cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Online Gaming Practices of Preteens: Independent Entertainment Time and Transmedia Game Play

This article examines online gaming practices of 7- to 11-year-olds in home settings in the United States. Based on observations and interviews with children and parents, the analysis considers the specificity of preteen experiences within domestic settings. Employing a socio-cultural approach, the article analyses ways online gaming is strongly shaped by specific social and developmental factors that relate specifically to preteens. Children's online gaming is analysed as a form of independent entertainment time that reflects limitations experienced by preteens in this study as well as developmental characteristics of this age range. Further, the analysis indicates that gaming practices of preteens are embedded in wider transmedia play practices.
Exciton fate in semiconductor nanocrystals at elevated temperatures: Hole trapping outcompetes exciton deactivation

The tens-of-percent photoluminescence (PL) quantum yields routinely obtained for colloidally prepared CdSe semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs) decrease substantially with temperature elevation. While such PL efficiency loss has direct consequences for applications ranging from light-emitting diodes and lasers to photovoltaics under solar concentration, the origin of this loss is currently not established, hindering synthetic efforts to design materials with robust performance. Here, for the first time, we utilize transient absorption and ultrafast PL in addition to static PL and time-correlated single photon counting, to characterize CdSe core-only and CdSe/ZnS core/shell NCs up to temperatures as high as 800 K. For multiple particle sizes, loss of PL efficiency as a function of temperature elevation is more severe and less reversible for core-only NCs than for core/shell NCs. Ultrafast measurements performed at elevated sample temperatures indicate that thermally activated trapping of individual carriers do...
The economics of ecological restoration and hazardous fuel reduction treatments in the ponderosa pine forest ecosystem.

In this article, we develop a simulation model of the benefits and costs of managing the ponderosa pine forest ecosystem in the southwestern United States. Using the model, we evaluate and compare the economic benefits and costs of ecological restoration and hazardous fuel reduction treatments. Both treatment approaches increase the expected number of low-severity wildfires, which can promote postfire rehabilitation. Hazardous fuel reduction treatments are likely to reduce expected wildfire suppression costs, but not enough to offset the costs of implementing treatments. Conversely, ecological restoration treatments do not necessarily reduce expected wildfire suppression costs but fully restore the ecosystem in more than half of the simulation runs, which lowers the need for future fire suppression and reduces the chance of conversion to nonforest, alternative stable states. We find that the choice between hazardous fuel reduction and ecological treatments will depend on the management objective being pursued, as well as on site-specific factors such as the wildfire return interval and the economic value of biomass removed.
FUNCTIONAL ASPECTS OF THE EVOLUTION OF FROG TONGUES

Amphibians are remarkable in having a tongue that is propelled from the mouth, to impact on, adhere to, and pull prey into the buccal cavity. Although sometimes listed as a characteristic defining the class, it is only among certain salamanders and frogs that the tongue appears to be flipped out rather than moved by incremental control. Its action is thus analogous to that of the projectile tongue of chameleons (Gnanamuthu, 1930; Gans, 1967), rather than to the merely extensible tongue of anteaters, some birds, and snakes. The mechanism of the tongue of frogs, which is propelled by the rotation of "soft" tissues about the mandibular symphysis, is fundamentally distinct from that of the tongue of salamanders, which is hurled anteriorly by a forward shift of the hyobranchial skeleton (Regal, 1966; Ozeti and Wake, 1969; Lombard and Wake, 1976; Larson and Guthrie, 1976). The tongue has been used in the 19th Century and through the present as a "taxonomic character" in the classification of frogs (cf. Lynch, 1973). However, the structure, function and evolution of this complex lingual system has received but minimal attention. Perhaps symptomatic of such neglect is that an obscure but beautiful study of the ontogeny and morphology of the tongue and its intrinsic muscles in 42 species of frogs (MagimelPelonnier, 1924) has not been brought to light in any subsequent treatise on the frogs (Noble, 1931; Werner, 1930; Reeder, 1964; Blair, 1972; Vial, 1973) and, indeed, in the major handbook of vertebrate anatomy (Nishi, 1938). The mechanical basis of tongue projection has long been discussed and debated, mainly for the advanced genera Rana and Bufo (Duges, 1827, 1835; Hartog, 1901; Gaupp, 1901; Barclay, 1942; Gnanamuthu, 1933; Boiker, 1937). Recently its mechanism has been explained anew (Tatarinov, 1951; Gans, 1961, 1962), though experimental confirmation is still lacking. It is commonly assumed that the condition of Rana or Bufo can be generalized at least for anurans belonging to "nonarchaic" or "modern" taxonomic groups, such as the Ranidae, Bufonidae, Hylidae, Leptodactylidae, and Rhacophoridae, in which the tongue is attached in front with a "free flap posteriorly." The "archaic" taxonomic groups, the Ascaphidae (here both Liopelma and Ascaphus but see Savage, 1973), Discoglossidae, Pipidae, and Rhinophrynidae, are supposed to differ, having noneversile, posteriorly attached, or even completely margined tongues when present. The function of such tongues remains unstudied. We propose here that statements such as "tongue present" or "tongue absent" and even "tongue with free flap posteriorly," do not necessarily define shared character states, but conceal critical biomechanical complexity and evolutionary parallelisms. It is not our intention here to present a comprehensive monograph on frog tongue structure and function. We document (1)
Abstract 370: Dendritic Cells Express Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid Cells-1 and Correlate with Plaque Stability in Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Patients with Carotid Stenosis

Aim: Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease with atherosclerotic plaques containing inflammatory infiltrates. Immune cells, including T-lymphocytes, dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages recruited from blood stream into atherosclerotic lesions, are responsible for progression and destabilization of atherosclerotic plaques. Stressed cells undergoing necrosis release molecules that act as endogenous danger signals to alert and activate innate immune cells. Upon activation, DCs, macrophages, and neutrophils produce several inflammatory cytokines and growth factors. In atherosclerotic tissue, the number of DCs increases with the progression of the lesion. In this study, we examined the expression of triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (TREM-1) in plaque DCs and compared between the plaques from symptomatic (S) and asymptomatic (AS) patients with carotid stenosis. Methods and Results: Surgical specimens of human atherosclerotic plaques were obtained from patients undergoing carotid enda...
A novel therapeutic paradigm for patients with extensive alopecia areata

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Alopecia areata (AA) is a common, T-cell mediated, hair-centered skin disease that lacks efficacious, long-term therapies for extensive disease. Systemic immune suppressants are usually used, despite their nonspecific actions, often associated with substantial side effects. Although, the Th1 pathway was suggested as pivotal in the disease, recent studies suggest that Th2, Th9, phosphodiesterase (PDE) 4, and IL-23 axes might contribute to AA pathogenesis.Areas covered: This paper provides an overview of activated immune pathways in AA and possible therapeutic modalities.Expert opinion: The translational revolution leading to improved therapeutic strategies has just begun for AA. These treatments are often associated with better safety and higher efficacy compared to currently used immune-suppressants. Different pathways might drive the inflammatory process in AA. Ongoing and future clinical trials utilizing narrow- targeted therapeutics will be able to better elucidate the role of eac...
Medicare dentistry: the next logical step.

H. Barry Waldman, DDS, MPH, PHDa Mary Rose Truhlar, DDS, MSb Steven P. Perlman, DDS, MScDc In the mid 1960s, during Congressional review of the then-pending Medicare and Medicaid legislation, the American Dental Association (ADA) opposed dental care for the aged under the Medicare bill and lobbied for the inclusion of dentistry as a benefit under the proposed Medicaid legislation.1 Today, Medicare does not cover routine dental care or most dental procedures, such as cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions, or dentures. Medicare Part A covers certain dental services patients receive during hospital stays.2 In 2001, the Medicare program spent $234.5 billion. This represented 19% of all expenditures for personal health services for the total U.S. population, almost $6,000 per Medicare beneficiary. Dental services accounted for less than $100 million, 0.04% of all Medicare expenditures and less than $2.00 per Medicare beneficiary.3,4 Considering these facts, it's not surprising that most dental practitioners have limited contact with, and knowledge of, the specifics of Medicare dentistry. For most dentists, experience with government-financed health systems has been with the Medicaid den tistry program, which in fiscal year (FY) 2000 spent $1.4 billion for dental services for 5.9 million beneficiaries (or $238 per beneficiary of all ages).5 No doubt the often reported economic, administrative, scheduling, and related problems associated with the Medi caid dentistry program have affected perceptions that involvement with yet another government-sponsored program would lead to similar difficulties.6,7 There are tens of millions of potentially politically active beneficiaries in the Medi care program (Table 1 ). Considering the pressure on politicians to expand Medicare to include out-of-hospital pharmaceuticals, projections for increases in the population served by the Medicare program (reaching more than 44 million by the end of the decade), and the growing political influence of these increasing numbers of older residents, it is time to consider inclusion of dental services in Medicare. Government spending for dentistry, the limitations of Medicare dentistry vs. actual dental expendi tures by and for Medicare beneficiaries, and the politics for change in services for older populations all point to a reasonable solution: Medicare coverage for medically neces sary dental care.
Connections to Acids and Bases

This chapter addresses several issues relevant to quantitative measures of acidity or basicity that enable proper maintenance and regulation of vital processes. The term widely used as an expression of acid/base content, is pH. The pH of a substance, usually a solution, is a quantitative measure of the acidity of the substance. The acidity can be expressed in terms of the concentration of the hydrogen ion present. The pH of a solution can be easily expressed in a manner that reveals the relative acidity of the system through the power of the hydrogen ion concentration. The pH is the negative of the logarithm of the hydrogen ion concentration, expressed as a power of 10. The value of the hydrogen ion concentration will accordingly be expressed by the hydrogen ion and the factor will have the form of a negative power of 10. The chapter discusses the chemical science behind a disappearing ink and a frosted glass light bulb.
A web interface for XALT log data analysis

XALT is a job-monitoring tool to collect accurate, detailed, and continuous job level and link-time data on all MPI jobs running on a computing cluster. Due to its usefulness and complementariness to other system logs, XALT has been deployed on Stampede at Texas Advanced Computing Center and other high performance computing resources around the world. The data collected by XALT can be extremely valuable to help resource providers understanding resources usages and identify patterns and insights for future improvements. However, the volume of data collected by XALT grows quickly over time on large system and presents challenges for access and analysis. In this paper, we describe development of a prototype tool to analyze and visualize XALT data. The application utilizes Spark for efficient data processing over large volume of log data and R for interactive visualization of the results over the web. The application provides an easy to use interface for users to conveniently share and communicate executable usage and patterns without prerequisite knowledge on big data technology. In this paper, we detail the features of this tool, current development status, performance evaluation and exemplar use cases.
Involvement of Fatty Acid Synthase in Azacytidine-Induced Cytotoxicity in Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia.

Abstract 3731 Poster Board III-667 Azacytidine is a potent demethylation agent and has been used for the treatment of myelodysplastic syndrome. Despite a role in reactivating epigenetically silenced tumor-suppressor genes, the mechanisms of action for azacytidine are not well understood. The relationships between the reactivation of tumor-suppressor genes and the significance for clinical responses also remain to be established. Azacytidine can incorporate into both RNA and DNA strands and may therefore act through multiple pathways. We therefore investigated the therapeutic potential of azacytidine in Waldenstrom9s Macroglobulinemia (WM), and characterized certain molecular changes associated with azacytidine. We found that azacytidine exhibited significant dose-dependent cytotoxicity against WM cell lines, and primary WM cells. Treatment of BCWM.1 WM cells with 2 uM of azacytidine rapidly induced cell cycle arrest at G1, and also induced apoptosis at 48 hours. Cleavage of caspase 3, 7, 8, 9 and PARP-1 suggested an involvement of mitochondrial and death receptor pathways in azacytidine-induced apoptosis. The BH3 proteins Puma and Bim, and the pro-apoptotic protein Bax were up-regulated while the anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl remained unchanged after treatment with azacytidine. In addition, azacytidine did not induce Akt and NFκB pathways. To further elucidate molecular changes associated with azacytidine treatment, we performed genome-wide microarray expression in BCWM.1 WM cells treated with azacytidine. We observed that the gene encoding fatty acid synthase (FASN) was among the most down-regulated of targets. FASN has been linked to tumor cell proliferation, and its expression was observed by us to be upregulated by microarray studies in WM patients, and further validated as a highly over-expressed target by quantitative RT-PCR analysis in WM patients versus healthy donors. Moreover, by these studies we show that knockdown of FASN by small interfering RNA resulted in growth arrest, and also induced apoptosis in BCWM.1 WM cells. Cerulenin, a specific inhibitor of FASN derived from a natural product, induced strong cytotoxicity against BCWM.1 and primary WM cells at 20 uM in 24 hours. In addition, a synergistic induction of apoptosis in BCWM.1 WM cells was observed in the presence of both azacytidine and cerulenin. The results of this study support an important role for FASN in azacytidine-induced cytotoxicity in WM cells, and highlight a novel mechanistic pathway for this agent, as well as a novel target for drug therapy in WM. A clinical study investigating the activity of azacytidine in WM is planned. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Dead reckoning and distributed interactive simulation

This paper analyzes the use of dead reckoning in Distributed Interactive Simulation. The purpose of dead reckoning is to reduce the updates required by each simulator on the network to better utilize the available bandwidth. Extrapolation formulas are derived and discussed based on network communication traffic and the amount of computation performed by simulators. Smoothing and delay compensation algorithms are also discussed. Numerical and human perspective experiment are conducted. A software tool that assesses the performance of the read reckoning algorithm is introduced.
Policy-Induced Disparities in Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Teacher Qualifications.

Background/ContextResearch reveals the Head Start program has made impressive gains in increasing the qualifications of its teachers since the passage of the Coats Human Services Reauthorization Ac...
Bridging the Research to Practice Gap with Project TACTICal Briefs: (Abstract Only)

Now more than ever, students with disabilities are participating in computer science (CS) education. As CS increasingly becomes a part of the general curriculum in grades K-8, ensuring that these learning experiences are equitable and accessible for a wide range of learners may help broaden the diversity of individuals who choose to engage in computing experiences throughout their schooling and into their professional lives (Qualls & Sherrell, 2010). Therefore, it is essential to identify pedagogical approaches that lower barriers for students with disabilities and give teachers new tools to help those students succeed. Initial findings will be presented from a National Science Foundation STEM+C project derived from a series of qualitative case studies about challenges faced by K-8 students with disabilities in CS education. These findings have been converted to practitioner-oriented pedagogy briefs, written in the form of vignettes, and grounded in our own research findings as well as special education best practice. These pedagogy briefs are disseminated to practitioners and used for professional development and intervention work. Current topics include: Universal Design for Learning, project planning, co-teaching, working with paraeducators, and promoting student collaboration. Pedagogy briefs will be available and can be found on the Creative Technology Research Lab (CTRL) website: http://ctrl.illinois.education.edu
Revisiting Orbital Angular Momentum Beams: Fundamentals, Reflectarray Generation, and Novel Antenna Applications

Inspired by the unique and compelling traits of orbital angular momentum (OAM) laser beams, such as the twisted wavefront and annular-shaped intensity pattern, we use this work to design antennas generating OAM beams at radio frequency (RF) and, especially, to tailor the antennas' far-field characteristics. We demonstrate that the reflectarray antenna is an efficient apparatus to generate and manipulate OAMcarrying beams at RF.
Laying a Firm Foundation: Embedding Evidence-Based Emergent Literacy Practices Into Early Intervention and Preschool Environments.

Purpose As part of this clinical forum on curriculum-based intervention, the goal of this tutorial is to share research about the importance of language and literacy foundations in natural environm...
Examination of the Zinc Cementation of Cadmium in Aqueous Solutions

The kinetics of the cementation of cadmium by zinc have been studied over a range of solution pH values and initial cadmium concentrations. The kinetics were interpreted in terms of a model postulating a transition from a migration controlled mechanism with consequent half order kinetics to a diffusion controlled regime following first order kinetics. The conditions under which each mechanism was found to apply were consistent with the model in which the immediate reductant was hydride ion generated by the interaction of hydrogen ions with the zinc. The reaction stoichiometry was remarkable in that conditions were observed under which more than the theoretical one mole of cadmium per mole of zinc could be reduced. This was ascribed to the electrolysis of water by the induced electrochemical system. A lag in both cadmium cementation and zinc dissolution was observed in many runs. The zinc dissolution was found to commence about 25% sooner than cadmium cementation, a fact ascribed to the establishment of the reducing electrochemical system.
Purinergic control of red blood cell metabolism: novel strategies to improve red cell storage quality

Transfusion of stored blood is regarded as one of the great advances in modern medicine. However, during storage in the blood bank, red blood cells (RBCs) undergo a series of biochemical and biomechanical changes that affect cell morphology and physiology and potentially impair transfusion safety and efficacy. Despite reassuring evidence from clinical trials, it is universally accepted that the storage lesion(s) results in the altered physiology of long-stored RBCs and helps explain the rapid clearance of up to one-fourth of long-stored RBCs from the recipient's bloodstream at 24 hours after administration. These considerations explain the importance of understanding and mitigating the storage lesion. With the emergence of new technologies that have enabled large-scale and in-depth screening of the RBC metabolome and proteome, recent studies have provided novel insights into the molecule-level metabolic changes underpinning the accumulation of storage lesions to RBCs in the blood bank and alternative storage strategies to mitigate such lesion(s). These approaches borrow from recent insights on the biochemistry of RBC adaptation to high altitude hypoxia. We recently conducted investigations in genetically modified mice and revealed novel insights into the role of adenosine signalling in response to hypoxia as a previously unrecognised cascade regulating RBC glucose metabolism and increasing O2 release, while decreasing inflammation and tissue injuries in animal models. Here, we will discuss the molecular mechanisms underlying the role of purinergic molecules, including adenosine and adenosine triphosphate in manipulating RBCs and blood vessels in response to hypoxia. We will also speculate about new therapeutic possibilities to improve the quality of stored RBCs and the prognosis after transfusion.
Assignment Strategies and Structure Determination in Cyanide-Inhibited Heme Peroxidases

A strategy is described for locating and assigning all of the hyperfine-shifted and/or relaxed resonances in the active site of the low-spin, cyanide-inhibited complex of horseradish peroxidase. The serious problems in spectral resolution and dynamic range due to the large size (44 kDa) of the protein can be overcome by taking advantage of the strong temperature dependence of the hyperfine shift, and by use of DEFT or WEFT pulse sequences in conjunction with standard 2D experiments. Detailed analysis of COSY experiments reveals that cross-correlation contributes significantly to cross peak intensity and dominates for geminal protons. It is shown that many COSY cross peaks, in fact, are inter-residue cross correlation peaks. Hence COSY has limited use in mapping scalar connectivities, even in its phase-sensitive form. TOCSY, on the other hand, particularly when ROESY is suppressed, provides an effective method for mapping essentially all spin systems. The sequence-specific assignment of active site residues via standard backbone NOES Y connectivities in 2H2O is greatly facilitated by the very slow exchange rates of the peptide protons for both the proximal and distal helices. The combination of 2D NMR methods lead to the complete assignment of the active site protons <6.5 A from the iron. The resulting dipolar shifts for non-coordinated residues are shown to be quantitatively described by the orientation of the magnetic axes which reflect a tilt of the Fe-CN unit away from the heme normal. It is likely that similar methods will allow detailed structural studies in a variety of comparably sized cyanide-inhibited heme peroxidases.
Management of Glaucoma Associated with Boston KPro Type I Implantation

Glaucoma affects a majority of eyes undergoing Boston Type I Keratoprosthesis (KPro; Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, Massachusetts, USA) surgery and is associated with poorer postoperative outcomes. Pathophysiologic factors include underlying disease process, synechial angle closure, steroid-response intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation, and possible pupillary block. Frequent monitoring with structural and functional testing measures is required to allow for timely interventions. Glaucoma drainage implant (GDI) surgery offers a relatively effective method for IOP control, but may be fraught with long-term complications including implant/tube exposure, endophthalmitis, and KPro extrusion. A modified GDI surgical technique involving pars plana tube insertion as posterior to the corneal limbus as possible and use of a lamellar-dissected corneal patch graft may decrease the risk of postoperative complications and allow for a successful patient outcome.
Microfabrication of an Implantable silicone Microelectrode array for an epiretinal prosthesis

Millions of people suffering from diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa and macular degeneration are legally blind due to the loss of photoreceptor function. Fortunately a large percentage of the neural cells connected to the photoreceptors remain viable, and electrical stimulation of these cells has been shown to result in visual perception. These findings have generated worldwide efforts to develop a retinal prosthesis device, with the hope of restoring vision. Advances in microfabrication, integrated circuits, and wireless technologies provide the means to reach this challenging goal. This dissertation describes the development of innovative silicone-based microfabrication techniques for producing an implantable microelectrode array. The microelectrode array is a component of an epiretinal prosthesis being developed by a multi-laboratory consortium. This array will serve as the interface between an electronic imaging system and the human eye, directly stimulating retinal neurons via thin film conducting traces. Because the array is intended as a long-term implant, vital biological and physical design requirements must be met. A retinal implant poses difficult engineering challenges due to the size of the intraocular cavity and the delicate retina. Not only does it have to be biocompatible in terms of cytotoxicity and degradation, but it also has to be structurallymore » biocompatible, with regard to smooth edges and high conformability; basically mimicking the biological tissue. This is vital to minimize stress and prevent physical damage to the retina. Also, the device must be robust to withstand the forces imposed on it during fabrication and implantation. In order to meet these biocompatibility needs, the use of non-conventional microfabrication materials such as silicone is required. This mandates the enhancement of currently available polymer-based fabrication techniques and the development of new microfabrication methods. Through an iterative process, devices were designed, fabricated, tested and implanted into a canine eye. Metal traces were embedded within a thin substrate fabricated using poly (dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS), an inert biocompatible elastomeric material with high oxygen permeability and low water permeability. Due to its highly conformable nature, PDMS contacted the curved retinal surface uniformly. Fundamental material characteristics were examined to develop reliable and repeatable fabrication processes.« less
MicroRNA-Attenuated Virus Vaccines

Live-attenuated vaccines are the most effective way to establish robust, long-lasting immunity against viruses. However, the possibility of reversion to wild type replication and pathogenicity raises concerns over the safety of these vaccines. The use of host-derived microRNAs (miRNAs) to attenuate viruses has been accomplished in an array of biological contexts. The broad assortment of effective tissue- and species-specific miRNAs, and the ability to target a virus with multiple miRNAs, allow for targeting to be tailored to the virus of interest. While escape is always a concern, effective strategies have been developed to improve the safety and stability of miRNA-attenuated viruses. In this review, we discuss the various approaches that have been used to engineer miRNA-attenuated viruses, the steps that have been taken to improve their safety, and the potential use of these viruses as vaccines.
Safety of atovaquone-proguanil during pregnancy

BACKGROUND Malaria during pregnancy increases the risk of maternal and foetal complications. There are very limited options for prophylaxis in pregnant travellers. Atovaquone-Proguanil (AP or Malarone®) is an effective and well-tolerated antimalarial medication, but is not recommended for use in pregnancy due to limited data on safety. Passively reported adverse event data may provide additional information on the safety of AP during pregnancy. METHODS We analysed adverse event data on pregnancy and birth outcomes following accidental exposures to AP during pregnancy, which were passively reported to GlaxoSmithKline LLC (GSK) between 13 May 1997 and 15 August 2017. Birth outcomes of interest included live birth, miscarriage, and stillbirth. Adverse outcomes of interest were defined as any of the following: small for gestational age (SGA), low birth weight (LBW, <2500 gm), congenital anomalies, and a composite 'poor live birth outcome,' including preterm birth (PTB), LBW or SGA. RESULTS Among 198 women who received AP during pregnancy or breastfeeding, 96.5% occurred in women taking malaria prophylaxis, and 79.8% of exposures occurred in the first trimester. Among 195 with available birth outcome data, 18.5% resulted in miscarriage and 11.8% were elective terminations. Available adverse outcomes included SGA in 3.5% (3/85), LBW in 7.0% of infants (6/86), and the composite 'poor live birth outcome' in 13.7% (14/102). Congenital anomalies were reported in 30/124 (24.2%), with no specific pattern to suggest an effect related to AP. CONCLUSIONS These data provide a description of outcomes in the pregnancies reported to this dataset, and it should be noted that there is likely a bias towards reporting cases resulting in poor outcomes. While there was no specific signal to suggest a teratogenic effect of AP, AP data during pregnancy were too limited to determine AP's safety with confidence. As inadvertent exposures are not infrequent, better data are needed.
Trap–treat–release: horizontal transfer of fipronil in field colonies of black carpenter ants, Camponotus pennsylvanicus

Background Horizontal insecticide transfer is thought to play an important role in controlling a wide range of urban pests including ants, bed bugs, cockroaches, and termites. Despite decades of research and numerous laboratory studies, horizontal transfer has never been demonstrated in the field. As a result, the importance of horizontal transfer (and the resulting secondary kill) for practical pest management remains unknown. The goal of this study was to provide the first experimental examination of horizontal transfer under field conditions. The specific objective was to investigate horizontal transfer of fipronil in field colonies of black carpenter ants, Camponotus pennsylvanicus. Results Laboratory experiments demonstrated that fipronil is effectively transferred from treated donors to untreated recipients and causes significant secondary mortality. Fipronil was effectively vectored to untreated ants from donors exposed via residual and direct spray applications, and 100% mortality was achieved with both exposure routes. Furthermore, horizontal transfer continued beyond secondary mortality and resulted in significant tertiary mortality, which has not been previously demonstrated in ants. Field experiments utilized a novel, three-step control method consisting of trap-treat-release and demonstrated that fipronil is effectively transferred when foraging workers are trapped, treated, and subsequently released back into their colonies. Conclusion The current study is the first field demonstration of the importance of horizontal transfer for the control of pest ants. The trap-treat-release method may be an effective alternative to broadcast spray applications and could help alleviate problems such as insecticide run-off, environmental contamination, and non-target effects. This method has the potential to provide effective management of invasive and pest ants and should be further tested across a wider range of ant species, habitats, and active ingredients. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.
The behavior of a photoelastic polyurethane at elevated temperatures

The mechanical and optical behavior of a photoelastic polyurethane at ambient and elevated temperatures is measured and discussed. The data presented extend the temperature range of useful information given for the same material by M. L. Williams,et al. The data are shown to conform to the kinetic theory of polymers or the theory of rubberlike elasticity. The rubbery-flow range of the material is explored and it is shown that experimental observations therein agree with molecular descriptions of deformation given by others. Generally, it is shown that the optic behavior of the material is more closely associated with stress than with strain in both the rubbery and rubbery-flow regions. Further, the stress-optic nature of the material is used to measure viscoelastic stress-concentration factors for a tensile strip containing a circular hole.
Hierarchical self-assembly and emergent function of densely glycosylated peptide nanofibers

Glycosylation alters protein form and function by establishing intermolecular forces that mediate specific interactions while preventing non-specific aggregation. Self-assembled peptide nanofibers modified with carbohydrates are increasingly used as biomaterials to mimic glycosylated protein function, yet the influence of carbohydrate conjugates on nanofiber structure remains poorly defined. Here we show that a dense carbohydrate surface layer can facilitate hierarchical organization of peptide nanofibers into anisotropic networks. Glycosylated peptide nanofibers remain dispersed in dilute conditions, whereas non-glycosylated nanofibers tend to aggregate. In crowded conditions, some glycosylated nanofibers laterally associate and align. This behavior depends on carbohydrate chemistry, particularly hydroxyls, suggesting involvement of short-range attractive forces. Macroscopic gels fabricated from densely glycosylated peptide nanofibers are resistant to non-specific interactions with proteins, mammalian cells, and bacteria, yet selectively bind lectins, analogous to natural low-fouling mucosal barriers. Collectively, these observations demonstrate that glycosylation can inform structure in addition to endowing function to peptide-based supramolecular biomaterials. Self-assembled glycopeptides are increasingly used as biomaterials. Here the self-assembly of glycosylated peptides under crowded conditions is shown to yield laterally aligned fibres which exhibit superior resistance towards non-specific binding of proteins and cells.
Cost-efficacy of Knee Cartilage Defect Treatments in the United States.

Background:Multiple knee cartilage defect treatments are available in the United States, although the cost-efficacy of these therapies in various clinical scenarios is not well understood.Purpose/H...
Loving myself through thick and thin: Appearance contingent self-worth, gendered racial microaggressions and African American women's body appreciation.

Abstract Contrary to previous literature, recent studies have indicated that African American women are reporting similar rates of body dissatisfaction as their European American counterparts. Yet, little is known about contextual factors, such as gendered racial microaggressions and their association with body appreciation, and whether appearance contingent self-worth accounts for this relationship. Consistent with intersectionality theory, this study examined appearance-contingent self-worth as a mediator between stress related to experiencing sexually objectifying gendered racial microaggressions and body appreciation. African American emerging adult women ( N = 143), predominately from the Southern United States, completed a self-report measure of gendered racial microaggressions, appearance contingent self-worth, and body appreciation. Results demonstrated that appearance contingent self-worth, at least in part, mediated the relationship between stress related to gendered racial microaggressions and African American women’s appreciation for their bodies. It is imperative future body image interventions aimed at African American emerging adult women address factors, such as appearance contingent self-worth and gendered racial microaggressions, in their efforts improve body appreciation.
It’s Okay to Blink and Miss It

A previously healthy 9-year-old boy presented to his pediatrician for his annual well-child check. During this encounter, the physician noted repetitive eye blinking. The patient stated that he was aware that he recently started blinking more often; however, it did not bother him. A new-onset tic disorder was suspected. The pediatrician explained that new-onset tics can be caused by pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder associated with group A streptococci (PANDAS) and performed a rapid strep test. The child denied sore throat or fever and stated he was feeling well. The rapid strep test returned positive, and the patient was started on a 10-day course of cefdinir. Six days into the cefdinir course, the child began having profuse nonbloody watery diarrhea. On day 8 of cefdinir, he returned to the pediatrician’s office for multiple episodes of diarrhea. The pediatrician stopped the cefdinir and recommended a probiotic. The patient started an over-the-counter probiotic without relief. Over the course of the next week, the patient was seen twice by his pediatrician and once in the emergency department (ED) for continued diarrhea. A stool culture and stool for ova and parasites were sent from the pediatrician’s office. Another test for ova and parasites was sent from the ED. The pediatrician started the patient on nitazoxanide, an antiprotozoal. A few days later, the child visited the ED for continued symptoms. Stool for ova and parasites and stool culture had negative test results. The patient …
Plasma densities near and beyond the heliopause from the Voyager 1 and 2 plasma wave instruments

The heliopause is the boundary between the hot heliospheric (solar wind) plasma and the relatively cold interstellar plasma. Pressure balance considerations show that there should be a large (factor of 20 to 50) density increase across the heliopause. Here we report electron density measurements from the Voyager 1 and 2 plasma wave instruments near and beyond the heliopause. The plasma density in the outer heliosphere is typically about 0.002 cm−3. The first electron density measured by the Voyager 2 plasma wave instrument in the interstellar medium, 0.039 cm−3 ± 15%, was on 30 January 2019 at a heliocentric radial distance of 119.7 au. The density jump, about a factor of 20, confirms that Voyager 2 crossed the heliopause. The new density is very similar to the first density measured in the interstellar medium by the Voyager 1 plasma wave instrument, 0.055 cm−3, on 23 October 2013 at a radial distance of 122.6 au. These small differences in the densities and radial distances are probably due to the relative locations of the spacecraft in the boundary layer that forms in the interstellar plasma just beyond the heliopause. This Article reports measurements from the plasma wave instruments of the Voyager spacecraft as they passed from the heliosphere into interstellar space. The Voyager 2 instrument recorded an electron density jump of a factor of 20, similar to that from Voyager 1 several years previously.
Firefighters’ job stress and the (un)intended consequences of relational quality with spouses and firefighter friends:

For firefighters, there is reason to believe that relational quality with spouses and firefighter friends might buffer the negative effects of occupational stress both on and off the job. In this s...
Transfer printing automation for heterogeneous 3D photonic integration (Conference Presentation)

Heterogeneous integration of dissimilar materials are essential in achieving advanced functionalities in integrated photonics and electronics integrated chips. Over the years, transfer printing technique has emerged to be a viable and practical process for heterogeneous integration of functional nanomembranes of different crystalline semiconductor materials. Here we report the development of transfer printing automation tools and processes based on commercial Ficontec optical characterization and assemble tool. Custom-made polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) stamp printing head was developed along with the automatic pick and printing processes. A wide range of materials were also investigated including thin film silicon and monolayer 2D materials. Improved yield and device performance were achieved based on the characterizations of optical and light-matter interactions.
Family without futurity, kinship without biology: childlessness in contemporary German literature by women

As Germany’s birthrate declines, childlessness is a reality for more women yet remains underrepresented in literature and pop-culture. In this article, I analyze two texts that have struck a nerve ...
Trends in Sex and Racial/Ethnic Diversity in Applicants to Surgery Residency and Fellowship Programs

This study uses the Electronic Residency Application Service database and Association of American Medical Colleges records to investigate trends in sex and racial/ethnic diversity of the applicant pool to US surgical residency and fellowship programs.
External quality control of iodine deficiency disorders laboratory in Henan province from 1999 to 2011

Objective To analyze the examination results of external quality assessment(EQA) at all levels of iodine deficiency disorders(IDD) laboratories in Henan province and the network operation to further standardize and improve the laboratory,and to provide reliable laboratory quality assurance for surveillance and control of IDD.Methods The examination results of EQA at all levels of IDD laboratories in Henan province were statistically analyzed in accordance with the National Reference Laboratory (NRL) of IDD (1999-201 1).Results The survey results showed that the provincial level laboratory was all qualified in testing urinary iodine and salt iodine in the past 13 years.In prefectural level,the laboratory response rates were 100.0％,and through participation in EQA,laboratory capacity had been significantly increased and stabilized.From 1999 to 2001,the passing rate of check up of urinary iodine was 22.2％ (4/18),72.2％ (13/18),94.4％ (17/18),respectively,and the rate was stable at 100.0％(18/18) from 2002 to 2011 except 94.4％ (17/18) in 2003.Since 2000,the prefectural level laboratory began to take part in the salt iodine EQA,and the laboratory response rate was 100.0％ (18/18) from 2000 to 2011.Except 88.9％(16/18) in 2003,the passing rate of check up of urinary iodine was 100.0％(18/18)from 2000 to 2011.In 2003 and 2004,6 to 7 county-level laboratories participated in the EQA of urinary iodine in Zhengzhou city,respectively,and all qualified.The number of county-level laboratories that participated in the salt iodine quality control network increased from 29 in 1999 to 148 in 2011.Response rate was 94.4％(68/72),96.7％(58/60) and 92.3％(144/156)in 2003,2006 and 2007,respectively,and the rate remained stable at 100.0％ in the remaining 10 years.In 1999,the passing rate was 69.0％ (20/29),then increased significantly,except 86.7％ (26/30) in 2001 and 84.6％(132/156) in 2007,the rates were all above 90.0％ in other years,especially in 2000 and 2009,the passing rates were both 100.0％.Conclusions The accuracy of test results of external quality controls and the normal operation of the network at all levels of laboratories is closely related to the IDD laboratory conditions and detection techniques. Key words: Urinary; Salts; Iodine; Laboratory; Quality control
Free Speech in the Balance

Free Speech in the Balance is the first comprehensive study of proportional analysis in free speech theory. This book challenges the US Supreme Court's categorical approach and explains the importance of understanding the breadth of concerns arising from regulations directly and indirectly impacting expression. The author provides in-depth analysis of some of the important social and political principles governing topics of vital concern, including campaign financing, university speech codes, secondary school rules, incitement, and threats. This book should be read by students and scholars of free speech theory and anyone interested in learning more about the history of existing law, the issues of current importance, and trends in expressive significance.
Techno-economic evaluation of a solar PV integrated refrigeration system for a cold storage facility

Abstract This paper presents a conceptual study of a solar PV integrated refrigeration system for a cold storage facility based on the conventional vapor compression system for banana fruit. In the first stage, the conventional system has been thoroughly analyzed. Mathematical modelling has shown that the condenser is oversized, while the evaporator was undersized. Furthermore, the air-conditioning compressor was also found to be oversized by approximately 12 kW after an evaluation at no-load and full-load conditions. In the second stage, the optimized system with reduced consumption was integrated to a solar PV field. The solar field sizing, and performance optimization of the proposed PV hybrid refrigeration system was accomplished in PV*SOL tool. The simulations demonstrated that with a 170 m2 solar field, an optimized PV hybrid refrigeration system can achieve 58.1% solar fraction at a performance ratio of 59.2%, under given climatic conditions. With net metering, the hybrid system shows a high economic feasibility with the payback period of 5.2 years. The comprehensive methodology and all-inclusive results are valuable to generate explicit recommendations for repowering along with renewable integration of cold storage facilities operating in the region.
Influence of Na diffusion on thermochromism of vanadium oxide films and suppression through mixed-alkali effect

Abstract Vanadium(IV) oxide possesses a reversible first-order phase transformation near 68 °C. Potential applications of the material include advanced optical devices and thermochromic smart windows. In this study, vanadium oxide films were grown on three types of glass substrates using reactive DC magnetron sputtering and were then annealed in air. The substrates were characterized with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and the films were characterized with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and UV-Vis-NIR spectrophotometry. The results show that the composition of the substrate has a major impact on the microstructure and optical properties of the deposited films. Sodium (Na) in the glass can undesirably inhibit thermochromism; however, replacing half of the Na with potassium (K) suppresses the Na diffusion and promotes the nucleation of pure VO 2 with superior thermochromic functionality. The improved performance is attributed to the mixed-alkali effect between Na and K. These findings are both scientifically and technologically important since soda (Na 2 O) is an essential flux material in glass products such as windows.