cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phosphatidylserine-targeted liposome for enhanced glioma-selective imaging

// Liang Zhang 1 , Amyn A. Habib 2 , Dawen Zhao 3, 4 1 Department of Radiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA 2 Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and the North Texas VA Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA 3 Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC, USA 4 Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC, USA Correspondence to: Dawen Zhao, email: dawzhao@wakehealth.edu Keywords: phosphatidylserine (PS), blood brain barrier (BBB), glioblastoma multiform, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), tumor vasculature Received: February 24, 2016 Accepted: April 28, 2016 Published: May 25, 2016 ABSTRACT Phosphatidylserine (PS), which is normally intracellular, becomes exposed on the outer surface of viable endothelial cells (ECs) of tumor vasculature. Utilizing a PS-targeting antibody, we have recently established a PS-targeted liposomal (PS-L) nanoplatform that has demonstrated to be highly tumor-selective. Because of the vascular lumen-exposed PS that is immediately accessible without a need to penetrate the intact blood brain barrier (BBB), we hypothesize that the systemically administered PS-L binds specifically to tumor vascular ECs, becomes subsequently internalized into the cells and then enables its cargos to be efficiently delivered to glioma parenchyma. To test this, we exploited the dual MRI/optical imaging contrast agents-loaded PS-L and injected it intravenously into mice bearing intracranial U87 glioma. At 24 h, both in vivo optical imaging and MRI depicted enhanced tumor contrast, distinct from the surrounding normal brain. Intriguingly, longitudinal MRI revealed temporal and spatial intratumoral distribution of the PS-L by following MRI contrast changes, which appeared punctate in tumor periphery at an earlier time point (4 h), but became clustering and disseminated throughout the tumor at 24 h post injection. Importantly, glioma-targeting specificity of the PS-L was antigen specific, since a control probe of irrelevant specificity showed minimal accumulation in the glioma. Together, these results indicate that the PS-L nanoplatform enables the enhanced, glioma-targeted delivery of imaging contrast agents by crossing the tumor BBB efficiently, which may also serve as a useful nanoplatform for anti-glioma drugs.
Occupational lung disease.

SUMMARY Occupational lung diseases can be conveniently classified into disorders of the airways, the alveoli, and the lung interstitium. Diseases of each category have a distinct clinical and pathologic presentation despite diverse causes. This classification is outlined in Table 2. Occupationally related neoplasms of the respiratory system include bronchogenic carcinoma and malignant pleural mesothelioma.
A universal design for a DNA probe providing ratiometric fluorescence detection by generation of silver nanoclusters

DNA-stabilized silver nanoclusters (AgNCs), the fluorescence emission of which can rival that of typical organic fluorophores, have made possible a new class of label-free molecular beacons for the detection of single-stranded DNA. Like fluorophore-quencher molecular beacons (FQ-MBs) AgNC-based molecular beacons (AgNC-MBs) are based on a single-stranded DNA that undergoes a conformational change upon binding a target sequence. The new conformation exposes a stretch of single-stranded DNA capable of hosting a fluorescent AgNC upon reduction in the presence of Ag(+) ions. The utility of AgNC-MBs has been limited, however, because changing the target binding sequence unpredictably alters cluster fluorescence. Here we show that the original AgNC-MB design depends on bases in the target-binding (loop) domain to stabilize its AgNC. We then rationally alter the design to overcome this limitation. By separating and lengthening the AgNC-stabilizing domain, we create an AgNC-hairpin probe with consistent performance for arbitrary target sequence. This new design supports ratiometric fluorescence measurements of DNA target concentration, thereby providing a more sensitive, responsive and stable signal compared to turn-on AgNC probes. Using the new design, we demonstrate AgNC-MBs with nanomolar sensitivity and singe-nucleotide specificity, expanding the breadth of applicability of these cost-effective probes for biomolecular detection.
Political ideologies and the objective measurement of climate-related risks to coastal resources

Nearly all research focused on understanding perceptions of climate-related risks to coastal resources has used data collected via mail surveys, online surveys or in-depth qualitative interviews. To compliment previous research, this study focuses on objective perceptions of climate-related risks to coastal resources as measured by respondents’ gaze behavior when viewing images describing or depicting climate-related impacts to coastal resources. We utilize data collected from a survey paired with an eye tracking session to measure perceptions of climate-related risks to coastal resources. We also compare the gaze behavior of liberals and conservatives when viewing an infographic and a digital photograph illustrating climate-related impacts to coastal resources; these included impacts to: 1) abiotic resources; 2) biotic resources; 3) built infrastructure; and 4) recreation opportunities. Survey data indicate liberal participants believed climate-related risks to all four types of impacts were more serious relative to conservative participants. However, eye tracking data revealed both liberal and conservative participants spent an equivalent amount of time viewing the four types of impacts. Consequently, differences in the extent to which liberals and conservatives perceive climate-related risks to coastal resources may be attributable to differences in how the two groups evaluate each of the specific impacts. Eye tracking data also revealed liberal participants noticed impacts to biotic resources faster than conservative participants. Conversely, conservative participants noticed impacts to built infrastructure faster than liberal participants. The practical implications of these findings are noteworthy: climate change communicators should target messages based on the predominant political ideology of their audience or include both biotic and built infrastructure impacts in their messages to capture wider audiences.
TOWARD A BIOCHEMICAL DEFINITION OF THE MORPHOGENETIC FIELDS IN D. DISCOIDEUM

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on a biochemical definition of the morphogenetic fields in Dictyostelium discoideum. The concept of the morphogenetic field as originally formulated by child has remained one of the most seminal ideas, and one of the most profound mysteries of modern biology. The chapter presents a model for the regulation of morphogenesis by interaction of NH 3 and cAMP. The proposed model rests upon three assumptions that are experimentally verifiable and leads to several testable predictions. The assumptions are: (1) ammonia interferes with the production or release of cAMP or both; (2) cAMP in addition to its other actions affects Dictyostelium cells as it does many others; it triggers the release of vesicles, vacuoles, granules, and other inclusions previously accumulated within the cells; and (3) in the presence of cAMP, cells accumulate stalk specific materials; and in the absence of cAMP cells accumulate spore specific materials.
The MINER ν A Detector and Simulation

MINERνA is located in the MINOS near detector cavern at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory in Batavia, IL. The cavern is located approximately 330 feet underground, which serves to reduce the number of cosmic rays detected by the MINERνA and MINOS detectors. The detector is located approximately 1 km away from the neutrino source described in Chap. 4The MINERνA detector was constructed to measure neutrino nucleus cross sections on a variety of nuclei with very high precision. To accomplish this goal, the detector must have superior energy, timing, and position resolution. The MINERνA detector is composed of five different regions. The most upstream region contains the veto walls and the liquid helium target. This is followed by the nuclear target region, which contains nuclear targets of solid graphite, iron, and lead as well as a liquid water target. Downstream of the target region, along the beam direction, is the scintillator tracker. The tracker is the largest portion of the MINERνA detector by volume. Following the tracker is the downstream electromagnetic calorimeter (ECAL), and finally the downstream hadronic calorimeter (HCAL). The MINOS near detector lies 2.0 m behind the MINERνA detector, and is used for measuring the energy of escaping muons. A schematic view of the MINERνA detector, as well as the masses of the different sub detectors, is in Fig. 5.1.
Dynamics of self-control in egocentric social networks

Abstract People with high self-control have frequent short-term and long-term goal success. These successes stem from both reactive and proactive self-regulatory processes, including maneuvering their social relationships to interact more frequently with other people who are also high in self-control. One implication of this idea is that higher levels of self-control should mark the social networks of people with high self-control. The present study tested and found support for this hypothesis. Furthermore, within networks (a) friends with high self-control were more likely to be connected to each other (i.e., homophily) and (b) friends with relatively high (vs. low) self-control were more valued by participants, and particularly by participants with high self-control. The results provide external validity for the idea that individuals with high self-control are more likely to find themselves in and prefer social situations that are characterized by high self-control. These effects may be a result of network contagion or they may reflect strategic development of social networks that support self-control and goal outcomes.
Passive acoustic methods of small boat detection, tracking and classification

Passive acoustic methods can detect, track and classify surface and underwater vessels. We consider the application of these systems for DHS interests with attention to small boats. We present a review of various methods of detection and tracking for low-cost low-power systems with a few hydrophones. The analysis of acoustic signatures of boats to determine their physical parameters (shaft and engine rate, number of propellers and blades, and engine firing rate) is discussed in detail. These parameters can be used for vessel classification. The analysis used acoustic recordings of boats from the Stevens acoustic library.
Constraint-Consistent Analysis of Muscle Force Contributions to Human Gait

The goal of this study is to apply a task-space approach to characterize muscle force contributions to the body center of mass during human gait taking into account the contacts with the environment and the constraints in the musculoskeletal system. Motion capture, electromyography and force plate data were taken from a male subject walking at free speed. The obtained data were used together with a full-body musculoskeletal model to generate and to analyze the simulation of one complete gait cycle. The contribution of the muscles spanning the lower body joints to the body center of mass acceleration were calculated using a task-space approach which was successfully applied to analyze human dynamic motions in our previous studies. The results showed that gluteus medius, vasti, biceps femoris long head and short head, tibialis anterior, medial gastrocnemius, rectus femoris and soleus were the primary contributors to gait at free speed. The study provides an approach for in depth motion analysis including the effects of contact forces and joint mechanics as well as physiological constraints, muscle dynamics and actuation.
Harmonic oscillator tensors. III: Efficient algorithms for evaluating matrix elements of vibrational operators

Succinct expressions for the matrix elements of various vibrational operators have been derived in the basis of the nondegenerate harmonic oscillator. Among these are the matrix elements of $$[q^k e^{\lambda q} ,q^k \sin ^l (\mu q),q^k \cos ^l (\mu q),q^k \sinh ^l (\mu q)$$ and $$q^k \cosh ^l (\mu q)$$ , which are found to be dependent upon two quantities and their derivatives. Furthermore, the derivative property of the commutator is used to obtain an explicit expression for the derivatives of an operator in terms of its nested commutator with the conjugate momentum. It may be applied to any of the above cases to obtain the matrix representatives of expressions such as the mixed products $$\sin ^l (\mu q)\cos ^{l - m} (\mu q)$$ , for example. In addition, a simple expression for 1/q is given and its derivatives may be evaluated by this commutator technique. Also the matrix elements of a Gaussian-type operator $$q^k e^{\lambda q^2 } $$ has been evaluated.
Connexins in the Nervous System

This chapter reviews the localizations and physiological roles of connexins in neurons and glia of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Cx32 forms gap junctions in noncompact myelin in Schwann cells, which are thought to form a reflexive communication pathway connecting the outer and inner myelin layers. Cx29 is also expressed in myelinating Schwann cells, but does not appear to form gap junctions; its role remains to be elucidated. Mutations in CX32 cause an X-linked form of the inherited neuropathy Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease; most such mutations are likely to act through loss of function. Connexins may also play an important role in proliferating Schwann cells. Oligodendrocytes express Cx32, Cx47, and Cx29, while astrocytes express Cx43, Cx30, and possibly Cx26. Although astrocytes are extensively coupled to each other in vivo, oligodendrocyte coupling in vivo is demonstrable only to astrocytes, most via heterotypic Cx43–Cx47 or Cx30–Cx32 junctions. These junctions, along with those between astrocytes, may play a role in spatial buffering of K+ ions and neurotransmitters, and may influence severity of tissue damage during ischemia. Mutations in CX47 cause Pelizaeus Merzbacher–like disease while mutations in CX43 cause oculodentodigital dysplasia. Only Cx36 and Cx45 have been definitively identified in nonretinal brain neurons, where they form electrical synapses; neuron–neuron coupling may play a role in the pathogenesis of epilepsy.
Survival in Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer After Neoadjuvant Therapy and Surgical Resection

Objective:The aim of the study was to identify the survival of patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) and assess the effect of surgical resection after neoadjuvant therapy on patient outcomes.Background:An increasing number of LAPC patients who respond favorably to neoadjuvant thera
Role of Biopolymers in the Deactivation of ZSM-5 during Catalytic Fast Pyrolysis of Biomass

Rapid coking and catalyst deactivation are significant problems during catalytic fast pyrolysis of biomass. Cellulose and lignin were found to coke via different mechanisms, resulting in two distinct types of catalyst deactivation. Lignin pyrolysis vapors cause coke formation mainly by external surface coking without limiting access to the active acid sites in the microchannels. Lignin deactivates the surface cracking capability of ZSM-5, resulting in unreacted primary vapors passing through while maintaining aromatization reactions. Cellulose pyrolysis vapors generate coke mainly as an extension of the aromatization reactions on the acid sites, which leads to occlusion of the internal acid sites. This deactivates the upgrading reactions, resulting in decreased aromatics formation, generation of oxygenated intermediates and increased alkylation of 1-ring aromatics and reduced multi-ring aromatics selectivity. The results indicate that the decrease in aromatics formation observed during catalytic pyrolysis...
Doppler lidar processing for atmospheric turbulence measurements

A Doppler lidar is described, its processing methods are characterized, and two alternate techniques are considered. The described system uses a CO2 laser transmitting at 10.6 microns and a bank of narrow band filters for the spectrum analysis. Typical results obtained with this system are presented. The two alternate techniques involve computation of the discrete spectrum by use of the discrete Fourier transform. The first technique involves single-pulse processing and incoherent integration, while the second technique performs coherent processing on the train of received pulses.
Does Disposition Drive Momentum

We test the hypothesis that the dispositon effect is a behavioral bias that drives stock price momentum. Using data from a large Shanghai brokerage firm, we estimate the magnitude of the disposition effect for a sample of 13,460 Chinese investors and firms. We find that a large majority of Chinese investors exhibit the disposition effect. An investor’s disposition coefficient estimated with one year of data forecasts that investor’s disposition effect and investment performance in subsequent years. More disposition-prone investors tend to trade less frequently and in smaller sizes than other investors. While past returns do not forecast future returns in our relatively short sample of Shanghai Stock Exchange stocks, sorting stocks by the net unrealized gains or losses of disposition-prone investors generates a statistically significant winner/loser spread of seven percent per year. Our results suggest that disposition does indeed drive momentum.
Sea Ice: Hazards, Risks, and Implications for Disasters

Abstract The role of sea ice as a natural hazard is discussed with a focus on Arctic and sub-Arctic regions where risks associated with human activities and ice processes are the greatest. Hazard assessment and emergency response need to consider a range of controlling factors that can lead to events initiating an accident, failure, or full-scale disaster. These factors include environmental hazards, equipment, procedures and settings, and people. Quantifying risks associated with the presence of sea ice requires the joint consideration of the probability of specific hazards and the magnitude of their impacts. Both of these also depend on the type and level of human activity, such that disaster risks are substantially higher in the Arctic than in the Antarctic. We identify three types of sea-ice hazards: (1) broad, long-term hazards and associated risks associated with a rapid reduction in summer ice extent; (2) near-term hazards resulting from changes in sea-ice extent and dynamics such as increased coastal erosion and threats to coastal infrastructure; and (3) immediate risks and the potential for disasters derived from the combination of sea-ice hazards and human activities such as shipping or offshore resource development. A review of key properties and processes governing the role of sea ice as a hazard focuses on recent rapid changes in ice extent and concentration in the Arctic and resulting threats to coastal systems. Other key factors include the distribution of old perennial ice that has a greater thickness and higher mechanical strength than seasonal ice, patterns of ice movement that determine advection of ice hazards, and the degree of ice deformation that can generate thick, rough ice and represent a hazard in its own right. These factors are examined in the context of a case study for the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas in the North American Arctic. Linking specific environmental hazards to the geospatial distribution of human activities and vulnerable ecosystems allows for an integrated Arctic hazards assessment, currently still in its infancy. The need for coordinated environmental observations in informing hazard assessments and emergency response is discussed in the context of recent increases in maritime activities in the Arctic.
Facile and robust methods for the regioselective acylation of N-acetylneuraminic acid.

The stereoselective synthesis of sialic acid glycoconjugates is still a challenge in the field. Surprisingly, little is known on the regioselective O-substitution of sialic acids. Consequently, the effect of O-protecting groups and/or regioselectively protected building blocks on sialylations remains practically unexplored. O-Picoloyl protecting groups have emerged as novel substituents that have a profound effect on sialylations. Recently, high stereoselectivities were obtained by introducing picoloyl groups at the C-4 and C-7/C-8 positions. However, to understand the relationship between the position of the picoloyl group and its exact effect on sialylations, a convenient method to access to a wider range of regioselectively picoloylated building blocks is needed. Herein, a new method that provides an accessible route to a wide array of regioselectively acylated building blocks is reported. The regioselective introduction of picoloyl groups at various O-positions was achieved either by controlled direct picoloylation or by applying a modified ReSET methodology.
Computing Largest Tolerable Disturbance Sets

For systems with disturbances, the robustness of a state constraint can be characterized by finding the largest set of disturbances such that the constraint is always satisfied. We call this the largest tolerable disturbance set. This paper presents a numerical sampling-based algorithm that iteratively computes upper and lower bounds on the largest tolerable disturbance set. This algorithm mainly applies to Lipschitz continuous nonlinear systems with inputs that enter the system linearly and with polytope state constraint sets. We prove that our algorithm finds upper and lower bounds that monotonically converge (in the Hausdorff sense) to the largest tolerable disturbance set.
Expression of mitochondrial dysfunction-related genes and pathways in paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy in breast cancer survivors:

BackgroundPaclitaxel is one of the most commonly used drugs to treat breast cancer. Its major dose-limiting toxicity is paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy (PIPN). PIPN persists into survivors...
Cache attacks on blockchain based information centric networks: an experimental evaluation

Protecting and securing data that reside at various hosts in the Internet has become more important than ever before because of the growing number of cyber attacks. Though there have been several studies related to denial of service and cache attacks, those studies are primarily based on simulations and investigations of attacks on real networks are still lacking. In this paper, we experimentally investigated the effects of cache attacks on blockchain based information-centric networks. We used the hyperledger fabric to implement the blockchains for small and medium-sized networks. We implemented cache attacks where the attacker target the cache with unpopular content, forcing the user to fetch the data from the web servers. We experimented with two different topologies (linear and mesh) and also considered two cache sizes at the nodes. Three cache replacement policies were used: Least Recently Used, Random, and First In First Out. The cache hit, time taken to get the data, and the number of hops to serve the request were obtained with real network traffic. On the hyperledger fabric framework, we implemented two types of requests and showed how the query delay, invoke delay, and update delay vary with time. Based on our results, we find that most of the information centric networks, including the ones based on blockchains, are vulnerable to cache attacks.
Stiffness of bi-modulus hexagonal and diamond honeycombs

Cellular materials are widely used in various applications because of their low density and high strength. The mechanical behavior of cellular materials under various loading conditions has been investigated. Nevertheless, many of these previous studies assume that the Young’s modulus of constituting struts is the same in tension and compression. The present work first derives analytical expressions for the effective Young’s moduli of hexagonal and diamond lattices composed of struts with different tension and compression moduli under the assumption of small strain deformation. It also uses the finite element method to further investigate the mechanical responses of these lattices. The macroscopic Young’s moduli under both compressive and tensile loads are reported as a function of the ratio of compression and tension moduli of constituting struts. The numerical finite element models are implemented by a user defined material subroutine in ABAQUS. Results reveal that the effective Young’s moduli of periodic hexagonal and diamond lattices significantly decrease with decreasing ratio of compression and tension moduli of the struts. Furthermore, the mechanical behavior of hexagonal lattices composed of struts with different tension-compression moduli is dependent on the loading direction and whether they are compressed or stretched. The unique mechanical properties of bi-modulus cellular materials could find important applications in the automotive and construction industries.
Music and Mental Health

Music and Mental Health54% of household have someone who plays an instrument. 64% start playing between ages 5 to 11. (18% start playing between 12 and 14). 54% believe in early music exposure. 89% believe in increase intelligence. 97% believes that it provides a sense of accomplishment. Long Term vs. Short Term Effects The Mozart Effect Plasticity of the Brain The Developmental Stages The perfect age of music How It Came Together Lack of Mental Health and Music Awareness connection of our Mind My Goal: A Positive Correlation Methods & Procedure Participant Total: 75, Average age: 26.05, Average MAP score: 2.5, Average self-esteem score: 28/30. One-way ANOVA: p – value + 0.025 (composite and self – esteem score). Person correlation: p – value + 0.009 (tone and self – esteem score) Music has an overall effect on us. Deeper Analysis: Age and enjoyment Stronger correlation at neurological level Distribution between musicians and non – musicians Going further: our music education programs
Privacy’s Political Economy and the State of Machine Learning

Our aim in this essay is to offer a preliminary sketch of the basic political economy of privacy in what we might call the machine-learning state: a nation state with sufficient bureaucratic and technological capacity to rely extensively on machine learning techniques for surveillance, enforcement, and security. We focus particularly on the question of how the machine-learning state’s political economy influences a state’s decision to adopt privacy-relevant technologies. Since machine learning tools can be deployed in many ways that are not uniformly pertinent to privacy, our focus is on a specific subset of state uses of such technology –– to engage in surveillance of the public and its activities. In order to lay the groundwork for more nuanced engagement with the legal and policy trade-offs in this domain, we map the main technological and institutional forces shaping a state’s deployment of new machine learning capabilities that can affect privacy. We propose that a nation state’s adoption of machine learning instruments for surveillance occurs in the context of what Robert Putnam famously characterized as a “two-level game.” The state is operating simultaneously in a domestic political environment populated by institutions mediating conflicts involving civil society and firms competing to expand and monetize machine-learning capacities, and also in an international environment in which it is competing with other sovereign nations that are cultivating and deploying similar capacities for geostrategic ends. How and to what end machine learning instruments are deployed depends on the strategic choices the national government makes in these two overlapping yet distinct contexts. It would thus be a mistake to analyze such deployment purely in terms of responses to domestic legal, policy, or political considerations, because states may be willing to shoulder the costs of domestic backlash so they can further geostrategic goals. We elucidate the pressures likely to affect legal and policy interventions in this space, and in the process, map some of the concerns and trade-offs relevant to the reasonable evaluation of possible reforms. We consider new directions for privacy-related scholarly research. Finally, we discuss the limitations of existing Fourth Amendment doctrine as a means of addressing the situation we describe, and the potential for state and federal legislative or regulatory alternatives to fill the gap.
Disease Protection in Sea Coast (and Inland) Cities: Problems in Dense Populations with Shantytowns/Slums

As discussed earlier in this book, there are sea coast cities worldwide that are at risk from floods, storm surges, and extreme weather conditions such as wind-driven high category hurricanes (typhoons, monsoons), or drought and heat waves, plus along Pacific Ocean coasts, earthquakes and tsunamis. A municipality and its public health services have to be prepared to adapt to their preparations to deal with what contemporary experiences and history reveal are the most likely physical hazards and diseases to impact it. The two main preparatives are first to be able to care for the injured during a hazard event at well-staffed and supplied hospitals and medical clinics or field hospitals. The second is to fill the basic needs of affected populations with clean water, food, shelter, toilets, waste collection, and if necessary power restoration. These primary responses will help to reduce the chance of an onset and spread of disease. It is important to activate search and rescue teams help citizens isolated or trapped by the event that did not or could not evacuate such as in the case of extreme weather and flooding. In addition, where there have been deaths, bodies should be recovered and interred as soon as possible in order to prevent sickness that might originate from them. For instances of collapsed structures with people trapped inside, equipment that can move debris and rescue people or recover the deceased is necessary as would be the case for less common strong earthquakes as well as some extreme storm events. What was just described may be a good template to follow, but in reality, many sea coast cities in developing and less developed countries do not have the resources to cope with severe hazards that might impact them. Here, the World Health Organization and developed nations, large and small, have sent in personnel, supplies, and equipment to help an impacted sea coast city (or inland city) in the past and will surely continue to do so in the future.
Dispense With Supplements for Improving Heart Outcomes.

Khan and colleagues reported an evidence review to identify supplements and dietary interventions associated with improved cardiovascular outcomes. The editorialists discuss the findings and limita...
Using fine scale resolution vegetation data from LiDAR and ground-based sampling to predict Pacific marten resting habitat at multiple spatial scales

Abstract Pacific marten (Martes caurina) populations have become fragmented and constricted throughout their western range, often due to factors such as increased severity of wildfires and timber harvesting. Future population declines are predicted given decreasing snow packs and changes in vegetation communities. One element of marten habitat, rest and den structures, may be particularly vulnerable. These structures are used for protection from inclement weather and predation, as well as sites for parturition. Rest structures are often considered a limiting habitat element; characterizing their abundance, type, and distribution has been suggested as a way to evaluate habitat quality. We evaluated marten resting habitat, combining vegetation data from light detection and ranging technology (LiDAR) and ground-based surveys. From 2009–2013 and 2015–2017, we located 312 unique rest structures used by 31 martens (18 males, 13 females). With ground-based surveys, we examined selection of used structures by measuring the diameter at breast height for comparison of rest structures and trees located in random plots. For broader landscape-level predicted habitat, we paired used locations with 624 randomly-sampled locations, and optimized 14 habitat covariates at 12 spatial scales using case-controlled logistic regression. Each covariate’s optimized scale was used to develop a series of a priori hypothesized multi-scale habitat selection models. Martens selected woody structures that were larger than random structures (rest structures = 97.8 ± 31.0 cm; random = 52.7 ± 24.9 cm, x ± SD, t = 21.6, p
Introduction to forensic toxicology

Abstract Forensic toxicology is the application of toxicology for purposes of the law, and currently in the United States is separated into three distinct disciplines: human performance toxicology, postmortem toxicology, and forensic drug testing (FDT). Human performance toxicology involves specimens from living individuals, the detection of drugs therein, and the likely effects on individual impairment. Postmortem toxicology is the analysis and interpretation of specimens from deceased individuals. FDT is a workplace drug testing system that is administered by the federal government for transportation and other sensitive employment areas that require drug testing. Forensic toxicologists determine the presence or absence of drugs or poisons and then seek to interpret the finding within the context of the matter being investigated. The importance that forensic toxicology findings have in the courtroom has brought about certification of individuals, accreditation of laboratories, and strict laboratory quality control programs.
Injection Molded Autoclavable, Scalable, Conformable (iMASC) system for aerosol-based protection

There is a dire need for personal protective equipment (PPE) within healthcare settings during the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, single use disposable N95 face masks have been limited in supply. We have developed an Injection Molded Autoclavable, Scalable, Conformable (iMASC) system for aerosol-based protection. The iMASC system was designed as a reusable liquid silicone rubber mask with disposable N95 filter cartridges that can fit most face sizes and shapes. This system reduced the amount of N95 filter while preserving breathability and fit. Using finite element analysis, we demonstrated mask deformation and reaction forces from facial scans of twenty different wearers. In addition, we validated these findings by succesful fit testing in twenty participants in a prospective clinical trial. The iMASC system has the potential to protect our healthcare workers with a reusable N95-comparable face mask that is rapidly scalable.
235 Age and Chronotype Associated with Sleep Timing Changes During COVID-19-Related Lockdowns in the US

Introduction: Global lockdowns implemented to reduce spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) have offered unique insight into how sleep patterns change when typical social obligations are significantly reduced. Here, we aimed to replicate findings of sleep timing delays and reduced social jetlag during lockdown using a large, regionally-diverse sample of participants from the United States (US). Further, we conducted exploratory analyses to determine if observed sleep changes were associated with age and self-reported chronotype. Methods: A sample of 691 US adults (age 18-89) completed the Ultrashort Munich Chronotype Questionnaire twice during the same assessment: once querying retrospective memory for sleep patterns in the 6-weeks prior to February 1, 2020 (Pre-Lockdown) and a second time for sleep patterns in the 6-weeks prior to ∼May 20th (Peak-Lockdown in the US). Participants also completed the abbreviated Morningness- Eveningness Questionnaire to assess chronotype. We compared sleep duration (SDur), sleep onset time (SO), sleep end time (SEnd), social jetlag (SJL;difference between work-day and free-day sleep midpoint) and social sleep restriction (SSR;difference between work-day and freeday sleep duration) Pre- to Peak-Lockdown. We conducted exploratory analyses to determine whether Pre- to Peak-Lockdown changes in these sleep metrics were associated with age or chronotype. Main analyses were preregistered with Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/4a3fx). Results: During the Peak-Lockdown period, participants, on average, reported significantly later SO and SEnd times and significantly reduced SJL and SSR compared with the Pre-Lockdown period. Change in SJL and SSR Pre- to Peak-Lockdown was significantly positively associated with age and chronotype such that SJL and SSR decreased more during lockdown in younger participants and those with an evening chronotype. Conclusion: Our results support lockdown-associated sleep timing delays and reduced SJL and SSR. Younger age and evening chronotype were associated with greater reductions in SJL and SSR during lockdown. These findings suggest that individuals, particularly young individuals and those with an evening chronotype, experience greatest desynchrony between intrinsic and social sleep timing when conforming to typical pre-pandemic social schedules.
Laryngeal webs and laryngotracheoesophageal clefts: State of the art.

Abstract Laryngeal webs and laryngotracheoesophageal clefts (LTECs) are rare malformations of the larynx. Both can have a wide range of symptoms. While webs typically affect voice and airway and LTECs typically affect swallowing and airway, this is not always the case. A high index of suspicion is required for timely and accurate diagnosis. A discussion of management and treatment options will be presented. Both endoscopic and open surgical techniques exist for both pathologies and will be reviewed.
Monitoring beliefs and physiological measures in students at risk for COVID-19 using wearable sensors and smartphone technology: Protocol for a mobile health study

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted lives significantly and greatly affected an already vulnerable population, college students, in relation to mental health and public safety. Social distancing and isolation have brought about challenges to student's mental health. Mobile health apps and wearable sensors may help to monitor students at risk for COVID-19 and support their mental well-being. OBJECTIVE: Through the use of a wearable sensor and smartphone-based survey completion, this study aimed to monitor students at risk for COVID-19. METHODS: We conducted a prospective study of students, undergraduate and graduate, at a public university in the Midwest. Students were instructed to download the Fitbit, Social Rhythms, and Roadmap 2.0 apps onto their personal mobile devices (Android or iOS). Subjects consented to provide up to 10 saliva samples during the study period. Surveys were administered through the Roadmap 2.0 app at five timepoints - at baseline, 1-month later, 2-months later, 3-months later, and at study completion. The surveys gathered information regarding demographics, COVID-19 diagnoses and symptoms, and mental health resilience, with the aim of documenting the impact of COVID-19 on the college student population. RESULTS: This study enrolled 2,158 college students between September 2020 and January 2021. Subjects are currently being followed on-study for one academic year. Data collection and analysis are ongoing. CONCLUSIONS: This study examined student health and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also assessed the feasibility of wearable sensor use and survey completion in a college student population, which may inform the role of our mobile health tools on student health and well-being. Finally, using wearable sensor data, biospecimen collection, and self-reported COVID-19 diagnosis, our results may provide key data towards the development of a model for the early prediction and detection of COVID-19. CLINICALTRIAL: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04766788.
Community Aging in Place, Advancing Better Living for Elders (CAPABLE) program: Understanding the potential involvement of care partners.

Older adults frequently turn to care partners for support to remain in their homes for as long as possible. Yet, many evidence-based home and community programs to support ageing in place do not formally involve care partners. This study sought to understand how to involve care partners in the Community Aging in Place, Advancing Better Living for Elders (CAPABLE) program. A qualitative descriptive study was conducted. Framework analysis of multiple sources of data, including descriptions from stakeholders (N = 24) and available CAPABLE resources, provided the basis for understanding how to involve care partners in the program. Considerations for involving care partners when initiating, delivering and following the program were generated; namely, providing older adults' choices while screening for the program, defining roles and sharing information in a collaborative manner and reinforcing knowledge and skills training. Embracing these considerations in geriatric practice and research efforts is likely to help care partners' ability to provide assistance, thus enabling older adults to remain in their homes for as long as possible. Providers can use findings to better involve and support care partners in their delivery of programs to older adults. Researchers should further develop and test a care partner-supported CAPABLE program.
Bullying Scenarios #8 Sieve State College (Presentation Slides)

PowerPoint Presentation analyzing a bullying scenario in higher education. It highlights the cost of employee disengagement and discusses the causes and possible solutions to bullying.
Social Disparities in Lung Cancer

Social disparities in lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survival have been studied using national databases, statewide registries, and institution-level data. Some disparities emerge consistently, such as lower adherence to treatment guidelines and worse survival by race and socioeconomic status, whereas other disparities are less well studied. A critical appraisal of current data is essential to increasing equity in lung cancer care.
Cloning and expression of the Salmonella enterotoxin gene.

This report examines the genetic basis for Salmonella typhimurium Q1 enterotoxin production. A 918-base-pair XbaI-HincII fragment of plasmid pJM17, composed of cholera toxin (CT) coding sequences (ctxAB), was used as a gene probe. With this probe, the S. typhimurium enterotoxin was identified on a 6.3-kilobase EcoRI-PstI fragment of chromosomal DNA from plasmidless strain Q1. We cloned this 6.3-kilobase fragment into Escherichia coli RR1. The genetic map of the cloned Salmonella enterotoxin (stx) gene was similar but not identical to the CT and E. coli heat-labile enterotoxin genes. By using synthetic oligonucleotides derived from the sequences of CT subunits A (ctxA) and B (ctxB), it was revealed that there were some conserved regions of DNA encoding the enterotoxins of strain Q1 and Vibrio cholerae. Expression of the cloned stx gene in minicells and subsequent Western blot (immunoblot) analysis with CT antitoxin demonstrated that the Salmonella enterotoxin had two or more subunits with molecular sizes of 45, 26, and 12 kilodaltons. Crude cell lysates of E. coli RR1(pCHP4), containing the cloned Salmonella enterotoxin gene, elicited fluid secretion in ligated rabbit intestinal loops and firm induration in rabbit skin. Both of these enterotoxic responses were neutralized by antisera specific for CT. Mucosal tissue from positive intestinal loops contained elevated levels of cyclic AMP. These data suggest some evolutionary relatedness between the enterotoxin genes of S. typhimurium and V. cholerae. Images
Understanding Communication and Aging: Developing Knowledge and Awareness

Harwood has provided a text that will be appreciated both by instructors teaching courses in communication and aging and the students who enroll in those classes. Instructors will be thankful for a...
E-learning and the status of knowledge in the information age

This paper advocates the constitution of E-learning as an independent field of knowledge production and circulation. Such an event should start first by identifying the space of its function: the network organized as a rhizome. The second important step in this direction is delineating clearly the object of E-learning: the production and circulation of performative knowledge that can be rapidly generated and circulated as the market configurations change. The third critical step in establishing the E-learning field is recognizing the uniqueness of information and communication technologies and the optimal use of technology's potential. The forth crucial element in this directions is creating E-learning as a vibrant learning environments wherein a user goes through life like an interactive experience that is customizable for individuals or groups of individuals. in order to achieve the finer level of customization, the architecture of E-learning should be conceptualized with two guiding principles: modularity and the linkage system.
Nature's neutron probe: Land surface hydrology at an elusive scale with cosmic rays

[1] Fast neutrons are generated naturally at the land surface by energetic cosmic rays. These “background” neutrons respond strongly to the presence of water at or near the land surface and represent a hitherto elusive intermediate spatial scale of observation that is ideal for land surface studies and modeling. Soil moisture, snow, and biomass each have a distinct influence on the spectrum, height profile, and directional intensity of neutron fluxes above the ground, suggesting that different sources of water at the land surface can be distinguished with neutron data alone. Measurements can be taken at fixed sites for long-term monitoring or in a moving vehicle for mapping over large areas. We anticipate applications in many previously problematic contexts, including saline environments, wetlands and peat bogs, rocky soils, the active layer of permafrost, and water and snow intercepted by vegetation, as well as calibration and validation of data from spaceborne sensors.
Routine Illegality in Bankruptcy Court Fee Practices

This Article reports the results of an empirical study showing that the United States bankruptcy courts routinely authorize and tolerate professional fee practices that violate the Bankruptcy Code and Rules. The study documents the existence of three such illegal practices. The Ordinary-Course-Professionals Practice excuses some or all professionals serving in the ordinary course of the debtor’s business from the requirement that they obtain court approval for the payment of their fees. The Prior-Payment-Disclosure Practice ignores the requirement that a final fee application disclose the prepetition payments the professional received in connection with the bankruptcy case. The Disburse-First Practice allows debtors to pay 80% or more of the fees sought by professionals before the court has even seen the fee requests. The Article speculates that these practices, which apparently occur only in large, public company cases, result at least in part from competition among the bankruptcy courts for those cases.
A validated miRNA profile predicts response to therapy in esophageal adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND In the current study we present a validated miRNA signature to predict pathologic complete response (pCR) to neoadjuvant chemoradiation in esophageal adenocarcinoma.