cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
GROWTH DYNAMICS OF A SPECIALIZED MILKWEED SEED FEEDER (ONCOPELTUS FASCIATUS) ON SEEDS OF FAMILIAR AND UNFAMILIAR MILKWEEDS (ASCLEPIAS SPP.)

The effect of different host plant diets on the growth dynamics of the large milkweed bug, Oncopeltus fasciatus, was investigated by rearing this specialized seed feeder on the seeds of seven milkweed species occurring in central Missouri. Growth rate, growth efficiency, and ♂:♀ biomass ratio proved to be the most sensitive measures of growth in detecting significant differences between diets. Ascleptas syriaca L., A. verticillata L. and A. hirtella (Pennell) Woods, supported the most rapid and efficient growth, while A. incarnata L., A. purpurescens L., A. viridiflora Raf., and A. quadrifolia Jacq. were less suitable host species. In general, O. fasciatus grew best on the host species it utilizes most commonly in the field, thus supporting the proposed host familiarity hypothesis. The most commonly exploited plant species shared three characteristics of seed production and quality which accounted for 87%-96% of the variability in growth dynamics of O. fasciatus. The most important of these was the mean number of pods produced per plant. Seed nitrogen content was the next best parameter in further accounting for variability in growth rate and ♂:♀ biomass ratio but seed cardenolide content was the second parameter for growth efficiency. RESUME DYNAMIQUE DU DEVELOPPEMENT D'UN CONSOMMATEUR SPECIALISTE DE GRAINES D'ASCLEPIADACEES (ONCOPELTUS FASCIATUS), SUR DES GRAINES D'ASCLEPIAS HABITUELLEMENT OU NON CONSOMMEES L'elevage d'Oncopeltus fasciatus sur les graines de 7 especes d'Asclepias de la region centrale du Missouri a permis d'examiner l'influence de l'alimentation sur differentes plantes hotes sur la dynamique du developpement de cet insecte. La survie, la duree du developpement, la biomasse des adultes et les calories de l'aliment consomme ou de la biomasse produite, presentent peu de differences significatives suivant les aliments. Par contre, 3 autres parametres: le taux de croissance, l'efficacite de la croissance, et le rapport des biomasses ♂/♀, sont plus sensibles pour la mise en evidence de differences. Asclepias syriaca, A. verticillata et A. hirtella permettent la croissance la plus rapide et la plus efficace, tandis que A. incarnata. A. purpurescens, A. viridiflora et A. quadrifolia sont des hotes moins favorables. En general, O fasciatus se developpe mieux sur la plante qu'il consomme le plus frequemment dans la nature, ce que etait l'hypothese des hotes familiers. 87% de la variabilite du developpement sur les differents regimes peut etre expliquee par 3 parametres lies a la production el a la qualite des graines. Le nombre moyen de gousses par plante intervient le plus dans la determination de la variabilite du taux de croissance. La teneur des graines en azote est le parametre qui intervient ensuite pour le taux de croissance et le rapport de biomasses ♂/♀, mais la teneur des graines en cardenolide est le second parametre pour l'efficacite de la croissance.
Neurobiological structure of the revised limit cycle reciprocal interaction model of REM cycle control

SUMMARY New data bearing on the neurobiological basis of REM sleep and on mechanisms of EEG synchronization/desynchronization are presented. The revision of the limit cycle reciprocal interaction model (LCRIM) of REM cycle control incorporates new information on monoamine inhibition of mesopontine cholinergic neurons and of cholinergic mechanisms promoting REM sleep. New data also show cortical slow-wave activity is controlled by thalamocortical neurons' membrane potential level, which, in turn, is strongly controlled during sleep by brainstem cholinergic input arising from REM-on neurons. This new knowledge leads to a neurobiologi-cally justified integration of the LCRIM and of the two-process model of sleep control.
Review and Identification of DOE Laboratory Technologies for Countermine/Unexploded Ordnance Detection

Several Department of Energy (DOE) laboratories have worked and/or are working on technologies that are applicable to the detection of landmines and/or unexploded ordnance. This report is a compilation of technical summaries for many of these technologies. For additional information on any technology, appropriate points of contact are provided for each technology.
The Lipids in Relation to Atherosclerosis

T HE USUAL definition of atherosclerosis suggests that the disease is a fatty degeneration of the arterial wall. It is becoming increasingly apparent that the disease accompanies abnormalities in the metabolism of various lipids, and the number of lipids involved in the process seems to be growing as investigators delve into the matter. At this stage of our knowledge, it cannot be stated dogmatically that abnormalities of lipid metabolism are the cau.�e of the disease. Such may be the case, however, for imbalances induced in lipid metabolism have led to lesions resembling atherosclerosis in many respects. The number of lipid substances in nature is legion, and most of these are not well characterized. The variety of structures is great, and their single common property is that they occur together because of similar characteristics of solubility. The state of affairs in lipid chemistry is rather parallel to that of protein chemistry. We know the structures of many of the simple units which together make up the complex lipids, and we are continually finding new units previously unsuspected within the lipid family. The compositions of the more complex lipids are known only empirically, and the detailed structures have yet to be worked out for many compounds with molecular weights of less than I ,OUU. The structures of proteolipids and lipoproteins are not known, and for the present we must be content with knowing the approximate composition of these substances. Even the determination of composition of
The hsa-let-7a miRNA Enhances Ara-C Induced Apoptosis in Human Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells

Abstract 1286 CXCR4 surface expression has been reported as an important prognostic marker in AML patients. Our group previously reported that targeting the SDF-1α/CXCR4 axis by CXCR4 inhibition could overcome the resistance of AML cells to chemotherapy both in vitro and in vivo . To further explore the mechanism of targeting CXCR4, we first performed a microRNA microarray platform and revealed that hsa-let-7a as one of the most significantly degraded microRNA in OCI-AML3 cells treated with SDF-1α. Moreover, hsa-let-7a was highly elevated when the OCI-AML3 cells were treated with CXCR4 antagonist. To investigate the role of hsa-let-7a in leukemia cells, we first attempted to transfect human hsa-let-7a mimic into the OCI-AML3 cells by electroporation. When exposed to chemotherapy agent AraC (2.5μM, 48 hours), the hsa-let-7a overexpressed cells exhibited 2 more folds of apoptosis than negative controls (Annexin V positive percentage: 69.8% ± 9.4 % vs 23.2% ± 2.7%, p<0.01). Next, we suppressed CXCR4 in OCI-AML3 cells with lenti-virus delivered CXCR4 shRNA (CXCR4-shRNA-OCI3) to test whether CXCR4 regulates the hsa-let-7a expression. The CXCR4-shRNA-OCI3 cells had ∼70% lower of the cell surface CXCR4 expression as evaluated by Flow cytometry (PE-conjugated 12G5 anti-CXCR4 antibodies) and ∼60% less of migration to SDF-1α compared with the vector control cells. Using RT-PCR, we observed that hsa-let-7a level was elevated in the CXCR4-shRNA-OCI3 cells (∼2.3 folds of level in the NS-shRNA-OCI3 cells). As expected, hsa-let-7a target BCLXL were significantly decreased in CXCR4-shRNA-OCI3 cells in both mRNA and protein levels, which lead to higher sensitivity to AraC treatment (Annexin V positive percentage: 48.1% ± 5.1 % vs NS-shRNA-OCI3 cells 19.1% ± 2.7%, p<0.01). To investigate whether the CXCR4 surface expression is associated with the hsa-let-7a level in patient samples, we collected bone marrow samples from AML patients after informed consent. Mononuclear cells were separated by ficoll and stained with CXCR4 antibody for cell sorting. We observed CXCR4 high expression subpopulation had significantly lower level of hsa-let-7a. c-Myc and BCLXL protein levels were much lower in CXCR4 low expression subpopulation, and it may explain that low CXCR4 expression on AML cells correlated with a better prognosis, resulting in a longer relapse-free and overall survival. Collectively, our results support that CXCR4 antagonists could mobilize AML cells from the protective stromal microenvironments and make them more susceptible to conventional therapy. These findings also showed hsa-let-7a plays an important role in AML cell chemoresistance, and suggested a new mechanism that microRNA is involved in SDF-1α/CXCR4 signaling pathway. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Ionization growth in nitrogen gas in a coaxial geometry

Electron avalanches are simulated in a coaxial geometry with nitrogen gas pressures up to 405.2 kPa. The purpose behind this simulation is to study the relative effect of nonuniformity and pressure on the growth of electron avalanches. Irrespective of the radius of the inner electrode, the multiplication of electrons is allowed over 1 cm only. The simulation is performed in various coaxial geometries. Comparisons of electron avalanches under different conditions of pressure and radius are made in the context of the time required for breakdown of the gas. >
Recent developments in the application of Fisher information to sustainable environmental management

Assessing sustainability in human and natural systems is often hampered by complex dynamics, timescales, and inherent linkages among the observable properties. Although many indicators have been identified that help classify trends indicating movement toward and away from sustainability, evaluating changes in system behavior requires monitoring multiple variables over time. Therefore, there is great value in methods that can capture the dynamics of multidimensional systems. Fisher information collapses multiple variables into an index that can be monitored over time to assess changes in the dynamic behavior of systems. It has demonstrated promise in capturing dynamic order and detecting regime shifts in model and real systems, but challenges in handling data quality and interpreting results can limit its application. This chapter summarizes ongoing activities that enhance the effectiveness of the approach and extend it to develop practical mechanisms for monitoring and managing highly complex and integrated systems toward sustainability.
Treatment of a Stiff Shoulder after Posterior Capsulorrhaphy. A Report of Three Cases

Loss of external rotation is a recognized complication after anterior capsular repair1,17; however, there is little information in the literature with regard to similar problems associated with posterior capsular shift reconstruction for posterior glenohumeral instability2,3,5,6,11-16. The purpose of this paper is to describe three patients who had a painful shoulder associated with loss of flexion, internal rotation, and horizontal adduction after a posterior capsular shift procedure for posterior instability of the shoulder. The pain and loss of motion were treated with a posterior soft-tissue-lengthening procedure. CASE 1. A thirty-three-year-old male truck driver was first seen by us sixteen months after a posterior capsular shift procedure on the left, non-dominant shoulder. Before that procedure, he had had an unsuccessful open acromioplasty followed by a long program of physical therapy. According to the operative report, the capsule was lax. In addition, the capsular repair was performed with the shoulder in external rotation. During the sixteen months before he was first examined by us, the patient continued to have pain and stiffness in the involved shoulder; this led to three additional operative procedures, including a second open acromioplasty followed by a coracoidplasty and, later, by a biceps tenodesis. When he was first seen by us, the patient reported an inability to use the left arm above the level of the shoulder and he described ongoing discomfort in the shoulder. Physical examination revealed marked limitation of both active and passive motion of the shoulder, which was confirmed by an examination performed with the patient under general anesthesia. Passive flexion was 70 degrees, internal rotation in adduction was to the fifth lumbar level, internal rotation in abduction was 20 degrees, and horizontal (cross-chest) adduction was 10 degrees. After the …
Electronic control of optical tweezers using space-time-wavelength mapping

We present a new approach for electronic control of optical tweezers by using space-time-wavelength mapping (STWM), a technique that uses time-domain modulation to control local intensity values and hence the resulting optical force in space. The proposed technique enables direct control of magnitude, location, and polarity of force hot spots created by Lorentz force (gradient force). In this paper we develop an analytical formulation of the proposed STWM technique for optical tweezing. In the case study presented here we show that 150 fs optical pulses are dispersed in time and space to achieve a focused elliptical beam that is ∼20 μm long and ∼2 μm wide. By choosing the appropriate RF waveform and electro-optic modulator we can generate multiple hot spots with >200 pN force per pulse.
The logic of aliasing

We give a new version of Hoare''s logic which correctly handles programs with aliased variables. The central proof rules of the logic (procedure call and assignment) are proved sound and complete.
Social norms and financial incentives to promote employees' healthy food choices: A randomized controlled trial.

Abstract Objective Population-level strategies to improve healthy food choices are needed for obesity prevention. We conducted a randomized controlled trial of 2672 employees at the Massachusetts General Hospital who were regular customers of the hospital cafeteria with all items labeled green (healthy), yellow (less healthy), or red (unhealthy) to determine if social norm (peer-comparison) feedback with or without financial incentives increased employees' healthy food choices. Methods Participants were randomized in 2012 to three arms: 1) monthly letter with social norm feedback about healthy food purchases, comparing employee to “all” and to “healthiest” customers (feedback-only); 2) monthly letter with social norm feedback plus small financial incentive for increasing green purchases (feedback-incentive); or 3) no contact (control). The main outcome was change in proportion of green-labeled purchases at the end of 3-month intervention. Post-hoc analyses examined linear trends. Results At baseline, the proportion of green-labeled purchases (50%) did not differ between arms. At the end of the 3-month intervention, the percentage increase in green-labeled purchases was larger in the feedback-incentive arm compared to control (2.2% vs. 0.1%, P = 0.03), but the two intervention arms were not different. The rate of increase in green-labeled purchases was higher in both feedback-only (P = 0.04) and feedback-incentive arms (P = 0.004) compared to control. At the end of a 3-month wash-out, there were no differences between control and intervention arms. Conclusions Social norms plus small financial incentives increased employees' healthy food choices over the short-term. Future research will be needed to assess the impact of this relatively low-cost intervention on employees' food choices and weight over the long-term. Trial Registration: Clinical Trials.gov : NCT01604499 .
Host-Acceptance Behavior of Campoletis sonorensis toward Heliothis zea

Four successive phases of host-acceptance behavior were displayed by Campoletis sonoreiisis (Cameron) toward larvae of Heliothis zea (Boddie) : antennal examination of larvae, ovipositor thrusting, ovipositor insertion, and oviposition. The duration of the entire sequence averaged 1.8 s. Searching behavior preceded the entire process. The parasitoid could revert to searching behavior after any phase of acceptance behavior or divert to 1 of 2 phases of auxiliary behavior, i.e., grooming or resting. Once the acceptance behavior sequence was interrupted, it could only be reinitiated with antennal examination. Host movement and a chemical served as releasing stimuli. The chemical was associated with a wide variety of host tissues. It was relatively nonvolatile in association with larval integuments and webbing but volatile after extraction with diethyl ether. Host size, as it was correlated with larval aggressive behavior and integumentary thickness, limited the complete expression of the acceptance behavior sequence by the parasitoid. Host-acceptance behavior also seemed to be affected by a period of parasitoid insensitivity to releasing stimuli following oviposition. Host age and color had no influence on acceptance behavior.
Explicit Solvent Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Aβ Peptide Interacting with Ibuprofen Ligands

Using all-atom explicit water model and replica exchange molecular dynamics, we study the interactions between Aβ monomer and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen, which is known to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Ibuprofen binding to Aβ is largely governed by hydrophobic effect, and its binding site in Aβ peptide is entirely composed of hydrophobic amino acids. Electrostatic interactions between negatively charged ibuprofen ligands and positively charged side chains make a relatively small contribution to binding. This outcome is explained by the competition of ligand–peptide electrostatic interactions with intrapeptide salt bridges. Consistent with the experiments, the S-isomer of ibuprofen binds with stronger affinity to Aβ than the R-isomer. Conformational ensemble of Aβ monomer in ibuprofen solution reveals two structured regions, 19–25 (R1) and 29–35 (R2), composed of turn/helix and helix structure, respectively. The clustering technique and free energy analysis suggest that Aβ conf...
Movement and Microdistribution of Sida Crystallina and Other Littoral Microcrustacea

Littoral invertebrates of Cochran Lake, Michigan were either highly "plant-associ- ated," and found infrequently away from aquatic macrophytes, or "free-swimming" among the plants. Plant-associated taxa were distributed according to available surface area. Numbers of periphyton and detritus feeders, chiefly chydorid Cladocera and chironomid midge larvae, were highly correlated with diatom density, whereas filter-feeding Cladocera attached to the plants (Sida, Simocephalus) were not. Cyclopoid copepods characteristic of the littoral during the day (Macrocyclops, Eucyclops, and Microcyclops) were also found primarily on aquatic plant surfaces. Abundances of the chydorid Cladocera increased slightly at night, while other taxa showed little diurnal variation. Free-swimming species in the littoral (Bosmina, Ceriodaphnia) sometimes formed large patches covering many square metres. Larger species (Mesocyclops, Diaptomus, Epischura) greatly increased the numbers and diversity of this community at night. Sida crystallina, a filter feeder typically attached to plant surfaces, nonetheless swims frequently and well if disturbed. Juveniles moved between substrates more frequently than adults, and were found nearer the surface. Sites for reattachment were located visually. Frequent and often extensive episodes of swimming, especially by juveniles, provided a plausible explanation for the high concen- trations of Sida observed on isolated plants, particularly those on the margins of stands of aquatic vegetation.
Inhibition of bilirubin conjugation in vitro.

ConclusionSince serum levels are unknown in relation to Synkavite, the data are difficult to interpret but it would appear that inhibition in vitro occurs at concentrations which might be expected in an infant, particularly when high doses are given. Chloromycetin shows slight inhibition within the accepted range and streptomycin just beyond the accepted range of serum levels.
The Evolution of Advanced Molecular Diagnostics for the Detection and Characterization of Mycoplasma pneumoniae.

Over the past several years there have been significant advancements in the methods used for detecting and characterizing Mycoplasma pneumoniae, a common cause of respiratory illness and community-acquired pneumonia worldwide. The repertoire of available molecular diagnostics has greatly expanded from nucleic acid amplification techniques (NAATs) that encompass a variety of chemistries used for detection, to more sophisticated characterizing methods such as multi-locus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis and sequencing typing (MLVA and MLST, respectively), matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) typing, and numerous macrolide susceptibility profiling methods, among others. These many molecular-based approaches have been developed and employed to continually increase the level of discrimination and characterization in order to better understand the epidemiology and biology of M. pneumoniae. This review will summarize recent molecular techniques and procedures and lend perspective to how each has enhanced the current understanding of this organism and will emphasize how Next Generation Sequencing may serve as a resource for researchers to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the genomic complexities of this insidious pathogen.
Combustion Diagnostics and Chemical Sensing with Frequency Comb Lasers

Recent advancements in robust frequency comb laser design have enabled the first industrial implementations of dual-comb gas sensors. As an example, we demonstrate dual-comb spectroscopy in the exhaust of a 16 MW stationary gas turbine.
Volumetric-modulated arc therapy using multicriteria optimization for body and extremity sarcoma

This study evaluates the implementation of volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) using multicriteria optimization (MCO) in the RayStation treatment planning system (TPS) for complex sites, namely extremity and body sarcoma. The VMAT-MCO algorithm implemented in RayStation is newly developed and requires an integrated, comprehensive analysis of plan generation, delivery, and treatment efficiency. Ten patients previously treated by intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) with MCO were randomly selected and replanned using VMAT-MCO. The plan quality was compared using homogeneity index (HI) and conformity index (CI) of the planning target volume (PTV) and dose sparing of organs at risk (OARs). Given the diversity of the tumor location, the 10 plans did not have a common OAR except for skin. The skin D50 and Dmean was directly compared between VMAT-MCO and IMRT-MCO. Additional OAR dose points were compared on a plan-by-plan basis. The treatment efficiency was compared using plan monitor units (MU) and net beam-on time. Plan quality assurance was performed using the Sun Nuclear ArcCHECK phantom and a gamma criteria of 3%/3 mm. No statistically significant differences were found between VMAT- and IMRT-MCO for HI and CI of the PTV or D50 and Dmean to the skin. The VMAT-MCO plans showed general improvements in sparing to OARs. The VMAT-MCO plan set showed statistically significant improvements over the IMRT-MCO set in treatment efficiency per plan MU ( p < 0.05) and net beam-on time ( p < 0.01). The VMAT-MCO plan deliverability was validated. Similar gamma passing rates were observed for the two modalities. This study verifies the suitability of VMAT-MCO for sarcoma cancer and highlighted the comparability in plan quality and improve­ment in treatment efficiency offered by VMAT-MCO as compared to IMRT-MCO.
3-D-Gaze-Based Robotic Grasping Through Mimicking Human Visuomotor Function for People With Motion Impairments

Objective: The goal of this paper is to achieve a novel 3-D-gaze-based human–robot-interaction modality, with which a user with motion impairment can intuitively express what tasks he/she wants the robot to do by directly looking at the object of interest in the real world. Toward this goal, we investigate 1) the technology to accurately sense where a person is looking in real environments and 2) the method to interpret the human gaze and convert it into an effective interaction modality. Looking at a specific object reflects what a person is thinking related to that object, and the gaze location contains essential information for object manipulation. Methods: A novel gaze vector method is developed to accurately estimate the 3-D coordinates of the object being looked at in real environments, and a novel interpretation framework that mimics human visuomotor functions is designed to increase the control capability of gaze in object grasping tasks. Results: High tracking accuracy was achieved using the gaze vector method. Participants successfully controlled a robotic arm for object grasping by directly looking at the target object. Conclusion: Human 3-D gaze can be effectively employed as an intuitive interaction modality for robotic object manipulation. Significance: It is the first time that 3-D gaze is utilized in a real environment to command a robot for a practical application. Three-dimensional gaze tracking is promising as an intuitive alternative for human–robot interaction especially for disabled and elderly people who cannot handle the conventional interaction modalities.
Abstract 165: RNAi Therapeutics Targeting PCSK9 and ANGPTL3 for Mixed Hyperlipidemia

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a member of the proprotein convertase (PC) family of subtilisin-like serine endoproteases that regulates low density lipoprotein receptor (L...
Ferroelectric transistors with monolayer molybdenum disulfide and ultra-thin aluminum-doped hafnium oxide

In this letter, we demonstrate ferroelectric memory devices with monolayer molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) as the channel material and aluminum (Al)-doped hafnium oxide (HfO2) as the ferroelectric gate dielectric. Metal-ferroelectric-metal capacitors with 16 nm thick Al-doped HfO2 are fabricated, and a remnant polarization of 3 μC/cm2 under a program/erase voltage of 5 V is observed. The capability of potential 10 years data retention was estimated using extrapolation of the experimental data. Ferroelectric transistors based on embedded ferroelectric HfO2 and MoS2 grown by chemical vapor deposition are fabricated. Clockwise hysteresis is observed at low program/erase voltages due to slow bulk traps located near the 2D/dielectric interface, while counterclockwise hysteresis is observed at high program/erase voltages due to ferroelectric polarization. In addition, the endurances of the devices are tested, and the effects associated with ferroelectric materials, such as the wake-up effect and polarization fatigu...
Implementation of a flipped classroom approach to promote active learning in the third-year surgery clerkship

Abstract Background Constructivist student-centered instructional models such as the flipped classroom (FC) have been shown to improve learning. Methods A FC approach was implemented for the surgery clerkship. Data was collected in phase 1 to evaluate student learning and attitudes. Based on these results, questions for the phase 2 open-ended survey were developed to improve understanding of learner attitudes, and ascertain how well the FC aligns with constructivist principles. Results There was no significant difference in shelf exam performance between the control and intervention groups. A majority of students agreed that they preferred the FC over lectures, and that their learning improved. Open-ended survey analysis demonstrated that the FC fostered self-directed, active learning, and that the in-class sessions facilitated application of concepts and deeper learning. Areas identified for improvement included better alignment with learning preferences through greater variety of pre-class learning options, improvement of podcast technical quality, and utilization of smaller in-class discussion groups. Conclusions Students had a positive perception of the FC. The FC supports self-directed and more active and deeper in-class learning.
Cardiovascular and metabolic morbidity after hysterectomy with ovarian conservation: a cohort study.

AbstractObjective:The aim of the study was to determine the long-term risk of cardiovascular disease and metabolic conditions in women undergoing hysterectomy with bilateral ovarian conservation compared with age-matched referent women.Methods:Using the Rochester Epidemiology Project records-linkage
Stimuli Responsive Hierarchical Assembly of P22 Virus-like Particles

Biomimetic systems responsive to environmental stimuli are of growing interest due to their useful, intriguing, and sometimes unexpected properties. Hierarchical self-assembly of biological building blocks has emerged as a powerful means of creating biomaterials with collective properties. Here, we show P22 virus-like particles (VLPs) functionalized with a spider silk protein derivative on the capsid exterior assemble into a hierarchical structure due to spider silk/spider silk interactions at low pH and reversibly dissemble upon raising the pH. We also show that the capsid arrays can be assembled through electrostatic interaction between the negatively charged capsids and a positively supercharged GFP mutant and can be reversed by raising the ionic strength. Most notably, we found that the supercharged GFP could bind to the hierarchically assembled material under high salt conditions but not to the individual capsids under the same high salt conditions. The binding of the charged macromolecule under high...
Modular electronics for broadening non-expert participation in STEM innovation: An IoT perspective

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) initiatives like makerspaces, open-source projects, engineering education etc., influence each other in a larger STEM ecosystem. This ecosystem extends beyond the traditional academic classroom into independent non-expert spaces and large corporate environments, and is critical to the innovative design of novel, efficient, and user-specific Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Although development boards have been commonly used in STEM programs and by engineers for initial design prototyping, these boards are not an ideal solution for non-expert users. Existing development boards lack the flexibility required to enable the rapid development and easy personalization of emerging IoT devices. In this paper, we survey modular electronic technologies used for education and suggest that modular electronics are the sustainable solution for a lightweight, versatile, and easily personalized generation of electronic devices. Modular electronics are application specific circuit pieces that can be combined in different configurations to create many different common devices like mobile phones or tablets. Modular electronics address obvious gaps in the STEM ecosystem, and consequently, the IoT space by allowing rapid prototyping and user-controlled reconfigurability.
Developing And Implementing A Quality Assurance Strategy For Electroconvulsive Therapy

Background The literature provides scant guidance in effective quality assurance strategies concerning the use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for the treatment of psychiatric conditions. Numerous guidelines are published that provide guidance in the delivery of care; however, little has been done to determine how a program or facility might ensure compliance to best practice for safety, tolerability, and efficacy in performing ECT. Objective The objective of this project was to create a quality assurance strategy specific to ECT. Determining standards for quality care and clarifying facility policy were key outcomes in establishing an effective quality assurance strategy. Methods An audit tool was developed utilizing quality criteria derived from a systematic review of ECT practice guidelines, peer review, and facility policy. All ECT procedures occurring over a 2-month period of May to June 2017 were retrospectively audited and compared against target compliance rates set for the facility's ECT program. Facility policy was adapted to reflect quality standards, and audit findings were used to inform possible practice change initiatives, were used to create benchmarks for continuous quality monitoring, and were integrated into regular hospital quality meetings. Results Clarification on standards of care and the use of clinical auditing in ECT was an effective starting point in the development of a quality assurance strategy. Audit findings were successfully integrated into the hospital's overall quality program, and recognition of practice compliance informed areas for future quality development and policy revision in this small community-based hospital in the southeastern United States. Conclusions This project sets the foundation for a quality assurance strategy that can be used to help monitor procedural safety and guide future improvement efforts in delivering ECT. Although it is just the first step in creating meaningful quality improvement, setting clear standards and identifying areas of greatest clinical need were crucial beginning for this hospital's growing program.
What are We Talking About When We Talk About Holistic Review? Selective College Admissions and its Effects on Low-SES Students

This mixed-methods study used open-response survey data, focus groups, and an experimental simulation to explore how 311 admissions officers defined and used concepts of holistic review in selectiv...
Free Flow versus Fair Flow: Revisiting the New World Information and Communication Order debates in the global era:

This study reexamines the political and cultural dimensions of the New World Information and Communication Order debates, which were hosted by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural...
A personalized approach using hypoxia resolution to guide curative-intent radiation dose-reduction to 30 Gy: A novel de-escalation paradigm for HPV-associated oropharynx cancers (OPC).

6076Background: We conducted a pilot study using functional imaging to guide reduction in radiation (RT) to 30Gy with concurrent chemotherapy in patients with HPV+ OPC. Methods: 19 patients were en...
Urban-rural water access inequalities in Malawi: implications for monitoring the Sustainable Development Goals

Urban‐rural inequalities in water access constitute one of the major obstacles to achieving universal water coverage. In Sub‐Saharan Africa, these inequalities have persisted for decades. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) seek to achieve universal access to safely managed water, which requires that an improved source be located on premises, available when needed, and free from contamination. This paper draws on empirical evidence from household surveys in peri‐urban and rural Malawi to examine urban‐rural differences in access to safely managed water. The paper highlights issues with the SDGs’ definition and monitoring indicators and outlines lessons for improving water access given existing inequalities between urban and rural areas. It concludes by arguing that a one‐size‐fits‐all approach to governance, monitoring, and planning cannot eliminate inequalities in water access, especially between urban and rural areas.
Understanding Multiplication and Division of Multidigit Numbers.

jfxnyone who has taught multiplication and division of large numbers knows that they are difficult processes for children to learn. Even though learning mathematics through understanding, rather than by rote, has been emphasized for decades, methods of teaching multiplication and division of multidigit numbers have been abstract. Because of the lack of understanding, these concepts are not retained. Children earn the beginnings of multiplication and division by using concrete objects ( olor d r ds and disks) and semico crete mater als (the number line and arrays). It seems to be assumed that when childr n have learned the basic concepts, i clu ing the distributive property, they are r ady to le rn the next stages without using co cret or semiconcrete materials. Rather than engaging in purposeful dis-
Text and Context in Maxwell’s Electromagnetic Theory

It is a common observation that the considerable effort invested in historical and philosophical study of the work of James Clerk Maxwell in electromagnetic theory has not been handsomely repaid: the effort seems not to have been cumulative, generating rather more questions than answers. Characteristically, trenchantly — and perhaps a bit extravagantly — Paul Forman has “described the [Maxwell] enterprise as a vortex in a draining sink that continually sweeps in new intellects and new ideas, which just as continually vanish.”1 (The allusion is to Maxwell’s vortex theory of electricity and magnetism;2 I shall have more to say both about allusions in various kinds of discourse and about Maxwell’s vortex theory.)
A novel factor influencing perioperative midazolam administration: The effect of presentation dose on administration dose.

Background and Aims: Determinants of pharmaceutical unit presentations are not well understood and often appear indiscriminate. However, the dose administered may play a key role in the patient's anesthetic course. A recent change in a pharmaceutical vendor at our institution resulted in a change in midazolam presentation. In this study, we sought to determine whether the dose in which midazolam was dispensed to anesthesiologists was associated with the quantity of midazolam administered perioperatively. Material and Methods: In this retrospective, observational study, we examined 310 adult patients who underwent general anesthesia at a single site, tertiary care, university hospital before and after a change in midazolam presentation from 2 mg to 3 mg. The primary outcome was the quantity of midazolam administered during the anesthetic. Additional clinical variables measured included patient age, weight, gender, and American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) classification. Results: The mean dose of midazolam administered to the 3 mg presentation cohort was 2.67 mg compared to 1.99 mg to the 2 mg presentation cohort (mean difference: 0.68 mg, 95% CI: 0.46–0.9 mg; P value Conclusions: Midazolam presentation dose influences the administration dose.
Imagination and Film

This chapter addresses the application of contemporary theories of the imagination—largely drawn from cognitive psychology—to our understanding of film. Topics include the role of the imagination in our learning what facts hold within a fictional film, including what characters’ motivations, beliefs, and feelings are; how our perceptual experience of a film explains our imaginative visualizing of its contents; how fictional scenarios in films generate certain affective and evaluative responses; and how such responses compare to those we have toward analogous circumstances in real life.
Botulinum Toxin Injections for Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Botulinum toxin (BTX) produces several effects that include muscular paralysis from temporary chemodenervation and modulation of pain neurotransmitters and autonomic nervous system. Because of these properties, BTX has been used to treat neuromuscular disorders including NTOS, autonomic disorders, and chronic pain. It also has effects beyond the neuromuscular junctions and synapses, so its exact mechanism of action in evaluating and treating NTOS is uncertain. In some cases, it has been used effectively for both the diagnosis and treatment of NTOS, and it has shown to be safe for this application. Further study is required to determine its precise role.
Poetics: Queer Recesses of the Heart and the Spirit of Intimacy within the Africana Household

Audre Lorde is a household name within Black queer communities and has almost exclusively been associated with scholarship on gender and sexuality. Her early political involvement in Africa’s liberation in the context of Negritude, a pan-African movement of self-affirmation, has largely gone unnoticed, inad- vertently giving credence to the unfounded but popular idea that queer folk s are not interested in Africa’s political priorities. This essay is written with the view that Africa and her Diaspora need preeminent queer actors influencing the present and future trajectories and strategies to be considered in defence of a Black dignified presence in the world and against global racism. It is further submitted that the personal is not just political – it is primarily spiritual. Hence the triad, personal, spiritual, and political has implications for our appraisal of meanings within the Africana household. The exploration of poetry as a spiritual practice of the queered self in this essay blurs the boun- daries between religion and politics in order to offer an integral account of gender diversity within the Africana household. We need to collectively learn from the experiences that not just resist racial oppression but also from those that simultaneously free the heart. From this vantage point, Audre Lorde’s poetics is read as internal recommendations for building up the Africana dwelling by calling out what remains dormant or imperfectly considered within the realm of spiritual and political imagination: queer recesses of the heart.
AvaFlow: Learning to Design Intelligent Virtual Agents through Flow-Based Programming

Modern Intelligent Virtual Agents (IVAs) are gradually progressing from just voice control tools to interactive, rich, humanlike social systems. However, creating these social humanlike IVAs is usually a daunting task and may present challenges for novice programmers, given the high technical complexity of practical implementation. In this work, we present AvaFlow, a web-based educational flow-based programming tool designed to assist novice programmers with creating and deploying IVA prototypes. We also aim to expand the use of the tool beyond IVAs to teach additional CS concepts related to data-driven applications.
Race and Bias in Child Maltreatment Diagnosis and Reporting.

* Abbreviation: CPS — : child protective services Pediatricians have implicit and explicit racial biases that impact the health and well-being of children and their families.1,2 Similarly, effects of racism on diagnosis and reporting of suspected child abuse and neglect to child protective services (CPS) can have serious consequences. Although we and others are mandated to report suspected child abuse or neglect in all US states and territories, the threshold for reporting requires only “reasonable suspicion” of abuse or neglect.3 Pediatricians may also report families that they perceive need additional resources. Research on racial bias and physician reporting is limited.4 Disproportionality in reporting is widespread on the basis of race, culture, and ethnicity. Asian American and Hispanic children are underrepresented, but overrepresentation of Black children throughout the child protection system has been most widely described.5 Black children are reported at approximately twice the rate of white children, and the complex relationship of reporting with poverty and race has yet to be fully understood.4–6 Once reported, cases with Black children are more likely to be accepted for investigation, be confirmed, be brought to court, result in removal of the children from their families for longer periods of time, and take longer to be closed, possibly related to surveillance bias.5,7 Multiple points in this process are subject to bias, but the process begins with reporting.8,9 The concept of bias has been recognized and discussed within the medical community for at least half a century. Diagnostic errors due to bias can lead to errors in reporting.10 Although physicians have historically been key players in the development … Address correspondence to Vincent J. Palusci, MD, MS, FAAP, Department of Pediatrics, Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, 462 First Ave, Room GC-65, New York, NY 10016. E-mail: vincent.palusci{at}nyulangone.org
Interfacial deformation and failure mechanisms at the single-splat length scale revealed in-situ by indentation of cold sprayed aluminum microparticles

Abstract Cold spray deposition exploits the phenomenon of impact bonding for solid-state consolidation of metallic microparticles. However, the particle interfaces in the deposits are susceptible to crack propagation under mechanical stresses, which results in inferior ductility. In this work, we seek to develop insights into splat-substrate interface bonding by in-situ micromechanical investigations. A miniaturized mechanical testing approach is reported here, which relies on micromachining, targeted indentation, and real-time scanning electron microscopy to probe deformation and failure at buried interfaces. Investigations at the “single splat length scale” enabled us to distinguish deformation mechanisms associated with 6061Al splats with globular and pancake-shaped morphologies. We observed a transition from mechanical interlocking to metallurgical bonding with an increase in the degree of particle flattening during deposition. The mechanically interlocked splats debond from the substrate via crack propagation and splat sliding. On the other hand, metallurgically bonded splats do not fail under indentation stresses exceeding 380 MPa; instead, displaying shear band propagation and pile-up mechanisms. A four-fold enhancement in the critical stress for crack propagation in mechanically-interlocked splats is achieved after a two-step annealing-aging heat-treatment cycle. We demonstrate that interface bonding plays a more dominant role than the inherent plasticity of splats in influencing bulk deposits' ductility, underscoring the importance of interface engineering in cold sprayed materials.
Globalization, Law and Development: Introduction and Overview

Most observers would agree that globalization can in principle be a positive phenomenon and aid human development even if they disagree about the extent to which the current wave of globalization has in fact been helpful. A key issue in these debates is the extent to which globalization widens or narrows the gap between the developed nations and the developing world, or at least significantly improves the lot of the developing world even if it does not narrow the gap. To the extent globalization helps bring developing countries up to the standards of developed countries' life expectancy, health, education, and overall prosperity, most would agree that it should be viewed positively. The debate has therefore focused primarily on how globalization can be managed in a way that helps development. The role of law in development has become a key focus of this debate in recent years. Yet stale discussion about the importance of law in development from a generation ago has largely given way to richly textured debates about what forms of what law, public administration, enforcement, and other institutions, developed where and by whom, might improve economic growth how, and for whom. The papers in this issue [26 Michigan Journal of International Law 1 (2005)] were written for a conference that we convened at the University of Michigan Law School in April, 2004 to address these issues. We invited a number of experts from a variety of disciplines to discuss issues related to the links between globalization, development, and law. We summarize the articles and remarks, and the offer some observations.