cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Laughing off a Zombie Apocalypse: The Value of Comedic and Satirical Narratives

In recent years, many international relations scholars have been discussing films, books, and television programs featuring zombies, largely because such narratives are thought to provide a compelling metaphor for thinking about a diverse array of contemporary threats. These range from relatively traditional threats posed by violent terrorists to nontraditional threats from epidemics or mass migration. However, because zombie narratives are generally apocalyptic, employing them can provide a misleading and dangerous understanding of international security. By contrast, satirical and comedic zombie stories provide interesting alternative narratives that coincide with the emancipatory objectives of critical security studies. Satirical narratives focusing on elites characteristically critique these powerful figures, often revealing them to be self-centered buffoons. Indeed, satire and black comedy can be quite subversive, reflecting critical and potentially transformative notions—about threats and other dimensions of security politics. Comedies typically center upon ordinary people, emphasize their regular lives, and end happily—aligning with the aspirations of the human security agenda.
The Cultivation of Transformed Roots from Laboratory to Pilot Plant

Root cultures formed following infection of explant material with Agrobacterium rhizogenes have been proposed as a system for the in vitro production of valuable plant metabolites. A major hurdle to commercial exploitation by this method is the development of bioreactor systems for the large scale cultivation of these so-called “hairy roots”.
PBDE flame retardants, thyroid disease, and menopausal status in U.S. women.

Women have elevated rates of thyroid disease compared to men. Environmental toxicants have been implicated as contributors to this dimorphism, including polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), flame retardant chemicals that disrupt thyroid hormone action. PBDEs have also been implicated in the disruption of estrogenic activity, and estrogen levels regulate thyroid hormones. Post-menopausal women may therefore be particularly vulnerable to PBDE induced thyroid effects, given low estrogen reserves. The objective of this study was to test for an association between serum PBDE concentrations and thyroid disease in women from the United States (U.S.), stratified by menopause status. Serum PBDE concentrations (BDEs 47, 99, 100 and 153) from the National Health and Examination Survey (NHANES) and reports on thyroid problems were available in the NHANES 2003–2004 cycle. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using multivariate logistic regression models accounting for population-weighted survey techniques and controlling for age, body mass index (BMI), education, smoking, alcohol consumption and thyroid medication. Menopause status was obtained by self-reported absence of menstruation in the previous 12 months and declared menopause. Women in the highest quartile of serum concentrations for BDEs 47, 99, and 100 had increased odds of currently having thyroid disease (ORs: 1.5, 1.8, 1.5, respectively) compared to the reference group (1st and 2nd quartiles combined); stronger associations were observed when the analysis was restricted to postmenopausal women (ORs: 2.2, 3.6, 2.0, respectively). Exposure to BDEs 47, 99, and 100 is associated with thyroid disease in a national sample of U.S. women, with greater effects observed post-menopause, suggesting that the disruption of thyroid signaling by PBDEs may be enhanced by the altered estrogen levels during menopause.
Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring in Clinical Trials of Drugs and Devices

The utilization of 24-h ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring to assess new drugs and devices for hypertension has markedly increased over the past two decades. The determination of dosage and comparative efficacy of antihypertensive regimens has been guided by ambulatory BP monitoring in diverse patient populations with hypertension. More recently, studies of renal denervation devices have also used ambulatory BP measurements to determine more precise effects of partially interrupting the sympathetic nervous system.
High-Performance Overall Water Splitting Electrocatalysts Derived from Cobalt-Based Metal–Organic Frameworks

The design of active, robust, and nonprecious electrocatalysts with both H2 and O2 evolution reaction (HER and OER) activities for overall water splitting is highly desirable but remains a grand challenge. Herein, we report a facile two-step method to synthesize porous Co-P/NC nanopolyhedrons composed of CoPx (a mixture of CoP and Co2P) nanoparticles embedded in N-doped carbon matrices as electrocatalysts for overall water splitting. The Co-P/NC catalysts were prepared by direct carbonization of Co-based zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-67) followed by phosphidation. Benefiting from the large specific surface area, controllable pore texture, and high nitrogen content of ZIF (a subclass of metal–organic frameworks), the optimal Co-P/NC showed high specific surface area of 183 m2 g–1 and large mesopores, and exhibited remarkable catalytic performance for both HER and OER in 1.0 M KOH, affording a current density of 10 mA cm–2 at low overpotentials of −154 mV for HER and 319 mV for OER, respectively. Furt...
Fractional Weak Discrepancy of Posets and Certain Forbidden Configurations

In this paper we describe the range of values that can be taken by the fractional weak discrepancy of a poset subject to forbidden r+ s configurations, where r+s = 4. Generalizing previous work on weak discrepancy in [5, 12, 13], the notion of fractional weak discrepancy wdF (P ) of a poset P = (V,≺) was introduced in [7] as the minimum nonnegative k for which there exists a function f : V → R satisfying (i) if a ≺ b then f(a)+1 ≤ f(b) and (ii) if a ‖ b then |f(a)−f(b)| ≤ k. Semiorders were characterized by their fractional weak discrepancy in [8]. Here we describe the range of values of wdF (P ) according to whether P contains an induced 2+ 2 and/or an induced 3+ 1. In particular, we prove that the range for an interval order that is not a semiorder (contains a 3+ 1 but no 2+ 2) is the set of rational numbers greater than or equal to one. ∗Supported in part by a Wellesley College Brachman Hoffman Fellowship.
Protein-Losing Enteropathies

Abstract Protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) is a syndrome that is characterized by excessive loss of serum proteins into the gastrointestinal tract. As a result, it leads to reduced levels of serum proteins that, if severe, causes retention of fluid and edema. In this chapter we present a general discussion of the physiology of protein-losing enteropathy centering on the methods used to evaluate and quantitate this condition. We than review the various categories of diseases causing PLE and present synopses of the diseases that represent these categories, particularly those related to immunologic defects. Finally, we turn to an in-depth discussion of a mucosal disease associated with PLE known as intestinal lymphangiectasia or IL, in which the PLE is caused by obstruction to the lymph circulation and loss of both lymph and cells within lymph in the gastrointestinal tract. Here we discuss both primary and secondary forms of IL and the impact of IL on immunologic function.
Intertextual Medía Considerations on a Pair of Classics: “Blow-Up” and Blow-Up

AbstractEven after forty years, the haunting explorations of reality in Cortazar 's short story and Antonioni's adapted film are enticing to re-explore, specifically: confusion over the narrators ' identities; difficulties of telling the events; stylistic and content similarities of each author to others of their works in this period; paucity of dialogue yet tactics of engagement in each narrative; terse presentation of the characters in each of the works; contrasts between specific time frames for events but ambiguity of the actual occurrences; concluding altered perceptions of reality for the two protagonists; and problematic depictions in each medium seen from today's perspectives.
A quantitative, in vitro appraisal of experimental low-glucose storage solutions used for blood banking

Red Blood Cell (RBC) transfusion has become one of the most widely utilized life-saving activities in hospitals. The most recent national report on blood banking indicates a decline in blood shortages and infections. However, the safety and efficacy of transfusion medicine are still of interest, especially for long term stored RBCs. It is well understood that stored RBCs undergo several metabolic and physical changes during the storage period, collectively known as the storage lesion, which may increase the risk of post-transfusion complications. Here, to investigate the effects of glucose on stored RBCs, three sets of normoglycemic collection and storage solutions were developed. Specifically, two factors, intracellular sorbitol accumulation and RBC-derived adenosine triphosphate (ATP) release, were quantified in this work. It is well-known that the production of sorbitol is associated with increased oxidative stress to cells. Our results reveal that RBCs produce three to five fold more sorbitol when processed in currently-approved storage solutions, while the production of sorbitol from RBCs stored in modified, normoglycemic solutions show no statistical difference to fresh blood during the first four weeks of storage. Furthermore, using a 3D-printed microfluidic device that enabled circulation of RBCs, we demonstrate that maintaining the glucose level of storage solutions between normoglycemic levels of 4–6 mM enables RBCs to release ATP at levels equal to fresh, non-stored RBCs. However, hyperglycemia impairs this RBC-derived ATP release by 50%. Combined with our previous discoveries, the work presented here strongly suggests that storing RBCs in physiological levels of glucose may be able to reduce the occurrence of the storage lesion and further diminish complications related to transfusion.
Resisting Outdated Models of Pedagogical Domination and Subordination in Health Professions Education.

Effective interprofessional collaboration and patient care require understanding team members’ roles and responsibilities and clear communication.
Evaluating the Efficacy of Video-Based Instruction (VBI) on Improving Social Initiation Skills of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A Review of Literature

This literature review examined 36 studies that implemented Video-Based Instruction (VBI) to promote the social initiation skills of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Studies that met the criteria were analyzed to determine (a) characteristics of participants, (b) dependent variable(s), (c) independent variable, (d) results, (e) maintenance and generalization, and (f) social validity. Studies were analyzed into categories based on the nature of the independent variable: (a) video modeling, (b) video self-modeling, (c) video modeling and/or video self-modeling in a treatment package, (d) other VBI approaches, and (e) comparative studies. Results of this review strongly support the efficacy of VBI for promoting social initiation skills of children with autism. Discussion of findings and further recommendations for research are provided.
James Franck, the ionization potential of helium, and the experimental discovery of metastable states

Abstract In 1920, James Franck together with Fritz Reiche and Paul Knipping found strong experimental evidence that the lowest-lying triplet state in helium is metastable—an atom in this state cannot make a spontaneous transition to the ground state. Even though their evidence was entirely experimental, they tied their results almost inextricably to Alfred Lande’s 1919 model of the helium atom, and in the process, misunderstood the new theoretical selection rules of Adalbert Rubinowicz and Niels Bohr. In an additional complication, experiments of the English physicists Frank Horton and Ann Catherine Davies contradicted Franck’s. Although Franck’s result has held up, the reasons for the discrepancies remain unclear.
Herbivores and nutrient recycling

Two important aspects of how nutrient limitation affects an autotroph-herbivore system were discussed in the preceding chapter: the influence of nutrient input levels on the steady-state values and the influence on system stability. In a sense, the present chapter is complementary to the concerns of Chapter 5. Whereas that chapter was largely concerned with how nutrient limitation alters the stability and steady-state values of an autotroph-herbivore system, Chapter 6 is primarily concerned with the complementary problem of the indirect effects of the herbivores, through nutrient recycling, on the available nutrients and autotrophs of an ecosystem.
Androgen deprivation and immunotherapy for the treatment of prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common newly diagnosed malignancy in men, and the second most common cause of cancer-related death in the United States. The primary treatment for recurrent prostate cancer is androgen deprivation, and this therapy is typically continued lifelong for patients with metastatic prostate cancer. Androgens and androgen deprivation have profound effects on the immune system, a finding that has become more appreciated in an era where immune-based treatments for cancer are being increasingly explored. Preclinical studies suggest that androgen deprivation could potentially positively or negatively affect the use of approved immunotherapies, or those that are being developed for the treatment of prostate cancer. In this review, we provide a brief overview of the different types of androgen deprivation treatments used in the management of prostate cancer, discuss their effects on prostate tumors and the immune system and how they are being explored in combination with immunotherapy. Finally, we address some of the critical questions in the field that must be answered to identify the best approaches to combine androgen deprivation with immunotherapy for the treatment of prostate cancer.
Local and Remote Impacts of Atmospheric Cloud Radiative Effects Onto the Eddy‐Driven Jet

This study examines the cause of the spread of extratropical circulation responses to the inclusion of atmospheric cloud radiative effects (ACRE) across atmospheric general circulation models. The ensemble of Clouds On-Off Klimate Intercomparison Experiment aquaplanet simulations shows that these responses include both equatorward and poleward shifts of the eddy-driven jet of varying magnitudes. These disparate extratropical responses occur despite the relatively consistent response in the tropics: a heating in the upper troposphere, which leads to a strengthening of the Hadley cell. It is argued that the eddy-driven jet response is a competition between two effects: the local influence of clouds driving shifts of the jet through meridional gradients in ACRE and the remote impact of a strengthened Hadley cell causing an equatorward shift of the eddy-driven jet. Simulations in which cloud radiative effects are separately turned on in the tropics and extratropics demonstrate this explicitly.
Moderate Dilution of Copper Slag by Natural Gas

To enable use of copper slag and extract the maximum value from the contained copper, an innovative method of reducing moderately diluted slag to smelt copper-containing antibacterial stainless steel is proposed. This work focused on moderate dilution of copper slag using natural gas. The thermodynamics of copper slag dilution and ternary phase diagrams of the slag system were calculated. The effects of blowing time, temperature, matte settling time, and calcium oxide addition were investigated. The optimum reaction conditions were identified to be blowing time of 20 min, reaction temperature of 1250°C, settling time of 60 min, CaO addition of 4% of mass of slag, natural gas flow rate of 80 mL/min, and outlet pressure of 0.1 MPa. Under these conditions, the Fe3O4 and copper contents of the residue were 7.36% and 0.50%, respectively.
Predicting near-term changes in the Earth System: A large ensemble of initialized decadal prediction simulations using the Community Earth System Model

CapsuleA new community data resource offers unprecedented statistical power for assessing hindcast accuracy and skill, quantifying the benefits associated with initialization, and exploring the probabilistic attributes of decadal predictions of climate and ocean biogeochemical fields.
Review of Satellite Rainfall Estimation Methods

This paper grew out of two ad hoc conferences held last year to discuss the problem of estimating precipitation from satellite data. Although developments in an area as new as this are rapid, there was sufficient interest in the problem, progress towards a solution, and ignorance of the work of others to warrant drawing the conference summaries together in a review paper of wider circulation and general interest. Our purpose is to examine, from the perspective of GATE rainfall requirements, methodologies in use and under development for the estimation of rainfall from satellite visible and infrared images. As an introduction to critical descriptions of each method, we touch upon the uses of rainfall observations in GATE, the advantages of satellite monitoring, and the purposes of the two conferences held to date. A discussion of calibration and accuracy requirements, including ground truth and accuracies for GATE, is followed by descriptions of two field programs—one completed, the other planned—which hav...
Kindergarten components of executive function and third grade achievement: A national study

Abstract The present study uses nationally-representative data to estimate longitudinal associations between core executive function (EF) components—working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility—at kindergarten entry and third grade academic achievement. We focus on one key question: to what extent do EF components uniquely contribute to children’s subsequent reading and math achievement over and above academic skills, social-emotional behaviors, and learning-related behaviors? Study findings indicated that the three core EF components have differential associations with third grade achievement. Evidence of associations across domains of math and reading achievement are strongest for working memory, and these associations are stronger for math than reading achievement. Early working memory was also shown to be just as predictive of academic achievement as were learning-related behaviors. The evidence for achievement associations was weaker for inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility, with estimated effect sizes on reading and math achievement of less than a tenth of a standard deviation. We discuss implications for future studies and consider the measurement issues that arise in examining EF and its relations to longitudinal achievement.
Properties of staircase procedures for estimating thresholds in automated perimetry.

The properties of the staircase procedure as applied in automated perimetry were examined. Two computer simulation models were used to vary different test- and patient-related parameters in clinical perimetry. One model was based on the KKAKEN computer simulation program; the other computer simulation was based on stimulus-response data sets from 11 normal subjects. The results were analyzed in terms of efficiency and accuracy. It was found that: (1) in general, there was an efficiencyaccuracy trade-off; (2) increases in response fluctuation produced substantially greater errors in threshold estimates; (3) little or no improvements in accuracy were achieved by increasing the number of reversals; (4) the starting position of the staircase relative to the threshold influenced the efficiency of threshold determinations but not their accuracy; (5) a single-response error reduced the efficiency of staircases; (6) the position of a single-response error in a staircase sequence influenced the accuracy and efficiency of the threshold determination; and (7) more than one response error during a staircase sequence always resulted in a marked reduction in accuracy and/or efficiency. Current pcrimctric strategies appear to be at or near optimal levels, and therefore, strategics in the future may need to depart from a staircase-style procedure to achieve a significant increase in both accuracy and efficiency. Computer simulation studies can provide an effective means of evaluating perimetric test procedures and defining optimum strategies, which then can be verified clinically by subsequent testing in patient populations. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 33:2966-2974, 1992
Business Hears the Call

The positive response of American business to the demands of environmental sustainability is traced, from the earliest cases where technological sophistication made environmentally-friendly products and processes a major goal of manufacturing through to the new emphasis on “sustainable development.” New paradigms emerge in the relation of business to the natural environment—biomimicry, the preservation of biodiversity, the orientation to “biophilia,” and ultimately William McDonough’s replacement of “cradle to grave” with “cradle to cradle.”
Consumer Decision Allocation of Spouses in Dual Career Families: A Descriptive Study

This paper reports on a survey of 40 dual career households, and the relative purchase decision influence exerted by each spouse for 11 categories of household products and services. Use of various family management techniques such as shopping by telephone is also examined. The findings suggest an increased use of joint decision making in comparison to non-dual career families. Also, some implications for retailers seeking to increase their sales to this market segment are suggested.
Zipper Tube Reinforcement to Mitigate Flexible Shaft Buckling

The Zipper Tube Reinforcement (ZTR) is a novel support system developed to mitigate buckling in thin flexible devices used in robotic surgery. The ZTR was inspired by a construction technique called a Buckling Restrained Braced Frame (BRBF) and deployable booms for space applications. It utilizes a zipper function to allow a rolled sheet to deploy into a variable-length tube and stow in a small volume spooled on a mandrel. The tube envelops the device and allows it to support a much higher compressive load before buckling failure through the insertion stroke. The ZTR also enables the possibility of smaller, more flexible devices due to its design for continuous support and could find application in other fields.
Abstract TP94: Combined Chlorpromazine and Promethazine Induce Neuroprotective Hibernation Without Hypothermia in Experimental Stroke

Introduction: Hibernation, in which the lowering of metabolism and body temperature reduces the energetic needs of brain cells, has emerged as a frontier in the search for neuroprotective agents ag...
Local Commercialization Incentives

Some patent law scholars have proposed introducing new forms of patents to promote commercialization of inventions that would not otherwise be commercialized, or at least not within a reasonable period of time. In this Article I suggest that so-called commercialization patents are unnecessary because the United States already has a system for promoting commercialization of inventions that does not require creating unprecedented exclusive rights: direct government financing. Drawing on statutes and administrative codes, I provide an in-depth account of the major commercialization financing options for inventors and entrepreneurs at both the federal and the state levels. I then compare these incentives, called commercialization awards, to newly proposed commercialization patents. I show that, like commercialization patents, commercialization awards create strong incentives to commercialize inventions in the near future, and that award administrators employ a variety of strategies, such as strict investment matching requirements, to reduce the risk of wasting public money on projects that are not commercially viable. Based on the insight that non-patent commercialization incentives exist and may be as efficient or more efficient than commercialization patents, I make a novel argument regarding the institutional structure of U.S. patent and innovation policy from the perspective of federalism. I assert that, when the field of commercialization incentives is expanded to include non-patent options such as commercialization awards, state and local governments may be better suited to design and administer these programs. The reason is that – unlike generation of new technological information, which is thought to produce significant geographic spillovers justifying federal intervention in the form of patents – commercialization of inventions produces relatively localized benefits, including not only near-term political benefits like job creation, but also long-term productivity gains as a result of new information derived from the actual practice, production, and marketing of inventions that, at least for a time, remains geographically bound to its place of origin. Thus, according to theories of economic federalism, state and local governments should have superior incentives and superior information to promote commercialization of inventions in their own jurisdictions than the federal government.
Estimating the Breeding Population of Great Blue Herons (Ardea herodias) in Maine, USA, Using Dual-Frame Sampling

The Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) is a Species of Special Concern in the State of Maine, USA, due to declines along the Atlantic coast since the mid-1980s. To determine if this decline was statewide, an aerial survey was conducted from 1 May to 18 June 2015 to estimate the breeding population using a stratified dualframe design accounting for imperfect detection of colonies. The strata were based on habitat and known colony densities. The area frame consisted of 10-km x 10-km plots. Stratum samples were searched by air independently by front and rear observers for known and new colonies. The list frame consisted of plots containing known colonies, a sample of which was checked for nesting activity. The dual-frame design combined the strengths of both list- and area-only surveys. Flying directly to known colonies in the list frame was very efficient, and accounting for new colonies in the area frame, allowed unbiased, statistically valid estimation. Estimates were calculated for a Maine statewide total of active Great Blue Heron colonies (n = 243, 90% credible interval (CI) = 193–352), total nests (n = 2,019, CI = 1,778–2,434), and active nests (n = 1,593, CI = 1,416–1,872). Observer detection ranged from 25 to 99%. The percentage of list frame colony coverage in the dual-frame estimate was 63%, but varied by stratum. The percent CV of the dual-frame statewide total active nests was 8.9%, but also varied by stratum. By repeating these methods, strata and statewide population trends could be obtained.
Diversity of reticulospinal systems in mammals

Reticulospinal (RS) neurons provide the spinal cord with the executive signals for a large repertoire of motor and autonomic functions, ensuring at the same time that these functions are adapted to the different behavioral contexts. This requires the coordinated action of many RS neurons. In this mini-review, we examine how the RS neurons that carry out specific functions distribute across the three parts of the brain stem. Extensive overlap between populations suggests a need to explore multi-functionality at the single cell-level. We next contrast functional diversity and homogeneity in transmitter phenotype. Then, we examine the molecular genetic mechanisms that specify brain stem development and likely contribute to RS neurons identities. We advocate that a better knowledge of the developmental lineage of the RS neurons and a better knowledge of RS neuron activity across multiple behaviors will help uncover the fundamental principles behind the diversity of RS systems in mammals.
Effect of temporal variability of operating parameters in corrosion modelling for natural gas pipelines subject to uniform corrosion

Abstract In practice, the operating parameters of a natural gas pipeline change continuously within an uncertain range, yet this temporal variability is seldom considered in corrosion modeling. Most of the time it is due to the limitation of the corrosion predictive model itself as many of them are data-driven. Therefore, this paper proposes a physics-based corrosion predictive model that predicts the time-dependent corrosion rate. The model was developed mainly for uniform corrosion in natural gas pipelines made of mild steels and subjected to aqueous H 2 S/CO 2 environment. Experimental data was used to validate the proposed corrosion model in terms of pH, flow velocity, temperature, and partial pressure of H 2 S. Also, the influence of time-varying operating parameters on the corrosion predictions was studied. It was found that the variability of the operating parameters has a significant impact on the long-term corrosion predictions as compared with the case without considering such variabilities.
Identifying Technology and Research Communication Case of Wireless Power

Using Social Network Analysis (SNA) and Bibliometric data publicly available this paper uses wireless power transmission journal data to plot and analyze citation networks over time. This illustrates some of the community trends, relative citation networks, the degree of collaboration, and other insight derived from bibliometrics. Looking at trends in communities of journal data over time can help in identification of experts, provide data points for journal/patent prediction, and provide perspective on possible project investment in related fields. Wireless power transmission has been chosen as a sample topic due to relatively recent mainstream adoption in consumer devices (cell phones) and automobiles (supporting charging standards) as well as advancements that may represent a disruption to mobile power storage technologies. This report will review current journal data citation networks, provide a basic analysis of findings, identify gaps and suggest future work to build upon.
Prevention of Urologic Morbidity in Progressive Neurologic Patients

Changes in bladder function are a common occurrence in individuals afflicted with progressive neurologic disease. The alterations in urinary function, either alone, or in conjunction with nongenitourinary systems can lead not only to a decrease in quality of life, but also significant morbidity. Unfortunately, while the basic genitourinary dysfunction expected to occur with progressive neurologic diseases is available in textbooks, the optimal bladder management strategy and appropriate follow-up of those afflicted with progressive neurologic diseases is often difficult to ascertain. This chapter focuses on how losses of functional independence, altered nutritional states, bowel dysfunction, and genitourinary infections affect care.
Colorectal Cancer Care Among Young Adult Patients After the Dependent Coverage Expansion Under the Affordable Care Act.

The effect of the Dependent Coverage Expansion (DCE) under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) on receipt of colorectal cancer treatment has yet to be determined. We identified newly diagnosed DCE-eligible (aged 19-25 years, n = 1924) and DCE-ineligible (aged 27-34 years, n = 8313) colorectal cancer patients from the National Cancer Database from 2007 to 2013. All statistical tests were two-sided. Post-ACA, there was a statistically significant increase in early-stage diagnosis among DCE-eligible (15 percentage point increase, confidence interval = 9.8, 20.2; P < .001), but not DCE-ineligible (P = .09), patients. DCE-eligible patients resected for IIB-IIIC colorectal cancer were more likely to receive timely adjuvant chemotherapy (hazard ratio = 1.34, 95% confidence interval = 1.05 to 1.71; 7.0 days' decrease in restricted mean time from surgery to chemotherapy, P = .01), with no differences in DCE-ineligible patients (hazard ratio = 1.10, 95% confidence interval = 0.98 to 1.24; 2.1 days' decrease, P = .41) post-ACA. Our findings highlight the role of the ACA in improving access to potentially lifesaving cancer care, including a shift to early-stage diagnosis and more timely receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy.
Stability and detection of nucleic acid from viruses and hosts in mosquito blood meals

Monitoring the presence and spread of pathogens in the environment is of critical importance. Rapid detection of infectious disease outbreaks and prediction of their spread can facilitate early responses of health agencies and reduce the severity of outbreaks. Current sampling methods are sorely limited by available personnel and throughput. For instance, xenosurveillance utilizes captured arthropod vectors, such as mosquitoes, as sampling tools to access blood from a wide variety of vertebrate hosts. Next generation sequencing (NGS) of nucleic acid from individual blooded mosquitoes can be used to identify mosquito and host species, and microorganisms including pathogens circulating within either host. However, there are practical challenges to collecting and processing mosquitoes for xenosurveillance, such as the rapid metabolization or decay of microorganisms within the mosquito midgut. This particularly affects pathogens that do not replicate in mosquitoes, preventing their detection by NGS or other methods. Accordingly, we performed a series of experiments to establish the windows of detection for DNA or RNA from human blood and/or viruses present in mosquito blood meals. Our results will contribute to trap design for mosquito-based xenosurveillance, including sample stabilization and ideal time spent from collection to NGS processing.
The incubation environment of nests deposited by a genetically distinct group of loggerhead sea turtles in Northwest Florida

Abstract The warming climate presents a challenge to conservation of all threatened and endangered species but particularly to those that exhibit temperature-dependent sex determination such as sea turtles. Changes in temperature may result in changes in the sex ratio of the population which can directly affect reproductive rate, abundance and population dynamics. The NW Atlantic loggerhead turtle population is listed as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, and one of the smallest subpopulations in this assemblage nests in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Here, we describe the incubation environment of northern Gulf of Mexico loggerheads nesting at several different beaches in Northwest Florida. Temperature dataloggers were placed inside and adjacent to nests on different nesting beaches across Northwest Florida. In addition, incubation durations were recorded from nests deposited on those same beaches. Internal nest temperatures were higher than those in the sand, however sand temperatures were correlated with incubation durations. Sand temperatures differed along the vertical beach profile and according to depth. Temperatures also differed along a geographic gradient across Northwest Florida and in relation to distance from the Apalachicola River. Incubation durations followed a similar pattern. Mean monthly temperatures at all sites were at or lower than 29 °C (range 23.1 °C–29.6 °C at the dunes; 23.8 °C–29.4 °C at mid-beach) which suggests nests in Northwest Florida may be producing a significant number of males, in contrast to the large number of females being produced on Florida’s Atlantic coast. The temperatures and incubation durations on these nesting beaches may be regulated by differing sources of sand and beach orientations across Northwest Florida.
In vitro RNA synthesis should be coupled to pyrophosphate hydrolysis.

Abstract Thermodynamics limits the number average degree of polymerization of RNA transcribed in vitro from DNA without hydrolysis of the pyrophosphate product to substantially less than 100 nucleotide units in size. The existence of considerably longer chains is initially compensated by unreacted nucleoside triphosphates and later by the presence of short chains of dubious biological utility. Pyrophosphate hydrolysis raises the upper limit of this average size by a factor of the order of 103 and effectively defers the approach to equilibrium.
Copper concentration data for water, sediments, and vegetation of urban stormwater ponds treated with copper sulfate algaecide

Abstract We characterized copper (Cu) concentrations in the water, sediments, and shoreline plants of stormwater ponds in the urban Tampa, Florida area. We selected 6 urban residential stormwater ponds that receive summer wet season (May to September) Cu sulfate applications at least twice a month. We collected triplicate water and sediment samples from each pond and analyzed for Cu, as well as nutrient pools (inorganic N and P) and a suite of other physicochemical properties (e.g., water temperature, pH, conductivity, alkalinity, etc.). We analyzed shoreline plant tissue samples for Cu. The raw dataset provides values for Cu concentrations in water, sediments and plant tissue, and other measured parameters in water and sediments. This dataset is important for characterizing the fate and potential mobility of Cu in freshwater ponds treated with Cu sulfate algaecides. This applied research data will provide baseline understanding of Cu concentrations in water, sediments, and select plant tissue samples, providing insights on potential toxicity of Cu and any threats that Cu sulfate algaecides may pose to aquatic organisms and downstream waters. This dataset can also inform future research designs aimed at elucidating the effects of Cu on denitrifying bacteria and N removal in stormwater pond ecosystems. Finally, the plant tissue data shows variable Cu concentrations among plant species, and this data can inform future phytoremediation experiments.
Thyroid effects of iodine and iodide in potable water

Experiments are reviewed which examine the comparative toxicological effects of iodide (I) and iodine (I2) when used to disinfect drinking water. References are made to a subchronic study in rats, a comparison of the distribution of radiolabeled I and I2, and a demonstration of thyroxine formation in the gastrointestinal tract. The results of the study of the rats are examined in detail; the findings show that I and I2 have opposite effects on the concentrations of thyroid hormones in blood. Iodide slightly decreases circulating thyroxine, while I2 significantly increases the thyroxine concentrations, decreases triiodothyronine levels, and does not change the weight of the thyroid gland. The related effects of I2 ingestion are set forth in detail and are shown to be unique to I2 contamination. Iodine can counteract the effects of iodide and should therefore be used as a disinfectant in drinking water.
Invasive mangroves produce unsuitable habitat for endemic goby and burrowing shrimp pairs in Kāneʻohe Bay, O‘ahu, Hawai‘i

Hawai‘ian ecosystems evolved in relative isolation and support an abundance of native and endemic species. As such, they are particularly vulnerable to introduced species that alter habitat and interfere with species interactions. Although mangroves are valued globally for shoreline protection and other services, their invasion of the Hawai‘ian islands may have negative effects on the abundance and functions of native species. On an island in Kāne‘ohe Bay, O‘ahu, we explored the relationship between invasion of the red mangrove, Rhizophora mangle, and abundance of the native burrowing shrimp Alpheus rapax, which shares its burrows with the endemic goby Psilogobius mainlandi in a mutualism that reduces predation on both. We hypothesized that the abundance of shrimp/goby burrows is reduced beneath mangroves due to increased cover associated with mangrove prop roots, which trap leaves and debris and may harbor the invasive red alga Gracilaria salicornia. At 3 mangrove-invaded sites, we conducted a survey of burrow density and benthic debris and found ~4–5× lower burrow density and 4× greater cover of debris under the mangrove edge compared to sandflats that were 1.5 and 5.0 m away. Burrow density was negatively correlated with total cover of benthic debris and with subgroups of that cover composed of G. salicornia or leaves. We tested the effect of debris removal over 2 weeks, which resulted in 3–8× more burrows. Thus, we provide evidence that invasive red mangroves, through trapping leaves and promoting presence of invasive G. salicornia among their prop roots, have strong negative effects on shrimp/goby burrow density. Although our study was limited in spatial scope, we propose that current efforts to remove mangroves in Hawai‘i, for both cultural and ecological reasons, will mitigate negative effects on endemic goby and native shrimp habitat.
Impact of Residential Neighborhood and Race/Ethnicity on Outcomes of Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19 in the Bronx

Abstract The socially vulnerable have been most affected due to the COVID-19 pandemic, similar to the aftermath of any major disaster. Racial and social minorities are experiencing a disproportionate burden of morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of residential location/community and race/ethnicity on outcomes of COVID-19 infection among hospitalized patients within the Bronx. This was a single center retrospective observational cohort study that included SARS-CoV2 positive adult residents of the Bronx (stratified as residents of South Bronx vs Rest of Bronx) hospitalized between March-May 2020. Data extracted from hospital electronic medical records included residential addresses, race, comorbidities, and insurance details. Comorbidity burden other clinical and laboratory details were also assessed to determine their correlation to COVID-19 severity of illness and outcomes of mortality and length of stay. As expected, the COVID-19 pandemic differentially affected outcomes in those in the more socially disadvantaged area of the South Bronx versus the rest of the Bronx borough. Residents of the South Bronx had a significantly higher comorbidity burden and had public insurance to access medical care in comparison to the remainder of the Bronx. Interestingly, for the patient population studied there was no observed difference in 30-day mortality by race/ethnicity among those infected with COVID- 19 in spite of the increased disease burden observed. This adds an interesting perspective to the current literature, and highlights the need to address the social/economic factors contributing to health access disparity to reduce the adverse impact of COVID-19 in these communities.
Adult Sexual Assault Severity among Transgender People of Color: The Impact of Double Marginalization

Transgender individuals are at heightened risk for sexual assault compared to cisgender people. The term transgender refers to a person whose gender identity does not correspond with their sex assi...
A personalized approach empowering successful aging: Patient perspective on fall prevention education.

BACKGROUND Falls are the leading cause of fatal injury, and the most common cause of nonfatal trauma, among older adults. However, patient perspectives on preferences for obtaining fall education are not well reported. OBJECTIVE To identify components of successful fall prevention education. DESIGN Prospective qualitative study. SETTING Tertiary care center; institutional. PARTICIPANTS Adults aged 65 years or older with a history of falls who received services from inpatient trauma or outpatient geriatric services. INTERVENTIONS One-hour face-to-face semistructured interview. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Semistructured interviews sought to determine participants' history of fall education and perceived strengths and weaknesses of various formats of fall education. RESULTS Nearly all participants (9/10) indicated they had not received fall prevention education of any kind. Many participants (6/10) reported that, despite not receiving any formal education about falls, they had either given or received information about falls from other older adults in their communities. Participants indicated that framing fall education as a part of healthy aging would be more desirable and mentioned involving participants' families as part of the education. The majority of participants (7/10) suggested fall education be delivered through in-person discussion with providers, and most (9/10) indicated this would provide a personalized approach with opportunity for questions. Participants specified fall education should consist of both environmental modifications (5/10) and awareness of one's surroundings (4/10). CONCLUSIONS Despite histories of falls, nearly all participants reported they had not received formal fall education. However, many indicated they received fall information informally through their communities. Participants agreed successful fall prevention education would be delivered in an empowering way by a trusted member of the care team.
Collaborative writing in a Chinese as a foreign language classroom: Learners’ perceptions and motivations

Abstract Although collaborative writing (CW) has become a common pedagogical practice in L2 classrooms, very few studies on CW have been conducted in the context of Chinese as a foreign language (CFL). This study examined students’ perceptional and motivational changes during a 10-week CW project implemented in an intermediate CFL classroom. Data were triangulated from different sources including pre- and post-surveys on students’ beliefs about CW, students’ self-assessment of collaborative performance, and their reflective journals. The study found that students’ perceptions of peer collaboration and personal collaborative behaviors remained stable through the progress of the CW project. However, their feelings towards the CW project revealed fluctuations insofar as they initially felt very positive and motivated to participate but became demotivated as the project progressed due to various factors such as time constraints, group incongruity, and linguistic challenges. They became re-motivated through a growing awareness of satisfying collaborative outcomes and gained a strong sense of achievement. They indicated that they were more confident and prepared to participate in future CW activities. Based on the findings of this study, pedagogical implications are addressed and suggestions are offered for implementing CW in CFL writing classrooms.
Evaluation of sleep quality among nursing faculty: Application of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index-A descriptive correlational study.

AIM The aim of this study was to describe the overall sleep quality, sleep patterns and severity of sleep difficulties among nursing faculty using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). DESIGN Cross-sectional descriptive and correlational study. METHODS A survey of faculty recruited from Texas Board of Nursing approved colleges/schools was used. A purposive, convenience sample of 105 faculty completed the PSQI, a reliable and valid instrument, in an online setting. Data was collected from January 2019 through April 2019. RESULTS Nursing faculty reported sleep difficulty across all components, with more problems in sleep latency, sleep disturbances and subjective sleep quality. Overall, 70.5% of participants were reportedly "poor" sleepers, a salient finding. Faculty experienced poor sleep quality across all academic ranks and age groups. Sleep latency and subjective sleep quality were components that presented higher in severity for the youngest faculty.
FATIGUE CHARACTERISTICS OF FLEXIBLE PAVEMENT

A three-dimensional concept of flexible pavement and asphalt paving mixture designs is presented: stability, durability, and flexural fatigue resistance. Four major factors influencing the flexural fatigue characteristics of flexible pavement and asphalt paving mixtures are analyzed with respect to the major controlling variables. These four major factors are: properties of wearing surface, properties of base course and subgrade, characteristics of loading, and effects of environment. Theories, hypotheses, and criteria for flexural fatigue failure and fracture mechanics are developed in terms of levels of strain, stress, and deflection. Possible approaches for precluding fatigue failure in flexible pavement are presented.