cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of Ca2+-Independent Phospholipase A2 Results in Insufficient Insulin Secretion and Impaired Glucose Tolerance

Islet Ca2+-independent phospholipase A2 (iPLA2) is postulated to mediate insulin secretion by releasing arachidonic acid in response to insulin secretagogues. However, the significance of iPLA2 signaling in insulin secretion in vivo remains unexplored. Here we investigated the physiological role of iPLA2 in beta-cell lines, isolated islets, and mice. We showed that small interfering RNA-specific silencing of iPLA2 expression in INS-1 cells significantly reduced insulin-secretory responses of INS-1 cells to glucose. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that mouse islet cells expressed significantly higher levels of iPLA2 than pancreatic exocrine acinar cells. Bromoenol lactone (BEL), a selective inhibitor of iPLA2, inhibited glucose-stimulated insulin secretion from isolated mouse islets; this inhibition was overcome by exogenous arachidonic acid. We also showed that iv BEL administration to mice resulted in sustained hyperglycemia and reduced insulin levels during glucose tolerance tests. Clamp experiments demonstrated that the impaired glucose tolerance was due to insufficient insulin secretion rather than decreased insulin sensitivity. Short-term administration of BEL to mice had no effect on fasting glucose levels and caused no apparent pathological changes of islets in pancreas sections. These results unambiguously demonstrate that iPLA2 signaling plays an important role in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion under physiological conditions.
Neuronal Receptors Mediating Responses to AntibodyActivated Laminin-1

Embryonic retinal neurons lose the ability to extend neurites on laminin-1 (LN-1) with increasing developmental age yet still do so on other laminin isoforms. However, after treatment of LN-1 with antibodies to "short-arm" regions or removal of the short arms proteolytically, LN-1 supports attachment and extension of neurites even by late embryonic retinal neurons. We have mapped a domain for antibody-mediated "activation" of LN-1 to the N-terminal end of the alpha1 chain. Furthermore, we show that the primary receptors used in the retinal neuron response to "activated" LN-1 are integrins alpha3 beta1 and alpha6 beta1; these are the same receptors used by these neurons for outgrowth on other LN isoforms. Interestingly, alpha3 beta1 is preferentially involved in neurite outgrowth, whereas alpha6beta1 preferentially mediates attachment and spreading. However, in cultures from alpha3 integrin-deficient mice, alpha6 beta1 mediates retinal ganglion cell neurite outgrowth and compensates for the absence of alpha3 beta1. Finally, we show that key features of the retinal neuron response to LN-1 also characterize neurons of the hippocampus, thalamus, and cerebral cortex; these include poor response to untreated LN-1, extensive neurite outgrowth on antibody-activated LN-1 or on fragment E8, and dependence of this response on integrin alpha6 beta1 and at least one other long arm-binding beta1 integrin. These data suggest that regulation of LN-1 function via the process of activation could have important consequences for axonal regeneration. Curiously, the data also imply that the mechanism of laminin activation involves enhanced function at sites that cannot be considered cryptic.
Clinical Characterization of Left Ventricular Noncompaction in Children A Relatively Common Form of Cardiomyopathy

Background— Left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) is a reportedly uncommon genetic disorder of endocardial morphogenesis with a reportedly high mortality rate. The purpose of this study was to identify the clinical characteristics of children with LVNC. Methods and Results— We retrospectively reviewed 36 children with LVNC evaluated at Texas Children’s Hospital (TCH) from January 1997 to December 2002. Five children had associated cardiac lesions. There were 16 girls and 20 boys. The median age at presentation was 90 days (range, 1 day to 17 years). The median duration of follow-up was 3.2 years (range, 0.5 to 12 years). Twenty-seven patients (75%) had ECG abnormalities, most commonly biventricular hypertrophy (10 patients, 28%). Both ventricles were involved in 8 patients (22%) and only the left ventricle in 28 patients (78%). Left ventricular systolic function was depressed in 30 patients (83%), with a median ejection fraction of 30% (range, 15% to 66%) at diagnosis. Nine patients presenting in the firs...
Marine Science Graduate Program at UT Austin

Beginning this fall, students at the University of Texas at Austin will be able to earn master's and doctoral degrees in marine science for the first time. Degree programs will be available in marine biology, marine chemistry, marine geology, and physical oceanography. The new program is the result of a review of the Department of Marine Studies that Robert Jones started in 1985 after he was appointed the department chairman.
Students learn more with less text that covers the same core topics

For textbooks on technical topics, the typical amount of text used is more than what many college students will read. Some teachers observe, and students report, that students commonly skim such text. As such, a writing style that aggressively minimizes text while still teaching the core technical topic may improve student learning; if text is short enough, students may then read and study the text more carefully. The objective of this study was to compare the effect of text quantity on amount learned. We created and compared content styles using a lesson that taught Google search techniques. The two main content styles were normal text and minimal text. The normal text style included 6–12 sentences followed by 1–3 examples. The minimal text style included 1–2 sentences followed by 1–3 examples. We conducted a randomized control study with 168 participants enrolled in a college-level Introduction to Computing course for non-computing majors. Each participant was randomly assigned one lesson style. We provided a pre-lesson and post-lesson quiz, each with ten questions. Additionally, the participants completed background and follow-up surveys. The study was part of a course homework assignment, so self-selection bias was limited. The course is primarily taken by non-majors and covers the basics of Word, Excel, and HTML. An improvement score is a participant's post-lesson minus pre-lesson quiz scores. The average improvement score for minimal text was 2.4 (6.5 − 4.1), which is higher (p-value < 0.01) than the average improvement score for normal text of 1.1 (5.1 − 4.0). Thus, teaching the same topic using less text led to more learning. The conclusion is not that materials should be watered down, but rather that great attention should be paid to using minimal text while teaching the same core topics.
Modeling and experiments of dual-fuel engine combustion and emissions

The combustion and emissions of a diesel/natural gas dual-fuel engine are studied. Available engine experimental data demonstrates that the dual-fuel configuration provides a potential alternative to diesel engine operation for reducing emissions. The experiments are compared to multi-dimensional model results. The computer code used is based on the KIVA-3V code and consists of updated sub-models to simulate more accurately the fuel spray atomization, auto-ignition, combustion and emissions processes. The model results show that dual-fuel engine combustion and emissions are well predicted by the present multi-dimensional model. Significant reduction in NO x emissions is observed in both the experiments and simulations when natural gas is substituted for diesel fuel. The HC emissions are under predicted by numerical model as the natural gas substitution is increased. The capabilities and limitations of the combustion model to simulate premixed combustion of air and natural gas were identified. It was found that the combustion model previously developed for diesel combustion provides adequately accuracy when extended to model the present dual-fuel cases. However, the accuracy of the predictions deteriorates for small pilot quantities. A brief discussion is given of a new combustion modeling approach that is applicable to very low pilot diesel fuel cases.
Chromosomes at loose ends

Broken ends of a budding yeast chromosome exhibit increased mobility, presumably to facilitate repair by recombination. A new study reports that increased mobility reflects the untethering of the broken chromosome, triggered by a DNA damage response that phosphorylates the Cep3 kinetochore protein and weakens the association between the centromere and the spindle pole body.
Mass of /sup 104/Cd

A quadrupole-dipole-dipole-dipole spectrograph has been used with a 34.6 MeV proton beam to observe the /sup 106/Cd (p,t) /sup 104/Cd reaction. The Q value is measured and a mass excess of -83963 (14) keV is inferred for /sup 104/Cd.
Correlated responses in forage yield and nutritional value from phenotypic recurrent selection for reduced fiber concentration in smooth bromegrass

Selection for reduced fiber concentration in forage crops is considered to be an effective approach to improve the voluntary intake potential of forages. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of several modifications to phenotypic recurrent selection for reducing neutral detergent fiber (NDF) concentration and its effect on correlated variables of smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss). The selection methods were based on differences in the growth stage sampled (vegetative vs heading), the method of determining NDF in the laboratory (wet-laboratory vs near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy), and the method of intercrossing selected individuals (in situ vs replicated polycross). Selection at the vegetative growth stage was most effective, probably, due to minimal sampling variation within plants. Polycrossing generally increased gains due to more effective interpollination, but increased cycle time by 50%, resulting in similar gains per year for in situ pollination vs polycrossing. Selection for reduced NDF did not generally affect the digestibility of the NDF fraction. Selection for reduced NDF led to reduced forage yield for all selection methods, due partly to a genetic correlation with NDF and partly to inbreeding depression. Three potential solutions were proposed to break the apparent association between reduced NDF and forage yield: increase effective population size, practice combined selection for both traits, and/or make chance hybrids between genetically divergent low-NDF strains. An empirical assessment will most likely be required to determine the best of these three potential solutions.
Characterization of nanoparticles from abrasive waterjet machining and electrical discharge machining processes.

Abrasive Waterjet Machining (AWM) and Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) processes are found to produce nanoparticles during operation. Impacts of engineered nanoparticles released to the environment and biological system have caused much concern. Similarly, the nanoparticles unintentionally produced by the AWM and EDM can lead to comparable effects. By application of the Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA) technique, the size distribution and concentration of nanoparticles in the water used in AWM and EDM were measured. The particles generally have a peak size of 100–200 nm. The filtration systems of the AWM and EDM processes were found to remove 70% and 90% the nanoparticles present, respectively. However, the particle concentration of the filtered water from the AWM was still four times higher than that found in regular tap water. These nanoparticles are mostly agglomerated, according to the microscopy analysis. Using the electron dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) technique, the particles are confirmed ...
Role of Organics in Regulating ClNO2 Production at the Air–Sea Interface

We report measurements of the product yield for nitryl chloride (ClNO2) production following the reactive uptake of dinitrogen pentoxide (N2O5) to a wide variety of ambient seawater samples as well as seawater mimics. The ClNO2 yield, as measured for ambient seawater collected from both coastal and open ocean waters, was found to be both insensitive to chlorophyll-a, a marker for biological activity, and significantly lower (0.16–0.30) than that expected for equivalent salt-containing solutions (0.82 ± 0.05). Suppression in the ClNO2 yield can be induced by the addition of aromatic organic compounds (e.g., phenol and humic acid) to synthetic seawater matrices. In the case of phenol, surface tension measurements reveal that the surface phenol:chloride ratio can be enhanced by more than a factor of 100 as compared to bulk ratios for subtle changes in surface tension (<1.5 mN m–1), providing a mechanism to suppress ClNO2 production at low bulk phenol concentrations. We interpret measurements of the dependenc...
Distributional shape of nutrition data.

Nutrition data from 111 undergraduate college students (51 males and 60 females, ranging in age from 17 to 24) were studied with respect to the shape of the underlying probability distributions. Three-day averages for total energy, percent protein, percent saturated fat, percent unsaturated fat, percent complex carbohydrates, percent refined carbohydrates, cholesterol, sodium, vitamin C, and iron (measured in milligrams) were computed, and their distributions were compared with the normal (Gaussian) distribution. The distribution of values of sodium for females and, to a lesser extent, cholesterol for females and of cholesterol and vitamin C for males, differed from the normal distribution. The remaining distributions appeared to be reasonably close to normal in shape. It is recommended that nutrition researchers verify the normal distribution assumptions prior to applying parametric techniques to their data and that they use nonparametric (distribution-free) techniques to analyze their data whenever those assumptions are not valid. J Am Diet Assoc 89:665-670, 1989.
Dunes, Devaluation and Developing Law: An Analysis of Coastal Property Rights and Eminent Domain in New Jersey in the Wake of Super Storm Sandy and the Recent New Jersey Supreme Court Decision in Harvey Cedars v. Karan

I provide a recap of some of the damage major coastal storms have caused in the state, a basic primer on doctrines of law that are relevant to coastal landowners, and an explanation of the impact of beach replenishment projects on these homeowners. I will then turn to the recent Karan decision and explain why the court was correct in their holding. I explain the impact the ruling will have on the future of both replenishment projects for the state’s beaches and property rights of beachfront landowners. Finally, I discuss possible challenges to the Court’s decision.
Asymptotic arrangement of events in a calendar queue

Using a few simplifying assumptions about the calendar queue, we find that the arrangement of events in the queue eventually depends nicely on the probability density for the jump-size for an event. These results compare favorably with experimental data for calendar queues using a few of the most common probability densities for jump-size.
342. Water Soluble and Bio-Friendly Nanoceria Reduces Laser-Induced CNV Mouse Model of Wet AMD

Purpose: Recently Nanoceria has been widely explored in various disciplines including biomedical science. Nanoceria has intrinsic antioxidant property, which is restricted by its poor aqueous solubility, and therefore possesses less residual time in the blood stream. For biological applications, nanoceria requires sufficient surface shield to prevent aggregation. Use of toxic solvents during its synthesis are also creating additional detrimental effects in its clinical applications. To avoid these issues and to make more biocompatible nanoceria, we have synthesized a water soluble and stable nanoceria formulation using chitosan derivative in plain water. Our purpose is to utilize this water soluble nanoformulation to scavenge free radicals generated in the Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) mice model, a retinal degenerative dystrophy which leads to irreversible central vision loss and finally causes legal blindness in people over 50 years of age. Methods: We have used cerium (III) chloride heptahydrate and chitosan derivative to synthesize the ceria nanoparticle (NPs). These NPs are then purified and solubilized in plain water. These NPs were characterized by dynamic light scattering, FTIR, UV-Vis, and TEM. The characterized NPs were then incubated with human retinal pigmented epithelium cells (ARPE19) in presence and absence of H2O2 that mimic the in vitro AMD model. The MTT assay was carried out to determine the cellular toxicity of the NPs at different concentrations. H2O2 induces reactive oxygen species (ROS) inside the APRE19 cells, which were determined by using cell-permeant 2’,7’-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA). The safe dose of NPs were then injected into adult wild type (C57Bl/6) mice after laser induced choroidal neovascularization to validate the therapeutic effect of this NP formulation in AMD mice model. Results: The TEM studies showed that the NPs are conjugated with the organic matrix and shows a diameter of ~4 nm and demonstrated uniform structure throughout the TEM-grid. The NPs showed considerable amount of cell viability with varying concentrations (n=3-5). The NPs (5 different concentrations) were then incubated over night with ARPE19 cells and DCF assay was carried out with 10 µM DCFH-DA and the fluorescence of DCF was determined with excitation 485 nm and emission 530 nm. The results revealed that the NPs could scavenge ROS with a significant amount (n=5, p<0.0001) compared to the uninjected and mock injected controls. Furthermore, a single intravitreal injection of the NPs significantly reduced the size of laser-induced AMD mouse model as measured by fundus fluorescence angiography. Conclusion: Our result are reflecting consistency with our idea that water soluble ceria NPs are more stable in water and can reduce the injury of the retina in laser induced CNV model. We are working to define the morphological and functional changes of the retina in this animal model. If successful, this will be a major breakthrough in AMD treatment.
MARKET COMPETINION: COMPARATIVE ECONOMIC AND LEGAL CHARACTERISTIC

Urgency of the research. The competition in a certain market have a significant impact on its operation and development, so an attempt to generalize various branches’ scientific approaches to understanding of competition nature will be quite interesting. Target setting. In economic and legal sciences there is no unity of concepts concerning understanding of the competence’s nature, so the matter of carrying-out of the comparative economic and legal characteristic of competition is very topical. Actual scientific researches and issues analysis. Issues considered in this paper have been analyzed in the economic and legal science quite well. Uninvestigated parts of general matters defining. In economic and legal sciences there is no unity of concepts concerning understanding of competition, so the relevant issue requires complex economic and legal comparative study. The research objective. The article meaningfully representing the comparative economic and legal characteristic of the «competition» concept. The statement of basic materials. In the legal and economic sciences the “competition” concept is considered as a complex economic phenomenon, in particular such as a process of competitiveness among economic entities, as a market state, as particular types of economic relations, as a mechanism of market self-regulation, and so on. Upon the economic and law approaches to the understanding of the competition concept in some degree differ in content, because when economic theory is aimed at identifying and disclosing of economic essence of the competition and patterns of its existence and development, then the law is aimed at consolidation of the economic essence of this category, as well as at ensuring of her protection. Conclusions. The proper comprehension of the “competition” requires consideration of both legal and economic aspects of its understanding, because only such a combination can provide a complex view and achievement of unity of opinion, which contribute to the further development of the theory of understanding of the “competition” concept and will ensure the improvement of its structures and mechanisms
Multiplier Methods: A Survey

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to provide a survey of convergence and rate of convergence aspects of a class of recently proposed methods for constrained minimization - the, so called, multiplier methods. The results discussed highlight the operational aspects of multiplier methods and demonstrate their significant advantages over ordinary penalty methods.
The Effects of an Oxygen Scavenger and Coconut Water on Equine Sperm Cryopreservation

Abstract Alternative sources of lipoproteins in semen extenders could replace animal by-products. We hypothesized that: (1) post-thaw semen parameters and fertility would not be different in coconut water (CW)–treated samples compared with egg yolk (EY)–treated samples and (2) the use of an oxygen scavenger (Oxyrase) would improve post-thaw sperm motility and membrane integrity and decrease lipid peroxidation. Experiment 1: three ejaculates each from five stallions were split into four treatments: EY, CW, egg yolk with Oxyrase, and coconut water with Oxyrase. Computer-assisted sperm analysis measured progressive and total motility, velocity, and linearity. Membrane integrity, apoptosis, and lipid peroxidation were evaluated using propidium iodide, annexin, and BODIPY fluorescent probes, respectively. Samples were cryopreserved, stored in liquid nitrogen, and then thawed to 37°C and analyzed again. Experiment 2: one ejaculate was divided into two aliquots and cryopreserved using either CW or EY. In a crossover design, 12 mares were bred on two consecutive cycles with either EY or CW. Pregnancy evaluations were at 14-day gestation. No differences were detected in sperm parameters between CW and EY ( P > .05). Oxyrase did not improve sperm motility parameters in post-thaw samples, nor did it show protective effects for viability or against membrane damage ( P > .05). More mares became pregnant using CW than EY (11/12 vs. 6/12, respectively; P = .013). Use of CW is a viable alternative to animal-based products in the cryopreservation of stallion semen.
Richard Oswald, Magnus Hirschfeld, and the possible impossibility of hygienic melodrama

AbstractRichard Oswald’s Weimar German film Anders als die Andern (Different from the Others, 1918) has long been read as a hygiene film. The film’s co-producer Magnus Hirschfeld and his extensive ...
Teaching Jewish and Christian Daily Interaction in Medieval England

The historical narrative of Anglo-Jewish history is clear, although depressing to teach, but an exclusive focus on abuse narrows students’ sense of medieval individuals’ life experiences. Persecution was not constant. Jews were acculturated, and Jews and Christians shared the local culture, inhabited the same space, and knew each other as individuals, perhaps friends. How can we teach the range and quality of their interactions? Selections from royal records, clerical sermons, and rabbinic responsa that expressed expectations of behavior in the context of a Jewry in thirteenth-century Oxford expose students to the diversity of Jewish experience in medieval England. These glimpses from the historical record are useful for prompting class discussions about the range of behavior and friendships that could have developed.
Hello, World!—Code Responsibly

Many security exploits target vulnerabilities that are a result of poorly designed and implemented software. Despite its critical importance, secure coding is primarily taught in upper-level elective computer science (CS) classes. As a result, most students graduate with little or no exposure to secure coding techniques. We believe that it is important to teach responsible coding early, starting in the first programming course, and often, by repeating and reinforcing security concepts in advanced courses. At Towson University, we have developed modules that teach students to code securely and responsibly from the first class: the Security Injections @Towson project.
Strange Bedfellows: Friend, Enemy, and the Commonweal in Titus Andronicus

Titus Andronicus poses challenges to the idea of citizenship-as-subjection, implicit in theories of the political in both early modern and contemporary contexts. Saturninus demands obedient subjection of the Roman citizens, while Tamora serves as a proponent and beneficiary of Saturninus’ absolutism, but also as an internal enemy of the commonweal. She demonstrates a significant understanding of ideal Roman values and virtues when she pleads for her son’s life, and thereby evinces a capacity to participate in a political system based on rational debate and moral order. However, her rapid turn to vengeance and the subsequent revelation of her concupiscence suggest that, despite her understanding of appropriate political tenets, her personal moral weakness limits her viability for political participation. Nevertheless, as empress of Rome she wields powerful political influence, supports Saturninus’ commitment to sovereign will, and countenances devastating violence against the Andronici. Titus’ investment in sovereign and paternal authority renders him a dangerously devoted subject of Saturninus, but through the effects of Tamora’s actions and influence, he learns to separate devotion to the polity and commonweal from devotion to the sovereign, and to privilege the resistance of good citizenship over the obedience of a good subject.
Radiological contrast agents and radiopharmaceuticals

Abstract Side Effects of Drugs Annual is an annual publication including the most recently published adverse effects and toxicities associated with medications. The series supplements the contents of Meyler's Side Effects of Drugs: the International Encyclopedia of Adverse Drug Reactions and Interactions. This is a review of current literature on side effects associated with radiological agents and radiopharmaceuticals published between January 2017 and January 2018 and include case reports, randomized clinical trials, meta-analysis and review articles. Specifically, the radiological agents discussed in the chapter include such as iodinated contrast agents, gadolinium-based contrast agents, superparamagnetic iron oxide and echocardiography/ultrasonic agents. Additionally, the chapter discusses risk factors that can increase occurrence of radiological contrast agents-induced side effects. The chapter also discusses possible strategies to prevent and minimize the incidence of serious side effects associated with radiological contrast agents. Finally, the chapter briefly discusses a few experimental radiological contrast agents and radiopharmaceuticals.
System integration for a SPECT system featuring digital waveform acquisition

We have developed a preclinical rabbit cardiac SPECT system by re-engineering a classical clinical SPECT scanner with state-of-the-art electronics and control systems. Notable features include digital waveform capture of the time-dependent outputs of the photomultiplier tubes (PMT). The digitization of the scintillation pulses allows for the incorporation of the entire waveform into the maximum-likelihood estimation (MLE) of event parameters (x, y, energy, etc.), rather than one scalar (i.e. integrated current). We present here details of the waveform-inclusive MLE, the measurements of the mean-detector-response functions, and the determination of the point spread function, along with the associated acceleration via graphics-processor-unit (GPU) programming. Additionally, calibration algorithms of the system are discussed.
Ethics of Animal Experimentation

Animal research is important to the advancement of science and medicine. Countless lives have been saved or enhanced as a result of advances directly attributable to animal research. Despite these profound contributions, animal research continues to be controversial throughout the world. Modern technology has propelled many to argue that animal experimentation is no longer necessary. However, animal research still fulfills an important role in medicine today; the demise of animal research would impede the continued progression future of science and medicine.
Iatrogenic celiac and hepatic artery dissections during intra-arterial regional tumor therapies: a 16-year retrospective review

To identify the incidence and outcomes of iatrogenic celiac and hepatic artery dissections during transarterial therapies, including bland embolization, chemoembolization, radioembolization (TARE), and pre-TARE scintigraphic mapping. The institution’s quality assessment database, electronic medical record, and picture archiving and communication system were reviewed to identify all patients who underwent transarterial locoregional therapy from 1/2001 to 7/2017 and to determine the incidence of iatrogenic dissection, to assess patency of the arteries after dissection, and to assess the ability to complete therapy. 2253 patients underwent 3776 transarterial hepatic oncology procedures. Among 3776 procedures, 40 (1.1%) were associated with dissection of the visceral vasculature, affecting 39 patients (1.7%). The incidence of flow-limiting dissections was 0.3% (13/3776) and non-flow-limiting dissections was 0.7% (27/3776). After dissection, 68% (27/40) of treatments were completed the same day. Among the 13 aborted treatments, 8 (62%) were completed on a subsequent encounter. Follow-up imaging was obtained in 26 of 40 cases at median time of 63 days. Complete resolution of the dissection was seen in 15/26 cases (58%), near complete resolution (< 30% luminal narrowing) in 3/26 (12%), unchanged appearance of a non-flow-limiting dissection in 4/26 (15%), progressive luminal narrowing in 3/26 (12%), and complete occlusion in 1/26 (4%). Iatrogenic dissections of visceral arteries rarely occur during tumor embolization procedures. 35/39 (90%) of patients underwent successful treatment despite the dissection.
LightAnchors: Appropriating Point Lights for Spatially-Anchored Augmented Reality Interfaces

Augmented reality requires precise and instant overlay of digital information onto everyday objects. We present our work on LightAnchors, a new method for displaying spatially-anchored data. We take advantage of pervasive point lights - such as LEDs and light bulbs - for both in-view anchoring and data transmission. These lights are blinked at high speed to encode data. We built a proof-of-concept ap-plication that runs on iOS without any hardware or software modifications. We also ran a study to characterize the performance of LightAnchors and built eleven example demos to highlight the potential of our approach.
Inflatable Shells: In-Service Phase

Inflatable shells are extremely thin shells that undergo large displacements because of internal pressure. Their behavior can be divided into three phases. The first phase is the unfolding of the shell into its initial configuration. The second phase is the inflation of the shell into a desired final configuration. The third phase is that in which the shell is fully inflated and subjected to external loads. The third phase is investigated. The in-service behavior is considered as the superposition of small displacements on the pressurized shell. Since these displacements interact with the pressurization phase force resultants, the in-service equations are not linear in the usual sense of the word. The general in-service equations are specialized for axially-symmetric shells of revolution. This boundary value problem is reduced to a set of initial value problems, the numerical solutions to which are propagated along a shell meridian. Sample problems are used to demonstrate the solution method.
The Numerical Method of Lines facilitates the instruction of unsteady heat conduction in simple solid bodies with convective surfaces

The present study on engineering education addresses the Method of Lines and its variant the Numerical Method of Lines as a reliable avenue for the numerical analysis of one-dimensional unsteady he...
Tertiary Hyperparathyroidism: Why the Delay?

Objective To evaluate the reason for delay of surgical referral in tertiary hyperparathyroidism (THPT) and its impact on renal allograft function. Background Persistent hyperparathyroidism after renal transplant has been shown to negatively impact allograft function, yet referral for definitive treatment of THPT is often delayed. Methods A retrospective review was performed of patients undergoing parathyroidectomy for THPT (n = 38) at a single institution from May 2016 to June 2018. The first elevated serum calcium after transplant and time to referral for parathyroid surgery were recorded. Baseline creatinine post-transplant and the most recent creatinine level were used to assess allograft function. Results Thirty-eight patients were included, with mean age 53 ± 2 years and 66% male. Mean preoperative calcium and parathyroid hormone were 10.8 ± 0.1 mg/dL and 328 ± 48 pg/mL, respectively. THPT after renal transplant was diagnosed at a median of 15 days (range of 1-4892 days). Median time to parathyroidectomy referral was 320 days (range 16-6281 days). In over 50% of patients, the cited reason for referral to an endocrine surgeon was difficulty with cinacalcet - either cost, poor calcium control, and poor compliance or tolerance. In comparing renal function between patients referred early ( 278 days, n = 19) for parathyroidectomy, those referred early had an improvement in creatinine (27.6% vs -5%, P = 0.007). Conclusions Patients with THPT wait approximately a year, on average, before referral to an endocrine surgeon for curative parathyroidectomy; earlier referral was associated with improvement in serum creatinine.
Evaluating a genomics short course for undergraduate health education students.

Background: There is a significant shortage of genomics training curricula targeting health education (HE) students. This study assessed the impact of an online theory-based genomics short course focusing on family health history (FHH) to undergraduate HE students. Materials & methods: Junior and senior HE students (n = 69) at a research-intensive university completed the course and took the pre- and post-course surveys. Results: Participants demonstrated positive improvements in their scores regarding FHH knowledge as well as attitudes, intention and confidence in adopting FHH-based genomics skills into future practice. They also showed satisfaction with the genomics course. Conclusion: Based on the initial success of the results, offering this genomics course to more HE students for further testing is recommended in the future.
The Pharmacodynamics, Pharmacokinetics, and Potential Drug Interactions of Cannabinoids

Drug-drug interactions are common with traditional prescription medications especially in patients older than 65 years of age and/or those with multiple chronic conditions. The risk of a potential drug-drug interaction rises with the increasing number of medications. Drug interactions can be classified as either pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic. There is less evidence of documented drug interactions with cannabinoids either delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD). Due to their metabolism through the liver, THC and CBD have the potential to cause significant drug-drug interactions; however, limited data exist documenting these interactions except those generated from clinical pharmacokinetic studies with Epidiolex® (cannabidiol). Therefore, we must extrapolate potential drug-drug interactions through an understanding of the pharmacokinetics of both the “victim” drug and cannabis. In this chapter, we will review what is known about drug-drug interactions and explore their clinical significance.
Active Within Structures: Predictors of Esports Gameplay and Spectatorship:

This study puts both esports gameplay and spectatorship into consideration and pinpoints how individual and structural factors explain why people play and watch esports to better understand the com...
Getting bipartisan support for sea level rise adaptation policies

Abstract Climate change is one of the most polarized political issues facing the American electorate. Even in places like California, where the vast majority of the population believes that some action should be taken to protect people and property from the effects of climate change, Democrats and Republicans disagree on precisely what should be protected, the specific adaptive measures that should be taken, and who should pay. As warnings of catastrophic damage become louder, however, the urgency to find bipartisan solutions will increase. Using a novel survey of California adults, our research assesses the current level of disagreement over adaptive measures to sea level rise between Democrats and Republicans, and asks whether there are conditions under which partisans can come to closer agreement on them. Specifically, we consider the role of personal experiences in lessening the degree of polarization on how partisans think about and prioritize climate adaptation. We find that experiencing extreme events does lessen the partisan gap in many instances, offering hope that communities can find bipartisan solutions to climate change threats.
Absence of finite temperature phase transitions in the X-Cube model and its Zp generalization

Abstract We investigate thermal properties of the X-Cube model and its Z p “clock-type” ( p X-Cube) extension. In the latter, the elementary spin-1/2 operators of the X-Cube model are replaced by elements of the Weyl algebra. We study different boundary condition realizations of these models and analyze their finite temperature dynamics and thermodynamics. We find that (i) no finite temperature phase transitions occur in these systems. In tandem, employing bond-algebraic dualities, we show that for Glauber type solvable baths, (ii) thermal fluctuations might not enable system size dependent time autocorrelations at all positive temperatures (i.e., they are thermally fragile). Qualitatively, our results demonstrate that similar to Kitaev’s Toric code model, the X-Cube model (and its p -state clock-type descendants) may be mapped to simple classical Ising ( p -state clock) chains in which neither phase transitions nor anomalously slow glassy dynamics might appear.
Serologic Screening and Infectious Diseases Consultation in Renal Transplant Candidates for Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Varicella.

Background. Renal transplant recipients are at increased risk for developing complications of vaccine-preventable diseases. They benefit from a comprehensive pre-transplant evaluation when they might safely receive live vaccines. The primary aim of our study was to investigate the number of renal transplant recipients who were evaluated for serologic status against measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), and varicella. Secondarily, we investigated if pre-transplant Infectious Diseases consultation (IDC) improved vaccination rates.Methods. We retrospectively analyzed 282 kidney-alone and kidney-plus adult transplant recipients who were born in or after 1957. Patients were evaluated at Mayo Clinic, Florida Transplant Center between January 2015 and December 2017. Serologic status evaluation and vaccination rates were compared in two groups created based on IDC and no ID consultation (NIDC).Results. 235 (83%) of a total 282 patients received an IDC pre-transplantation. Varicella IgG levels were screened in all 235 IDC candidates. Among the IDC patients, mumps, measles and rubella IgG serologies were performed in 7 (3%), 143 (61%) and 144 (61%), respectively. Among 44 patients seronegative for any of MMR, 24 (55%) were vaccinated. Ten (66%) of 15 varicella seronegative patients were vaccinated. Zostavax was not given to 18% of IDC patients. Zostavax and MMR were administered more frequently in the IDC group compared to NIDC (p < .001 and p = 0.0016, respectively).Conclusion. Although the majority of patients had IDC, the screening rate for MMR serologies was lower than varicella. A protocol-driven serologic screening similar to the one for VZV is required for MMR. Pre-transplant IDC increases vaccination rates.
Exploring City Furniture’s Mattress Donation Program and Perspectives on Sustainability Among Stakeholders

The study explored corporate sustainability efforts, as well as the varying perspectives and factors that impact sustainable output from corporations. Within a more bounded context, a case study approach was implemented to examine the charitable efforts of a South Florida based furniture retailer called City Furniture. Semi-structured interviews were implemented to gather information on potential gaps between corporate members' perspectives regarding their sustainability efforts and what definitive outcomes were produced as a result. Supporting theories include Ha-Brookshire's Moral Responsibility Theory of Corporate Sustainability (2017), and Freeman's (1984) Stakeholder Theory, which was later expanded in 1995 by Donaldson and Preston. Findings from the research concluded that while corporate member's perspectives were generally consistent, City Furniture's operations were not fully sustainable at all times. This is in part due to an extended supply chain where consistency is difficult to maintain, and execution is left to personal interpretation by individuals.
Applied Anatomy of the Maxillary Sinus

Summary The maxillary sinus has an anatomic relationship with several other structures in the face. Thus, the clinician must be concerned not only with diseases or injuries directly affecting the sinus but also with their extension into these adjacent structures. Knowledge of the embryology and anatomy of the maxillary sinus is important to clinicians who are involved in the management of diseases of this region.
Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders (NMOSD) and Connective Tissue Disease (CTD): an Update for the Rheumatologist

To review the pathophysiology, presentation, and treatment of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and its association with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Sjogren's syndrome (SS). NMOSD is an autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system that primarily targets astrocytes. Although the prevalence is unknown, the coexistence of NMOSD and SLE/SS is well-recognized. Patients with both NMOSD and SLE or SS require may require unique approaches to diagnosis and management. Coexistence of NMOSD and SLE/SS is important for the rheumatologist and neurologist to be able to recognize. For the rheumatologist, NMOSD and its neurologic symptoms represent a distinct disease process from neurologic complications of the patient’s underlying connective tissue disease, and it requires distinct acute and chronic management. For the neurologist, the coexistence of SLE and SS can help to establish a diagnosis of NMOSD, or in some situations, the development of neurologic symptoms secondary to NMOSD can lead to the diagnosis of connective tissue disease.
Miscommunication in the age of communication: A crowdsourcing framework for symptom surveillance at the time of pandemics.

Abstract Objective There was a significant delay in compiling a complete list of the symptoms of COVID-19 during the 2020 outbreak of the disease. When there is little information about the symptoms of a novel disease, interventions to contain the spread of the disease would be suboptimal because people experiencing symptoms that are not yet known to be related to the disease may not limit their social activities. Our goal was to understand whether users’ social media postings about the symptoms of novel diseases could be used to develop a complete list of the disease symptoms in a shorter time. Materials and Methods We used the Twitter API to download tweets that contained ‘coronavirus’, ‘COVID-19’, and ‘symptom’. After data cleaning, the resulting dataset consisted of over 95,000 unique, English tweets posted between January 17, 2020 and March 15, 2020 that contained references to the symptoms of COVID-19. We analyzed this data using network and time series methods. Results We found that a complete list of the symptoms of COVID-19 could have been compiled by mid-March 2020, before most states in the U.S. announced a lockdown and about 75 days earlier than the list was completed on CDC’s website. Discussion & Conclusion We conclude that national and international health agencies should use the crowd-sourced intelligence obtained from social media to develop effective symptom surveillance systems in the early stages of pandemics. We propose a high-level framework that facilitates the collection, analysis, and dissemination of information that are posted in various languages and on different social media platforms about the symptoms of novel diseases.
Delivery drone route planning over a battery swapping network

Abstract Many enterprises invest on drone delivery research and development to drop off packages at consumers’ doorsteps in a matter of minutes. We study delivery drone route planning over a battery swapping network allowing farther reach by penetrating current battery capacity constraints. A mixed-integer nonlinear programming model is created to plan efficient drone routing over the swapping machines by minimizing the delivery lead time. We develop an exact solution method, evaluate its performance, and compare it with a straightforward nonlinear solver application. A case study highlights the applicability of the model. Data and source code to the solver are publicly shared.
Escuela de niñas y Liceo de Santo Tomás, educación privada y nación salvadoreña en el siglo XIX

No abstract available. ECA Estudios Centroamericanos, Vol. 57, No. 645-646, 2002: 700-707.
Adjustable robotic tendon using a 'Jack Spring'/spl trade/

An adjustable robotic tendon is a spring based linear actuator in which the properties of a spring are crucial to its successful use in a gait assistance device. Like its human analog, the adjustable robotic tendon uses its inherent elastic nature to both reduce peak power and energy requirements for its motor. In the ideal example, peak power required of the motor for ankle gait is reduced from 250 W to just 81 W. In addition, ideal energy requirements are reduced from nearly 36 Joules to just 25 Joules per step. Using this approach, an initial prototype is expected to provide 100% of the power and energy necessary for ankle gait in a compact 0.84 kg package. This weight is 8 times less than that predicted for an equivalent direct drive approach.
Return to play after injury: strategies to support a musician's recovery

The treatment of musicians' injuries has two distinct, overlapping, phases. Reducing pain or symptoms represents only the first stage. Too often, this is the end of the medical care. If the player has had to stop playing or significantly reduce playing time during the healing phase, a graduated, methodical plan for returning to full musical activity is essential to avoid emotionally and physically distressing relapses. In the field of occupational medicine this concept is called 'work hardening'. The worker performs his or her specific tasks, but starts out at a greatly reduced level in terms of time and intensity. A graduated program for return to play is discussed in terms of duration, tempo and technical difficulty with specific recommendations for various instruments. Minor set backs are to be expected and the patient should be advised from the start that this is a normal part of the process so as to avoid discouragement. Following the principles set forth in this article will optimize the musicians' chances for smooth, successful return to normal musical activity.