cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The impact of institutional factors on forecast accuracy: manufacturing executives perspective

SUMMARY Forecast accuracy is a major challenge for manufacturing organizations. Forecast error can be a direct cause of stockouts, inventory growth and/or costly changes in the mast schedule. Despite the considerable time and effort expended on forecasting, forecasts are still very inaccurate. In summation, forecast inaccuracy is expensive and the confusion and frustration resulting from it is extensive. This confusion has led some advisers to recommend the elimination of forecasting altogether (Goddard 1989). Others, however, emphasize the need for forecast accuracy in order to permit an appropriate and effective response by the manufacturing organization. The importance of a relatively accurate forecast to manufacturing performance calls for understanding of the factors which affect forecast accuracy. Many researchers have analysed how the use of various techniques affects forecast accuracy. These studies focus on understanding of the technical accuracy of various methods: they do not suggest how manufa...
Impact of through-silicon-via scaling on the wirelength distribution of current and future 3D ICs

In this paper, we investigate the impact of TSV scaling on the wirelength distribution of the 3D ICs. This investigation includes wirelength distribution prediction of 3D ICs for current/future process/TSV technologies, studies on the impact of the design granularity at each process node, the impact of the die count, and the impact of TSV area constraint, and cross-comparison among various 2D and 3D technologies.
Two Phase Spectrum Sharing for Frequency-Agile Radio Networks

Modern frequency-agile radios are capable of dynamically changing the spectrum width and central frequency of its channels. Existing spectrum sharing algorithms often fail to exploit this characteristic to realize efficient spectrum utilization. In this paper, we present a theoretical framework that capitalize on the frequency agility of modern radios. We solve a joint spectrum sharing and end-to-end rate control problems for general wireless networks to achieve optimal spectrum efficiency with regard to network utility. Analytical and simulation results show the effectiveness of our design.
Geologic evidence for life(?) on Mars

Abstract The recent recognition of redbeds on Mars similar to the Permian redbeds in Kansas has given speculation that (1) the beds probably were deposited by water; (2) they could contain evaporites; and (3) the evaporites might contain fluid inclusions with organic matter. If these conjectures are correct, then samples of these sediments collected on future missions might substantiate previous life on the red planet.
ADAPTATION OF A SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT METHODOLOGY TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A LARGE-SCALE DATA ACQUISITION AND CONTROL SYSTEM(*)

A progress report is presented on a program to upgrade the existing NASA Deep Space Network in terms of a redesigned computer-controlled data acquisition system for channelling tracking, telemetry, and command data between a California-based control center and three signal processing centers in Australia, California, and Spain. The methodology for the improvements is oriented towards single subsystem development with consideration for a multi-system and multi-subsystem network of operational software. Details of the existing hardware configurations and data transmission links are provided. The program methodology includes data flow design, interface design and coordination, incremental capability availability, increased inter-subsystem developmental synthesis and testing, system and network level synthesis and testing, and system verification and validation. The software has been implemented thus far to a 65 percent completion level, and the methodology being used to effect the changes, which will permit enhanced tracking and communication with spacecraft, has been concluded to feature effective techniques.
Social Choice with Infinite Populations

We provide a simple construction of social choice rules for economies with infinite populations. The rules are continuous, Pareto and non dictatorial; they are constructed as limits of individual preferences whenthe limit exists, and otherwise as adequate generalizations. This contrastswith the impossibility results of Arrow (1951) and Chichilnisky (1980), whichare valid on economies with finitely many individuals. Our social choicerules are, however, limits of dictatorial rules. This paper was written in1979.
Creatine Monohydrate: Daily Blood Pressure Monitoring During the Loading Phase of Supplementation

Creatine monohydrate (CrM) is considered a safe nutritional supplement. The loading phase of CrM supplementation is associated with shifts in total body water and plasma volume that may affect blood pressure. However, few studies have measured blood pressure during the loading phase of CrM supplementation. Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine if CrM supplementation in normotensive college-aged males induces a daily blood pressure increase during the supplementation-loading phase. Methods: Participants’ blood pressure, shoulder extension active range of motion (AROM), arm girth, arm volume, plasma volume, blood volume, hematocrit, and hemoglobin were measured daily for five days of supplementation (4x5gxd -1 x5d) of either CrM (n=12) or placebo (P; n=12). Results: The CrM group did not experience significant changes in systolic blood pressure (mmHg) (CrM 126.67±1.94 Day5 ; P 125.50±2.61 Day5 ) or diastolic blood pressure (mmHg) (CrM 83.83±2.19 Day5 ; P 82.33±2.07 Day5 ) compared to P. A significant T x Tx interaction (p=0.001) and Tx effect (p=0.03) support decreased AROM (cm) in the CrM group compared to P (CrM 38.3±2.19 Day 1 , CrM 34.0±2.01 Day5 ; P 41.02±2.49 Day 1 , P 43.2±2.47 Day5 ). An increase in arm volume (ml) in the CrM group (CrM 2443±99.44 Day 1 , CrM 2470±92.21 Day5 ) vs. the P group (P 2372±74.44 Day 1 , P 2374±74.61 Day5 ; p=0.026) was observed. An increase in plasma volume (%Δ from baseline) (p=0.014) (CrM 1.48±2.60 Day2 , CrM 6.03±4.03 Day5 ; P 3.25±2.74 Day2 , P 5.05±2.91 Day5 ) and a decrease in hematocrit (%) (p=0.026) (CrM 0.47±0.01 Day 1 , 0.45±0.01 Day5 ; P 0.46±0.01 Day 1 , 0.45±0.01 Day5 ) were observed. Conclusion: Findings suggest CrM supplementation in the loading phase does not affect blood pressure in normotensive college-aged males. CrM reduces shoulder extension AROM presumably due to increased tissue volume secondary to fluid shifts.
Extraordinary optical transmission (EOT) through multi-layered systems of corrugated metallic thin films

Optical transmission through multi-layered systems of metallic structures was investigated numerically. We find that these structures can significantly impede the field decay, often leading to EOT even for thicknesses much greater than the skin depth.
Time Factor in Retention of Nitrogen After Intravenous Injection of a Mixture of Amino-Acids.

SummaryThe injection of tryptophane (and methionine) 6 hours after the injection of an incomplete mixture of amino-acids lacking only tryptophane failed to induce positive nitrogen balance, whereas the injection of tryptophane (and methionine) simultaneously succeeded in doing so. It is inferred that retention of nitrogen is facilitated when all of a complete mixture of amino-acids is presented to the tissues at the same time.
A Device for Immobilizing Insects with Cooled Air

Chilling is one of the most satisfactory methods of immobilizing insects to facilitate handling during experiments. Busvine (1957) summarized the advantages and disadvantages of using fat solvents, CO2, and chilling, Harris et al. (1965) reported that chilling had fewer adverse effects than CO2 on horn flies, Haematobia irritans (L.), and on stable flies, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.). Several methods of chilling insects have been used, the commonest being refrigerated chilling tables and chilled rooms. However, the chilling tables cause moisture to condense on the insects and holding equipment, and the insects must be cooled before they are placed on the chilled surface. Chilled rooms cool the equipment and test materials as well as the insect. The device described here does not have these disadvantages.
Coordination of cortisol response to social evaluative threat with autonomic and inflammatory responses is moderated by stress appraisals and affect.

Abstract Recent approaches to stress regulation have emphasized coordination among multiple biological systems. This study builds on evidence that hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity should be considered in coordination with other stress-sensitive biological systems to characterize healthy responses. Healthy African-Americans (n = 115) completed the Trier Social Stress Test, and biological responses were assessed through salivary cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S), alpha amylase (sAA), and C-reactive protein (sCRP). Multilevel modeling demonstrated that cortisol responses typically aligned with changes in DHEA-S, sAA, and sCRP across the session. At the same time, the degree of cortisol coordination with sAA and sCRP varied by participants’ subjective stress following the task; participants with higher secondary stress appraisals showed greater cortisol-sAA alignment, whereas those experiencing more negative affect showed greater cortisol-sCRP alignment. Results highlight the importance of a multisystem approach to stress and suggest that positive HPA axis coordination with the autonomic response, but not with the immune/inflammatory response, may be adaptive.
Naloxone for treating severe neonatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy in 30 cases

Objective To evaluate the curative effect of naloxone in the treatment of severe neonatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy(HIE).Methods Fifty-eight patients were randomly divided into the treatment and control group.The treatment group(30 cases) was treated with the traditional treatment based on the use of naloxone(0.05-0.1mg/kg) for 4-7d,and the control group(28 cases) was treated with the traditional treatment.To comparing the disappearing time of the main symptoms and signs,and the recovery time of sense,reflection and muscle tone.Results The disappearing time of the main symptoms and signs in the treatment group was shorter than that of the control group.The total effective rate reached 90.0% for the treatment group and 67.9% for the control group.The recovery time of sense reflection and muscle tone in the treatment group shortened by 3.45d compared with the control group.The difference had statistical significance(P0.01).The different times for acts score was higher in the treatment group than the control group with statistical significance(P0.05)Conclusion Moderate to severe hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy in the traditional treatment based on the use of naloxone can improve the efficacy of treatment,no side effects occur.
Castellanización in Oaxaca: Language instruction for pre-school children

En el estado de Oaxaca (Mexico) coexisten unos cincuenta idiomas indigenas con el idioma nacional. Durante los dos ultimos sexenios presidenciales, la Secretaria de Educacion atraves del Instituto ...
Is the extra virgin olive oil market facing a process of differentiation? A hedonic approach to disentangle the effect of quality attributes

The differentiation process by quality attributes continues to be an ongoing issue in the Spanish olive oil market. In addition, there is a significant percentage of uninformed consumers with erroneous and confusing ideas concerning this product of daily use. By estimating a hedonic price function using multiple regression analysis, this paper examines the price structure of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) as well as the contribution of its attributes to the consumers’ utility function in comparison with other olive oils. The price and attributes have been collected from the labelling of the products at the main supermarkets in two olive oil-producing cities of southern Spain. The results show that the EVOO price is higher in products whose labels clearly indicate either the acidity or the olive variety, and bear the “Certified Quality” of the Andalusian logo. Nonetheless, several key attributes for a differentiation of quality were no significant such as flavor and PDO. The evaluation of these attributes implies the emergence of an incipient differentiation process. Furthermore, brands have an impact on the price of EVOO but it depends on whether they are private or manufacturer’s brands. This study provides insight into the Andalusian EVOO market as well as guidance for marketing strategies.
Use of the Immediate Maximum Specific Oxygen Uptake Rate as an Activated Sludge Process Control Parameter

The immediate maximum specific oxygen uptake rate (SOURim) was investigated as a potential process control parameter for the activated sludge system. Variability in effluent quality in terms of chemical oxygen demand correlated very well with the levels of SOURim at cell residence times of 3, 5, and 10 days. Transient response studied under batch growth conditions indicated a strong correlation between the SOURim, chemical oxygen demand, and the ribonucleic acid rates of change. The SOURim can therefore be used to qualitatively and quantitatively describe a given biomass thus making it a better suited parameter for use in process control strategies.
6000 Series Aluminium Alloy Strip Casting Using a Vertical Type Twin Roll Caster

A vertical type twin roll caster with two side dams was used to cast aluminium alloy strip with a thickness of about 5mm at speed higher than 10m/min. The characteristics of the twin roll caster with two side dams are as follows: The diameter of the copper roll is 500mm, the width of the copper roll is 110mm and the thickness of the copper roll sleeve is 25mm.The maximum casting speed is up to 60m/min. Using the vertical type twin roll caster, a 4.5mm thickness of 6111 strip could be cast at a speed of 30m/min. The microstructure of the as-cast strip was equiaxed and spherical, not columnar. The mechanical properties of the strip casted from the vertical type twin roll caster were almost as same as that of the strip made from the conventional cast ingot.
Aggregate demand shortfalls and economic freedom

Political instability is often exacerbated in periods of aggregate demand shortfall. It has been conjectured that inadequate policy responses to recessions may be inimical to free economic institutions. This paper uses the Economic Freedom of the World index as its measure of economic institutions, and finds that the change in economic freedom in the following five, ten, and fifteen years is negatively impacted by an aggregate demand shortfall as measured by negative NGDP growth.
Oral Health for Older Adults: An Interprofessional Workshop for Medical Students

Introduction Because many older adults lack dental insurance and have limited or no access to dental care, it is essential to train future physicians to conduct brief oral health assessments on the...
Moral Decisions and Testosterone: When the Ends Justify the Means

Behavioral endocrinology research suggests that testosterone may play a role in moral decision making. Studies involving human and nonhuman animals indicate that high basal testosterone is associated with decreased aversion to risk and an increased threshold for conflict, fear, stress, and threat. We tested the role of testosterone in moral decision making. We predicted and found that individuals high in testosterone are more likely to make utilitarian decisions—specifically when doing so involves acts of aggression and social cost.
Stress, Syncope, Epenthesis and the Duke of York Gambit in the Modern Hebrew Verb System

This study focuses on data from the verbal system of Modern Hebrew. A full analysis of stress and syncope is given. In Hebrew verbs, some but not all unstressed vowels are subject to deletion. The study identifies the conditions for this deletion and its limitations. It also describes cases in which syncope creates an illicit three consonant cluster that is broken by epenthesis. In these forms stress shifts to the ultimate syllable and the penultimate vowel changes to e: tixtov-i → tixtevi. It is argued that this seemingly serial interaction between phonological processes can be adequately analyzed within a parallel model of phonology, i.e. the non-derivational version of Optimality Theory.
Single-cell genomics for the masses.

Microbial communities are rapidly sequenced at the single-cell level using droplet microfluidics.
Socioeconomic Status and Geographical Rural Settings’ Contribution to Oppression of Women with Disabilities Who Experience Gender Violence

Women with disabilities, like all women, exist as part of a complex and intersectional ecological context. Their experiences, including their experiences of IPV, are both influenced by and influence their environments. Socioeconomic status, particularly low socioeconomic status, and geography, particularly rurality, are two such environmental factors that should be considered when working with women with disabilities who have experienced IPV. Low SES and rurality intersect with disability to create conditions that may make it more difficult for women with disabilities to disclose, leave, and cope with violent relationships and their effects. Mental health professionals should take into account the potential barriers created by these issues when working with clients with disabilities and help clients to develop culturally sensitive plans that account for and address these barriers.
ELECTRONIC STRUCTURE OF VACANCIES AND INTERSTITIALS IN SiO2

ABSTRACT After discussing some of our recent studies of idealized Si/SiO2 interfaces, we report new results for the electronic structure of Si and 0 vacancies and inter-stitials in SiO2. The energy levels of these and other defects were obtained by carrying out extended muffin-tin-orbital band structure calculations for periodic arrays of non-interacting defects embedded in an idealized diamond-like SiO2 crystal whose supercell normally contains 24 atoms.
Fistulography of a Patent Hemodialysis Access: When Not to Treat and Implications for Establishing a Nontreatment Rate

Abstract Purpose To establish a rate of nonintervention in patients referred for hemodialysis access fistulography and to report clinical and fistulographic variables associated with nonintervention. Materials and Methods Encounters for fistulography were reviewed from 2001 to 2016 to determine annual rates of nontreatment over 15 years. Next, an access database was used to retrospectively identify patients undergoing fistulography from 2010 to 2016. Patients who underwent fistulography without intervention (angioplasty or stent placement) served as the nontreatment group (NTG; n = 76). Patients who underwent fistulography with intervention served as the control group (CG; n = 77). Patients with thrombosed accesses were excluded. Clinical indications for intervention and physical examination findings were correlated with fistulography. Need for subsequent percutaneous intervention was recorded. Results Annual nontreatment rates ranged from 3% to 14% (median, 10%). Preprocedure thrill was encountered in 45 patients in the NTG (59%) vs 6 in the CG (7.8%; P P P P Conclusions A suggested nonintervention rate for hemodialysis access fistulography is 10%. Patients in the NTG were more likely to have a thrill on physical examination or to present with aneurysms as the clinical indicator. NTG patients were less likely to require subsequent percutaneous intervention.
Driving and riding under the influence of recent marijuana use: Risk factors among a racially diverse sample of young adults.

Driving (DUIM) and riding (RUIM) with a driver under the influence of marijuana increases crash risk. This study assessed risk factors for DUIM and RUIM among ethnically diverse young adults. Randomly selected individuals were surveyed. Multivariable regression was used to assess risk factors associated with DUIM and RUIM. Participants (N = 335, response rate = 34.9%) were 33.7% White non-Hispanic. Reported DUIM and RUIM was not statistically significant by race/ethnicity. Frequency of marijuana use was significantly associated with greater risk of DUIM. Peer marijuana use was associated with greater risk of RUIM. Public health efforts to target social norms around marijuana-impaired driving are warranted.
States of Abstract Objects

The term ‘state’ is wide-spread both in various fields of human activity and common life. One may speak, for instance, of the state of some affairs, of the economic state of a country, as well as of the state of a physical system, and so on. Although this term can hardly be defined exactly by reference to some simpler notions, its meaning is, as a rule, clear enough and understandable. As the above examples show, when speaking of a state we always mean some qualitative or quantitative set of characteristics of an object. One may, for instance, say that the state of health of Mr. N is good (bad or satisfactory). The same qualitative estimates may be used when one characterizes crops, economics, etc.
Long-term Phosphorus and Potassium Fertilization Strategies for Corn-Soybean Rotations

Introduction A long-term study was established in 1979 to evaluate the effect of various combinations of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) fertilizer rates on soil-test values and grain yields of corn and soybeans grown in rotation. Both crops are grown each year by alternating crops between two halves of the experimental area. The predominant soil is Kenyon loam, and soil pH is 6.7. Most treatments are applied annually and consist of combinations of 0, 46, or 92 lb P2O5/acre and 0, 72, or 144 lb K2O/acre. Two additional treatments (92 lb P2O5/acre and 144 lb K2O/acre) are applied every other year to corn or soybeans. Granulated fertilizers (triple superphosphate and potassium chloride) are broadcast in the fall. Corn residues are chisel plowed in the fall, and both corn and soybean residues are disked or field cultivated in spring. Anhydrous ammonia is applied in spring only for corn at rates of 150 to 180 lb N/acre.
DEVELOPMENT, VALIDATION, AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A MAINSTREAMING PROCESS TO TRANSITION STUDENTS FROM SELF-CONTAINED SPECIAL EDUCATION INTO GENERAL EDUCATION PLACEMENTS

We developed a set of computational tools specifically to guide qualified special education students back into general education. These tools include a decision tree to identify candidate students and elucidate successful placement in general education. Candidate students enter a process involving selection of general education classroom, data collection, and finally how to make the final transition out of special education self-contained placements. In the 2015-2016, we undertook a limited implementation of these transenvironmental programming tools and facilitated the transition of 10 of 20 identified candidate students from self-contained academic special education classrooms into general education placements. In the 2016-2017 school year, we extended this process to include 4 schools. 16 of 53 identified candidate students from self-contained academic special education classrooms were able to transition into general education placements. In an extension of the model district-wide, 9 of 26 identified students from behavior/SEL unit classrooms, and 9 of 9 identified students from Life Skills/SID unit classrooms were successfully transitioned into a general education with part-time special education placement. A high percentage of the remaining candidates received > 50% of their day in general education classrooms and/or were placed in less restrictive self-contained classrooms. Overall, 54% of identified candidate students were able to access a less restrictive environment as defined by IDEIA. Further, computational analyses using regression tree, unbiased hierarchal clustering, and support vector machine methods are presented to demonstrate the robustness of these methods by recapitulating the results using solely data from special education evaluations. Article visualizations:
Sustained uptake of clean cooking practices in poor communities: Role of social networks

Abstract Around 3 billion people across the world rely on the use of traditional fuels for their energy needs. Nearly all are poor and a majority use traditional inefficient cookstoves that partially combust these fuels and emit harmful carbonaceous pollutants. These traditional cookstoves are a significant contributor to household air pollution, and causes acute public and environmental health implications. To reduce these detrimental effects, clean cooking technologies (clean stoves and clean fuels) have been distributed widely around the world, targeting poor communities. However, sustained uptake of these clean cooking technologies has been tepid. There has been considerable focus on improving the technical design and development of these clean cooking technologies, with less attention paid to the social drivers that either lead or keep people from using the stoves. We argue for greater emphasis on understanding social networks, and their influence on sustained uptake of clean cooking practices amongst poor communities. By drawing from cases in health, microfinance, and clean cooking, we outline a perspective for emphasis on social network analysis in dissemination and implementation strategies of clean cooking practices for poor communities.
Efficient metal-free conversion of glucose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural using a boronic acid

5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), which can be synthesized from hexose sugars without rearrangement of their carbon framework, is a key platform chemical that is readily convertible into fuels and chemicals that are now derived from petroleum. Methods to convert glucose, which is readily accessible from cellulose, to HMF typically rely on toxic heavy metals or harsh acidic conditions and often give low yields or low selectivity. Here, we report on a mild, efficient, and metal-free process that uses an organocatalyst, 2-carboxyphenylboronic acid, along with small amounts of chloride ion to effect the selective transformation of glucose to HMF.
Does Work-Induced Fatigue Accumulate Across Three Compressed 12 Hour Shifts in Hospital Nurses and Aides?

Fatigue-related impairments in the nursing workforce contribute to a multitude of health, safety, and economic consequences at the individual, organizational and societal levels. Long and compressed work schedules are commonly worked in the healthcare industry, but more research is needed to understand the cumulative effects of multiple work shifts on physiology-based performance outcomes in nurses. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of a single nursing work shift versus three compressed (one every 24 hours) 12 hour shifts on performance-based fatigue in nurses and aides. Twenty-six fulltime hospital working nurses and aides (age = 36.1 ± 13.3 years) reported to the lab for testing before, immediately after working a single 12 hour shift, and after working three 12 hour shifts in a 72 hour period. Outcome measures included vigilance-based reaction time, lapses of attention, and muscle function assessments (lower and upper body muscle strength, explosive strength and vertical jump performance). All variables except hand grip strength showed a significant decline following the three work shifts. The psychomotor vigilance reaction time and lapses of attention variables also generally showed a significant decline from the end of shift one to the end of shift three, indicting an accumulation of fatigue in these metrics with increasing number of shifts worked. Muscle function variables responded early in the duty cycle, showing a significant decline after a single work shift, but did no further decline by the end of the third shift. These findings use objective measures to substantiate that fatigue impairments occur from working a single 12 hour shift, and in several instances, increase further with more successive work shifts. Caution should be employed by personnel and administrators with work schedules involving multiple compressed 12 hour shifts. Fatigue management strategies may be used to improve risks and consequences from fatigue-related mishaps, and this study reports several variables that appear sensitive to identifying and tracking fatigue in this population.
Notch1 mutations to define a subgroup of adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC): Tumor stage, propensity to bone and liver metastasis, risk of relapse, and overall survival.

6081 Background: ACC is chemotherapy refractory and there is no standard of care treatment for patients (pts) with metastatic disease. ACC genotyping revealed alterations in the Notch (N) pathway i...
V02-10 ROBOT-ASSISTED SIMPLE PROSTATECTOMY: ILLUSTRATION OF A SIMPLIFIED EXTRAPERITONEAL, TRANSCAPSULAR TECHNIQUE

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES:Robot-assisted simple prostatectomy (RASP) performed with the extraperitoneal (EP) technique (EP-RASP) minimizes the risk of bowel injury, particularly when bowel adhesi...
Heterosexual Expression at Older Ages

This article reviews recent research on the roles of marital status and dyadic characteristics, physical and mental health, attitudes and beliefs, and cohort effects in sexual expression. It also focuses on gender differences in the roles of these factors in sexual expression and suggests directions for future research.
Metalation and Electrophilic Quenching of C-4 Functionalized Isoxazoles; VIII. Preparation of Derivatives of 5-Thioalkylisoxazoles

The lateral metalation and electrophilic quenching of isoxazoles bearing electron withdrawing groups in the 4-position 1 with disulfides, represents a selective, direct and synthetically useful entry to the thioalkyl derivatives . One exception to the formation of monothioalkyl major products was observed for the dianion of 4-[(2-hydroxymethyl-1-pyrrolidinyl)carbonyl]-3,5-dimethylisoxazole (1i) which was found to produce the 5-[bis(phenylthio)methyl]isoxazole derivative 3i as the major isolated product (66%). Oxidation of 2a with 3-chloroperoxybenzoic acid (MCPBA) proceeds selectively at sulfur in the presence of both isoxazole and oxazoline nitrogens to give the corresponding sulfoxide 4a (56%) or sulfone 5a (72%), respectively
Barriers to Pursuing a Career in Surgery: An Institutional Survey of Harvard Medical School Students.

Objective:This study aimed to elucidate current medical student perceptions on barriers to a career in surgery, with a particular focus on gender-specific differences.Summary Background Data:Although gender parity in medical school composition has been reached, women continue to be underrepresented
Situating Data Science: Exploring How Relationships to Data Shape Learning.

The emerging field of Data Science has had a large impact on science and society. This has led to over a decade of calls to establish a corresponding field of Data Science Education. There is still...
Mr Imaging and Spectroscopy for Biomarker Characterization in Golden Retriever Muscular Dystrophy Tissue Samples

Custom double-tuned birdcage coils were constructed to enable concurrent evaluation of a number of NMR indices in the golden retriever muscular dystrophy (GRMD) model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Seven rectus femoris muscle samples from dogs with ages ranging from 3 to 30 months were studied. 1H T1-weighted (T1w) and T2-weighted (T2w) images, 23Na images, and 31P spectra were acquired for each sample. 1H T1w and T2w images showed a decrease in T2w/T1w signal ratio for the four older (>12 months) samples when compared to younger samples. Other NMR indices unexpectedly showed no significant correlation with age. The collection time of samples and varying levels of disease severity may have attributed to these results. Regardless, the associated custom coils and positioner developed to enable multi-nuclear studies will enable future work to investigate NMR-based biomarkers in the numerous GRMD samples available to our group.
Mediterranean diet and the risk of chronic kidney disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE Mediterranean diet has been shown to be associated with lower risk of cardiovascular disease. However, its association with chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains inconclusive as the results were not consistent among population-based studies. This study aims to assess the association between Mediterranean diet adherence and CKD prevention. METHODS We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies describing the risk for CKD in community-dwelling subjects ≥18 years of age. Mediterranean diet adherence was assessed by standardized food frequency questionnaires. The search was conducted through MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library. RESULTS Of 168 citations, a total of nine (n = 19 151) and four studies (n = 8467) were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis, respectively. Only studies adopting Mediterranean Diet Scale (MDS) were included in the analysis. The mean score was 3.8 ± 0.3 points. With the mean follow-up duration of 20.6 ± 7.0 years, the pooled odds ratio (OR) for CKD was 0.901 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.868-0.935) for each 1-point increment of MDS. The incidence of CKD was 0.026 events per person-year (95% CI 0.008-0.045). Moreover, male sex was associated with the incidence of CKD in an adjusted meta-regression analysis. In contrast, there was no significant association between age, black race, smoking, diabetes, hypertension estimated glomerular filtration rate and total daily energy intake vs CKD incidence. CONCLUSION Adherence to Mediterranean diet by a 1-point increment of MDS was associated with 10% lower risk of CKD. However, there were insufficient data on patients with pre-existing CKD or dialysis.
Paracentral Acute Middle Maculopathy Associated with Hypercoagulability in Pregnancy.

PURPOSE To report a case of paracentral acute middle maculopathy (PAMM) in an otherwise healthy young, multiparous woman in her second trimester of pregnancy. METHODS Case report RESULTS:: A 38-year-old woman in her twentieth week of pregnancy presented with a four-day history of an acute paracentral scotoma in her left eye. Fundoscopic examination of the left eye was significant for a white-gray lesion inferonasal to the fovea which corresponded with spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) hyperreflectivity at the outer plexiform layer-inner nuclear layer junction and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) non-perfusion. A diagnosis of paracentral acute middle maculopathy was made. The patient was sent for a hypercoagulability work-up that revealed elevated factor VIII activity, which has been associated with increased risk of complications during pregnancy. CONCLUSION PAMM in pregnancy may be secondary to an underlying hypercoaguable condition. We recommend systemic evaluation and referral to a high-risk pregnancy specialist if PAMM is diagnosed during pregnancy. Additionally, OCTA in PAMM may demonstrate reperfusion of the affected vessels.
Delivery of nipple-sparing mastectomy within a single healthcare system: The impact of provider preferences.

Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) offers superior esthetic outcomes without sacrificing oncologic safety for select patients requiring mastectomy. While disparities in oncologic care are well established, no study to date has investigated equitable delivery of the various mastectomy types. The objective of this study is to examine multilevel factors related to the distribution of NSM. Patients undergoing mastectomy between 2014 and 2018 across eight hospitals in a single healthcare system were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were categorized by mastectomy type-NSM or other mastectomy (OM). Patient information such as age, race, comorbidities, and median income by ZIP code was collected. Disease characteristics, such as mastectomy weight, breast cancer stage, and treatment history, were identified. Provider and system-level variables, such as specific provider, hospital of operation, and insurance status, were determined. Bivariate analysis was used to identify variables for inclusion in a backward multivariable model. A cohort of 1202 mastectomy patients was identified, with 388 receiving NSM. The average age was 55.8 years (NSM: 48.8, OM: 59.1, P < .001). 39.8% of white patients (n = 242) and 20.0% of African American patients (n = 88) received NSM (P < .001). Average mastectomy weight was 384.3 (SD 195.7) in the NSM group, compared to 839.4 (SD 521.1) in the OM group (P < .001). 41.4% (n = 359) of patients treated at academic centers, and 6.9% (n = 21) of patients treated at community centers received NSM (P < .001). In the multivariate model, the factor with the largest impact on NSM was specific provider. Odds of NSM decreased by 76%-88% for certain surgeons, while odds increased by 63 times for one surgeon. This study utilizes a large multi-institutional database to highlight disparities in NSM delivery. Expectedly, younger, relatively healthy patients, with smaller breast size were more likely to undergo NSM, in accordance with surgical guidelines. However, when all other factors were controlled, provider preferences played the most significant role in NSM delivery rates. These findings demonstrate the need for practice reexamination to ensure equitable access to NSM.
African Americans' and Black Caribbeans' Religious Coping for Psychiatric Disorders.

This study investigates the use of religious coping among African Americans and Black Caribbeans with 12-month DSM-IV psychiatric disorders. Data from the National Survey of American Life is used t...
Ultra-low field frequency-swept electrically detected magnetic resonance

We have developed a new ultra-low field frequency-swept (FS) electrically detected magnetic resonance (EDMR) spectrometer to perform sensitive EDMR measurements of 4H-silicon carbide (SiC) metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistors at sub-millitesla (mT) magnetic fields. The new spectrometer design enables the detection of so-called ultra-strong coupling effects such as multiple-photon transitions and Bloch–Siegert shifts. In this paper, we present a new spectrometer design and discuss ultra-low field FS-EDMR sensitivity to both multiphoton transitions and Bloch–Siegert shifts of the FS-EDMR response. FS-EDMR effectively eliminates the interference of the sub-mT EDMR response from a near-zero field magnetoresistance (NZFMR) phenomenon that pervades the sub-mT regime in a magnetic field-swept EDMR scheme. We discuss an automatic power leveling scheme, which enables frequency sweeping. We also present results illustrating the Bloch–Siegert shift of the FS-EDMR response. Finally, we study the two-photon transition line shape in the 4H-SiC transistor as a function of the static field, in which we observe a collapse of the two-photon linewidth with decreasing static field and compare our results to the theory of two-photon absorption in EDMR.
Discrete Windowed-Energy Variable Structure Passivity Signature Control for Physical Human-(Tele)Robot Interaction

In this letter, we propose a novel adaptive iterative stabilization method for physical human-(tele)robot interaction, named Discrete Windowed-Energy Variable Structure Passivity Signature Control (DWE-VSPSC). The proposed stabilizer is capable of adaptively translating the knowledge domain regarding the capacity of the user's biomechanics in absorbing physical interaction energy to reduce the transparency distortion (induced for stabilization) while enhancing system performance through a flexible design of stabilizer. The contributions of this letter are: (1) the design of a novel discrete adaptive stabilizer with proof of stability; allowing for digital implementation of the intelligent algorithm; (2) introducing the concept of “windowed energy stabilization” for the proposed variable structure passivity-signature controller in order to allow for tuning the energy behavior of the interconnected system while making a balance between conservatism and agility of the system; (3) relaxing any assumption on the passivity behavior of the environment while being able to handle stochastic variable network delays without any restriction on the rate of change of delay or the delay. The mathematical design of the stabilizer is provided alongside the stability proof. Also, the performance of the system is evaluated using a systematically-designed grid simulation study for a large range of delay and environmental impedances ranging from passive to non-passive behaviors. A direct application of the outcome is for telerobotic rehabilitation and telerobotic surgery.
The Impact of the Dodd-Frank Act on Small U.S. Banks

I develop a dynamic structural model to study the quantitative impact of the Dodd-Frank Act on small banks' operation costs. Banks in my model face a minimum capital requirement which constitutes a capacity constraint on lending for any given capital level. This constraint may be relaxed by raising capital financed by internal funds. Loosening the capacity constraint enables a bank to lend more and increase profits due to economies of scale associated with compliance costs. Exploiting the timing of Dodd-Frank's implementation in 2010, I structurally estimate its impact on all non-interest costs small U.S banks face, including entry costs that are not observable in data. I find that Dodd-Frank has heightened entry costs and compliance costs by 18% and 15% respectively. These increases induce a strong selection effect on small banks: less profitable banks exit in the short run while those who survive become 45% more profitable and less likely to exit in the long run. As a result, overall stability of the banking industry is promoted while small bank loan market concentration rises and total small bank lending drops by 13%.
The International Student Experience at US Community Colleges at the Onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic

This study’s purpose is to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on international students who were studying at US community colleges at the onset of this public health crisis. While previous work has explored the impact of the pandemic on international students generally, we argue that community college international students deserve focused attention due to their potentially marginalized status on their campuses. Using a mixed-methods research approach, we analyze survey and focus group data provided by 17 randomly-selected community college educators. Our results speak to two overarching themes: the supports provided to students at the onset of the pandemic (and educators reasons for providing these specific supports) and the unique impact of the pandemic on community college international students due to their citizenship or residency status. These findings have important implications for community college leaders and international educators as they work with international students during future times of crisis.
NÜZHUBO AND HER “BROTHERS”: STREAMING LIFE AND MEDIATING INTIMACY AT SCALE

In this paper, I consider live/life streaming as a mediated venue for making social relationships and a mediatized world constituted of diverse livelihoods. Drawing from my digital ethnography on two Chinese live streaming platforms Inke and Huajiao, I document the emergence of narratives, performances, and interactions that are either sexually suggestive or have gendered implications. I identify patterns of emotional expression and self-disclosure that lie within these interactions and analyze their alignment with and distinction from those that have been considered within the existing theorization of intimacy. In doing so, I examine how live/life streaming constructs scalable “mediated intimacy,” in the one-versus-many semi-public setting, through nurturing gendered performances and building subtle sexual tension between its participants.
Chapter 8 Polyanionic Agents and Inhibition of Phagosome-Lysosome Fusion: Paradox Lost

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses polyanionic agents and the inhibition process of phagosome–lysosome fusion. It is concerned with a hypothesis about the antagonistic effects of endocytosed polyanionic substances on phagosome–lysosome fusion in cultured macrophages. It is observed that no important macrophage function has been discerned so far that is antagonized by lysosomal accumulation of polyanions—particularly of phagocytosis, intracellular digestion, and microbicidal activities. The apparent block to fusion is indifferent to Ca2+ concentrations and cannot be imposed from the phagosomal compartment by particles of cation-exchange resins. If this “phenomenon” depends on perturbations in vesicle membranes, pinosomal membranes would appear to be embarrassing exceptions to the inhibition. They will apparently behave like phagosomal membranes, both allowing fusion with “polyanion” lysosomes. Neutral hydrocolloids mimic the behavior of polyanions with thorotrast markers, but still allow delivery of permeant or nonpermeant mobile lysosomal fluors to phagosomes.
Convergence and divergence in leisure style among Whites and African Americans: toward an interracial contact hypothesis

Drawing upon structural theory and social group perspectives, this study examined two propositions developed to explain the relationship between interracial contact and leisure preferences among African Americans and Whites. The first proposition stated that as interracial contact increases, the greater the probability of observing similarity in the leisure preferences of African Americans and Whites. The second stated that the probability of observing similarity in the leisure preferences will be greater among Whites with high or low interracial contact than observing similarity among African Americans with high or low interracial contact. Data to evaluate the propositions came from an on-site survey of Chicago (IL) park users. As hypothesized, Black and White respondents with high interracial contact reported very similar leisure preferences. Also, among African Americans, there was little similarity in the leisure preferences between individuals with high interracial contact and those with low interracial contact. Further, as expected, there was high similarity among Whites with high or low interracial contact. In general, the results of the study highlight the importance of considering social interaction, and interracial contact specilically, in explaining racial differences in leisure participation. The study also demonstrates the importance of examining internal differentiation of African Americans and its implications for leisure lifestyle choices.
Sex Differences in Psychological Factors Associated with Social Discounting

The social discounting paradigm is a powerful means of quantifying altruism in humans, who are typically willing to forgo some amount of personal earnings in exchange for increased earnings for another person. The amount of money that people are willing to forgo decreases with increasing social distance. In this study, we examined variables related to sex, intolerance of uncertainty, and empathy, all of which are theorized to affect the social discounting rate. Participants (27 men and 28 women) completed measures of intolerance of uncertainty, empathy, and social discounting. We found sex differences in psychological predictors of social discounting: in women, empathy (but not intolerance of uncertainty) predicts the social discounting rate, while in men, social discounting is associated with intolerance of uncertainty (but not empathy). Possible neurobiological, social, and cognitive explanations for this sex difference are discussed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.