cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Photobehavior as an inducible defense in the marine copepod Calanopia americana

The photoresponses of Calanopia americanainvolved in diel vertical migration (DVM) were tested after exposure of copepods to the following predator kairomones: (1) crude body mucus from fish ( heteroclitus), (2) crude body mucus from ctenophores (Mnemiopsis leidyi), and (3) ,10-kDa F. heteroclitus odor. Crude mucus (10% v/v) from fish and ctenophores and ,10-kDa fish odor at several concentrations (0.01‐10% v/v) either shifted or removed the ascent response of C. americana to relative rates of irradiance decrease that occur at sunset. The estimated concentrations of uronic acids and sulfated glycosaminoglycans in the test solutions are consistent with bioactive kairomone molecules being modified amino sugars. The phenotypic plasticity of photoresponses underlying DVM in this marine copepod species indicates that vertical migration in some marine crustacean zooplankton is likely an inducible defense, as reported for crustacean zooplankton from other habitats.
Bounty hunters: a look behind the hype

Purpose – To identify and assess the current state of professionalism and operations in the field of bail recovery, or bounty hunting.Design/methodology/approach – A multi‐method approach, which integrated information from interviews with bond agents with information taken from a survey of workers in the bond field.Findings – Survey respondents averaged 51 years of age, and were mostly Caucasian males. Most were religious and conservative, and over 25 percent reported having obtained a four‐year college degree. Roughly one‐third of all survey respondents reported experience in law enforcement; nearly half indicated having specialized skills in weaponry. Money was the most cited reason for becoming a bail enforcement agent, and most respondents believed that bail enforcement agents are an under‐appreciated component of the criminal justice system.Research limitations/implications – These findings were taken from a small number of survey respondents. Consequently, these data are not assumed to be representa...
Capillary zone electrophoresis as a tool for bottom-up protein analysis

Background A small community of researchers is reinvestigating capillary zone electrophoresis-MS (CZE-MS) for protein analysis. CZE provides a remarkably simple separation mechanism, very low cost instrumentation and very high resolution separations. Depending on its operational conditions, CZE can provide rapid separations for high-throughput analysis, or it can provide slow separations for deep bottom-up analysis of complex proteomes. This effort has produced a remarkable improvement in performance. One metric is the number of detected peptides in a bottom-up single-shot analysis of complex proteomes, which has averaged roughly a tenfold improvement in each of the last 3 years. While pharmaceutical and clinical researchers may not require analysis of complex proteomes, the experience gained in proteomic analysis provides guidance for analysis of less complex samples. This commentary highlights several challenges that have been faced and solutions demonstrated in CZE analysis of proteins.
An Experimental Study of Robust Distributed Multi-robot Data Association from Arbitrary Poses

In this work, we experimentally investigate the problem of computing the relative transformation between multiple vehicles from corresponding inter-robot observations during autonomous operation in a common unknown environment. Building on our prior work, we consider an EM-based methodology which evaluates sensory observations gathered over vehicle trajectories to establish robust relative pose transformations between robots. We focus on experimentally evaluating the performance of the approach as well as its computational complexity and shared data requirements using multiple autonomous vehicles (aerial robots). We describe an observation subsampling technique which utilizes laser scan autocovariance to reduce the total number of observations shared between robots. Employing this technique reduces run time of the algorithm significantly, while only slightly diminishing the accuracies of computed inter-robot transformations. Finally, we provide discussion on data transfer and the feasibility of implementing the approach on a mesh network.
Diamond Package for 10 Gbps EA Driver IC

By suddenly expansion of the internet communications, signal capacity of communication systems has grown rapidly and the speed of each IC using in the communication systems has been faster, and then the power density of the IC has become lager. On the other hand, the assemble density of IC has been rapidly increased, for example, in the WDM communication systems. So the thermal dissipation performance of the package has become more important. We developed a new concept metal base package using CVD diamond, which has the highest thermal conductivity of all materials, for the 10 Gbps EA driver IC. This IC is one of the most power consumption and highest speed using the light communication. Although the FET temperature of the diamond package reduce to the same as that of a conventional package, we could the size of the diamond package could decreased by 60% in comparison with that of a conventional package. We also ensured that the electrical performance of the diamond package was equivalent to that of the conventional package.
MITOCHONDRIAL DNA PHYLOGEOGRAPHY OF PEROGNATHUS AMPLUS AND PEROGNATHUS LONGIMEMBRIS (RODENTIA: HETEROMYIDAE): A POSSIBLE MAMMALIAN RING SPECIES.

Substantiated cases of ring species in mammals are rare. I examined the variation in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of Perognathus amplus and P. longimembris in and around Arizona to test the hypothesis proposed by Hoffmeister (1986) that these two taxa are members of a single ring species demonstrating circular overlap. Through digestion of purified mtDNA from 45 P. amplus and 35 P. longimembris with 16 type II restriction enzymes, I identified 38 distinct haplotypes that belong to eight different evolutionary lineages. I then amplified and directly sequenced a portion of the mitochondrial cytochrome-b region from individuals representative of the lineages identified by restriction fragments, and used these data for phylogeny reconstruction in both a parsimony and neighbor-joining setting. The resulting phylogeny was consistent with the ring hypothesis, but, based on the incompleteness of the ring of subspecies and the apparent timing of evolutionary events in this group, I conclude that P. amplus and P. longimembris are distinct lineages that have completed the speciation process.
Selected Energy Epitaxy of Gallium Nitride

A new apparatus for III-V nitride growth by selected energy epitaxy (SEE) is described. The multi-chamber system comprises a doubly differentially pumped molecular beam source, UHV-compatible growth chamber, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) chamber, UHV transfer line, and loadlock. The growth chamber is equipped for in situ quadrupole mass spectrometry and reflection high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED). Preliminary results of GaN SEE using hyperthermal beams of trimethylgallium (TMG) and ammonia (NH 3 ) are presented.
Mechanical Characterization and Corrosion Testing Of X608 Al Alloy

This paper describes the mechanical characterization and corrosion testing of X608 Al alloy that is being considered for A-pillar covers for heavy-duty truck applications. Recently, PNNL developed a thermo-mechanical process to stamp A-pillar covers at room temperature using this alloy, and the full-size prototype was successfully stamped by a tier-1 supplier. This study was conducted to obtain additional important information related to the newly developed forming process, and to further improve its mechanical properties. The solutionization temperature, pre-strain and paint-bake heat-treatment were found to influence the alloy’s fabricability and mechanical properties. Natural aging effect on the formability was investigated by limiting dome height (LDH) tests. Preliminary corrosion experiments showed that the employed thermo-mechanical treatments did not significantly affect the corrosion behavior of Al X608.
The Midlevel Practitioner Role: One Medical Center’s Experience

Numerous trends in the current health-care environment have converged to produce an increased emphasis on the role of the midlevel practitioner. Financial constraints head the list, including a mandate for the best care at the lowest rates and a resulting shift from costly specialists to primary care providers. The desire to conserve human and technologic resources requires a practitioner with advanced knowledge and skills to serve as gatekeeper in terms of facilitating access to health care, establishing efficient referral patterns, and developing a holistic care plan. The midlevel practitioner also is prepared to facilitate the transition from the intensive care unit to the less costly general care areas. In addition, the inevitable reduction in funds for graduate medical education and the dwindling number of first-year medical students choosing internal medicine as a specialty threaten the ability of academic medical centers in particular to provide adequate housestaff coverage to full-time and voluntary faculty members. Physicians eager to provide efficient, seamless care to patients in the acute care setting, while maintaining an office practice and caseloads at several hospitals, find the support provided by a midlevel practitioner an enhancement to their clinical practice and a solution to the continuous management of acute and chronically ill patients. In this article, the authors describe one medical center's experience in implementing the midlevel practitioner role.
Proximal neuropathy in Colles' fracture.

Background Peripheral nerve injury at the wrist following Colles' fracture is rare and usually located in the region of the fracture. Mononeuropathies in the proximal forearm have not been reported. Method We present two patients with Colles' fracture with proximal forearm neuropathies. Results Both cases were associated with mononeuropathies in the forearm as proximal as the elbow, involving the median, ulnar and radial nerves in one, and the median and ulnar nerves in the other. Conclusion Following Colles' fracture proximal nerve involvement may occur and, with increased awareness, this lesion may be identified more frequently.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration monitoring of lead in domestic and imported ceramic dinnerware.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted a survey of domestic and imported ceramic dinnerware from January to February 1992 to determine the status of lead leaching from this ware. Ceramicware was screened at the collection point by using the Quick Color Test (QCT); if the QCT was positive, the ware was analyzed in the laboratory by using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). For imports, 5222 lots were examined using the QCT. Of these lots, 46 exceeded FDA's 1991 guidelines as determined by using AAS. For domestic ware, 676 lots were examined using the QCT, and 17 lots exceeded the 1991 guidelines. The violation rates, 0.9% for imports and 2.5% for domestic ware, were about twice as high as they would have been under the 1980 guidelines.
Integrating integrated laboratory information into health care delivery systems.

Attention to integration of laboratory data and its integration into clinical processes and enterprises can help make the laboratory’s work a more integral part of clinical practice. The resulting integration holds great potential for improving the quality and effectiveness of care and adding to the clinical value of the laboratory work.
Improved passive filter configurations for high-frequency conducted EMI in power electronics

EMI filter design is critical for power electronics equipment to be in compliance with the EMI/EMC standards. A good filter design realizes effective high frequency attenuation. Such a design is often achieved empirically, with good common sense, and deemed, by and large, as an art rather than a science. It is well known that the filter parasitics are detrimental to its ability to attenuate high frequency noise. In this paper, the critical effects of parasitics, including component self-parasitics and their respective mutual coupling effects, are first identified and their impact to both differential and common mode noise are quantified. Filter design techniques are proposed to mitigate these adverse effects due to self and mutual parasitics. While reduction of certain critical parasitics such as, ESE of filter capacitors and certain mutual couplings can be realized relatively easily in the conventional discrete filter design practice, reduction of the winding capacitance of the common-mode/differential mode inductor can best be implemented in an integrated filter design. Methods of reducing structural parasitics are investigated in this integrated filter design approach and a design technique proposed for canceling the winding capacitance of inductors that results in significant improvement of CM noise attenuation. A unique class of integrated distributed interconnect EMI filter is introduced. Experimental results are provided to substantiate all the claims made in the paper
Quality of Life Scores Pre and Post Autologous Stem Cell Transplant: A Comparison of Patients Greater Than 60-Years-Old Vs Younger Than 60-Years-Old

Prospective quality of life instruments were administered to 304 patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), Hodgkin disease (HD), and Multiple Myeloma (MM) undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) from June 2003 through December 2007. The two groups were fairly balanced with respect to baseline characteristics with the younger group having slightly more HD and the older group having slightly more NHL. Of the 304 total patients, 65% had NHL, 21% MM, and 14% HD; median age was 53; 60% were male; 25% received prior radiation therapy; preparative regimens were busulfan based or melphalan; all patients received peripheral stem cells alone, median inpatient length of stay was 21 days. The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Bone Marrow Transplant (FACT-BMT) and the Profile of Mood State (POMS) were administered to patients prior to their priming for stem cell collection and again 40–44 days (Day 42) post ASCT. The FACT-BMT measures five components: physical well being (PWB), social well being (SWB), emotional well being (EWB), functional well being (FWB), and additional concerns (AC). The POMS measures depression, vigor, anger, tension, confusion, and fatigue. In looking at the FACT-BMT the 60 + group reported better emotional well-being at baseline than the
Unobtrusive Note Taking: Enriching Digital Interpersonal Interactions Using Gestures

People are collaborating remotely through an increasing number of digital channels with the aid of platforms such as video conferencing and VR/AR. Despite new ways of conducting interpersonal conversations, the method and technologies associated with note taking remain the same. Moreover, note taking can be seen as distracting to all of the participants involved and disrupt the flow of conversation. Nonetheless, note taking is a significant method for people to augment their own memory by selectively categorizing information as valuable and storing it through text or audio for future reference. We propose a system that integrates video teleconferencing interactions with notes as selected through unobtrusive eye tracking cues and foot-based gestures. Our system aids in the augmentation of human memory via note taking while increasing the quality of social interaction amongst all the interaction's participants.
An efficient force prediction strategy for single point incremental sheet forming

Incremental sheet forming is a flexible forming process where a tool is programmed to follow predetermined tool paths to create sheet metal parts. It is ideal for rapid prototyping and low-volume production. Modeling incremental sheet forming and predicting forming forces can significantly benefit product design and process development. Existing force prediction methods are either inaccurate or too time consuming. The goal of this research is to identify an efficient force prediction strategy based on experimental observations of forming forces. It was found that by creating a near-finished part geometry as a starting point of numerical simulation, forming forces can be predicted with satisfactory accuracy and efficiency. The proposed strategy was validated and further demonstrated in forming of parts having different geometries. As the simulation strategy can be completed in a fraction of the full simulation time, it can be adopted to guide the development of incremental sheet forming parts.
Test-Retest Reliability of Dual-Recorded Brainstem versus Cortical Auditory-Evoked Potentials to Speech.

Background Auditory-evoked potentials have proven useful in the objective evaluation of sound encoding at different stages of the auditory pathway (brainstem and cortex). Yet, their utility for use in clinical assessment and empirical research relies critically on the precision and test-retest repeatability of the measure. Purpose To determine how subcortical/cortical classes of auditory neural responses directly compare in terms of their internal consistency and test-retest reliability within and between listeners. Research design A descriptive cohort study describing the dispersion of electrophysiological measures. Study sample Eight young, normal-hearing female listeners. Data collection and analysis We recorded auditory brainstem responses (ABRs), brainstem frequency-following responses (FFRs), and cortical (P1-N1-P2) auditory-evoked potentials elicited by speech sounds in the same set of listeners. We reassessed responses within each of four different test sessions over a period of 1 mo, allowing us to detect possible changes in latency/amplitude characteristics with finer detail than in previous studies. Results Our findings show that brainstem and cortical amplitude/latency measures are remarkably stable; with the exception of slight prolongation of the P1 wave, we found no significant variation in any response measure. Intraclass correlation analysis revealed that the speech-evoked FFR amplitude and latency measures achieved superior repeatability (intraclass correlation coefficient >0.85) among the more widely used obligatory brainstem (ABR) and cortical (P1-N1-P2) auditory-evoked potentials. Contrasting these intersubject effects, intrasubject variability (i.e., within-subject coefficient of variation) revealed that while latencies were more stable than amplitudes, brainstem and cortical responses did not differ in their variability at the single subject level. Conclusions We conclude that (1) the variability of auditory neural responses increases with ascending level along the auditory neuroaxis (cortex > brainstem) between subjects but remains highly stable within subjects and (2) speech-FFRs might provide a more stable measure of auditory function than other conventional responses (e.g., click-ABR), given their lower inter- and intrasubject variability.
Love Without Borders: An Examination of Cross-Cultural Wedding Rituals

Marriage occurs in the majority of world cultures (Rosenblatt & Anderson, 1981), and the wedding itself is considered a special ritual event. It is a rite of passage that culturally marks a person’s transition from one life stage to another and redefines social and personal identity (Bell, 1997). This vital ritualistic event, long dictated by cultural values and processes, offers an opportunity for couples to declare their new identity publicly and to bring together families and friends through a prescribed collection of artifacts, roles, and scripts (Rook, 1985). Such ritual elements were historically dictated by local communities (K.Bulcroft, R.Bulcroft, Smeins, & Cranage, 1997): So what happens to the ritual when the community becomes a global village? Whose cultural values and customs are used? How are divergent personal and cultural values of the couple and their extended families negotiated when planning the cross-cultural wedding?
Abstract 5757: Study of human mammary tumor virus (HMTV) in human breast cancer by NanoString nCounter and FISH analysis

Human Mammary Tumor Virus (HMTV), a retrovirus 90-98% homologous to Mouse Mammary tumor Virus (MMTV), the etiological agent of murine mammary cancer, has been detected by PCR in 40% of American women’s breast cancers, but not in healthy tissues of the same breast (Cancer Research 1995, 55:5173-79; Clin. Cancer Research 2001, 7-283-4). A complete 9.9 kb HMTV proviral sequence has been detected in breast cancer genomic DNA (Cancer Res 2001,61:1754-9). HMTV viral particles with betaretrovirus characteristics have been isolated from metastatic breast cancer cells in effusions (MSSM cells). Expression of HMTV proteins has been detected in MSSM cells by western blot, fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis, and immunofluorescence assays but not in normal mammary epithelial cells (J Virol Methods 2010, 163(1): 157-61). PCR is a sensitive technique susceptible of contamination, which due to amplification, could result in false positive detection. Although murine DNA was not found by PCR, the possibility still exists that HMTV in human DNA could be a result of laboratory contamination. Despite the substantial evidence supporting the presence of HMTV in breast cancer the controversy continues because the chance of contamination has led to doubt that murine-like viruses are human pathogens. We now report additional analyses of breast cancer specimens employing other methods for HMTV detection that reinforce previous findings. NanoString nCounter, a new technology using specific 100 mer oligonucleotides as probes bound to reporter molecules that can detect HMTV gag, env and LTR sequences as well as two murine specific probes in a single reaction without amplification. Flourescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assays with a HMTV probe is a technology that permits visualization of HMTV proviral DNA in the nuclei of surgical samples of breast cancer as well as in MSSM cells. Results from Nanostring nCounter, and FISH analysis show the presence of HMTV DNA in surgical cancer specimens and in MSSM cells. The data exclude contamination and confirm the authenticity of HMTV in human breast cancer. Next-generation sequencing and other studies are in progress to determine the role of HMTV in the pathogenesis of breast carcinoma. Citation Format: Stella M. Melana, Joseph Tripodi, Digna Nosike, Jaffer Shabnam, Polly Etkind, Beatriz GT Pogo, James F. Holland. Study of human mammary tumor virus (HMTV) in human breast cancer by NanoString nCounter and FISH analysis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 5757. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-5757
Comparing the Psychometric Properties of Two Physical Activity Self-Efficacy Instruments in Urban, Adolescent Girls: Validity, Measurement Invariance, and Reliability.

Aims. This study compared the psychometric properties of two self-efficacy instruments related to physical activity. Factorial validity, cross-group and longitudinal invariance, and composite reliability were examined. Methods. Secondary analysis was conducted on data from a group randomized controlled trial investigating the effect of a 17-week intervention on increasing moderate to vigorous physical activity among 5th-8th grade girls (N=1,012). Participants completed a 6-item Physical Activity Self-Efficacy scale (PASE) and a 7-item Self-Efficacy for Exercise Behaviors scale (SEEB) at baseline and post-intervention. Confirmatory factor analyses for intervention and control groups were conducted with Mplus Version 7.4 using robust weighted least squares estimation. Model fit was evaluated with the chi-square index, comparative fit index (CFI), and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA). Composite reliability for latent factors with ordinal indicators was computed from Mplus output using SAS 9.3. Results. Mean age of the girls was 12.2 years (SD=.96). One-third of the girls were obese. Girls represented a diverse sample with over 50% indicating black race and an additional 19% identifying as mixed or other race. Both instruments demonstrated configural invariance for simultaneous analysis of cross-group and longitudinal invariance based on alternative fit indices. However, simultaneous metric invariance was not met for the PASE or the SEEB instruments. Partial metric invariance for the simultaneous analysis was achieved for the PASE with one factor loading identified as non-invariant. Partial metric invariance was not met for the SEEB. Longitudinal scalar invariance was achieved for both instruments in the control group but not the intervention group. Composite reliability for the PASE ranged from .772-.842. Reliability for the SEEB ranged from .719-.800 indicating higher reliability for the PASE. Reliability was more stable over time in the control group for both instruments. Conclusions. Results suggest that the intervention influenced how girls responded to indicator items. Neither of the instruments achieved simultaneous metric invariance making it difficult to assess mean differences in PA self-efficacy between groups. Keywords: measurement invariance, physical activity, self-efficacy, adolescents, girls
Concurrent metastatic islet cell carcinoma, ACTH-producing pituitary carcinoma, adrenocortical necrosis and glucocorticoid-deficient hypoadrenocorticism in a dog

A 13-year-old female spayed boxer presented for severe hypoglycaemia. Electrolyte concentrations were within reference range, and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test results were consistent with hypoadrenocorticism. Abdominal ultrasound revealed pancreatic and hepatic nodules. The left adrenal gland was of normal size, but the cranial pole of the right adrenal gland was enlarged. While the patient was severely hypoglycaemic, the insulin concentration was above reference range, consistent with insulinoma. The patient was hospitalised on dextrose supplementation and discharged on prednisone and directions to feed small, frequent meals. Surgery to remove the insulinoma was declined by the owner. When the hypoglycaemia became refractory to increasing doses of prednisone, diazoxide was added. Two months following initial presentation, the patient was euthanased due to refractory hypoglycaemia. Postmortem examination revealed a pancreatic islet cell carcinoma with metastatic lesions in the liver and pancreatic lymph nodes, a pituitary carcinoma that stained strongly positive with ACTH antibody, and adrenocortical necrosis.
Energy policy considerations in the design of an alternative-fuel refueling infrastructure to reduce GHG emissions on a transportation network

This paper presents a bi-criteria binary linear programming model for locating alternative-fuel refueling stations on a directed transportation network with two conflicting objectives of maximizing the total vehicle-miles traveled (VMT) per year covered by the stations and minimizing the capital cost for constructing the refueling infrastructure. The proposed model is validated with an application to the Pennsylvania (PA) Turnpike System regarding the location of liquefied natural gas (LNG) refueling stations on existing service plazas. A regression model is developed to accurately estimate construction costs for LNG refueling stations on the turnpike. To solve the bi-objective model, the second objective (capital cost) is treated as an infrastructure budget constraint and the model is run considering a range of infrastructure budget values. Given that alternative fuels and fuel economy legislation dates back to the Clean Air Act Amendment of 1970, which created initiatives to reduce mobile sources of pollutants, further analysis is performed on the case study to estimate the potential reduction of pollutants on the PA Turnpike as a function of the LNG infrastructure cost.
Fatigue behaviour of additively-manufactured metallic parts

Abstract An overview on recent research efforts is presented to obtain an understanding on the fatigue behaviour and failure mechanisms of metallic parts fabricated via powder-based additive manufacturing (AM) processes, including direct energy deposition (DED) and powder bed fusion (PBF) methods, utilizing either laser or electron beam as an energy source. Some challenges inherent to characterizing the mechanical behaviour of AM metals under cyclic loading are discussed, with emphasis on the effects of residual stresses on their fatigue resistance. In addition, an aspect pertaining to the structural integrity of AM parts relating to their fatigue behaviour at very high cycles is presented and compared with those of the conventionally-manufactured counterparts.
Does Arctic governance hold the key to achieving climate policy targets

Arctic feedbacks are increasingly viewed as the wild card in the climate system; but their most unpredictable and potentially dangerous aspect may lie in the human, rather than the physical, response to a warming climate. If Arctic policy is driven by agendas based on domestic resource development, the ensuing oil and gas extraction will ensure the failure of the Paris Agreement. If Arctic energy policy can be framed by the Arctic Council, however, its environmental agenda and fragmented governance structure offers the scientific community a fighting chance to determine the region's energy future. Connecting Arctic climate science to resource economics via its unique governance structure is one of the most powerful ways the scientific community can protect the Arctic region's environmental, cultural, and scientific resources, and influence international energy and climate policy.
Epidermal Robots: Wearable Sensors That Climb on the Skin

Epidermal sensing has enabled significant advancements towards the measurement and understanding of health. Most of the existing medical instruments require direct expert manipulation of a doctor, measure a single parameter, and/or have limited sensing coverage. In contrast, this work demonstrates the first epidermal robot with the ability to move over the surface of the skin and capture a large range of body parameters. In particular, we developed SkinBot, a 2x4x2 centimeter-size robot that moves over the skin surface with a two-legged suction-based locomotion. We demonstrate three of the potential medical sensing applications which include the measurement of body biopotentials (e.g., electrodermal activity, electrocardiography) through modified suction cups that serve as electrodes, skin imaging through a skin-facing camera that can capture skin anomalies, and inertial body motions through a 6-axis accelerometer and gyroscope that can capture changes of body posture and subtle cardiorespiratory vibrations.
Javier Sicilia: Advocate of deliberative democracy in the Americas

When Javier Sicilia’s son was killed by cartel assassins in 2011, he transformed into a civic activist, with a mass following sufficiently large for Time Magazine to recognize him in 2011 as one of its “Protestors of the Year.” His very success mobilizing public opinion against cartel violence overshadows his more fundamental role as an advocate for deliberative democracy in the Americas. Sicilia’s historical importance lies in his recognition that only civic dialogue within the transnational public sphere that includes Mexico and the United States can heal the social pathologies unleashed by globalization and by the war on drugs. His ultimate achievement has been to dramatize what would be required of citizens to realize the democratic ideals that both countries profess as the foundations of their national identities.
Electrical Characterization of Silicon — Nickel Iron Oxide Heterojunctions

The electrical properties of Radio Frequency Sputtered NiFeO and NiO films deposited on n and p-type Silicon is investigated for two different oxygen flows. Rectifying properties for Ni0.8Fe0.2O1+ α on n-Si showed Iforward/Ireverse >10,000 for α>0 and Iforward/Ireverse >50 for α 0) was estimated from the difference between the two and four-point probe resistances (0.0007 ± 0.0003 Ω cm2). Using density functional theory calculations, density of state and charge density plots were obtained for systems modelled after experiment, showing that states introduced by O vacancies in NiFeO are localized and prefer locations near Ni explaining the observed hysteresis effects in the IV curves of devices sputtered at low oxygen flow.
Reassessing Common Ownership: Corrections to Azar, Schmalz, and Tecu (2018)

Azar, Schmalz, and Tecu (2018, “AST”) purport to show a positive relationship between ticket prices and common ownership in the U.S. airline industry. We replicate AST’s results and show that their conclusion is a result of incorrect and unsubstantiated assumptions about: (1) financial incentives of asset managers, (2) corporate control and financial incentives during bankruptcy, and (3) changes in industry structure over time. After correcting any one of these flawed assumptions, we conclude there is no statistically significant association between ticket prices and common ownership.
RNA-GPS Predicts SARS-CoV-2 RNA Localization to Host Mitochondria and Nucleolus

The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus is driving a global pandemic, but its biological mechanisms are less well understood. SARS-CoV-2 is an RNA virus whose multiple genomic and subgenomic RNA (sgRNA) transcripts hijack the host cell's machinery, located across distinct cytotopic locations. Subcellular localization of its viral RNA could play important roles in viral replication and host antiviral immune response. Here we perform computational modeling of SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA localization across eight subcellular neighborhoods. We compare hundreds of SARS-CoV-2 genomes to the human transcriptome and other coronaviruses and perform systematic sub-sequence analyses to identify the responsible signals. Using state-of-the-art machine learning models, we predict that the SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome and all sgRNAs are enriched in the host mitochondrial matrix and nucleolus. The 5' and 3' viral untranslated regions possess the strongest and most distinct localization signals. We discuss the mitochondrial localization signal in relation to the formation of double-membrane vesicles, a critical stage in the coronavirus life cycle. Our computational analysis serves as a hypothesis generation tool to suggest models for SARS-CoV-2 biology and inform experimental efforts to combat the virus.
Saline Infusion Sonohysterography

Saline infusion sonohysterography (SIS) is an invaluable imaging tool for the clinician to assess the uterus, endometrial lining, and endocervical canal. It is useful for evaluating a wide range of pathologies including polyps, leiomyomata, adhesions, anomalies, and endometrial hyperplasia or cancer. SIS is an office procedure that is simple, inexpensive, and low-risk, and it has a sensitivity and specificity that compare favorably with hysterosalpingogram (HSG) or hysteroscopy. When combined with newer modifications such as 3D sonography or tubal patency evaluation, SIS becomes an even more powerful tool. This chapter provides clinically relevant material for the clinician who wishes to develop this skill and includes SIS images of normal and pathologic findings for review.
Nurses' Perceptions of Workload Burden in Pediatric Critical Care.

BACKGROUND Quantifying nurses' perceptions of workload burden when managing critically ill patients is essential for designing interventions to ease nurses' workday. OBJECTIVES To explore pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) nurses' perceptions of their workload when caring for critically ill patients and managing protocolized therapies. METHODS This study was embedded in a multicenter randomized clinical trial where participants were assigned to receive either lower-target or higher-target glucose control. Nurses from 35 participating PICUs completed a baseline survey containing questions about their perceptions of PICU workload in general. They completed an intervention survey after caring for a study patient. Two workload measurement instruments, the Subjective Workload Assessment Technique (SWAT) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration-Task Load Index (NASA-TLX), were embedded in these surveys. RESULTS Baseline surveys were completed by 1476 PICU nurses, predominantly female with a bachelor's degree and a median (interquartile range) of 6 (3-11) years of nursing experience and 4 (2-9) years of PICU experience. Most nurses (65%) rated time burden as the most important component of their workload, followed by cognitive (22%) or psychological stress (13%) burden. Work performance was selected most often as contributing to workload, followed by cognitive demand, time pressure, effort, and physical demand. Intervention surveys were completed by 73% of enrolled participants (505 of 693). Nurses managing the lower glucose target group reported higher levels of workload burden as measured by the SWAT (P = .002) and NASA-TLX (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS This study describes the workload burden perceived by PICU nurses when managing critically ill patients in general and when managing protocolized therapies.
Contemporary outcomes following robotic prostatectomy for locally advanced and metastatic prostate cancer

While radical prostatectomy (RP) plays a prominent role in the management of localized prostate cancer, its role in high risk or metastatic disease is less clear. Due to changes in prostate cancer screening patterns, particularly those made by the United States Preventive Services Task Force, data is suggesting increasing incidences of high risk and metastatic disease, underlying the importance of continued research in this area. While past approaches to management may have discouraged surgical intervention, more contemporary approaches have attempted to evaluate its effectiveness and utility. The purpose of this review is an updated discussion of the current literature regarding surgical approaches to high risk prostate cancer. The PubMed and Medline databases were queried for English language articles related to the surgical management of high-risk prostate adenocarcinoma. In this review, we examine the utility of surgery as a single or multimodal approach to management with patients with high risk, locally advanced, and metastatic prostate cancer. Outcomes measures are reviewed including data on survival and recurrence rates. Functional outcomes are an important consideration in prostate cancer management and while data is more limited, this review examines some of the key findings. Finally, a discussion regarding surgical complication rates and ongoing clinical trials is addressed. While surgery appears to be promising in this patient cohort, there remains significant heterogeneity in the data that ongoing trials may be able to address. At its current level of understanding, surgery should be considered as a potential tool in patient management, but may play a more prominent role in a multi-modality setting for optimal outcomes.
Updates on Excisional Procedures for Lymphedema.

Significance: Excisional procedures for lymphedema have been used for over a century, and many surgeons have abandoned the old techniques as improvements in nonsurgical management and microsurgery ...
Composting for Food Processing Wastes

Composting of food processing waste was analyzed as a biological process and an engineered system. The goal is to establish fundamental principles and design criteria that would aid its adoption as waste management practice. Characteristics of the inflow, reactor, and outflow were evaluated. Success of the bioreactor was found to be largely dependent on microbial community structure, physical properties of biodegradable waste (BW), aeration, and time required for maturation. Vermicomposting, electric field induction, maggot farming, microbial fuel cells, energy production, air pollution reduction, and leachate treatment were explored.
Asymptotic shapes for stationary first passage percolation on virtually nilpotent groups.

We study first passage percolation (FPP) with stationary edge weights on Cayley graphs of finitely generated virtually nilpotent groups. Previous works of Benjamini-Tessera and Cantrell-Furman show that scaling limits of such FPP are given by Carnot-Caratheodory metrics on the associated graded nilpotent Lie group. We show a converse, i.e. that for any Cayley graph of a finitely generated nilpotent group, any Carnot-Caratheodory metric on the associated graded nilpotent Lie group is the scaling limit of some FPP with stationary edge weights on that graph. Moreover, for any Cayley graph of any finitely generated virtually nilpotent group, any conjugation-invariant metric is the scaling limit of some FPP with stationary edge weights on that graph. We also show that the conjugation-invariant condition is also a necessary condition in all cases where scaling limits are known to exist.
Chapter 1 Intrinsic Critical Velocities in Superfluid Helium

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses intrinsic critical velocities in superfluid helium. The main thesis is that stable superflow is a nonequilibrium phenomenon, and must therefore be discussed in the language of the statistical mechanics of irreversible processes. The basic assumptions of a nonequilibrium theory of superflow is discussed in this chapter in as general a manner as possible. The chapter provides the discussion of specific model, and attempts to provide a theoretical framework for the analysis of experimental data. A survey of relevant experimental results is presented in this chapter. The basic theoretical hypotheses seem to be well verified. It also describes several attempts to compare the experimental data to more specific models of the fluctuations which may occur in a superfluid. This comparison brings to light a number of intriguing theoretical problems which seem to be of considerable fundamental importance.
Mastery Learning Within Accelerated Nursing Learning Environments

Many colleges and universities are creating accelerated courses and programs. Accelerated education refers to any attempt to speed up or compress the educational process beyond the traditional semester or quarter systems that most colleges and universities utilize. Institutions are developing accelerated nursing programs in an effort to meet the learner’s busy personal and professional lives. Accelerated learning environments need to focus on creating an activity-based positive learning environment emphasizing collaboration between learners in a learning community, offer a variety of learning options to focus on a variety of learning styles, and focus on contextual learning. Accelerated programs accomplish programmatic outcomes in a short time by building on previous learning experiences. Instruction is intense within courses, and institutions are offering these full-time programs with no breaks between sessions. Mastery education has proven to be a useful strategy for improving learning outcomes. There is a strong need to research mastery learning within accelerated learning environments because previous studies disagree on how course length affects mastery of outcomes. The published research indicates that length does not significantly affect mastery of learning outcomes; however, the theoretical framework of mastery learning theory had not been discussed in these studies. In addition, the existing research fails to provide a framework for how to implement mastery learning with accelerated nursing environments. This chapter explores the theory, research, and design of accelerated nursing learning environments as means of establishing best practices for designing courses to ensure mastery learning.
Implementing path planning and guidance layers for dynamic soaring and persistence missions

This paper describes the theory and implementation of a trajectory optimization layer operating within an energy-aware, airborne, dynamic data-driven application system (EA-DDDAS). The work addresses wind field data estimation, trajectory optimization, and implementation of communication protocols to increase sUAS endurance in persistent sensing missions. The trajectory optimization layer acts as a middleware between a higher-level path planner and a lower-level guidance control layer that interfaces with the autopilot. The novel aspects of this work include a scalable trajectory optimization algorithm that generates unique dynamic soaring trajectories using assimilated wind field data from dual Doppler synthesis and online atmospheric planning. The optimization algorithm is used in a receding-horizon fashion to develop energy efficient trajectories between waypoints for missions in complex atmospheric phenomena. Mission trees are developed to form cost functions and constraints that guide the trajectory optimization layer to a suitable solution domain.
CPSF30 at the Interface of Alternative Polyadenylation and Cellular Signaling in Plants

Post-transcriptional processing, involving cleavage of precursor messenger RNA (pre mRNA), and further incorporation of poly(A) tail to the 3' end is a key step in the expression of genetic information. Alternative polyadenylation (APA) serves as an important check point for the regulation of gene expression. Recent studies have shown widespread prevalence of APA in diverse systems. A considerable amount of research has been done in characterizing different subunits of so-called Cleavage and Polyadenylation Specificity Factor (CPSF). In plants, CPSF30, an ortholog of the 30 kD subunit of mammalian CPSF is a key polyadenylation factor. CPSF30 in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana was reported to possess unique biochemical properties. It was also demonstrated that poly(A) site choice in a vast majority of genes in Arabidopsis are CPSF30 dependent, suggesting a pivotal role of this gene in APA and subsequent regulation of gene expression. There are also indications of this gene being involved in oxidative stress and defense responses and in cellular signaling, suggesting a role of CPSF30 in connecting physiological processes and APA. This review will summarize the biochemical features of CPSF30, its role in regulating APA, and possible links with cellular signaling and stress response modules.
The Diminished Culpability of Juvenile Gang Members after Miller v Alabama

In Miller v. Alabama, the U.S. Supreme Court held that statutes that impose mandatory sentence so life without parole on juvenile offenders violate the Eighth Amendment. In doing so, the Court applied a new type of Eighth Amendment analysis, which recognized that Juveniles as a class have a diminished culpability. This new Eighth Amendment analysis could provide a platform to challenge other types of mandatory minimum sentences applied to juvenile defendants. Anti-gang legislation that includes sentence enhancements for gang related crimes could provide a platform to expand the use of the Court’s new Eighth Amendment analysis because it targets juvenile offenders who commit crimes in a context where the factors contributing to juveniles’ diminished culpability are magnified.
Yeast Infections in the Immunocompromised Host

A number of yeast fungi are pathogenic, but the two genera that contain the most important animal pathogens are Candida and Cryptococcus. In addition, there are a number of other yeasts that have been, more rarely, implicated in disease.