cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fiber Optic Distributed Sensors for High-resolution Temperature Field Mapping

The reliability of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) codes is checked by comparing simulations with experimental data. A typical data set consists chiefly of velocity and temperature readings, both ideally having high spatial and temporal resolution to facilitate rigorous code validation. While high resolution velocity data is readily obtained through optical measurement techniques such as particle image velocimetry, it has proven difficult to obtain temperature data with similar resolution. Traditional sensors such as thermocouples cannot fill this role, but the recent development of distributed sensing based on Rayleigh scattering and swept-wave interferometry offers resolution suitable for CFD code validation work. Thousands of temperature measurements can be generated along a single thin optical fiber at hundreds of Hertz. Sensors function over large temperature ranges and within opaque fluids where optical techniques are unsuitable. But this type of sensor is sensitive to strain and humidity as well as temperature and so accuracy is affected by handling, vibration, and shifts in relative humidity. Such behavior is quite unlike traditional sensors and so unconventional installation and operating procedures are necessary to ensure accurate measurements. This paper demonstrates implementation of a Rayleigh scattering-type distributed temperature sensor in a thermal mixing experiment involving two air jets at 25 and 45 °C. We present criteria to guide selection of optical fiber for the sensor and describe installation setup for a jet mixing experiment. We illustrate sensor baselining, which links readings to an absolute temperature standard, and discuss practical issues such as errors due to flow-induced vibration. This material can aid those interested in temperature measurements having high data density and bandwidth for fluid dynamics experiments and similar applications. We highlight pitfalls specific to these sensors for consideration in experiment design and operation.
Tailoring Nanostructure Morphology for Enhanced Targeting of Dendritic Cells in Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis, a leading cause of heart disease, results from chronic vascular inflammation that is driven by diverse immune cell populations. Nanomaterials may function as powerful platforms for diagnostic imaging and controlled delivery of therapeutics to inflammatory cells in atherosclerosis, but efficacy is limited by nonspecific uptake by cells of the mononuclear phagocytes system (MPS). MPS cells located in the liver, spleen, blood, lymph nodes, and kidney remove from circulation the vast majority of intravenously administered nanomaterials regardless of surface functionalization or conjugation of targeting ligands. Here, we report that nanostructure morphology alone can be engineered for selective uptake by dendritic cells (DCs), which are critical mediators of atherosclerotic inflammation. Employing near-infrared fluorescence imaging and flow cytometry as a multimodal approach, we compared organ and cellular level biodistributions of micelles, vesicles (i.e., polymersomes), and filomicelles, all...
Thermally-controlled single-soliton modelocking in silicon nitride microresonators

We report the first demonstration of thermally-controlled single-soliton modelocking in silicon-nitride microresonators. With the pump frequency fixed, we use only current control with on-chip integrated heaters to demonstrate a systematic pathway for achieving single-soliton modelocking.
The Dangerous Real: Queer Solo Performance in/as Active Disruption

Like all radical community endeavours, queer performance in the United States has been shaped through resistance to restrictive ideologies. National insecurity over ‘indecent’ (read: queer) artisti...
The Effect of School Conditions on the Use of Restorative Justice in Schools

Previous research has demonstrated beneficial outcomes of using restorative justice techniques, rather than traditional punitive approaches, in response to student misbehavior. As with the use of r...
Brief assessment of food insecurity accurately identifies high-risk US adults.

Author(s): Gundersen, Craig; Engelhard, Emily E; Crumbaugh, Amy S; Seligman, Hilary K | Abstract: ObjectiveTo facilitate the introduction of food insecurity screening into clinical settings, we examined the test performance of two-item screening questions for food insecurity against the US Department of Agriculture's Core Food Security Module.DesignWe examined sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of various two-item combinations of questions assessing food insecurity in the general population and high-risk population subgroups.Setting2013 Current Population Survey December Supplement, a population-based US survey.SubjectsAll survey participants from the general population and high-risk subgroups.ResultsThe test characteristics of multiple two-item combinations of questions assessing food insecurity had adequate sensitivity (g97 %) and specificity (g70 %) for widespread adoption as clinical screening measures.ConclusionsWe recommend two specific items for clinical screening programmes based on their widespread current use and high sensitivity for detecting food insecurity. These items query how often the household 'worried whether food would run out before we got money to buy more' and how often 'the food that we bought just didn't last and we didn't have money to get more'. The recommended items have sensitivity across high-risk population subgroups of ≥97 % and a specificity of ≥74 % for food insecurity.
Understanding Variations in Circularly Polarized Photoluminescence in Monolayer Transition Metal Dichalcogenides

Monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides are promising materials for valleytronic operations. They exhibit two inequivalent valleys in the Brillouin zone, and the valley populations can be directly controlled and determined using circularly polarized optical excitation and emission. The photoluminescence polarization reflects the ratio of the two valley populations. A wide range of values for the degree of circularly polarized emission, Pcirc, has been reported for monolayer WS2, although the reasons for the disparity are unclear. Here, we optically populate one valley and measure Pcirc to explore the valley population dynamics at room temperature in a large number of monolayer WS2 samples synthesized via chemical vapor deposition. Under resonant excitation, Pcirc ranges from 2 to 32%, and we observe a pronounced inverse relationship between photoluminescence (PL) intensity and Pcirc. High-quality samples exhibiting strong PL and long exciton relaxation time exhibit a low degree of valley polarization, ...
Tricking Inert Metals into Water-Absorbing MOFs

In a recent issue of Chem, Towsif Abtab et al. describe a Cr3+-based metal-organic framework (MOF) that can capture a record-shattering 200% of its weight in water. Remarkably, whereas the Fe3+ and Al3+ variants of the framework collapse upon water exposure, the Cr3+ version shows no decline in crystallinity or capacity after 100 cycles of water uptake. Synthesized via a cation exchange process of Cr2+ for Fe3+, the achievement of the highly porous Cr3+ structure points the way toward additional MOF topologies with exceptional stability enabled by inert metals.
Evaluation of the Itchy Patient

What is the goal of your paper? We discuss the diagnostic evaluation of patients with localized or generalized itch and provide a practical algorithm to determine appropriate anti-pruritic therapy. What questions did you seek to answer? Summarize the latest research on your topic. Several key preclinical studies in animal models have shed light on the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie itch sensation. Mas-related G-protein coupled receptors (Mrgprs) have been identified as key receptors expressed by peripheral sensory nerves in the skin that mediate non-histaminergic itch. Members of the Mrgpr family of receptors are responsible for signaling itch in response to various pruritic stimuli, including endogenous the neuropeptide substance P, the drug chloroquine, and many experimental pruritogens. Several cytokines derived from keratinocytes (e.g., thymic stromal lymphopoietin) or T lymphocytes (interleukin-31), previously identified for their role in promoting skin inflammation, have also been shown to be important triggers for itch. Advances in the understanding of itch pathways may one day influence diagnostic evaluation and management of patients with chronic pruritus. Clinical research efforts have focused on characterizing epidemiologic patterns associated with chronic itch, validating measurements of pruritus severity, and understanding the impact of pruritus on quality of life. A more comprehensive understanding of these issues will help physicians identify at risk populations and manage concerns around chronic pruritus more effectively. Pruritus is a common and troubling symptom associated with many dermatologic, systemic, neurologic, or psychiatric disorders. In the current manuscript, we review what is known about the pathogenesis of pruritus and discuss how an understanding of itch pathways may influence the diagnostic work up of itchy patients. We review the differential diagnosis of disorders that provoke itch and suggest key diagnostic steps that should be considered when evaluating patients with chronic pruritus.
Lectio for living: an exploration of mindful listening to poetic texts

In the ancient contemplative practice known as lectio divina, sacred texts were read slowly and carefully while listeners attended to the sounds of the performance. Rather than reading analytically...
Effective Embedding: Working With Academic Departments and Online Courses

Abstract The goal of embedded librarianship is to immerse librarians in academic spaces in a deep, connected way. The term is used to encompass various methods of embedding, including: playing a role in online courses; being present in an academic department; participating in a face-to-face class throughout a semester; or providing services in a residential dormitory. This chapter considers two types of embedded librarianship, embedding in an academic department and embedding in online courses, and reflects on necessary skills, effective actions, and recommendations. It concludes with a section on how to define the purpose and scope of an embedding initiative and how to craft measurable outcomes to judge success.
Calculated properties of the active site of oxidized rubredoxins

For a molecular model of the Fe-S active site complex in oxidized rubredoxin, we have calculated the spin-orbit coupling between the ground sextet state and excited quartet and doublet states which gives rise to the observed zero field splitting of the sextet ground state into three spin-mixed Kramers doublets. Additionally, we have used the six spin-mixed sextet state components to calculate effective magnetic moments, magnetic field energies and nine g values corresponding to transitions between the three pairs of Kramers doublets in applied magnetic fields along three perpendicular axes. We have calculated these properties for eight conformational variations of the ligands around the Fe at the active site. The results of these calculations clearly show the origin of the observed g=4.3 signal previously described only in terms of the phenomenological spin-Hamiltonian formalism. For the eight conformations considered, five have this characteristic signal. Zero field splitting comparable to the observed values could be obtained for all symmetries studied. In addition, the calculated values of magnetic moment in all symmetries correspond to that of high spin ferric ion and do not vary appreciably with temperature above 77° K, in agreement with experimental results. From comparison of all our calculated results with experiment, it appears that the active site in oxidized rubredoxins could have small conformational variations in different rubredoxins and under the various experimental conditions used.
Blood flow and fluid-structure interactions in the human aorta during traumatic rupture conditions.

This study employed a numerical method by means of a mesh-based code coupling to elucidate the injury mechanism of traumatic aortic rupture (TAR). The aorta is modeled as a single-layered thick wall composed of two families of collagen fibers using an anisotropic strain energy function with consideration of viscoelasticity. A set of constitutive parameters is identified from experimental data of the human aorta, providing strict local convexity. An in vitro aorta model reconstructed from the Visible Human dataset is applied to the pulsatile blood flow to establish the references of mechanical quantities for physiological conditions. A series of simulations is performed using the parameterized impact pulses obtained from frontal sled tests. The result of a parametric study reveals that the maximum level of 280 kPa pressure alone might cause TAR near the ascending aorta region, but that a characteristic deformation pattern, termed "dynamic self-pinch", occurs in the presence of superimposed chest deceleration, chest compression, and blood pressure. Considering combined impact loading, the model indicates that an aortic rupture initiates from the inner wall at the classical site, the isthmus. In agreement with clinical findings, the tear predicted by the model is oriented transversely as a result of extremely high shear flow in the blood, coinciding with a stress concentration in the aortic wall near that region. The combined effect of chest deceleration, chest compression, and blood pressure appears to generate an aortic deformation and failure pattern that captures all the salient characteristics of clinically observed TAR.
Effects of interleukin-6 on fetal hematopoietic progenitors.

Effects of interleukin-6 (IL-6) on cycling status and clonogenic maturation of human fetal (cord blood) and adult hematopoietic progenitors were compared. Adult marrow cells were incubated for various lengths of time with various concentrations of IL-6, in a serum-free system, after which tritiated thymidine suicide studies were performed. After incubation of 2 to 5 x 10(6) cells/mL for 4 hours in 5.0 ng IL-6/mL, increased thymidine suicide rates were observed for multipotent progenitors (CFU-Mix), granulocyte-macrophage progenitors (CFU-GM), and erythroid burst-forming units (BFU-E). Similar incubations of fetal cells in IL-6 resulted in similar increases in tritiated thymidine suicide rates. In other studies, IL-6 used alone did not support colony formation from adult progenitors. However, it did support colony formation from fetal CFU-Mix (P less than .05), CFU-GM (P less than .001), and BFU-E (P less than .05). In cultures of adult progenitors, IL-6 acted synergistically with IL-3 to support CFU-Mix colony formation (P less than .001), but synergistic actions on CFU-GM and BFU-E were not seen. In contrast, IL-6 acted synergistically with IL-3 and with GM-CSF to support colony formation by fetal CFU-Mix, CFU-GM, and BFU-E. Thus, IL-6 appears to have a wider spectrum of action on fetal progenitors from cord blood than on adult progenitors; including not only the induction of cycling, but also the support of clonogenic maturation of CFU-Mix, CFU-GM, and BFU-E.
If We Are Compelled to Suffer: A Nihilist Intervention for the Left and Cultural Studies

Abstract Cultural studies need nihilism. The current canon of work (Butler, Foucault, Hooks, etc.) focuses too heavily on a political age and human condition that is rapidly being altered and replaced by the use of neoliberal technologies. A new understanding of ontology and politics is necessary to make sense of and challenge the changing technological orientation of human beings by what Deleuze has called a mutation of capital (Deleuze 2000: 90). It is not through institutional discipline that power permeates our being any longer but through our orientation to exist through and for neoliberal networks via our participation with internet technologies. Neoliberal technologies include and appropriates all bodies and experiences via their reduction to data and network flow; difference is no longer a tool of resistance. This work will assert that a move to a nihilist reading of ontology is what is missing from the work of cultural scholars and from current political movements interested in challenging the power of capital in the present. This work will attempt to build through nihilism a lens and an orientation via psychoanalytic theory and the work of Slavoj Žižek that offers resistance to neoliberal governance.
Extreme absolute strength of stocks and performance of momentum strategies

Abstract We find that removing stocks with extreme absolute strength from typical momentum portfolios can enhance their performance. Using data on common stocks traded on NYSE, AMEX, and NASDAQ, we find that stocks with extreme absolute strength feature very high volatility and are more likely to lose their momentum. Removing these stocks from typical momentum portfolios significantly reduces the volatility of the portfolios and increases the average return in most cases, improving the portfolios' performance. The removal of stocks with extreme absolute strength can also effectively alleviate the problem of momentum crashes and render momentum strategies profitable in the post-2000 era, a period during which momentum appears to have vanished.
Alexa, can you keep a secret? Applicability of the third-party doctrine to information collected in the home by virtual assistants

Virtual assistants are an example of modern technology that Americans have integrated into their everyday lives. With smart devices' growing sophistication and availability, individuals now sh...
Surgical Options and Outcomes in the Treatment of Optic Pit Maculopathy: A Meta-analysis and Systematic Review.

Purpose Optic pit maculopathy (OPM) is an uncommon cause of vision loss with no standard surgical treatment. Surgical treatment involves pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), often combined with adjunctive procedures. Large studies comparing outcomes of these approaches are lacking because of low disease incidence. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis of PPV without or with adjunctive procedures. Design Meta-analysis and systematic literature review. Methods We conducted a literature search to identify clinical studies and case series of surgically managed OPM. Inclusion criteria were: (1) more than 2 patients, (2) treatment with PPV, and (3) reporting of preoperative and postoperative visual acuity data. We excluded review articles and studies not available in English. Results were analyzed using a 1-way analysis of variance, Pearson’s chi-square test, and simple linear regression. Publication bias was modeled using funnel plots. Main Outcome Measures Visual acuity changes, resolution rate, resolution time, and change in OCT thickness. Results We identified 26 studies, encompassing 27 years and 342 patients. We identified 6 commonly reported techniques: PPV alone (92 patients), PPV plus juxtapapillary laser treatment (JPL; 146 patients), PPV plus internal limiting membrane peeling (ILMP; 50 patients), PPV plus both ILMP and JPL (16 patients), PPV plus inner retinal fenestration (18 patients), and PPV plus autologous platelet concentrate (22 patients). All groups demonstrated improved best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA; average, 0.46 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR]; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.41–0.51 logMAR) compared with baseline, with no differences between groups (P = 0.11). The average OPM resolution rate was 70% among all groups (range, 56%–100%), and the average time to resolution was 8.4 months for all groups (95% CI, 7.2–9.6 months). Central macular thickness was reduced in all groups with no differences between groups (P = 0.15). Tamponade had no effect on outcomes. Linear regression analysis demonstrated significant correlations between preoperative BCVA and above outcome measures. Funnel plots demonstrated positive publication bias in PPV and PPV plus JPL groups. Conclusions We did not identify any significant differences in outcomes among 6 different surgical techniques. This study is limited by its inclusion of primarily retrospective studies and positive publication bias.
Trafficking mechanisms underlying Nav channel subcellular localization in neurons.

Voltage gated sodium channels (Nav) play a crucial role in action potential initiation and propagation. Although the discovery of Nav channels dates back more than 65 years, and great advances in u...
Choosing radiology imaging modalities to meet patient needs with lower environmental impact

Abstract Every patient that comes to Radiology has a different category of health problem. Based on diagnoses, each patient gets the appropriate imaging to aid in their treatment. The Healthier Hospital Initiative (HHI, www.healthierhospitals.org ), Healthcare Without Harm ( www.https://noharm.org/ ), and Practice Greenhealth ( www.https://practicegreenhealth.org/ ) are important efforts on the part of healthcare providers to move toward sustainability. This initiative has raised awareness of energy utilization, and provides tools for measuring hospital energy use. However, the coupling of patient healthcare teams (RN, MD, administrators) making the decisions that achieve quality patient care, with a goal of lower environmental impact has yet to be widely explored. This study examines the use of the American College of Radiology (ACR) Appropriateness Criteria as guidance for similar, “usually appropriate” imaging modality choices (that is, ratings of 7, 8, and 9) and then identifies which is the lower energy use modality alternative. Overall, in the ten ACR patient categories (with 162 subcategories which have overall 810 variants), there are approximately 48% of patient conditions where there are similar imaging modalities with a “usually appropriate” rating. The largest percentage interchangeability is in the cardiac category. Thus the potential to choose a lower energy imaging alternative appears to exist. As examples, six patient variants are used to illustrate the potential to reduce Radiology Department energy use. These examples provide approximate energy reduction imaging alternatives that if selected, in even 1%–10% of patient cases, (versus the 48% of comparative “usually appropriate” imaging) would lead to an annual U.S. healthcare improvement of 24–240 million kWh per year. This modest improvement would be a direct contribution to healthcare sustainability by the Radiology community without any technology change.
Reliability of EOS compared to conventional radiographs for evaluation of lower extremity deformity in adult patients

The purpose of this study was to compare reliability of lower extremity imaging measurements using EOS and conventional X-ray (CR) of adult patients with mechanical axis malalignment. Ten patients (20 lower limbs) of mean age of 31.6 years (range 21–39) with post-traumatic deformities who presented for evaluation of osteotomies and/or ligament and cartilage reconstructions were prospectively enrolled. Two independent observers performed full-length anterior-posterior (AP) measurements 2 weeks apart on both CXR and two-dimensional (2D) EOS images. Measurements included weight-bearing axis (WBA), varus/valgus angle (V/V), femoral length (FL), tibial length (TL), femoral mechanical axis (FMA), tibial mechanical axis (TMA), and total limb length (TLL). Reliability was determined with random effects modeling of intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) set to consistency. Three statistical operations were performed to compare interrater validity in CXR and EOS: students’ two-sample t test, paired two-sample t test, and Pearson’s correlative r-statistical agreement. There was a statistically significant difference for V/V, FL, and TLL (all p < 0.01) between CXR and EOS. A relatively large proportion of the population consistently had larger V/V measures for EOS compared to CXR. In contrast, the FL and TLL measures were consistently larger for CXR compared to EOS. The differences between CXR and EOS measurements were statistically significant, though the small differences in values were not clinically meaningful. Agreement of all measures remained high (r = 0.84–0.99). Using 2D EOS for lower extremity measurements is reproducible, reliable, and comparable to the gold standard, standing long leg radiographs.
Achieving Surgical Supply Savings through Preference Card Standardization

Among high volume procedures considerable variation exists in the average cost per case (ACPC) of surgical supplies used between surgeons. A contributing factor to these cost differences are divergences in surgeons' preference cards, which act as a guide to hospital staff for the supplies a surgeon requires to successfully perform a procedure. This article documents efforts and results of an initiative to standardize preference cards for Laparoscopic Cholecystectomies. Data collected for this project outlined differences between surgeon's preference card composition, utilization of selected supplies and associated procedure costs. Reports were developed that grouped surgical supplies based on United Nations Standard Products and Services Code (UNSPC) product classes and highlighted classes with the highest per case standard deviations. Based on these findings and feedback from clinical partners, a composite set of supplies for use across all preference cards was developed in conjunction with the Chief of General Surgery. The net result of moving to a standardized set of supplies was an estimated $21,650 in annual supply expenses associated with Laparoscopic Cholecystectomies. Results suggest that standard deviation-based reports organized by product class facilitate effective surgeon-to-surgeon comparisons and make apparent readily available supply substitutes that are less expensive.
Testicular cancer in Hispanics: Are we approaching ethnic parity?

e17059Background: Hispanics (HI) are the fastest growing ethnic group in the US, representing 52% of US population growth from 2010-2018. In the past decade, they have also experienced a rise in in...
A novel formulation and analysis for heat transfer in von Kármán flow involving viscoelastic fluid: OHAM solutions

This research concentrates on the von Karman flow of viscoelastic fluid obeying second grade model over a heated permeable disk. Our interest is to explore how fluid motion triggered around the disk is affected by the existence of both elasticity and viscous dissipation effects. It is found that the problem exhibits self-similar solution only when a prescribed wall temperature distribution is considered. Series solutions are worked out by using an easy to implement yet reliable routine BVPh 2.0 of MATHEMATICA based on the homotopy analysis method. The total squared residual of the system is evaluated which illustrates that the approximate solution accurately matches the exact solution at sufficiently higher order of approximation. The influence of parameters on the disk pumping efficiency and resisting torque is also deliberated. Graphical results reveal a marked formation of momentum/thermal boundary layer provided that the viscoelastic fluid parameter is sufficiently large. An important outcome is that the elastic effects of fluid tend to reduce the torque required to main disk rotation. Moreover, flow behavior near the disk is substantially altered by wall suction effect. Entrained flow is predicted to accelerate whenever elastic effects are present.
Regional coordination between riparian dependence and atmospheric demand in willows (Salix L.) of western North America

AIM: Plants vary in their hydrological and climatic niches. How these niche dimensions covary among closely related species can help identify co‐adaptations to hydrological and climatic factors, as well as predict biodiversity responses to environmental change. LOCATION: Western United States. METHODS: Relationships between riparian dependence and climate niches of willows (Salix L.) were assessed, incorporating phylogenetics and functional traits to understand the adaptive nature of those relationships. The riparian dependence niche was estimated as the mean distance between georeferenced occurrence records and the nearest stream based on the National Hydrography Database. Results were compared to oaks (Quercus L.), a less riparian‐dependent clade, with the expectation of different niche relationships. RESULTS: Willows generally occurred closer to streams than expected by chance, but riparian dependence varied substantially among species. Riparian dependence was positively correlated with mean annual temperature and diurnal temperature range niche, both indicators of atmospheric demand on evapotranspiration. Phylogenetic independent contrast correlations for these relationships were significant as well, and the high degree of niche convergence among species indicated evolutionarily labile co‐adaptations to riparian dependence and atmospheric demand. Plant height increased with mean annual temperature niche, and specific leaf area increased with residual variation in height, indicating underlying morphological correlates of niche variation. Oaks, on the other hand, exhibited no relationship between atmospheric demand and riparian dependence, and weaker niche relationships with riparian dependence overall. MAIN CONCLUSIONS: These results support the assertion that hydric‐adapted, woody riparian plants compensate for increased atmospheric demand on transpiration with a reliable supply of water provided by riparian habitats and that this trade‐off may be unique from mesic–xeric woody plants. Conservation of warm‐adapted riparian trees and shrubs under increasing temperatures and atmospheric demand may necessitate reversal of groundwater depletion. Cool‐adapted species may be best conserved through maintenance or expansion of riparian buffers as they become more riparian obligate with warming.
Understanding Black-African International Students’ Experiences in United States Colleges and Universities Through Social Identity Theory

In this Research in Brief, Tajfel’s (1970) social identity theory is explained and examined as potentially useful for analyzing the experiences of Black-African international students in U. S. colleges and universities. Race has been and still is a major issue in the United States. Through a review of literature, I sought to find out how Black-African international students’ race affected their experiences in the United States.
Punctuality and Coordination Failures in the Remote Workplace

Videoconferencing has recently become ubiquitous due to the COVID-19 pandemic but has been growing in importance for decades. Despite this growth, we have limited understanding of the costs associated with adopting this technology. In this paper I leverage a novel dataset tracking 1.7 million individuals attending 1.2 million videoconference meetings over 6 months to evaluate individual punctuality in the remote workplace. I find that participants spend a significant amount of time waiting for others to arrive. An average meeting causes 6 minutes of per participant waiting time and even small meetings (≤ 5 participants) waste 14 minutes of total participant time. I investigate the predictors of these coordination failures and find that punctuality is best (and waiting time is minimized) for smaller, shorter meetings scheduled on the hour and half hour. I find some evidence for the development of norms that lead to relatively lower coordination failures than the distributions of arrival times might suggest and discuss the implications of these findings to a time of many new users of this technology.
Role of age and sex on dual tasking using a treadmill desk while performing cognitive tests.

Abstract Background Treadmill desks have been used extensively to increase physical activity and decrease sedentary time in the work environment. However, dual tasking, such as simultaneously walking and performing a cognitive task, may result in diminished performance in one or both tasks. Research question Do age and sex impact ability to dual task while using a treadmill desk at a preferred walking speed?. Methods A total of n = 24 younger (range of 18–24 years, mean age = 21.1 ± 1.6 years) and n = 25 older (range of 45–65 years, mean age = 53.0 ± 5.1 years) adults self-selected a comfortable walking speed ranging from 0.5 to 2.0 mph and performed the Stroop Color & Word test (measuring Inhibition) and the Sternberg Test of Working Memory (measuring Working Memory) while walking at their chosen speed on a treadmill desk and while seated. Testing was performed in two separate sessions with the order counterbalanced. Step length, stride length, gait cycle time, and coefficient of variation (CV) for each were measured using OptoGait software, and both reaction time and accuracy for the two cognitive tests were assessed. Dual Task Cost (DTC) was calculated by using the formula (Single task score – Dual task score)/Single task score)*100. Results Younger adults had faster reaction time compared to older adults for both Working Memory and Inhibition tests (p Significance These data provide evidence that while aging does decrease reaction time while dual tasking, few age differences and no sex differences were found in dual task cost. However, dual tasking results in diminished gait DTC compared to cognition DTC regardless of age or sex.
U.S. Army Coastal Engineering Research Center's Ecology Program

The Coastal Engineering Research Center at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, is responsible for research that supports the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Civil Works program. This research involves coastal navigation, channel design and maintenance, storm flooding, shore erosion control, and coastal ecology. The ecology research is focused on two major areas: (1) use of coastal vegetation for engineering purposes and (2) effects of coastal engineering activities on the biological environment. The objectives and accomplishments of the ecology research are discussed and specific examples of field guidance are presented.
Logic and Topology

Mathematicians may find it odd that philosophers energetically debate the merits of structuralist “interpretations” of mathematics. Like it or not, a structuralist orientation is an essential part of contemporary mathematical practice. It is no coincidence that axioms characterizing, say, complete lattices are rich in diverse and interesting models from apparently far-flung fiields. They were intended to stimulate an abundance of interpretations, any constriction of vision to a privileged model being shunned on principle. (Set theoretic axioms may be an exception, but we question whether they ought to be. See Pollard, ch. 9.)
Universal relations for a trapped four-fermion system with arbitrary s -wave scattering length

A two-component four-fermion system with equal masses, interspecies $s$-wave scattering length ${a}_{s}$, and vanishing intraspecies interactions under external spherically symmetric harmonic confinement is considered. Using a correlated Gaussian basis set expansion approach, we determine the energies and various structural properties of the energetically lowest-lying gaslike state throughout the crossover for various ranges of the underlying two-body potential. Extrapolating to the zero-range limit, our numerical results show explicitly that the total energy, the trap energy, as well as certain aspects of the pair distribution function and of the momentum distribution are related through the so-called integrated contact intensity $I({a}_{s})$. Furthermore, it is shown explicitly that the total energy and the trap energy are related through a generalized virial theorem that accounts for a nonzero range.
Limulus lysate assay in detection of gonorrhea in women from a low-incidence population

Abstract An evaluation of the limulus amebocyte lysate assay for detection of gonococcal endotoxin in cervical secretions was undertaken in 48 women from an ambulatory population with a low incidence of gonococcal infection. When cervical secretions were diluted 1:2,000, positive limulus amebocyte lysate assay results were obtained in four women (100%) with culture-proved gonococcal infection, and negative results were obtained in 25 of 44 women (57%) with culture-negative specimens. The limulus amebocyte lysate assay was not sufficiently specific in a low-incidence, largely asymptomatic population to be recommended as a rapid diagnostic procedure (60 minutes) in such a group. Standardization of sampling technique, size, and reagent preparation and elimination of vaginal contamination of cervical secretions may produce a limulus amebocyte lysate test with more consistent performance characteristics in varied populations. Since the predictive value of a test varies with the prevalence of the disease in the populations tested, a test proposed for use in a population with a low likelihood of disease must be tested in such a population.
Effect of Soy Protein, Casein and Trypsin Inhibitor on Cholesterol, Bile Acids and Pancreatic Enzymes in Mice

Dietary vegetable proteins may lower plasma cholesterol compared to animal proteins. We considered the possibility that lower digestibility and the trypsin inhibitor (TI) content of plant proteins could lead to alterations in bile acid metabolism and exocrine pancreatic function mediating some of this change. Mice were fed cholesterolemic diets of different protein source and TI content: casein, soy protein isolate, or casein plus TI for 4 weeks. Plasma and liver cholesterol were measured; pancreata, intestinal contents and mucosal scrapes were collected for bile acid, trypsin, chymotrypsin, amylase, and lipase assays. The soy group had lower plasma cholesterol levels. Intestinal bile acids in this group were higher, suggesting a causal relationship (increased bile acid secretion leading to increased cholesterol catabolism). Conversely, liver cholesterol in this group was raised, reflecting a possible shift in body cholesterol pools. TI addition did not affect lipid metabolism, though it did affect pancreatic function: it led to increased pancreatic weight and depressed intestinal trypsin activity, but elevated chymotrypsin and amylase levels in pancreas and intestine and increased trypsin levels in the pancreas. Therefore, soybean TI does not seem to affect cholesterol metabolism, though it greatly affects pancreatic secretion. On the other hand, soy protein has a marked effect on the bile acid and cholesterol metabolism, which may be a function of protein quality.
Critical Concepts for Children in Disasters Identified by Hands-on Professionals: Summary of Issues Demanding Solutions Before the Next One

This supplement contains many hands-on experiences of pediatricians and others who cared for children during the Hurricane Katrina disaster. They have all offered significant insightful suggestions to help planners better prepare for care of children during the next disaster. This summary focuses on a few of the key lessons learned. All too often, planners assume that any hospital and any licensed health care provider can care for the full range of pediatric needs, including in times of crisis. Even for those who do recognize that seriously ill or injured children need to be cared for by pediatricians and pediatric subspecialists, it is sometimes assumed that existing hospitals are, in fact, sufficiently staffed and equipped to handle unlimited numbers of such cases. Few planners recognize the limited supply of pediatric hospital beds in their area and, therefore, do not prepare before a disaster for the potential transfer of children to distant facilities as needed, even if it requires consideration of out-of-state hospitals. More study is required to determine when and how adult-oriented providers and facilities can, in fact, care for children. Special protocols and understandings for the care of children in the midst of disasters need to be refined. Surge capacity is exceeded when the number of children requiring inpatient care exceeds the number of beds, staff, and equipment available. Obviously, with Katrina, all of the pediatric beds in Louisiana were overwhelmed, demonstrating the need to plan for care (including evacuation) of existing pediatric inpatients as well as new patients requiring admission within an impacted area. Disaster plans for children should include regional capacity and … Address correspondence to Carden Johnston, MD, FAAP, FRCP, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1600 7th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233. E-mail: cjohnston{at}aap.org
Prolactin Regulation of Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis

The idea that PRL may function as a stimulator of a trophic response in a broad spectrum of tissues is one that has evolved slowly since its initial discovery nearly 70 years ago. In large part, the comparative reluctance to embrace a role for PRL as a regulator of growth in tissues beyond those involved in reproduction and nurturing of the young, is due to its well characterized and extensively studied effects in the mammary gland in which it is essential for lactation and for which it was originally named (1). Indeed, itsF effect to stimulate proliferation in the crop-sac, together with the formation of crop-milk in pigeons and doves as well as to induce lactation in mammals led to identification of PRL as a new anterior pituitary hormone (2, 3).
A Framework for Thinking About Oppression and Conflict

In this paper, my purpose is to provide a framework for thinking about oppression and how to overcome it. Oppression is, I believe, at the root of many of the most serious, enduring conflicts in the world today. The paper is divided into the following sections. The first considers the value premise underlying my use of the term ‘oppression’ (4.2). The second is a discussion of the nature of oppression (4.3). The third addresses the question, “What forms does oppression take?” (4.4). The fourth asks, “What keeps oppression in place?” (4.5). The fifth addresses the awakening of the sense of injustice (4.6). The sixth provides a discussion of the strategies and tactics for overcoming oppression, which often involve violent conflict with groups in power (4.7). In the final section of my paper, I will discuss some nonviolent strategies and tactics for overcoming oppression (4.8). My discussion will not focus on the different contexts in which oppression occurs, such as the family, work, education, and between ethnic, religious, and racial groups. There is an excellent discussion of the different contexts of oppression in the book, Social Inequality (Neckerman 2004), which presents extensive empirical data about inequality in various contexts.
Thin-film transistor fabrication for high brightness reconfigurable vacuum fluorescent displays

The design and fabrication of a thin-film transistor array for use in a reconfigurable, active matrix vacuum fluorescent display suitable for high ambient light operating conditions such as automotive instrument clusters is described. Thin-film transistor (TFT) arrays were fabricated in a novel 4-transistor per pixel configuration using a p-channel polycrystalline silicon transistor fabrication process. Display assembly was then completed by the Futaba Corporation. The robust transistor structure is capable of enduring the 550/spl deg/C post-processing anneal temperature associated with phosphor deposition and packaging, Initial displays yielded luminances of 2500 ftL when operated at 40 V, and suggest an ultimate brightness of 5000 ftL for 55 V operation.
Utility of parametrectomy for early stage cervical cancer treated with radical hysterectomy.

Background Removal of the parametrial soft tissue is recommended for patients with cervical cancer undergoing radical hysterectomy. Parametrectomy results in significant morbidity. The objective of the study was to determine factors predictive of parametrial tumor spread and to define a subset of patients at low risk for parametrial disease. Methods Patients with invasive cervical cancer who underwent radical hysterectomy from 1989-2005 were examined. Analysis was performed to determine factors associated with parametrial tumor spread. Survival estimates were determined using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results A total of 594 patients were identified. Parametrial metastases were documented in 64 (10.8%). Factors associated with parametrial disease were: histology, advanced grade, deep cervical invasion, lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI), large tumor size, advanced stage, uterine or vaginal involvement, and pelvic or para-aortic lymph node metastases (P Conclusions Parametrial spread is a strong predictor of recurrence and decreased survival. Parametrial invasion is rare in patients with small tumors, no LVSI, and negative pelvic nodes (no poor prognostic factors). Further study is warranted to determine the feasibility of omitting parametrectomy in these low-risk patients.
Metastability of the midgap level EL2 in GaAs: Relationship with the As antisite defect.

It is found that the rate of the photoinduced transition of the GaAs midgap level EL 2 to its metastable state increases as its occupation increases. High-resolution optical spectra of this transition exhibit a sharp peak very similar to the no-phonon line of the intracenter absorption of the As antisite defect. These findings show that the transition to the metastable state is initiated from the ground state 1A1, and it is finalized via the excited state 1T2 of the neutral As antisite defect. They thus provide a new basis for the critical assessment of the EL 2 metastability models and further confirmation of the association of EL 2 with the isolated As antisite defect.
Measuring energy metabolism in cultured cells, including human pluripotent stem cells and differentiated cells

Measurements of glycolysis and mitochondrial function are required to quantify energy metabolism in a wide variety of cellular contexts. In human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) and their differentiated progeny, this analysis can be challenging because of the unique cell properties, growth conditions and expense required to maintain these cell types. Here we provide protocols for analyzing energy metabolism in hPSCs and their early differentiated progenies that are generally applicable to mature cell types as well. Our approach has revealed distinct energy metabolism profiles used by hPSCs, differentiated cells, a variety of cancer cells and Rho-null cells. The protocols measure or estimate glycolysis on the basis of the extracellular acidification rate, and they measure or estimate oxidative phosphorylation on the basis of the oxygen consumption rate. Assays typically require 3 h after overnight sample preparation. Companion methods are also discussed and provided to aid researchers in developing more sophisticated experimental regimens for extended analyses of cellular bioenergetics.
Psychotherapists Collect Data During Routine Clinical Work That Can Contribute to Knowledge About Mechanisms of Change in Psychotherapy

Therapists providing psychological treatments routinely pose and test hypotheses about mechanisms of change, including mechanisms of change in cognitive therapy for depression. When they use systematic, objective, and scientific methods to do these tasks, clinicians can simultaneously provide quality care and contribute to the field's understanding of the mechanisms of therapeutic action. This article presents evidence supporting these assertions and offers examples of data collected in routine clinical practice that answer important questions about the process of change in cognitive therapy for depression.