cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Learning about Student Research Practices through an Ethnographic Investigation: Insights into Contact with Librarians and Use of Library Space

Abstract Objective – Student research habits and expectations continue to change, complicating the design of library spaces and the provision of research support. This study’s intent was to explore undergraduate and graduate student research and study needs at a mid-sized university’s two campuses in the Northeastern United States, and to improve librarians’ understandings of these practices so that more appropriate services and spaces may be developed to support student learning. Methods – The research project utilized a primarily qualitative design for data collection that spanned from fall 2012 to summer 2013, consisting of an online questionnaire, unobtrusive observations, and in-depth semi-structured interviews. Data collection commenced with a questionnaire consisting of 51 items, distributed through campus email to all students and receiving 1182 responses. Second, 32 hours of unobtrusive observations were carried out by librarians, who took ethnographic “field notes” in a variety of Library locations during different times and days of the week. The final method was in-depth interviews conducted with 30 undergraduate and graduate students. The qualitative data were analyzed through the application of a codebook consisting of 459 codes, developed by a data analysis team of 4 librarians. Results – The results address topical areas of student interactions with librarians, contact preferences, and use of library space. Of the interviewees, 60% contacted a librarian at least once, with texting being the most popular method of contact (27%). In being contacted by the library, students preferred a range of methods and generally indicated interest in learning about library news and events through posters and signage. Participants were less interested in receiving library contact via social media, such as Facebook or Twitter. Regarding student use of and preference for library space, prominent themes were students creating their own spaces for individual study by moving furniture, leaving personal items unattended, the presence of unwanted noise, and a general preference for either working nearby other students in groups or in carrels to facilitate individual study. Conclusions – Being aware of student research processes and preferences can result in the ability to design learning environments and research services that are more responsive to their needs. Ethnographic research methods, as part of an ongoing research process, are recommended as a means to better understand library user practices and expectations.
An object-oriented programming suite for electrostatic effects in biological molecules An experience report on the MEAD project

We have developed a set of object-oriented classes and programs in C++ that implement molecular electrostatic models that can be described by the term, Macroscopic Electrostatics with Atomic Detail (MEAD). In the course of developing the MEAD suite, we have shifted from a class hierarchy rooted in atoms and molecules, to a system in which the top-level classes are the electrostatic potential and the entities that determine the potential in the equations of electrostatics: the charge distribution, the dielectric environment and the electrolyte environment. Atoms and molecules are then seen as objects giving rise to, or occurring as subclasses of, charge distributions, dielectric environments, etc. This shift in focus from the physical objects (molecules) to the more abstract objects that appear in the underlying physics has facilitated the development of alternative approximation schemes and numerical methods through subclassing. It also provides a natural way of writing high level programs in terms of potentials and distributions. Some of the newer elements of C++, such as templates and RTTI, have proven useful to solve multi-method and default method problems. MEAD is distributed as free software.
Hospice care in Medicare patients with primary liver cancer: the impact on resource utilisation and mortality.

BACKGROUND Few studies have assessed the impact of hospice care in patients with primary liver cancer. AIM To examine the determinants of hospice care and its effects on resource utilisation and survival among Medicare beneficiaries with primary liver cancer. METHODS We utilised the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End result Registry (SEER) database from 2002 to 2009 for this cross-sectional study. A total of 3385 patients with primary liver cancer were included. We used logistic regression to discern variables associated with hospice and Cox proportional hazards models to evaluate one-year mortality risk. RESULTS Compared to patients who enrolled in a hospice, those patients who did not, were younger, non-White and sicker (P < .05 for all). Half of all patients with primary liver cancer died within six months of diagnosis, and one-year mortality was similar in both groups (P = .413). After adjusting for baseline characteristics [age at diagnosis, race, disease severity, tumour stage and treatment], shorter time to hospice care was associated with reduced mortality (HR per day: 0.99 [95% CI, 0.98-0.99]). Older age, decompensated cirrhosis and advanced tumours stage were associated with decreased time to hospice, while Asian/Pacific Islander race and history of radiosurgery were associated with increased time to hospice (all P < .05). Hospitalisations were more costly for those who never enrolled in a hospice compared to hospice enrollees (median $31 607 [$18 394-$54 254] vs $22 316 [$13 741-$36 170], P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS Hospice enrolment of patients with primary liver cancer provides survival and resource utilisation benefits. Some clinical and demographic factors may represent barriers to hospice enrolment. Further studies are needed to fully understand these barriers in patients with primary liver cancer.
Loading of the Condylar Cartilage Can Rescue the Effects of Botox on TMJ

The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether the effects of botulinum neurotoxin (botox) injection into the masseter in the mandibular condylar cartilage (MCC) and subchondral bone could be rescued by compressive loading of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Twenty-four 6-week-old female mice (C57BL/6J) were used. Mice were divided in three groups: (1) Botox (n = 8); (2) Botox plus loading (n = 8); (3) Pure control (n = 8). Bone labels (3 and 1 day before sacrifice) and the proliferation marker EdU (2 and 1 day before sacrifice) were intraperitoneally injected into all groups of mice. Condyles were dissected and examined by micro-CT and histology. Sagittal sections of condyles were stained for TRAP, alkaline phosphatase, EdU, TUNEL, and toluidine blue. In addition, immunostaining for pSmad, VEGF, and Runx2 was performed. Bone volume fraction, tissue density, and trabecular thickness were significantly decreased on the subchondral bone of botox-injected side when compared to control side and control mice, 4 weeks after injection. Furthermore, histological analysis revealed decrease in mineralization, matrix deposition, TRAP activity, EdU, and TUNEL-positive cells in the MCC of the botox-injected side, 4 weeks after injection. However, compressive loading reversed the reduced bone volume and density and the cellular changes in the MCC caused by Botox injection. TMJ compressive loading rescues the negative effects of botox injection into the masseter in the MCC and subchondral bone.
Effect of different rootstocks on the leaf metabolite profile of ‘Sugar Belle’ mandarin hybrid

ABSTRACTCurrently, citrus greening is threatening the citrus industry worldwide. So far, there is no effective cure for this destructive disease and management mainly depends on the control of Diaphorina citri vector using insecticides. Although the use of different rootstocks could increase citrus scions' tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses, little work has been conducted to investigate the effect of rootstocks on citrus tolerance to citrus greening pathogen. In this study, we investigated the effect of rootstock on the metabolite profile of ‘Sugar Belle’ mandarin hybrid using gas-chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The principle component analysis showed that the metabolite profiles of the ‘Sugar Belle’ mandarin hybrid on the three selected rootstocks were different from each other. These results indicated that rootstocks could affect the primary and secondary metabolites of citrus scions, and consequently could affect scion tolerance to pathogens.
Theoretical Aspects of Proton Decay

Theoretical predictions for the proton’s lifetime, τp in grand unified theories are reviewed. A simple procedure for computing MS, the super-heavy mass of the vector bosons which mediate proton decay in the Georgi-Glashow SU(5) model, is outlined. Using the current value of αS the QCD coupling, obtained from electroproduction as input, the SU(5) model is found to predict MS=8.5×1014 GeV, sin 2ϴW=0.207 and τp≃1−20×1031 yr.
Technical Note: Using dual step wedge and 2D scintillator to achieve highly precise and robust proton range quality assurance.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to develop a fast method for proton range quality assurance (QA) using a dual step wedge and two-dimensional (2D) scintillator and to evaluate the robustness, sensitivity, and long-term reproducibility of this method. Methods An in-house customized dual step wedge and a 2D scintillator were developed to measure proton ranges. Proton beams with homogenous fluence were delivered through wedge, and the images captured by the scintillator were used to calculate the proton ranges by a simple trigonometric method. The range measurements of 97 energies, comprising all clinically available synchrotron energies at our facility (ranges varying from 4 to 32 cm) were repeated ten times in all four gantry rooms for range baseline values. They were then used for evaluating room-to-room range consistencies. The robustness to setup uncertainty was evaluated by measuring ranges with ±2 mm setup deviations in the x, y, and z directions. The long-term reproducibility was evaluated by 1 month of daily range measurements by this method. Results Ranges of all 97 energies were measured in less than 10 minutes including setup time. The reproducibility in a single day and daily over 1 month is within 0.1 and 0.15 mm, respectively. The method was very robust to setup uncertainty, with measured range consistencies within 0.15 mm for ±2 mm couch shifts. The method was also sensitive enough for validating range consistencies among gantry rooms and for detecting small range variations. Conclusions The new method of using a dual step wedge and scintillator for proton range QA was efficient, highly reproducible, and robust. This method of proton range QA was highly feasible and appealing from a workflow point of view.
Soil and Litter Community: Temporary Dwellers

The most obvious invertebrates on the floor of the desert are usually ants and beetles, and although these insects contribute significantly to the taxonomic array and ecological importance of that habitat’s temporary fauna, many other kinds of invertebrates add to its composition as well. All of the temporary dwellers are transients on the surface, where they consist either of dispersal stages of otherwise relatively immobile species (e.g., solitary bees, asilid flies, adult and triungulin instars of meloid beetles), or of mobile members of nonmetamorphosing species (e.g., snails, solifugids, crickets). Less restricted to soil than nematodes and microarthropods, these usually nonsocial animals encounter new conditions when and if they leave the confines of the soil. And, once on its surface, they often exploit resources quite different from those utilized underground.
Effects of Politeness and Interaction Context on Perception and Experience of HRI

Politeness is believed to facilitate communication in human interaction, as it can minimize the potential for conflict and confrontation. Regarding the role of politeness strategies for human-robot interaction, conflicting findings are presented in the literature. Thus, we conducted a between-participants experimental study with a receptionist robot to gain a deeper understanding of how politeness on the one hand, and the type of interaction itself on the other hand, might affect and shape user experience and evaluation of HRI. Our findings suggest that the interaction context has a greater impact on participants' perception of the robot in HRI than the use  or lack  of politeness strategies.
Use of somatostatin in the study of carbohydrate homeostasis in man: physiologic, pathologic, and therapeutic considerations.

Originally somatostatin (1,2) was thought to be merely a hypothalamic regulatory hormone. This peptide is now known to be present in various extrahypothalamic tissues (1,3–15) and to have numerous actions (1,2,16,17) in addition to its inhibition of growth hormone secretion. These aspects of somatostatin have turned out to be particularly important for those interested in the regulation of carbohydrate homeostasis and its disorders (Table 1).
Developing a postbasic gerontology program for international learners: considerations for the process.

BACKGROUND A private university in Chile was seeking opportunities to acquire expertise in developing distance education programs using new media technology, especially in health-related fields. An initiative was undertaken to develop a distance postbasic gerontology program for technical nurses in Chile by partnering with a Canadian school of nursing. METHOD The instructional design process was used as a systematic approach throughout the development of the program. Attention to cultural considerations was emphasized throughout each phase of the process. RESULTS The developed program consists of 13 self-paced print modules with web-based components and is primarily asynchronous with scheduled milestones. A 6-week preceptored clinical experience follows completion of the theory portion to support learner mastery of program outcomes. CONCLUSION Developing international nursing education programs is an enriching experience that presents unique challenges and issues. These challenges can be overcome by using a creative, systematic approach to program development that reflects cultural considerations. Developing flexible working relationships that respect the cultural differences of international team members facilitates international initiatives.
Differences in comprehension of somatic genomic profiling between younger and older adults with advanced genitourinary cancer.

228Background: Genomic profiling (GP) plays an important role in the care of patients diagnosed with advanced cancer, and has been used to guide clinical decision making. As age has been associated with low health literacy, we sought to determine comprehension of the goals and objectives of GP between younger (age < 65) and older (age ≥65) with genitourinary cancers. Methods: Eligible patients had agreed to receive somatic GP as a part of routine clinical care through a CLIA-certified commercially available platform. Participating physicians conducted a standardized dialogue with patients pertaining to the rationale for and clinical utility of somatic GP. Patients then received an in-person survey lasting approximately 10-15 min and assessing a broad range of perceptions related to GP. Results: Among 47 patients, 62% were characterized as older adults. Diagnoses encountered included kidney (43%), prostate (32%), and bladder (25%). Only older adults perceived any shortcomings in the description of GP. Thes...
Pulse Analysis of the Mercury Inductive Voltage Adder Cells

The Mercury pulsed power generator is an 8 MV inductive voltage adder with six induction cells. The desired current and voltage pulse shapes for each cell are approximately trapezoidal. However, during full-voltage operation, the cell insulators and anodized surfaces typically require periodic cleaning to prevent potential flashover events. Such flashovers are undesirable and may alter the pulse shape and energy delivered to the load region. We report our initial endeavor, using signal processing and pattern recognition techniques, to search for any preflashover signatures. Estimation of pulse parameters were determined using a combination of genetic algorithm and gradient descent approaches. Unwanted oscillation parameter estimation, such as energy and spectrum, were estimated using time-frequency analysis. Additionally, principal component analysis is used to form an initial approach at determining system health. We thank the Naval Research Laboratory for providing representative pulsed power waveforms for the Mercury generator.
Unite and Rule: A Theory of Compulsory Elite Social Networks in Autocracies

This paper documents a "unite and rule" strategy employed by Denis Sassou Nguesso, ruler of the Republic of Congo for all but five years since 1979, to manage his elite coalition. The paper begins by establishing two stylized facts. First, since returning to power following the 1997 civil war, Sassou Nguesso has forced a subset of elites to join his freemasonry lodge, a social network which forces frequent elite interaction; second, Sassou Nguesso requires virtually all of the general and ministerial corps to join. The paper then presents a simple model to explain when autocrats prefer to "unite and rule" rather than "divide and rule," as well as the size and composition of an autocrat's compulsory social network. The model identifies two effects of elite social networks. First, they enable elites to overcome collective action problems, rendering social networks more dangerous; second, they also enable autocrats to exploit the presence of regime loyalists, who reliably monitor their elite counterparts. When this monitoring effect is sufficiently large, it outweighs the collective action effect. I test the model's hypotheses with an original dataset of 1,000 Congolese political elites. While autocrats may attempt to control their elite through formal political institutions -- legislature and single parties -- informal institutions are just as crucial, and perhaps more so.
Early Otorrhea Rates: A Randomized Trial of Ciprofloxacin versus Saline Drops after Tympanostomy Tubes

Objective:The objectives of this study are to evaluate incidence, duration, and quality of life (QOL) impact of early tympanostomy tube otorrhea and tube patency when comparing topical ciprofloxaci...
Fiber-Distribution Assessment in Steel Fiber–Reinforced UHPC Using Conventional Imaging, X-Ray CT Scan, and Concrete Electrical Conductivity

AbstractSpecimens were made of ultrahigh-performance concrete (UHPC) with two ratios of sand to cementitious materials, 0.5 and 1.25. Specimens with 0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2% fiber content were pr...
Embracing the new age of transparency: mental health patients reading their psychotherapy notes online

AbstractBackground: Though patients’ access to clinicians’ visit notes may improve patient engagement and strengthen patient–clinician relationships, it is unknown whether these benefits extend to ...
Polymer Design for 3D Printing Elastomers: Recent Advances in Structure, Properties, and Printing

Abstract Elastomers are a unique and important class of polymers that enjoy applications in virtually every industry, including healthcare, aerospace, automotive, and apparel. However, due to inherent physical, thermal, and mechanical properties of elastomers, the additive manufacturing (AM) of elastomers remains challenging. These challenges are discussed in the context of various AM processes, including powder bed fusion, material extrusion, and vat photopolymerization. This review provides an in-depth discussion of the current state of silicone and polyurethane polymers for AM, and also discusses polyesters/polycarbonates, liquid crystalline elastomers, and monomer compositions that provide elastomeric properties upon photocuring. Finally, the current state of common, commercially-available elastomers for AM is provided, as well as an outlook for this rapidly progressing field. We expect this review to be useful for any research involved with the additive manufacturing of elastomers.
Voice and Lifestyle Behaviors of Speech-Language Pathology Students: Impact of History Gathering Method on Self-Reported Data.

Abstract Objectives This study described voice use and lifestyle information from student speech-language pathologists (SLP) and assessed the impact of history gathering method on the acquired data. Methods One hundred sixty-two SLP students completed a detailed history form and estimated voice and life style parameters at study intake and subsequently tracked the same parameters daily for three consecutive weeks. Nonparametric statistical comparisons were applied to assess differences in estimates at intake versus the 3-week log. Results Voice problems diagnosed by a physician or SLP were reported by 11% of the students. A similar percentage reported frequent loud talking and heavy occupational voice demands beyond clinical training use. Furthermore, high stress was reported by 49%, frequent anxiety by 53%, and depression by 17%. Comparing data from study intake relative to the 3-week log, SLP students statistically significantly overestimated speaking time, and underestimated singing, second hand smoke exposure time, and hours of sleep. Additionally, they overestimated water intake and daily stress, and underestimated caffeine and alcohol intake, at the study onset versus the log. The experience of vocal fatigue was common within the 3-week log, but how a student identified at study intake on this parameter (experiencing it frequently or not) did not differentiate how many days of vocal fatigue were reported in 3 weeks. Conclusions SLP students engage in some voice use and lifestyle behaviors that place them at risk for voice problems. The method of soliciting information about the voice and lifestyle of SLP students impacted the information obtained. Optimal methods of gathering accurate and reliable clinical history and voice us data are needed.
3D-Printed Bioreactor Enhances Potential for Tendon Tissue Engineering

Bioreactors have immense value within tissue engineering by enabling important control over design inputs within a microenvironment; however, they are often complex and expensive. Herein, we demonstrate a strategy where a bioreactor was 3D-printed as a means to provide an accessible route to culture scaffolds under physiological inputs and to determine an ideal tendon scaffold structure based on remodeling and degradation events. Furthermore, real-time monitoring of tissue remodeling is introduced through the bioreactor design. Following in vitro uniaxial stretch conditioning, scaffolds were positively altered to reflect improved biomechanical function, enhanced extracellular matrix (ECM) content, and increased mechanical properties of elastic moduli. A bioreactor was constructed to meet the following criteria: real-time readout of resistance, ability to be easily cleaned and sterilized, control of strain, speed, and time parameters, and capability to withstand 3 weeks of continuous load with minimal maintenance. The scaffolds cultured in a dynamic setting showed improved mechanics and promising ECM and collagen content generated. Overall, the bioreactor was effective as a tool to provide mechanical culture conditions that promote the tendon cell niche. The bioreactor supports the scaffolds as a possible therapeutic venture in tendon tissue engineering. Additionally, the 3D-printed bioreactor is a significant contribution to the tissue engineering field by making dynamic culturing more accessible for researchers. Bioreactors present physiological and dynamic conditions for tissue testing and are crucial in tissue engineering for product development, standardization, quality control, and large-scale synthesis. The low-cost, 3D-printed, programmable bioreactor provides cyclic stretch to scaffolds with real-time resistance readout and demonstrates tissue changes over time. The bioreactor enhances scaffold biomechanics and biofunctionality towards natural tendon by promoting cell alignment through mechanical force. The design components are culture chamber for tendon constructs, motor control of uniaxial stretching, and a base for stabilization. The results from conditioning scaffolds in the bioreactor lend to a better understanding of how specific inputs affect tissue outcomes.
Sports and Recreational Practices of Union and Confederate Soldiers

Abstract This study investigated the sports and recreational practices of Union and Confederate soldiers during the Civil War. The four specific purposes of the study were: (1) to investigate the place of sports and recreation in the life of Union and Confederate soldiers during the Civil War; (2) to discover what types of sports and recreational activities were engaged in by the soldiers of the North and South; (3) to find what extent the various activities were participated in by Union and Confederate soldiers; (4) to discover what activities were the most popular with the Union and Confederate troops and the causes2 for their popularity. The library and documentary research technique was used to gather the data. Sports and recreational practices discovered were classified under one of five major headings: combatives, country sports, quiet games, athletic games and contests, and miscellaneous sports and recreational activities.
Infinitely long isotropic Kirchhoff rods with helical centerlines cannot be stable

It has long been known that every configuration of a planar elastic rod with clamped ends satisfies the property that if its centerline has constant nonzero curvature, then it is in stable equilibrium regardless of its length. In this paper, we show that for a certain class of nonplanar elastic rods, no configuration satisfies this property. In particular, using results from optimal control theory, we show that every configuration of an inextensible, unshearable, isotropic, and uniform Kirchhoff rod with clamped ends that has a helical centerline with constant nonzero curvature becomes unstable at a finite length. We also derive coordinates for computing this critical length that are independent of the rod's bending and torsional stiffness. Finally, we derive a scaling relationship between the length at which a helical rod becomes unstable and the rod's curvature, torsion, and twist. In a companion paper, these results are used to compute the set of all stable rods with helical centerlines.
Orbital Involvement by Biphenotypic Sinonasal Sarcoma With a Literature Review.

Purpose To document a case of a biphenotypic sinonasal sarcoma that impinged on the orbit via a tumor-induced mucocele and review the previous literature devoted to this condition. Methods A clinicopathologic case report with detailed histopathologic, immunohistochemical, and radiological studies with tabulations of previously reported cases and immunohistochemical stains for ruling out mimicking lesions. Results A biphenotypic sinonasal sarcoma arose from the ethmoid sinus in a middle-aged man. The tumor induced a mucocele that bowed the medial orbital lamina papyracea into the orbit and caused diplopia and mild proptosis. The biopsy's dual positivity for S100 and smooth muscle actin together with positive paired box 3 immunohistochemical staining established the diagnosis of biphenotypic sinonasal sarcoma. Conclusion Biphenotypic sinonasal sarcoma, which can involve the orbit in 25% of cases, is a rare head and neck malignancy that has only recently been described. Biphenotypic sinonasal sarcoma is a low-grade, locally aggressive, nonmetastasizing sarcoma displaying both neural and muscle differentiation. It is further characterized by rearrangements of the PAX3 gene with multiple fusion partners, most commonly MAML3 (Mastermind like transcriptional coactivator 3). It occurs predominantly in middle-aged women and exclusively in the sinonasal tract. However, it can spread throughout the central facial structures to invade the brain if not detected early. Ophthalmologists should be aware of this new entity to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment. The previous literature devoted to this condition was reviewed and analyzed for clinical, radiological, histopathological, and immunohistochemical features. In circumstances where molecular testing is not available, paired box 3 immunohistochemical staining can be used as an alternative diagnostic marker. The current case is most unusual because the orbital findings were induced by a mucocele caused by the tumor that obstructed the sinus ostium. This produced diplopia without direct tumor invasion into the orbital fat.
A 67-μW Ultra-Low Power PVT-Robust MedRadio Transmitter

A 400 MHz narrowband MedRadio transmitter for short-range communication is presented. A new technique for PVT-robust, calibration- and regulation-free synthesis of the RF carrier is reported based on generating poly-phasors at 50 MHz with no power overhead. This is accomplished using a passive polyphase filter directly integrated within a crystal oscillator followed by an 8× edge combiner to synthesize the RF carrier with -109 dBc/Hz phase noise at 100 kHz offset. A dual supply, inverse class-E power amplifier is implemented for high efficiency at low output power (-17.5 dBm). Open-loop operation permits aggressive duty-cycling (< 40 ns start-up time). State-of-the-art ultra-low power is reported from a prototype BPSK transmitter fabricated in 22 nm CMOS FDX when operated from a 0.4/0.2 V supply consuming 67 μW with 27% global efficiency.
Interrogation of O-ATRP Activation Conducted by Singlet and Triplet Excited States of Phenoxazine Photocatalysts

Organocatalyzed ATRP (O-ATRP) is a growing field exploiting organic chromophores as photoredox catalysts (PCs) that engage in dissociative electron-transfer (DET) activation of alkyl-halide initiators following absorption of light. Characterizing DET rate coefficients (kact) and photochemical yields across various reaction conditions and PC photophysical properties will inform catalyst design and efficient use during polymerization. The studies described herein consider a class of phenoxazine PCs, where synthetic handles of core substitution and N-aryl substitution enable tunability of the electronic and spin characters of the catalyst excited state as well as DET reaction driving force (ΔGET0). Using Stern-Volmer quenching experiments through variation of the diethyl 2-bromo-2-methylmalonate (DBMM) initiator concentration, collisional quenching is observed. Eight independent measurements of kact are reported as a function of ΔGET0 for four PCs: four triplet reactants and four singlets with kact values ranging from 1.1 × 108 M-1 s-1, where DET itself controls the rate, to 4.8 × 109 M-1 s-1, where diffusion is rate-limiting. This overall data set, as well as a second one inclusive of five literature values from related systems, is readily modeled with only a single parameter of reorganization energy under the frameworks of the adiabatic Marcus electron-transfer theory and Marcus-Saveant theory of DET. The results provide a predictive map where kact can be estimated if ΔGET0 is known and highlight that DET in these systems appears insensitive to PC reactant electronic and spin properties outside of their impact on the driving force. Next, on the basis of measured kact values in selected PC systems and knowledge of their photophysics, we also consider activation yields specific to the reactant spin states as the DBMM initiator concentration is varied. In N-naphthyl-containing PCs characterized by near-unity intersystem crossing, the T1 is certainly an important driver for efficient DET. However, at DBMM concentrations common to polymer synthesis, the S1 is also active and drives 33% of DET reaction events. Even in systems with low yields of ISC, such as in N-phenyl-containing PCs, reaction yields can be driven to useful values by exploiting the S1 under high DBMM concentration conditions. Finally, we have quantified photochemical reaction quantum yields, which take into account potential product loss processes after electron-transfer quenching events. Both S1 and T1 reactant states produce the PC•+ radical cation with a common yield of 71%, thus offering no evidence for spin selectivity in deleterious back electron transfer. The subunity PC•+ yields suggest that some combination of solvent (DMAc) oxidation and energy-wasting back electron transfer is likely at play and these pathways should be factored in subsequent mechanistic considerations.
An Investigation of the Genetic Variability of Metabolic Syndrome and Hemoglobin A1c among African Americans: Rethinking Current Standards of Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosis

Biological markers for Metabolic Syndrome, such as serum lipids and Hemoglobin A1c may have genetic variability among African Americans versus their Caucasian American counterparts. Although cases of Type 2 diabetes and its sequela significantly outweigh Caucasian Americans in the US, paradoxically research has found a lower prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome among blacks versus whites despite there being higher rates of Type 2 diabetes among the former population. Research has shown Metabolic Syndrome lipid parameters among African Americans are more favorable despite outstanding Type 2 diabetes incidence. With the emergence of the Human Genome Project and Genome Wide Association Studies, genetic differences in these parameters have been uncovered and genetic variability may play a role in such paradoxical mismatch. It may be reasonable to consider modifying Metabolic Syndrome parameters as given this new biological evidence. Hemoglobin A1c, also a biological marker used to monitor glucose levels over time, shows variability in its measurements with respect to African Americans. Genetic factors may play a role in the discrepancies among African Americans populations when using this parameter to monitor blood glucose. Precision medicine is now at the forefront of a biomedical new age, to find therapies that cater to specific populations based on genetic research. African Americans may not benefit from such a revolutionary paradigm shift in medicine due to evidence of lack of inclusivity in such studies like the Human Genome Project. Consideration should be made to the future of molecular medicine to include more minority populations such as African Americans in order to cater to specific differences rather than generalized standards of care.
Weathering the Storm: The Financial Impacts of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma on One Million Households

How do disasters affect households financially? The JPMorgan Chase Institute draws transaction-level data from over one million checking account holders to provide a first-ever daily look at the impacts of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma on financial outcomes. We find that checking account inflows temporarily dropped by over 20 percent, or roughly $400, in the week of landfall for both Harvey and Irma and recovered quickly in Houston, but not so in Miami. Checking account outflows dropped by more than 30 percent, or roughly $500, in the week of landfall and barely recovered 12 weeks after. The changes in spending resulted in welfare losses for some families. Among all spending categories, healthcare dropped the most. Because outflows dropped to a greater extent and for a longer period of time than inflows, families’ checking account balances remained steady or grew in the short run. But these healthier balances may mask incidents of deferred medical and debt payments, as well as anticipated costs to repair homes and replace property. In this sense, in the face of a hurricane, families appeared financially resilient, but may not have been economically resilient.
The decay and fungal succession of apples with bitter rot across a vegetation diversity gradient

Bitter rot is a disease of apple caused by fungi in the genus Colletotrichum. Management begins with removal of infected twigs and fruits from tree canopies to reduce overwintering inoculum. Infect...
Disseminated Mycobacterium avium infection in a young woman with sickle cell disease and iatrogenic iron overload

A 29-year-old woman with known sickle cell disease (SCD) and iatrogenic iron overload presented to the emergency department with a recurrent pain crisis and fever. Blood cultures obtained at a recent prior admission for the same complaints grew M avium. Bone marrow biopsy revealed non-caseating granulomas, but stains for mycobacteria and fungi were negative. Disseminated non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections (NTMIs) occur almost exclusively in immunosuppressed patients. SCD is not considered a risk factor for the development of disseminated NTMIs, making diagnosis challenging in this population. However, a number of case reports describing disseminated NTMIs in patients with SCD have been published. This case adds to the current literature, suggesting SCD with iatrogenic iron overload is a possible risk factor for disseminated NTMIs. Potential mechanisms for this increased risk include 1) functional asplenia, 2) iatrogenic iron overload, 3) chronic indwelling central venous catheters, and 4) hydroxyurea use. Further investigation is required to describe the strength and mechanism of the relationship between SCD and disseminated NTMIs.
A novel topical oxygen treatment for chronic and difficult-to-heal wounds: case studies.

AbstractBackground: Pressure ulcers are one of the most prevalent causes of morbidity in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). For those requiring hospital-based management, conventional wound management may necessitate a prolonged institutional stay. This may subsequently increase the likelihood of comorbidities and increase the social, psychological, and financial burdens associated with wound management. Therefore, novel adjunct treatments that potentiate improved healing rates should be seriously considered.Study Design: Case reports.Objective: To observe the efficacy of the EpiFLO device as an adjunct treatment modality in chronic wound management.Setting: An SCI unit at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center.Methods: Three men with SCI, who each presented with a stage IV pressure ulcer in the pelvic region, were treated with the EpiFLO device as an adjunct therapy. In Case 1, the patient was monitored for 9 weeks, whereas in Cases 2 and 3, the patients were monitored for 5 weeks. Healing was determined...
Harry Potter and the Millennials: The Boy-Who-Lived and the Politics of a Muggle Generation

In this paper we report research on the political impact of the Harry Potter series on the politics of the Millennial Generation. The Harry Potter series is rich with lessons that are relevant to politics — acceptance of differences, support for political tolerance and equality, anti-authoritarianism, opposition to the use of violence and deadly force, and the corruptness and ineptitude of politicians. We tested whether exposure to the series was related to individuals’ perspectives on such issues using a survey of college students at a number of different colleges and universities. Our findings indicate that Millennials who became immersed in the story of the boy-who-lived are different from their fellow Millennials with regard to these politically relevant perspectives, and, furthermore, our findings suggest that the Harry Potter series had something to do with these differences.
Model-based least squares compensation for computation delays in leader-follower coordination of two manipulators

A scheme for the coordinated control of two manipulators carrying a common rigid object using discrete position feedback has been developed and experimentally tested using two PUMA robot arms and a hierarchical multiprocessor architecture. A leader-follower coordination scheme was adopted because of its computational efficiency. The computation of desired follower arm joint positions consumes one sampling interval. Another sampling interval is lost due to the fact that a desired follower arm position has to be computed before it can be assumed. The author emphasizes the design of a class of prediction equations to compensate for these timing delays. These equations are developed using only limited knowledge about the path of the leader arm end-effector. All other trajectory parameters are estimated using only this limited knowledge and current and past leader arm positions. >
Intersecting Identities: Race, Military Affiliation, and Youth Attitudes towards War

AbstractAfrican-Americans in the U.S. military encompass at least two distinct identity groups: a racial status associated with lower support for the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and a military status which tends to be more ‘hawkish’ in perspective. This study examines the intersection of these two status characteristics utilizing survey data of American military academy cadets, Reserve Officer Training Corp (ROTC) cadets, and civilian students (n = 5,051). Majorities of military cadets, regardless of race, supported both of these wars more than their civilian counterparts, but African-Americans are significantly less supportive of the wars relative to their peers within each group. African-American cadets support both wars less so than whites and cadets of other races, but African-American cadets supported both wars more than African-American civilians. It appears that racial and military affiliations combine to yield a unique perspective on war, adapting elements of both statuses. These findings suppor...
Motion compensation for in vivo subcellular optical microscopy

In this review, we focus on the impact of tissue motion on attempting to conduct subcellular resolution optical microscopy, in vivo. Our position is that tissue motion is one of the major barriers in conducting these studies along with light induced damage, optical probe loading as well as absorbing and scattering effects on the excitation point spread function and collection of emitted light. Recent developments in the speed of image acquisition have reached the limit, in most cases, where the signal from a subcellular voxel limits the speed and not the scanning rate of the microscope. Different schemes for compensating for tissue displacements due to rigid body and deformation are presented from tissue restriction, gating, adaptive gating and active tissue tracking. We argue that methods that minimally impact the natural physiological motion of the tissue are desirable because the major reason to perform in vivo studies is to evaluate normal physiological functions. Towards this goal, active tracking using the optical imaging data itself to monitor tissue displacement and either prospectively or retrospectively correct for the motion without affecting physiological processes is desirable. Critical for this development was the implementation of near real time image processing in conjunction with the control of the microscope imaging parameters. Clearly, the continuing development of methods of motion compensation as well as significant technological solutions to the other barriers to tissue subcellular optical imaging in vivo, including optical aberrations and overall signal-to-noise ratio, will make major contributions to the understanding of cell biology within the body.
The cranial development of Elaphe obsoleta (Ophidia, colubridae)

The kinetic skull of snakes is a highly specialized structure that has allowed these limbless organisms to exploit a wide variety of habitats. Here we analyze the development of the cranium in the colubrid snake Elaphe obsoleta quadrivittata based on two sets of embryos raised under controlled conditions and preserved at regular intervals during embryogenesis. Emphasis is on the interactions between dermal and endochondral ossification in the basicranium and in the posterior orbitotemporal region. In Elaphe, the laterosphenoid initially develops as an ascending process of the basal plate and is a combination of membrane and cartilage bone. The maxilla shows a peculiar pattern of differentiation from several centers of ossification.
The Diverticulum of Stilbometopa Impressa (Bigot) as a Functioning Organ (Diptera: Hippoboscidae)

There has been a great deal of conjecture concerning the function of the diverticulum in the obligatory ectoparasites of birds and mammals belonging to the family Hippoboscidae. Bequaert (1953) states that Dufour (1845) overlooked the organ in Melophagus, Hibbobosca and Ornithomyia, and that Roubaud (1909) also failed to mention its existence in Melophagus. The presence of a diverticulum in the Hippoboscidae was first recognized by Massonnat (1909) who pointed out that the organ was more fully developed in avian than in mammalian species. He further stated that he often saw blood corpuscles in the diverticulum of Psendolynchia. Massonnat's findings were confirmed by Hoare (1923) for M. ovinus (Linnaeus); Theodor (1928) for Lipoptena capreoli Rondani, H. camelina Leach and H. equina Linnaeus; and Adie (1915) for P. canariensis (Macquart). However, these workers did not find blood per se in the diverticula of the species of flies they worked with. Theodor noted that the diverticulum of L. capreoli also sometimes was filled with a yellowish fluid.
Lip-Reading, Draft-Dodging, and Perot-Noia Presidential Campaigns in Editorial Cartoons

We conducted a content analysis of 505 editorial cartoons drawn from a national sample of newspapers during the 1992 presidential campaign. Our analyses demonstrate that cartoons are less interested in policy and more concerned with candidate personalities and the nature of the campaign. In addition, negativity is the hallmark of editorial cartoon reporting. We find that there was no measurable advantage given to the incumbent in 1992. Furthermore, we did not find evidence that the partisan leanings of a newspaper significantly affected the nature of candidate evaluations in the paper's editorial cartoons. Finally, evaluations about the candidates' personal qualities are shown to be a central component in editorial cartoons.
Somatic cell mapping of the bovine prion protein gene and restriction fragment length polymorphism studies in cattle and sheep.

Summary Brains affected by the progressive neurological disease bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) contain scrapie-associated fibrils and the protease-resistant isoform of prion protein. The gene encoding the normal host prion protein (PRNP) has been mapped to human chromosome 20 and mouse chromosome 2 with the hamster cDNA probe pEA974. Using this probe and a panel of bovine-rodent hybrid somatic cells, we have mapped PRNP to bovine syntenic group U11 (100% concordancy). PRNP restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) were detected with five of six enzymes (BglII, EcoRI, HindIII, MspI and TaqI) in sheep, in contrast to one of 16 enzymes (HincII) in cattle. Codominant segregation of the bovine HincII RFLP was demonstrated in six backcross pedigrees. While PRNP RFLPs are tightly linked to scrapie incubation period, and consequently susceptibility or resistance to disease in rodents and sheep, the relationship between the PRNP RFLPs and BSE incubation period has not been determined.
The regulatory diversity of the mammalian adenylyl cyclases

Clones for six mammalian adenylyl cyclases have recently been isolated. One of these enzymes, the type I calmodulin-sensitive adenylyl cyclase, is neurospecific and is implicated in neuroplasticity. We propose that the type I adenylyl cyclase may be important for learning and memory because it allows Ca(2+)-amplified cAMP signals, synergism between Ca2+ and cAMP-activated kinases, and positive feedback regulation of Ca2+ channels by cAMP-dependent protein kinase.