cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The fundamental constants and theory

The Committee on Data for Science and Technology has recently recommended a new self-consistent set of values of basic constants and conversion factors of physics and chemistry. These values are based on a least-squares analysis that takes into account all of the latest relevant experimental and theoretical information in a consistent framework. Theory plays a role, because the experimental data are compared to the corresponding theoretical predictions which are functions of the fundamental constants. The best values of the constants are taken to be those that give the best agreement between the data and these predictions, in the least-squares sense. An overview of the calculations that influence the recommended values of the constants will be given.
African Fashion, Global Style: Histories, Innovations, and Ideas You Can Wear (Rovine)

This work is a book review considering the title African Fashion, Global Style: Histories, Innovations, and Ideas You Can Wear by Victoria L. Rovine.
The los Alamos Proton Storage Ring Fast-Extraction Kicker System

We describe the kicker system used by the Los Alamos Proton Storage Ring1 (PSR) for fast extraction of accumulated 800-MeV proton beam. The system has several severe constraints in terms of rise time, field quality, and magnet dimensions. These are, in turn, defined by characteristics of the stored beam, ring lattice, and the allowable activation of ring components. Design methods to meet the constraints are outlined here and we describe the novel modulators that produce the fast pulses required.
Aging and Processing Affect Color, Metmyoglobin Reductase and Oxygen Consumption of Beef Muscles

Color stability and various biochemical properties were determined in bovine longissimus dorsi and psoas major at different times postmortem (8 hr to 21 days) and during retail display. Surface metmyoglobin accumulation, metmyoglobin reductase activity and oxygen consumption rate were affected by muscle type, postmortem aging, and fabrication method (p saw-cut steaks > ground muscle.
The Difference Between Divorced and Never-Married Mothers' Participation in the Aid to Families With Dependent Children Program

In this study, I examine the way in which divorced and never-married single mothers differ in their decisions to participate in Aid to Families With Dependent Children (AFDC). Using data from the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP), I find that divorced mothers are twice as likely to receive AFDC benefits than never-married mothers. When the gap between the participation rates is decomposed, I find that at most 25% is due to differences in the distribution of measured characteristics. The remaining portion is due to differences in the AFDC decision-making process. Hence, in attempting to move disadvantaged single mothers off welfare, policies need to address issues broader than modifying individual behavior. The decision-making process potentially encompasses influences from family and the community. Without addressing these forces, many single mothers will prefer to remain AFDC participants given their set of available options.
The importance of personal computers in developing countries: Case study of Peru

Personal computers have become an important part of society with people depending on them for activities from business to entertainment or education. Access to technology, especially to personal computers (PCs), has shifted from privilege to necessity in many parts of the world. Is in this context residential PC ownership has increased dramatically in recent years both in developed and developing countries [1-2]. This technology adoption trend in developing countries opens the market not only for new PCs but also for used machines. Globally the main supply of used PCs is developed countries [3]. The purpose of this study is to understand the importance of computers, new and used, as well as post-consumer management options in the residential sector in developing countries using Peru's capital Lima as a case study. Part of this study aims to understand how the growth of secondary markets for PCs satisfies demand of computer services in the residential sector. We also intend to predict the penetration rate of used computers in Lima's residential sector.
Analysis of distribution level residential demand response

Control of end use loads has existed in the form of direct load control for decades. Direct load control systems allow a utility to interrupt power to a medium to large size commercial or industrial customer a set number of times a year. With the current proliferation of computing resources and communications systems the ability to extend the direct load control systems now exists. Demand response systems now have the ability to not only engage commercial and industrial customers, but also the individual residential customers. Additionally, the ability exists to have automated control systems which operate on a continual basis instead of the traditional load control systems which could only be operated a set number of times a year. These emerging demand response systems have the capability to engage a larger portion of the end use load and do so in a more controlled manner. This paper will examine the impact that demand response systems have on the operation of an electric power distribution system.
Internationalisation in the telecommunications services industry: Literature review and research agenda

A review of 356 publications addressing internationalisation aspects of the telecommunications services industry (TSI) shows a growing body of contributions, mainly covering research themes like settlement and regulation policy, strategic alliances and incumbents' reactions to deregulation as well as opening of markets in-depth until recently. Wireline telephony TSI has been the dominant segment in most contributions, while the mobile or broadband Internet segments only featured in more recent work. Segment characteristics like non-uniform barriers to entry, different reasons for alliances and non-uniform levels of internationalisation differentiate these TSI segments pose a number of additional questions concerning telecom firms' internationalisation strategy and success promising for future research.
Factors affecting the reversion of Coccidioides immitis spherules to mycelium.

Coccidioides immitis spherules cultured serially in a defined medium respond to certain stimuli by reverting to mycelium. A number of these stimuli have been identified and the response measured. Temperatures of incubation between 26°C and 40°C had only a minor effect on reversion. Reduction of the CO2 tension resulted in increased reversion. Human serum provided a powerful stimulus and most of the activity resided in the non-ultrafilterable fraction. No single fraction of the serum proteins was responsible for all the activity and the activity was not reversed by the addition of iron. Among saturated fatty acids maximal reversion occurred with myristic acid and maximal inhibition of growth with lauric acid. The unsaturated C18 acids were effective with reversion activity and toxicity increasing with unsaturation. Amphotericin B was both a growth inhibitor and a reversion stimulus.
Predicting Protein-Disease Relationships Using Sequence, Physicochemical Properties, and Molecular Function Information

One of the most important tasks of modern bioinformatics is the development of computational tools that can be used to understand and treat human disease. To date, a variety of methods have been explored and algorithms for predicting whether a protein is involved in disease are gaining in their utility. Here, we describe an algorithm for detecting protein-disease associations based on the human protein-protein interaction network, known gene-disease associations, protein sequence, and protein functional information at the molecular level. Our method, PhenoPred ("www.phenopred.org":www.phenopred.org), is supervised: first, we map each protein onto the spaces of disease and functional terms based on distance to all annotated proteins in the protein interaction network. We also encode sequence, function, physicochemical, and predicted structural properties, such as secondary structure and flexibility. We then train support vector machines to detect a protein’s disease function for a number of terms in Disease Ontology (DO). We provided evidence that, despite the noise/incompleteness of experimental data and unfinished ontology of diseases, identification of candidate genes and proteins can be successful even when a large number of candidate disease terms are predicted on simultaneously.
Epigenetic phenomena: Epigenetic phenomena: Paramutation and gene silencing in plants

Abstract Four cases of paramutation and gene silencing in plants differ in their genetic properties, but each may involve epigenetic interactions between transposable elements.
A PSIM-based modeling tool for conventional, electric, and hybrid electric vehicles studies

The More Electric Vehicles (MEV) concept emphasizes the utilization of electrical systems instead of mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems to optimize vehicle fuel economy, emissions, performance, and reliability. In addition, the need for improvement in comfort, convenience, entertainment, safety, security, and communications necessitates more electric automotive systems. As a result, an electric power distribution system with larger capacity and more complex configuration is required to facilitate increasing electrical loads. Due to the environmental concerns, there is also a definite development towards new propulsion systems for the future cars in the form of electric and hybrid electric vehicles (EV and HEV). Most of these new electrical systems in advanced cars utilize power electronic converters and motor drives. In this paper, a modeling tool, which has been developed to study automotive systems using PSIM software, is presented. Different heat engines, transmissions, differentials, mechanical systems, control strategies, batteries, solar cells, and fuel cells have been modeled to enable simulation of vehicular systems. Suitability of the software package in design of different automotive systems is explored as well.
Evaluation of Irrigation Threshold and Duration for Tomato Grown in a Silt Loam Soil

Soil moisture-based, high-frequency, low-volume (pulsed) irrigation management strategies have saved water while maintaining yields of vegetables grown in coarse textured soils. However, little is known regarding the efficacy of soil moisture-based pulsed irrigation on finer textured soils. Therefore, five tensiometer-based, automated irrigation treatments were tested for tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) grown in a Maury silt loam soil in 2009 and 2010 in Lexington, KY. Irrigation treatments consisted of paired-tensiometer systems with on/off setpoints of –30/–10, –30/–25, –45/–10, and –45/40 kPa in both 2009 and 2010 and a single-tensiometer system with setpoints of –35 kPa in 2009 and –40 kPa in 2010. In 2009, the pulsed systems (–30/–25, –45/–40, and –35 kPa) irrigated more frequently but for a shorter duration than non-pulsed systems (–30/–10 and –45/ –10 kPa). Soil moisture measurements in 2009 suggested that probes set at a depth of 6 inches were more closely matched to irrigation setpoints than those at 12 inches. In both years, the –45/–40 kPa setpoint treatment used the least amount of water while maintaining total marketable yields that were not significantly different from other treatments. Yields were significantly higher in 2009 than 2010, though atypical air temperatures in 2010 may have been the cause. Leaf water potential and relative water content were measured predawn and midday throughout the growing season in 2009 and 2010. Leaf water potential was not significantly affected by the treatments in either year, though leaf relative water content was affected in 2010. In this trial, an automated, soil moisture-based irrigation system maintained yields and saved water when compared with a non-pulsed irrigation system using similar irrigation setpoints for tomato grown in a silt loam soil.
Opioid-Based Analgesia: Impact on Total Joint Arthroplasty

The objective of this study was to characterize the impact of opioid-based analgesia in total joint arthroplasty. The primary outcomes were incidence of in-hospital complications, length of stay, and discharge destination. Six hundred and seventy-three primary total hip and knee arthroplasties were retrospectively reviewed. The incidence of opioid-related adverse drug events was 8.5%, which accounted for 58.2% of all postoperative complications. Age, anesthesia technique, ASA score, and surgery type were significant risk factors for complications. After adjusting for these confounders, opioid-related adverse drug events were significantly associated with increased length of stay (P < 0.001) and discharge to extended care facilities (P = 0.014).
Indirect Competition: Strategic Considerations

Competition theorists have begun to explore competitive behavior that minimizes rivalry and head-to-head confrontation, a competitive style referred to as "indirect competition." This theoretical expansion provides a more comprehensive explanation of competitive behavior in the marketplace and offers managers a greater array of competitive options from which to choose. Three kinds of indirect competition are discussed: maintaining a low profile, avoiding head-to-head competition, and redefining the battlefield. Though perhaps best exemplified by Chinese business practices, indirect competition is relevant to managers worldwide. The benefits of competing "unconventionally" (according to prevailing Western standards) can be numerous and unexpected.
Training primary care physicians in cognitive behavioral therapy: A review of the literature

Objective Patients often seek mental health treatment through primary care. Training primary care physicians (PCPs) in approaches to address common mental health concerns may be a useful method for narrowing gaps in care. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is especially applicable in medical settings given its brief, skill-based approach and strong evidence for a number of presenting problems. This paper reviews the current literature on training PCPs in CBT with a focus on PCP-level outcomes. Methods We reviewed studies that described and evaluated CBT training programs for PCPs. Of 652 records identified and screened, 33 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility, resulting in 9 articles identified for inclusion. Results We extracted and report information about study design, participants, intervention and dose, training content, and outcomes (PCP reaction, learning, and performance; patient outcomes). Conclusion There was substantial variability in sample size, methodology, training content and design, and assessment of outcomes, which translated into mixed findings across studies. In order to best assess effectiveness and allow replicability, future studies should provide adequate information about training curricula and assess multiple levels of learning outcomes. Practice implications Additional studies are needed to determine whether PCPs effectively implement skills within routine practice after CBT training.
Creating Our Own Lineup Identities and Shared Cultural Norms of Surfing Women in a U.S. East Coast Community

Women’s participation in surfing has grown significantly in the past decade, yet few surfing studies include women’s perspectives. Using the communication theory of identity (CTI), I examine how su...
Applications of experimental mechanics to plant fabricating-equipment problems

Representative field projects are described to illustrate different uses made of experimental-measurement techniques in problems relating to fabricating equipment and production processes in Alcoa plants. Typical areas of application for this work covered in the paper are: establishing optimum adjustment of equipment, determining forces for fabricating operations; determining strength and behavior of equipment; developing load-monitoring and control systems for fabricating equipment.
Power-Aware, Value-Opitimized LSF Scheduler for CFD Jobs on Large HPC Clusters

*As the number of processors in a typical high performance computing (HPC) system grows, practical yet subtle issues arise, some of which may possibly be mitigated by imposing a feedback control loop on a given system’s resident job scheduler. The first issue stems from an increased complexity in the underlying infrastructure that supplies power to the HPC system. The amount of power delivered to today’s large systems often warrants multiple uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs). Therefore, maximizing the span time of battery backup (in the event of an outage) requires a strategic allocation of work across the target system such that the demand for backup power is balanced across the divided power infrastructure. The second issue concerns execution value. As scheduling spaces grow larger, automated methods will become increasingly necessary to ensure that queuing attributes are dynamically tuned to maximize overall value. This paper discusses the major issues faced in making a scheduler both power and value aware. The actual construction of such a scheduler (tied to LSF) is reserved as a future work. To aid in the discussion, the effect of imposing the DoD HPC Modernization Program’s value metric on a standard queuing system (of a large cluster) is explored via simulation.
Shape, lift, and vibrations of highly compliant membrane wings

Membrane wings are common in flying animals such as bats, lemurs, flying squirrels, and pterosaurs, as well as in low Reynolds number Micro Air Vehicles. Vortices shed from the sharp leading and trailing edges and wingtips of membrane wings, and the vortex interactions with the membrane play an important role in the wing’s performance. With compliant membrane wings that are initially tension-free at rest, there are two issues to consider: (a) the static relationship between the net aerodynamic forces and the bulk wing deformation, and (b) the interaction between the membrane dynamics and unsteady flow structures. We present a simple model of the finite deformation and natural frequency of an initially tension-free membrane wing, which depends only on an aeroelastic parameter. We extend our theory with a computer model that accounts for nonuniform chordwise load. We conduct experiments on low aspect ratio membrane wings with different support structures and thicknesses, over a broad range of freestream velocities and angles of attack. We measure wing shape and dynamics, aerodynamic force, and the wake, and find good agreement between the experimental results, the computer model, and our theoretical model. Membrane deformation affects the membrane vibration modes, which in turn affects the coupling between the membrane and vortex shedding. Wings with different wingtip support, but similar stiffness show similar static behavior, but exhibit markedly different dynamic behavior.
Stability and Alteration of Naturally Occurring Low-Silica Glasses: Implications for the Long term Stability of Waste Form Glasses

Volcanic glass of basaltic composition (approximately 50 wt.% SiO2) was studied as a natural analogue to proposed nuclear waste form glasses. Basaltic glass can resist devitrification and remain glassy for periods in excess of 10 m.y. Surface alteration of the glass occurs rapidly upon exposure to water or hydrothermal fluids, but is essentially absent if the glass remains dry. Alteration is restricted to a rind of clay-like, cryptocrystalline palagonite, generally less than 100 μm thick. Formation of this rind protects the underlying glass from further alteration. Similar rinds, or “gel layers”, have been produced in laboratory and field tests with borosilicate glasses. Major cations within the basaltic glass are selectively depleted or enriched relative to the glass in the alteration rind. Qualitatively-similar depletion and enrichment patterns characterize the short-term leaching behavior of candidate waste form glasses.
Investigation on Occupational Hazards in The Iron Workshop of A Enterprise

[Objective]To understand the occupational hazards in the iron workshop of a enterprise.[Methods]According to national standards and norms of occupational health,on-site occupational health investigation and detection method were adopted for analysis.[Results]The existed dust and noise intensity exceeded the standard seriously in iron workshop of this enterprise.The over standard rates were 38.5% and 97.8%.[Conclusion]Dust and noise were serious in this workshop.Therefore,it is necessary to strengthen its control.
160 PLATELET ACTIVATING FACTOR PLAYS A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN PULMONARY VASCULAR REMODELING ASSOCIATED WITH CHRONIC HIGH-ALTITUDE HYPOXIA IN OVINE FETAL LAMBS.

Platelet activating factor (PAF), a phospholipid with diverse biological functions, is implicated in persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN), where high circulating plasma PAF level has been measured. The role of PAF and its receptors in pulmonary vascular remodeling associated with chronic hypoxia has not been investigated. We studied the effect of chronic hypoxia on PAF receptor (PAF-r) binding, PAF-r expression, and PAF metabolism in lung membranes of HAH fetal lambs compared to control fetal lambs. To study PAF-r binding, lung membrane proteins (100 μg/mL) were incubated at 4°C for 24 h in a 30 mM Tris buffer, pH 7.2, containing 0.25% BSA and 3 H-acetyl-C16-PAF (3 H-PAF). Receptor-bound PAF was extracted and quantified. PAF receptor protein expression was studied by immunohistochemistry. At low concentration of 3 H-PAF (0.05 nM), PAF-r binding (fmol/mg protein) in controls was 395 ± 38, which increased to 736 ± 32 at 0.3 nM of 3 H-PAF. In HAH lungs, corresponding values were 555 ± 46 and 892 ± 43 at low and high PAF concentrations respectively. Binding in HAH lamb lungs was 20-40% higher than in controls lungs. Immunohistochemical examination revealed greater PAF receptor protein expression in HAH lungs compared to controls. To study PAF catabolism, lung homogenates (100 μg/mL) of HAH lungs and controls were incubated for 15 min with 1.5 μM of 3 H-PAF at 37°C. PAF acetylhydrolase (PAH-ah) activity was quantified PAF-ah activity in HAH lungs (0.024 μmol/min/mg protein) was not different than activity in controls (0.022 μmol/mg protein/min). Our data show that exposure of fetuses to high-altitude hypoxia results in up-regulation of PAF-r without altering PAF catabolism. These findings suggest that increased PAF-r protein expression and increased PAF binding in these animals may predispose them to PPHN.
The Genesis of the Romantic Idea of a University in Germany

As we saw in chapter 1, universities in England and Germany experienced considerable difficulty in the late eighteenth century. This chapter deals with the complex array of ideas present in German academic circles at the end of the eighteenth century, and pays particular attention to how three strains came together at Jena in the 1790s to give rise to the romantic Idea of a university. These strains were the renewal of interest in philology and classical studies at Halle and Gottingen, the idealist philosophy of Immanuel Kant and the neo–humanist ethos of Goethe and the court at Weimar.
Rotational Diffusion of Phenoxazine Dyes: Characterization of Molecular Friction

Relative contributions of mechanical, dielectric, and specific solute/solvent interactions to molecular friction in liquids are evaluated by measuring solute reorientation times for phenoxazine dyes.
Psychoonkologie in der Dermatologie

Psychoonkologie ist eine junge Disziplin – in der Dermatologie wie auch in der gesamten Medizin. Offiziell ist sie bisher nicht klar definiert und heterogen. In der dermatologischen Onkologie mit Diagnostik und Therapie werden in bis zu 50 % der Falle akute und chronische Verlaufe von psychosomatischen Storungen gefunden. Fur die Praxis ergeben sich daher einige Problemfelder wie Diagnosemitteilung, Coping, Anpassungsstorungen und Komorbiditaten, auf die der betreuende Dermatologe vorbereitet sein sollte.
Generating Generosity in Catholicism and Islam: Beliefs, Institutions, and Public Goods Provision

Using an innovative methodological approach combining field experiments, case studies, and statistical analyzes, this book explores how the religious beliefs and institutions of Catholics and Muslims prompt them to be generous with their time and resources. Drawing upon research involving more than 1,000 Catholics and Muslims in France, Ireland, Italy, and Turkey, the authors examine Catholicism and Islam in majority and minority contexts, discerning the specific factors that lead adherents to help others and contribute to social welfare projects. Based on theories from political science, economics, religious studies and social psychology, this approach uncovers the causal connections between religious community dynamics, religious beliefs and institutions, and socio-political contexts in promoting or hindering the generosity of Muslims and Catholics. The study also provides insight into what different religious beliefs mean to Muslims and Catholics, and how they understand those concepts.
Effect of sheath material and reaction overpressure on Ag protrusions into the TiO2 insulation coating of Bi-2212 round wire

In order to develop a high current density in coils, Bi-2212 wires must be electrically discrete in tight winding packs. It is vital to use an insulating layer that is thin, fulfils the dielectric requirements, and can survive the heat treatment whose maximum temperature reaches 890 °C. A thin (20-30 µm) ceramic coating could be better as the insulating layer compared to alumino-silicate braided fiber insulation, which is about 100 μm thick and reacts with the Ag sheath during heat treatment, degrading the critical current density (Jc). At present, TiO2 seems to be the most viable ceramic material for such a thin insulation because it is chemically compatible with Ag and Bi-2212 and its sintering temperature is lower than the maximum temperature used for the Bi-2212 heat treatment. However, recent tests of a large Bi-2212 coil insulated only with TiO2 showed severe electrical shorting between the wires after over pressure heat treatment (OPHT). The origin of the shorting was frequent silver extrusions that penetrated the porous TiO2 layer and electrically connected adjacent Bi-2212 wires. To understand the mechanism of this unexpected behaviour, we investigated the effect of sheath material and hydrostatic pressure on the formation of Ag extrusions. We found that Ag extrusions occur only when TiO2-insulated Ag-0.2%Mg sheathed wire (Ag(Mg) wire) undergoes OPHT at 50 bar. No Ag extrusions were observed when the TiO2-insulated Ag(Mg) wire was processed at 1 bar. The TiO2-insulated wires sheathed with pure Ag that underwent 50 bar OPHT were also free from Ag extrusions. A key finding is that the Ag extrusions emanating from the Ag(Mg) sheath actually contain no MgO, suggesting that local depletion of MgO facilitates local, heterogeneous deformation of the sheath under hydrostatic overpressure. Our study also suggests that predensifying the Ag(Mg) wire before insulating it with TiO2 and doing the final OPHT can potentially prevent Ag extrusion.
Case 88: Communication Is Essential

You are working as an anesthesiologist in a medium-size rural hospital. The hospital oxygen pipeline is to be closed down over the weekend. The reason is that the existing hospital pipeline is being joined up with the oxygen pipeline in the new hospital building which is adjacent to the original one.
Collapse and diverse responses in the Gulf lowlands, Mexico

Abstract Between AD 800–1000, the south-central and southern Veracruz lowlands experienced a process of collapse with depopulation that we document with data from systematic archaeological surveys and paleoenvironmental studies. The subsequent record in the Postclassic period indicates varied responses, predominantly settlement reorganization involving retrenchment to fewer settlements or highland immigration. In the latter case, we argue that collapse with depopulation has an important link to migration, providing lightly occupied or vacant lands that afford opportunities for outside migrants. The Spanish conquest and ensuing Colonial period serve as a general comparative analogy for some processes we discuss in prehispanic times for the Gulf lowlands. Unlike the Colonial period, the causes of the prehispanic Gulf collapse are not well studied, but multiple factors likely contributed. Drought and socioeconomic domino effects could explain the extensive spatial scale of collapse that we document. The dramatic, complex collapse in the southern Maya lowlands during a similar interval has dominated Mesoamerican discussions of collapse, but a wider spatial perspective indicates not only a more extensive interregional phenomenon, but also a greater diversity of responses.
Rapid Underivatized Method for Quantitative Methylmalonic Acid by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Background: Increased methylmalonic acid (MMA) levels can aid in assessing vitamin B12 deficiency or abnormal propionate metabolism. MMA analysis by LC-MS/MS is challenging because of both the nanomolar reference range and potential interference from succinic acid, an endogenous isomer. We show that ultrafiltration followed by gradient chromatography permits rapid, sensitive, and selective quantification that is essentially devoid of matrix effects. Methods: Fifty microliters of serum or plasma were mixed with 50 μL of MMA-d3 and deproteinized by ultrafiltration. Filtrates were analyzed by reversed-phase LC-MS/MS. The clinical performance of the MMA assay was validated using guidelines from both the College of American Pathologists and the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Matrix effects were examined by postcolumn infusion, phospholipid analysis, and peak area comparisons. Results: The analytical measurement range was 0.05 to 100 μmol/L. The resolution between physiological succinic acid and MMA was >2.3. Recovery of MMA averaged 92%, and MMA eluted away from ion suppressants. Direct correlation with our earlier method and with consensus data from external proficiency testing yielded an R2 ≥ 0.9409 and average biases less than ±5%. In the production environment, ongoing correlation with external proficiency testing yielded an R2 of 0.9980 and a mean bias of 0.36%. Over 1.7 years, the imprecision of 2 quality control levels was Conclusions: We combined ultrafiltration, a simple sample extraction method, with gradient chromatography to exclude matrix effects to accurately and precisely quantify MMA.
An Approach for Assessing Health Risks Associated with Alternative Ambient Air Quality Standards

This paper proposes a quantitative health risk assessment approach for use by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in setting national ambient air quality standards. The approach is based on techniques and concepts applied in previous analyses of air pollution control and is compatible with formal risk evaluation and decision analysis methodology.
Curiosity and the Question

This chapter introduces a critical phenomenological appreciation of curiosity. Phenomenology provides one way of appreciating the experiential continuum between perception and sense knowledge and theoretical practices. Drawing from the insights of Merleau-Ponty this chapter argues that the roots of all abstract theoretical inquiries and languages are grounded in our collective, material, and shared sensuous lifeworlds. Questioning the quality and nature of being, theoretical curiosity emerges as a desire from embodied, everyday experience, perception, and the senses. It is one of prime elements that color and texture the sustained inquiries and research programs, inventions, and occasional interventions of political, pedagogical, technoscientific, and philosophical disciplines. To attune ourselves to sense, the senses of sense making is to engage in the processes that create the structures of our experience. Sense and perceptual primacy are layers and folds in experience; not merely sources, they are the grounds from which knowledge, concept, theory, objectivity, and language emerge. Perception is the starting point for all our expressions. It is also, sensibly, the point of a continual return for any embodied practice participating and contributing to discovery and invention. The question of embodiment is germane for thinking the nature and development of sustained pedagogical and intellectual projects. I read a pivotal place for a materialist appreciation of thought in the phenomenological researches starting with Husserl, and continuing in the various directions and interpretations taken by Heidegger, Merleau-Ponty, and others, including Foucault and Deleuze, outside the confines of a formal phenomenological or neo-Marxist tradition. The mutable nature of the visible continues to be a critical point of departure.
Psychiatric Comorbidity and Length of Stay in the General Hospital: A Critical Review of Outcome Studies

The authors critically reviewed 26 international and American outcome studies that assessed the effect of psychiatric comorbidity on length of stay for medical/surgical inpatients. Three generations of American studies were defined according to the rigor-ousness of the methodology. Eighty-nine percent of all studies with sample sizes greater than 110 and 75% of the prospective, rigorously controlled, American studies found a significant association between psychiatric comorbidity and increased length of stay. The findings lead to the conclusion that impaired cognition associated with delirium and dementia, depressed mood, and other personality variables contributes to prolonged hospital stays and greater utilization of hospitals and other health resources after discharge. Recommendations for future research are suggested.
Nonlaser Superficial Resurfacing Techniques: Superficial Chemical Peels and Microdermabrasion

Superficial skin resurfacing is the application of various modalities to the skin with the goal of achieving a partial thickness skin injury that penetrates no deeper than the superficial papillary dermis. The approaches to superficial skin resurfacing may be classified into laser based and nonlaser techniques. Some of the most commonly used nonlaser, superficial resurfacing techniques include superficial chemical peels and microdermabrasion (MDA). Indications for superficial resurfacing include photoaging, fine rhytides, ichthyosis, acne vulgaris, melasma, solar lentigenes, and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. Objective gains from superficial resurfacing are often modest, but these techniques continue to remain extremely popular with patients because of rapid healing (“minimal downtime”), low cost, and minimal risk. Typically, no anesthesia is required. Superficial resurfacing may also be combined with laser modalities. Superficial resurfacing techniques may be used on all Fitzpatrick skin types. These techniques yield the best results when used as a series of treatments combined with diligent use of a home topical regimen and daily photoprotection. As with any esthetic surgical procedure, careful patient selection, thorough patient education, and a mutual understanding of realistic outcomes will lead to the most satisfactory results.
Life Science Majors' Math-Biology Task Values Relate to Student Characteristics and Predict the Likelihood of Taking Quantitative Biology Courses

Expectancy-value theory of achievement motivation predicts that students’ task values, which include their interest in and enjoyment of a task, their perceptions of the usefulness of a task (utility value), and their perceptions of the costs of engaging in the task (e.g., extra effort, anxiety), influence their achievement and academic-related choices. Further, these task values are theorized to be informed by students’ sociocultural background. Although biology students are often considered to be math-averse, there is little empirical evidence of students’ values of mathematics in the context of biology (math-biology task values). To fill this gap in knowledge, we sought to determine 1) life science majors’ math-biology task values, 2) how math-biology task values differ according to students’ sociocultural background, and 3) whether math-biology task values predict students’ likelihood of taking quantitative biology courses. We surveyed life science majors about their likelihood of choosing to take quantitative biology courses and their interest in using mathematics to understand biology, the utility value of mathematics for their life science career, and the cost of doing mathematics in biology courses. Students on average reported some cost associated with doing mathematics in biology; however, they also reported high utility value and were more interested in using mathematics to understand biology than previously believed. Women and first-generation students reported more negative math-biology task values than men and continuing-generation students. Finally, students’ math-biology task values predicted their likelihood of taking biomodeling and biostatistics courses. Instructional strategies promoting positive math-biology task values could be particularly beneficial for women and first-generation students, increasing the likelihood that students would choose to take advanced quantitative biology courses.
RECURRENT SUPRAVENTRICULAR ARRHYTHMIA: WHEN ABLATION IS NOT THE ANSWER – A PERPLEXING CASE OF PHENOCHROMOCYTOMA

Hormone-secreting tumors can cause subtle symptomatic arrhythmias that are difficult to diagnose. Early suspicion of such tumors can lead to appropriate diagnosis, treatment, and reduction of unnecessary procedures. A 41-year-old male with a history of hypertension and anxiety presented to the
Determinants of Self-rated Cognitive Health among Older Korean Americans

Background and objectives In response to the dearth of information on cognitive health in older ethnic minorities, in the present study, we examined factors associated with self-rated cognitive health (SRCH) in older Korean Americans. Drawing from the World Health Organization's framework of social determinants of health, we examined how a broad spectrum of factors might influence the way in which older Korean Americans perceive and evaluate their own cognitive health. Research design and methods Using data from the Study of Older Korean Americans (SOKA; N = 2,061, mean age = 73.2), a series of hierarchical linear regression models of SRCH was tested with sequential entry of predictors: (1) Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score of cognitive status, (2) demographic variables, (3) physical and mental health status, (4) health behaviors, and (5) socio-cultural and community factors. Results In addition to cognitive screening outcomes, each set of variables made a significant contribution to the predictive model of SRCH. Positive ratings of cognitive health were observed among older individuals with greater education, good physical and mental health, involvement in regular exercise, and socio-cultural resources (social networks, acculturation, and family solidarity). Discussion and implications The SRCH of older adults goes beyond cognitive screening outcomes, suggesting a need to incorporate the various sources of social determinants when seeking to promote the cognitive health of older populations.
Intersectionality, Leadership, and Inclusion: How Do Racially Underrepresented Women Fare in the Federal Government?:

Women continue to be underrepresented in leadership positions, but how does the intersectionality of being both a woman and from a racially underrepresented group influence leadership representatio...
On Jackknifing in Estimating The Finite End–Points of a Distribution*

Abstract : Sample extreme values are biased estimators of the end-points of a distribution, and hence, jackknifing is useful. However, the properties of jackknifing in such a case differ considerably from those in the regular case. These are studied here. Along with a modification of jackknifing, some applications are also considered. (Author)
Towards Solar-Powered Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for Improved Flight Performance

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) have applications in military, reconnaissance, disaster management, communication support, geographical survey and photography among others. Their use in everyday life is increasing. A common shortcoming of UAV is limited endurance. Most UAVs make use of conventional fuel for their propulsion as well as for powering on-board equipment. Relative to the size of these UAVs, the amount of fuel they can carry limits their endurance. Hence, there is a need for alternative ways to enhance their endurance as well to free the environment from pollutants. Sub-Saharan Africa is endowed with abundant solar radiation in which solar-powered UAVs have the potential to achieve optimum flight performance. Therefore, this paper is focused on providing insight on the prospects of using a solar-powered UAV in Sub-Saharan Africa to achieve optimum flight performance.
Elastic wave propagation in anisotropic solids using energy-stable finite differences with weakly enforced boundary and interface conditions

Abstract Summation-by-parts (SBP) finite difference methods have several desirable properties for second-order wave equations. They combine the computational efficiency of narrow-stencil finite difference operators with provable stability on curvilinear multiblock grids. While several techniques for boundary and interface conditions exist, weak imposition via simultaneous approximation terms (SATs) is perhaps the most flexible one. Although SBP methods have been applied to elastic wave equations many times, an SBP-SAT method for general anisotropic elastic wave equations has not yet been presented in the literature. We fill this gap by deriving energy-stable self-adjoint SBP-SAT methods for general anisotropic materials on curvilinear multiblock grids. The methods are based on fully compatible SBP operators. Although this paper focuses on classical SBP finite difference operators, the presented boundary and interface treatments are general and apply to a range of methods that satisfy an SBP property. We demonstrate the stability and accuracy properties of a particular set of fully compatible SBP-SAT schemes using the method of manufactured solutions. We also demonstrate the utility of the new method in elastodynamic cloaking and seismic imaging in mountainous regions.
The Effects of Wearables on Performance in Education: Serving the Whole Student with Directed Attention on Health and Wellness

In an era of information overload, students are deluged with life’s burdens. Teaching content alone may be as productive as filling buckets of sand brimming to capacity. This Get-Fit-to-Persist study was an exploratory investigation to examine the effects of wearable devices (wearables) on student performance when used with intentionality to focus learners’ attention on health and wellness. It began with an examination of the literature on neuroscience, physiolitics, and performance using wearables. A preliminary survey was distributed to national organizations targeting graduate students to see what wearables were being used and as a recruitment effort for the actual study. Although timing may have prevented more from participating, the study was expanded to a graduate level class for a total of 21 students. Fourteen completed the study and all self-reported to meeting or exceeding their health, wellness, and classroom performance goals. This study is not intended to be a generalization, but a first step in examining if students can improve their performance in the classroom when directed to use wearables to intentionally set goals and monitor health and wellness.
Interdepartmental Collaboration for Simulation-based Education: Obstetric Emergencies for Emergency Medicine.

Background Simulation in medical education is a well-accepted educational modality that allows for practice of high risk, low frequency events. The Obstetric Emergencies for Emergency Medicine course was developed to prepare trainees for challenging scenarios. Methods Six clinical scenarios were chosen: spontaneous vaginal delivery, neonatal resuscitation, pre- eclampsia, neonatal resuscitation with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), shoulder dystocia and postpartum hemorrhage. Development and facilitation was an interdepartmental effort with contributions from Emergency Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Pediatric Emergency Medicine. Each case was allotted 35 minutes, including debriefing. Participants completed an evaluation survey for each scenario. Results All participants responded yes to the question "Would you recommend this simulation become part of the standard curriculum." The means of ratings for "scenario overall" and "relevance to training/duties" ranged from 4.95-5 out of 5 across all simulation groups. Conclusion An interdepartmental and collaborative approach can optimize the success of a simulation educational program.
Assessing the applicability of the highway safety manual to gravel roads: A case study of Wyoming

Gravel road safety is a crucial area of road safety since gravel roads represent a substantial proportion of the entirety of the nation’s roadway network. Also, gravel roads pose inherent hazards t...
Chronic Voluntary Binge Ethanol Consumption Causes Sex-Specific Differences in Microglial Signaling Pathways and Withdrawal-associated Behaviors in Mice.

Background Microglia are the resident immune cells in the brain where they play essential roles in the development and maintenance of physiological functions of this organ. Aberrant activation of microglia is speculated to be involved in the pathogenesis of a variety of neurological disorders, including alcohol use disorders. Repeated binge ethanol (EtOH) consumption can have a profound impact on the function and integrity of the brain resulting in changes in behaviors such as withdrawal and reward. However, the microglial molecular and cellular pathways associated with EtOH binge consumption remain poorly understood. Method In this study, adult C57BL/6J male and female mice were subjected daily to a gelatin-based drinking-in-the-dark voluntary EtOH consumption paradigm (3 h/d for 4 months) to characterize EtOH consumption and withdrawal-associated and anxiety-like behaviors. Brain microglia were isolated at the end and analyzed for protein expression profile changes using unbiased mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis. Results Both male and female mice consistently consumed binge quantities of EtOH daily, resulting in blood EtOH levels > 80 mg/dl measured at the end of the 3-hour daily consumption period. Although female mice consumed a significantly greater amount of EtOH than male mice, EtOH withdrawal-associated anxiety-like behaviors measured by marble-burying, light-dark box, and elevated plus maze tests were predominantly observed in male mice. Proteomic analysis of microglia isolated from the brains of animals at the end of the 4-month binge EtOH consumption identified 117 and 37 proteins that were significantly up- or downregulated in EtOH-exposed male and female mice, respectively, compared to their pair-fed controls. Protein expression profile-based pathway analysis identified several cellular pathways that may underlie the sex-specific and EtOH withdrawal-associated behavioral abnormalities. Conclusion Taken together, our findings revealed sex-specific changes in EtOH withdrawal-associated behaviors and signaling pathways in the mouse brain microglia and may help advance our understanding of the molecular, cellular, and behavioral changes related to human binge EtOH consumption.