cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Forecasting and Management of Hop Downy Mildew

Gent, D. H., Ocamb, C. M., and Farnsworth, J. L. 2010. Forecasting and management of hop downy mildew. Plant Dis. 94:425-431. Downy mildew of hop (Humulus lupulus), caused by Pseudoperonospora humuli, is managed in the Pacific Northwestern United States by regular application of fungicides. A degree-day model that forecasts the first emergence of shoots systemically infected with P. humuli (termed basal spikes) and a risk index for secondary spread of the disease were evaluated over four seasons in western Oregon. In surveys conducted in 34 hop yards, the predicted first spike emergence occurred on average 11.6 days (median 12 days) after spike emergence using a simple average degree-day model (base temperature 6.5°C) developed for Washington State. Predictions based on a single sine model (base temperature 6°C) provided on average 4.9 days (median –0.5 days) of advanced warning before the first spike emerged. Downy mildew severity in a previous season was negatively correlated with the degree-day emergence date of spikes the following year (r = –0.39). In experimental plots, disease severity was significantly greater where fungicide applications were timed using a risk index compared to routine fungicide applications in 2005 and 2007, but statistically similar between these treatments in 2006 and 2008. However, in 2006, 2007, and 2008, treatments initiated using a degree-day threshold resulted in an area under the disease progress curve similar to or smaller than in treatments with routine fungicide applications. Model-aided treatments required four fewer fungicide applications compared to routine fungicide applications. These studies indicate that downy mildew can be managed effectively with fewer fungicide applications than currently made by hop growers in this region if fungicide applications are timed to coincide with the predicted emergence of basal spikes and subsequent disease risk forecasts.
Effect of A -site size difference on polar behavior in M BiScNbO 6 ( M = Na , K, and Rb): Density functional calculations

We investigate the effect of $A$-site size differences in the double perovskites ${\text{BiScO}}_{3}\text{\ensuremath{-}}M{\text{NbO}}_{3}$ ($M=\text{Na}$, K, and Rb) using first-principles calculations. We find that the polarization of these materials is $70--90\text{ }\ensuremath{\mu}\text{C}/{\text{cm}}^{2}$ along the rhombohedral direction. The main contribution to the high polarization comes from large off-centerings of Bi ions, which are strongly enhanced by the suppression of octahedral tilts as the $M$-ion size increases. A high Born effective charge of Nb also contributes to the polarization and this contribution is also enhanced by increasing the $M$-ion size.
Thrombosis Modulates Arterial Drug Distribution for Drug-Eluting Stents

Background— Drug-eluting stents deliver potent compounds directly to arterial segments but can become clot laden when deployed. The question arises as to whether thrombi affect drug elution and arterial uptake. Methods and Results— Paclitaxel transport and retention were assessed in clots of different blood components. Diffusivity, affected by clot organization, is fastest in fibrin (≈347 μm2/s), slower in fibrin-red blood cell clots (34.98 μm2/s), and slowest in whole-blood clots (3.55 μm2/s). Blood cells bind and retain paclitaxel such that levels in clot increase linearly with red cell fraction. At physiological hematocrit, clot retains 3 times the amount of paclitaxel in surrounding solutions. Computational models predict that the potential of thrombus to absorb, retain, and release drug or to act as a barrier to drug delivery depends on clot geometry and strut position in clot relative to the vessel wall. Clot between artery and stent can reduce uptake 10-fold, whereas clot overlying the stent can sh...
Using Google Analytics for Improving Library Website Content and Design: A Case Study

Google Analytics is a free web analytics solution that provides webmasters with insightful information about how visitors find and interact with their websites. In this case study, we have experimented in using Google Analytics to analyze two of our websites: The Rutgers-Newark Law Library main website and The New Jersey Digital Legal Library website. It was used to monitor our visitors' browsing activities and viewing behaviors for three months. Based on our findings from Google Analytics reports, we have redesigned our website. Subsequent data collected by Google Analytics have confirmed that our new design better fits the information needs of our visitors and librarians. Google Analytics is very powerful and can be used for almost any website. We believe that other libraries will benefit from using Google Analytics as well. Limitations of Google Analytics are also discussed based on our experience with it.
Hi-C in Budding Yeast

Hi-C enables simultaneous detection of interaction frequencies between all possible pairs of restriction fragments in the genome. The Hi-C method is based on chromosome conformation capture (3C), which uses formaldehyde cross-linking to fix chromatin regions that interact in three-dimensional space, irrespective of their genomic locations. In the Hi-C protocol described here, cross-linked chromatin is digested with HindIII and the ends are filled in with a nucleotide mix containing biotinylated dCTP. These fragments are ligated together, and the resulting chimeric molecules are purified and sheared to reduce length. Finally, biotinylated ligation junctions are pulled down with streptavidin-coated beads, linked to high-throughput sequencing adaptors, and amplified via polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The resolution of the Hi-C data set will depend on the depth of sequencing and choice of restriction enzyme. When sufficient sequence reads are obtained, information on chromatin interactions and chromosome conformation can be derived at single restriction fragment resolution for complete genomes.
Measures for studying poverty in family and child research

Most family scholars take the concept of poverty for granted. The variety of ways people have chosen to define and measure this concept, however, often makes it difficult to interpret or compare research results. We review and critique the ways that poverty has been measured in the family and child literatures as well as the measures that have been used to help understand variations in adaptation among those in poverty. In addition to reviewing more common measures, we include discussions of two new measures that have the potential to contribute to the literature on poverty: basic family budgets and social exclusion.
Rate of dehydration of corn (Zea mays L.) pollen in the air

The water content of corn (Zea mays L.) pollen directly affects its dispersal in the atmosphere through its effect on settling speed and viability. Therefore, the rate of water loss from pollen after being shed from the anther is an important component of a model to predict effective pollen transport distances in the atmosphere. The rate of water loss from corn pollen in air was determined using two methods: (1) by direct weighing of samples containing approximately 5 x 10(4) grains, and (2) by microscopic measurement of the change in size of individual grains. The conductance of the pollen wall to water loss was derived from the time rate of change of pollen mass or pollen grain size. The two methods gave average conductance values of 0.026 and 0.027 cm s-1, respectively. In other experiments, the water potential, psi, of corn pollen was determined at various values of relative water content (dry weight basis), either by using a thermocouple psychrometer or by allowing samples of pollen to come to vapour equilibrium with various saturated salt solutions. Non-linear regression analysis of the data yielded psi (MPa) = -3.218 theta(-1.35) (r2 = 0.94; for -298 < or = psi < or = -1 MPa). This result was incorporated into a model differential equation for the rate of water loss from pollen. The model agreed well (r2 approximately 0.98) with the observed time-course of the decrease of water content of pollen grains exposed to a range of temperature and humidity conditions.
A Broad View of Macroeconomic Stability

This paper recommends a broad concept of macroeconomic stability, whereby "sound macroeco- nomic frameworks" include not only price stability and sound fi scal policies, but also a well- functioning real economy, sustainable debt ratios and healthy public and private sector balance sheets. These multiple dimensions imply using multiple policy instruments. The paper elaborates a framework for developing countries that involves active use of counter-cyclical macroeconomic policies (exchange rate, monetary and fi scal), together with capital management techniques (capi- tal account regulations and prudential rules incorporating macroeconomic dimensions). It also explores the role of international fi nancial institutions in facilitating developing countries' use of counter-cyclical macroeconomic policies. JEL Classifi cation: E44 (Financial Markets and the Macroeconomy); E61 (Policy Objectives; Policy Designs and Consistency; Policy Coordination); E63 (Comparative or Joint Analysis of Fiscal and Monetary or Stabilization Policy); F41 (Open Economy Macroeconomics).
Harbingers of Depressotypic Reassurance Seeking: Negative Life Events, Increased Anxiety, and Decreased Self-Esteem

No previous study has examined the initial stages of the depressive interpersonal spiral described by Coyne. The authors’ purpose was to elucidate predictions regarding the formative stages of the spiral and to put them to empirical test in a prospective study of college undergraduates ( N = 177). The authors predicted and found that (a) negative life events predicted increases in anxiety, decreases in self-esteem, and increases in reassurance-seeking; (b) negative life events predicted changes in reassurance seeking via their influence on anxiety and self-esteem; and (c) this mediational role was relatively specific to anxiety and self-esteem and did not apply to depression. Understanding the groundwork of the depressive interpersonal spiral may point to its prevention.
Developing the Resolve to Have Moral Courage: An Experiment With Accounting Students

Recognizing that moral judgment is a necessary but insufficient condition of moral behavior, we explored ways to develop the resolve to have moral courage, defined as the courage to be moral when under professional duress. In a post-test with control group design, we measured the effect of exposing 91 students to stories of moral exemplars on their resolve to have moral courage using the Moral Competency Inventory. Results show that their resolve to have moral courage increased significantly and was sensitive to differences in gender, class standing, religiosity, and prior-service experiences.
Biopharmaceutical Factors in Seizure Control and Drug Toxicity

Problems related to bioequivalence and bioavailability for four antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are reviewed. Bioequivalence and bioavailability of AEDs can be affected by many factors, including physicochemical characteristics of the agent, the dosage form, and physiological condition of the patient. In 1988, breakthrough seizures prompted an FDA investigation of one company's generic carbamazepine tablets. Results indicated that the manufacturer had changed its source of carbamazepine, which led to a wide range of dissolution characteristics for different lots of tablets. In two separate studies, clonazepam was shown to be more rapidly absorbed in patients with a normal gastric pH than in those with a higher-than-normal gastric pH. With phenytoin, which exhibits nonlinear pharmacokinetics, differences in the rate and extent of absorption can adversely affect the bioavailability of this agent. Finally, the bioequivalence of generic primidone was contested in an adolescent girl who appeared to experience more frequent seizures with a generic product than with a trade formulation. The effectiveness of a drug depends on complex interactions involving the drug, the drug product formulation, and the patient. Minimizing variability in the absorption process is particularly important with AEDs, because of their narrow therapeutic range.
A note on Venn diagrams

(1989). A Note on Venn Diagrams. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 96, No. 1, pp. 38-39.
Reevaluation of the taxonomy ofVibrio, beneckea, andPhotobacterium: Abolition of the genusBeneckea

As a result of studies on the evolution of glutamine synthetase and superoxide dismutase, the genusBeneckea has been abolished and its constituent species, along withPhotobacterium fischeri andP. logei, assigned to the genusVibrio. The definitions ofVibrio andPhotobacterium have been modified accordingly.
Enhancing Student Conversations Through the Use of Protocols

We've all done it—given an assignment for students to read and planned for an engaging conversation during class. Yet the rich discussion for which we hoped does not emerge. Instead, the conversati...
“This is America”: Narratives of parenting experiences by African immigrant parents from Cameroon, Kenya, and Somalia living in the United States

AbstractThis study utilized thematic content analysis and a partial ecological model to analyze qualitative data drawn from focus group discussions with first-generation immigrant parents from Cameroon, Kenya, and Somalia from the Twin City area of Minnesota. (Twin Cities: the cities of Saint Paul and Minneapolis are adjacent to each other, with Saint Paul located on the west bank and Minneapolis on the east bank of the Mississippi River in the state of Minnesota.) Results indicate that macro-time or chronosystem levels in the event of immigration had the most influence on parental perceptions. Hence, contextual changes that made “parenting” challenging were attributed to immigration. Variations were partly due to the reasons for migrating. Cameroonians and Kenyans migrated mainly for economic reasons and held perspectives that emphasized how the contextual change had influenced their parental roles. Cameroonians pointed to the impact of the exosystem on the perceived role of the child welfare system in t...
Digital Simulation for an Autoboat-Truck Loading and Unloading Hydraulic System

The dynamic model of an autoboat-truck was built,the dynamic analysis of the autoboat-truck's loading and unloading mechanism was done by ADAMS,a time domain force curve of the main cylinder was acquired,a mathematical model of the autoboad-truck loading and unloading hydraulic system was constructed.Combining with the actual situation,the dynamic characteristics of the autoboad-truck loading and unloading hydraulic system's simulation analysis was carried out by Matlab/Simulink.The results provide a theoretical foundation for the optimization design and amelioration of the system.
Abstract 262: Combination therapy of folate-targeted chemotherapeutics with anti-PD-1 antibody against folate receptor-positive tumors in immunocompetent murine models

The PD-1/PD-L1 (programmed cell death protein 1; programmed death-ligand 1) pathway plays a key role in immunological tolerance and autoimmunity. PD-1 is primarily expressed on activated T and B cells while its receptor, PD-L1, is expressed in a variety of cell types including resting lymphocytes, DCs, and macrophages. Recently, multiple human solid tumor types (melanoma, NSCLC, RCC, ovarian, and colorectal cancer) have been found to overexpress PD-L1 within its tumor microenvironment. More importantly, PD-1/PD-L1 blocking agents (pembrolizumab, nivolumab, lambrolizumab, MPDL3280A) have been found active as a single agent or in combination with chemotherapy and some have produced durable clinical responses. On the other hand, human epithelial tumors are also known to overexpress the high-affinity folate receptor (FR)-alpha that is capable of bringing folate-linked drugs into the cell cytosol via endocytosis. Using flow cytometry, we assessed PD-L1 expression in various FR-positive syngeneic mouse tumor models (M109, Renca, L1210A, 4T1-Cl2, ID8-Cl15). PD-L1 expression was found to vary significantly among different tumor types and could be found not only on CD45- malignant cells but also on tumor stromal cells such as F4/80+CD11b+ tumor-associated macrophages. Using a rat anti-mouse PD-1 antibody (clone RMP1-14), we studied in-vivo efficacy of a folate-targeted chemotherapy in combination with PD-1/PD-L1 blockage in PD-L1-expressing tumor models. In syngeneic models with high PD-L1 expression and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, a synergistic and curable anti-tumor effect was observed and the animals developed tumor-protective immunity against rechallenge. Thus, our preliminary results suggest that folate-targeted chemotherapeutics may also be enhanced by PD-1/PD-L1 blockage by means of overcoming tumor-mediated immune suppression Citation Format: Yingjuan June Lu, Leroy W. Wheeler, Vicky Cross, Elaine Westrick, Alex Lloyd, Christopher P. Leamon. Combination therapy of folate-targeted chemotherapeutics with anti-PD-1 antibody against folate receptor-positive tumors in immunocompetent murine models. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 262.
Extracellular aggregation of polyelectrolytes escaped from the cell interior: Mechanisms and physiological consequences

Abstract The cell interior is rich in anionic polyelectrolyte filaments. They are normally prevented from aggregating nonspecifically with polyvalent counterions by multiple mechanisms involving specific protein ligands and dynamic processes far from equilibrium. In contrast, extracellular protein filaments are generally not polyelectrolytes, and extracellular fluids are rich in polycations but devoid of ATP-consuming dynamic regulation of polymer assembly. As a result, when intracellular polyelectrolytes like DNA or F-actin enter the extracellular space they often form large bundles with polycationic peptides or other factors, some of which are required for defense against bacteria. Formation of polyelectrolyte aggregates can have not only some beneficial effects, but also many harmful effects related to changing extracellular fluid viscoelasticity and antimicrobial function.
Replicable Interprofessional Competency Outcomes from High-Volume, Inter-Institutional, Interprofessional Simulation

There are significant limitations among the few prior studies that have examined the development and implementation of interprofessional education (IPE) experiences to accommodate a high volume of students from several disciplines and from different institutions. The present study addressed these gaps by seeking to determine the extent to which a single, large, inter-institutional, and IPE simulation event improves student perceptions of the importance and relevance of IPE and simulation as a learning modality, whether there is a difference in students' perceptions among disciplines, and whether the results are reproducible. A total of 290 medical, nursing, pharmacy, and physical therapy students participated in one of two large, inter-institutional, IPE simulation events. Measurements included student perceptions about their simulation experience using the Attitude Towards Teamwork in Training Undergoing Designed Educational Simulation (ATTITUDES) Questionnaire and open-ended questions related to teamwork and communication. Results demonstrated a statistically significant improvement across all ATTITUDES subscales, while time management, role confusion, collaboration, and mutual support emerged as significant themes. Results of the present study indicate that a single IPE simulation event can reproducibly result in significant and educationally meaningful improvements in student perceptions towards teamwork, IPE, and simulation as a learning modality.
Human Resource Development in Small Business: An Application of Brethower's Performance Principles to On the Job Training

Small businesses provide economic infrastructure in which communities develop and thrive and, in the United States alone, currently represent 99.7 percent of all employer firms. However, many small businesses fail to thrive past the first two years of establishment. Of the reasons small businesses fail, limited or non-existent employee training programs remains among the chief causes. The purpose of this paper is to explore the use of HRD within small businesses. Specifically on-the-job training was examined through the framework of Brethower's five performance principles in order to enhance the effectiveness of the on-the-job training approach.
Feasibility of an ED-to-Home Intervention to Engage Patients: A Mixed-Methods Investigation.

Introduction: Older, chronically ill patients with limited health literacy are often under-engagedin managing their health and turn to the emergency department (ED) for healthcare needs. Wetested the impact of an ED-initiated coaching intervention on patient engagement and follow-updoctor visits in this high-risk population. We also explored patients’ care-seeking decisions. Methods: We conducted a mixed-methods study including a randomized controlled trial andin-depth interviews in two EDs in northern Florida. Participants were chronically ill older EDpatients with limited health literacy and Medicare as a payer source. Patients were assignedto an evidence-based coaching intervention (n= 35) or usual post-ED care (n= 34). Qualitativeinterviews (n=9) explored patients’ reasons for ED use. We assessed average between-groupdifferences in patient engagement over time with the Patient Activation Measure (PAM) tool,using logistic regression and a difference-in-difference approach. Between-group differences infollow-up doctor visits were determined. We analyzed qualitative data using open coding andthematic analysis. Results: PAM scores fell in both groups after the ED visit but fell signi ficantly more in “usualcare” (average decline -4.64) than “intervention” participants (average decline -2.77) (β=1.87,p=0.043). There were no between-group differences in doctor visits. Patients described wellinformedreasons for ED visits including onset and severity of symptoms, lack of timely provideraccess, and immediate and comprehensive ED care. Conclusion: The coaching intervention significantly reduced declines in pati ent engagementobserved after usual post-ED care. Patients reported well-informed reasons for ED use andwill likely continue to make ED visits unless strategies, such as ED-initiated coaching, areimplemented to help vulnerable patients better manage their health and healthcare.
Signs of life in Myanmar’s nationwide ceasefire agreement? Finding a way forward

ABSTRACTThis article focuses on peace-building efforts in Myanmar implemented under the Nation Wide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) in 2013. It assesses the ways in which the recently elected government led by the National League for Democracy (NLD) has dealt with the NCA, and highlights opportunities and challenges. I argue that while the NLD government and Myanmar military remain crucial to the success of peace efforts, implementation of the NCA is impossible without the support of the eight current NCA signatories, in particularly the Karen National Union (KNU). Neglecting the importance of these actors not only provides an incomplete picture of ongoing peace-building efforts, but could also undermine efforts to promote national reconciliation that have thus far focused exclusively on the Myanmar government and the military. These signs of life emanating from the NCA signatories, however, have increasingly been undermined by an official failure to implement the agreement and to adhere to the agreed process a...
How moral disengagement facilitates the detention of refugee children and families

Refugee children and families are a vulnerable demographic with the propensity to disrupt entrenched disparaging perceptions about immigrants. This project investigates how institutionalised moral ...
A Theory of Allocation of Time in Markets for Labor and Marriage: Macromodel

Work-In-Household (WiHo) is defined as a particular type of household production benefiting a spouse. Markets for WiHo establish (implicit) prices for WiHo. There are two steps to the analysis, as in Marshallian economic theory. Step 1 analyzes individual decision-making assuming that market equilibrium prices prevail in all relevant markets, including implicit prices for WiHo. Individual supplies of labor and WiHo and demands for WiHo and commercial goods are derived. Step 2 examines market equilibria in labor markets and markets for WiHo for men and women. This is a general equilibrium model. In this chapter, to simplify the analysis, I proceed with assumptions typical of macroeconomic models: labor markets have a representative worker and a representative firm and markets for WiHo have a representative woman and a representative man. The case of many different types of men and women, more adaptable to empirical studies with individual data and to micro-economic analysis, is considered in Chap. 3. This “macro” model is applied to labor supply in Chap. 4 and to consumption and savings in Chaps. 10 and 11.
Dynamic programming and branch and bound algorithm animations using a PEAV format

This paper reports on a collection of algorithm animations of dynamic programming and branch-and-bound problems developed in JHave. After a discussion on how these algorithm animations meet the criteria for a pedagogically effective algorithm visualization (PEAV), it presents the collection of algorithms available and for each type an example is used to illustrate the materials available and their potential. The paper also describes their use in two courses and together with observations about their effectiveness.
Pragmatic Concurrent Engineering: Emotion, Experience and Engineering

Our products have been developed on a feed forward linear model. This could roughly be described as a differential approach. We looked at local region and optimized. The early concurrent engineering emphasized to bring downstream information as much upstream as possible. But this is not the optimization of the whole product lifecycle. It is the optimization of production. Increasing diversification, complexity and globalization call for a much broader perspective. Optimization throughout a whole product life cycle including product use is now called for. In order to achieve such a goal, feedbacks from user experience must be considered and the system must be adaptive to changing situations. Today, our path may be continuous, but the changes are sharp. i.e., changes yesterday were differentiable but they are not differentiable today. Our world was closed in the 20th century but now it is an expanding open world. We have to get prepared for the unexpected in order to explore such a New World. We have to look more globally. This calls for an integral approach. Emotion and experience play important roles in such an approach which complement the factors in our traditional differential approach.
Chips off the Planetary Block... ...Building Planetary Debris Disks

IN OUR own Solar System primitive bodies, such as comets and asteroids, are continually being eroded, releasing puffs and tails of debris, seeding interplanetary space with tiny dust grains. Born within the thin plane containing most of the solid mass orbiting the Sun, the trillions of dust grains form a tenuous, flattened cloud called a circumstellar disk. If gravity were the only force acting on these grains, then they would continue to orbit the Sun. However, various small but persistent influences, including radiation pressure from the Sun and drag forces, either cause grains to spiral inward to the Sun or blow them out to interstellar space. No worries. Asteroids and comets continue to fill the depleted debris disk with fresh grains. From our perspective on Earth, this dust is visible as the faint band of zodiacal light or the ‘false dawn.’ This is sunlight reflected from transitory dust in the plane of the Solar System.
Corpus linguistics: Issues in corpus design

A corpus is not simply a collection of texts. Rather, a corpus seeks to represent a language or some part of a language. The appropriate design for a corpus therefore depends upon what it is meant to represent. The representativeness of the corpus, in turn, determines the kinds of research questions that can be addressed and the generalizability of the results of the research. For example, a corpus composed primarily of news reportage would not allow a general investigation of variation in English. Similarly, research based on a corpus containing a single type of conversation – such as conversations between teenagers – could not be generalized to conversation overall. Thus, whether you are designing a corpus of your own, choosing a corpus to use in a study, or reading others' corpus-based work, issues of representativeness in corpus design are crucial. It is important to realize up front that representing a language – or even part of a language – is a problematic task. We do not know the full extent of variation in languages or all the contextual variables that need to be covered in order to capture all variation in texts. However, attention to certain issues will ensure that a corpus is as representative as possible, given our current knowledge of language. This methodology box introduces these issues, as well as some means for improving corpus design in the future.
Is There a Green Bond Premium? The Yield Differential Between Green and Conventional Bonds

Through a matching method, we estimate and analyze the green bond premium, defined as the difference in yield between a green bond and an equivalent synthetic conventional bond expressed as a percentage of the conventional bond yield. For the sake of accuracy, we focus our analysis on 118 green bonds issued worldwide. The average green bond premium is found to be negative from the green bonds' issuance date to August 31, 2016, notably in several segments, such as bonds with a rating strictly below AAA (-6.70%) and those emitted in Euros (-8.47%). The rating is the major driver of the green bond premium: the riskier the bond is, the greater the negative premium will be. The currency in which bonds are issued also contributes to the value of green bond premia. We conclude that regulatory and fiscal measures need to be introduced to keep on increasing the pipeline of green bonds issued and creating incentives for investing in green debt.
GETTING INTO THE WEEDS: DOES LEGAL MARIJUANA ACCESS BLUNT ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN COLLEGE?

This paper examines the effect of legal access to marijuana on student performance stemming from a voter‐approved initiative legalizing marijuana for those 21 and older in the State of Washington. Using panel data from a medium‐sized public university, we use a within‐student and within‐class estimator to show that legalization reduces students' grades, with an effect size about one‐half the impact of gaining legal access to alcohol. Consistent with how marijuana consumption affects cognitive functioning, we find that students' grades fall furthest in courses that require more quantitative skills. These effects are largely driven by men and low performers. (JEL I23, I18, K32)
Forming a successful public health collaborative: A qualitative study

Background Coordinated approaches are needed to optimally control the spread of resistant organisms across facilities that share patients. Our goal was to understand social tensions that may inhibit public health–led community partnerships and to identify factors for success. Methods A collaborative to control transmission of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) was formed in Utah following a regional outbreak, with members from public health, hospitals, laboratories, and transport services. We conducted and qualitatively analyzed 3 focus groups among collaborative stakeholders to discuss their experiences. Results Via 3 focus groups and additional interviews, we found the collaborative made institutional tensions between stakeholders explicit. We identified 4 factors that facilitated the ability to overcome institutional tensions: public health leadership to establish a safe space, creation of cross-institutional group identity with mutual respect and support, standardized communication, and group cohesiveness through shared mental models of interdependencies. Discussion Stakeholders’ concerns regarding being blamed for MDRO transmission versus contributing to shared health care community MDRO control efforts resembled a “prisoner's dilemma.” Four social components mitigated tensions and facilitated cooperation in this public health–led collaborative. Conclusions This study identified strategies that public health-led coordinated approaches can use to facilitate cooperation.
Isotopic concentration of uranium from alpha spectrum of electrodeposited source on 4H-SiC detector at 500 °C

4H-SiC alpha detectors were fabricated with a 21-μm thick depletion depth and were packaged into a stainless-steel casing with a mineral insulation cable and a standard BNC connector. The packaged detectors had a resolution of 0.624% FWHM at 5.486 MeV prior to salt immersion. The detectors were then immersed in a LiCl–KCl–UCl3 molten salt at 500 °C, from which a thin layer of depleted uranium was electrodeposited onto the detectors. Alpha particle emission spectra were collected from the electrodeposited source. The energy resolution of the surviving detector was 2.29% FWHM at 4.198 MeV and was sufficient to separate the 234U from 238U alpha emissions (577 keV difference). The 234U/238U activity ratio and the isotopic concentrations of 234U and 238U were determined and are representative of the uranium source used in the electrodeposition.
Incremental advancements in public health adaptation to climate change in Florida

Several barriers to climate change adaptation exist, including lack of financial resources, limited technical capacity and prohibitive politics. However, there is limited praxis scholarship on the ...
Venetoclax in Immunoglobulin Light Chain Amyloidosis: Is This the Beginning or the End?

Abstract AL Amyloidosis (AL) is a plasma cell disease marked by production and deposition of toxic free light chains in organs including the heart, kidney and nervous system. While treatment is generally borrowed from multiple myeloma (MM), patients typically have difficulty tolerating many of these drugs, namely the immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs), due to high cardiac and hematologic toxicities. Recently daratumumab has been shown to be active in (AL), however for patients who become refractory to daratumumab, options remain bleak. Given the relative prevalence of t(11;14) in patients with AL, and subsequent overexpression of BCL-2, we report two cases of deep and durable responses to treatment with venetoclax in combination with a proteasome inhibitor. Recently the FDA has put a hold on studying venetoclax in MM given the results of the BELLINI trial (NCT02755597) examining the efficacy of venetoclax in MM. Preliminary results indicate an increased rate of death in the venetoclax arm when compared to placebo, largely due to infection. We hope that with proper infectious prophylaxis we can abrogate the perceived increased rate of death and the hold on venetoclax can be lifted. Given the high quality and durable responses seen in these cases we believe venetoclax warrants further study in AL.
Prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant S aureus on environmental surfaces in Ohio nursing homes.

Background Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is common in medical institutions. We sought to examine the prevalence of S aureus on environmental surfaces in nursing homes and to obtain molecular information on contaminating strains. Methods A total of 259 environmental samples were collected from 7 different nursing homes in Northeast Ohio (NEO), from suburban, urban, and rural settings. The presence of the mecA and PVL genes was determined, and spa typing was performed in order to identify molecular types. Results The prevalence of S aureus was 28.6% (74/259). The prevalence of MRSA and methicillin-susceptible S aureus was 20.1% (52/259) and 8.5% (22/259), respectively. S aureus contamination in suburban, urban, and rural sites was 25.7% (38/148), 45.9% (34/74), and 5.4% (2/37), respectively. MRSA was detected in 16.9% (25/148) of suburban samples and 36.5% (27/74) of urban samples. No MRSA was found in rural samples. Nursing homes from urban areas had a significantly higher (P Conclusions We found differences in the prevalence of S aureus and MRSA in nursing homes in different regions of NEO. Part of these differences may result from transfers from hospitals; the urban nursing homes had 4 to 15 hospitals nearby, whereas suburban and rural locations had 1 to 3 hospitals within the area.
The impact of short tandem repeat variation on gene expression

Short tandem repeats (STRs) have been implicated in a variety of complex traits in humans. However, genome-wide studies of the effects of STRs on gene expression thus far have had limited power to detect associations and provide insights into putative mechanisms. Here, we leverage whole-genome sequencing and expression data for 17 tissues from the Genotype-Tissue Expression Project to identify more than 28,000 STRs for which repeat number is associated with expression of nearby genes (eSTRs). We use fine-mapping to quantify the probability that each eSTR is causal and characterize the top 1,400 fine-mapped eSTRs. We identify hundreds of eSTRs linked with published genome-wide association study signals and implicate specific eSTRs in complex traits, including height, schizophrenia, inflammatory bowel disease and intelligence. Overall, our results support the hypothesis that eSTRs contribute to a range of human phenotypes, and our data should serve as a valuable resource for future studies of complex traits.
A comprehensive review of mouse diaphyseal femur fracture models

Complications related to treatment of long bone fractures still stand as a major challenge for orthopaedic surgeons. Elucidation of the mechanisms of bone healing and development, and the subsequent alteration of these mechanisms to improve outcomes, typically requires animal models as an intermediary between in vitro and human clinical studies. Murine models are some of the most commonly used in translational research, and mouse fracture models are particularly diverse, offering a wide variety of customization with distinct benefits and limitations depending on the study. This review critically examines three common femur fracture models in the mouse, namely cortical hole, 3-point fracture (Einhorn), and segmental bone defect. We lay out the general procedure for execution of each model, evaluate the practical implications and important advantages/disadvantages of each and describe recent innovations. Furthermore, we explore the applications that each model is best adapted for in the context of the current state of murine orthopaedic research.
“If You Report Your Dad, How are You Going to Survive”: Health Practitioner Perspectives on Quality of Care for Survivors of Sexual Violence and the Challenge of Family Interference:

This study examined the experiences and perspectives of health practitioners facing the challenges of providing services to female survivors of sexual violence. Interviews were conducted with 28 health practitioners, from eight post-rape care facilities located in Nairobi, Kenya. Data were analyzed using the Colaizzi's 1978 analytical model. The analysis of the results was guided by four domains of the ecological framework: individual, interpersonal, community/cultural, and public policy. The study documented a myriad of detail about the challenges faced by women before reporting the crime as well as the actual process of reporting. One key finding from this study was that health practitioners perceived family interference as a barrier to reporting, access to care, and to the pursuit of justice for survivors, particularly if the perpetrator was a relative. Family interference was also identified as a factor with implications for health practitioners' ability to ensure quality of care as it resulted in patients loss to follow-up and added to the negative emotional toll on health practitioners providing post-rape care. Three main themes emerged in practitioner responses related to this issue: (a) fear of consequences of reporting and care seeking, including economic vulnerability, family conflict, and retaliation such as divorce or further violence, (b) the trend toward out-of-court settlements rather than intervention through formal health and criminal justice sector challenges, and (c) attitudes toward sexual violence and survivors, normalization of rape, and victim-blaming attitudes. The study adds to our understanding of the obstacles faced by health practitioners providing post-rape care and provides a unique set of insights from the front lines on underlying factors contributing to these challenges.
Differential Effects of Fiscal Decentralization: Local Revenue Share vs. Local Fiscal Autonomy

We show that the efficacy of fiscal decentralization in enhancing economic growth and labor productivity growth depends on whether taxes are collected at the central level or at the sub-national level. To empirically examine the differential effects, we introduce a distinct measure of fiscal decentralization that serves as a proxy for taxes collected at the sub-national level. While the proposed measure is used to investigate a specific question, the measurement itself is general and practical in nature. In addition to proposing a new proxy for fiscal decentralization, we evaluate the permanent impact of fiscal decentralization; consider heterogeneity in parameters by federalism status and income levels; and incorporate nonlinearity. Our finding suggests that neither a complete revenue decentralization nor centralization is optimal.
LGBTQ+ College Students’ Engagement in COVID-Protective and COVID-Risk Behaviors

Characteristics of emerging adulthood may make college students less likely to engage in COVID-protective behaviors, a public health concern given that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, a...
A perception-based nanosensor platform to detect cancer biomarkers

Conventional molecular recognition elements, such as antibodies, present issues for developing biomolecular assays for use in certain technologies, such as implantable devices. Additionally, antibo...
Structure and Classification of Retroviruses

The retroviruses encompass a large family of infectious agents (Retroviridae) unified by a common virion structure and mode of replication. Retroviruses have been isolated from most vertebrate species in which they have been sought, and have been found to display a remarkable diversity in their association with the host. Table I gives a list of some of the more commonly encountered viruses. At the one end of the diversity, infections with some retroviruses can lead to uniformly fatal conditions, such as AIDS, a variety of malignancies, neurologic diseases, and other clinical conditions. At the other end, some retroviruses induce only a benign viremia with no outward adverse effects, and can even become established as DNA in the germ line and passed as “endogenous” viruses from generation to generation. Indeed, the line between endogenous viruses and the retrotransposable elements found in large numbers in the genome of all eukaryotes is very fine (Chapters 1 and 4). This chapter will be concerned with a discussion of general properties of the retroviruses, the structure of their virions, and their classification. Its scope will be limited to those elements which are demonstrably viruses.
Factors influencing the web access behavior in the workplace: a structural equation approach

As more and more organizations provide employees access to the Web, the level of abuse is on the rise. Structured equation modeling was used to examine the antecedent and perceptual factors impacting accessing work-related Web sites and personal-related Web sites in the work environment. The results indicate that management support, experience and perceived ethical beliefs have a significant negative influence, while self-training and perceived enjoyment had a positive influence on personal-related Web access. Internet experience, formal training, and all the perceptual factors influenced work-related Web site access. The findings of the study contribute to an expanding understanding of the factors promoting Web usage and have important implications for the management of information systems.
Observational Study:Definition and Examples

An observational study is an empiric investigation that attempts to estimate the effects caused by a treatment when it is not possible to perform an experiment. Random assignment of subjects to treatment or control in an experiment ensures that comparable groups of subjects are compared under alternative treatments. Without random assignment, in an observational study, the treatment and control groups may not be comparable prior to treatment, so that differing outcomes after treatment may not be effects caused by the treatment. Pretreatment differences that have been accurately measured are called overt biases; they may often be controlled using analytical adjustments, such as matching, stratification, or covariance adjustment. Pretreatment differences that were not recorded are called hidden biases, and they pose substantial problems that must be addressed by other means. A well designed observational study permits detection of one or two of the most plausible hidden biases. The analysis of an observational study can measure the degree of sensitivity of conclusions to hidden biases of plausible magnitudes. Design strategies involving pattern specificity, such as Campbell's ‘multiple operationalism’ or Hill's dose-response, may reduce sensitivity to hidden bias, and this possibility may be appraised using the design sensitivity of competing designs. Keywords: Causal effects; causal inference; covariance adjustment; elaborate theories; matching; observational studies; pattern specificity; propensity score; randomized experiments; sensitivity analysis; stratification
Purification procedures for synthetic dyes

Abstract The suitability of flash chromatography for the purification of synthetic dyestuffs has been investigated. The results of this study indicate that this technique offers a rapid procedure for the generation of gram quantities of a disperse dye, provided the dye to be purified is reasonably soluble in ordinary organic solvents such as toluene, ethyl acetate, or hexane. It is also apparent that the water-containing eluents commonly used to develop hydrophilic dyestuffs do not give satisfactory results when silica gel is used, due to strong eluent-adsorbent interactions. As a consequence, the purification of hydrophilic dyes required deactivated alumina. The speed with which a purification is accomplished by flash chromatography often offsets the higher amount of solvent required compared with the amounts used in dry column chromatography and countercurrent chromatography.