cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Will ‘broken windows policing’ work in Trinidad and Tobago? A critical perspective on zero tolerance and community policing in a multi-ethnic society

AbstractTrinidad and Tobago (T&T) is a multi-ethnic Caribbean nation currently experiencing problems with disorder and violent crime. In response, practitioners have considered the merits of introducing broken windows policing. This article examines the literature on zero tolerance policing, also known as ‘broken windows policing,’ and explores the dangers of potentially harmful interpretations of this approach, particularly in the context of racial and political conflict in a developing society. It also explores whether broken windows can be effective in T&T, where there is social unrest and declining public support for police. Based on prior research, it is suggested that broken windows policing, when incorporated with targeted problem-solving approaches, could be successful in reducing crime in the short-term. Several problem-solving strategies that were effective in New York City and other American cities are also recommended. It is suggested that community-oriented policing strategies designed to inc...
The Story of Naive Alice: Behavioral Analysis of Susceptible Internet Users

The Internet has become an integral part of our everyday life. Unfortunately, not all of us are equally aware of the threats when we use online services. Naive users are generally less aware of security and privacy practices on the Internet and are susceptible to online predators. In this paper, we present a behavioral analysis of Internet users and their susceptibility to online malpractices. We have considered the dataset from the Global Internet User Survey for 10789 respondents to perform a security-oriented statistical analysis of correlated user behavior. We constructed logistic regression models to analyze the statistical predictability of susceptible and not-so-susceptible identity theft victims based on their behavior and knowledge of security and privacy practices. We posit that such a study can be used to assess the vulnerability of Internet users and can hence be used to leverage institutional and personal safety on the Internet by promoting online security education, threat awareness, and guided Internet-safe behavior.
Femtosecond electron pulse generation and measurement for diffractive imaging of isolated molecules

We have constructed an electron gun that delivers highly charged femtosecond electron pulses to a target with kHz repetition rate. Electron pulses are generated by femtosecond laser pulses in a photoemission process and are accelerated up to 100 kV and compressed to sub-picosecond duration. Compression is essential to compensate for the space charge effect that increases the size of electron pulses in all directions significantly. The pulses are compressed transversely by magnetic lenses and longitudinally by the longitudinal electric field of a radio-frequency cavity. The longitudinal compression is achieved by decelerating the electrons in the leading edge of the pulse, and accelerating the electrons in the trailing edge of the pulse. This results in the pulse compressing and reaching the minimum pulse duration at a known distance from the compression cavity. The short pulse duration and high repetition rate will be essential to observe subpicosecond dynamic processes in molecules in gas phase with a good signal to noise ratio. A streak camera, consisting of a millimeter-sized parallel plate capacitor, was used to measure the pulse duration in situ.
Regional covariance of brain cholinergic terminal changes in Parkinson disease: an 18F-FEOBV PET study

212 Objectives Regional cholinergic terminal loss is a common but variable feature of Parkinson Disease (PD). 18F-FEOBV, a vesamicol analogue selectively binding to the Vesicular Acetylcholine Transporter (VAChT), allows quantification of cholinergic terminal changes. We used spatial covariance analysis (SCA) of 18F-FEOBV brain PET to investigate pattern(s) distinguishing PD from Normal Control subjects (NC). Methods 27 (PD, n=18 and NC, n=9) subjects underwent 18F-FEOBV brain PET imaging. Multivariate spatial covariance analysis based on the Scaled Subprofile Model (SSM) was performed simultaneously on the spatially normalized mages using the generalized covariance analysis software suit (http://www.nitrc.org/projects/gcva_pca/) in order to identify between-group variations as a Spatial Covariance Pattern (SCP). An advantage of this method is that it is not dependent on a reference tissue for normalization. Results SCP analysis showed bidirectional changes between groups with regions of both increased and decreased binding. Subject Scaling Factor (SSF) scores, representing the extent to which each subject expressed the SCP, was significantly higher in PD than controls (mean ± SD; controls = -2.5 ± 4.9, PD = 16.5 ± 8.1 p ≤ 0.00001). Regions showing significant (|z| 蠅 1.64) binding decrease in PD subjects included the anterior GPe, bilateral occipital, medial/superior temporal and cerebellar cortices. Caudate, putamen and GPi showed increased binding in PD subjects. The SSF scores had significant inverse correlation of r=-0.65 (p = 0.002) and r=-0.75 (p = 0.0001) with 11C-DTBZ dopaminergic terminals in the caudate and putamen of the PD subjects. Conclusions This multivariate approach identifies brain regions with relatively increased or decreased 18F-FEOBV binding in the PD compared to the NC group. These bidrectional changes may represent areas of compensatory and degenerating cholinergic terminal changes in PD which can distinguish PD from NC subjects. Research Support: NIH P50 NS091856
Image-Based Modeling and Precision Medicine

Image-based modeling and model-based image analysis are important steps toward robust and automated segmentation and quantitative analysis of images such as organs, vessels, and tumors. Precision medicine targets intervention to the individual level by maximizing benefit and minimizing harms. Visualizable objects in medicine provide benefits from individual molecules, cells, tissue interstitial interfaces, complete organs, organ systems, and body parts including functional attributes of these systems, such as biophysical, biomechanical, and physiological properties. Medical simulation focuses on multimethods, multiparadigms, multimodeling, and multidisciplines. The Visible Human Project provides libraries of digital images, distributed across high-speed networks and through high-capacity storage systems. Medical imaging has evolved dramatically in the past few decades. With the evolution of multidetector computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, radiological diagnosis has become less invasive and more informative. Cell and extracellular matrix interaction for 3D trabecular meshwork plays a significant role for modulating intraocular pressure and aqueous outflow resistance.
Gesture and the Nature of Language: Language from the body politic

Language is a part of social behavior. What is the mechanism whereby the social process goes on? It is the mechanism of gesture … George Herbert Mead, Mind, self, and society LANGUAGE FROM A SPECIAL PART OF THE UNIVERSE If nothing else, language acquisition studies show that language does not develop through an individual's interaction with the natural environment. It emerges only out of social interaction, but social interaction within constrained limits. We would not know what a word means if we had not heard or seen it used by someone else in a context that made the relation between word and meaning reasonably unambiguous . Once language is acquired at a sufficient level, of course, its possessor is able to use language and the aids to thought that language provides to determine the meaning of an unfamiliar word by inference from its context. But the statement still holds. Without the introduction to words and the seminal idea that words symbolize – without the initial acquisition process, which is social – we would have no equipment with which to make linguistic inferences. It may seem that the condition emphasized above is crucial; the association of a word with meaning makes both conversing and verbal thinking possible; but verbal thinking needs language, and language needs the interaction of at least two human beings.
Association of Pelvic and Para-Aortic Lymphadenectomy With Survival in Stage I Endometrioid Endometrial Cancer: Matched Cohort Analyses From the National Cancer Database.

PurposeTo estimate whether pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy was associated with increased survival in stage I endometrioid endometrial cancer.MethodsWe performed matched cohort analyses of women with stage I endometrioid endometrial cancer who underwent hysterectomy with no lymphadenectomy, pelvic lymphadenectomy, or combined pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy. Cox proportional hazards survival analyses were performed with inverse probability weights. Hazard ratios (HRs) were covariate and propensity score adjusted. Covariates included cancer center type, age, race, Hispanic ethnicity, insurance type, community median income quartile, comorbidity score, history of prior cancer, depth of myometrial invasion, tumor grade, tumor size, lymphovascular space invasion, cytology status, surgical margin status, hospital volume, and use of adjuvant radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Additional analyses included subset analyses by grade, sensitivity analyses with imputation of missing data, and testing for sens...
Phytochemical profiles, and antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of greater galangal [Alpinia galanga (Linn.) Swartz.] flowers.

Abstract Previous studies of galangal (Alpinia galanga) have focussed mostly on rhizomes but seldom on flowers. A comprehensive look at galangal flowers could reveal additional benefits. The chemical composition of galangal flowers was significantly (p
Hydrothermal Liquefaction of Model Food Waste Biomolecules and Ternary Mixtures under Isothermal and Fast Conditions

We subjected potato starch, casein, and sunflower oil to both isothermal and fast hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL), both individually and as ternary mixtures in different proportions. Fast HTL (15 wt % biomass loading, 600 °C set-point temperature, 1 min) of sunflower oil produced the highest biocrude yield (91 wt %), followed by casein (23 wt %) and potato starch (19 wt %). Up to 21% of the phosphorus and 57% of the nitrogen in casein are distributed to the aqueous phase after fast HTL and can potentially be recovered as fertilizer for growing more food. Fast HTL (600 °C, 1 min) provided higher biocrude energy recoveries than did isothermal HTL (350 °C, 60 min) for all three feedstocks. Potato starch showed the greatest increase in energy recovery with fast (46%) vs isothermal (32%) HTL, and fast HTL of the ternary mixture rich in potato starch produced biocrude with the largest higher heating value (HHV) (42 MJ/kg). The results indicate that fast HTL is particularly beneficial for polysaccharides compare...
Is Decoding Sufficient to Predict Reading Ability in Kindergarten Through 2nd Grade Students

i List of Tables v List of Figures vii Chapter 1 Introduction 1 Chapter 2 Review of Literature 2 2.1 Three Philosophies of Reading 3 2.1.1 Bottom Up 3 2.1.2 Top Down 4 2.1.3 Interactive 5 2.2 Development of Theories 6 Chapter 3 Method 14 3.1 Model 14 3.2 Participants 19 3.3 Instrument 19 3.3.1 Skills Checklist Tests 19 3.3.2 Survey with Goals Tests 24 3.4 Design and Procedure 27 Chapter 4 Findings and Results 31
The Design, Characterization and Use of Molecules in Molecular Devices

Since the first proposals of using organic molecules to perform electronic operations [1], [2], there have been many efforts to synthesize molecules and construct devices. The types of devices proposed have ranged from simple wires to diodes and switches and the quest to make them has been driven by the promise of an entire new set of capabilities for computing and logic. Given the huge structure variations of organic molecules, synthetic chemistry should offer the ability to fine tune the molecules for optimum device performance. In order to attach the molecules to electrodes, well established methods such as Langmuir-Blodgett film formation and surface self- assembly could be applied. Finally, in principle, one could construct devices down to the single molecule level, offering unprecedented integrated circuit densities with nanometer scale features. This aspect has been frequently promoted as one solution to problems of continually extending “Moore’s Law” [3], which states that since the mid 1960's, processor chip density has doubled, at first every two years and now, about every 18 months. [4]
Usefulness of the grid system in phenotypic selection for smooth bromegrass fiber concentration

Grid selection was investigated as a means of reducing environmental variation prior to selection for low neutral detergent fiber (NDF) concentration in smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.). Eleven populations of 350 plants each were arranged into 10 grids of 35 plants each. Adjustment of NDF concentration by block means and standard deviations reduced the phenotypic variation to 50 to 94% of the original variance. Adjustment also reduced or eliminated spatial patterns of phenotypic variation in five of eight populations with significant patterns to original NDF values. Selection for low NDF tended to identify plants from blocks with a low mean NDF in some populations. When selection was based on t-scores, the number of plants representing each block was a random variable in each population. Use of grid selection with a t-score adjustment should increase the efficiency of phenotypic recurrent selection for low NDF concentration.
The Electronic Vesalius: Embodying Anatomy Atlases

A multidisciplinary team at Rice University transformed the Texas Medical Center (TMC) Library’s collection of rare anatomy atlases into a physical-digital, human-sized atlas-of-atlases. The Electronic Vesalius installation gives these old books new life, informed by contemporary media theory and the centuries of medical and aesthetic criticism provoked by these multimedia image-texts.
Morphological species of Gloeandromyces (Ascomycota, Laboulbeniales) evaluated using single-locus species delimitation methods

In this paper, new species and formae of the genus Gloeandromyces (Ascomycota, Laboulbeniales) are described and illustrated. These are: Gloeandromyces dickii sp. nov. on Trichobius joblingi from Nicaragua and Panama; G. pageanus f. alarum f. nov. on Tri. joblingi from Panama; G. pageanus f. polymorphus f. nov. on Tri. dugesioides and Tri. joblingi from Panama and Trinidad; and G. streblae f. sigmomorphus f. nov. on Tri. joblingi from Panama. Gloeandromyces pageanus on Tri. dugesioides from Panama as described in Nova Hedwigia 105 (2017) is referred to as G. pageanus f. pageanus. Support for these descriptions of species and formae comes from phylogenetic reconstruction of the large subunit ribosomal DNA and from the application of species delimitation methods (ABGD, bPTP, GMYC). Host specialization results in phylogenetic segregation by host species in both G. pageanus and G. streblae and this may represent a case of incipient speciation. A second mechanism driving diversity involves position-induced morphological adaptations, leading to the peculiar morphotypes that are associated to growing on a particular position of the integument (G. pageanus f. alarum, G. streblae f. sigmomorphus).
Social Media in the Medical Laboratory Workplace: A Literature Review

Social media has become a source of debate in the medical laboratory community as to what is appropriate and what is inappropriate for sharing through online communication. As of today, more and more medical institutions are reaching outside their secure network in soliciting social media forums, like Twitter and Facebook, to actively engage and directly communicate with their constituents, patients or staff. In addition, institutions are generating original content and encouraging discussion about their techniques and services through blogs and chat rooms on their websites. The ever-expanding world of social media has become a contentious subject for many institutions, as their employees9 usage may blur the lines between what is professional and personal in the workplace. Although it still applies, social media creates the effect that it removes boundaries regarding privacy and confidentially as seen in the workforce setting. Despite the relatively widespread adoption of social media among medical institutions, many lack internal policies or systems to adequately address protocol of when, how and where to use social media. Reciprocally, as the number of smartphones, tablets and personal laptops increase in usage, so will the use of social media in the medical laboratory workplace. Undoubtedly, as this increase occurs, the establishment of policies and procedures will be essential in addressing proper protocol regarding social media usage in the workplace.
Graph-Based Event Classification in Grid Security Gateways

In recent years the use of security gateways (SG) located within the electrical grid distribution network has become pervasive. SGs in substations and renewable distributed energy resource aggregators (DERAs) protect power distribution control devices from cyber and cyber-physical attacks. When encrypted communications within a DER network is used, TCP/IP packet inspection is restricted to packet header behavioral analysis which in most cases only allows the SG to perform anomaly detection of blocks of time-series data (event windows). Packet header anomaly detection calculates the probability of the presence of a threat within an event window, but fails in such cases where the unreadable encrypted payload contains the attack content. The SG system log (syslog) is a time-series record of behavioral patterns of network users and processes accessing and transferring data through the SG network interfaces. Threatening behavioral pattern in the syslog are measurable using both anomaly detection and graph theory. In this paper it will be shown that it is possible to efficiently detect the presence of and classify a potential threat within an SG syslog using light-weight anomaly detection and graph theory.
Experience With Hydroxychloroquine and Azithromycin in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic: Implications for QT Interval Monitoring.

Background Despite a lack of clinical evidence, hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin are being administered widely to patients with verified or suspected coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Both drugs may increase risk of lethal arrhythmias associated with QT interval prolongation. Methods and Results We analyzed a case series of COVID-19-positive/suspected patients admitted between February 1, 2020, and April 4, 2020, who were treated with azithromycin, hydroxychloroquine, or a combination of both drugs. We evaluated baseline and postmedication QT interval (corrected QT interval [QTc]; Bazett) using 12-lead ECGs. Critical QTc prolongation was defined as follows: (1) maximum QTc ≥500 ms (if QRS <120 ms) or QTc ≥550 ms (if QRS ≥120 ms) and (2) QTc increase of ≥60 ms. Tisdale score and Elixhauser comorbidity index were calculated. Of 490 COVID-19-positive/suspected patients, 314 (64%) received either/both drugs and 98 (73 COVID-19 positive and 25 suspected) met study criteria (age, 62±17 years; 61% men). Azithromycin was prescribed in 28%, hydroxychloroquine in 10%, and both in 62%. Baseline mean QTc was 448±29 ms and increased to 459±36 ms (P=0.005) with medications. Significant prolongation was observed only in men (18±43 ms versus -0.2±28 ms in women; P=0.02). A total of 12% of patients reached critical QTc prolongation. Changes in QTc were highest with the combination compared with either drug, with much greater prolongation with combination versus azithromycin (17±39 ms versus 0.5±40 ms; P=0.07). No patients manifested torsades de pointes. Conclusions Overall, 12% of patients manifested critical QTc prolongation, and the combination caused greater prolongation than either drug alone. The balance between uncertain benefit and potential risk when treating COVID-19 patients should be carefully assessed.
Outbreak of Bloodstream Infections in Hemodialysis Patients Highlight the Importance of a Working Partnership Between Infection Prevention and Interventional Departments

Background Research shows that collaboration between Infection Prevention (IP) and procedural personnel is vital to optimum patient outcomes. In the summer of 2019, a 350 bed acute care hospital experienced an outbreak of Central Line Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSI) in patients with implanted hemodialysis (HD) catheters. All infections had an onset of 10 days or less from device insertion in Interventional Radiology (IR). Only one CLABSI in three years was related to a dialysis catheter. Before June 2019, no issues within IR had been identified by Infection Prevention. Methods In July 2019, a multidisciplinary team with representation from: Surgical Services, IR, IP, Nephrology, and Environmental Services (ES) was convened. The project spanned July to October of 2019 in a five step process: Observe, research, define, implement, and monitor. A goal of decreasing CLABSI in HD patients with implanted devices in IR to the baseline of zero was established. National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) standards were used to define CLABSI. Observations to identify improvement opportunities and findings were divided into five categories: Physical barriers, aseptic technique, attire, environmental cleaning, and policies. Literature reviews, professional guidelines, and staff interviews helped to establish procedural guidelines and gain insight to perceived barriers. A solid improvement plan was then developed. Remediation on aseptic technique, environmental cleaning, and attire were provided. Weekly audits of hand hygiene and attire were conducted after improvement processes had been established. Results Four CLABSIs were identified in the outbreak. The goal of zero CLABSI, in the target month of November 2019, was achieved with no CLABSI identified in the focus population. Conclusions Each observation consistently revealed sub-optimal environmental cleaning and aseptic technique. Staff interviews highlighted gaps in understanding surrounding policies and best practice. Proactive efforts and collaboration between IR and IP are necessary to prevent outbreaks such as this from occurring.
Selective Activation of Cortical Columns Using Multichannel Magnetic Stimulation With a Bent Flat Microwire Array

Objective: Cortical neural prostheses that aim to restore useful vision, hearing, and tactile sensations require the ability to selectively target different cortical regions simultaneously. Electrical stimulation via intracortical electrodes has been used to create spatial patterns of cortical activation. However, their efficacy remains limited due to the inability of conventional electrodes to confine activation to specific cortical regions around each electrode. Magnetic stimulation from single bent wires can selectively activate pyramidal neurons while avoiding passing axons, thereby confining activation to small cortical regions. This paper presents a novel bent flat microwire array and demonstrates its effectiveness for selective activation of cortical columns in mouse brain slices. Methods: A computational model was developed to compare the spatial resolution of magnetic stimulation from bent wire arrays with 280 and 530 μm tip spacings. The same array designs were fabricated for use in electrophysiological experiments, i.e., calcium imaging (GCaMP6s) of mouse brain slices. Results: All fabricated array designs reliably produced spatially discrete cortical activations at low stimulus amplitudes, but the 280-μm-spacing produced strong interference (constructive or destructive) at high stimulus amplitudes, thereby resulting in single strong activations or two asymmetric activations. 4-channel bent wire arrays with spacing of 340 μm avoided the interference and produced clearer spatial patterns of activation than electrodes. Conclusion: Bent wire array designs can influence the strength or the spatial resolution of multichannel magnetic stimulation. Significance: These results suggest that bent microwire arrays can enhance the selectivity of multichannel stimulation of brain and therefore may help to develop reliable and effective cortical neural prostheses.
Role of Heterogeneous Transmission in the Decline of COVID-19 Cases During Winter of 2020/2021 in Massachusetts

Abstract Importance Heterogeneity in transmission of COVID-19 is a significant multiscale phenomenon. However, the role of this heterogeneity in shaping the overall dynamics of disease transmission is not well understood. Objective To investigate the role of heterogeneous transmission among different towns in Massachusetts in shaping the dynamics of COVID-19 transmission, especially the recent decline during winter of 2020/2021. Design, Setting, Participants Analysis of COVID-19 data collected and archived by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Exposures The entire population of the state of Massachusetts is exposed to the virus responsible for COVID-19, to varying degrees. This study quantifies this variation. Main outcome measures Weekly observations, by town, on confirmed COVID-19 cases in Massachusetts, during the period (April 15th, 2020 to February 9th 2021). Results The relative decline in COVID-19 cases, during January 12th, 2021 to February 9th, 2021, in the group of towns with higher total accumulated cases in the period before January 12th, 2021 is significantly larger than the corresponding relative decline in the group of towns with lower accumulated cases during the same period. Conclusions and Relevance Heterogeneous nature of transmission is playing a significant role in shaping the rapid recent decline (January 12th to February 9th, 2021) in reported cases in Massachusetts, and probably around the country. These findings are relevant to how we estimate the threshold defining “herd” immunity, suggesting that we should account for effects due to heterogeneity. Key Points Question Does heterogeneity in disease transmission play a role in shaping the overall dynamics of COVID-19 in Massachusetts, including the recent decline in cases during the 2020/2021 winter. Findings Based on analysis of data on cases in Massachusetts, the consistent and widespread decline of COVID-19 spread during winter of 2020/2021 (January 12th, 2021 to February 9th, 2021) appears to be shaped to a significant degree by the heterogeneous nature of transmission at the scale of different towns. Towns with a history of high (low) transmission rates during 2020 are experiencing a faster (slower) relative decline. Meaning We suggest that heterogeneity in transmission of COVID-19 may impact the dynamics of disease transmission including the emergence of “herd” immunity, in line with some recent theoretical studies. This finding deserves some attention from other research groups investigating “herd” immunity, and from federal and state public health authorities concerned with the future evolution of the pandemic.
Evolution of the sheep industry and genetic research in the United States: opportunities for convergence in the twenty‐first century

The continuous development and application of technology for genetic improvement is a key element for advancing sheep production in the United States. The US sheep industry has contracted over time but appears to be at a juncture where a greater utilization of technology can facilitate industry expansion to new markets and address inefficiencies in traditional production practices. Significant transformations include the increased value of lamb in relation to wool, and a downtrend in large-scale operations but a simultaneous rise in small flocks. Additionally, popularity of hair breeds not requiring shearing has surged, particularly in semi-arid and subtropical US environments. A variety of domestically developed composite breeds and newly established technological approaches are now widely available for the sheep industry to use as it navigates these ongoing transformations. These genetic resources can also address long-targeted areas of improvement such as growth, reproduction and parasite resistance. Moderate progress in production efficiency has been achieved by producers who have employed estimated breeding values, but widespread adoption of this technology has been limited. Genomic marker panels have recently shown promise for reducing disease susceptibility, identifying parentage and providing a foundation for marker-assisted selection. As the ovine genome is further explored and genomic assemblies are improved, the sheep research community in the USA can capitalize on new-found information to develop and apply genetic technologies to improve the production efficiency and profitability of the sheep industry.
An integrated in vivo and in silico analysis of the metabolism disrupting effects of CPI-613 on embryo-larval zebrafish (Danio rerio).

Abstract CPI-613 is a mitochondrial metabolism disrupter that inhibits tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle activity. The consequences of TCA cycle disruption on various metabolic pathways and overall organismal physiology are not fully known. The present study integrates in vivo experimental data with an in silico stoichiometric metabolism model of zebrafish to study the metabolic pathways perturbed under CPI-613 exposure. Embryo-larval life stages of zebrafish (Danio rerio) were exposed to 1 μM CPI-613 for 20 days. Whole-organism respirometry measurements showed an initial suppression of O2 consumption at Day 5 of exposure, followed by recovery comparable to the solvent control (0.01% DMSO) by Day 20. Comparison of whole-transcriptome RNA-sequencing at Day 5 vs. 20 of exposure showed functional categories related to O2 binding and transport, antioxidant activity, FAD binding, and hemoglobin complexes, to be commonly represented. Metabolic enzyme gene expression changes and O2 consumption rate was used to parametrize two in silico stoichiometric metabolic models representative of Day 5 or 20 of exposure. Computational simulations predicted impaired ATP synthesis, α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (KGDH) activity, and fatty acid β-oxidation at Day 5 vs. 20 of exposure. These results show that the targeted disruption of KGDH may also impact oxidative phosphorylation (ATP synthesis) and fatty acid metabolism (β-oxidation), in turn influencing cellular bioenergetics and the observed reduction in whole-organism O2 consumption rate. The results of this study provide an integrated in vivo and in silico framework to study the impacts of metabolic disruption on organismal physiology.
Who Spends Too Much Time Online? : Associated Factors of Internet Addiction Among International College Students in the United States

This study investigated the relation between Internet addiction and several associated factors (mental health, academic performance, socioeconomic status, self-esteem, demographic characteristics) for international students in the United States. One hundred and fifty-seven international students at a U.S. university completed five questionnaires: an Internet usage behavior questionnaire, an Internet addiction scale, a self-esteem inventory, a mental health inventory, and a demographic questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS to examine the relation between Internet addiction and associated factors. The results indicated that male students who speak English as a second language and who are not religious are more likely to develop Internet addiction. Academic performance and socioeconomic status were found to be positive predictors of Internet addiction, and mental health and self-esteem were found to be negative predictors of Internet addiction. The relations between other associated factors were also examined.
Plasma Ceramides containing Saturated Fatty Acids are Associated with Risk of Type 2 Diabetes.

Recent studies suggest that the type of saturated fatty acid bound to sphingolipids influences the biological activity of those sphingolipids. However, it is unknown whether associations of sphingolipids with diabetes may differ by the identity of bound lipid species. Here we investigated associations of 15 ceramide and sphingomyelin species (i.e., all sphingolipids, measured with coefficient of variation less than 20%) with incident type 2 diabetes in the Cardiovascular Health Study (n = 3,645), a large cohort study of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among elderly adults who were followed from 1989-2015. Diabetes incidence was defined as fasting glucose ≥126 mg/dL or non-fasting glucose ≥200 mg/dL; reported use of insulin or oral hypoglycemic medication; or documentation of diabetes diagnosis through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services records. Associations of each sphingolipid with incident diabetes were assessed using a Cox proportional hazards regression model. We found that higher circulating levels of ceramide with acylated palmitic acid (Cer-16), stearic acid containing ceramide (Cer-18), arachidic acid containing ceramide (Cer-20), and behenic acid containing ceramide (Cer-22) were each associated with a higher risk of diabetes. The hazard ratios for incident diabetes per 1 SD higher log levels of each ceramide species were: 1.21 (95% CI 1.09-1.34) for Cer-16, 1.23 (95% CI 1.10-1.37) for Cer-18, 1.14 (95% CI 1.02-1.26) for Cer-20, and 1.18 (95% CI 1.06-1.32) for Cer-22. In conclusion, higher levels of Cer-16, Cer-18, Cer-20, and Cer-22 were associated with a higher risk of diabetes.
“Trust, Then Verify”: When and Why People Fact-Check Partisan Information

Using two experiments, the present studies examine the motivations (accuracy goals versus directional goals) underlying verification intentions and fact-checking. Study 1 explores the role of news article uncertainty and ideological congruence in motivating individuals to fact-check, proposing a mediation model that involves perceptions of speaker credibility and message accuracy. Study 2 complements these findings and tests the ability to reduce ideological bias by providing readers with a forewarning “note from the editor” regarding the partisan nature of the article. The findings point to the importance of considering the motivations for fact-checking and the need to distinguish between “affirming fact-checkers” and “informing fact-checkers.”
Comparative study of filament-fed and blown powder-based laser additive manufacturing for transparent magnesium aluminate spinel ceramics

Magnesium aluminate spinel is of great interest as a transparent ceramic for its excellent mechanical properties and excellent optical transmittance. Additive manufacturing of this desirable material presents several benefits over traditional manufacturing methods, including reduced fabrication time and cost and the potential to fabricate structures with complex geometries and internal cooling networks. Despite the many benefits, the challenges hindering this technology must be overcome. A primary challenge with powder-based laser additive manufacturing of transparent ceramics is a trade-off between densification and cracking. The fabrication of transparent ceramics requires nearly full densification since pores act as light scattering centers. Even relatively small percentages of porosity render ceramics translucent or opaque. Previous studies on powder-based laser direct deposition of spinel ceramics have shown that densification to transparency is possible with high-laser power deposition. While high-laser powers are beneficial for densification, it also produces high thermal gradients that result in significant crack formation. Cracks hinder mechanical properties and transparency, limiting possible applications. Thus, we propose a filament-based deposition strategy to reduce laser power requirements. Filament-fed laser direct deposition, instead of blown powder, dramatically reduced the amount of gas porosity within the melt. Hence, highly densified, transparent, spinel ceramics were fabricated. Through decreased laser power requirements for high densification, cracking was largely reduced. This paper provides a comprehensive comparison between filament- and powder-based laser direct deposition by analyzing important sample characteristics, including porosity, cracking, grain size, and their controlling mechanisms. This paper also presents a laser direct deposition and postprocessing method to manufacture predensified spinel filaments.
Choosing between a rock and a hard place: Camouflage in the round-tailed horned lizard Phrynosoma modestum

The round-tailed horned lizard Phrynosoma modestum is cryptically colored and resembles a small stone when it draws legs close to its body and elevates its back. We investigated effectiveness of camouflage in P. modestum and its dependence on stones by placing a lizard in one of two microhabitats (uniform sand or sand with surface rocks approximately the same size as lizards). An observer who knew which microhabitat contained the lizard was asked to locate the lizard visually. Latency to detec- tion was longer and probability of no detection within 60 s was higher for lizards on rock background than on bare sand. In arenas where lizards could choose to occupy rock or bare sand, much higher proportions selected rocky backgrounds throughout the day; at night all lizards slept among stones. A unique posture gives P. modestum a rounded appearance similar to many natural stones. Lizards occasionally adopted the posture, but none did so in response to a nearby experimenter. Stimuli that elicit the posture are unknown. That P. modestum is better camouflaged among rocks than on bare sand and prefers to occupy rocky areas suggests that special resemblance to rocks (masquerade) enhances camouflage attributable to coloration and immobility (Current Zoology 58 (4): 541-548, 2012).
17.7% efficiency large area multicrystalline silicon solar cell using screen-printed metallization technique

This paper describes the development of an industrial processing sequence that employs the screen printing and firing for large area multicrystalline silicon (mc-Si) solar cells. A record high efficiency mc-Si solar cell of 17.7%; cell area: 232.5 cm/sup 2/ has been achieved using Kyocera's original cast mc-Si material. The diffusion length of mc-Si material was improved after cell processing especially at the region that had low diffusion length by gettering or passivation effects. The diffusion length after cell processing was about 270 /spl mu/m, and this value corresponds to the value estimated internal quantum efficiency curve of PC-1D simulation very well. The photovoltaic module has been fabricated using 48 cells that have average efficiency of 17.2% with this type of cell. The record module efficiency of 15.7% has been achieved.
Response of Sesbania grandiflora to Inoculation of Soil with Vesicular-Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to determine the influence of two tropical isolates of Glomus fasciculatum and Glomus mosseae on the nutrient uptake and growth of Sesbania grandiflora. Inoculation of sterile soil with the fungi significantly improved growth and nutrient uptake by S. grandiflora, but the response of the legume was markedly better when the soil was inoculated with G. fasciculatum than when it was inoculated with G. mosseae. Nutrient uptake and growth of S. grandiflora in nonsterile soil was also significantly stimulated by inoculation, but the legume did not respond differently to the two endophytes under this condition.
Stereotypes Can “Get Under the Skin”: Testing a Self‐Stereotyping and Psychological Resource Model of Overweight and Obesity

The authors draw upon social, personality, and health psychology to propose and test a self-stereotyping and psychological resource model of overweight and obesity. The model contends that self-stereotyping depletes psychological resources, namely self-esteem, that help to prevent overweight and obesity. In support of the model, mediation analysis demonstrates that adult Hispanics who highly self-stereotype had lower levels of self-esteem than those who self-stereotype less, which in turn predicted higher levels of body mass index (overweight and obesity levels). Furthermore, the model did not hold for the referent sample, White participants, and an alternative mediation model was not supported. These data are the first to theoretically and empirically link self-stereotyping and self-esteem (a psychological resource) with a strong physiological risk factor for morbidity and short life expectancy in stigmatized individuals. Thus, this research contributes to understanding ethnic-racial health disparities in the United States and beyond.
An analysis of australopithecine dentition

The means and variances of dental length, breadth, and area measurements of South and East African gracile and robust australopithecines are analyzed to determine the existence of statistically significant differences due possibly to different niche utilization and divergent evolution. The study material is divided into four groups: South African gracile, South African robust, East African gracile, and East African robust. Comparison of East and South African graciles, East African robusts and graciles, and South African robusts and graciles shows few significant F-ratios; a high frequency of significance is observed between East and South African robusts. High frequencies of significance are observed in t tests between all groups. Probit analysis, carried out on each of the four groups separately for each measurement, shows little or no significant deviation from normality; similar results are obtained when the groups are combined, suggesting the joint-normal distribution of the total australopithecine sample. High frequencies of significant t tests and low frequencies of significant F-ratios are observed when all graciles are compared with all robusts; yet few significant t tests and many significant F-ratios occur when all East African forms are combined with all South African forms. Observed differences in dental measurements in australopithecines tend to occur on a regional rather than a morphologic basis, especially with regard to robust samples from South and East Africa. While analysis of variance and probit analysis cannot be used to establish taxonomic divisions, results suggest the inappropriateness of dental measurements in establishing an australopithecine taxonomy.
Bargaining with offer dependent break-down probabilities

This paper examines a new general version of the alternating offer method, when the break-down probabilities depend on the latest offers of the two players. Under general conditions we prove that the process converges, and under more restrictive conditions it terminates in finitely many steps. This process can be applied to more general cases than most methods known in the literature, since the feasible payoff set does not need to be convex.
Toward reconstitution of in vivo microtubule dynamics in vitro.

The transition from interphase to mitosis is marked by a dramatic change in microtubule dynamics resulting in the reorganization of the microtubule network that culminates in mitotic spindle formation. While the molecular basis for this change in microtubule organization remains obscure, it is currently thought that a balance in the activity of microtubule stabilizing and destabilizing factors regulates how dynamic cellular microtubules are. By mixing the microtubule stabilizer XMAP215 and the microtubule destabilizer XKCM1, reconstitution of in vivo-like microtubule dynamics has now been achieved in vitro.
The determination of the logarithmic mean excitation energy for the stopping power of H2 with the local plasma approximation

Abstract A statistical model based on collective modes of electronic longitudinal excitations, the local plasma approximation, is applied to the determination of the logarithmic mean excitation energy for the stopping power of chemically bound particles, viz. hydrogen molecules, in contrast to that for non-interacting particles in previous applications, by taking chemical bonding into consideration explicitly. The local electron density in H 2 required in the local plasma approximation is determined with Hartree-Fock molecular wave functions for the first time in this approximation. A value of 22.6 eV is calculated for the logarithmic mean excitation energy for the stopping power of H 2 . This value is much higher than the accepted values hitherto. The intrinsic error due to the static electron density is estimated to be 0.3 eV. However, a larger error (≈1 eV) may be possible if the uncertainties of the model are taken into consideration. Evidence is presented that a large number of data reported in the literature can be reconciled with the new high value when appropriate corrections are made.
Bioinspired Polymeric Nanocomposites

Nature employs several strategies in fabricating high-performance materials from which scientists can garner important lessons for producing synthetic materials with enhanced properties. When the mechanical properties of a single-phase system are insufficient for an application, composite materials offer an important strategy to impart increased strength and toughness. By introducing nanoscale filler components, greater enhancement in mechanical function compared to traditional macro- and microscale fillers is possible due to the greater surface area and lower percolation thresholds stemming from the higher aspect ratios of the nanoscale fillers. In this Perspective, we will discuss polymer nanocomposites drawing from the lessons of wood (network of preformed, high-modulus cellulose nanorods), spider silk (self-assembly of ordered domains), and tendon (hierarchical ordering).
STEROID EXCRETION IN CANCEROUS AND NONCANCEROUS PERSONS I. THE 17-KETOSTEROIDS1

THIS STUDY appeared to be fruitful in view of the close structural similarity of carcinogenic phenanthrene hydrocarbons and steroids and the r6le which estrogens and androgens play in the incidence of spontaneous mammary car-cinoma in mice (1). Differences in 17-ketosteroid excretion had already been noted by Werthessen and Pincus (2). In this paper a report is made on the 17-ketosteroids in pooled urines of males who had carcinoma of the gut and bladder and of females who suffered from carcinoma of the breast and uterus. No known or suspected cases of malignancy of the adrenal cortex were included. The urines from noncancerous per-sons included those of healthy and also of hospitalized individuals with no apparent endocrine disorder. Attention was focused on the digitonin-precipitable hydroxyke-tones since reports had been made of a markedly increased excretion of this fraction.
Effects of Alkali Metal and Ammonium Cation Templates on Nanofibrous Cryptomelane-type Manganese Oxide Octahedral Molecular Sieves (OMS-2)

Four alkali cations (Li+, Na+, K+, and Rb+) and ammonium (NH4+), have been successfully used as templates for the synthesis of cryptomelane-type manganese oxide octahedral molecular sieves (A−OMS-2, A = the template cation). H−OMS-2 material has been prepared by the calcination of NH4−OMS-2. These A−OMS-2 materials have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, high-resolution scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, temperature-programmed desorption, inductively coupled plasma analysis, and BET surface area pore size distribution measurements. Catalytic evaluation of these A−OMS-2 materials has been done with the aerobic oxidation of cyclohexanol to cyclohexanone. All of these A−OMS-2 materials have cryptomelane tunnel structures with different degrees of crystallinity and nanofibrous morphology. The nature of the cation templates affects the formation and microstructures of the A−OMS-2 materials. The physical and chemical properties, such as the thermal ...