cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and Characterization of [Ar′GaC(Ph)CH]2 and K2[Ar′GaC(Ph)CH]2⋅OEt2: From Digallene to Digallacyclohexadiene to Digallatabenzene†

Platt gemacht: Die Addition von PhCCH an Ar′GaGaAr′ (Ar′=2,6-(2,6-iPr2C6H3)2C6H3) fuhrt zu dem 1,4-Digallacyclohexadien [{Ar′GaC(Ph)CH}2] (1), das bei der Reduktion mit Kalium in das 1,4-Digallatabenzol-Dianion [Ar′GaC(Ph)CH]22− (2) ubergeht (siehe Schema; C grau, Ga grun, K blau). Strukturparameter, Dichtefunktionalrechnungen und 1H-NMR-spektroskopische Daten belegen den aromatischen Charakter von 2.
The PS2 integrin ligand tiggrin is required for proper muscle function in Drosophila

Tiggrin is a novel extracellular matrix ligand for the Drosophila PS2 integrins. We have used flanking P elements to generate a precise deletion of tiggrin. Most flies lacking tiggrin die as larvae or pupae. A few adults do emerge and these appear to be relatively normal, displaying only misshapen abdomens and a low frequency of wing defects. Examination of larvae shows that muscle connections, function and morphology are defective in tiggrin mutants. Muscle contraction waves that extend the length of the larvae are much slower in tiggrin mutants. Direct examination of bodywall muscles shows defects in muscle attachment sites, where tiggrin is specifically localized, and muscles appear thinner. Transgenes expressing tiggrin are capable of rescuing tiggrin mutant phenotypes. Transgenes expressing a mutant tiggrin, whose Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) integrin recognition sequence has been mutated to Leu-Gly-Ala (LGA) show much reduced, but significant, rescuing ability. Cell spreading assays detect no interactions of this mutant tiggrin with PS2 integrins. Therefore, while the RGD sequence is critical for PS2 interactions and full activity in the whole fly, the mutant tiggrin retains some function(s) that are probably mediated by interactions with other ECM molecules or cell surface receptors
HF-induced airglow at magnetic zenith: theoretical considerations

Abstract. Observations of airglow at 630nm (red line) and 557.7nm (green line) during HF modification experiments at the High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP) heating facility are analyzed. We propose a theoretical framework for understanding the generation of Langmuir and ion acoustic waves during magnetic zenith injections. We show that observations of HF-induced airglow in an underdense ionosphere as well as a decrease in the height of the emitting volume are consistent with this scenario.
Networking Challenges in High-Capacity, Low-Latency, Optically-Switched Interconnects

As computer interconnects require higher bandwidths, a move to an optically switched system becomes an obvious move. However, this move away from the traditional electrically switched system presents a series of challenges. In this paper we outline the architectural challenges such a change makes, and the evaluation challenges faced due to lack of detailed inspection of short reach computer interconnects, and discuss how we plan on tackling them.
A segmentation-aware object detection model with occlusion handling

The bounding box representation employed by many popular object detection models [3, 6] implicitly assumes all pixels inside the box belong to the object. This assumption makes this representation less robust to the object with occlusion [16]. In this paper, we augment the bounding box with a set of binary variables each of which corresponds to a cell indicating whether the pixels in the cell belong to the object. This segmentation-aware representation explicitly models and accounts for the supporting pixels for the object within the bounding box thus more robust to occlusion. We learn the model in a structured output framework, and develop a method that efficiently performs both inference and learning using this rich representation. The method is able to use segmentation reasoning to achieve improved detection results with richer output (cell level segmentation) on the Street Scenes and Pascal VOC 2007 datasets. Finally, we present a globally coherent object model using our rich representation to account for object-object occlusion resulting in a more coherent image understanding.
Numerical solution of the Swift-Hohenberg equation in two dimensions

Abstract The Swift-Hohenberg equation with either a stochastic or a constant forcing term has been solved numerically in two spatial dimensions. The parameters that enter the equation have been chosen to match the experiments on Rayleigh-Benard convection by Meyer et al. [C.W. Meyer, G. Ahlers and D.S. Cannell, Phys. Rev. Lett. 59 (1987) 1577]. Our numerical results for the convective heat current as a function of time fit the experiments well (the fitting parameter is the amplitude of the forcing term). We find a value of F = 5.52 × 10 −6 for the stochastic case, compared to F th = 1.06 × 10 −10 , the value obtained from fluctuation theory. The structure of the convective pattern also depends on the type of forcing considered. A constant forcing induces a roll-like pattern that reflects the geometry of the sidewalls. A stochastic forcing is seen to induce a random, cellular pattern.
Foodborne botulism in the United States, 1990-2000.

Foodborne botulism, a potentially lethal neuroparalytic disease, is caused by ingesting preformed Clostridium botulinum neurotoxin. We reviewed surveillance data and reports from 1990 to 2000. Of 263 cases from 160 foodborne botulism events (episode of one or more related cases) in the United States, 103 (39%) cases and 58 events occurred in Alaska. Patients' median age was 48 years; 154 (59%) were female; the case-fatality rate was 4%. The median number of cases per event was 1 (range 1–17). Toxin type A caused 51% of all cases; toxin type E caused 90% of Alaska cases. A particular food was implicated in 126 (79%) events. In the lower 49 states, a noncommercial food item was implicated in 70 (91%) events, most commonly home-canned vegetables (44%). Two restaurant-associated outbreaks affected 25 persons. All Alaska cases were attributable to traditional Alaska Native foods. Botulism prevention efforts should be focused on those who preserve food at home, Alaska Natives, and restaurant workers.
Detection and Identification of Intracranial Arterial Echoes from the Superior Surface of the Cranium

The evaluation of intracranial cerebrovascular disease depends fundamentally upon reliable detection and identification of echoes arising from the major intracranial arteries. Once these arterial echoes have been reliably identified, further signal and data processing schemes could be used to characterize the echo activity patterns in normal and pathological states.
Acceleration of functional reentry by rapid pacing in anisotropic cardiac monolayers: formation of multi-wave functional reentries.

Objective: Attempts to cardiovert tachycardia by rapid point pacing can sometimes result in transient or stable increase of the heart rate (acceleration), changed ECG morphology, and/or fibrillation. The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of rapid pacing on the dynamics of functional reentry in monolayer cultures of cardiac cells. Methods: Fully confluent, uniformly anisotropic monolayers of neonatal rat ventricular myocytes were prepared using methods of microabrasion. Cells were paced by a point electrode at rest and during functional reentry, and membrane voltages were optically mapped. Results: Point pacing readily induced single loop anisotropic functional reentry with monomorphic optical pseudo-ECG (pECG) and average rotation period of 193 ± 52 ms ( n =71 monolayers). Attempts to cardiovert reentry by rapid pacing at rates 10–50% faster than the reentry rate were successful in 57/71 monolayers. In 14/71 monolayers, the number of rotating waves was stably increased by 1 to 4, yielding a 10–70% acceleration of pECG rate and change to a different monomorphic or polymorphic pECG. The resulting multi-wave functional reentries were classified based on the number and direction of their rotating waves. The higher the number of waves in the multi-wave reentry, the more accelerated was the rate of cell firing in the monolayer. Importantly, stable acceleration was only inducible in monolayers with relatively deep and broad conduction velocity restitution relationships. Reapplication of point pacing further accelerated, decelerated, or eventually terminated the reentrant activity. Conclusions: These results suggest that stable multiplication of rotating waves in conjunction with a deep and broad conduction velocity restitution relationship is a possible mechanism for stable acceleration of functional reentry by rapid pacing.
Un politopo pubblico a Venezia

Per parecchi anni ho viaggiato in lungo e in largo per realizzare delle sculture geometriche. Il mio obiettivo e quello di mettere in contatto fisicamente il grande pubblico con la bellezza della matematica. Credo che la maggior parte delle persone abbiano un sentimento naturale per schemi e forme, che definisco estetica geometrica [1]. Un’attivita di scultura, a cui partecipano piu persone, offre un modo per imparare in maniera informale la matematica, che coinvolge emotivamente divertendo e attraendo persino le persone che possono sentirsi minacciate dai modi tradizionali di presentare la matematica. Vari esempi di “scultura per edificare dei fienili” sono descritte in [2,5].
Postmarketing experience with topiramate and cognition.

Summary: Ideal antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are designed to stop seizures with limited central nervous system (CNS) side effects. However, CNS-related treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) often occur in patients receiving AEDs. Topiramate (TPM) is an AED proven to be safe and effective as adjunctive treatment for epilepsy patients with partial seizures. Double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trials demonstrated potential effects on cognition. The P.A.D.S. (post-marketing antiepileptic drug survey) group, a cooperative group of 14 epilepsy centers that collaborate on obtaining data about new AEDs and devices, prospectively collected standardized data forms before and during treatment with TPM for epilepsy, and analyzed the postmarketing experience of CNS TEAEs with TPM. Our results from 701 treated patients show that cognitive complaints were the most common reason to discontinue TPM. The presence of complaints did have predictive value if the patient would discontinue TPM, although was not specific as to when discontinuation would occur. The spectrum of complaints in our open-label prospective multicenter postmarketing study was similar to those observed in controlled clinical trials. We were unable to demonstrate a specific population, dose titration, or concomitant AED that was at risk to discontinue treatment. We conclude that most patients treated with TPM will continue therapy beyond 6 months. Cognitive complaints and not efficacy reflect the primary reason for discontinuing therapy. Psychomotor slowing was the most common complaint, yet most patients elect to continue treatment, with “better” or “much better” ratings of both seizure and global improvement during treatment.
Long-Term Forest Changes in Northeastern Pennsylvania

ABSTRACT The forest communities of northeastern Pennsylvania are diverse due to variation in climate, geologic history, soil types, and topography. This research specifically surveyed the forest communities of the Bear Creek region of southeastern Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. The purpose of this study was twofold: (a) to document the current forest community composition and to compare the forests of today to the last known forest survey in this area completed by Donahue in the early 1950s; and (b) to propose explanations for the differences observed between the two survey periods. The upland forest community surveyed by Donahue was dominated by red maple (Acer rubrum) and oaks (Quercus alba and Quercus rubra), with these three species accounting for 78.4% of all stems recorded. In contrast, the contemporary upland forest is now dominated by oaks (Q. alba and Q. rubra), with a subdominant layer composed of Acer saccharum, A. rubrum, and Sassafras albidum. In the lowland, wetter forest communities, Tsuga c...
Process implications of social networking-based requirements negotiation tools

Avoiding a major source of system and software project failures by finding more non-technical-user friendly methods of system definition and evolution has been a significant challenge. Five generations of the WinWin negotiation framework have improved such capabilities, but even the latest WikiWinWin toolset has encountered problems with non-technical stakeholder usage. With the advent of social networking and popularity of Facebook and Gmail, we have developed a radically different way for collaborative requirements management and negotiations. The new avatar of the WinWin framework called ‘Winbook’ is based on the social networking paradigm, similar to Facebook and content organization using color coded labels, similar to Gmail. Initial usage results on 14 small projects involving non-technical stakeholders have shown profound implications on the way requirements are negotiated and used through the system and software definition and development processes. Winbook has also been adopted as part of a project to bridge requirements and architecting for a major US government organization.
EVALUATING PRODUCT-RELATED HAZARDS AT THE CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION : THE CASE OF ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES

Multivariate qualitative response models, such as logit regression models, are useful in evaluating product-related risk at the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). They are used to determine and quantify the factors associated with accidents, and can suggest or justify appropriate regulatory responses. This article applies the method to evaluating risks associated with all-terrain vehicles. A logit regression model is used to analyze data from surveys of users and accident victims. Both driver and vehicle characteristics are found to be associated with accidents, and conditional probabilities of injury are calculated. Policy implications are discussed and suggestions for the further application of this method are provided.
Isolation of Cancer Epithelial Cells from Mouse Mammary Tumors

The isolation of cancer epithelial cells from mouse mammary tumor is accomplished by digestion of the solid tumor. Red blood cells and other contaminates are removed using several washing techniques such that primary epithelial cells can further enriched. This procedure yields primary tumor cells that can be used for in vitro tissue culture, fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and a wide variety of other experiments (Lo et al., 2012).
ANTIMICROBIAL CONSTITUENT OF THE BROWN ALGA SPOROCHNUS PEDUNCULATUS

AbstractBioassay-guided fractionation of the ethanol extract of the brown alga Sporochnus pedunculatus led to the isolation of 2-(3′-methylbut-2′-enyl)-4- (1″, 1″-dimethylprop-2″ -enyl) phenol (1) as the only antimicrobial compound. This compound is a growth inhibitor of Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, and Bacillus subtilis. In this paper we report the isolation, identification, and biological activity of 1.
Selenium-Containing Proteins in Plasma of Higher Primates

Only one major selenium-containing peak was found when animal plasma was subjected to gel filtration (Sephadex G-150) (Beilstein and Whanger 1983). The selenium peak eluted slightly ahead of the glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity peak, suggesting that the majority of the plasma selenium may not be associated with GPX. In subsequent work (Beilstein and Whanger 1988), less than 10% of the selenium in plasma was calculated to be associated with GPX. Surprisingly, when plasma from humans was subjected to gel filtration, two major selenium peaks were obtained but neither one of them cochromatographed with GPX activity (Deagen et al. 1988). Because of this difference in the gel filtration patterns of plasma between animals and humans, further work was undertaken to investigate the reasons for this disagreement.
A psychometric and clinical investigation of Frankl's concept of existential vacuum and of anomia.

(1973). A Psychometric and Clinical Investigation of Frankl’s Concept of Existential Vacuum and of Anomia. Psychiatry: Vol. 36, No. 4, pp. 396-408.
Early Playout Termination in MCTS

Many researchers view mini-max and MCTS-based searches as competing and incompatible approaches. For example, it is generally agreed that chess and checkers require a mini-max approach while Go and Havannah require MCTS. However, a hybrid technique is possible that has features of both mini-max and MCTS. It works by stopping the random MCTS playouts early and using an evaluation function to determine the winner of the playout. We call this algorithm MCTS-EPT (MCTS with early playout termination) and study it using MCTS-EPT programs we have written for Amazons, Havannah, and Breakthrough.
Racial Differences in Protest Participation

Understanding of the phenomenon of political protest has been inhibited by the view that protest is fundamentally extraordinary or unconventional in character and that those who use it do so because they lack the resources to employ more conventional means of political expression. This article challenges this unqualified view by examining survey data based on black and white samples from the city of Milwaukee which relate to racial attitudes toward protest, the social characteristics of protest participants, and to the uses and organization of protest in the two racial communities. The analysis reveals widespread support for protest in the black community in contrast to the general antipathy found among whites. Both black and white protesters are found to be socioeconomically better-off than nonprotesters in their respective racial communities, but a variety of indicators suggest that black protesters are more integrated and typical members of their community than white protesters are of theirs. Data on the uses and organization of protest show that it has become an institutionalized feature of the black pursuit of urban politics in Milwaukee in contrast to its generally ad hoc and less frequent role for whites.We may conclude from all this that protest represents a widely accepted, integral part of black politics in the city, while for whites protest is indeed unconventional, a violation of dominant social norms. This conclusion is used as a basis for speculating on the relationship of protest participation to the possession of social resources and on the capacity of social resources to offset the costs incurred in the form of social disapproval for violating white norms against protest behavior.
Hypodermic-Needle-Like Hollow Polymer Microneedle Array: Fabrication and Characterization

A hollow polymer microneedle array with tips and lumens that mimic conventional hypodermic needles, fabricated using UV lithography, and a single-step micromolding technique, is presented for drug delivery into skin. This 6 × 6 needle array consists of 1-mm tall high-aspect ratio hollow microneedles with sharp beveled tips and 150-μm diameter side-opened lumens. A 2-D lithographic mask pattern and the topography of the micromold are utilized simultaneously to define the geometry of the beveled tip and the position of the lumen. Mechanical insertion and fluidic injection characterization of these hypodermic-needle-like (HNL) microneedles (MNs) were performed using excised porcine skin as a substrate. The required insertion force of an HNL MN is 0.275 N, which is comparable with that of a 26-gauge hypodermic needle, 0.284 N. These results are an order of magnitude reduction in insertion force over pyramidal-tip MNs of comparable diameter previously reported by us. This insertion force reduction confirms that the tip geometry is an important factor in utilization of MNs in these applications. No needle fracture was observed under an optical microscope following the pressing of an HNL MN against excised porcine skin with application force of 50 N. Preliminary manual injection of dye through an HNL MN from a syringe into excised porcine skin verified the injection functionality of HNL MNs. [2013-0219].
Chifeng City,the risk factors of lung cancer among Aohan Analysis

Objective Aohan Chifeng City,the main risk factors of lung cancer,in order to carry out prevention and treatment of lung cancer Aohan provide a scientific basis.Methods A case control study of patients from the diagnostic investigation of 194 cases selected patients,the ratio of 1:1 were selected eligible conducted a questionnaire survey of 194 cases,the conditions used SAS9.13 software Logistic regression analysis,trend test using X~2 test method.Result of the risk factors of lung cancer history of chronic lung disease,smoking,alcohol consumption,lack of fresh vegetables,fruits,meat and eggs products,occupational exposure to dust,coal heating,frequent contact with fumes,mental stress,greater trauma,stronger character.
Voltage Compensation Superconducting Fault Current Limiter Performance Influenced by Parameters of Hollow Superconducting Transformer

Based on circuit structure and work theory of voltage compensation superconducting fault current limiter(SFCL),analyze the influence by designing the parameters of hollow superconducting transformer which are coupling factors,transformation ration and self-inductance factors of primary side;And in Matlab/simulink builds simulation model,dissects the performance distinctions of fault current limiter in different transformer parameters,the simulation results are agreed with theoretical analysis.
Determinants of Support Exchange Between Grandparents and Grandchildren in Rural China: The Roles of Grandparent Caregiving, Patrilineal Heritage, and Emotional Bonds:

Mutuality of support provision is a necessary precondition of family solidarity. However, the exchange of care between grandparents and grandchildren has largely been neglected. Using data from the fourth wave of the Anhui Study in China, this study investigated determinants of support exchange between grandparents and grandchildren. Results showed that more grandparents received support from than provided support to their grandchildren. A higher percentage of older adults exchanged support with the grandchildren of their eldest child if that child was male rather than female. Older adults who had strong emotional bonds with the middle generation, especially with sons, or had experience caring for grandchildren were much more likely to receive support from and provide support to their grandchildren. This study confirms the intergenerational solidarity theory and norms of kinship obligation in rural China, where social services are limited.
Big Data in Public Affairs Education

Public affairs schools face the challenge of including emergent topics in their curricula to prepare students for the public sector job market. Some such topics reflect advances in the use of infor...
Energy Dependence of ( p , p ′ γ ) Correlations in Ti 48

Absolute double-differential cross sections have been measured at ten bombarding energies from 4-6 MeV for the reaction ${\mathrm{Ti}}^{48}(p, {p}^{\ensuremath{'}}\ensuremath{\gamma})0.99$ MeV. The angular correlations were measured with the $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray detector moving in a plane perpendicular to the reaction plane. Comparisons are made between the measured cross sections and the predictions of the statistical compound-nucleus theory. At all bombarding energies, angular correlations were measured at two supplementary (c.m.) proton-detector angles in order to check the symmetries predicted by statistical theory. Attempts are made to ascribe deviations of the experimental correlations from statistical-model predictions to the presence of direct reactions. The angular dependence of the spin-flip cross section was measured at three bombarding energies: 5.16, 5.25, and 5.46 MeV. In addition, the energy dependence of the spin-flip cross section was measured at a laboratory proton-detector angle of 131\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}. For that geometry wherein the proton detector is in the backward quadrant, agreement between the measured correlations and statistical-model predictions is very good.
Preprocessing Schemes and a Solution Method for the Convex Hull Problem in Multidimensional Space

ABSTRACT Identifying the extreme points of the convex hull of a set of n points in is a problem that appears prominently in Operations Research and Computer Science. It is a central problem in computational geometry, and it has been the topic of investigation in Operations Research in the Mathematical Programming area. In two and three dimensions the computational complexity is O(n log n) but beyond three dimensions the situation is more complex. Solution procedures in Computer Science are based on the application of schemes such as “gift wrapping” which provide more information than necessary. In Operations Research solution procedures rely on solving a series of linear programs for every point in the set. The procedure proposed in this paper combines several preprocessing ideas derived from strongly intuitive geometric concepts with the application of a specialized Frank-Wolfe algorithm. The paper presents numerical results showing that preprocessing can reveal from 50% to 100% of the extreme points quickly.
Dueling Discourses: The Female Comic’s Double Bind in the New Media Age

The belief that women are unfunny or not as funny as their male counterparts continues to hold sway in our society. For women comics, this belief informs hiring decisions, online traffic, income, and more. Another popular discourse maintains that the internet levels the playing field in the comedy industry, meaning anyone can succeed if they have good material. Invoking all the trappings of the myth of meritocracy, Rebecca Krefting calls this the “Content is King” discourse. Utopic fantasies of virtual parity obscure the real ways in which gender biases continue to play out in these so-called democratic spaces. These dueling discourses lock women comics into a double bind—the operability of one discourse means that the other cannot possibly be true. Using ethnography, textual analysis of women’s comic performances, and feminist discourse analyses of popular media, Krefting examines these competing discourses, the ways those discourses circumscribe women’s professional success as comedians and the funny ladies that challenge these discursive lies.
The Impact of U.S. News College Rankings on the Compensation of College and University Presidents

Widespread attention to college tuition and student loan debt has resulted in increasing scrutiny of high levels of compensation for college and university administrators. Prior research has sought to identify a “pay for performance” relationship in executive compensation, but discovered no clear link between presidential salaries and performance measures. This study proposes U.S. News & World Report college rankings as a highly meaningful performance metric and employs a fixed effects regression model to determine the relationship between college rankings and presidential salary. We find a significant relationship between rank and presidential salary at public universities, but not at private universities and liberal arts colleges, consistent with an academic capitalism model.
Dialysis Initiation and Mortality Among Older Veterans With Kidney Failure Treated in Medicare vs the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Importance The benefits of maintenance dialysis for older adults with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are uncertain. Whether the setting of pre-ESRD nephrology care influences initiation of dialysis and mortality is not known. Objective To compare initiation of dialysis and mortality among older veterans with incident kidney failure who received pre-ESRD nephrology care in fee-for-service Medicare vs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Design, Setting, and Participants Retrospective cohort study of patients from the US Medicare and VA health care systems evaluated 11 215 veterans aged 67 years or older with incident kidney failure between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2011. Data analysis was performed March 15, 2016, through September 20, 2017. Exposures Pre-ESRD nephrology care in Medicare vs VA health care systems. Main Outcome and Measures Dialysis treatment and death within 2 years. Results Of the 11 215 patients included in the study, 11 085 (98.8%) were men; mean (SD) age was 79.1 (6.9) years. Within 2 years of incident kidney failure, 7071 (63.0%) of the patients started dialysis and 5280 (47.1%) died. Patients who received pre-ESRD nephrology care in Medicare were more likely to undergo dialysis compared with patients who received pre-ESRD nephrology care in VA (82% vs 53%; adjusted risk difference, 28 percentage points; 95% CI, 26-30 percentage points). Differences in dialysis initiation between Medicare and VA were more pronounced among patients aged 80 years or older and patients with dementia or metastatic cancer, and less pronounced among patients with paralysis (P Conclusions and Relevance Veterans who receive pre-ESRD nephrology care in Medicare receive dialysis more often yet are also more likely to die within 2 years compared with those in VA. The VA’s integrated health care system and financing appear to favor lower-intensity treatment for kidney failure in older patients without a concomitant increase in mortality.
Advancing a Model of Dining

Dining is the process of consuming food, regardless of the setting; however, human behaviors appear to vary depending on the setting. A model of dining is considered when viewed through the lens of...
Robot simulation and off-line programming—an integrated CAE-CAD approach

Teaching a robot with traditional on-line programming techniques is a time-consuming process requiring trial-and-error procedures. Furthermore, the on-line method of robot programming requires the use of an actual robot and the entire work cell, in which the robot is physically put through its sequence of actions with equipment mockups and product prototype parts. Interactive computer graphics simulation and off-line programming of robots offer the potential to overcome these limitations and are therefore becoming increasingly important in factory automation, military, and space robotic applications.
Puzzle Walk: A Gamified Mobile App to Increase Physical Activity in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Research shows that adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are less physically active than those without ASD. Persuasive augmented reality smartphone apps may be an effective intervention to target this health disparity. A gamified mobile app, Puzzle Walk was developed to elevate physical activity (PA) engagement in the target population following an iterative user-centered design process, including a literature review, identification of target behaviors, needs analysis, health behavior theory evaluation, and prototype design. We found that walking is the most common form of PA in the target users and they have an affinity to using technology devices. These insights led us to design the Puzzle Walk app that incorporates behavior change techniques (BCTs) (e.g., user instruction, self-monitoring, visual rewards, feedback on performance, and goal-setting). We describe the emerged design that includes animated gamification and visualized user interfaces. The usability assessment plan is discussed as future work.
Influence of satisfaction and preparedness on online students' feelings of anxiety

Abstract As they transition from a face-to-face to an online learning environment, online students are likely to feel anxious about their ability to succeed in what could be an unfamiliar learning environment. To ease this transition, online learning orientations are intended to defuse students' feelings of anxiety by clarifying course expectations and requirements while boosting their self-confidence and preparedness. This study examined how various factors associated with the online learning experience – students' demographics, prior online learning experience, satisfaction, and sense of preparedness for the course after completing an online learning orientation – influence online students' feelings of anxiety. Using a binary logistic regression, our findings confirmed that demographics (i.e., female, full-time, first-year online student), prior online learning experience, and sense of preparedness predicted online students' feelings of anxiety. Student age and student satisfaction were less conclusive. Overall, our study reiterates the need to address factors associated with online students' feelings of anxiety, in order to boost their confidence, motivation, and preparedness to succeed in online courses.
Election Administration and the Politics of Voter Access

Democratic countries vary widely in the extent to which the administration of the electoral process facilitates voter participation, showing a great deal of variation in everything from voter registration to the casting of ballots. This book is the first systematic study to investigate why it is easier to vote in some democracies than in others. It develops the concept of election administration inclusiveness, which considers all of the administrative requirements and procedures that a citizen confronts in exercising his or her right to vote. It then draws on in-depth case studies from Central America and data from Latin America more broadly to address how political parties and other actors interact in constructing election administration rules and procedures. Using a theoretical framework centred on electoral threat, party capacity, and electoral management body composition, the author identifies multiple pathways to inclusive and restrictive election administration. This book will be of key interest to students and scholars of elections, democracy studies, Latin American politics, and more broadly comparative politics and law.
Proceedings of the 5th ACM SIGSPATIAL International Workshop on Location-Based Social Networks

These proceedings contain the papers selected for presentation at the Fifth International Workshop on Location-Based Social Networks (LBSN 2012). The workshop is hosted by ACM SIGSPATIAL and held in conjunction with the 20th ACM SIGSPATIAL International Conference on Advances in Geographic Information Systems (ACM SIGSPATIAL GIS 2012).
Taming a Beast: Lessons From the Domestication of Hepatitis C Virus

“What I cannot create, I do not understand.” Richard Feynman may have championed reasoning from first principles in his famous blackboard missive, but he could just as well have been referring to the plight of a molecular virologist. What cannot be grown in a controlled laboratory setting, we cannot fully understand. The story of the laboratory domestication of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is now a classic example of virologists applying all manner of inventive skill to create cell-based models of infection in order to clarify prospective drug targets. In this review, we highlight key successes and failures that were instructive in achieving cell-based models for HCV studies and drug development. We also emphasize the lessons learned from the ∼40 year saga that may be applicable to viruses yet unknown and uncultured.
Immediate pre-learning stress enhances baseline startle response and fear acquisition in a fear-potentiated startle paradigm

Abstract Extensive work has shown that stress time-dependently influences hippocampus-dependent learning and memory. In particular, stress that is administered immediately before learning enhances long-term memory, while stress that is temporally separated from learning impairs long-term memory. We have extended these findings by examining the impact of immediate, pre-learning stress on an amygdala-dependent fear conditioning task. One hundred and forty-one healthy participants underwent a stress (socially evaluated cold pressor test) or control manipulation immediately before completing differential fear conditioning in a fear-potentiated startle paradigm. Participants then completed extinction and extinction memory testing sessions 24 and 48 h later, respectively. Stress administered immediately before acquisition increased baseline startle responses and enhanced fear learning, as evidenced by greater fear-potentiated startle to the CS + . Although no group differences were observed during extinction training on Day 2, stressed participants exhibited evidence of impaired extinction processes on Day 3, an effect that was driven by group differences in acquisition. Importantly, stressed participants’ cortisol responses to the stressor on Day 1 were positively associated with CS discrimination on Days 2 and 3. These findings suggest that stress immediately before fear conditioning strengthens fear memory formation and produces a more enduring fear memory, perhaps via corticosteroid activity. Such a paradigm could be useful for understanding factors that influence traumatic memory formation.
Women's Magazine Fiction: A Content Analysis of the Roles, Attributes, and Occupations of Main Characters

A content analysis of the fiction stories in seven national women's magazines revealed that the primary problem for most of the main characters is romantic. Most of the characters are atractive, single, white Americans younger than 45. They live in the city, have zero to two children, are middle class, and college educated, and they have careers or jobs. Less than half of them are able to solve their own problems, and occupations are assigned sterotypically by gender. The conclusion drawn is that the fiction in these magazines is, in many ways, as traditional as has been found in the past.
A Critical Analysis of Prosthetic Augmentation of Autologous Microvascular Breast Reconstruction.

INTRODUCTION The combined approach using both an implant and autologous tissue for breast reconstruction has become more common over the last 10 years. We sought to provide a systematic review and outcomes analysis of this technique. METHODS We searched PubMed and the Cochrane Library database to identify studies that described implant augmentation of autologous flaps for breast reconstruction. The references of selected articles were also reviewed to identify any additional pertinent articles. RESULTS We identified 11 articles, which included 230 patients and 378 flaps. Implants used ranged in size from 90 to 510 cc, with an average size of 198 cc. Implants were more frequently placed at the time of autologous reconstruction and in the subpectoral plane. There were no total flap losses, and partial flap loss occurred in 3 patients (1%). There were no cases of venous or arterial thrombosis and no early return to the operating room for flap compromise. Eight implants (2%) were lost because of infection or extrusion, and capsular contracture occurred in 9 breasts (3%). When stratified by the timing of implant placement (immediate vs delayed), there were no significant differences in any postoperative outcomes except the immediate group had a higher infection rate. CONCLUSIONS The criteria for women to be candidates for autologous tissue breast reconstruction can be expanded by adding an implant underneath the flap. We found the overall flap loss rate is comparable with standard autologous flap reconstruction, and the implant loss rate is lower than that in patients who undergo prosthetic reconstruction alone.
Tobacco and Marijuana Use Among US College and Noncollege Young Adults, 2002–2016

OBJECTIVES: To assess trends and behavioral patterns of marijuana and cigarette and/or cigar (ie, smoked tobacco) use among 18- to 22-year-old US young adults who were in or not in college. METHODS: Data were from the 2002–2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Past-30-day and past-12-month use of marijuana and smoked tobacco were assessed by college enrollment status. χ2 tests were used to examine within- and between-group differences. Trends were assessed by using logistic regression and relative percentage change (RPC). RESULTS: Among both college and noncollege individuals during 2002 to 2016, exclusive marijuana use increased (faster increase among college students; RPC = 166.6 vs 133.7), whereas exclusive smoked tobacco use decreased (faster decrease among college students; RPC = −47.4 vs −43.2). In 2016, 51.6% of noncollege and 46.8% of college individuals reported past-12-month usage of marijuana and/or smoked tobacco products (P CONCLUSIONS: Exclusive marijuana use is increasing among young adults overall, whereas exclusive smoked tobacco use is decreasing: faster rates are seen among college students. Exclusive marijuana use is higher among college students, whereas exclusive smoked tobacco use is higher among noncollege individuals. Surveillance of tobacco and marijuana use among young people is important as the policy landscape for these products evolves.
Development of an Equivalent Circuit for Batteries Based on a Distributed Impedance Network

This paper presents an original equivalent battery model based on a distributed RC circuit. The model virtually includes an infinite number of time constants to reflect the battery behavior, especially during the dynamic stress test. The model has much fewer parameters than the traditional battery model and so reduces the parameterization effort significantly. The self-discharge is inherently implemented in the model as well. The second order partial differential equation of the model is derived and both explicit and numerical solution approaches are introduced to incorporate the model in any simulation environment or analytical response analysis. Incorporating the effect of the state of charge on the parameters of this model is more easily accomplished by changing the trends of the parameters as opposed to each of them individually. The model matches to various battery type and it is validated on a 30 Ah Lithium-Ion battery from 1 C to 8 C discharge pulse current. Furthermore, the results are compared to the classic battery model.
First records of the land snail Monacha fruticola (Gastropoda, Stylommatophora, Hygromiidae) in Western Ukraine

Two colonies of the land snail Monacha fruticola, whose native range is considered limited by the Crimea, were first discovered in Western Ukraine, in Lviv city and in its immediate vicinity (Bryukhovichi settlement). They are the northernmost records of this species, currently known. The present distribution of M. fruticola outside the Crimean peninsula is analyzed.
Pharmacogenomics of COVID-19 therapies

A new global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has resulted in high mortality and morbidity. Currently numerous drugs are under expedited investigations without well-established safety or efficacy data. Pharmacogenomics may allow individualization of these drugs thereby improving efficacy and safety. In this review, we summarized the pharmacogenomic literature available for COVID-19 drug therapies including hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine, azithromycin, remdesivir, favipiravir, ribavirin, lopinavir/ritonavir, darunavir/cobicistat, interferon beta-1b, tocilizumab, ruxolitinib, baricitinib, and corticosteroids. We searched PubMed, reviewed the Pharmacogenomics Knowledgebase (PharmGKB®) website, Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC) guidelines, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) pharmacogenomics information in the product labeling, and the FDA pharmacogenomics association table. We found several drug-gene variant pairs that may alter the pharmacokinetics of hydroxychloroquine/chloroquine (CYP2C8, CYP2D6, SLCO1A2, and SLCO1B1); azithromycin (ABCB1); ribavirin (SLC29A1, SLC28A2, and SLC28A3); and lopinavir/ritonavir (SLCO1B1, ABCC2, CYP3A). We also identified other variants, that are associated with adverse effects, most notable in hydroxychloroquine/chloroquine (G6PD; hemolysis), ribavirin (ITPA; hemolysis), and interferon β -1b (IRF6; liver toxicity). We also describe the complexity of the risk for QT prolongation in this setting because of additive effects of combining more than one QT-prolonging drug (i.e., hydroxychloroquine/chloroquine and azithromycin), increased concentrations of the drugs due to genetic variants, along with the risk of also combining therapy with potent inhibitors. In conclusion, although direct evidence in COVID-19 patients is lacking, we identified potential actionable genetic markers in COVID-19 therapies. Clinical studies in COVID-19 patients are deemed warranted to assess potential roles of these markers.
Use of Remifentanil for Open in utero Fetal Myelomeningocele Repair Maintains Uterine Relaxation with Reduced Volatile Anesthetic Concentration.

INTRODUCTION Open fetal repair of myelomeningocele (MMC) is an option for prenatally diagnosed spina bifida. Historically, high-dose volatile anesthetic was used for uterine relaxation but is associated with fetal cardiovascular depression. We examined the impact of administering a supplemental remifentanil infusion on the concentration of inhaled anesthetic required for intraoperative uterine relaxation. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed 22 consecutive patients who underwent open fetal MMC repair with desflurane anesthesia from 2014 to 2018. The anesthetic protocol was modified to include high-dose opioid with remifentanil in 2016. We examined intraoperative end-tidal desflurane concentrations, vasopressor use, incidence of umbilical artery Doppler abnormalities, and incidence of preterm labor and delivery. RESULTS Patients (n = 11) who received desflurane and remifentanil (Des/Remi) were compared to patients (n = 11) who received desflurane (Des) alone. Intraoperatively, the maximum end-tidal desflurane required to maintain uterine relaxation was lower in the Des/Remi group (7.9 ± 2.2% vs. 13.1 ± 1.2%, p < 0.001). The mean phenylephrine infusion rate was also lower in the Des/Remi group (36 ± 14 vs. 53 ± 10 mcg/min, p = 0.004). DISCUSSION Use of opioid with supplemental remifentanil was associated with lower volatile anesthetic dosing and decreased vasopressor use; fetal outcomes were not different. Remifentanil may allow for less volatile anesthetic use while maintaining adequate uterine relaxation.
Large Thermal Conductivity Differences between the Crystalline and Vitrified States of DMSO with Applications to Cryopreservation

Thermal conductivity of dimethyl-sulfoxide (DMSO) solution is measured in this study using a transient hot wire technique, where DMSO is a key ingredient in many cryoprotective agent (CPA) cocktails. Characterization of thermal properties of cryoprotective agents is essential to the analysis of cryopreservation processes, either when evaluating experimental data or for the design of new protocols. Also presented are reference measurements of thermal conductivity for pure water ice and glycerol. The thermal conductivity measurement setup is integrated into the experimentation stage of a scanning cryomacroscope apparatus, which facilitates the correlation of measured data with visualization of physical events. Thermal conductivity measurements were conducted for a DMSO concentration range of 2M and 10M, in a temperature range of -180°C and 25°C. Vitrified samples showed decreased thermal conductivity with decreasing temperature, while crystalline samples showed increased thermal conductivity with decreasing temperature. These different behaviors result in up to a tenfold difference in thermal conductivity at -180°C. Such dramatic differences can drastically impact heat transfer during cryopreservation and their quantification is therefore critical to cryobiology.