cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Urinary tract infections after renal transplantation: a retrospective review at two US transplant centers

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common infectious complication following renal transplantation. Previous studies uniformly report that renal transplant recipients develop UTIs more often than the general population, but widely differ on how frequently UTIs occur after transplantation. These studies also disagree on the risk factors associated with developing post-transplant UTIs, as well as the effect that UTIs may have on graft outcomes and patient mortality. We performed a retrospective cohort study including all the adult patients who received a renal transplant at two US transplant centers from January 1996 to December 2002 (500 patients). Two hundred and thirteen (43%) patients developed one or more post-transplant UTIs over a mean follow-up period of 42 months. Significant risk factors for post-transplant UTIs were advanced age, female gender, reflux kidney disease, use of azathioprine and cadaveric donor. UTIs did not increase risk for renal graft loss, but were associated with increased mortality (3.5 odds ratio, 95% confidence interval 1.68-7.23). We conclude UTIs may be associated with an increased mortality risk in renal transplant recipients. Prevention of UTIs in high-risk renal transplant patients or those with recurrent UTIs may possibly decrease post-transplant mortality.
Flavor characteristics of lactic, malic, citric, and acetic acids at various pH levels

The objective of this study was, through the use of free-choice profiling, to determine flavor characteristics of four acids (citric, malic, lactic, acetic) and two acid blends (lactic/acetic 1:1 and 2:1) at three different pH levels (3.5, 4.5, 6.5) and at 0.2% (w/v). Research was conducted to explores flavor differences and similarities among common food acidulants. Generalized Procrustes Analysis was performed on free-choice profiling data, which resulted in three significant principal axes. The first principal axis was characterized by overall intensity and sourness, the second by vinegar and saltiness, and the third by astringency.
Situation Awareness: Dealing with Vague Context

Situation awareness is considered as an approach to model user context in ubiquitous information services. Such services can intelligently infer knowledge about user situation. Moreover, situational reasoning is attained taking into consideration similarity-based approaches. This paper proposes approximate decision making about situational similarity using conceptual modelling, ontological representation, and, fuzzy logic inference
A comprehensive analysis of hemoglobin variants by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)

SummaryIntroduction High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is a method commonly used for the detection of hemoglobin (Hb) variants. In addition to providing precise quantitation of Hb A2 and Hb F, the reported retention time and peak shape of a high number of hemoglobin (Hb) variants are very helpful for presumptive identification. However, there is a scarcity of summarized data in the literature of the mobility of Hb variants on this method. Methods A total of 383 Hb variants were studied on the Bio-Rad Variant ™ Classic HPLC instrument. Hb variant identification used a number of methods, including confirmation by DNA sequencing in at least one case for all alpha and beta chain Hb variants. Results Retention time data and the number of occurrences of each Hb variant were obtained. This showed that rare Hb variants can have similar retention times to the five most common alpha or beta chain Hb variants. Conclusion HPLC is a very powerful tool in the evaluation of Hb variants, particularly when combined with other methods. However, it should not be used as a stand-alone method for definitive identification of Hb variants.
Magnetohydrodynamic Augmentation of Pulse Detonation Rocket Engines

acts to accelerate the bypass air and potentially impart an overall net positive thrust to the system. An additional magnetic piston applying energy in the pulse detonation engine chamber can also act in concert with the pulse detonation rocket-induced magnetohydrodynamic ejector for separate or additional thrust augmentation. Results show potential performance gains under many flight and operating conditions (as high as a 6% increase in total impulse per cycle) but with some challenges associated with achieving these gains, suggesting further analysis and optimization are required.
Institutional Challenges for Brazil's Economists

This article consists of the author’s address thanking ANPEC for the honor bestowed on him. It begins by mentioning a list of Brazilian economists with whom he associated and who were crucial in creating the institutional structure which made it possible for the profession to grow. The author then outlines what he considers to be some of the intellectual challenges to Brazil’s economics profession in the coming years. Resumo
An Experimental Infection Model for Escherichia coli Egg Peritonitis in Layer Chickens

SUMMARY The present study describes an experimental infection model for avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC)-induced egg peritonitis in layer chickens. First, a pilot study which consisted of two separate experiments was carried out to compare two routes of inoculations of APEC to induce peritonitis and to examine if the presence of egg yolk in the peritoneum would facilitate APEC-induced peritonitis. This study showed that the presence of egg yolk in the peritoneum facilitated the development of egg peritonitis when the APEC was inoculated via the intra-uterine (IU) route. Based on the results of the pilot study, 56-wk-old white leghorn hens were divided into two groups of five chickens, Group G (inoculated with E. coli APECO78 strain) and Group H (control). Both groups were inoculated with 2–3 ml of egg yolk via the intraperitoneal route (IP). Subsequently, hens in Group H were inoculated with only egg yolk whereas the hens in Group G were inoculated with 1 × 109 colony-forming units of APECO78 bact...
The magnetostriction of rare-earth garnets containing gallium and europium: Old theory for new problems

A calculation is made of the effect of gallium substitution upon the magnetostriction of rare-earth garnets, a problem of some interest because of the use of gallium substituted garnets as bubble-domain materials. The gallium alters the contribution to magnetostriction of the iron lattices by simple dilution and of the rare-earth lattice by reducing the exchange field acting upon the rare-earth ions. Site preference considerations must be included in the calculation. Expressions are produced for predicting the effect upon the magnetostriction constants of gallium substitution into a typical rare-earth garnet. The special case of EuIG is treated separately. Since the contribution to magnetostriction of the Eu3+ions depends on the square of the exchange field, EuIG is more strongly affected by Ga substitution than most garnets.
Scanning electrochemical microscopy part 13. Evaluation of the tip shapes of nanometer size microelectrodes

Abstract The shape of steady-state current-distance (iT-d) curves obtained by scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) with a submicrometer conical-type tip is substantially different from that obtained with a microdisk tip. A model is proposed to describe the iT-d curves for tips shaped as cones or spherical segments. In each case a family of theoretical working curves, computed for different values of a single adjustable parameter (the height of a cone or a segment), was used to fit the experimental curves obtained with tips approaching a conductive or insulating substrate. A good fit of the experimental and theoretical curves can be obtained only for a very narrow range of the tip shape parameters, giving confidence in the reliability of the proposed method. The shape parameters for two substantially different microelectrodes are evaluated. A 420 nm radius tip was shown to be a fairly sharp cone with a height-to-radius ratio k of 0.8. An 80 nm radius tip can be represented as either a cone or spherical segment, because of the small k = 0.2. The radius values obtained from iT-d curves agree with those estimated from steady-state current values. The cyclic voltammograms (CVs) obtained at these microtip electrodes have a regular shape with very small capacitive and resistive background. New analytical approximations for iT-d curves are also proposed for SECM with a disk-shaped tip over conductive and insulating substrates.
A Problem in Making Resources Last

An individual uses up a certain resource at a constant rate, but from time to time has a chance to gamble some of the resource in order to gain more. The expectation of each gamble is zero, i.e., the gambles are fair. This means that eventually the resource will run out. However, the form of the risk can be varied arbitrarily. The question is what form of risk to choose, when the object is maximize the expectation of the utility, uT, of having the resources run out at time T. This problem is solved for a more or less arbitrary function uT. Various possible interpretations of such a function uT are discussed briefly. The model is mainly intended to provide a basis for empirical studies of individual decision making, where its complete mathematical tractibility is convenient.
Moving Beyond Youth Voice

This study combines research documenting the benefits of positive relationships between youth and caring adults on a young person’s positive development with studies on youth voice to examine the mechanisms through which participation in youth programs contributes to positive developmental outcomes. Specifically, the study explores whether youth’s perceived quality relationships with adults contribute to strengthening of youth voice and in turn how the two combine to affect youth’s perception of the benefits of program participation. The findings derived from survey data regarding 748 youth who participated in youth—adult partnership programs in 29 states suggest that young people who develop positive relationships with adults perceive they have more voice in the program and in turn perceive more benefits to program participation. Implications for research and practice are presented.
QUINTUPLEXACRINUS, A NEW CLADID CRINOID GENUS FROM THE UPPER ORDOVICIAN MAQUOKETA FORMATION OF THE NORTHERN MIDCONTINENT OF THE UNITED STATES

Abstract Quintuplexacrinus new genus with Dendrocrinus oswegoensis Meek and Worthen (1868) as the type and only known species is described and assigned to the Merocrinidae. The new genus is characterized by a unique stem with a highly pentalobate axial canal; the distal column is highly differentiated with large and very high nodals and thin internodals. A cladistic analysis indicates that Quintuplexacrinus n. gen. is closely related to Praecupulocrinus. The numbers of the various orders of brachs are independent of the size and age of the animals. Within the arms only the numbers of primibrachs and secundibrachs are positively correlated. Some variation is related to position of the rays. The C ray bears the smallest number of primibrachs. The outer half-rays possess more numerous tertibrachs than the inner ones. Aboral cup growth produces a wide-based and distally expanding outline at all sizes. In general, the widths of the cup and the cup's component plates are positively allometric relative to their ...
Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use in the US Adult Low Back Pain Population

BackgroundMany people suffering from low back pain (LBP) have found conventional medical treatments to be ineffective for managing their LBP and are increasingly turning to complementary and altern...
A Family History of Lethal Prostate Cancer and Risk of Aggressive Prostate Cancer in Patients Undergoing Radical Prostatectomy

We investigated whether a family history of lethal prostate cancer (PCa) was associated with high-risk disease or biochemical recurrence in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy. A cohort of radical prostatectomy patients was stratified into men with no family history of PCa (NFH); a first-degree relative with PCa (FH); and those with a first-degree relative who had died of PCa (FHD). Demographic, operative and pathologic outcomes were analyzed. Freedom from biochemical recurrence was examined using Kaplan-Meier log rank. A multivariate Cox logistic regression analysis was also performed. We analyzed 471 men who underwent radical prostatectomy at our institution with known family history. The three groups had: 355 patients (75%) in NFH; 97 patients (21%) in FH; and 19 patients (4%) in FHD. The prevalence of a Gleason score ≥8, higher pathologic T stage, and biochemical recurrence (BCR) rates did not significantly differ between groups. On Kaplan-Meier analysis there were no differences in short-term BCR rates (p = 0.212). In this cohort of patients undergoing radical prostatectomy, those with first-degree relatives who died of PCa did not have an increased likelihood of high-risk or aggressive PCa or shorter-term risk of BCR than those who did not.
Biological based routing algorithm for mobile ad-hoc networks

This research introduces the application of a probabilistic-based Ant Routing Algorithm for Mobile Ad-hoc networks (ARAMA) that is inspired from the ant colony's life. Mobile Ad-Hoc networks (MANETs) are highly dynamic, self-configured and self-built networks. Hence, MANETs require a special type of routing algorithms to operate efficiently in such dynamic environment. These algorithms should be able to manage efficiently the usage of the limited network resources across the network nodes (i.e., node's energy, bandwidth, processing power, etc.). The goal of this research is to present ARAMA ability to route data and manage the network resources while considering the dynamic characteristics of MANETs and the need for low control overheads. The description of the algorithm is provided, which uses a probabilistic search for the near best route in the entire network concentrating in the best routes region. The nodes' and links' parameters are measured and collected in the nodes' indices. A path index is used to measure the path parameters and serves to minimize the forward control packet (ant) size. The concept of negative backward ant is introduced to aid in avoiding unwanted behavior (i.e., looping and link failures, etc.), and to speed up the fault detection and recovery process. Further, the concept of destination trail ants is introduced to dramatically minimize the initialization (learning/optimization) time as well as the connection setup time. A methodology to update the link grade is presented. The simulation results show the potential of the algorithm. The results show that ARAMA finds the best/near best path and responds well to node unavailability and the energy level changes in the network nodes. In addition, ARAMA achieves a fairness of node energy usage across the network nodes as an example of the network resource management, which helps in avoiding early node failure because of energy depletion. More, The results show the ability of the algorithm to optimize more than one parameter. In addition, a comparison between ARAMA and Ad hoc On Demand Distance Vector algorithm AODV is presented to show the potential of ARAMA.
The O2(b1Σ) dayglow emissions: application to middle and upper atmosphere remote sensing1 1This article is part of a Special issue that honours the work of Dr. Donald M. Hunten FRSC who passed away in December 2010 after a very illustrious career.

The O2 atmospheric band transition is observed in the altitude region between ∼40 and 200 km in the dayglow and between ∼80 and 100 km in the nightglow. Wallace and Hunten (J. Geophys. Res. 73, 4813 (1968)) presented the first detailed analysis of the sources and sinks of this O2 airglow emitting state. Because of its extended altitude coverage, bright signal, and spectral and photometric properties, this emission provides an important means to remotely sense the thermal, dynamical, and compositional structures of the upper atmosphere. In this paper we present a photochemical and emission–absorption model that calculates the spectral brightnesses of the four brightest vibrational manifolds of this band system that, for the first time, extends from the mesosphere to the thermosphere. This model incorporates the latest rate constants, cross sections, and spectral parameters relevant to this emission, some of which were not considered in previous remote sensing retrieval applications. The model results are c...
Identification of Gimbaled Gyroscopic Systems Using Higher Order Sliding Mode Observers

In industry it is often necessary to create a representative mathematical model of a piece of unknown or partially known hardware. Solutions to this problem exist for linear systems, but depend heavily on the availability of the system state vector and its derivative for calculation. This paper proposes the use of recent advances in sliding mode control and observation theory to overcome this data requirement. The higher order sliding mode (HOSM) control based identification algorithm that incorporates higher order sliding mode differentiators has been used for identification of a linearized 2-axis gimbaled gyroscope system. A full non-linear model of the system is created via system identification using the results of the identification. The identification process is performed for both exact and noisy measurements showing exceptional performance of the HOSM-based identification algorithm.
On the Microcirculation in the Human Conjunctiva

The microcirculation includes the smallest arterioles, capillaries, and venules with vessel diameters ranging from 8 to 150 μm and it represents a region where active and passive exchanges of nutrients and gasses take place. The microvessels’ rheological properties differ from large arteries: they are less viscous, and demonstrate autoregulation [3]. Epidemiologists study the microcirculation in detail and have identified associations between microvascular disorder and organ damage. The organization of the microvascular network can be different in different sites but the networks serve the common function in the delivery of nutrients to the surrounding tissues. This is controlled by a distribution of blood flow based on local metabolic needs. Under challenge or in the development of diseases, the microcirculation responds by selectively regulating blood flow. A comparison between healthy and diseased states may lead to the identification of changes in the microcirculation that can be used as diagnosis for a variety of vascular related disorders [4, 5].© 2013 ASME
The Teachings of Antonio Rosmini and the Censures Passed upon them by Ecclesiastical Authority

Antonio Rosmini Serbati, who was born at Rovereto in the Italian Tyrol, in 1797, was well equipped in spirit to make a good use of the advantages which fell to him as the son of a noble family and heir to a large estate. From the period of youth the zeal and devotion of his serious nature were given to religion and philosophy. Among the standing memorials of his service to the former is the Institute of the Brethren of Charity. His ambition to promote the latter is attested by a group of writings which vies in bulk with the contributions of the most prolific of modern philosophers.
Screening Cognitive Abilities in Adults with Developmental Disabilities: Correlations of the K-BIT, PPVT-3, WRAT-3, and CVLT

A screening battery composed of the K-BIT, PPVT-3, WRAT-3, and CVLT was administered to a population of adults with developmental disabilities residing in an intermediate care facility/mental retardation. The cognitive areas investigated were general ability, receptive vocabulary, achievement, and verbal memory. Of primary interest were the correlations between these instruments when administered to this population. The correlations between the K-BIT, PPVT-3, and WRAT-3 were direct and strong, ranging from .72 to .98, whereas the correlations between these tests and the CVLT were direct and moderate, ranging from .45 to .69. These findings support the convergent validity of the K-BIT, PPVT-3, and WRAT-3, and the divergent validity of the CVLT when administered to adults with developmental disabilities.
Artificial Insemination Homologous and its Role in the Management of Infertility

Fifty-seven cases of homologous artificial insemination (AIH) were reviewed as well as the reason for performing the insemination. Three patients had AIH because of impotence, and two conceived. Twenty-nine patients whose husbands had sperm counts of less than 40 million/ml had AIH combined with split ejaculates, and seven (24.1%) became pregnant. Twenty-five patients had AIH because of persistent, unexplained, poor postcoital tests despite a normal semen picture, and eight (32%) became pregnant.
Treatment Options for Aneurysms in High-Risk Patients

The increasing prevalence of aneurysms in an aging population bears with it increasing numbers of patients who are less than optimal candidates for resection. It is likely that the majority of such patients can undergo standard resection, either by referral to a center where the management of the elderly chronically ill is commonplace or by providing intensive preoperative metabolic, cardiac, pulmonary, and nutritional resuscitation. Such preoperative preparation might well include coronary revascularization or carotid endarterectomy. For the occasional patient in whom medical comorbidity is advanced and fixed, or in whom rapid aneurysm expansion or worsening symptoms mandate immediate management, yet operative risk for standard aneurysm resection seems inordinately high, several nonresective options have been identified and tested. Among these options, aneurysm exclusion appears to have significantly better results (in terms of lower rates of operative mortality and subsequent aneurysm rupture) than distal aneurysm ligature. A more recent technique, aneurysm bypass, may have potential but has not been tested for a long enough period, or by an adequate number of surgeons, to have established itself as a nonresective option. Clinical judgment, technical expertise, and a willingness to seek assistance and consultation remain the hallmarks of the optimal management of the patient with an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Once Upon a Time, the Novel Had a Structure

Once upon a time the novel had a structure. That is to say, it appeared in a particular way, a ‘realistic’ way. This way was not Sterne’s way or Diderot’s or De Maistre’s, but Defoe’s and Richardson’s, since Sterne and Diderot and De Maistre wrote another way. Another novel way. The manner of the novel structure that finally became Scott’s had its origins in the ‘realistic’ patterns established by Defoe and Richardson whose allegiences to exterior settings and interior atmospheres, to life-like character representations and dialogues with tags, eventually yielded to Scott’s modification of the structure. Scott’s form became a way of disciplined categories of realistic representation, that is, a form which one could easily recognize (even without the blurb on the dust jacket) as being ‘a novel.’ It need not be belabored that the reason Scott became so popular was that he was able to develop a form of narrative discourse that both effectively fictionalized the historical discourse of the time, ‘showed a flair for the highly coloured, picturesque incident and situation and revealed himself a master of “tushery”,’1 and expanded on the techniques of Defoe and Richardson thus creating a ‘new realism’ that, for better or worse, has remained forever vital to today.
Lack of Association of Mutations in IDH1, IDH2, DNMT3A with Outcome in Older Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia Treated with Hypomethylating Agents (± Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors).

Abstract 2483 Background: Mutations of several genes believed to be important in the methylation apparatus of the cell have been recently described in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) but their presence has not been correlated with a worse or better outcome using hypomethylating agents. Methods: We evaluated the association of mutations in IDH1, IDH2, DNMT3A , and EZH2 with the outcome [complete response (CR) rate, event free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS)] among patients older than 60 with AML (≥ 20% blasts) treated with hypomethylating agents as their first line of treatment. TET2 mutations were not evaluated due to lack of available material. Results: Among the 68 patients (median age 72 years; range, 60 – 83) with available data, 11 patients (16%) had IDH1 or IDH2 mutations (mutually exclusive) and 10 patients (15%) had DNMT3A mutations with 5 patients (7%) having both IDH and DNMT3A mutations. Cytogenetics was diploid in 19 (28%), abnormal chromosome 5/7 and/or complex in 27 (40%), trisomy 8 in 5 (7%), miscellaneous in 14 (21%), and insufficient in 3 (4%). Presence of IDH mutations was associated with a diploid karyotype and the presence of NPM1 mutations (p=.03 and p=.02, respectively) but not with FLT3- ITD or RAS mutations (present in 7 and 4 patients, respectively). DNMT3A mutations were not associated with any specific karyotype or with the presence of NPM1 , FLT3 -ITD, or RAS mutations. None of the 68 patients had EZH2 mutations. All patients were treated with hypomethylating agents [decitabine in 39 (57%) and 5-azacytidine in 29 (43%)] with 42 patients (62%) receiving concomitant histone deacetylase inhibitor therapy (SAHA or valproic acid). Overall, 17 patients (25%) achieved CR; the presence of IDH or DNMT3A mutations or both was not associated with achievement of CR. With a median duration of follow-up of 60 months, the median EFS is 3.3 months (range, 0.25 – 3.75 months) and the median overall survival is 6 months (range, 0.25 – 90.5 months). Presence of IDH mutations was not associated with an impact on EFS (p=.29) or OS (p=.14). Similarly, DNMT3A mutations were not associated with an effect on EFS (p=.21) or OS (p=.58). The presence of both IDH and DNMT3A mutations was also not associated with a better or worse response, EFS, or OS as compared with patients with neither mutation. Conclusion: We were not able to detect an association between presence of IDH1/2 and DNMT3A mutations and outcome in this elderly population of patients with AML treated with epigenetic modulators. Disclosures: Ravandi: Johnson and Johnson: Honoraria; Celgene: Research Funding. Off Label Use: Use of decitabine, 5-azacytidine, SAHA, and valproic acid in the treatment of older patients with AML. Garcia-Manero: Celgene: Research Funding. Cortes: Celgene: Research Funding; Eisai: Research Funding.
Use of Reflux Medications in Premature Infants After Hospital Discharge.

* Abbreviations: GER — : gastroesophageal reflux H2 — : histamine-2 NEC — : necrotizing enterocolitis VLBW — : very low birth weight Medications are frequently used to treat gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in premature infants.1–4 However, diagnostic modalities for GER are poor and clinical diagnosis is highly variable. Like all medications, GER medications have side effects specific to their drug class. In addition, a number of these medications have been associated with significant harm (eg, sepsis, necrotizing enterocolitis [NEC]) in large cohort studies.2,5–7 In this issue of Pediatrics , D’Agostino et al use an electronic health record from 30 sites in Pennsylvania and New Jersey to document the use of GER medications in infants ≤35 weeks’ gestation at birth born between January 2005 and January 2009.8 They find that 37% (812 of 2217) of the cohort was treated with GER medications in the first year of life. Strikingly, in >75% of cases, these medications were started after the initial presentation to the ambulatory setting. The length of exposure to these medications was prolonged: 375 days (interquartile range: 165–515) for … Address correspondence to P. Brian Smith, MD, MPH, MHS, Duke Clinical Research Institute, PO Box 17969, Durham, NC 27715. E-mail: brian.smith{at}duke.edu
In Support of Trademark Trial and Appeal Board Rulemaking: Replacing the Two-Month Time Period with a Sixty-Three Day Time Period

The Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences (now Patent Trial and Appeal Board) and the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board previously made rules to set the judicial review time period to two-months from the date of their decision. An exception for February 28th was provided in order to comply with the 60-day minimum judicial review time period mandated by statute. In 2012, the Patent Trial and Appeal Board replaced its two-month judicial review time period with a 63-day time period, and thus eliminated the need for a February 28th exception and avoided several other exceptions. However, at that time, the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board did not follow in kind. Just recently, the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board announced its change of its two-month judicial review time period to a sixty-three day time period thereby aligning with the judicial review time periods once again. The exceptions avoided are explained herein. Changing month-based terms to day-based (or week-based) terms makes it easier to know when the day is. Easier calculations help others avoid being a day late.
Zukunftsmusik/Music of the Future: A Moral Question

Did Music of the Future, which involved Richard Wagner, Franz Liszt, and their followers, concern musical style or was it actually a political party? Wagner’s anti-Semitic views, first made public ...
Multivariate summer school effects

Abstract The effect of assignment to and participation in summer school for a moderately at-risk sample of kindergarten students was examined with multivariate analytic methods. A multivariate analysis of variance applied to difference scores capturing the change in summer literacy outcomes revealed that kindergarten students randomly assigned to summer school outperformed their control group peers on a linear composite of early literacy indicators. The estimated group difference was greater when participation in summer school was distinguished from receipt of the summer program offer in analyses that explicitly adjusted for the proportion of students who failed to comply with their assignment. These results demonstrate that the nature and generalizability of the inference regarding program performance varies in relation to the intended and achieved design and the analytic model applied to data. Implications for the evaluation of summer school programs are discussed.
From Using Tools to Using Language in Infant Siblings of Children with Autism

Forty-one high-risk infants (HR) with an older sibling with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) were observed longitudinally at 10, 12, 18 and 24 months of age during a tool use task in a play-like scenario. Changes in grasp types and functional actions produced with a spoon were assessed during elicited tool use. Outcome and vocabulary measures were available at 36 months, distinguishing: 11 HR-ASD, 15 HR-language delay and 15 HR-no delay. Fewer HR-ASD infants produced grasp types facilitating spoon use at 24 months and functional actions at 10 months than HR-no delay. Production of functional actions in HR infants at 10 months predicted word comprehension at 12 months and word production at 24 and 36 months.
Gendered Leadership Networks in the NCAA: Analyzing Affiliation Networks of Senior Woman Administrators and Athletic Directors

The purpose of this study is to examine and compare the informal networks of both senior woman administrators (SWAs) and athletic directors (ADs) within National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I institutions. Drawing on extant literature citing the underrepresentation of women in sport leadership positions, we incorporate a network approach to build and analyze affiliation networks of SWAs and ADs. Guided by the framework of Leadership in Networks, we argue that the social structures within which ADs and SWAs operate impact opportunities for leader emergence and leadership outcomes. By comparing the AD and SWA affiliation networks, we illustrate the differences in informal networks among men and women leaders in sport, highlighting how informal networks may contribute to the lack of women in sport leadership positions. Previous scholars have long cited an “old boys’ club” as a barrier to women achieving leadership positions, but we argue these studies have largely relied on dispositional evidenc...
Paper piano: making circuits with everyday things

The Paper Piano is a beginner-friendly hands-on activity where participants build a working piano using paper and conductive paint and tune it to the notes of the pentatonic scale. The piano is powered by an Arduino microcontroller. This is part of a series of activities to teach science and engineering concepts using building, crafts, and art.In this activity, participants learn about electrical resistance, how electricity flows through circuits, conductive materials, and the pentatonic scale. We have successfully demonstrated this activity to learners from elementary school age to college students, and participants frequently express genuine astonishment at their ability to construct a working electronic musical instrument out of everyday craft materials.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6lTidhGcgE
Spatio-Temporal Instabilities in Closed and Open Flows

A review is given of the general theory describing the linear evolution of spatio-temporal instability waves in fluid media. According to the character of the impulse response, one can distinguish between absolutely unstable (closed) flows and convectively unstable (open) flows. These notions are then applied to several evolution models of interest in weakly nonlinear stability theory. It is argued that absolutely unstable flows, convectively unstable flows and mixed flows exhibit a very different sensitivity to external perturbations. Implications of these concepts to frequency selection mechanisms in mixed flows and the onset of chaos in convectively unstable flows are also discussed.
Herbage Accumulation, Nutritive Value, and Regrowth Potential of Sunn Hemp at Different Harvest Regimens and Maturity

Low productivity and nutritive value of cool-season perennial forages, such as tall fescue [Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort.] during summer necessitates the identification of warm-season forages that improve nutritive value and yield of cool-season-based forage systems. A fast-growing, warm-season tropical legume sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea L.) has the potential to accomplish this. Our objectives were to evaluate herbage accumulation and nutritive value (crude protein [CP], in vitro true digestibility [IVTD], neutral detergent fiber [NDF], acid detergent fiber [ADF], and NDF digestibility [NDFD, 48 h]) of sunn hemp harvested 35, 45, and 55 d after planting (DAP) at 10- and 15-cm heights and to determine regrowth potential when harvested 20 d after each initial harvest over two consecutive years. Sunn hemp herbage accumulation averaged 1.9 and 3.1 Mg ha⁻¹ at 45 and 55 DAP, respectively. Herbage accumulation of initial harvest increased linearly from 35 to 45 to 55 DAP by 119 and 57%, respectively. Herbage accumulation of regrowth after the 35 DAP initial harvest was 262 and 303% greater than the 45 and 55 DAP initial harvests, respectively. Cutting height did not affect (P > 0.05) any variables. The greatest CP (154 g kg⁻¹ dry matter) was observed at 35 DAP and decreased linearly with DAP. Both NDF (P < 0.01) and ADF (P = 0.01) concentrations increased linearly with DAP for both initial and regrowth harvests. The IVTD of initial and regrowth harvests averaged 794 and 624 g kg⁻¹ dry matter, respectively. Forage NDFD for initial and regrowth harvests averaged 487 and 392 g kg⁻¹ NDF, respectively. Nutritive value and herbage accumulation of sunn hemp can be optimized by initially harvesting between 35 and 45 DAP, and leaving at least 10 cm of residue to allow for regrowth.
Integrated data-driven 3D shale lithofacies modeling of the Bakken Formation in the Williston basin, North Dakota, United States

Abstract Integrated petrophysical analysis is used in conventional and unconventional reservoirs to visualize the distribution pattern of different lithofacies and interpret depositional environments. In this study, core data from 17 wells and well logs from 517 wells are used to construct 3D data-driven lithofacies models for the upper and lower shale members in the Bakken Formation of the Williston basin in North Dakota, United States. The principal objective of this multi-scale (core, well log, and regional) study is to use the petrophysical response of lithofacies defined in core from a very limited number of wells to identify different shale lithofacies in the Bakken Formation in the numerous and geographically extensive wells with wireline log suites. Shale lithofacies are defined in the core using quantitative mineralogy, Total Organic Carbon content, and petrophysical properties. These lithofacies are calibrated to advanced geochemical spectroscopy logs and conventional well logs at well scales. A machine learning algorithm, Support Vector Machine, is used to recognize the pattern of different shale lithofacies, associated with basic petrophysical parameters from ubiquitous conventional well log suites. Sequential Indicator Simulation is used to populate all lithofacies in a 3D grid, covering a large portion of the Williston basin in North Dakota. The results show that the Bakken shale members are vertically and laterally heterogeneous, but are successfully classified into five different lithofacies. Organic-rich shale lithofacies outweigh the proportion of organic-lean shale lithofacies. It appears several factors influenced the pattern of shale lithofacies distribution of the Bakken Formation.
Dead forests burning: the influence of beetle outbreaks on fire severity and legacy structure in sub‐boreal forests

Recent regional mountain pine beetle (MPB) outbreaks have generated unprecedented tree mortality across the fire‐prone landscapes of western North American forests and could potentially modify fire severity and postfire ecological effects. In 2012, 2013, and 2014, three fires burned through high mortality, gray‐phase lodgepole pine‐dominated forests in the plateau regions of central interior British Columbia, Canada, providing an opportunity to test for interactions between MPB outbreaks and wildfires. We inventoried 63 plots that spanned gradients of outbreak severity, fire severity, and burning conditions in a wilderness setting. Our objective was to evaluate the influence of outbreak severity on fire severity by assessing typical first‐order fire effects as well as legacy structure related to the consumption of woody biomass on snags/trees. We found no evidence of a relationship between outbreak severity and fire severity for six of seven first‐order fire effects, with the exception of deep charring. We found evidence that legacy structure in the form of consumed branch structure and deep char development had greater odds of occurrence on MPB‐killed snags compared to trees killed during wildfire. Our results indicate two key findings. First, fire severity as it relates to most first‐order fire effects measures is not influenced by outbreak severity, instead it is more strongly influenced by the interaction of fuels, weather, and topography during fire events. Second, our results highlight how the interaction between outbreak severity and fire severity alters postfire structural legacies and their functional attributes, which could have important ecosystem implications.
How did Americans Really Think About the Apple/FBI Dispute? A Mixed-method Study

Second-level agenda-setting suggests that news media influence how we think. As a case study examining the nature and effects of mainstream news media’s coverage of the 2015 Apple/FBI dispute about...
Emotional Intelligence and Homophobia

Emotional intelligence dictates that individuals react in a certain way because they are wired to respond emotionally to certain triggers. These emotional triggers can be either positive or negative. Those who understand the use of negative emotional intelligence can channel manipulative behavior into concrete outcomes as a direct result of the feelings created. Negative emotional intelligence thus can be used to perpetuate groupthink, which leads to bias, prejudice, stereotypes, and stigmatization. Bias, both deliberate and implicit, is still prevalent with regard to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (“LGBT’) community despite the strides and advances that have occurred since the Supreme Court ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges. This proposition is demonstrated in “religious freedom” arguments presented in the Supreme Court case of Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission. It is also apparent in the Department of Defense’s “national security” approach to transgender individuals. The use of these terms — “religious freedom” and “national security” — allows people to mask their implicit bias and permits marginalization of this minority group. This Article will demonstrate that by using the lenses of religious freedom, religious speech, and national security, anti-LGBT bias can be disguised and the dignity of LGBT individuals harmed. These lenses allows individuals to argue that it is not homophobic to refuse to bake a cake or take wedding photos, or that it is not transphobic to ban transgendered individuals from military service, but rather it is a principled stand based on religious beliefs and national security. To counter these negative attacks, positive emotional intelligence must be reinforced through reiterating and reflecting on how values such as equality and dignity should uphold the social good and not be used to harm a disenfranchised and minority group.
A three-dimensional interconnected polymer/ceramic composite as a thin film solid electrolyte

Abstract In this work we introduce an approach to fabricate a solid composite electrolyte film that is thin, ionically conductive, and mechanically robust with good potential for manufacturability, in the application of lithium metal batteries. First a doped-lithium aluminum titanium phosphate ceramic thin film with thickness of ~25 ​μm is formed by aqueous spray coating, a scalable process. The film is partially sintered to form a three-dimensionally interconnected structure with a dense backbone. It is then backfilled with a crosslinkable poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)-based polymer electrolyte. The composite has very high ceramic loading of 77 ​wt% (61 ​vol%) and an ionic conductivity of 3.5 ​× ​10-5 ​S/cm at 20 ​°C with an activation energy of 0.43 ​eV. The main ion transport pathway is through the ceramic network, predicted by modelling and verified by experiments. Owing to the interconnected structure of the ceramic, the composite electrolyte exhibits much improved mechanical strength.
Automating Your Existing Clinical Instruments: Allows Easy Interface of Mechanical and Electronic Instruments to Specimen Transport Systems

Laboratory automation systems (LAS) provide full automation of the pre-, peri-, and post-analytical specimen processing tasks in clinical laboratories. However, many existing instruments are diffic...
Cell surface-expression of the phosphate-binding protein PstS: System development, characterization, and evaluation for phosphorus removal and recovery

Abstract Simultaneous overabundance and scarcity of inorganic phosphate (Pi) is a critical issue driving the development of innovative water/wastewater treatment technologies that not only facilitate Pi removal to prevent eutrophication, but also recover Pi for agricultural reuse. Here, a cell-surface expressed high-affinity phosphate binding protein (PstS) system was developed, and its Pi capture and release potential was evaluated. E. coli was genetically modified to express PstS on its outer membrane using the ice nucleation protein (INP) as an anchoring motif. Verification of protein expression and localization were performed utilizing SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), western blot, and outer membrane separation analyses. Cell surface characterization was investigated through acid-base titration, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). These tests provided information on the macromolecular structure and composition of the bacteria surface as well as the proton-exchange properties of the surface functional groups (i.e., pKa values). Phosphate desorption and adsorption batch experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of temperature, pH, and ionic strength on phosphate capture and release. The PstS surface-displayed cells demonstrated greater potential to release and capture phosphate compared to non-modified cells. Higher temperatures up to 40°C, basic pH conditions (pH = 10.5), and higher ionic strength up to 1.0 mol/L KCl promoted 20%–50% higher phosphate release.
Factors influencing uptake of changes to clinical preventive guidelines

Background: Despite widespread recognition that adherence to clinical preventive guidelines improves patient outcomes, clinicians struggle to implement guideline changes in a timely manner. Multiple factors influence guideline adoption and effective implementation. However, few studies evaluate their collective and inter-related effects. This qualitative study provides a comprehensive picture of the interplay between multiple factors on uptake of new or changed preventive guidelines. Methods: Semistructured interviews conducted in 2018 with a diverse sample of clinicians and practice leaders sought to understand patient, clinician, practice, health system, environment, and guideline factors of influence. An immersion-crystallization approach was used to identify emergent themes. Results: Interviewees expressed motivation to adhere to guidelines but also valued sharing decisions with patients. Personal biases and fears affected both clinician and patient guideline adoption. Practices facilitated implementation through workflow optimization and encouraging a culture of evidence-based practice while a key health system function was to maintain electronic health record alerts. More traditional environmental factors, such as insurance coverage or transportation, were less of a barrier to guideline adoption and implementation than the influence of media and specialists. Various specific guideline characteristics also affected ease of adoption and implementation. Different settings expressed greater health system, practice, or clinician-centric approaches to guideline implementation. Conclusions: Guideline uptake is influenced by a complex interplay of multiple levels of factors including the patient, clinician, practice, health system, environment, and guideline levels. Comprehensively understanding all levels of influence for each specific clinical setting may help to determine the optimal intervention(s) for improving uptake of evidence-based guidelines.
Higher-Level Meta-Adaptation Mitigates Visual Distortions Produced by Lower-Level Adaptation:

The visual system adapts to the environment, changing neural responses to aid efficiency and improve perception. However, these changes sometimes lead to negative consequences: If neurons at later processing stages fail to account for adaptation at earlier stages, perceptual errors result, including common visual illusions. These negative effects of adaptation have been termed the coding catastrophe. How does the visual system resolve them? We hypothesized that higher-level adaptation can correct errors arising from the coding catastrophe by changing what appears normal, a common form of adaptation across domains. Observers (N = 15) viewed flickering checkerboards that caused a normal face to appear distorted. We tested whether the visual system can adapt to this adaptation-distorted face through repeated viewing. Results from two experiments show that such meta-adaptation does occur and that it makes the distorted face gradually appear more normal. Meta-adaptation may be a general strategy to correct negative consequences of low-level adaptation.