude that the SR and NucEn lumen are extensively interconnected throughout the myocyte. Apparent intrastore diffusion coefficients of Fluo-5N and Ca(2+) were estimated (&8 microm(2) sec(-1) and 60 microm(2) sec(-1)). This rapid luminal communication may maintain homogeneously high luminal [Ca(2+)], ensuring a robust and uniform driving force for local Ca(2+) release events from either SR or NucEn.
Weakly Supervised Learning of Dialogue Structure in MOOC Forum Threads

In this paper we present a new method for understanding discussions between students in MOOC forums. In particular, we introduce a machine learning method for discovering instances in which a response relation exists between a pair of posts in a forum thread, for example when one student provides the answer to a question or comments on something another student previously said. Research has shown that understanding conversational structure between students is paramount to evaluating the productivity of the collaboration and estimating outcomes. However, previous methods often rely on human supplied dialogue act labels or discourse parsing algorithms requiring large labeled datasets. Our method, which utilizes a fast, exact optimization process known as spectral optimization, does not require manually annotated training data and is highly scalable and generalizable. Empirical results are given using real world datasets consisting of conversations between students participating in Coursera courses, and we see predictive accuracy above 90% -- nearing the human inter-annotator agreement rate for these datasets.
Political Tone: How Leaders Talk and Why

I have never been quite so conscious of the tone of a book review as I was writing this one, which is both to say that I liked this book quite a lot and learned a great deal from it. In taking on t...
Response to Comment on “Unique in the shopping mall: On the reidentifiability of credit card metadata”

Sanchez et al.’s textbook k-anonymization example does not prove, or even suggest, that location and other big-data data sets can be anonymized and of general use. The synthetic data set that they “successfully anonymize” bears no resemblance to modern high-dimensional data sets on which their methods fail. Moving forward, deidentification should not be considered a useful basis for policy.
Abstract 2864: Effect of resveratrol (RVT) on prior-, concurrent-, and post- benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) exposure in colon tumor development of ApcMinmice

Colon cancer is one of the important cancers in terms of morbidity and mortality. In U.S. alone, around 60,000 lives/year are lost to colon cancer. Diet and environment are implicated in the development of sporadic colon cancers. Our laboratory has already reported the development of colon tumors in Apc Min mice orally exposed to BaP. In this study we investigated the timing of RVT administration on BaP-induced colon carcinogenesis in Apc Min mice. The mice were grouped under 5 treatment categories. For Group I, only BaP was administered (in peanut oil) at a dose of 100 μg/kg via oral gavage over a 60 day period. For Group II, RVT (in 10% ethanol + 90% deionized water) was co-administered with BaP at a dose of 45 μg/kg. For Group III, RVT was administered for 1 week prior to BaP dosing. For Group IV, RVT was administered for 1 week post BaP dosing. The V th group received RVT only. Jejunum, colon and liver samples were collected at the end of exposure; adenomas in the jejunum and colon were counted and subjected to histopathology. RVT significantly inhibited the development of adenomas in the jejunum and colon by 45 and 40 % (P Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2864.
Stiletto-Flies of the Genus Furcifera Krober (Diptera: Therevidae)

Furcifera Krober (= Epomyia Cole, as stated by Malloch) is described and its 15 known species are keyed and discussed. Several of these have been taken from the old genus Psilocephala , particularly the North American forms once placed in Epomyia. F . kroberi (Mato Grosso and Paraguay) and F . braziliana are new species; F . hardyi ( = Epomyia flavipes Hardy 1943, preocc.) is a new name. This genus, of apparently Neotropical origin, includes rather slender flies, usually with plainly banded wings and with characteristic velvet-black markings.
Abuse of Elders with Mental Illness: Generally an International and Specifically a United States Perspective

Elder abuse is a major international problem, and scandal. It is so important that both the United Nations (“UN”) and the World Health Organization (“WHO”) have focused on it. Elder abuse occurs in a variety of ways. It can be physical abuse due to either active injury or passive neglect. It can be psychological abuse through fear and intimidation. It can be financial abuse due to theft or fraud. Abusers can be strangers; healthcare workers, too often in nursing home settings; and spouses, partners, children, grandchildren, or other relatives. Abusers may be motivated by cruelty, laziness, or greed for quick profit or a premature inheritance.While all elders can be abused, those with mental illness are particularly vulnerable. This group can encompass both those with longstanding mental illnesses such as major depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder and those psychiatrically debilitated by age, notably including those who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Victims may be living in private residential settings both alone and with family or friends or in institutions such as nursing homes.This chapter gives a brief overview of elder abuse and then focuses on the victim population of those vulnerable because of mental illness and how they face abuse. It discusses possible ways to reduce the incidence of abuse of those with psychiatric conditions including, among other things, mandatory abuse reporting and enhanced focus on the problem by government, in particular law enforcement, authorities and primary care and mental health care providers.
Two-dimensional dynamic-director (13)C NMR of liquid crystals.

Abstract A novel nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiment for facilitating the resolution and assignment of liquid crystalline 13 C NMR spectra is described. The method involves the motor-driven reorientation of the liquid crystalline director, in synchrony with the acquisition of a 2D chemical shift correlation spectrum. By monitoring in this fashion the 13 C NMR evolution of spins in the liquid crystal at two different director orientations with respect to the magnetic field, the method distinguishes anisotropic from isotropic displacements and can be utilized for assigning the resonances and estimating local degrees of order. Of various potential pairs of angles suitable for such a correlation, the (0°, 90°) choice was found to be most convenient, as it avoids line broadening complications that may otherwise originate from heterogeneities of the oriented phase. The technique thus derived was employed in the analysis of a series of monomeric and polymeric liquid crystal systems.
Growing participation of women in physiology: 1987-2002.

s issues when available, $30.00. Subscribers to The Physiologist also receive abstracts of the Conferences of thes of the Conferences of the American Physiological Society. The American Physiological Society assumes no responsibility for the statements and opinions advanced by contributors to The Physiologist. Deadline for submission of material for publication: Jan. 10, February issue; March 10, April issue; May 10, June issue; July 10, August issue; Sept. 10, October issue; Nov.
Vaginal and sexual health treatment strategies within a female sexual medicine program for cancer patients and survivors

We sought to evaluate patient adherence and response to simple vaginal and sexual health treatment strategies in female cancer patients receiving treatment at a female sexual medicine and health program and identify improvements of physical symptoms, per patient and clinical evaluation. Evaluability criteria included gynecologic exam at initial visit, at least one follow-up with gynecologic exam within 8 months of initial visit, and all consecutive follow-ups 6.5 declined over time (p = 0.03). VAS scores improved by last assessment (p < 0.001), as did VuAS scores (p = 0.001). Sexual function scores significantly improved (p < 0.001), confidence about future sexual activity increased (p = 0.004), and sexual/vaginal health concerns decreased (p = 0.00003). Significant changes were observed in women using treatment strategies, with improvement in vulvovaginal symptoms, a decrease in elevated vaginal pH and pain with exams, enhanced sexual function, and increased intimacy confidence. These findings have high clinical relevance for symptom management with improvement of sexual function using simple strategies and clinical tools in the oncology setting.
CYP24A1 loss of function: Clinical phenotype of monoallelic and biallelic mutations.

CYP24A1, encoding the vitamin D-24-hydroxylase, is of major clinical and physiologic importance, serving to regulate the catabolism of 1,25-(OH)2D, the physiologically active vitamin D metabolite. In addition to facilitating catabolism of 1,25-(OH)2D, CYP24A1 also enhances the turnover and elimination of 25-OHD, the abundant precursor metabolite and storage form of the vitamin. CYP24A1 can be stimulated hormonally by 1,25-(OH)2D and by FGF23, whereas CYP27B1, encoding the vitamin D-1α–hydroxylase, is stimulated hormonally by parathyroid hormone (PTH) and downregulated by FGF23. Thus CYP24A1 and CYP27B1, together, provide for alternate and regulated fates of 25-OHD, and control the availability of the active metabolite, 1,25-(OH)2D, depending upon physiologic needs. These two enzymes, are therefore central to the homeostatic control of vitamin D metabolism, and as a result affect calcium metabolism in critical ways. Disruption of CYP24A1 in mice results in elevated circulating 1,25-(OH)2D, substantiating the importance of the enzyme in the maintenance of vitamin D metabolism. The consequential skeletal phenotype in these mice further demonstrates the biologic sequelae of the disruption of the vitamin D pathway, and illustrates a specific developmental pathology mediated largely by oversupply of 1,25-(OH)2D. More recent evidence has identified loss of function mutations in CYP24A1 in association with hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria and nephrolithiasis in humans. Initial reports described certain variant mutations in CYP24A1 as an unrecognized cause of “Idiopathic Infantile Hypercalcemia,“ and more recently older children and adults have been identified with a similar phenotype. Over 25 likely disease-causing variants are described. Homozygous and compound heterozygote mutations account for the overwhelming majority of cases, however the heterozygous loss-of-function mutations of CYP24A1 do not appear to consistently result in symptomatic hypercalcemia. Considerations ripe for exploration include the potential role for such mutations in the tolerance to challenges to the calcium homeostatic system, such as changes in dietary calcium intake, vitamin D supplementation, sunlight exposure or pregnancy.
Quality Vs. Quantity: Assessing Behavior Change over Time

Beyond the typical design factors that impact a study’s power (e.g., participant sample size), planning longitudinal research involves additional considerations such as assessment frequency and participant retention. Because this type of research relies so strongly on individual commitment, investigators must be judicious in determining how much information is necessary to study the phenomena in question; collecting too little information will render the data less useful, but requiring excessive participant investment will likely lower participation rates. We conducted a simulation study to empirically examine statistical power and the trade-off between assessment quality (as a function of instrument length) and assessment frequency across a number of sample sizes with intermittently missing data or attrition. Results indicated that reductions in power resulting from shorter, less reliable measurements can be at least somewhat offset by increasing assessment frequency. Because study planning involves a number of factors competing for finite resources, equations were derived to find the balance points between pairs of design characteristics affecting statistical power. These equations allow researchers to calculate the amount that a particular design factor (e.g., assessment frequency) would need to increase to result in the same improvement in power as increasing an alternative factor (e.g., measurement reliability. Applications for the equations are discussed.
New Special Study of the Securities Markets: Institutional Intermediaries

This essay, written for the Conference on the New Special Study of Securities Markets at Columbia Law School, identifies the key regulatory challenges posed by institutional intermediaries in America’s capital markets. We survey existing legal and economic research and suggest new areas for regulatory reform and scholarly inquiry. We cover registered investment companies (such as mutual funds), private investment funds (such as hedge funds and private equity funds), credit-rating agencies, and broker-dealers.
Multi-in-one meter reading system based on neighbor mesh

For households, water, electricity and gas service is necessary. To solve the problem of polling metering model, a multi-in-one mechanism of meter network management was proposed. The 6LowPAN enabled neighbor meters will form a wireless Mesh network and report data directly. We designed data acquisition protocol and mesh network management system based on IPv6, and preliminary validated key functions in a prototype system. Experiments show that the new mechanism could significantly reduce usage of communication resources, and support new Internet enabled services.
Remembering West African indigenous knowledges and practices in citizenship education research

AbstractDemocratic citizenship education is of key concern in many societies, particularly with the adoption of global citizenship education in the United Nations’ Education First Initiative. There have been particular critiques that current frameworks for understanding citizenship fail to account for civic understandings and practices in both African and African Diasporic societies. In this paper I share examples of indigenous civic knowledges and practices from societies within West Africa, the main nexus of the African diaspora. To illustrate the rich contexts societies have related to rights and political participation, I examine Adinkra symbols from the Akan in Ghana, and the Mande Charter of 1222, from what is now Mali. I then illustrate including indigenous knowledges in empirical research via a study of citizenship education in Liberia that included questions about traditional justice in a survey instrument, demonstrating varying access to traditional justice systems by gender.
The Effects of Endocervical Canal Topography, Tubal Metaplasia, and High Canal Sampling on the Cytologic Presentation of Nonneoplastic Endocervical Cells

Use of new endocervical cytologic sampling devices has correlated with increased numbers of cases showing endocervical "atypia." To ascertain the potential causes, a cytologic and histologic correlative study of the normal endocervical canal was undertaken. Hysterectomy specimens from 25 patients with no history of cervical disease were used. The anterior and posterior endocervical canals were divided into three equal sections. Each of the sections of the anterior canal were sampled cytologically, with the corresponding posterior canal processed for histology. Endocervical gland number, depth, and cellular crowding were most pronounced in the middle third of the canal. Tubal metaplasia (present in 100% of cases) was most prominent in the upper third. The most cellular cytologic samples were obtained from the middle third. "Atypical" endocervical groups were most commonly identified in the upper third. The normal topography of the endocervical canal, with sampling of the upper regions by newly utilized devices, may account for the increase in samples showing cytologic patterns that mimic endocervical neoplasia.
Asymptotic Stability of Waves in Dissipative Systems

A key motivation for investigating the spectrum of linear operators is to understand the stability of equilibria of nonlinear evolution equations, as well as to describe the flow in a neighborhood of manifolds of approximate equilibria.
Emerging Uses of Cord Blood in Regenerative Medicine—Neurological Applications

Abstract Regenerative medicine is dedicated to the study of repairing, replacing, or regenerating damaged human cells, tissues, or organs to restore or establish normal function, and it is predicted to develop into numerous applications to treat a wide variety of conditions. Umbilical cord blood (CB) is a relatively safe, easily collected, readily available, and noncontroversial source of stem and progenitor cells for use in standard hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. It has also recently emerged as a promising source of stem and progenitor cells for use in novel cell therapies. In this chapter, we will explore some of the potential applications of CB in regenerative medicine.
Age at Introduction of Solid Food and Obesity Throughout the Life Course.

OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the association between age at solid food (SF) introduction and obesity throughout the life course. METHODS Among 31,816 mother- nurse daughter dyads in the Nurses' Mothers' Cohort Study and the Nurses' Health Study II, information was collected on age at SF introduction, body somatotype at ages 5 and 10, and Body Mass Index at age 18 and in adulthood. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for obesity throughout life were estimated using logistic regression models with adjustment for parental and nurse daughter covariates. RESULTS Nurse daughters introduced to SF at ≥ 9 months versus 6 to 9 months had marginally higher age-adjusted (OR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.47) and covariate-adjusted (OR: 1.22; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.47) odds of obesity at age 5. Age at SF introduction was not related to obesity at ages 10 and 18 or in adulthood. CONCLUSIONS Late age at SF introduction was marginally associated with obesity at age 5, but this association did not persist throughout the life course.
Boundary Layer Analysis for Navier-Slip Rayleigh–Bénard Convection: The Non-existence of an Ultimate State

We discuss the asymptotic behavior, at small viscosity and/or diffusivity, of the Rayleigh–Benard convection problem governed by the Boussinesq equations. The velocity vector field and the temperature are supplemented respectively with the Navier friction boundary conditions and the fixed flux boundary condition in a 3D periodic channel domain. By explicitly constructing the boundary layer correctors, which approximate the difference between the viscous/diffusive solutions and the corresponding limit solution, we validate the asymptotic expansions, and prove the vanishing viscosity and diffusivity limit with the optimal rate of convergence. Correctors in this setting include higher order diffusive effects than considered previously and accurately account for the interplay between the viscous and thermal layers. The boundary layer correctors satisfy a linear evolution equation indicating that for these boundary conditions, there is no turbulence in the boundary layer. The impact of this fact on the existence of an ‘ultimate state’ of turbulent convection is discussed, particularly in light of recent upper bounds on the heat transport that indicate such a state may exist in this setting.
Higher-order aberration measurements: Comparison between Scheimpflug and dual Scheimpflug-Placido technology in normal eyes.

Purpose To compare higher order aberrations (HOAs) in normal eyes between a Scheimpflug imaging system (Pentacam HR) and dual Scheimpflug–Placido imaging system (Galilei G4). Setting Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, and the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA. Design Retrospective case series. Methods Eyes screened for refractive surgery were evaluated sequentially using a Scheimpflug device and a dual Scheimpflug–Placido device. Differences, correlations, and agreement between values for total root mean square (RMS), trefoil, coma, and spherical aberration were analyzed, and Bland-Altman plots were generated. Results One hundred five eyes of 105 patients (44 men, 61 women) were evaluated. Total RMS, coma, and trefoil were significantly different between groups (all P Conclusions A Scheimpflug imaging device and dual Scheimpflug–Placido imaging device generated statistically different values for total cornea HOAs; however, the correlation between devices was moderate to strong and there was reasonable agreement in all measures for normal eyes. Based on these findings, the devices appear functionally equivalent for clinical use, although caution is warranted for outcomes-based research protocols that report HOAs.
Exceptional Properties of the Reflexive in Bantu Languages

This article provides an overview of the numerous exceptional morphosyntactic and phonological properties of the reflexive compared to other object prefixes in Bantu languages. These properties are considered in light of Marlo’s (2014, 2015, to appear) micro-typological studies of Bantu object marking, and the proposal that the 1sg object prefix and the reflexive may be in a position closer to the verb stem than other object prefixes.
Viability of Neural Cells on 3D Printed Graphene Bioelectronics

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the United States after Alzheimer's disease (AD). To help understand the electrophysiology of these diseases, N27 neuronal cells have been used as an in vitro model. In this study, a flexible graphene-based biosensor design is presented. Biocompatible graphene was manufactured using a liquid-phase exfoliation method and bovine serum albumin (BSA) for further exfoliation. Raman spectroscopy results indicated that the graphene produced was indeed few-layer graphene (FLG) with ID/IGGraphene= 0.11. Inkjet printing of this few-layer graphene ink onto Kapton polyimide (PI) followed by characterization via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed an average width of ≈868 µm with a normal thickness of ≈5.20 µm. Neuronal cells were placed on a thermally annealed 3D printed graphene chip. A live-dead cell assay was performed to prove the biosensor biocompatibility. A cell viability of approximately 80% was observed over 96 h, which indicates that annealed graphene on Kapton PI substrate could be used as a neuronal cell biosensor. This research will help us move forward with the study of N27 cell electrophysiology and electrical signaling.
Is perfusate exchange during ex vivo lung perfusion beneficial

Lung transplantation is a therapeutic option for patients with end-stage lung disease. The number of lung transplantations worldwide has been increasing since 2012 and has almost doubled over the last decade (1). Despite the increase in lung transplant rates, 326 patients died on the waitlist or became too sick to undergo transplant in 2017, and the overall waitlist mortality rate was 17.2 per 100 waitlist-years (2). Shortage of acceptable donor lungs remains a major limitation to lung transplantation. Ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) is an increasingly utilized technology to assess and recondition donor organs that are otherwise marginal for transplantation and may be used to expand the donor pool.
Comparative planetary ring currents

Abstract A significant test of our understanding about the formation and removal of Earth’s ring current populations is how predictive that understanding is when applied to other systems. With varying levels of fidelity, measurements and analyses have been performed on the physics of ring currents for all of the strongly magnetized planets of the solar system, specifically Earth, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. We discuss what is known about the similarities and differences between the physical processes that create, transport, and destroy the ring current populations within these systems. Of particular importance is the comparison between Earth and Jupiter. Both of these systems are extremely active and energetic in their own ways, but for very different reasons. Earth is the prototypical solar-wind driven magnetosphere, and solar wind dynamics modulate and buffet its ring current populations. Jupiter is the prototypical rotationally driven magnetosphere with much of the dynamics of the ring current populations driven by the urgent need of plasmas coming ultimately from the volcanoes of the moon Io to find their ways out of the system. Saturn is also a highly dynamic system from a combination of solar wind and rotational effects. But because Saturn’s magnetosphere is more neutral-gas dominated than any of the other systems, its ring current and radiation populations are far more inhibited than they otherwise would be. Uranus and Neptune represent a fascinating contrast. Simple parametric analysis suggest that both systems are rotationally driven, but because of the unique spin axis orientation of Uranus, lying as it does close to the ecliptic plane of planetary orbits, the solar wind can have a far greater influence than it otherwise would have. Neptune, without a substantial power source, by contrast, has the quietest and least energetic magnetosphere and ring current populations of the solar system.
Unravelling the Thickness Dependence and Mechanism of Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering on Ti3C2Tx MXene Nanosheets

MXenes have attracted great attention as promising substrates for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) applications. However, the underlying SERS mechanism has not been a focus of any investigation. Herein, we report the first systematic experimental study on the SERS activity of titanium carbide (Ti3C2TX) nanosheets with thicknesses ranging from 5 to 120 nm, using methylene blue (MB) as a probe molecule. The experimental and mathematical modeling results show that the Raman enhancement factor (EF) increases monotonically with the increasing thickness of Ti3C2TX nanosheets; however, it falls drastically around a sheet thickness of 0.8 and 1.0 μm under 532 and 633 nm laser excitations, respectively. The Raman EF reaches a maximum value around a thickness of 2.0 μm, suggesting that a maximum EF can be achieved with a 2.0 μm-thick Ti3C2TX film substrate. The thickness dependence of the Raman enhancement can be accounted for by the adsorption and intercalation of MB molecules into the interlayer spacing of Ti3C2TX. Furthermore, by combining experimental observations and numerical calculation, we confirm that the charge-transfer mechanism is dominantly responsible for Raman enhancement on Ti3C2TX. Additionally, we report an observation of resonance coupling of charge transfer and molecular transition as a contributing factor to the higher EF obtained with a 633 nm laser excitation. Taken together, these findings have significant implications for cost and performance optimization in designing MXene-based SERS substrates for next-generation chemical and biological sensing platforms.
Problem Framing and Formulation

Numerous management scholars have noted that strategic decision making starts with problem formulation, or the identification of problems’ causes. Problem formulation reduces the uncertainty in pro...
Best friends, bad food, and bullying: How students' school perceptions relate to sense of school belonging.

A positive school climate and sense of school belonging can influence students' academic outcomes and wellbeing in desirable ways. However, not enough is known about the aspects of school climate that influence students' feelings of belonging and how gender, ethnicity, and grade may relate to those feelings. Via a self-administered survey, a diverse sample of middle school students (n = 1,226) reported what they perceived as the best parts of their school and the parts most in need of improvement, as well as their sense of belonging. Students' perceptions of their school were aligned with the major areas of school climate: safety, relationships, teaching and learning, and institutional environment. These four areas were found to be predictive of sense of belonging to different degrees, such as listing relationships as needing improvement at the school being associated with lower scores in sense of belonging. Gender and grade were also found to be salient predictors of feelings of belonging, with seventh and eighth graders feeling less belonging than their sixth grade peers and girls having lower sense of belonging than boys. These findings affirm the importance of the school environment in influencing students' feelings of being a part of their school.
Photoconductive gain in single crystal diamond detectors

Diamond crystals equipped with two metal electrodes can be operated as solid state ionization chambers for the detection of energetic radiation. Under irradiation with single α particles, the generated free electrons and holes are collected with a maximum efficiency close to 100%. When the same detectors are used for dosimetry in high intensity and high energy photon or particle beams, photoconductive gain G with values up to ≈ 10 6 is frequently observed as described in the literature. In this work, we studied theoretically the irradiation induced conductivity of perfect diamond single crystals with ohmic contacts containing nitrogen and boron with concentrations N N and N B, respectively, as only chemical impurities. Based on four rate equations, two considering the charge states of N and B and two the concentrations of free carriers n and p, and, additionally, the neutrality condition, we could derive analytical solutions for the gain G as a function of impurity concentrations, crystal thickness, and excitation density. It turned out that G varies systematically with the compensation ratio R = ( N N − N B ) / N B over five orders of magnitude. For R ≈ 10 3, the gain G is close to unity. With decreasing R, the gain increases ∝ 1 / R until saturation is reached for R ≪ 1 and G ≈ 10 4 – 10 5. Our theoretical data yield plausible explanations for the major trends that have been found experimentally in previous studies. They provide a valuable guideline for the future synthesis of diamond crystals to be used for manufacturing UV and radiation detectors.
Biology of the Radio- and Chemo-Responsiveness in HPV Malignancies

In multiple anatomic sites, patients with cancers associated with the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) experience better locoregional control and overall survival after radiotherapy and/or chemoradiotherapy than patients with HPV-negative cancers. These improved outcomes suggest that relatively unique biological features in HPV-positive cancers may increase sensitivity to DNA damaging agents as well as an impaired DNA damage response. This review will address potential biological mechanisms driving this increased sensitivity of HPV-positive cancer to radiation and/or chemotherapy. This review will discuss the clinical and preclinical observations that support the intrinsic radiosensitivity and/or chemosensitivity of HPV-positive cancers. Furthermore, this review will highlight the molecular mechanisms for increased radiation sensitivity using the classical "4 Rs" of radiobiology: repair, reassortment, repopulation, and reoxygenation. First, HPV-positive cancers have increased DNA damage due to increased oxidative stress and impaired DNA damage repair due to the altered activity TP53, p16, TIP60, and other repair proteins. Second, irradiated HPV-positive cancer cells display increased G2/M arrest leading to reassortment of cancer cells in more radiosensitive phases of the cell cycle. In addition, HPV-positive cancers have less radioresistant cancer stem cell subpopulations that may limit their repopulation during radiotherapy. Finally, HPV-positive cancers may also have less hypoxic tumor microenvironments that make these cancers more sensitive to radiation than HPV-negative cells. We will also discuss extrinsic immune and microenvironmental factors enriched in HPV-positive cancers that facilities responses to radiation. Therefore, these potential biological mechanisms may underpin the improved clinical outcomes often observed in these virally induced cancers.