cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nicotine concentrations in electronic cigarette refill and do-it-yourself fluids.

Author(s): Talbot, Prue | Abstract: Introduction: We evaluate the accuracy of nicotine concentration labeling on electronic cigarette refill products.Methods: The nicotine concentration of 71 electronic cigarette refill fluid products and 1 related do-it-yourself (DIY) product was quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography. Quantified data were compared to manufacturers labeled concentrations.Duplicate refill fluid products purchased at different times were evaluated by visual comparison of fluid coloration and quantified nicotine concentration.Results: Thirty-five of the 54 nicotine-containing fluids had quantified nicotine concentrations that deviated by more than・}10% from the manufacturer labels with 46 of 50 being in excess of labeled values. Refill fluids labeled as 0 nicotine had no detectable nicotine. Of the 5 products that were unlabeled for nicotine concentration, 3 contained no detectable nicotine, whereas the remaining 2 contained nicotine in excess of 100 mg/ml and may have been intended for DIY use. Sixteen of the 18 duplicate bottles of refill fluid varied greatly in their nicotine concentrations. One of the 5 companies showed significant improvement in labeling accuracy in the most recently purchased products. Of the 23 total duplicate pairs, 15 of 23 varied in coloration from their mates.Conclusions: Nicotine concentration labeling on electronic cigarette refill products was often inaccurate but showed improvement recently in products from 1 company. To ensure the safety of refill fluids and DIY products, it is necessary to establish quality control guidelines for the manufacturing and labeling and to monitor products longitudinally.
Simple dead-time corrections for discrete time series of non-Poisson data

The problem of dead time (instrumental insensitivity to detectable events due to electronic or mechanical reset time) is considered. Most existing algorithms to correct for event count errors due to dead time implicitly rely on Poisson counting statistics of the underlying phenomena. However, when the events to be measured are clustered in time, the Poisson statistics assumption results in underestimating both the true event count and any statistics associated with count variability; the 'busiest' part of the signal is partially missed. Using the formalism associated with the pair-correlation function, we develop first-order correction expressions for the general case of arbitrary counting statistics. The results are verified through simulation of a realistic clustering scenario.
Homoclinic Orbits and Chaos in Discretized Perturbed NLS Systems: Part II. Symbolic Dynamics

Summary. In Part I ((9), this journal), Li and McLaughlin proved the existence of homoclinic orbits in certain discrete NLS systems. In this paper, we will construct Smale horseshoes based on the existence of homoclinic orbits in these systems. First, we will construct Smale horseshoes for a general high dimensional dynamical system. As a result, a certain compact, invariant Cantor set3 is constructed. The Poincare map on 3 induced by the flow is shown to be topologically conjugate to the shift automorphism on two symbols, 0 and 1. This gives rise to deterministic chaos. We apply the general theory to the discrete NLS systems as concrete examples. Of particular interest is the fact that the discrete NLS systems possess a symmetric pair of homoclinic orbits. The Smale horseshoes and chaos created by the pair of homoclinic orbits are also studied using the general theory. As a consequence we can interpret certain numerical experiments on the discrete NLS systems as "chaotic center-wing jumping."
Single‐input/single‐output transfer functions for a flexible slewing link

Truncated linear models based on constrained and unconstrained mode expansions for a flexible link with torque actuation at its hub led us to examine the behavior of the open-loop-zeros of five commonly used SISO transfer functions. We arrive at new conclusions with regard to minimum- and non-minimum-phase zeros, and passivity of the transfer functions. The flexible-to-rigid inertia (FRI) ratio plays an important role in the determination of these characteristics. This paper illustrates how the zero locations of some of the transfer functions are dramatically affected by the FRI ratio. We also investigate the performance of a hub angle, hub rate, and relative tip position static feedback controller based on a reduced-order constrained mode model when applied to both unconstrained and constrained mode models of the same dimension. Simulations indicate that the constrained model can be stable while the unconstrained model is not for high FRI ratios. Our findings can provide useful information to designers in cases where the controller is sensitive to the 1ocation of the plant's zeros.
Paleoenvironment of a late Quaternary mammoth-bearing sinkhole deposit, Hot Springs, South Dakota

Mammoth-bearing laminated sediments fill a steep-walled sinkhole which formed ∼26,000 yr ago in the southern Black Hills of South Dakota. The depression formed as a collapse feature over a solution breccia pipe. Artesian water issuing principally from one marginal spring quickly established a lake in the sink and thereafter maintained an energy gradient which affected sediment dispersal. Sediments were supplied to the pond by storm runoff from proximal uplands and by spring erosion of sinkhole walls. Three successive and gradational phases of sedimentation are recognized in the sinkhole: (1) relatively rapid deposition of poorly sorted gravels and sands as predominantly subaqueous talus accumulations adjacent to near-vertical sinkhole walls, and concomitant sedimentation of micrograded sands and silts in the central pond area; (2) slowing of sedimentation rates and widespread deposition of finer grained, rhythmically laminated, but not varved, sands and clayey silts; and (3) progressive and fairly rapid reduction in spring discharge and water depth, ending pond sedimentation. Renewed downcutting of major streams in the area and synchronous decline of regional ground-water tables terminated spring discharge to the sinkhole. Paleontological and other indirect evidence strongly suggest that the sinkhole pond was fed by heated springs which maintained a year-round temperature of at least 35 °C (95 °F). Although warm water may have attracted a variety of megafauna to the sinkhole, only mammoths were trapped there. When in the water, mammoths deformed pond strata and generated several types of sedimentation events. Pond depths probably did not exceed 4 to 5 m except in the spring conduit area.
The role of outcomes research in a cost-conscious health care marketplace

This paper describes the major driving forces in cost-effectiveness, as well as some of the more controversial methodologic issues related to evaluation of the cost-effectiveness of individual technologies. First, 10 challenges facing health care providers and manufacturers are described. Then outcomes research, and its role in helping providers and manufacturers meet these challenges, are discussed. Methodological issues related to evaluation of the health and cost impacts of medical technologies are addressed. Cost-effectiveness analyses will be critical to rational allocation of resources by manufacturers, providers, and payers.
Recovering documentation-to-source-code traceability links using latent semantic indexing

An information retrieval technique, latent semantic indexing, is used to automatically identify traceability links from system documentation to program source code. The results of two experiments to identify links in existing software systems (i.e., the LEDA library, and Albergate) are presented. These results are compared with other similar type experimental results of traceability link identification using different types of information retrieval techniques. The method presented proves to give good results by comparison and additionally it is a low cost, highly flexible method to apply with regards to preprocessing and/or parsing of the source code and documentation.
Comments on Robert Yates and Dennis Muchisky's “On Reconceptualizing Teacher Education” Readers React … Common Misconceptions About the Quiet Revolution

N We appreciate the attention that Yates and Muchisky gave our work in "On Reconceptualizing Teacher Education" (Vol. 37, No. 1, Spring 2003). Over the past several years, they have argued that our work (e.g., Freeman c Freeman, 1989;Johnson, 2002, 2003) is misdirecting the field by distracting from the core place of language, linguistics, and second language acquisition (SLA) and blurring what Yates and Muchisky hold as key distinctions between teacher preparation and learning in language teaching compared with that in other subjects. These authors are not alone in their concerns. Tarone and Allwright (in press) have raised related questions, principally over what they see as the uniqueness of language as subject matter, which they do not find adequately addressed in our framework (Freeman &Johnson, 1998). We welcome this level of discussion because we believe it serves to elaborate
Stuck in the Thicket: Struggling with Interpretation and Application of California's Anti-Gang STEP Act

STUCK IN THE THICKET: Struggling with Interpretation and Application of California’s Anti-Gang STEP Act by Martin Baker
Microbiological Safety of Water Supplies

The safety of water supplies has several aspects and all of them are included in a coherent system of requirements enhancing each other in the USA. Hungary has never prescribed what treatment source water has to be submitted to, nor have performance requirements been formulated, like demanding a minimum of 6 log coliform kill from the disinfection process. In this region, a case by case authorization process that, although is much cheaper, is prone to be subjective and exposed to the possibility of mistaken decisions, has achieved acceptance. A very important yet rarely formed issue in this region is the strong representation of the consumer’s interests that may assist in enforcing quality goals.
Development of an Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Program in Real Estate: Breaking Down University Silos

Real estate professionals must understand how to manage a business in a cyclical environment to add value to their firms and ensure client confidence. In this paper, we present process, university ...
Metachromasia of epimysial connective tissues from normal and from pale, soft, and exudative porcine muscle.

SummaryThe epimysial connective tissues from pigs exhibiting normal or pale, soft, and exudative (PSE) musculature were examined using histological and histochemical techniques. Light intensity values showed that the PSE epimysium had a lower toluidine blue staining intensity than that of normal epimysium, indicating that the ground substance was altered. Histologically, there was no evidence of differences in appearance or fiber types between PSE and normal connective tissues.
Abstract A81: Lyophilized black raspberries modulate survivin/BIRC5 in oral squamous cell carcinomas

Purpose: Cancer chemoprevention is the use of natural or synthetic agents, in combination or alone, to inhibit, delay or reverse the carcinogenic process, and is an active topic of cancer research. Numerous epidemiological studies have shown the strong correlation between the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables and a decreased cancer risk. With a food‐based approach to cancer prevention, emphasis is placed on the potential for complex mixtures of preventive agents in whole food to inhibit multiple process of carcinogenesis. In support of this approach, our laboratory conducted several preclinical animal studies that demonstrate the remarkable chemopreventive activities of black raspberries on chemically‐induced oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). We have shown that an extract of lyophilized black raspberries (LBR) dramatically inhibits the in vitro proliferation of cells derived from human OSCC, suggesting that the chemoprevention of oral cancer by LBR components in vivo is possible. Survivin (BIRC5) is a member of the Inhibitor of Apoptosis (IAP) family of caspase inhibitors that direct the negative regulation of apoptosis. BIRC5 is highly expressed in most human tumors, including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), but nearly undetectable in terminally differentiated normal adult tissues. BIRC5 acts to antagonize apoptosis in tumors and to promote resistance to common apoptotic‐inducing therapies such as ionizing radiation. A series of studies examining BIRC5 in OSCC have associated increased BIRC5 expression levels with cancer progression and poor prognosis. The current study reports the LBR‐dependent modulation of BIRC5 expression in OSCCs as part of an ongoing Phase I clinical trial. Methods: According to protocols approved by the Internal Review Board (IRB) of The Ohio State University, 24 biopsy‐confirmed OSCC patients were administered three LBR troches 4x/day (4.3g cumulative dose) between presurgical enrollment and their normally scheduled surgery. Biopsies were obtained from distant high “at‐risk normal” (N1) and tumor (T1) tissues at enrollment and following LBR exposure (N2, T2) acquired during surgical resection [exposure 2.5–34 days (mean exposure = 11.2±7.2 days)]. Pre‐validated TaqMan gene expression assays were used to assess apoptosis‐related genes for LBR‐dependent expression changes. Results: OSCC tumor samples had significantly greater BIRC5 expression compared to the high “at‐risk normal” oral samples, both prior to (T1 vs N1, p Conclusions: BIRC5 expression was significantly decreased in OSCC tumor tissues following short‐term exposure to LBR as part of an ongoing Phase 1 clinical trial. Consequently, down‐regulation of BIRC5 expression following administration of LBR to OSCC patients may provide mechanistic insight for future food‐based cancer risk reduction interventions. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2010;3(1 Suppl):A81.
Interactions within the tumor microenvironment imprint metastatic traits in cancer cells (TUM6P.1001)

Metastasis accounts for majority of deaths across cancer types. Tumor microenvironment plays an impotant role in enhancing metastatic propensity of cancer cells. To explore the mechanisms, we herein established a model by in vivo passaging the Lewis lung carcinoma (3LL) cells with 1-2 week of culture in between passages. When injected subcutaneously, 3LL cells have minimal metastasis, while in vivo passaged (p-)3LL cells showed robust metastasis. Sorted p-3LL cells from tumors of the whole body RFP transgenic mice were equally metastatic suggesting that cancer cell intrinsic changes are responsible for the metastatic imprinting. To identify the stromal cell population/s that crosstalk and imprint the metastatic traits in cancer cells, in vivo passages were performed in Rag2 -/- mice and WT mice depleted of NK cells that resulted in similar metastatic imprinting excluding the role of adaptive immune and NK cells in this process. Depletion studies in WT mice and/or co-culture of 3LL cells with sorted myeloid cells indicated a critical role for CD11b + Gr1 dim myeloid cells in metastatic imprinting. Comparison of gene expression profiles between 3LL and p-3LL cells by microarray showed enhanced expression of claudin-9 in p-3LL cells which was validated at protein levels in mouse and human lung cancers. These results indicate that interaction of CD11b + Gr1 dim myeloid cells with cancer cell within tumor microenvironment imprints claudin-9 dependent metastatic traits in cancer cells.
Cytochemical studies of adipose tissue-associated blood vessels in untreated and thyroxine-treated hypophysectomized pig fetuses

Fetal hypophysectomy (hypox) slightly enhances lipid accretion in adipose tissue and markedly increases fat cell size and de novo lipogene-sis. Thyroxine (T 4 ) treatment (14 to 20 d) had no influence on fat cell size but markedly increased lipogenesis, lipid accretion, and apparent fat cell number in hypox fetuses. Although vascular development is intimately associated with preadipocyte development in the fetus, little is known concerning the regulation of vascular development per se by T 4 and other adipogenic hormones. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to evaluate the development of qualitative traits of the adipocyte-associated vasculature after fetal hypox with and without T 4 treatment. Type IV collagen immunoreactivity of and lectin binding by capillaries in large fat cell clusters was reduced by hypox, and binding of the soybean agglutinin lectin was completely lost. Reactivity for cytosolic markers in capillaries was also reduced by fetal hypox. These blood vessel traits were not influenced by T 4 treatment. The quantitative aspects of capillary development in large fat cell clusters were not influenced by hypox or T 4 treatment. On a qualitative basis, blood vessels in the skin and in small fat cell clusters were not affected by hypox. Lectin binding by adipocytes was enhanced by hypox regardless of the size of clusters, and T 4 augmented this response to hypox. These studies demonstrate that endocrine regulation of the differentiation of the adipocyte-associated vasculature is more complex than the endocrine regulation of adipocyte differentiation per se.
Unity of the Persianate World under Turko-Mongolian Domination and Divergent Development of Imperial Autocracies in the Sixteenth Century

The promotion of the Persianate normative model of imperial kingship was the major ecumenical contribution of the Persian bureaucrats who served the Saljuq and Mongol rulers of Iran and Anatolia in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries to state-building. The phenomenal growth of popular Sufism in Timurid Iran and early Ottoman Anatolia had a highly paradoxical impact on the legitimacy of kingship, making its conception increasingly autocratic. Both in the Ottoman and the Safavid successor empires, the disintegrative tendency of nomadic patrimonial empires was countered by variants of Persianate imperial monarchy. It is argued that the decisive event in sundering the ecumenical unity of the Persianate world was not the conquest of Constantinople in 1453, but the Mahdist revolution of the Safavid sheykhoghlu , Shah Esmāʿil, half a century later. The parting of ways stemmed from the variant of mystically enhanced autocracy adopted in the two cases—one with orthodox, Sunni, and the other with heterodox, Shiʿite inflection. The latter model became the Safavid model of autocracy under Shah Esmāʿil, and was quickly adopted by the Timurids after their conquest of India in 1526.
Neurological Complications of Ebola Virus Infection

Ebola virus disease is one of the deadliest pathogens known to man, with a mortality rate between 25–90% depending on the species and outbreak of Ebola. Typically, it presents with fever, headache, voluminous vomiting and diarrhea, and can progress to a hemorrhagic illness; neurologic symptoms, including meningoencephalitis, seizures, and coma, can also occur. Recently, an outbreak occurred in West Africa, affecting > 28,000 people, and killing > 11,000. Owing to the magnitude of this outbreak, and the large number (>17,000) of Ebola survivors, the medical and scientific communities are learning much more about the acute manifestations and sequelae of Ebola. A number of neurologic complications can occur after Ebola, such as seizures, memory loss, headaches, cranial nerve abnormalities, and tremor. Ebola may also persist in some immunologically privileged sites, including the central nervous system, and can rarely lead to relapse in disease. Owing to these findings, it is important that survivors are evaluated and monitored for neurologic symptoms. Much is unknown about this disease, and treatment remains largely supportive; however, with ongoing clinical and basic science, the mechanisms of how Ebola affects the central nervous system and how it persists after acute disease will hopefully become more clear, and better treatments and clinical practices for Ebola patients will be developed.
Early Parturition: Is Young Maternal Age at First Birth Associated with Obesity?

Abstract Study Objective Examine the association of age at first birth with body mass index (BMI), and explore the role of young maternal age and subsequent obesity. Design, Setting, Participants, and Interventions This study analyzed data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics, a nationally representative longitudinal study of US families. Analyses were conducted using a mixed effects longitudinal linear regression with a random intercept to examine the effect of aging, age at first birth, and minority status using nested data. Study criteria yielded a final sample of 146 women with 707 observations. Main Outcome Measures BMI. Results Age at first birth exhibited a significant association with BMI. The association of age at first birth with BMI was greatest for women age 21 and younger. Overall, women who experienced their first birth at age 21 or younger had a BMI 5 units greater than women who delayed childbearing until at least age 30 (point estimate, 5.02; P = .02; 95% confidence interval, 0.65–9.40). Conclusion Young maternal age at first birth might be associated with increased BMI. Minority women also experience their first birth at younger ages compared with white women, suggesting possible linkages between the timing of reproductive events and obesity disparities.
Economic value of ecosystem services, minerals and oil in a melting Arctic: A preliminary assessment

The Arctic region is composed of unique marine and terrestrial ecosystems that provide a range of services to local and global populations. However, Arctic sea-ice is melting at an unprecedented rate, threatening many of these ecosystems and the services they provide. This short communication provides a preliminary assessment of the quantity, distribution and economic value of key ecosystem services as well as geological resources such as oil and minerals provided by Arctic ecosystems to beneficiaries in the Arctic region and globally. Using biophysical and economic data from existing studies, preliminary estimates indicate that the Arctic currently provides about $281 billion per year (in 2016 US$) in terms of food, mineral extraction, oil production, tourism, hunting, existence values and climate regulation. However, given predictions of ice-free summers by 2037, many of the ecosystem services may be lost. We hope that this communication stimulates discussion among policy-makers regarding the value of ecosystem services and such geological resources as minerals and oil provided by the Arctic region, and the potential ecosystem losses resulting from Arctic melt, so as to motivate decisions vis a vis climate change mitigation before Arctic ice disappears completely.
Creation of an active learning healthcare communications course using simulations relevant to pharmacy practice

Abstract Background and purpose The purpose of this project was to design and develop a health care communications course built around practice-like simulations and active learning in the first year of a professional pharmacy program. Educational activity and setting A three-credit health care communications course was divided into one didactic (two hours per week) and three simulation components (one hour per week). The simulation components consisted of one written patient education pamphlet, three group presentations, and three one-on-one patient counseling sessions. This was accomplished by breaking the class of approximately 75 students into eight separate sections, each consisting of 8–10 students and one instructor. Each week four sections were devoted to counseling role-plays: half in the role of pharmacists and half as patients. The other four sections were devoted to hour-long professional group presentations—half in the presenting group and half as audience. The students’ performance in the simulated counseling sessions and group presentations has been tracked and analyzed to determine if the simulated exercises had a positive impact on the students’ active communications skills. Findings Consistently, over the first four years of the implementation of the course, students’ communications skills, as measured by faculty assessments, in both professional group presentations and one-on-one counseling sessions significantly improved. Discussion and summary Incorporation of active-learning simulation exercises into a healthcare communications course has a positive impact on the development of students’ communications skills. This creates a foundation upon which students can build over the remainder of the professional program and into their future careers.
Capitão América: o herói mitológico estadunidense

We live in a secularized society, the myths from ancient people lost prestige before the contemporary man, all its teachings and moral precepts are meaningless in the postmodern society. What is intended to show in this theoretical and bibliographic research is the mythical function being so in ancient cultures as in super adventures stories, which is assuming the role of ancient mythologies, carrying with symbolism and sacredness elements of contemporary culture, and discussing social and historical themes with a critical and theoretical way. It is approached in this work the character of comics, Captain America, from its creation until the historical and social elements that were introduced during the chronology of its stories, characterizing it as the myth of the American nation. The American superhero accepts as features all ideals and maxims from American culture and ideology, serving as the ancient mythological hero as an example to be followed.
Sphingosine kinase 1 expression enhances colon tumor growth

Accumulating evidence suggests that sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1)/sphingosine 1-phosphate pathway plays a pivotal role in colon carcinogenesis. To further support the evidence, we investigated the effects of SphK1 using three separate animal models: SphK1 knockout mice, SphK1 overexpressing transgenic mice, and SphK1 overexpression in human colon cancer xenografts. Using azoxymethane (AOM, colon carcinogen), we analyzed colon tumor development in SphK1 KO and SphK1 overexpression in intestinal epithelial cells regulated by a tet-on system. Then, we analyzed subcutaneous tumor growth using xenografts of HT-29 human colon cancer cell. Finally, immunohistochemical analyses for SphK1 and COX-2 were performed on human colon cancer tissue microarray. SphK1 KO mice, compared to wild-type mice, demonstrated a significant inhibition in colon cancer development induced by AOM (58.6% vs. 96.4%, respectively, P < 0.005). Tumor multiplicity (1.00 vs. 1.64 per colon, respectively, P < 0.05) and tumor volume (14.82 mm3 vs. 29.10 mm3, P < 0.05) were both significantly reduced in SphK1 KO mice compared to wild-type mice. Next, SphK1 overexpression in HT-29 enhanced tumor growth as compared to GFP control in nude mice (229.5 mm3 vs. 90.9 mm3, respectively, P < 0.05). Furthermore, overexpression of SphK1 in intestinal epithelial cells significantly enhances AOM-induced colon tumor formation (P < 0.05). Lastly, SphK1 and COX-2 intensity tended to reduce overall survival of late stage colon cancer patients. SphK1 expression regulates the early stage of colon carcinogenesis and tumor growth, thus inhibition of SphK1 may be an effective strategy for colon cancer chemoprevention.
Zone-center phonons in yellow phase CsSnI 3

The zone-center phonons are calculated for yellow phase ${\mathrm{CsSnI}}_{3}$ using density functional perturbation theory in a plane-wave pseudopotential method. The infrared absorption and reflection spectra are simulated and show that the absorption has a strong contribution from the LO as well as TO modes. The polarization-dependent Raman spectra for various configurations are simulated. The results for the Raman and the infrared reflection spectra are found to be in good agreement with the available experimental data when averaging over directions. The Born effective charges and high- and low-frequency dielectric tensors are calculated. The ratio of the static to the high-frequency dielectric constants is high in the $y$ direction.
High-performance flexible BiCMOS electronics based on single-crystal Si nanomembrane

In this work, we have demonstrated for the first time integrated flexible bipolar-complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (BiCMOS) thin-film transistors (TFTs) based on a transferable single crystalline Si nanomembrane (Si NM) on a single piece of bendable plastic substrate. The n-channel, p-channel metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistors (N-MOSFETs & P-MOSFETs), and NPN bipolar junction transistors (BJTs) were realized together on a 340-nm thick Si NM layer with minimized processing complexity at low cost for advanced flexible electronic applications. The fabrication process was simplified by thoughtfully arranging the sequence of necessary ion implantation steps with carefully selected energies, doses and anneal conditions, and by wisely combining some costly processing steps that are otherwise separately needed for all three types of transistors. All types of TFTs demonstrated excellent DC and radio-frequency (RF) characteristics and exhibited stable transconductance and current gain under bending conditions. Overall, Si NM-based flexible BiCMOS TFTs offer great promises for high-performance and multi-functional future flexible electronics applications and is expected to provide a much larger and more versatile platform to address a broader range of applications. Moreover, the flexible BiCMOS process proposed and demonstrated here is compatible with commercial microfabrication technology, making its adaptation to future commercial use straightforward. Semiconductor-based thin-film electronics is an emerging field in modern electronics due to the advance in mechanical flexibility, yet the fabrication that is currently relied on the conventional technologies for rigid devices constrain the integration of functional devices on one chip. A team lead by Zhenqiang Ma at University of Wisconsin-Madison developed a single batch processing technique, which allowed them to print multiple transistors on a single piece of plastic substrate. The key step is to selectively dope single crystalline silicon nanomembranes using spatially controllable ion implantation. As a demonstration, integrated bipolar-complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor thin-film transistors with performance comparable to their rigid counterparts are built. The fabrication reported might prove to be an enabling technology for processing a broad range of flexible electronics with potential industrial adaptability.
A resource allocation algorithm for throughput maximization with fairness increase based on virtual PRB in MIMO-OFDMA systems

This paper deals with a new resource allocation algorithm in downlink MIMO-OFDMA systems. The objective is to maximize the system throughput with respect to fairness criteria since some users may experience bad channel conditions for a long time. Known to be NP-hard, the original optimization problem is divided into two sub-problems where radio resource allocation and power allocation are performed separately. Firstly, a recursive PRB allocation algorithm is performed aiming at maximizing the system throughput. In LTE systems, 41% of sub-carriers are considered unused which introduces spectral efficiency loss. As solution, the eNodeB aggregates the unused sub-carriers by each user to construct a “virtual” PRB to be allocated to seldom served user for fairness and throughput increase. Secondly, power allocation is performed to select a more appropriate MCS.
Diffusion in Random Media

We present a survey of homogenization methods for diffusion equations with periodic and random diffusivity.
Ecological toxicology and human health effects of heptachlor.

The chlorinated cyclodiene heptachlor was granted US registration as an agricultural and domestic insecticide in 1952. Through the mid-1960s, it was primarily employed in soil applications against agricultural pests and termites (Gosselin et al. 1976; Murphy 1986). In 1962, Canada banned heptachlor as a seed treatment (McEwen and Stephenson 1979), while in Japan, the only accepted use for heptachlor was in termite control (IARC 1974). According to the FAO/WHO (1971), the relative worldwide use of heptachlor in 1970 was 5% in Africa, 5% in Canada and the US, 15% in Asia, 15% in South America, and 60% in Europe.
Orchestrating Situation Awareness and Authority in Complex Socio-technical Systems

Systems engineering is developing everywhere in industry, but human issues incrementally emerge. In particular, this systemic technology-centered approach to engineering rigidifies organizations and lead to surprises. People involved are not fully aware of what is going on. This paper identifies situation awareness and authority issues in complex systems design and management, and discusses possible solutions. It more specifically focuses on an Orchestra model of socio-technical systems.
Liquid jet penetration and breakup in a free supersonic gas jet

The interaction of a coherent liquid jet with a free supersonic gas jet is of importance in cooling high-temperature exhaust plumes generated by ground rocket tests. Further, the associated phenomena are distinct from the well-studied jet in supersonic crossflow due to the unbounded nature of the gas jet, its shock train structure, and the relative sizes of the two jets. This work utilizes non-intrusive diagnostics including focused color Schlieren, high-speed diffused backlit imaging, and volume-illuminated imaging to study the interaction process of a high Reynolds number water jet with a free supersonic air jet. The effect of the water jet on the shock train structure and its dependence on water injection location and pressure are studied. The ensuing water jet breakup mode is investigated and found to exhibit distinguishing characteristics from known breakup modes observed at high Reynolds and gas Weber numbers. Finally, the water jet penetration height is quantified, and the ability of existing correlations from the literature to predict the penetration height are investigated.
Macroscopic Observations of Dissolving, Insolubility, and Precipitation: General Chemistry and Physical Chemistry Students’ Ideas about Entropy Changes and Spontaneity

Learning thermodynamics requires understanding abstract topics such as entropy and spontaneity. Students tend to rely on metaphors and everyday meanings to reason about these topics. This study investigates how students explain dissolution and precipitation using the concepts of entropy and spontaneity. Students from general chemistry, physical chemistry, and biophysical chemistry participated in semistructured interviews. During these interviews, students observed four tasks: an exothermic dissolving process, an endothermic dissolving process, the insolubility of an ionic salt, and a precipitation reaction. Students reasoned about their observations of dissolving, insolubility, and precipitation by describing entropy as the disorder of a chemical system and describing disorder in several different ways. Few students mentioned microstates or the distribution of energy. Students determined which of the four tasks were spontaneous and offered explanations that included reasoning about changes in enthalpy, r...
Terms as Database Records

The standardized definitions of the American Society for Testing and Materials reflect a significant effort by many specialists working in numerous technical committees. The compiled set of ASTM terms and their definitions include attribution and source information as well as other important data associated with the definitions. Enhanced awareness of terminology in recent years has led to an increase in the number of terms presented in the Compilation of ASTM Standard Definitions. This increase is associated with a larger number of multiply defined terms. Because of this and the several functions served by the Compilation, a need has become evident to attempt an enhancement of terminology management capability. With the recognition that definitions are amenable to being cast as database records, explorations have been conducted on structuring definitions of terms in this form. The objective being developed by a working group of ASTM's Committee on Terminology is to convert the Compilation to a database structure. The desired goals include the need for simplicity and user transparency, economy of implementation, and, most importantly, usefulness to the technical committees and ASTM as a whole in the Society's terminology management effort. A description is presented of a draft database record structure that is intended to address some of the important issues of this ongoing effort. Examples of applications are also discussed.
Validity and reliability of measures to assess constructs from the inner setting domain of the consolidated framework for implementation research in a pediatric clinic network implementing HPV programs

Accurate and valid measures for implementation constructs are critical to advance research and guide implementation efforts. However, there is a continued need for valid and reliable measures for implementation research. The purpose of this study was to assess the psychometric properties of measures for the Inner Setting domain of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) in a network of pediatric clinics. This study used cross-sectional survey data collected from physicians, advanced practice providers, clinic managers, and clinical staff (n = 546) working in a pediatric clinic network (n = 51). Surveys included measures assessing Inner Setting constructs from CFIR (culture, learning climate, leadership engagement, and available resources). We used a series multilevel confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) models to assess factorial validity. We also examined measure correlations to test discriminant validity and intraclass correlation coefficients, ICC(1) and ICC(2), to assess inter-rater reliability. Factor loadings were high (≥0.60) for all but one of the measurement items. Most CFA models for respective constructs demonstrated adequate or good model fit (CFI > 0.90, TLI > 0.90, RMSEA< 0.08, and SRMR< 0.08). The measures also demonstrated good discriminant validity (correlations< 0.90) aside from some evidence of overlap between leadership engagement and learning climate at the clinic level (0.91). The ICC(1) values ranged from 0.05–0.16 while the ICC(2) values ranged from 0.34–0.67. The measures demonstrated good validity and adequate reliability with the exception of available resources, which had some evidence of lower than desired reliability and validity at the clinic level. Our findings extend previous work by providing additional psychometric evidence to support the use of these Inner Setting measures in pediatric clinics implementing human papillomavirus programs.
Evolution of Minimally Invasive Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

ObjectiveThe majority of minimally invasive surgical aortic valve replacements (MIAVRs) are performed at high-volume cardiac surgery centers. However, outcomes at lower volume federal facilities ar...
Survival Under High Mutation

We consider a stochastic model for an evolving population. We show that in the presence of genotype extinctions the population dies out for a low mutation probability but may survive for a high mutation probability. This turns upside down the widely held belief that above a certain mutation threshold a population cannot survive.
Sepiapterin Reductase Inhibition Leading to Selective Reduction of Inflammatory Joint Pain in Mice and Increased Urinary Sepiapterin Levels in Humans and Mice.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the antiinflammatory and analgesic effects of sepiapterin reductase (SPR) inhibition in a mouse model of inflammatory joint disease, and to determine whether urinary sepiapterin levels, as measured in mice and healthy human volunteers, could be useful as a noninvasive, translational biomarker of SPR inhibition/target engagement. METHODS The collagen antibody-induced arthritis (CAIA) model was used to induce joint inflammation in mice. The effects of pharmacologic inhibition of SPR on thresholds of heat-, cold-, and mechanical-evoked pain sensitivity and on signs of inflammation were tested in mice with CAIA. In addition, mice and healthy human volunteers were treated with SPR inhibitors, and changes in urinary sepiapterin levels were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS CAIA in mice was characterized by 2 phases: in the acute inflammation (early) phase, joint inflammation and heat-, mechanical-, and cold-induced pain hypersensitivity were present, while in the postinflammation (late) phase, no joint inflammation was observed but heat- and mechanical-induced hypersensitivity, but not cold hypersensitivity, were present. Inhibition of SPR in mice with CAIA significantly attenuated the heat-induced hyperalgesia in both phases, and the mechanical allodynia in the late phase. Signs of inflammation were unaffected by SPR inhibition. Urinary tetrahydrobiopterin levels, as a marker of inflammatory pain, were increased during inflammation in mice with CAIA (2-fold increase over controls; P < 0.05) and significantly reduced by SPR inhibition (P < 0.05 versus vehicle-treated mice). Increased urinary sepiapterin levels in the presence of SPR inhibition in both mice and healthy human volunteers were associated with high sensitivity (70-85%) and high specificity (82-88%) for the prediction of SPR inhibition/target engagement. CONCLUSION SPR inhibition reduces the pain associated with joint inflammation, thus showing its potential utility as an analgesic strategy for inflammatory joint pain. In addition, SPR inhibition increases urinary sepiapterin levels, indicating the potential of this measurement as a noninvasive biomarker of target engagement of SPR inhibitors, such as sulfasalazine, a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug that is currently used as a first-line treatment for rheumatoid arthritis.
Biological control of weeds by means of plant pathogens: Significance for integrated weed management in modern agro-ecology

Biological control of weeds by using plant pathogens has gainedacceptance as a practical, safe, environmentally beneficial, weedmanagement method applicable to agro-ecosystems. The interest in thisweed control approach from public and private groups, and support forresearch and developmental effort, are on the upswing. This increasinginterest is stimulated largely due to major economic, social, andenvironmental forces that are directing our choices in crop productionpractices. Some of these changes are market-driven while others aresocial and ecological in nature. These changes are in turn influencingthe choices in weed control methods. In this regard, biocontrol withplant pathogens has been proven a feasible, albeit minor, component ofmodern integrated weed-management systems. This environmentallybeneficial method should be promoted and exploited further to meet thecurrent and future challenges in weed management in agro-ecosystems.
Multiple Complications in Emergency Surgery : Identifying Risk Factors for Failure-to-Rescue.

BackgroundWhile the use of the failure-to-rescue (FTR) metric, or death after complication, has expanded beyond elective surgery to emergency general surgery (EGS), little is known about the trajec...
A Photometric Investigation of the GRB 970228 Afterglow and the Associated Nebulosity

We carefully analyze the WFPC2 and STIS images of GRB 970228. We measure magnitudes for the GRB 970228 point-source component in the WFPC2 images of (V = 26.20, Ic = 23.94) and (V = 26.52, Ic = 24.31) on March 26 and April 7, respectively; and Rc = 27.09 on September 4 in the STIS image. For the extended component, we measure magnitudes of Rc = 25.48 in the combined WFPC2 images and Rc = 25.54 in the STIS image, which are consistent with no variation. This value is fainter than previously reported (Galama et al. 1998) and modifies the previously assumed magnitudes for the optical transient when it faded to a level at which the extended-source component contribution was not negligible, alleviating the discrepancy with a power-law temporal behavior. We also measure a color of (V606 - I814)ST = -0.18 for the extended-source component. Taking into account the extinction measured in this field, this color implies that the extended source is most likely a galaxy with ongoing star formation.
Oliceridine in the treatment of moderate to severe acute pain

Intravenous opioids are a mainstay for the management of moderate to severe acute pain. Opioid administration provides effective pain control at the cost of significant side effects. Commonly used opioids like morphine are nonselective μ-receptor agonists, which stimulate both the G-protein pathway, associated with the analgesic effect, and the β-arrestin pathway, associated with the side effects. Oliceridine is a G-protein selective ligand at the μ-receptor with less activation of the β-arrestin pathway. The drug has recently been US FDA approved. This review will focus on the efficacy and safety of intravenous oliceridine in the treatment of moderate to severe acute pain.
Team RuBot’s experiences and lessons from the ARIAC

Abstract We share experiences and lessons learned in participating the annual Agile Robotics for Industrial Automation Competition (ARIAC). ARIAC is a simulation-based competition focusing on pushing the agility of robotic systems for handling industrial pick-and-place challenges. Team RuBot started competing from 2019, placing 2nd place in ARIAC 2019 and 3rd place in ARIAC 2020. The article also discusses the difficulties we faced during the contest and our strategies for tackling them. Video of system sketches: https://youtu.be/7H7YLeJz2zE .
The influence of race on financial toxicity among cancer patients.

1525Background: Studies show that cancer patients and survivors are likely to endure financial toxicity long after being diagnosed. Methods: To examine the influence of race on financial toxicity a...
What Does Coma Mean? Implications for Shared Decision Making in Acute Brain Injury.

Background Insufficient attention has been devoted to shared decision-making (SDM) in the setting of acute brain injury (ABI). Communication occupies a central role that has been highlighted in recent research on SDM with brain injured patients, with respect to “the impact of specific clinician words and expressions”. In this investigation, we seek to understand lay public understandings of the term “coma.” Methods Qualitative analysis of lay interpretations of the term “cComa” using modified open coding of a free-text response question at the end of a survey exploring public attitudes in the context of hypothetical ABI. Respondents (n = 511) were drawn from a convenience sample using Amazon Mechanical Turk. This analysis focuses on respondents' free-text responses to the question: “When doctors say a patient is in a coma, what does that mean?” Results We analyzed 206 unique responses in order to derive emergent lay conceptualizations of coma. The following 4 themes emerged in how respondents understood coma: (1) State descriptive. (2) Marker of injury severity. (3) As in distinction (or lack thereof) from brain death or sleep. (4) Covert consciousness. For each concept, we discuss its salient elements and offer representative quotes. Conclusions This study provides preliminary qualitative evidence of lay public understandings of the neurologic term “coma”. These findings can have implications for surrogate/family–clinician communications. While a physician may intend “coma” to convey a technical description, a family member or surrogate may interpret it as a very different activity (e.g., prognostication, emotional signaling), setting the stage for miscommunication.