cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inorganic Arsenic in Drinking Water and Bladder Cancer: A Meta-Analysis for Dose-Response Assessment

Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, School of Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA *Correspondence to Dr. Crawford-Brown. E-mail: dcrawfor@email.unc.edu Received: 03 February 2006 / Accepted: 10 April 2006 / Published: 31 December 2006 Abstract: Most arsenic cancer risk assessments have been based solely on epidemiological studies to characterize the dose-response relationship for arsenic-associated cancer and to perform risk calculations. However, current epidemiological evidence is too inconsistent and fraught with uncertainty regarding arsenic exposure to provide reliable estimates. This makes it hard to draw a firm conclusion about the shape and slope of the dose-response relationship from individual studies. Meta-analysis is a statistical approach to combining results across studies and offers expanded opportunities for obtaining an improved dose-response relationship. In this study, a meta-analysis of arsenic studies was conducted by combining seven epidemiological studies from different regions to get an overall dose-response relationship between the amount of arsenic intake and the excess probability of bladder cancer. Both the fixed-effect and random-effect models were used to calculate the averaged coefficient of the linear-logistic regression model. A homogeneity test was also conducted. The final product of this research is an aggregated dose-response model in the range of empirical observation of arsenic. Considering the most recent arsenic MCL (maximum contaminant level, i.e. 10µg/L), the associated bladder cancer risk (lifetime excess probability) at this MCL is 2.2910
Tissue characterization based on scatterer number density estimation

The authors propose a robust model for characterizing the statistical nature of signals obtained from ultrasonic backscatter processes. The model can accommodate frequency-dependent attenuation, spatially varying media statistics, arbitrary beam geometries, and arbitrary pulse shapes. On the basis of this model, statistical schemes are proposed for estimating the scatterer number density (SND) of tissues. The algorithm for estimating the scatterer number incorporates measurements of both the statistical moments of the backscattered signals and the point spread function of the acoustic system. The number density algorithm has been applied to waveforms obtained from ultrasonic phantoms with known number densities and in vitro mammalian tissues. There is an excellent agreement among theoretical, histological, and experimental results. The application of this technique for noninvasive clinical tissue characterization is discussed. >
Effects of team size on participation, awareness, and technology choice in geographically distributed teams

In this paper we investigate the effects that team size has on geographically distributed teams within a large, multi-national manufacturing organization. Survey responses from 109 members of distributed teams indicate that compared to members of larger teams, members of smaller teams participated more actively on their team, were more committed to their team, were more aware of the goals of the team, were better acquainted with other team members' personalities, work roles and communication styles, and reported higher levels of rapport. The data also show that larger teams are more conscientious in preparing meeting agendas compared to smaller teams. Consistent with their emphasis on coordination, larger teams adopted technology to support the coordination of asynchronous work, while smaller teams adopted collaboration technology. Implications for technology adoption are discussed.
Improved design criteria of gain-boosted CMOS OTA with high-speed optimizations

A comprehensive study on gain-boosted regulated cascode operational transconductance amplifiers (OTA) is discussed. These amplifiers are usually good for power optimized high-speed designs. However, location of an additional pole-zero pair in the transfer function makes the transient response much slower than expected. A new design is proposed along with the systematic approach which get rid of this pole-zero pair and deliberately puts a pair of complex poles to make the design faster.
Analysis of Search Schemes in Cognitive Radio

Cognitive radio systems face an important challenge - fast and reliable channel searching to enable secondary users to optimize available spectral resources. We revisit conventional URN models for channel occupancy and analyze the performance of several search schemes in terms of the mean time to detection. In particular, we focus on correlated Markov models for bin occupancy and highlight the performance of n-step serial search (nSS) algorithm.
Bayesian geostatistical modelling with informative sampling locations

We consider geostatistical models that allow the locations at which data are collected to be informative about the outcomes. A Bayesian approach is proposed, which models the locations using a log Gaussian Cox process, while modelling the outcomes conditionally on the locations as Gaussian with a Gaussian process spatial random effect and adjustment for the location intensity process. We prove posterior propriety under an improper prior on the parameter controlling the degree of informative sampling, demonstrating that the data are informative. In addition, we show that the density of the locations and mean function of the outcome process can be estimated consistently under mild assumptions. The methods show significant evidence of informative sampling when applied to ozone data over Eastern U.S.A.
Gamma-Ray Burst Class Properties

Guided by the Supervised pattern recognition algorithm C4.5, we examine the three gamma-ray burst classes identified by Mukherjee et al. C4.5 provides strong statistical support for this classification. However, with C4.5 and our knowledge of the BATSE instrument, we demonstrate that Class 3 (intermediate fluence, intermediate duration, soft) does not have to be a distinct source population: statistical/systematic errors in measuring burst attributes combined with the well-known hardness/intensity correlation can cause low peak flux Class I (high fluence, long, intermediate hardness) bursts to take on Class 3 characteristics naturally. Based on our hypothesis that the third class is not a distinct one, we provide rules so that future events can be placed in either Class I or Class 2 (low fluence, short, hard). Using classified bursts from the BATSE 4B Catalog, we plot log(N>P) vs. log(P) curves and study spectral features of each class. We find that the two classes are relatively distinct on the basis of spectral parameters, alpha, Beta, and E(sub peak) alone. Although this does not indicate a better basis for classification, it does suggest that different physical conditions exist for Class I and Class 2 bursts. In the process of studying burst class characteristics, we identify a new bias that affects measurement of burst fluences and durations. Using a simple model of how burst duration can be underestimated, we generally characterize how this fluence duration bias affects BATSE measurements, and demonstrate the type of effect it can have on the BATSE fluence vs. peak flux diagram.
Visual servoing in ISAC, a decentralized robot system for feeding the disabled

ISAC is a distributed robotic feeding system for the physically disabled. This paper describes a visual servoing system which enables ISAC's robot arm to grasp an object. The servo control loop is defined. The image to world coordinate transform is deduced. A three-phase visual servoing algorithm which balances speed with complexity is described. A technique for compensating for network delays is presented. The results of 200 trials are analyzed. A success rate of 91% was achieved.
Nonaqueous Processing of Silicon for Reaction-Bonded Silicon Nitride

Ethanolic silicon suspensions, with and without a polyethoxylated amine of low molecular weight, were studied by rheological, adsorption, electrophoretic, and sedimentation methods. Pellets were pressure-cast and nitrided to form reaction-bonded silicon nitride. Density and binding strength in the green state relate well to rheological behavior and other collodial aspects of the suspensions used, particularly the additive’s role and distribution. Density and degree of nitridation in the final state are not importantly affected by the additive’s use. Its greatest benefit is to modify the binding strength in the green state. The mode by which this small molecule affects the processing of silicon consists of adsorption, combined with an increased electrostatic interparticle repulsion which increases the suspension viscosity and that of undried pellets. Although the improved binding strength is accompanied by decreased green and nitrided densities, high degrees of conversion to silicon nitride are still achieved.
Assortative mating for phenotypic characteristics in a Zapotec community in Oaxaca, Mexico.

Assortative mating for age and several anthropometric characteristics is considered in a sample of 68-70 husband-wife pairs from a rural Zapotec-speaking community in the Valley of Oaxaca in southern Mexico. Conditions in the community with a population of approximately 1700 indicate chronic mild-to-moderate undernutrition as reflected in high infant mortality rates smaller body size of school children and delayed biological maturation. Phenotypic assortative mating as expressed in husband-wife correlations is significant for age (r=0.96) stature (4=0.35) and grip strength (r=0.29) but is not significant for body weight (r=0.01) arm circumference (r=0.07) the estimated midarm muscle circumference (r=0.003) Quetelets index (r=0.02) and the ponderal index (r=0.11). Controlling for age of husband and wife reduces the correlations for stature (r=0.24) and grip strength (r=0.12) but increases those for arm circumference (r=0.21) and estimated midarm muscle circumference (r=0.16). Grouping the spouses into younger (under 30 years of age) and older (30 years and older) results in significant spouse correlations for age stature arm circumference and estimated midarm muscle circumference in the younger group and for only age and fatness in the older group. (authors)
Transistor circuits and applications

Junction-transistor circuits are reviewed, and new concepts and trends in design are discussed. Improvements in transistor ratings are described, but special transistor types such as tetrodes, p-n-p-n and unipolar devices are not considered. Basic applications surveyed include low-level and power amplifiers, square-wave and sinusoidal oscillators, power convertors and regulators, waveform-shaping and computing circuits, and low-level and power-switching circuits. Numerous references are given. Transistors are capable of supplanting thermionic circuits in all except high-frequency applications (above 10 Mc/s with currently-available units). High temperatures will continue to present limitations in military applications, until silicon transistors become widely available. In more general applications, such as the entertainments field, cost is at present an important limiting consideration.
Topics in the physics of electrochemistry

Abstract We describe recent progress in the theory of electrochemical systems which makes important use of concepts and techniques of solid state physics. In particular we describe models of the microscopic layer between the solvent and the metal-ion cores at an electrode-electrolyte interface. These studies make heavy use of the density functional techniques which are widely used in surface physics. As a second example, we describe how the process of alloy dissolution at an electrode-electrolyte interface can be mapped in one limit onto a planar version of the diffusion limited aggregation model.
A New Potyvirus sp. Infects Verbena Exhibiting Leaf Mottling Symptoms

Verbena 'Taylortown Red' plants showed virus-like mottling symptoms. Virus purifications disclosed the presence of elongated and spherical particles, evidence of mixed virus infections, whereas double-stranded RNA analysis revealed the presence of several bands absent in healthy plants. After shotgun cloning, three viruses were identified in 'Taylortown Red': Broad bean wilt virus-1, Coleus vein necrosis virus, and a previously undescribed potyvirus. Given the importance of verbena to the ornamental industry, we studied the viruses found in 'Taylortown Red' and, in this article, we present our findings on the new potyvirus, provisionally named Verbena virus Y (VVY). VVY belongs to the Potato virus Y subgroup in the genus Potyvirus, has solanaceous plants, including potato, as alternative hosts, and can be transmitted by a ubiquitous pest in the ornamental industry, the green peach aphid.
Using Density-Gradient Theory to Model Sb-Based p-Channel FETs

Density-gradient theory is discussed as a tool for mod- eling Sb-based p-channel FETs. The theory's methods and ap- proximations are reviewed with emphasis given to the phenome- nological treatment of the quantum confinement. The theory is then illustrated by using it to analyze FETs having InSb, GaSb and InGaSb channels, and to project their scaling characteristics.
Testing amniote models of prey transport kinematics: a quantitative analysis of mouth opening patterns in lizards.

Summary Two models have been proposed to describe the prey transport kinematics of terrestrial vertebrates (Bramble and Wake, 1985; Reilly and Lauder, 1990). The critical difference between the models is the presence or absence of a slow open-II phase (SO-II) in the gape profile during mouth opening. Each of these models has been applied to lizards, however to date, lizard feeding kinematics have not been adequately quantified to assess the utility of these models for this clade. Neither model has been sufficiently tested due to the lack of a methodology to assess the specific differences between the models. We describe a method that uses explicit mathematical criteria to define the kinematic phases in tetrapod feeding. This “slope analysis& is used to precisely quantify and compare the transport kinematics of seven lizard species. Lizard transport kinematics were highly variable both within and across taxa. However, several common gape cycle patterns were identified. The predominant patterns were slow-fast opening (37.3%), fast opening only (22.9%) and slow opening only (21.2%). The most common pattern explicitly fits the prediction of the Reilly and Lauder model while the other two are similar to patterns observed in salamanders. Thus, lizards possess both the slow opening-fast opening pattern predicted for amniotes and the more primitive, simple opening pattern characteristic of more basal tetrapods. Plateau phases were found in only 12.8% of the profiles and only a fourth of these (3.4% of the total) explicitly fit the Bramble and Wake model (slow opening, plateau, fast opening) and two species never exhibited plateaus in their gape cycles. Thus, it is clear that the Bramble and Wake model is not supported as a generalized model for lizards or generalized tetrapods.
Buffering and interleaving in coded communication systems

Error-control coding is commonly used to achieve reliable communication over noisy channels, but the small error rates thus obtained are usually at the expense of considerable delay in delivering the transmitted information to its destination. This paper discusses some simple alternative implementations of encoders and decoders that allow for a reduction in the delay in an error-control system. Such a reduction in the delay also reduces the memory requirements of the encoder and decoder.
Information Needs of Family Caregivers of People With Dementia.

Purpose Understanding caregiver needs is essential when caring for people with dementia. The aim of this study was to identify family caregivers' information needs as perceived by home care workers and the caregivers themselves. Design This study used a descriptive survey design and convenience sampling. Methods The two groups of care providers were given a list of 48 items and asked to choose caregivers' top 10 information needs. Findings Group 1 (n = 33 unpaid family caregivers) identified dealing with behavior changes and group 2 (n = 59 paid home care workers) identified providing personal care as most important. Conclusion While differences between these groups emerged, both care providers chose more items related to needing help for the care recipient, than items related to needing help for the caregivers themselves, e.g., support group. Clinical Relevance These information needs can be used by rehabilitation nurses and other healthcare professionals to develop educational materials and supportive interventions.
Measurements of the Tip Clearance Flow for a High Reynolds Number Axial-Flow Rotor: Part 1 — Flow Visualization

A high Reynolds number pump (HIREP) facility has been used to acquire flow measurements in the rotor blade tip clearance region-with blade chord Reynolds numbers of 3,900,000 and 5,500,000. The initial experiment involved rotor blades with varying tip clearances, while a second experiment involved a more detailed investigation of a rotor blade row with a single tip clearance. This paper focuses on flow visualization, employing techniques unique for use in water. The flow visualization on the blade surface and within the flow field indicate that the combination of centripetal acceleration and separation near the trailing edge of the rotor blade suction surface results in the formation of a trailing-edge separation vortex-a vortex which migrates radially upwards along the trailing edge and then turns in the circumferential direction near the casing, moving in the opposite direction of blade rotation. Flow visualization also helps in establishing the trajectory of the tip leakage vortex core. The trailing-edge separation vortex, which lies closer to the endwall than the tip leakage vortex, seems to have an influence on this trajectory. Finally, the periodic interaction of the rotor blades with wakes from the upstream inlet guide vanes-as well as freestream turbulence and vortex structure instabilities-affects the unsteadiness of the vortex.Copyright © 1994 by ASME
Vacuum-gapped film bulk acoustic resonator for low-loss mass sensing in liquid

This paper describes a novel design of a film bulk acoustic resonator (FBAR) without significant reduction of Q factor in liquid environments. The new design employs a vacuum gap to prevent acoustic energy loss in liquid. The Q factor was measured to be about 153 in the air and 140 in the water. We found that the Q factor is reduced only 9% in water, while the Q factor of a normal FBAR in the water is drastically decreased down to about 20 (more than 85% reduction). The device exhibited excellent liquid mass sensing capability due to the Q factor in liquid kept as high as in the air
Optimality of galerkin method for scattering computations

Practitioners of the method of moments have found empirically that the Galerkin method, when applied to scattering problems, gives more rapid solution convergence than more general moment methods. A simple demonstration of the reason for this is given.
A Model of Grocery Shopping Decision Process Based on Verbal Protocol Data

Behavioral decision research has offered two principal classes of models as candidates for representing human decision processes: compensatory (or linear additive) and noncompensatory (or hierarchical). Experimental research has found evidence for both types of models, and it has been argued that decision processes may depend largely on the context of the decision task being performed. This study takes a fresh look at these competing models by examining behavioral data from a natural decision task: American grocery shopping. The methodology is based upon participant observation and the analysis of verbal protocols recorded in supermarkets. In contrast to some experimental results, very few of the cases examined in this study show clear evidence for compensatory behavior. Shoppers appear to evaluate grocery items in ways that allow them to avoid trade-offs on attributes of quality, quantity, and price.
Immunoproteomic identification of secretory and subcellular protein antigens and functional evaluation of the secretome fraction of Mycobacterium immunogenum, a newly recognized species of the Mycobacterium chelonae-Mycobacterium abscessus group.

Mycobacterium immunogenum has been associated with occupational pulmonary disease hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP). The aim of this study was to identify immunogenic proteins (antigens) in this pathogen as a first step toward understanding its virulence factors and role in HP etiology. Immunoproteomic profiling of secreted and subcellular protein fractions using a combination of two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE), immunoblotting, and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-Time of flight (MALDI-TOF) led to the identification of 33 immunoreactive proteins, comprising of 4 secretory, 6 cell wall-associated, 11 membranous, and 12 cytosolic proteins. Of these, eight immunoreactive proteins represented homologues of the known mycobacterial antigens, namely heat shock protein GroEL, antigen 85A, elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu), l-asparaginase, polyketide synthase, PE-PGRS, PPE, and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Global functional search revealed that the remaining 25 novel mycobacterial antigens in M. immuno...
Effect of membrane potential on K-Cl transport in human erythrocytes

We examined whether swelling-activated K-Cl cotransport is electrogenic in human erythrocytes. Baseline membrane potential, measured by the change in fluorescence of the carbocyanine dye diS-C3-5, was not different in hypotonically swollen (-7.6 mV) or isosmotically swollen cells (-9.5 mV). We used hemisodium, a new highly selective Na ionophore, in varying concentrations, in the presence of a fixed outwardly directed Na gradient (intracellular Na, 75 mM; external Na, 1 mM) to vary membrane potential over a wide range despite identical K and Cl concentrations. The membrane potential varied between -8 and -90 mV. K influx increased slightly with hyperpolarization in swollen and nonswollen cells. However, the difference between the two fluxes, swelling-activated K influx, a measure of K-Cl cotransport, was unaffected by voltage changes, as was swelling-activated K efflux. We conclude that K-Cl cotransport in human erythrocytes is electroneutral and by inference has a 1:1 stoichiometry.
How to motivate yourself and others? Intended and unintended consequences

Abstract To achieve goals, individuals and organizations must understand how to effectively motivate themselves and others. We review three broad strategies that people employ to increase motivation: giving feedback, setting goal targets, and applying incentives. Although each of these strategies can effectively motivate action under certain circumstances and among certain people, they can also result in unintended consequences: not helping or even hurting motivation. For example, employers may give positive feedback that leads employees to relax their effort or negative feedback that undermines employees’ commitment, organizations may set goals that are overly ambitious and consequently reduce motivation, and certain incentives might appear attractive before pursuing an action but uncertain incentives better motivate action during goal pursuit. By identifying when and how these common motivational strategies work versus fail, we are able to prescribe a specific set of guidelines that will help people understand how to motivate themselves and others.
A Model of Cancer Evolution Implications for Novel Treatment Strategies

Cancer remains one of the main killers among all diseases, defying tremendous efforts in the search for effective treatments. Malignant transformation results in characteristic changes of the cell's functions and shape, such as unregulated and unlimited proliferation, loss of cellular senescence, partial reversal of differentiation, ability to grow in suspension, and invasiveness. Often, initial treatment is quite effective in eliminating a majority of the tumor, for example with use of chemotherapy, only to have more resistant and aggressive cancer cells reappear and form metastases. This causes eventual death of the patient because most treatments have lost efficacy. Are there underlying principles guiding this microevolution of a transformed cell into a fully invasive cancer? And if so, can we avoid emergence of more resistant cancer cells through treatment-induced selection pressure by applying therapies that anticipate and steer the evolution of a particular cancer? To address such questions, this perspective provides an overview of the biology and strategies, including use of smart nanodevices capable of homing in on the cancer cell.
I Am What I See: How Avatar and Opponent Agent Body Size Affects Physical Activity Among Men Playing Exergames

This study examined how avatar body size normal, obese and opponent character body size normal, obese influenced physical activity while male participants played an exergame. Males operating normal weight avatars showed more physical activity than those using obese avatars. Perceived avatar and opponent character body-size differences moderated the effect of avatar appearance on physical activity. Participants showed decreased physical activity when the opponent character was perceived as slightly more obese than their avatar. Participants also showed decreased physical activity when their avatar was perceived as more obese than the opponent character. We discuss theoretical implications and applications of using virtual characters to increase gamers' physical activity. These findings are also compared to an earlier study with an all-female sample.
The Effects of Sperm Extracts and Energy Sources on the Motility and Acrosome Reaction of Hamster Spermatozoa in vitro

Extracts of washed spermatozoa from hamster and guinea pig cauda epididymidis and of human ejaculated sperm were all found to stimulate the motility of unwashed hamster epididymal spermatozoa in vitro and to support development of fertilizing ability. The motility of hamster spermatozoa was only sustained in the presence of both sperm extracts and appropriate energy substrates indicating a synergistic effect of the motility-stimulating component of the sperm extracts with energy sources. Albumin was also required for the development of fertilizing ability by hamster sperm. Comparison of different combinations of energy substrates indicated that pyruvate was the most important energy source for sperm motility and the acrosome reaction but glucose and lactate played suporting roles. In all 3 species examined the component of the sperm extracts that was responsible for stimulating hamster sperm motility was found to be heat-stable and to have the same elution volume on a Sephadex G-10 column with an estimated molecular weight of about 200. These properties are identical to those of the sperm motility-stimulating factor found in blood serum and adrenal gland suggesting that the active components may be similar or possibly the same.
Instrumentation and Monitoring of Excavations

Monitoring of deep excavations and tunnels in urban areas can reduce the construction costs and minimize the hazardous aspects of underground construction. The monitoring methods discussed are a broad brush approach to illustrate the types of movements to be observed, and the available instruments for measuring those movements. Particular emphasis has been placed on the installation and true accuracy of the instruments discussed.
GENDER DIFFERENCES IN CAUSE OF DEATH FOLLOWING PERCUTANEOUS CORONARY INTERVENTION

Women have higher rates of crude all-cause mortality after PCI. Whether there are gender differences in cause-specific mortality remains unclear. We assessed trends in cause-specific 5-year mortality after index PCI performed at a single center between 1991 and 2012. Cause of death was determined
Deuteron Magnetic Resonance Studies of Structure and Photo-Induced Metastable Rearrangements in Deuterated Amorphous Si, Ge and SiGe Films

The spin dynamics of deuteron magnetic resonance (DMR) components have been studied in deuterated plasma-deposited thin films of a-Si, Ge and SiGe. Transient recoveries of perturbed deuteron magnetization components evolve via magnetization transport in the limit of large inhomogeneity. The evolution is well-described by an error function expression whose parameters correlate with the film photovoltaic quality as measured by the photoresponse pgμ τ and the photosensitivity, ΔI/Id. These relaxation results are correlated with our continuing DMR measurements of reversible metastable photo-induced rearrangements in high-quality a-Si:D,H films. These studies indicate that about 0.5% of the hydrogens interact with a light-induced defect.
Experiential Education in the College Context: What it is, How it Works, and Why it Matters

Experiential Education in the College Context provides college and university faculty with pedagogical approaches that engage students and support high-impact learning. Organized around four essential categories—active learning, integrated learning, project-based learning, and community-based learning—this resource offers examples from across disciplines to illustrate principles and best practices for designing and implementing experiential curriculum in the college and university setting. Framed by theory, this book provides practical guidance on a range of experiential teaching and learning approaches, including internships, civic engagement, project-based research, service learning, game-based learning, and inquiry learning. At a time when rising tuition, consumer-driven models, and e-learning have challenged the idea of traditional liberal education, this book provides a compelling discussion of the purposes of higher education and the role experiential education plays in sustaining and broadening notions of democratic citizenship. .
Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Palliative Care for the Lung Cancer Patient

Pulmonary rehabilitation, as a quality of life intervention, has a role to play in palliative care for lung cancer patients. Combining the art and skills of clinical care, physiological, and behavioral tools, pulmonary rehabilitation can serve to rebuild the functional capacity of patients limited by breathlessness and deconditioning. Exercise programs are the primary tool used to restore and rebuild the patient's endurance by challenging the entire pathway of oxygen transport and improving gas exchange. Other tools of pulmonary rehabilitation include breathing retraining, self-management skills, airway clearance techniques, bronchodilitation, smoking cessation and oxygen therapy. Pulmonary rehabilitation is now becoming a part of supportive care for patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The ability to be more active without suffering the consequences of dyspnea on exertion boosts the patient's self-efficacy and allows for an improved quality of life, so that lung cancer patients can participate in their family lives during this therapeutic challenge.
Gabriel Trop. Poetry as a Way of Life: Aesthetics and Askesis in the German Eighteenth Century. Evanston, IL: Northwestern UP, 2015. 388+xii pp. ISBN 978-0-8101-3009-8

In Poetry as a Way of Life, Gabriel Trop traces several major lines of poetic writing by authors ranging from Friedrich Holderlin and Novalis to Johann Wilhelm Ludwig Gleim and Barthold Heinrich Br...
Thermostable gel polymer electrolyte based on succinonitrile and ionic liquid for high-performance solid-state supercapacitors

Abstract A flexible, free-standing, thermostable gel polymer electrolyte based on plastic crystalline succinonitrile (SN) and ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (BMImBF4) entrapped in copolymer poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVdF-HFP) is prepared and optimized for application in solvent-free solid-state supercapacitors. The synthesized gel polymer electrolyte exhibits a high ionic conductivity over a wide temperature range (from ∼5 × 10−4 S cm−1 at −30 °C up to ∼1.5 × 10−2 S cm−1 at 80 °C) with good electrochemical stability window (−2.9 to 2.5 V). Thermal studies confirm that the SN containing gel polymer electrolyte remains stable in the same gel phase over a wide temperature range from −30 to 90 °C. The electric double layer capacitors (EDLCs) have been fabricated using activated carbon as active materials and new gel polymer electrolytes. Electrochemical performance of the EDLCs is assessed through cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge-discharge cycling and impedance spectroscopy. The EDLC cells with the proper SN-containing gel polymer electrolyte has been found to give high specific capacitance 176 F g−1 at 0.18 A g−1 and 138 F g−1 at 8 A g−1. These solid-state EDLC cells show good cycling stability and the capability to retain ∼80% of the initial capacitance after 10,000 cycles.
Association between Dietary Xanthophyll (Lutein and Zeaxanthin) Intake and Early Age-Related Macular Degeneration: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study.

Purpose: To examine the association between xanthophyll intake and prevalent early age-related macular degeneration (AMD) using data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study (n = 10,295)....
Experimental demonstration of the necklace beam formation in engineered nonlinear media

We experimentally investigate the formation, dynamics and stability of complex necklace beams using structured light with different orbital angular momentum propagating in nonlinear nano-colloidal suspensions with negative polarizabilities.
Recurrent belly dancer dyskinesia in pregnancy

A 37-year-old woman in her 34th week of pregnancy developed continual abdominal movements, which had complicated both her previous pregnancies (video at [Neurology.org][1]). Examination, routine bloodwork, and brain MRI were normal. Circumstances precluded prepartum thoracolumbar MRI; postpartum MRI was unrevealing. Clonazepam and levetiracetam suppressed the movements, which remitted postpartum. All babies were healthy. [1]: http://neurology.org/lookup/doi/10.1212/WNL.0000000000003954
Partnering around cancer clinical trials (PACCT): study protocol for a randomized trial of a patient and physician communication intervention to increase minority accrual to prostate cancer clinical trials

Cancer clinical trials are essential for testing new treatments and represent state-of-the-art cancer treatment, but only a small percentage of patients ever enroll in a trial. Under-enrollment is an even greater problem among minorities, particularly African Americans, representing a racial/ethnic disparity in cancer care. One understudied cause is patient-physician communication, which is often of poor quality during clinical interactions between African-American patients and non-African-American physicians. Partnering Around Cancer Clinical Trials (PACCT) involves a transdisciplinary theoretical model proposing that patient and physician individual attitudes and beliefs and their interpersonal communication during racially discordant clinical interactions influence outcomes related to patients’ decisions to participate in a trial. The overall goal of the study is to test a multilevel intervention designed to increase rates at which African-American and White men with prostate cancer make an informed decision to participate in a clinical trial. Data collection will occur at two NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers. Participants include physicians who treat men with prostate cancer and their African-American and White patients who are potentially eligible for a clinical trial. The study uses two distinct research designs to evaluate the effects of two behavioral interventions, one focused on patients and the other on physicians. The primary goal is to increase the number of patients who decide to enroll in a trial; secondary goals include increasing rates of physician trial offers, improving the quality of patient-physician communication during video recorded clinical interactions in which trials may be discussed, improving patients’ understanding of trials offered, and increasing the number of patients who actually enroll. Aims are to 1) determine the independent and combined effects of the two interventions on outcomes; 2) compare the effects of the interventions on African-American versus White men; and 3) examine the extent to which patient-physician communication mediates the effect of the interventions on the outcomes. PACCT has the potential to identify ways to increase clinical trial rates in a diverse patient population. The research can also improve access to high quality clinical care for African American men bearing the disproportionate burden of disparities in prostate and other cancers. Clinical Trials.gov registration number: NCT02906241 (September 8, 2016).
Shining a light on amine synthesis

Given the abundance of amines in pharmaceutical substances, new strategies for the formation of C–N bonds are highly sought after. Now, using a dual photoredox–copper catalysis system, a method for amine synthesis has been developed.
Respiratory Sounds: Laryngeal Origin Sounds

Laryngeal sounds reflect turbulence of air in the upper airway and are harsher and higher in pitch than normal lung sounds. A linear relationship between tracheal sounds and flow has been observed, and the frequency characteristics are associated with body height and length of the trachea in children.
A novel technique for precision geometric correction of jitter distortion for the Europa Imaging System and other rolling shutter cameras

Abstract. We use simulated images to demonstrate a novel technique for mitigating geometric distortions caused by platform motion (“jitter”) as two-dimensional image sensors are exposed and read out line by line (“rolling shutter”). The results indicate that the Europa Imaging System (EIS) on NASA’s Europa Clipper can likely meet its scientific goals requiring 0.1-pixel precision. We are therefore adapting the software used to demonstrate and test rolling shutter jitter correction to become part of the standard processing pipeline for EIS. The correction method will also apply to other rolling-shutter cameras, provided they have the operational flexibility to read out selected “check lines” at chosen times during the systematic readout of the frame area.
A rapidly emerging field: water channel proteins in the eye.

After the first water channel was cloned and sequenced from 1991 to 1992, work in this field has proceeded at a rapid pace. It is clear now that many tissues in the eye have water channels, and that number could continue to grow. In all probability, water channels are the conduits for transcellular and translayer water flow in the kidney collecting duct, and their presence in water-permeable epithelia suggests similar functions there. However, whedier facilitation of water transport is their main function in other cells is unresolved. Thus, their presence in some ocular locations (corneal epithelium and endothelium, ciliary epithelium, lens epithelium, retinal capillary endothelium) is consistent with transcellular water flow; on the other hand, to explain their presence in trabecular meshwork, Schlemm's canal endothelium, conjunctival epithelium, and retinal inner nuclear layer may require further research. Water channels belong to the major intrinsic protein of the lens (MIP) family of proteins, which constrains the structural global folds that may account for their functions. Consequently, we discuss a 6-a-helical structural fold proposed for the CHIP28 water channel, and a 16stranded /?-barrel fold proposed for MIP family proteins, including water channels.
Factors Influencing Anuran Wetland Occupancy in an Agricultural Landscape

Abstract Habitat disturbance is an important cause of global amphibian declines, with especially strong effects in areas of high agricultural use. Determining the influence of site characteristics ...
Effect of exogenous triiodothyronine [T3] on free thyroxine depletion and tumor response: A compassionate care study.

e22077 Background: A thyroid hormone receptor on plasma membrane integrin av β3 initiates the actions of the hormone thyroxine [T4] on cancer cell proliferation and angiogenesis, initiated nongenom...
Population-Specific Screening for Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV)2 is one of the most common infectious diseases in the world; roughly one-third of the population has serologic evidence of current or past infection. A small, enveloped, double-stranded DNA virus in the family Hepadnaviridae, HBV can be transmitted by sexual, parenteral, or perinatal routes, which makes it particularly difficult to eradicate in regions where the virus is endemic. Although acute infection with HBV can cause a symptomatic illness, it is the potential for chronic infection that drives disease morbidity and mortality in the form of chronic liver disease. Patients with chronic HBV, and there are approximately 400 million worldwide, are at risk for developing both cirrhosis, defined as end-stage liver disease in the form of severe fibrosis and parenchymal remodeling, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (1, 2). HCC is the fifth most common cancer worldwide and the second most common cause of cancer death in men. Risk factors for HCC include male sex, older age, toxic exposures, and chronic liver disease, usually secondary to viral hepatitis B or C. Because of the prevalence of HBV, it is estimated that half of all HCC deaths each year can be attributed to HBV alone (3). Although we have not as of yet found a way to prevent HCC in those already infected with HBV, we have developed surgical and nonsurgical therapies to manage HCC. The effectiveness of HCC treatment, however, depends on the stage of the cancer, meaning that patients with a single small tumor will have a better outcome than a patient with large and/or …
Chapter 236 – Siphonaptera: (Fleas)

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the Siphonaptera, laterally compressed wingless holometabolous insects. The order contains approximately 2575 species. All species are parasitic in the adult stage and possess mouthparts modified for piercing and sucking, highly modified combs and setae on their body and legs, and legs that are modified for jumping. Some species are vectors of disease, and current research is providing important insights into flea phylogeny and evolution. Most flea species require a blood meal prior to oogenesis and spermatogenesis. With the exception of some species whose reproductive cycle is synchronized with that of their host, there are few studies on the nutritional requirements of adult fleas. Although the larvae of several fleas have been noted to burrow into dead host tissues, those of Uropsylla tasmanica are the only truly parasitic flea larvae that burrow into and feed on the tissues of their live hosts. Some larvae have been documented to feed directly on fresh blood as it is excreted from the anus of feeding adult fleas, but most scavenge on the dried blood residues or animal dandruff and excreta. A few species are predaceous on other small organisms within the nest.
Congenital vallecular cyst causing severe inspiratory stridor in a newborn

Abstract Vallecular cyst is a rare but observed cause of neonatal stridor that can present with respiratory distress and feeding difficulties arising from upper airway obstruction. Stridor in neonates is usually congenital in nature and most often caused by laryngomalacia. We present a case of vallecular cyst in a term newborn infant with persistent inspiratory stridor that was diagnosed by direct laryngoscopy and underwent successful treatment by marsupialization with complete resolution of the stridor. This case highlights the importance of a thorough interdisciplinary evaluation of persistent neonatal stridor paving the way to early diagnosis and intervention to avoid critical airway obstruction and potentially fatal outcomes.
Anisotropic mesh adaptation for continuous finite element discretization through mesh optimization via error sampling and synthesis

Abstract Anisotropic output-based mesh adaptivity is a powerful technique for controlling the output error of finite element simulations, particularly when used in conjunction with higher-order discretization. The Mesh Optimization via Error Sampling and Synthesis (MOESS) algorithm makes use of the continuous mesh model which encodes local mesh sizing and anisotropy in a Riemannian metric field, and was developed for Discontinuous Galerkin (DG) discretization. In this paper, we outline an extension of the MOESS algorithm for discretizations which are defined by basis functions that are continuous across element boundaries. Error models are defined in terms of local error estimates defined at vertices, and local solutions are computed on local patches defined in terms of the edges of the mesh. The resulting algorithm displays reduced error for the same number of degrees of freedom compared to the MOESS algorithm for DG discretization, as illustrated by some numerical examples for L 2 projection and linear advection diffusion.
Youth and weapons: Patterns, individual and neighborhood correlates of violent crime arrests in Miami-Dade County, Florida.

Abstract This study uses arrest data from the Miami-Dade County Police Department (n = 13 districts) for 2014–2017 to identify census tracts in which weapon violence arrests among young people aged 10–24 is high, and models area-level predictors of the total number of violent weapons crimes by census tract (greenness and socioeconomic status indices, population density and weapon dealers), after adjusting for arrestee-level factors (age, race and gender). Combined, handguns and firearms accounted for 23.2% (n = 1330) of all arrests (including murder and non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault). Arrests for weapon -related violent crime are concentrated in census tracts located in the north and south neighborhoods of Miami-Dade County. Findings indicate that arrestee factors and a neighborhood greenness index are more important than population density, weapon dealers and poverty in predicting arrests for weapon-related violent crime at the census tract level.
A Review and Future Directions of UAV Swarm Communication Architectures

The utility of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has significantly disrupted aviation-related industries. As technology and policy continue to develop, this disruption is likely to continue and become even larger in magnitude. A specific technology poised to disrupt industry is UAV swarm. UAV swarm has the potential to distribute tasks and coordinate operation of many drones with little to no operator intervention. This paper surveys literature regarding UAV swarm and proposes a swarm architecture that will allow for higher levels of swarm autonomy and reliability by utilizing cellular mobile network infrastructure. Additionally, this paper chronicles initial testbed development to meet this proposed architecture. Specific development of higher levels of autonomous swarms with UAV-to-UAV communication and coordination ability is central to advancing the utility of UAV swarms. The use of cellular mobile framework alleviates many limiting factors for UAVs including range of communication, networking challenges, size-weight-and-power (SWaP) considerations, while leveraging a robust and reliable infrastructure for machine to machine (M2M) communication proposed by 5G systems.