cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
“The Frankenstein Thing”: the Moral Impact of Genetic Engineering of Agricultural Animals on Society and Future Science

Shortly after I had accepted the invitation to address this confer ence, I remarked to a friend of mine (a nonscientist) that I was going to address a conference on genetic engineering of animals. “Ah,” he said, “the Frankenstein thing!” I didn’t pay much mind to his remark until perhaps a week later, when, while perusing the new acquisitions in our library, I encountered an extraordinary, newly published, 500-page volume entitled The Frankenstein Catalog: Being a Comprehensive History of Novels, Translations, Adaptations, Stories, Critical Works, Popular Articles, Series, Fumetti, Verse, Stage Plays, Films, Cartoons, Puppetry, Radio and Television Programs, Comics, Satire and Humor, Spoken and Musical Recordings, Tapes and Sheet Music Featuring Frankenstein’s Monster and/or Descended from Mary Shelley’s Novel (2). The entire book is precisely a descriptive catalogue, a list and very brief description of the works mentioned in the title. Amazing though it is that anyone would publish such a book, its content is Seven more incredible, for it in fact lists 2,666 such works (including 145 editions of Shelley’s novel), the vast majority of which date from the mid-twentieth century. All of this obviously indicates that in the Frankenstein story is an archetypal myth or category which somehow speaks to or for twentieth-century concerns, and which could perhaps be used to shed light on the social and moral issues raised by genetic engineering of animals. My intuition was confirmed while visiting Australia and discussing with an Australian agricultural researcher the, to him, surprising public hostility and protest that his research into teratology in animals had provoked. “I can’t understand it,” he told me. “There was absolutely no pain or suffering endured by any of the animals.” “All I can think of,” he said, “is that it must have been the Frankenstein thing.” And in its cover story on the 40th anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing, Time Magazine again invoked the Frankenstein theme as a major voice in post-World War II popular culture, indicating that it was society’s way of expressing its fear and horror of a science and technology that had unleashed the atomic bomb (10).
All-optical XOR gate using polarization rotation in single highly nonlinear fiber

We demonstrate a 10-Gb/s all-optical XOR gate based on polarization rotation induced by Kerr effect in a single highly nonlinear fiber (HNLF). Using 2 km of HNLF with a nonlinear coefficient of 9.1 W/sup -1//spl middot/km/sup -1/, we obtain a 25-dB extinction ratio at the XOR output.
Intentions: logical and subversive. The art of Marcel Duchamp, concept visualization, and immersive experience

Examines the intersection of symbolic logic, immersive experience (virtual reality) and concept visualization in the interpretation of the oeuvre of Marcel Duchamp (1887-1968). Influenced by the mathematicians Henri Poincare/spl acute/ and Elie Jouffret, as well as by his own intense practice of chess and logic, Duchamp sought to merge the poetic and visceral nature of the aesthetic experience with the logical and systematic character of science. This convolution of elements as disparate as chance, 3D and 4D space-time, linguistics, logic and authorship does not allow for comfortable definitive explanation but rather one, like his work itself, that engages simultaneous multi-dimensional thinking. Duchamp questioned the purpose of 'retinal art', art which is merely visually beautiful, and examined the limitations of science as a singular method of interpreting and communicating experience. The body of his work stands as a systematic yet playful critique of deterministic reasoning. Using symbolic logic to characterize the most common interpretations of Duchamp's work, the author suggests that concept visualization in 3D immersive experience offers a unique method for exploring and introducing the complex lattices of interpretation, intention and concept in the work of Duchamp.
Generic play-break event detection for summarization and hierarchical sports video analysis

This paper proposes a single generic real-time (or near real-time) play-break event detection algorithm for multiple sports, which include football, tennis, basketball, and soccer. The proposed algorithm only uses shot-based generic cinematic features, such as shot type and shot length. Detected play-break events are employed for two purposes: 1) all plays in certain sports, such as football and tennis, are presented as summaries, and 2) play-break events, as part of a hierarchical event detection scheme, determine the segments-of-interest for the other event detection algorithms. An example of such event detection algorithms is given for soccer goal events, where the proposed soccer goal detection algorithm exploits the common cinematic techniques that are employed during the breaks that follow the goal plays. We demonstrate the genericity of the proposed play-break detection algorithm over football, tennis, basketball video and the effectiveness of the proposed soccer goal detection algorithm over a large data set.
Tests of large girders treated to enhance fatigue strength

Two large-scale fatigue test studies of plate girders are reported on. One study involved a series of coverplated bridge girders with small fatigue cracks that were retrofitted in 1976 as described in NCHRP Report 206. The second study involved plate girders fabricated from HPS-485W (HPS-70W) steel with welded attachments. The Category E' coverplated beams that were removed from the I-95 Yellow Mill Pond Bridge in 1997 had been retrofitted in 1976 by either air hammer peening or gas tungsten arc (GTA) remelting. All details had small fatigue cracks at the time of retrofit. No further fatigue cracking was observed at the coverplate ends after 20 years of service and an estimated 56 million truck passages. The beams were tested at a stress range of 69 MPa (10 ksi). Cracks developed from the root of the transverse end weld and propagated through the weld throat. The fatigue resistance of the treated weld toe details improved to Category C except for one GTA-remelted detail, which exceeded Category D. Another...
Latency insertion method (LIM) for the fast transient simulation of large networks

In this work, a finite difference formulation is used to simulate large networks. The method makes use or introduces reactive latency in all branches and nodes of a circuit to generate update algorithms for the voltage and current quantities. A criterion is established that guarantees the stability of the algorithm for specified choices of the time step. Because of its linear numerical complexity, several orders of magnitude in speedup over matrix-based methods are obtained. Nonlinear networks can also be simulated by the formulation. Several comparisons are made with standard simulators in order to evaluate the accuracy and efficiency of the algorithm. In all cases that satisfy the stability criterion, good agreements with established techniques are obtained.
Label-free biochemical characterization of stem cells using vibrational spectroscopy.

Raman and infrared (IR) spectroscopy are two complementary vibrational spectroscopic techniques that have experienced a tremendous growth in their use in biological and biomedical research. This is, in large part, due to their unique capability of providing label-free intrinsic chemical information of living biological samples at tissue, cellular, or sub-cellular resolutions. This article reviews recent developments in applying these techniques for the characterization of stem cells. A discussion of the potential for these methods to address some of the major challenges in stem cell research is presented, as well as the technological and scientific advancements that are needed to progress the knowledge in the field. (© 2009 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Description of a method to support public health information management: Organizational network analysis

In this case study, we describe a method that has potential to provide systematic support for public health information management. Public health agencies depend on specialized information that travels throughout an organization via communication networks among employees. Interactions that occur within these networks are poorly understood and are generally unmanaged. We applied organizational network analysis, a method for studying communication networks, to assess the method's utility to support decision making for public health managers, and to determine what links existed between information use and agency processes. Data on communication links among a health department's staff was obtained via survey with a 93% response rate, and analyzed using Organizational Risk Analyzer (ORA) software. The findings described the structure of information flow in the department's communication networks. The analysis succeeded in providing insights into organizational processes which informed public health managers' strategies to address problems and to take advantage of network strengths.
Transition from School to Work: Where Are We and Where Do We Need to Go?.

As children become teenagers and move into early adulthood, there are many transitions they face. For young people with disabilities, this is no different except that there are invariably additional complex challenges that must be overcome. Evidence-based research is the foundation for best transition practices, but too many studies seem abstract, distant, and far removed from their classroom or school world. This article seeks to overcome the abstract by describing evidence-based transition research and recent findings. Teachers' classroom needs are highlighted with special emphasis on how research can be useful for them on a day-to-day basis. Finally, we highlight six guidelines for helping implement best practices in transition.
Qualitative Research as Jazz

A metaphor of qualitative research as jazz is developed to illuminate qualities embedded in processes of qualitative inquiry. The jazz metaphor creates a pathway for making explicit the tacit understandings that enable us to make our way as researchers without fully orchestrated scores. As jazz is guided by a deep structure of chord progressions and themes, qualitative inquiry is guided by epistemological principles, socially constructed values, inquiry focuses, and findings emerging through analytic methodologies such as constant comparison.
EVALUATING THE SOURCES OF POTENTIAL MIGRANT SPECIES: IMPLICATIONS UNDER CLIMATE CHANGE

As changes in climate become more apparent, ecologists face the challenge of predicting species responses to the new conditions. Most forecasts are based on climate envelopes (CE), correlative approaches that project future distributions on the basis of the current climate often assuming some dispersal lag. One major caveat with this approach is that it ignores the complexity of factors other than climate that contribute to a species' distributional range. To overcome this limitation and to complement predictions based on CE modeling we carried out a transplant experiment of resident and potential-migrant species. Tree seedlings of 18 species were planted side by side from 2001 to 2004 at several locations in the Southern Appalachians and in the North Carolina Piedmont (USA). Growing seedlings under a large array of environmental conditions, including those forecasted for the next decades, allowed us to model seedling survival as a function of variables characteristic of each site, and from here we were able to make predictions on future seedling recruitment. In general, almost all species showed decreased survival in plots and years with lower soil moisture, including both residents and potential migrants, and in both locations, the Southern Appalachians and the Piedmont. The detrimental effects that anticipated arid conditions could have on seedling recruitment contradict some of the projections made by CE modeling, where many of the species tested are expected to increase in abundance or to expand their ranges. These results point out the importance of evaluating the potential sources of migrant species when modeling vegetation response to climate change, and considering that species adapted to the new climate and the local conditions may not be available in the surrounding regions.
Effect of neoheptaene on experimental systemic mycoses in mice

The ability of neoheptaene to alter the course of infection in mice experimentally infected with Histoplasma capsulatum, Blastomyces dermatitidis, Coccidioides immitis or Cryptococcus neoformans was studied. The antibiotic possessed measurable therapeutic activity in histoplasmosis, blastomycosis and cryptococcosis when injected by the intraperitoneal route at doses of 0·4 mg. to 0·9 mg. per day for a total of 20 injections. No therapeutic activity in coccidioidomycosis was demonstrated. The therapeutic dosage approached or extended into the toxic range of the antibiotic in mice.
Management of Newly Diagnosed Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac arrhythmia. The prevalence of AF increases progressively with age, ranging from about 1% for those under 60 yr of age and increases to more than 8% for those over 80 yr of age. AF is more common in males, with the age-adjusted incidence for women being about half that of men. AF can occur in both the normal heart and the structurally abnormal heart. The cardiac conditions most commonly associated with AF are rheumatic mitral valve disease, ischemic heart disease, congestive cardiomyopathy, and hypertension. Other causes include hyperthyroidism, hypoxic conditions, and alcohol intoxication. The most widely accepted theory in the pathogenesis of AF is believed to be multiple re-entry wavelet mechanism. Patients with AF may be asymptomatic or have symptoms such as palpitations, light-headedness, shortness of breath, and poor exercise tolerance. Some symptoms are related to reduction of cardiac output. Patients with AF are at increased risk for systemic thromboembolism. The absolute risk for stroke is dependent on comorbidities and can range from 1 to 15% per year. The goals in the treatment of AF are to reduce the risk of stroke or other systemic embolus, control the symptoms of palpitations, and improve exercise tolerance.
Measuring the Stress Dependence of Nucleation and Growth Processes in Sn Whisker Formation

Sn whiskers/hillocks are believed to form due to stress in the layers, but the dependence on the stress has been difficult to quantify. We therefore used the thermal expansion mismatch between Sn thin films and Si substrates to induce controlled stress by heating. This enables us to measure the average stress in the layer (using wafer curvature) at the same time as we monitor the nucleation rate (using optical microscopy). Scanning electron microscopy of the surface after intervals of heating is also used to quantify the whisker volume as a function of stress and time. The results allow us to determine the dependence of the whisker nucleation rate and the growth rate on the applied stress. They also show that whisker formation is not the dominant mode of plastic strain relaxation in the Sn layer.
Migration Inhibition of Alveolar Macrophages: An Assay System for Evaluating Toxicity of Pollutant Chemicals

The migration-inhibition test used for assaying macrophage migration-inhibition factor (MIF) was adapted to evaluate toxicity of the amosite and chrysotile forms of asbestos as well as aluminum chloride and zirconium sulfate. The migration-inhibition assay proved to be a sensitive and highly reproducible test in this application. A linear relationship was observed when the percent inhibition of migration of controls was plotted against the log10 concentration of the toxic substances. Cytochalasin B, a potent inhibitor of phagocytosis and motility of macrophages, served as an index control. Levels as low as 1 μg/mL of cytochalasin markedly inhibited migration of rabbit alveolar macrophages.
skin:textile:film

AbstractIn handing down and perpetuating a dysfunctional relationship between artist, materials, and tools, gendered and occidental canons of art practice have caused art-viewing and art-making to become separated activities. For many artists this cuts directly across the grain of their work, nowhere more so than within textile practice. In unpicking, locating, and mapping (inter)relationships between the haptic and scopic, this article proposes a model for understanding and positioning textile practice within broader artistic discourse. In creating a triptychal landscape for such (inter)relations—skin:textile:film—and endowing the textile with the role of filter between skin and film, the muffled areas that lie between the purely haptic and the purely scopic can be identified and examined. Alongside this, (linings) (Ann Hamilton 1990) will be explored to highlight and test some of the subtleties present in this proposed framework. This article focuses on a practice-based engagement with materiality in ar...
Play Psychotherapy Research

I was sitting in the cafeteria at the San Diego airport, amidst the usual chaotic airport scene, when I noticed a little boy, about six or seven years old, sitting at the table next to mine. He was with an older brother or very young father who was reading. The boy had laid out in front of him four figures—a cowboy, an Indian, a large monster, and a larger rubber dinosaur. He was totally engrossed in fantasy play with these creatures and was making up dialogue and action. I could not hear all of it, but I could hear, “Do this,” “No you won’t,” “Here’s this.” Some of the play was with an angry tone, some with a cooperative tone. There was a definite story line. His play went on for about 30 minutes. He was totally engaged and comfortable and was clearly having a good time. He was also doing work—expressing feelings, learning to modulate affect, mastering problems, and developing coping skills.
Liver Transplantation in a Patient With CD40 Ligand Deficiency and Hyper-IgM Syndrome: Clinical and Immunological Assessments.

Monoclonal antibodies that disrupt CD40–CD40 ligand (CD40L) interactions are likely to have use in human transplantation. However, the extent of the immunosuppressive effects of CD40–CD40L blockade in humans is unknown. Hyper-IgM syndrome (HIGM) is a rare primary immunodeficiency syndrome characterized by defects in the CD40–CD40L pathway, severe immune deficiency (IgG), and high or normal IgM levels. However, the effects of CD40L deficiency on T- and natural killer (NK)-cell function is not established. Here, we present a patient with HIGM syndrome who underwent liver transplantation for hepatitis C virus infection. Posttransplantation, NK-cell antibody-dependent cytokine release (γ-interferon) to alloantigens and T cell responses to viral antigens and mitogens were assessed and showed normal CD4+, CD8+, and NK-cell responses. We also examined antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity against a CD40+ and HLA-expressing cell line. These experiments confirmed that the patient's NK cells were equivalent to those of normal subjects in mediating antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity despite the absence of CD40–CD40L interactions. Mitogenic stimulation of the patient's peripheral blood mononuclear cells showed no expression of CD40L on T and NK cells compared with increased expression in normal subjects. Taken together, these data suggest that absence of CD40L expression is responsible for aberrant B cell immunity but had little impact on NK- and T cell immune responses in vitro.
Using Pheromone Extract to Reduce Repellency of Blatticides

The efficacy and repellency of 6 representative blatticides were tested with and without the addition of extracts of aggregation pheromone of the German cockroach, Blattella gennanica (L.). Efficacy of the toxicants was generally inversely related to its repellency. Avoidance of residues by males was indicated with a Relative Avoidance Index (RAI) in which values > 1.00 indicated repellency greater than diazinon (1.00). Considering the KT-50 of each toxicant, the order of repellency was boric acid < diazinon < chlorpyrifos < Dri-die 68® < Dri-die 67® < propoxur. Toxicants combined with aggregation pheromone against young nymphs significantly increased mortality in choice tests with chlorpyrifos, propoxur, diazinon, and Dri-die 67. With adult males, similar increases were obtained with pheromone and propoxur and diazinon. Aggregation pheromone reduced repellency, and increased the period of time cockroaches contacted each toxicant.
Model Hamiltonian Analysis of Singlet Fission from First Principles

We present an approach to accurately construct the few-state model Hamiltonians for singlet fission processes on the basis of an ab initio electronic structure method tailored to dimer wave functions, called an active space decomposition strategy. In this method, the electronic structure of molecular dimers is expressed in terms of a linear combination of products of monomer states. We apply this method to tetracene and pentacene, using monomer wave functions computed by the restricted active space (RAS) method. Near-exact wave functions are computed for π-electrons of dimers that contain up to 7 × 1012 electronic configurations. Our product ansatz preserves the diabatic picture of the minimal dimer model, allowing us to accurately identify model Hamiltonians. The wave functions obtained from the model Hamiltonians account for more than 99% of the total wave functions. The resulting model Hamiltonians are shown to be converged with respect to all the parameters in the model, and corroborate previously rep...
Review: Studies in trans-disciplinary method: after the aesthetic turn, by Michael J. Shapiro, London, Routledge, 2013, 224 pp., £85.00 (hardback), ISBN 978-0-415-78355-2; £26.99 (paperback), ISBN 978-0-415-69294-6

As someone who received his graduate training in Critical and Cultural Studies, I must say from the outset that I am convinced by Shapiro’s polemic and find much to recommend in his method. Through...
On the Matrix Equation BX = C

(1916). On the Matrix Equation BX = C. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 23, No. 5, pp. 152-155.
The development over internet databases

The thesis focus on the type - choosing in nowadays developing based on the internet databases. It suggests some methods in type - choosing as to differential DBMS attributes through the analyses on the structured relational system and the net databases respectively.
A voluntary medical humanities module at the Manipal College of Medical Sciences, Pokhara, Nepal.

Editor’s Note: In this column, teachers who are currently using literary and artistic materials as part of their curricula will briefly summarize specific works, delineate their purposes and goals in using these media, describe their audience and teaching strategies, discuss their methods of evaluation, and speculate about the impact of these teaching tools on learners (and teachers). Submissions should be three to five double-spaced pages with a minimum of references. Send your submissions to me at University of California, Irvine, Department of Family Medicine, 101 City Drive South, Building 200, Room 512, Route 81, Orange, CA 92868-3298. 949-824-3748. Fax: 714-456-7984. jfshapir@uci.edu.
Randomized trial of albumin vs. electrolyte solutions during abdominal aortic operations.

Abstract In a prospective randomized trial of 16 patients undergoing abdominal vascular reconstructive procedures, changes in plasma volume, serum oncotic pressure (pis), serum albumin and total protein concentration, alveolar to arterial oxygen tension differences (AaDO2, FIO2 = 1.0), creatinine clearance, body weight, and fluid and sodium intake were examined. By random assignment patients received either an albumin- or a sodium-rich intraoperative fluid regimen. Pulmonary arteriovenous admixture was significantly less in the albumin group (n = 7) than in the electrolyte group (n = 9) on the first postoperative day. The change in AaDO2 correlated positively with the total sodium intake in the electrolyte group. Despite the larger fluid load and significantly greater gain of body weight, patients in the electrolyte group had a postoperative plasma volume significantly lower than the preoperative value. Postoperative values of albumin concentration, circulating albumin mass and pis were significantly greater in the albumin group in comparison to the electrolyte group. Creatinine clearance values were not different between the two groups. The change in pis correlated significantly with sodium intake and circulating albumin mass. Pulmonary shunting and expansion of the extracellular fluid volume may be minimized without adverse effects on renal function by administration of fluids rich in albumin in preference to sodium.
Experimental and Computational Characterization of the Transition State for C–X Bimetallic Oxidative Addition at a Cu–Fe Reaction Center

The heterobimetallic complex (IPr)Cu-Fp (IPr = N,N′-bis(2,6-diisopropylimidazol-2-ylidene, Fp = FeCp(CO)2) was identified previously as a nonprecious metal catalyst for C–H borylation. To better understand the nature of the bimetallic reaction pathways operative in this system, we have conducted a thorough mechanistic study of alkyl halide activation by the Cu–Fe heterobimetallic reaction center. Use of cyclopropylmethyl halide substrates as radical clocks established that alkyl halide activation occurs by a two-electron mechanism for alkyl bromides and chlorides but not iodides. Eyring analysis of the activation of benzyl chloride allowed for experimental determination of activation parameters, including a large and negative entropy of activation (ΔS⧧ = −36 eu). A Hammett study with para-substituted benzyl chlorides revealed a reaction constant of ρ = 1.6, indicating accumulation of negative charge in the transition state on the alkyl halide carbon. The Ru analogue, (IPr)Cu-Rp (Rp = RuCp(CO)2), was found...
Chronic kidney disease and obesity bias surrogate estimates of insulin sensitivity compared with the hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp.

Insulin sensitivity can be measured by procedures such as the hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp or by using surrogate indices. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and obesity may differentially affect the...
Matrix-metalloproteinases as targets for controlled delivery in cancer: An analysis of upregulation and expression

While commonly known for degradation of the extracellular matrix, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) exhibit broad potential for use in targeting of bioactive and imaging agents in cancer treatment. MMPs are upregulated at all stages of expression in cancers. A comprehensive analysis of published literature on expression of all MMP subtypes at the genetic, protein, and activity levels in normal and diseased tissues indicate targeting applicability in a variety of cancers. This expression significantly increases at advanced cancer stages, providing an improved opportunity for controlled release in higher-stage patients. Since MMPs are integral at every stage of metastasis, MMP roles in cancer are discussed with a focus on MMP distribution and mobility within cells and tumors for cancer targeting applications. Several strategies for MMP utilization in targeting - such as matrix degradation, MMP cleavage, MMP binding, and MMP-induced environmental changes - are addressed.
Patient-Reported Outcomes in Onychomycosis: A Review of Psychometrically Evaluated Instruments in Assessing Treatment Effectiveness.

Purpose: Onychomycosis is the most common nail disorder and causes morbidity and impaired quality of life (QOL). Patient-reported outcomes (PRO) are patients' assessment of their health status or treatment response. PROs help assess what is most bothersome to patients to identify targets for intervention. We sought to review the PRO instruments currently used to assess QOL and treatment response in onychomycosis patients. Procedures: A systematic review was performed by searching PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases through December 31, 2016, to identify all English language literature on onychomycosis, PRO, and QOL. Results: Currently, 5 validated PRO instruments exist specifically for onychomycosis. Oral therapies were most extensively studied using PRO instruments. QOL data generally correlated with clinical change, although patients sometimes reported improvement without any clinically significant nail clearance. The only psychometrically validated PRO instrument used to evaluate treatment response is the OnyCOE-t™. Conclusions: Clinicians may underestimate the impact of onychomycosis on patients. With recent initiatives from health-care management organizations to improve patient experience and the recent approval of expensive and nonsuperior topical antifungal medications, PROs will be increasingly important in onychomycosis to assess patient priorities and optimize treatment. Future research should evaluate these instruments in special populations and fingernail disease.
Factors Leading to Successful Attainment of Doctoral Degrees in Education by African American Women

FACTORS LEADING TO SUCCESSFUL ATTAINMENT OF DOCTORAL DEGREES IN EDUCATION BY AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN By Antoinette Michelle Rogers, M.Ed., Ph.D. A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2006 Major Director: Diane J. Simon, Ph.D., Associate Dean, School of Education This qualitative research study determined what factors influenced or hindered the successes of eight Afiican American women who earned doctorates in the field of Education within the past 10 years. The researcher gathered and shared the stories of African American women doctoral degree completers in their own words. Interviews were conducted using the Polycom H.323 videoconferencing system in the School of Education at Virginia Commonwealth University. The participants in this study collectively attributed more than 15 factors to helping them complete a doctoral program. Some of the success factors cited include self-determination, knowledge of self and purpose for earning a doctorate, spirituality, development of response and navigational skills, full-time doctoral matriculation and dedicated dissertation writing time. Social support provided by family members, colleagues, and university faculty was determined to be a major factor. Financial support in the form of fellowships, grants, assistantships and student loans was also cited. Institutional factors such as a warm, supportive environment and ease of transition to graduate school also played a role in the women's successes. Likewise, approximately 15 factors were counted as hindrances or obstacles. Some of the hindrances included poor relationships with advisors, lack of financial aid, racism, isolation as a minority student, time encumbrances associated with assistantship duties, family responsibilities and personal illness. Although the number of hindrances and obstacles were nearly equal to success factors, participants overcame these barriers and successfully earned the Doctor of Philosophy degree. Recommendations for doctoral students, advisors and university administrators have implications for changes in higher education policy and practice. African American women doctoral students must be knowledgeable about themselves and possess a clear understanding of their purpose for seeking a doctorate. This knowledge should help guide decision-making and shape a plan of action for successful doctoral program completion. Based upon the results of this study, doctoral advisors and university administrators should commit to fostering success for African American doctoral students by offering academic, financial and social support, as well as establishing a diverse learning environment with a critical mass of faculty and students of color, particularly Afiican Americans.
Insulation design and evaluation via partial discharge (PD) test for power electronics application

Insulation design is important for medium voltage level, high power density power electronic equipment. This is especially true in order to achieve a high reliability and long lifetime, in conjunction with a reasonable insulation size and weight that is important for electric ship applications. Most of the weak points inside the solid insulation are located in the void or defect inside insulation, especially those near the field crowding area. An example of this is a self-made laminated bus. This paper will show how to model the actual structure and perform the electric field analysis, even with a single void. In order to reduce the stress for the insulation, several useful methods to decrease electric field crowding will be discussed. All these methods will be verified by FEA simulation. Then, a non-destructive partial discharge (PD) method to evaluate insulation will be introduced. The self-made laminated bus PD behavior under the line frequency sinusoidal and DC excitation will be captured. Later, a simple PCB coupon will be tested and its PD behavior under 60Hz sinusoidal and 60Hz unipolar square wave will be shown separately. These will somehow, demonstrate the difference between the insulation aging mechanism, especially under PWM-like excitation. However, deep understanding in how to evaluate and improve the insulation, especially as it applies to power electronics applications, needs to be explored in future work.
Testing hypotheses about the microbiome using an ordination-based linear decomposition model

Abstract Background Data from a microbiome study is often analyzed by calculating a matrix of pairwise distances between observations; ordination using principal components or multidimensional scaling of the distance matrix is frequently successful in separating meaningful groups of observations (e.g., cases and controls). Although distance-based analyses like PERMANOVA can be used to test association using only the distance matrix, the connection between data on individual species (or operational taxonomic units, OTUs) and the information in the distance matrix is lost. This makes it hard to know which species contribute to the patterns seen in ordination for the high-dimensional data we gather in a microbiome study. Methods We introduce a novel approach called the linear decomposition model (LDM) that provides a single analysis path that includes distance-based ordination, global tests of any effect of the microbiome, and tests of the effects of individual OTUs with false discovery rate (FDR)-based correction for multiple testing. The LDM accommodates both continuous and discrete variables (e.g., clinical outcomes, environmental factors) as well as interaction terms to be tested either singly or in combination, allows for adjustment of confounding covariates, and uses permutation-based p-values that can control for correlation (e.g., repeated measurements on the same individual). The LDM can also be applied to transformed data, and an ‘omnibus’ test can easily combine results from analyses conducted on different transformation scales. Results For global testing, our simulations indicate the LDM provides correct type I error, even with substantial confounding and/or correlations, and can have substantially higher power than existing distance-based methods. For testing individual OTUs, our simulations indicate the LDM generally controlled the FDR well. In contrast, DESeq2 had inflated FDR in the presence of confounding and inferior sensitivity with sparse OTU data; MetagenomeSeq generally had the lowest sensitivity. The flexibility of the LDM for a variety of microbiome studies is illustrated by the analysis of data from two microbiome studies. Conclusions We present the LDM, a method that integrates global testing of any microbiome effect and detection of differentially abundant OTUs. The LDM is generally more powerful than existing methods, and is capable of handling the confounders and correlated data that frequently occur in modern microbiome studies.
Vapor—Liquid Equilibria at Low Temperatures: The Carbon Monoxide—Methane System

References on the vapor—liquid equilibria of systems containing carbon monoxide have been compiled by Flynn [1]. The thermodynamic properties of mixtures of liquid carbon monoxide and liquid methane have been studied over the complete range of compositions at one temperature, 90.67°K, the triple-point temperature of pure methane [2]. This study indicates that the liquid-phase activity coefficient of carbon monoxide under these conditions assumes the following form: $$\ln {\gamma _i} = 0.6226X\begin{array}{*{20}{c}} 2 \\ 2 \\\end{array} - 0.0032X\begin{array}{*{20}{c}} 2 \\ 2 \\ \end{array} (1 - 4{X_1})$$ (1) where γi is the activity coefficient of carbon monoxide in liquid, x 1is the mole fraction of carbon monoxide in liquid, and x 2 is the mole fraction of methane in liquid.
The Kinesin Superfamily

The mammalian genome possesses 45 unique genes that code for kinesins. Kinesins are motor molecules, ATPases, which are specialized for the transport of cellular materials along the surface of cellular microtubules. Microtubules consist of linear polymers of repeating 8-nm-long tubulin dimers, each of which comprises one binding site for the kinesin motor domain. Kinesins “walk” from one binding site to the next, hydrolyzing one ATP with every step. In addition to their transport roles, these enzymes also remodel microtubules, engineer mitotic spindle assembly, and assist with chromosome segregation in dividing cells. Thus far, kinesins have been identified to operate in every conceivable microtubule-based process in the cell. Their diversity has enabled researchers to study disparate microtubule-based processes in isolation by selective disruption of individual kinesin motors. Functional characterization of microtubule-dependent activities with such high precision would not be possible using microtubule drugs, most of which globally disrupt all microtubule processes simultaneously. For this reason, kinesins have recently become attractive targets for the development of chemotherapeutic drugs.
Vulnerability to Suicide

In his philosophical essay The Myth of Sisyphus, Albert Camus writes There is but one truly serious philosophical problem, and that is suicide. Judging whether life is or is not worth living amounts to answering the fundamental question of philosophy.1 (p. 3)
Correction to: Higher-moment buffered probability

The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake. The copyright line was incorrect.
The Distribution of Thermal Neutrons in Space and Energy in Reactor Lattices. Part II: Comparison of Theory and Experiment

The results obtained in Part I of this paper are compared with experimental intracell foil activation measurements. The computed neutron density distributions in D2O and graphite moderated lattices...
Central screw use delays implant dislodgement in osteopenic bone but not synthetic surrogates: A comparison of reverse total shoulder models

Abstract Adequate glenoid baseplate fixation in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) is important to achieve, but may prove challenging in the context of glenoid bone loss or osteopenia. Current rTSA testing standards rely upon synthetic bone surrogates, but it is unclear if these models accurately recapitulate the mechanics of osteoporotic bone. Additionally, it also unknown if the use of a central screw effectively provides resistance to micromotion in the milieu of poor quality bone. The purpose of this experiment was to create a novel cyclic load test protocol that elicited clinically relevant failures, so that comparisons of relative motion between baseplates and bones could be made with: (1) synthetic bones and poor quality cadaveric bones, and (2) the use or omission of a central screw. rTSA components were implanted into cadaveric and synthetic bones with and without a central screw. To model a range of loads that may be experienced during abduction, increasing cyclic loads were applied to shoulder joints in 30° of humeral abduction. Cycles and loads prior to permanent deformation exceeding 150 µm, 1 mm, and joint failure were determined using measurements from the test frame and from 3-D motion analysis. Synthetic bones demonstrated significantly more resistance to micromotion in comparison to cadaveric bones. Use of the central screw improved resistance to dislodgement, which was only observed in the cadaveric specimens. This study highlights the need for biomechanical testing with cadaveric specimens, especially when assessing osteopenic or osteoporotic populations.
Protein:Protein Interactions in the Cytoplasmic Membrane Influencing Sugar Transport and Phosphorylation Activities of the E. coli Phosphotransferase System.

The multicomponent phosphoenolpyruvate-dependent sugar-transporting phosphotransferase system (PTS) in Escherichia coli takes up sugar substrates and concomitantly phosphorylates them. We have recently provided evidence that many of the integral membrane PTS permeases interact with the fructose PTS (FruA/FruB) [1]. However, the biochemical and physiological significance of this finding was not known. We have carried out molecular genetic/biochemical/physiological studies that show that interactions of the fructose PTS often enhance, but sometimes inhibit the activities of other PTS transporters many fold, depending on the target PTS system under study. Thus, the glucose, mannose, mannitol and N- acetylglucosamine permeases exhibit enhanced in vivo sugar transport and sometimes in vitro PEP-dependent sugar phosphorylation activities while the galactitol and trehalose systems show inhibited activities. This is observed when the fructose system is induced to high levels and prevented when the fruA/fruB genes are deleted. Overexpression of the fruA and/or fruB genes in the absence of fructose induction during growth also enhances the rates of uptake of other hexoses. The {beta}-galactosidase activities of man, mtl, and gat-lacZ transcriptional fusions and the sugar-specific transphosphorylation activities of these enzyme transporters were not affected either by frustose induction or fruAB overexpression, showing that the rates of synthesis and protein levels in the membrane of the target PTS permeases were not altered. We thus suggest that specific protein-protein interactions within the cytoplasmic membrane regulate transport in vivo (and sometimes the PEP-dependent phosphorylation activities in vitro of PTS permeases) in a physiologically meaningful way that may help to provide a hierarchy of preferred PTS sugars. These observations appear to be applicable in principle to other types of transport systems as well.
Investigating the perspective of Theory of Knowledge teachers in International Baccalaureate World Schools

As a part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) students participate in the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course. This research used a mixed methods design to investigate the p...
Judging the Use of Risk Assessment in Sentencing

Judges are using risk assessment instruments in criminal cases more than ever before. The role of risk assessment is increasingly prominent at all stages of the criminal justice system, including policing, pretrial detention, sentencing, corrections, and parole. In its 2017 revision, the Model Penal Code prominently endorsed consideration of risk in the sentencing process, and specifically, to potentially divert lower-risk defendants to reduced or alternative sentences. The 2018 FIRST STEP Act, perhaps the most far-reaching federal sentencing reform in a generation, mentions risk no less than one hundred times, and relies on risk assessments to allocate prison programming and prisoner release. In this Article, we focus on the role of a sentencing judge in using risk assessment.
Examining the Effects of Social Stories™ on Challenging Behavior and Prosocial Skills in Young Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Social stories are a commonly used intervention practice in early childhood special education. Recent systematic reviews have documented the evidence base for social stories, but findings are mixed...
Functional biological paths altered in Alzheimer's disease: from genes to bile acids

Large-scale genome wide association studies (GWASs) have been performed in search for risk genes for Alzheimer9s disease (AD). Despite the significant progress, replicability of genetic findings and their translation into targetable mechanisms related to the disease pathogenesis remains a challenge. Given that bile acids have been suggested in recent metabolic studies as potential age-related metabolic factors associated with AD, we integrated genomic and metabolomic data together with heterogeneous biological networks and investigated the potential cascade of effect of genetic variations to proteins, bile acids and ultimately AD brain phenotypes. Particularly, we leveraged functional protein interaction networks and metabolic networks and focused on the genes directly interacting with AD-altered bile acids and their functional regulators. We examined the association of all the SNPs located in those candidate genes with AD brain imaging phenotypes, and identified multiple AD risk SNPs whose downstream genes and bile acids were also found to be altered in AD. These AD related markers span from genetics to metabolomics, forming functional biological paths connecting across multiple-omics layers, and give valuable insights into the underlying mechanism of AD.
Orthotopic Heart Transplant Recipient with Enteric-coated Mycophenolate Sodium (Myfortic) Induced Colitis

BACKGROUND Mycophenolic acid is an immunosuppressive drug commonly used in solid organ transplantation to prevent acute and chronic allograft rejection. There are 2 common preparations of mycophenolic acid including mycophenolate mofetil (Cellcept), and enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium (Myfortic) which was developed to reduce the high rate of gastrointestinal side effects seen with Cellcept. Cases of mycophenolate mofetil induced colitis have been described in solid organ transplant patients and rarely in heart transplant patients, but enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium induced colitis is very rare and has not been reported in heart transplant patients. CASE REPORT A 66-year old male with an orthotopic heart transplant was admitted with diarrhea. The patient was on an immunosuppression regimen including mycophenolate mofetil for 10 weeks post-transplantation until complaining of soft stools and bloating. At this time, he was switched to enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium. At week 11 post-transplantation, the patient was admitted to the hospital with worsening diarrhea. Extensive workup was unrevealing. Colonoscopy with biopsy showed features of mycophenolic acid induced colitis. Enteric coated mycophenolate sodium was discontinued, and the patient's diarrhea markedly improved over the next 48 hours. The patient had no signs of colitis or solid organ rejection at 7-month follow up appointment. CONCLUSIONS Although a diagnosis of exclusion, enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium induced colitis should be considered in the differential of an orthotopic heart transplant patient with diarrhea as discontinuing the medication can improve symptoms and avoid costly workups, however, patients should be monitored closely for signs of rebound rejection.
School’s Out for COVID-19: 50 Ways BCBA Trainees in Special Education Settings Can Accrue Independent Fieldwork Experience Hours During the Pandemic

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and nationwide executive orders closing schools, many trainees completing their supervised independent fieldwork in educational settings lost the ability to accrue hours linked to restricted activities of a therapeutic and instructional nature with students (i.e., clients). Given the impact on trainees of the pandemic restrictions, we present 50 suggestions for trainees in school settings to continue to accrue hours for both restricted and unrestricted activities throughout the course of the COVID-19 pandemic.