cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Software for preparing meteorological data for industrial source complex models

Meteorological data are vital ingredients for the proper execution of any air quality model. Typically, meterological data include wind speed, ambient temperature, atmospheric stability, and mixing heights and are obtained from observations at weather stations. The purpose of this paper is to discuss software needed to prepare meterological data for the execution of the widely used Industrial Source Complex (ISC2) model. Utility programs available from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are capable of preparing most of the data required for the execution of the ISC model. However, during an application of the ISC2 model for demonstrating the compliance of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) of lead from a plant, it was found that utility programs to prepare monthly and quarterly averages of temperature and mixing height are not public domain. For this purpose, two computer codes were developed and are discussed in this paper. 5 refs., 1 fig.
In Vivo Degradation of Protein in Diets Formulated for Two Degradabilities

In vivo protein degradability of two basal diets and bacterial protein synthesis were determined in four lactating dairy cows equipped with ruminal and duodenal cannulas. The diets contained corn silage, high moisture corn, and either soybean meal or a 60:40 mixture of soybean meal and corn gluten meal. Diets had calculated ruminal protein degradabilities of 69.3 and 62.3%, respectively. Both diets contained approximately 14% CP and 21% ADF. Duodenal flows of total N, total protein N, microbial N, and duodenal recovery of ingested N tended to be higher for the soybean meal and corn gluten meal diet; ruminally degraded CP was significantly lower than for the soybean meal diet. Ruminal ammonia and plasma urea concentrations tended to be higher for the soybean meal diet, as were molar percentages of butyrate and valerate. Ruminal and total tract apparent digestibilities of CP and OM were not significantly different between diets. Ruminal degradation of protein in the two diets differed by the amount predicted by the NRC system for lactating cows, although absolute values were lower than most previous estimates for similar diets.
Dietary marine algae maintains egg consumer acceptability while enhancing yolk color

A drum-dried docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; C22:6n-3) enriched marine microalgal product (MA) was investigated as a n-3 fatty acid (n-3 FA) source in laying hen diets. Hen diets were supplemented with 2.4 or 4.8% MA. Eggs were analyzed for yolk color following 4 wk of feeding as well as weekly for 4 wk. Egg flavor was evaluated by consumer panelists. Feeding MA significantly (P < 0.01) increased yolk a* values in a dose response manner as early as 1 wk post-MA feeding. Consumer panelists found n-3 FA enriched eggs as acceptable as typical eggs. These data suggest that dietary MA is useful for enhancing yolk n-3 FA and color while maintaining consumer acceptability of the resulting egg product.
Effect of fasting glucose levels on mortality rate in patients with and without diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

Abstract Background Diabetes mellitus (DM) is predictive of increased mortality for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). To what extent this risk extends below the diabetic threshold (fasting glucose level [FG] Methods The study objective was to determine the risk associated with FG in a prospectively assembled cohort of 1612 patients with CAD who were undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and had a FG measured or a clinical diagnosis of DM (CDM). Patients were grouped as: CDM; no CDM, but FG ≥126 mg/dL (ADA-DM); impaired FG, 110–125 mg/dL (IFG); or normal FG, Results The average patient age was 62 ± 12 years; 74% of the patients were men. Diagnostic frequencies were: CDM, 24%; ADA-DM , 18%; IFG, 19%; and NFG, 39%. Mortality rates were greater for patients in the CDM (44/394 [11.2%], P Conclusions Prognostically significant abnormalities of FG are much more prevalent (61%) than expected in patients with CAD who are undergoing PCI. Despite revascularization, the associated mortality risk of even mild elevations in FG is substantial, emphasizing the importance of early detection and treatment of glycemia-related risk.
Indirect and direct controls of macroinvertebrates and small fish by abiotic factors and trophic interactions in the Florida Everglades

SUMMARY 1. The roles of nutrients, disturbance and predation in regulating consumer densities have long been of interest, but their indirect effects have rarely been quantified in wetland ecosystems. The Florida Everglades contains gradients of hydrological disturbance (marsh drying) and nutrient enrichment (phosphorus), often correlated with densities of macroinvertebrate infauna (macroinvertebrates inhabiting periphyton), small fish and larger invertebrates, such as snails, grass shrimp, insects and crayfish. However, most causal relationships have yet to be quantified. 2. We sampled periphyton (content and community structure) and consumer (small omnivores, carnivores and herbivores, and infaunal macroinvertebrates inhabiting periphyton) density at 28 sites spanning a range of hydrological and nutrient conditions and compared our data to seven a priori structural equation models. 3. The best model included bottom-up and top-down effects among trophic groups and supported top-down control of infauna by omnivores and predators that cascaded to periphyton biomass. The next best model included bottom-up paths only and allowed direct effects of periphyton on omnivore density. Both models suggested a positive relationship between small herbivores and small omnivores, indicating that predation was unable to limit herbivore numbers. Total effects of time following flooding were negative for all three consumer groups even when both preferred models suggested positive direct effects for some groups. Total effects of nutrient levels (phosphorus) were positive for consumers and generally larger than those of hydrological disturbance and were mediated by changes in periphyton content. 4. Our findings provide quantitative support for indirect effects of nutrient enrichment on consumers, and the importance of both algal community structure and periphyton biomass
Recent progress in SAW filters at GHz frequencies

The wide availability of inexpensive cellular telephones and pagers has made possible world-wide, instantaneous communication for any person within range of a base station. The recent introduction of hand-held and even "wearable" telephone technology has been made practical, in some cases, by the use of miniature Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) filters. This paper discusses the application of SAW RF filters for use in mobile communication products. We focus on the RF front end of mobile radios for which the band pass filters must provide low insertion loss and high selectivity in very small packages.
Medical Homes: “Where You Stand on Definitions Depends on Where You Sit”

The medical home is a potentially transformative strategy to address issues of access, quality, and efficiency in the delivery of health care in the United States. While numerous organizations support a physician-driven definition, it is by no means the universally accepted definition. Several professional groups, payers, and researchers have offered differing, or nuanced, definitions of medical homes. This lack of consensus has contributed to uncertainty among providers about the medical home. We conducted a systematic review of the literature on the medical home and identified 29 professional, government, and academic sources offering definitions. While consensus appears to exist around a core of selected features, the medical home means different things to different people. The variation in definitions can be partly explained by the obligation of organizations to their members and whether the focus is on the patient or provider. Differences in definitions have implications at both the policy and practice levels.
Calculate interference digital microwave links

A method is developed for determining interference into digital radio systems from other digital radio systems. Interference from FDM-FM (frequency division multiplexing/frequency modulation) systems can also be calculated. Once the algorithm for the receiver is found, all that is required to be known of the transmitter is its spectrum characteristics, i.e., amplitude versus frequency characteristics. Essentially, the digital receiver is defined as being a Butterworth filter with a cut-off characteristic related to the symbol rate. Initially it is important to be able to calculate the co-channel C/I (carrier/interference) relationship. This is normally done by using mathematical formulae and complementary error functions. The authors give values for the C/N (carrier/noise ratio) for various modulation schemes and then show how to translate that to a C/I value to be added to the faded signal level. The C/N's for various modulation schemes are given. >
STUDIES ON AN UNCOMPLICATED CORYZA OF THE DOMESTIC FOWL VII. CULTIVATION OF THE COCCOBACILLIFORM BODIES IN FERTILE EGGS AND IN TISSUE CULTURES

The coccobacilliform bodies of fowl coryza were successfully cultivated in the fetal membranes of fertile eggs. Microscopic examination indicated growth in approximately 50 per cent of 94 eggs inoculated on the 3rd to 4th day of incubation. Growth was generally inhibited, however, in eggs inoculated on the 10th day. One strain of the specific bodies was maintained through 11 successive passages in 4 day eggs. A more consistent growth of the coccobacilliform bodies was obtained in tissue cultures. One strain, originally isolated in November, 1935, has been carried through 100 successive subcultures at intervals of 1-3 days. The specific bodies fail to maintain their morphological identity for any length of time in this medium. It is noted that growth of the coccobacilliform bodies in fertile eggs and in tissue cultures is not dependent on the presence of living cells.
Reactions of transition metal compounds with macrocyclic alkadiynes

The macrocyclic alkadiynes, 1,7-cyclododecadiyne, 1,7-cyclotridecadiyne, 1,7- and 1,8-cyclotetradecadiyne, and 1,8-cyclopentadecadiyne react with C5H5Rh(CO)2 in boiling cyclooctane to give pale yellow to white volatile compounds of the compositon C5H5Rh(alkadiyne) in which the macrocyclic alkadiyne has undergone an intramolecular transannular cyclization to form a tricyclic cyclobutadiene derivative. The reaction of 1,7-cyclododecadiyne with C5H5Rh(CO)2 also gives a dimer of 1,7-cyclododecadiyne containing a benzene ring. Corresponding reactions of the simple alkynes RCCR (R = C2H5 and C6H5) with C5H5Rh(CO)2 in boiling cyclooctane failed to give any rhodium—cyclobutadiene derivatives. Instead the reaction of 3-hexyne with C5H5Rh(CO)2 under these conditions gave orange-red (C5H5)2Rh2(CO)C4(C2H5)4 and purple-black (C5H5)3Rh3(CO)(C2H5CCC2H5) and the reaction of diphenylacetylene with C5H5Rh(CO)2 gave a low yield of the orange complex (C5H5)3Rh3(C6H5CCC6H5). The infrared, 1H NMR, and mass spectra of these new cyclopentadienylrhodium complexes are described.
kHz Rate Digital In-line Holography Applied to Quantify Secondary Droplets from the Aerodynamic Breakup of a Liquid Column in a Shock-Tube.

The breakup of liquids due to aerodynamic forces has been widely studied. However, the literature contains limited quantified data on secondary droplet sizes, particularly as a function of time. Here, a column of liquid water is subjected to a step change in relative gas velocity using a shock tube. A unique digital in-line holography (DIH) configuration is proposed which quantifies the secondary droplets sizes, three-dimensional position, and three-component velocities at 100 kHz. Results quantify the detailed evolution of the characteristic mean diameters and droplet size-velocity correlations as a function of distance downstream from the initial location of the water column. Accuracy of the measurements is confirmed through mass balance. These data give unprecedented detail on the breakup process which will be useful for improved model development and validation.
Enhancing faculty-student communication about residencies.

According to ASHP and the National Matching Service, approximately 3200 pharmacy students nationwide participated in the 2011 postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) Pharmacy Match.[1][1] This number represents a 12% increase in students pursuing a PGY1 residency position and continues a trend seen in recent
Characterization of Asymmetric Polydiacetylene Ultrathin Films

Nonlinear optical (NLO) ultrathin films of a preforrned asymmetric polydiacetylene have been fabricated by Z-type Langmuir-Blodgett film deposition from the air-water interface. Induced in-plane orientation of the polydiacetylene backbone on the substrates has been confirmed by UV/Vis, FT-IR dichroism, and degenerate four wave mixing (DFWM) studies. All the measurements indicate that the backbone is prefe rentially oriented along the dipping direction. Second harmonic generation study suggests that the LB multilayers form an asymmetric structure (Z-type) due to the accumulation of 2-dimensional ordered monolayer and the dominant induced second order polarization is in the plane of the film. The film morphology and molecular orientation have been investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM).
Filling the GERD: evaluating hydroclimatic variability and impoundment strategies for Blue Nile riparian countries

ABSTRACTA modelling study is performed to evaluate interannual and decadal-scale streamflow variability into the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) reservoir and comparison of various filling strategies for hydropower and downstream releases to Sudan and Egypt from this dam. To capture these aspects, simulations of probabilistic streamflow via wavelet analysis are produced to define the propensity towards wetter or drier conditions for absolute, threshold and percentage-based filling strategies. Absolute filling strategies have lower uncertainty than percentage-based strategies, benefiting upstream planning; however, downstream releases may be near zero on occasion. Consensus among the riparian countries prior to initiation of filling is strongly encouraged.
Endometriosis-associated ovarian malignancy: a retrospective analysis of presentation, treatment, and outcome.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the relationship of age and tumors associated with endometriosis and outcome of different histologies of epithelial ovarian cancer arising from endometriosis. STUDY DESIGN We identified cases of epithelial ovarian cancers with clear cell, endometrioid, or mixed clear cell and endometrioid histologies from January 2001 to March 2009. Tumors were classified as either "arising in" endometriosis, "associated with" endometriosis or "controls" (not associated with endometriosis). We collected information regarding patient demographics, past medical history, presentation at diagnosis, treatment, and outcome. RESULTS Of 140 patients identified, 42 (30.0%) had clear cell, 92 (65.7%) had endometrioid, and 6 (4.3%) had mixed. Of those, 28.6% of tumors were associated with endometriosis (n = 40), 37.1% were arising in endometriosis (n = 52), and 34.3% were controls (n = 48). Premenopausal women had tumors that were more likely arising from or associated with endometriosis as compared to tumors in postmenopausal women (p = 0.005). Premenopausal patients were also more likely to present with early stage disease as compared to postmenopausal women (80.4% vs. 63.6%, p = 0.04) and better overall survival (p < 0.008). Survival analyses of the entire cohort showed that improved survival was associated with stage (p < 0.001), grade (p < 0.001), endometrioid histology (p < 0.005), and with tumors associated with or arising in endometriosis (p < 0.04). Multivariate analysis controlling for menopausal status showed the presence of endometriosis was no longer associated with a survival advantage (p = 0.08). CONCLUSION The association with endometriosis does appear, at least in endometrioid tumors, to provide a survival benefit. Overall, menopausal status, stage, and grade are more powerful variables associated with improved survival.
The Deep Impact of Economic Collapse on Democratic Support

What is democracy? To many citizens of post-Soviet countries it is synonymous with the disorder, instability, chaos, and hardship that was widespread throughout the 1990s. Importantly, these beliefs have been remarkably durable despite the subsequent economic recovery. While strong majorities remain supportive of democracy, the dynamics of transition have resulted in a subpopulation that is quite skeptical of democracy’s ability to deliver on its promises, a fact that has important implications for future regime development in these countries. The present article combines qualitative interview data and nationally-representative surveys of Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, and Latvia to explore the long-term consequences of economic collapse on beliefs about democracy and dictatorship among citizens of the post-Soviet states.
Controlled curcumin release via conjugation into PBAE nanogels enhances mitochondrial protection against oxidative stress.

Abstract Mitochondria are considered to be the “power plants” of the cell, but can also initiate and execute cell death, stimulated by oxidative stress (OS). OS induced mitochondrial dysfunction is characterized by a loss in oxygen consumption and reduced ATP production. Curcumin, as a potential therapeutic, has been explored as a candidate for mitochondrial OS suppression, but rapid metabolism and aqueous insolubility has prevented it from being effective. Further, efficient delivery of curcumin via the incorporation into nanocarriers has again been limited due to low drug loading capacities and/or significant burst release, resulting in acute cytotoxicity. Hence, to increase the therapeutic potential and reduce the toxic effects of curcumin, curcumin conjugated poly(β-amino ester) nanogels (CNGs) were synthesized using Michael addition chemistry. This approach provided easy control over the nanogel size, with CNGs showing a uniform release of active curcumin over 48 h with no burst release. This controlled release system significantly increased the safety limit for curcumin, with a ten fold increase in the cytotoxic threshold, as compared to free curcumin. Further, real-time mitochondrial response analysis with the Seahorse XF96 showed effective and prolonged suppression of H 2 O 2 induced mitochondrial oxidative stress upon pre-treating endothelial cells with CNGs and this potential of nanogels was studied at different pre-treatment times prior to H 2 O 2 exposure.
Dynamic Thiol–Michael Chemistry for Thermoresponsive Rehealable and Malleable Networks

The thiol–Michael adduct is used as a thermoresponsive dynamic cross-linker in polymeric materials. Recently, the thiol–Michael reaction between thiols and conjugated alkenes has been used as a ligation reaction for polymer synthesis and functionalization. Here, the thiol–Michael reaction is demonstrated to be thermally responsive and dynamic. Small molecule model experiments demonstrate the potential for the thiol–Michael adducts to be used in dynamic covalent chemistry. Thiol–acrylate adducts are incorporated into a cross-linker to form a soft polymeric material. These thiol–Michael cross-linked materials display healing after being cut and malleability characteristics at 90 °C. Additionally, the data suggest that there is limited creep and stress relaxation at room temperature with complete recovery of creep once the strain is removed. These thiol–Michael cross-linked polymers show dynamic properties upon thermal stimulus, with long-term stability against mechanical deformation in the absence of this s...
L’échec de la colonisation française en Algérie

Hartmut Elsenhans’s latest book on the end of French imperialism in Algeria is a difficult title to review. This is because L’echec de la colonisation francaise en Algerie is, in fact, an abridged ...
Nonlinear dynamic response of sandwich wide panels

Abstract This work focuses on the general nonlinear dynamic formulation of sandwich panels based on the Extended High-order Sandwich Panel Theory. The faces and the core are both considered undergoing large deformation with moderate rotation. In the literature, when it comes to nonlinear dynamic response, various simplifying assumptions are adopted in the nonlinear kinematic relations. A critical assessment of these simplifications, as well as a comprehensive investigation of the geometric nonlinearity effects on the dynamic response of sandwich beams/wide panels is presented. The Extended High-order Sandwich Panel Theory (EHSAPT)-based finite element is used to formulate the equations of motion, and the time response is obtained by the central difference method. The transient response of a sandwich panel subjected to a distributed blast loading is studied as a numerical example. By neglecting the nonlinear terms, the nonlinear dynamic analysis is reduced to the linear dynamic small deformation analysis, for which a closed-form elasticity solution exists. This, the linear response is first compared with the closed-form linear dynamic elasticity solution. It is shown that the linear EHSAPT yields an identical response to the dynamic elasticity analysis. Subsequently, the dynamic response is evaluated by considering the geometric nonlinearities. Several simplified nonlinear models with partial nonlinear terms included are considered. These models reflect the assumptions commonly adopted in the literature. Numerical results are presented to investigate the effects of geometric nonlinearities on the displacements and stresses. It is shown that the geometric nonlinearities have a significant effect on the dynamic response of sandwich panels and, in particular, the nonlinear terms in the core kinematic equations are especially important.
Correction to: Exploring the Utility of Longitudinal Clinical Electives in Training Dual-Degree Students

Part of the text of the Results section labeled “Participants” has been updated to read: Three cohorts with a total of 37 MSTP students had begun PhD research, but had not yet completed the training program while we were interviewing.
Activation and Inhibition of Sodium-Hydrogen Exchanger Is a Mechanism That Links the Pathophysiology and Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus With That of Heart Failure

The mechanisms underlying the progression of diabetes mellitus and heart failure are closely intertwined, such that worsening of one condition is frequently accompanied by worsening of the other; the degree of clinical acceleration is marked when the 2 coexist. Activation of the sodium-hydrogen exchanger in the heart and vasculature (NHE1 isoform) and the kidneys (NHE3 isoform) may serve as a common mechanism that links both disorders and may underlie their interplay. Insulin insensitivity and adipokine abnormalities (the hallmarks of type 2 diabetes mellitus) are characteristic features of heart failure; conversely, neurohormonal systems activated in heart failure (norepinephrine, angiotensin II, aldosterone, and neprilysin) impair insulin sensitivity and contribute to microvascular disease in diabetes mellitus. Each of these neurohormonal derangements may act through increased activity of both NHE1 and NHE3. Drugs used to treat diabetes mellitus may favorably affect the pathophysiological mechanisms of heart failure by inhibiting either or both NHE isoforms, and drugs used to treat heart failure may have beneficial effects on glucose tolerance and the complications of diabetes mellitus by interfering with the actions of NHE1 and NHE3. The efficacy of NHE inhibitors on the risk of cardiovascular events may be enhanced when heart failure and glucose intolerance coexist and may be attenuated when drugs with NHE inhibitory actions are given concomitantly. Therefore, the sodium-hydrogen exchanger may play a central role in the interplay of diabetes mellitus and heart failure, contribute to the physiological and clinical progression of both diseases, and explain certain drug-drug and drug-disease interactions that have been reported in large-scale randomized clinical trials.
Cysteine Proteases Of Hookworm Necator americanus As Virulence Factors And Implications For Future Drug Design with heparin analogs: A Bioinformatics-Based Study

Human hookworm Necator americanus causes iron deficiency anemia, as the parasite ingests blood from the gastrointestinal tract of its human host. The virulence factors of this blood feeding nematode have not been researched extensively. This bioinformatics based study focuses on eight of the cathepsin B like cysteine proteases (CPs) of the worm, which could have immense pathogenic potential. The role of the individual CPs remain vaguely determined except for CP3 which has been shown to act as globinase in the hemoglobin degradation pathway. In this study, the cysteine proteases were subjected to predictive molecular characterizations viz: probability of extracellular secretion to the interface between pathogen and host, ability for hemoglobin degradation, and/or interaction with host plasma proteins. CP1-CP6, which harbored the active site cysteine and were observed to have N terminal signal peptide for extracellular localization, were relevantly predicted to be secretory. Amongst these, CP2 and CP3 showed the presence of hemoglobinase motif derived in this study that could be a prerequisite for globin or hemoglobin degradation. CP1 and CP6 that shared similar S2 subsite features with kininogen-cleaving cathepsin B and cruzain, suggests the possible involvement of these two hookworm CPs in binding and cleaving High Molecular weight kininogen (HMWK). CP1, CP2, CP3, CP5 and CP6 were predicted to bind heparin, which is the glycosaminoglycan molecule that has been demonstrated to aid the substrate-cleaving functionality of other cysteine proteases like human cathepsin B and cruzain. Heparin docked onto the NA CPs at the C terminal domain, away from the active site, similar to what has been shown for heparin binding to cathepsin B and cruzain. These observations therefore lead us to the hypothesize that the functions of the hookworm CPs, which could include preventing blood clot formation, might be assisted by heparin. Also, this study underscores the potential of synthetic heparin analogs as molecular treatment for hookworm infection, which could have implications for future drug design.
The Informed Consent Model of Transgender Care: An Alternative to the Diagnosis of Gender Dysphoria:

Historically, researchers and clinicians have viewed the transgender experience through a narrow diagnostic lens and have neglected to acknowledge the diverse experiences of those who identify as t...
Polymer-Assisted Biocatalysis: Effects of Macromolecular Architectures on the Stability and Catalytic Activity of Immobilized Enzymes toward Water-Soluble and Water-Insoluble Substrates.

The aim of this study is to develop efficient enzyme immobilization media that will enable the reuse of the biocatalysts over multiple cycles, increase their thermal stability, and attenuate their activity toward hydrophobic substrates for “green” transformations in aqueous media. For this purpose, amphiphilic AB and ABA block copolymers were synthesized and tested with laccase (a multicopper oxidase). In all cases, the hydrophilic B block consisted of poly(ethylene glycol), PEG, with molecular masses of 3, 5, 13, 20, or 13 kDa poly(ethylene oxide). The hydrophobic A blocks were made of linear poly(styrene), PS; hyperbranched poly(p-chloromethyl styrene); or dendritic poly(benzyl ether)s of generations 2, 3, and 4 (G2, G3, and G4) with molecular masses ranging from 1 to 24 kDa. A total of 23 different copolymers (self-assembling into micelles or physical networks) were evaluated. Notable activity enhancements were achieved with both micelles (up to 253%) and hydrogels (up to 408%). The highest enzymatic a...
From the freedom of the seas to No Borders: Reading Grotius with Deleuze and Nancy

Taking inspiration from the legal doctrine of the freedom of the seas, this paper makes the case for No Borders. To do so, it revisits Grotius’s arguments for the freedom of the seas. Analysis of c...
Solvent-cast 3D printing of polysulfone and polyaniline composites

Abstract Polysulfone (PSU) and polysulfone/polyaniline (PANI) composites were 3D printed by solvent-cast direct write deposition. Traditional material extrusion techniques require the application of heat to melt the polymer during extrusion and printing. This type of thermal processing poses potential limitations for printing polymers that have high processing temperatures or thermally degrade. PSU is a thermally stable polymer, but has an elevated glass transition temperature of 185–190 °C and is highly viscous in the melt. On the other hand, polyaniline is a semiconducting polymer that thermally degrades before melting By using solvent-based inks, PSU and PSU/PANI composites were 3D printed at room temperature using direct write deposition. PSU inks consisted of PSU dissolved in a mixture of dichloromethane (DCM) and dimethylformamide (DMF). The DCM evaporated quickly to harden the extruded filament, while the DMF evaporated slowly to allow for a smoother extruded filament and more consistent extrusion with well-bonded layers. Best results were obtained with PSU concentrations at 35–40 wt% with a DCM:DMF volume ratio of 5:1. The optimized PSU/PANI inks consisted of 30 wt% undoped PANI, and 35 wt% doped PANI, with 20 wt% PSU solution in dichloroethane (DCE) used as a binder. Using capillary viscometry it was confirmed that the inks exhibited pseudoplastic behavior, which is expected for polymer solutions and melts. It was shown that objects printed using the PSU/PANI ink are not conductive when undoped PANI was used, but became conductive when the PANI powder was first doped in 1 M H2SO4 before printing. A resistivity of 4.83 Ω-m was achieved with an ink containing 35 wt% doped PANI and 13 wt% PSU.
Fractured Times: Culture and Society in the Twentieth Century

All that is solid melts into air.– Marx and Engels, 1848Almost nothing that we have inherited can any longer be taken for granted.– Eric Hobsbawm, 2002Hobsbawm’s Fractured Times is a tour de force ...
A National Dataset Analysis of older adults in emergency department observation units.

Abstract Background Emergency Department (ED) Observation Units (Obs Units) are prevalent in the US, but little is known regarding older adults in observation. Our objective was to describe the Obs Units nationally and observation patients with specific attention to differences in care with increasing age. Design This is an analysis of 2010–2013 data from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS), a national observational cohort study including ED patients. Weighted means are presented for continuous data and weighted percent for categorical data. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify variables associated with placement in and admission from observation. Results The number of adult ED visits varied from 100 million to 107 million per year and 2.3% of patients were placed in observation. Adults ≥65 years old made up a disproportionate number of Obs Unit patients, 30.6%, compared to only 19.7% of total ED visits (odds ratio 1.5 (95% CI 1.5–1.6), adjusting for sex, race, month, day of week, payer source, and hospital region). The overall admission rate from observation was 35.6%, ranging from 31.3% for ages 18–64 years to 47.5% for adults ≥85 years old (p Conclusions Older adults are more likely to be cared for in Obs Units. Older adults are treated for different medical conditions than younger adults.
The Terror Management of Meaning and Growth: How Mortality Salience Affects Growth-Oriented Processes and the Meaningfulness of Life

Abstract In contemplative moments with family or friends, the reader may have heard the phrase “death is a part of life.” It seems that this expression is at times meant to inspire acceptance of death’s inevitability. However, in other instances, it may also be utilized to shake one into deeply considering the trajectory of one’s life and to assess whether it is providing fulfillment, purpose, and a sense of lasting significance. Death is indeed a part of life; but, life is also a part of life. And, even against the backdrop of death’s inevitability, people appear readily able to get on with experiencing a life characterized by feelings of purpose, significance, growth, and authenticity. In this chapter, we explore some of the ways that terror management theory (TMT) has been used to understand the psychological processes that shape how concerns about personal mortality influence growth-oriented outcomes and the perceived meaningfulness of one’s life. As such, the chapter offers insights into what has traditionally been viewed as an antagonistic relationship between death awareness, on the one hand, and psychological flourishing on the other. Does death awareness always threaten the meaningfulness of one’s life? Are closed-mindedness and dogmatic commitments to preexisting knowledge and beliefs the only effective means for dealing with concerns about death? Answers to such questions are no doubt complex, but TMT-inspired research has begun to carve out empirically tested approaches to resolving them.
Secular Trends in Peak Oxygen Consumption and Obesity in Youth

Background: With a rise in obesity among youth, there is concern that cardiorespiratory fitness may be declining among young people as well. While multiple studies suggest decreased performance in aerobic activities (i.e. running), there is a paucity of data examining secular trends in peak oxygen consumption (pVO2) as measured by cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). Methods: A single-center retrospective study was performed in healthy individuals 6-20 years of age who underwent CPET between February 1986 and May 2016. Subjects were all referred for pediatric cardiology evaluation with subsequent normal work …
An Interactive Workshop to Increase Comfort and Knowledge Regarding Adult Tracheostomy Management: A Pilot Study

Objectives: In standard medical school and residency curricula, there is little formal training in the acute or chronic management of tracheostomies, yet consistent and correct care is critical to prevent and treat complications. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge and comfort level of non-otolaryngology healthcare providers in the care of adult patients with a tracheostomy. Further, this study evaluated the effectiveness of an easily reproducible 1-hour workshop, employing both didactics and simulation, to enhance comfort and knowledge surrounding care of patients with tracheostomies. Methods: Eighty-five participants across different medical specialties, levels of training, and care roles were included in this cohort study. The simulation included three 10-minute stations: 1) understanding the component parts of standard adult tracheostomy tubes, 2) management of a dislodged tracheostomy tube, and 3) management of a patient with a tracheostomy who cannot be ventilated. Participants completed a pre- and post-intervention self-assessment and multiple-choice questionnaire assessing comfort and knowledge. Results: The 1-hour workshop increased participants’ comfort and knowledge. For the seven comfort-based questions, the average comfort level increased from 2.24 pre-intervention to 4.09 on a Likert scale (p Conclusions: In this study, we demonstrated that there are significant knowledge and comfort deficits among non-otolaryngology healthcare professionals caring for patients with tracheostomies. The easily reproducible 1-hour workshop employed may be an effective starting point for improving knowledge of and comfort with adult tracheostomy care.
Inflation and income distribution in Central America, Mexico, Panama, and the Dominican Republic

Analyses of the impact of inflation on income distribution typically only consider the general inflation rate. However, when the consumption structure of households is shaped by its income level and inflation varies across goods and services, they are affected differently by inflation. The aim of this study is to contribute to the analysis of this effect in Central American countries (Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica), Panama, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic (CAPMDR) for the period 2007–2018. According to our findings, there have been significant differences in the inflation rates faced by different income groups. By employing these percentile‐specific inflation rates, we have computed an “inflation‐corrected Gini index.” This adjustment is important because although inequality has been decreasing during past years in the countries in our sample, on average, about half of the gains observed using the standard Gini index are lost once the Gini indices are corrected for inflation, a clearly nonnegligible magnitude.
Targeted gene expression analysis of human deep veins.

Abstract Objective Endothelial-derived molecules involved in thrombosis and hemostasis have been investigated mainly in arteries and in experimental animals. The actual presence and integral function of these molecules in the human deep venous system have received less attention. Our aim was to evaluate the expression of certain prothrombotic and antithrombotic genes in the normal human deep veins of the lower extremities. Methods Macroscopically intact and competent valve-containing segments of human deep veins were prospectively collected from patients who had undergone above-knee amputation. Vein samples were separated into four zones: zone 1, postvalve (downstream, proximal) vein wall; zone 2, the valve cusp; zone 3, prevalve (upstream, distal) vein wall; and zone 4, vein wall within the valve cusp (cusp removed). Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction for principal genes involved in coagulation, fibrinolysis, and inflammation was performed to quantify messenger RNA. Selected protein gene products were measured by the western blot assay. One additional valve-containing segment underwent mass spectrometry analysis to investigate global differences in the proteome between the study zones. Results Seventeen valve-containing vein segments were analyzed. Significant upregulation of antithrombotic (protein C receptor [PROCR], thrombomodulin [THBD], tissue factor pathway inhibitor [TFPI]), prothrombotic (con Willebrand factor [VWF]), and proinflammatory (selectin P [SELP], intercellular adhesion molecule 1 [ICAM1]) genes was found in the valve cusp compared with the vein wall (P Conclusions The biological properties of the valve cusp, vein wall within the valve cusp, and vein wall beyond the valve cusp are different. The endothelium of the valve cusps of a normal competent deep venous valve may be naturally less thrombogenic compared with the vein wall. The endothelium of the valve cusp may have a higher potential to interact with white blood cells compared with the vein wall. Mass spectrometry demonstrates substantial differences in the proteome between the vein wall and the valve cusps that were not anticipated before. (J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord 2021;9:770-80.) Clinical Relevance Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a major cause of mortality, morbidity, and impaired quality of life. Multiple risk factors have been identified, although their relative weight and pathophysiologic interactions remain obscure. Many patients with multiple risk factors for DVT never develop this condition. Conversely, in numerous cases DVT cannot be attributed to any known clinical risk factor. The molecular mechanisms that initiate DVT are unclear. An improved understanding of the normal biology of human deep veins will serve as an important foundation for new hypotheses of the pathogenesis of DVT. The latter may suggest new projects on novel therapeutic strategies.
Perceived Stress is Associated with Incident Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction

Introduction Given its known role in activating inflammatory and neurohormonal pathways, psychological stress may be an important yet understudied risk factor for incident heart failure (HF). Hypothesis We hypothesized that high perceived stress levels would be associated with incident HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and incident HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Methods We utilized data from the national REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study, a large prospective biracial cohort study that enrolled community-dwellers aged 45 years and older between 2003 and 2007. We included participants free of suspected HF at baseline who completed the 4-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-4) questionnaire. Our primary outcome was the first adjudicated HF hospitalization or HF death through the end of 2016. We used sequentially-adjusted Cox proportional hazard models to determine if stress was independently associated with incident HF, adjusting for sociodemographics, medical comorbidities, and physiologic parameters. Results Among 25,785 participants of mean age 64 years, 55% were female and 40% were black. Over a median follow-up of 10.1 years, 1109 (4.3%) had an incident HF event (356 HFpEF events and 465 HFrEF events). Compared to participants in the lowest PSS-4 quartile, participants in the highest quartile were more likely to be female, black, and have annual household incomes Conclusions Elevated stress was associated with incident HFpEF but not HFrEF.
Mid-Wave Infrared Quantum Dot Light Emitting Diodes

We present the design, growth, fabrication, and characterization of type-II quantum-dot (QD) based light emitting diodes (LEDs) mid-wave infrared wavelengths. We demonstrate promising temperature performance for the QD-LEDS and as their incorporation into monolithic plasmonic cavities. The potential for individual quantum emitter devices is discussed.
Human Dimensions of Pollinator Conservation: The Development and Testing of Survey Measures for Best Management Practice Adoption

Pollinator conservation has been a topic of growing interest and concern, yet widespread adoption of pollinator best management practices (BMPs) on private lands has not occurred. This study was an...
Long term assessment of the geochemical integrity of offshore wellbore cement– results from numerical modeling

Abstract Oil and gas wells across different offshore fields are currently experiencing plugging and abandonment. With this comes the risk associated with leakage of fluids from wellbores. One area of the long-term integrity of oil and gas wells that has received less attention is the geochemical assessments of cement and cement-rock integrity. This study investigates rock-fluid-cement interactions over long time scales using numerical models of coupled heat and fluid flow and reactive solute transport. Four different kinds of brine compositions from the Gulf of Mexico formations are used to simulate chemical interactions in wellbore plug, cement, and adjacent rock. Porosity changes are used as indicators of the geochemical integrity of the plugging and cement materials. Results demonstrate the impact of temperature, pH, and depth of cement placement in integrity predictions. At greater depths, higher temperatures and pressure will be encountered leading to the precipitation of gypsum and the dissolution of ettringite, calcite, and portlandite which adversely affects the integrity of the wells. The cement-rock interface is a zone of vulnerability and subject to greater loss of integrity. Other modeling parameters from our study which influenced integrity include reactive areas, diffusion coefficients, flux rates, boundary conditions, and the presence of mechanical damage. This study highlights the importance of brine specific geochemical assessments as well as the importance of thermodynamic properties when investigating geochemical wellbore integrity, and the approach used can be applied by practitioners for predictive analysis of geochemical longevity of cement and plugs in subsurface conditions.
Bulk Restructuring of Amorphous Tungsten Trioxide Films Due to Hydration of the Film/Electrolyte Interface

The influence of film/electrolyte interface on structure and electrochromic properties of amorphous WO3 (a-WO3) films has been studied using cyclic voltammetry, optical electrochemistry and vibrational spectroscopy.
Microwave tokamak experiment (MTX) status and plans

The MTX program has focused on ohmic operation of the tokamak (Alcator-C), construction of the free-electron laser (FEL) microwave source and quasi-optical transport system, and preparation for the first measurements of absorption. The first microwave pulses from the FEL to the tokamak were planned for the spring of 1989. Measurements of the absorption of single, high-peak-power pulses (140 GHz, 2 GW, 20 ns) will follow. Thereafter the FEL will be upgraded to generate pulses at 5 kHz for 10 ms, providing an average power 0.5-1.0 MW, and then further upgraded to 250 GHz and 2 MW average power. Several diagnostics have been prepared for the initial microwave absorption experiments. These include microwave measurements, fast X-ray and cyclotron emission from the heated electrons, Thomson scattering from the tail, and fast magnetic probe measurements. Modeling of absorption and wave refraction have been done, and a computer database has been established for rapid analysis of the experimental results and comparison with theoretical predictions. Following the upgrade to multiple-pulse operation and subsequent absorption measurements, experiments on heating and transport will be carried out. Attention will be directed to heating in peaked density profiles generated by pellet injection and to the effects of varying the power deposition profile. >
Designing IDE Interventions to Promote Social Interaction and Improved Programming Outcomes in Early Computing Courses

As in other STEM disciplines, early computing courses tend to stress individual assignments and discourage collaboration. This can lead to negative learning experiences that compel some students to...
Tax Law, Inequality, and Redistribution: Recent and Possible Future Developments

The current age of inequality is also an age of extensive tax and related public economics scholarship about inequality. Three prominent aspects of recent research especially stand out. The first concerns empirical measurement of economic inequality, as it has changed over time. The second concerns different mechanisms for taxing the rich, such as through the taxation of income, wealth, consumption, or gratuitous transfers. The third concerns new uses of the tax system to address poverty. Each of these research areas can, should, and undoubtedly will continue to develop. I will suggest, however, that two further sets of issues raised by inequality demand greater attention than they have heretofore received. The first is normative inquiry regarding why, when, how, and to what extent inequality matters, moving beyond the economic literature’s often predominant focus on declining marginal utility. The second is better connecting the analysis of purely economic inequality to that of its other dimensions, such as racial and ethnic inequality. In both areas, given tax law’s institutional focus, a key aim should be to offer policymakers potentially usable guidance, by suggesting what practical implications a particular normative view (and/or particular empirical findings) might have.