cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Novel Compact Dual-Linear Polarized UWB Antenna for VHF/UHF Applications

A new compact dual-linearly polarized ultrawideband (UWB) antenna for continuous operation from 100 to 2000 MHz band with a minimum realized gain of -15 dBi is presented. The bore-sight realized gain monotonically increases from -15 dBi at 90 MHz to 0 dBi at 600 MHz, and remains approximately +4 dBi above 1000 MHz. The flared horn section closer to the feed is responsible for radiation above 1000 MHz. The compactness of this antenna at low frequency is achieved via ferrite absorber treatment on the ground plane and series inductive loading at the end of the antenna arms. The overall antenna size is a diameter of 15 in and height of 6 in. Linearly polarized fields are radiated from two orthogonal antennas. This antenna is suitable for software-defined radio application.
Decomposition property for markov-modulated queues with applications to warranty management

In this article we study Markov-modulated queues with and without jumps. These queuing models arise naturally in production-inventory systems with and without an external supplier. We show an interesting decomposition property that relates the equilibrium state distributions in these two systems and present an integrated warranty-inventory management model as an application.
Density-controlled growth of aligned ZnO nanowire arrays by seedless chemical approach on smooth surfaces

A novel ZnO seedless chemical approach for density-controlled growth of ZnO nanowire (NW) arrays has been developed. The density of ZnO NWs is controlled by changing the precursor concentration. Effects of both growth temperature and growth time are also investigated. By this novel synthesis technique, ZnO NW arrays can grow on any substrate (polymer, glass, semiconductor, metal, and more) as long as the surface is smooth. This technique represents a new, low-cost, time-efficient, and scalable method for fabricating ZnO NW arrays for applications in field emission, vertical field effect transistor arrays, nanogenerators, and nanopiezotronics.
Antineoplastic agents 430. Isolation and structure of cribrostatins 3, 4, and 5 from the republic of maldives cribrochalina species.

Continued investigation of cancer-cell growth-inhibitory constituents of the blue marine sponge Cribrochalina sp. has led to discovery of cribrostatins 3 (4a), 4 (5), and 5 (4b) in 10-5 to 10-7 % of the wet weight. The structure of cribrostatin 3 (4a) was determined by results of high field (500 MHz) 1H and 13C NMR and HRMS interpretations. The same general approach to the structures of cribrostatins 4 (5) and 5 (4b) was completed by X-ray crystal structure determinations. Cribrostatins 3, 4, and 5 provided significant cancer cell line inhibitory activities. Cribrostatins 1 and 22 and the newly isolated cribrostatins 3−5 displayed antibacterial and/or antifungal activities.
Principles for coarse-graining polymer molecules in simulations of polymer fluid mechanics

Recent increases in computer speed now allow fast Brownian dynamics simulations to be carried out on large ensembles of bead–spring and bead–rod models of polymer chains in flow fields. For these simulations to be realistic representations of real polymers, accurate coarse-graining must be carried out whereby the relevant physics of real polymers can be expressed in terms of bead–spring and bead–rod models, including development of force laws for nonlinear elastic springs, and assignment of model parameters, such as spring constants, bead friction coefficients and hydrodynamic coupling parameters to represent the strength of the hydrodynamic interaction (HI). Discussed here are the principles by which this coarse-graining can be carried out, methods for assignment of coarse-grained parameter values, and the conditions under which coarse-graining is likely to break down. Examples of long polystyrene molecules (PS) in a theta solvent and long DNA molecules in water are discussed in detail, especially includ...
Characterization of Two Methanopterin Biosynthesis Mutants of Methylobacterium extorquens AM1 by Use of a Tetrahydromethanopterin Bioassay

An enzymatic assay was developed to measure tetrahydromethanopterin (H(4)MPT) levels in wild-type and mutant cells of Methylobacterium extorquens AM1. H(4)MPT was detectable in wild-type cells but not in strains with a mutation of either the orf4 or the dmrA gene, suggesting a role for these two genes in H(4)MPT biosynthesis. The protein encoded by orf4 catalyzed the reaction of ribofuranosylaminobenzene 5'-phosphate synthase, the first committed step of H(4)MPT biosynthesis. These results provide the first biochemical evidence for H(4)MPT biosynthesis genes in bacteria.
Intimate Partner Homicide New Insights for Understanding Lethality and Risks

Research on covictims, family members, and close friends who have lost loved ones to intimate partner homicide (IPH) is a neglected area of study. We conducted phenomenological interviews with covictims to gain insights into risk and lethality, examined affidavits from criminal case files, and reviewed news releases. The data uncovered acute risk factors prior to the homicide, identified changes in the perpetrators’ behavior and the perpetrators’ perceived loss of control over the victim, and described barriers that victims faced when attempting to gain safety. Findings suggest that recognizing acute risk factors is an important area for future IPH research.
Alternative Teacher Education and Professional Preparedness: A Study of Parochial and Public School Contexts.

As staffing in Catholic K-12 schools has transitioned to a predominantly lay teaching corps over the past 50 years, a parallel process of secularization has taken place in teacher education programs at Catholic colleges and universities. The tradition of teaching as a vocation in the formation of vowed religious has been replaced by standard programs of educational foundations, course work, and field experiences with a primary emphasis on the issues and needs of public schools. Many factors contribute to this focus in Catholic higher education: financial concerns; teacher candidate preference; state laws; lack of proximity, affiliation, or experience with Catholic schools. Many programs function under a mission to prepare teachers for any school setting, public, private, or parochial, and view an intentional focus on Catholic Education as limiting or debilitating to the professional development of teacher candidates. This article asks the question: can an alternative teacher program based in service to Catholic education prepare teachers to be effective in both parochial and secular settings? The study investigated the professional preparedness of M.Ed. in program teacher candidates (n= 163) working in Catholic Schools and program graduates (n= 137) and these graduates’ principals (n= 112) working in either Catholic or public schools. Results of the administration of a professional preparedness inventory indicated teacher self-reported and principal reported rates at comparable levels to replicated national surveys. Comparison of graduate and principal responses by school context indicated no statistically significant difference for overall measures of preparedness. Specific areas of significant difference were identified in the Catholic school context (higher preparedness rates in curriculum and instruction and questioning and discussion skills) and public school context (higher rates of preparedness in encouraging critical thinking, reflective practice, and use of technology). Discussion focuses on the Catholic school context as a viable alternative for the preparation of teachers for multiple school contexts.
Emotional design in multimedia learning.

Can multimedia learning environments be designed to foster positive emotions that will improve learning and related affective outcomes? College students (N 118) were randomly assigned to 4 conditions created by 2 factors related to learners’ emotion: external mood induction (positive vs. neutral emotions) and emotional design induction (positive vs. neutral emotions). A computer-based lesson on the topic of immunization was used as multimedia learning material. Results indicate that applying emotional design principles to learning materials can induce positive emotions and that positive emotions in multimedia-based learning facilitate cognitive processes and learning. Controlling for the germane load of the materials, the internal induction of positive emotions through design of the materials increased comprehension and transfer, whereas the external induction of positive emotions through mood induction enhanced transfer but not comprehension. Positive emotions induced through mood induction significantly increased the amount of learners’ reported mental effort, whereas positive emotional design reduced the perceived difficulty of the learning task. Positive emotions increased motivation, satisfaction, and perception toward the materials. Mediation analyses suggest that the effect of positive emotions induced externally was mediated by both motivation and mental effort but found no mediators for emotion induced via emotional design, suggesting that positive emotional design has a more direct impact on learning than externally induced emotions. The study suggests that emotions should be considered an important factor in the design of multimedia learning materials.
Waveguide Inductive Strip Filter Embedded in LTCC

Microwave filters are generally designed with microwave transmission lines. However these filters are typically lossy. The waveguide filters using conventional inductive elements such as metal rods and transverse diaphragm have some disadvantages such as complicated structure, high cost and they can be hard to mass produce. But they also have many advantages such as the capability of high power transmission, a non-radiating structure, and their thermal efficiency. A novel waveguide inductive strip filter embedded in LTCC is introduced in this paper where the disadvantages of the conventional waveguide filters are eliminated. By using LTCC technology, the cost will typically be lower, it can easily be mass produce, and these designs can also be tested easily. The equivalent T-network parameters of the inductive strip mounted in a waveguide and embedded in LTCC substrate were derived. A new iterative technique was used based on the Variation principle. The design formulas and curves of the filter were prese...
Identifying first responder communities using social network analysis

First responder communities must identify technologies that are effective in performing duties ranging from law enforcement to emergency medical to fire fighting. We aimed to create tools that gather and assist in quickly understanding responders' requirements using semantic technologies and social network analysis. We describe the design and prototyping of a set of semantically-enabled interactive tools that provide a "dashboard" for visualizing and interacting with aggregated data to perform focused social network analysis and community identification.
Development of a Water-Cooled Gas Turbine

Development of water-cooled gas turbine technology was begun at General Electric in the early 1960’s, and by the early 1970’s, a small-scale turbine had been operated to temperatures of 2850 F and 16 atm, with metal temperature less than 1000 F. The Water-Cooled Turbine Development Program was begun in 1974, funded by the Electric Power Research Institute, to do preliminary design on a utility-size gas turbine using water cooling and to do basic technology development to address the problem areas. This paper presents the results of the program, including descriptions of the test hardware and data on phenomena, such as corrosion, erosion, heat transfer, and water collection. Cycle analysis results are presented for two potential combined cycle configurations: (a) one using low-Btu coal gas fuel, and (b) one using a heavy liquid fuel. Summary performance curves are given showing the effect of changes of pressure ratio and firing temperature. Methods of improving the baseline cycle and their effect on baseline performance which are judged most promising are also given on the performance curves. Turbine design features to achieve low component metal surface temperatures for increased fuels flexibility are given with particular emphasis to the first-stage nozzles and buckets. Fundamental development testing needs have been identified and programs have been put into place to bring the water-cooled turbine to a point where a full-size water-cooled turbine can be built. Descriptions of the development test facilities, task descriptions, test plans and /or test results are given for eight tasks.Copyright © 1978 by ASME
Breakdown of urea in the rat.

SummaryA rapid breakdown of urea-C14 is observed in the intact rat but this is entirely absent in the eviscerated animal. Due to the existence of this breakdown which is immediately followed by resynthesis, there is a type of urea cycle in the intact animal. No significant breakdown of urea occurs in either liver, kidney or stomach, but the intestinal washings rapidly decompose the substance.
Spring movement of Frankliniella fusca into peanuts.

To evaluate the movement of the tomato spotted wilt virus vector, Frankliniella fusca, from overwintering sites to peanuts after planting, three sampling techniques were used: cylindrical sticky traps, trap peanut plants, and plastic sweater box cages. Sticky traps and trap peanut plants were set at 13 locations, 13.72 m apart in a newly planted peanut field and were changed 3 times per d at 0600, 1200 and 1800 hours for 14 d. Fifty-six plastic sweater box cages covered plants. Each day, 3 boxes were removed for a 24 h period. Data from the sticky trap collections based on day, trap location, sampling period, trap collections and compass direction indicate that F. fusca was present in the field throughout the 14 d period except on days with low temperatures (<19°C) and/or precipitation. Trap plant data supported that from the sticky traps. Results from the cages showed that F. fusca appeared in the peanuts 9 d after planting.
Biology and Diet of the White-bellied Sea-Eagle 'Haliaeetus leucogaster' Breeding in Northern Inland New South Wales

The breeding biology, behaviour and diet of the White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster were studied throughout 69 hours of observation from nest-renovation to the post-fledging period, and by analysis of prey remains and pellets, at two nests in northern inland New South Wales in 2007. Supplementary observations and collections of food remains were made at two other nests. Egg-laying occurred in July (three clutches) and August (one clutch). At two nests, incubation (by both male and female) lasted an average of ~41 days (39 ± 2 days; 42 ± 1 days). At one nest, the nestling period lasted 78–84 days; the post-fledging dependence period lasted at least 2 months, and a juvenile still roosted in the nest area 5 months after fledging. Parental time-budgets in each phase are described and quantified, and juvenile growth and development are described. Fledgling productivity was 0.8 young per attempt over 5 pair-years. The breeding diet consisted of waterbirds, freshwater turtles and fish: mostly waterbirds and turtles in remains (n = 15 prey items), and mostly fish (82%) by observations (n = 17 items). Hunting and attack behaviour are described; seven of 18 attacks were successful (39%: all attacks on fish successful, none of 11 on birds successful).
Technology Transfer Between the Federal Government and the Private Sector

(1993). Technology Transfer Between the Federal Government and the Private Sector. Materials Technology: Vol. 8, No. 7-8, pp. 163-165.
Integrated Experimental and Computational Characterization of Shale at Multiple Length Scales

Shale is known as a hydrocarbon source rock and is emerging as a potentially key component of the worldwide energy landscape via the recent development of hydraulic fracturing technique. A fundamental understanding of the fracturing behaviors of intact shale is the basis of any technological innovation aiming at increasing extraction efficiency. Considering the highly heterogeneous and fine-grained nature of shale, investigation and characterization should be conducted at multiple length scales. Through a brief overview of the experimental and computational studies for mechanical characterization of shale at different scales, this study investigates the possibility of integrating experimental and computational characterization research into a unified multiscale framework. Such multiscale framework is needed to predict macroscale shale fracturing behavior from the microscopic events. As preliminary results, an experimental characterization campaign of Marcellus shale at the macroscopic level and a micromechanical discrete model for predicting the mechanical behaviors of anisotropic shale are also presented.
Third Grade Field Day

Introduction The McNay Research Farm in southern Iowa has been underutilized by the public as a source of information, especially in the area of horticulture and youth education. In addition, there was an increasing need area wide for elementary education in the subject of diversity. An initial brainstorming session with McNay staff and local Master Gardeners looked at these issues and developed a plan for four ethnic gardens.
Executive Function Buffers the Association between Early Math and Later Academic Skills.

Extensive evidence has suggested that early academic skills are a robust indicator of later academic achievement; however, there is mixed evidence of the effectiveness of intervention on academic skills in early years to improve later outcomes. As such, it is clear there are other contributing factors to the development of academic skills. The present study tests the role of executive function (a construct made up of skills complicit in the achievement of goal-directed tasks) in predicting 5th grade math and reading ability above and beyond math and reading ability prior to school entry, and net of other cognitive covariates including processing speed, vocabulary, and IQ. Using a longitudinal dataset of N = 1292 participants representative of rural areas in two distinctive geographical parts of the United States, the present investigation finds executive function at age 5 strongly predicts 5th grade academic skills, as do cognitive covariates. Additionally, investigation of an interaction between early math ability and executive function reveals the magnitude of the association between early math and later math varies as a function of early EF, such that participants who have high levels of executive function can “catch up” to peers who perform better on assessments of early math ability. These results suggest executive function is pivotal to the development of academic skills throughout elementary school. Implications for further research and practice are discussed.
Prediction of vulnerability to bipolar disorder using multivariate neurocognitive patterns: a pilot study

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a common disorder with high reoccurrence rate in general population. It is critical to have objective biomarkers to identify BD patients at an individual level. Neurocognitive signatures including affective Go/No-go task and Cambridge Gambling task showed the potential to distinguish BD patients from health controls as well as identify individual siblings of BD patients. Moreover, these neurocognitive signatures showed the ability to be replicated at two independent cohorts which indicates the possibility for generalization. Future studies will examine the possibility of combining neurocognitive data with other biological data to develop more accurate signatures.
Kill switches, remote deletion, and intelligent agents: Framing everyday household cybersecurity in the internet of things

Abstract Increasing utilizations of kill switches, remote deletion, and intelligent agents as a part of “Internet of Things” (IoT) architectures present emerging cybersecurity and privacy challenges. These issues are compounded in complexity by the frequent updates and other controls instituted by the growing assortment of purveyors of household IoT devices and systems. This paper proposes that aspects of user ownership, awareness, and voice be clarified and in some venues fostered in part to expose as quickly as possible potential technological and social dangers. It addresses rights of household participants to obtain knowledge and control over the intelligent IoT agents operating (and perhaps “quartering”) in their personal and intimate spheres, as well as to be free from inappropriately opportunistic applications associated with IoT systems.
12 Overcoming barriers to addressing youth-identified mental health needs following violent injury through multisystem partnerships

Statement of purpose To identify and address barriers to meeting mental health (MH) needs of violently injured youth participating in a post-injury hospital-based case management program. Methods/approach Utilising de-identified case notes from a stratified random sample of youth (n=24) receiving hospital-based case management following violent injury, we applied a social-ecological framework to code recurring themes pertaining to individual, family, and system barriers and facilitators to successful resolution of youth-identified MH needs. Results Common barriers included: school/work schedules; limited transportation; prior negative experiences with MH care; insufficient provider availability; premature termination of care; and challenging communication between program staff, MH providers, and families. Notably, insurance and cost barriers were infrequently documented, as most youth were insured via a widely accepted public payer. Barriers to initiation of MH care were addressed by streamlining referral processes to community-based MH providers and providing a warm-hand off to reduce youth and family hesitancy to initiate care. To promote engagement and adherence, staff highlighted positive MH experiences and validated therapeutic outcomes, provided logistical support such as transportation and, when possible, provided short-term in-home therapy. Staff also routinely communicated with local MH providers to coordinate care, support transition planning, and encourage adherence. Conclusions We observed individual, family, and systems barriers to youths’ ability to engage in MH care. Support of strong, consistent, positive interpersonal relationships between program staff, injured youth, families, and MH providers addressed many barriers and supported resolution of youths’ MH needs. Significance and Contributions to Injury and Violence Prevention Science Access to trauma-focused mental health services for violently injured youth is essential to facilitate recovery. Partnerships between hospital- and community-based programs may be particularly valuable in addressing mental health barriers among youth following violent injury. Further efforts to systematise and replicate multisystem partnerships will be important in promoting well-being and recovery following violent injury.
Distributed processing in vestibulo-ocular and other oculomotor subsystems in monkeys and cats

Neurons that subserve oculomotor functions present a complex array of behavior patterns. Neural network models of the vestibulo-ocular reflex, programmed from an initially semi-random state with the back-propagation learning algorithm, reproduce the complexity of vestibular nucleus neurons and suggest that it may be a consequence of distributed processing. Because vestibulo-ocular and other oculomotor subsystems are similarly complex, it is probable that the latter also process information in a distributed manner. This short survey briefly reviews the results of neural network modeling studies of the vestibulo-ocular reflex, and presents examples of distributed processing in other oculomotor subsystems throughout the central nervous systems of monkeys and cats.
Lightning protection for wireless telecommunication transceiver facilities (WiTF)

A great deal of wireless telecommunication transceiver facility (WiTF) equipment is installed outdoors, on towers, tall buildings, and the like, where exposure to lightning is a concern. A determination of how this equipment is protected from a lightning exposure must be assessed. Does the structure provide protection? Do the power and communication lines require surge protection devices? This paper explores lightning protection schemes for wireless telecommunication transceiver facilities (WiTF).
IMPACT OF MULTIPLE WORD -OF-MOUTH SOURCES ON RETAIL SALES

Consumer opinions, experiences, and product recommendations posted on online WOM sites have become a major information source in consumer purchase decisions. However, prior research has largely focused on the influence of a single source of WOM – particularly retailer-hosted WOM. This study investigates the relative impact of multiple WOM information on retail sales. We collected a panel of sales data of 148 camera products from Amazon and WOM data from both Amazon and well-known third-party websites for four months. Our analysis reveals that thirdparty hosted WOM has a significant impact on retail sales while retailer-hosted WOM has much less influence on its own sales. Our finding suggests that third-party hosted WOM is an important source of information for online retail customers. We raise questions about the value and influence of retailer-hosted WOM in the presence of reputable third-party hosted WOM sources.
Determining the utility of creatinine delta checks: A large retrospective analysis.

Abstract Introduction Delta checks are a long-standing practice for identifying errors in the laboratory. However, with the decrease in errors due to laboratory automation, their utility is unclear. The objective of this retrospective analysis was to determine whether establishment of a creatinine delta check would be an effective means for capturing true laboratory error. Methods All patients with a minimum of two creatinine results during March of 2015 were selected for review (n = 23,410 creatinine results). The lowest % change for a previously confirmed creatinine error in our laboratory was approximately 60%; therefore only results that changed by at least ±60% (n = 254) were reviewed. The etiology of creatinine value change was categorized as laboratory error, pathologic change, or non-pathologic change, based upon chart review. Results: 1.2% (3/254) of reviewed delta checks were determined to reflect 2 instances of true laboratory error that went unrecognized by laboratory staff. 91.3% (232/254) of the delta checks were determined to reflect a pathologic or dialysis-related change in creatinine levels. The remaining 7.5% of delta checks (19/234) were deemed to be non-pathologic changes in creatinine. Discussion This study identified two instances of laboratory error reflected by 3 delta checks (1.2%); the vast majority (91.3%) of creatinine results that changed by ±60% were pathologic or dialysis-related. Thus, establishment of a ±60% delta check for creatinine would overwhelmingly flag true biological change and would not be an efficient means for identifying rare laboratory errors. Clinical laboratories should perform similar retrospective analyses prior to enacting delta checks to determine whether they will effectively capture laboratory error.
Using Peer Review to Improve Lab Report Assignments

Introductory science students participate in peer review as a component of their final lab report assignment. The peer review activity is conducted during lab time at least two weeks before the final report is due. This activity is designed to increase student understanding of science as a process that includes peer review as well as the lab activity, and to provide feedback before the final assignment is submitted for grading. It can be used for any science laboratory course with large lab report assignments.
Limitations to winter and spring photosynthesis of a Rocky Mountain subalpine forest

Abstract Temperate and boreal conifer forests are dormant for many months during the cold season. Climate change is altering the winter environment, with increased temperature, altered precipitation, and earlier snowmelt in many locations. If significant enough, these changes may alter patterns of dormancy and activity of evergreens. Here we studied the factors limiting photosynthetic activity of a high-elevation subalpine forest that has undergone substantial warming in recent decades. We tested the hypothesis that this warming has been significant enough to allow photosynthesis during sunny warm days in winter. Using thermal imagery, we found that foliage in winter was sometimes near the temperature optimum for photosynthesis, but no net carbon gain occurred for most of the cold season. Water transport was limited by blockage of sap transport by frozen boles, but not by frozen soils. Foliar carotenoid content was much higher during winter, driven largely by increases in the pool size of the photoprotective xanthophyll cycle. There was no seasonal change in chlorophyll or lutein content. Net carbon uptake began only as boles thawed, with no difference in timing among tree species, and the spring increase in canopy-level photosynthetic capacity occurred before sap transport was detected. The seasonality of gross primary productivity (GPP) was strongly linked to seasonality of xanthophyll cycle deepoxidation state in all species. Seasonality of GPP was detectable with two metrics of canopy color – the Green Chromatic Coordinate and Green-Red Vegetation Index (a proxy for the newly proposed MODIS-based chlorophyll/carotenoid index or CCI). Both indices were significantly correlated with GPP. Together these results indicate the potential for airborne or near-surface remote sensing of leaf color to serve as a metric of photosynthetic activity in evergreen forests, and to monitor physiological changes associated with the progression in and out of winter dormancy.
An Improved Approach for Forecasting Ecological Impacts from Future Drilling in Unconventional Shale Oil and Gas Plays.

Directional well drilling and hydraulic fracturing has enabled energy production from previously inaccessible resources, but caused vegetation conversion and landscape fragmentation, often in relatively undisturbed habitats. We improve forecasts of future ecological impacts from unconventional oil and gas play developments using a new, more spatially-explicit approach. We applied an energy production outlook model, which used geologic and economic data from thousands of wells and three oil price scenarios, to map future drilling patterns and evaluate the spatial distribution of vegetation conversion and habitat impacts. We forecast where future well pad construction may be most intense, illustrating with an example from the Eagle Ford Shale Play of Texas. We also illustrate the ecological utility of this approach using the Spot-tailed Earless Lizard (Holbrookia lacerata) as the focal species, which historically occupied much of the Eagle Ford and awaits a federal decision for possible Endangered Species Act protection. We found that ~17,000–45,500 wells would be drilled 2017‒2045 resulting in vegetation conversion of ~26,485–70,623 ha (0.73–1.96% of pre-development vegetation), depending on price scenario ($40–$80/barrel). Grasslands and row crop habitats were most affected (2.30 and 2.82% areal vegetation reduction). Our approach improves forecasts of where and to what extent future energy development in unconventional plays may change land-use and ecosystem services, enabling natural resource managers to anticipate and direct on-the-ground conservation actions to places where they will most effectively mitigate ecological impacts of well pads and associated infrastructure.
Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PI) secondary to chronic use of long-acting (LA) somatostatin analogues (SA) in patients (pts) with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs).

454Background: SA are used in GEP-NETs and acromegaly. Side effects of SAs include biliary disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, injection-site pain and hyperglycemia. PI is often misdiagnosed as ...
Minding the Gap: Using an Applied Research Center to Improve Student Learning:

Universities are under increasing pressure both internally and externally to demonstrate student learning outcomes generally and in the liberal arts and social sciences specifically. Internally, st...
Lifespan Extension in C. elegans Caused by Bacterial Colonization of the Intestine and Subsequent Activation of an Innate Immune Response.

Summary Mechanisms that control aging are important yet poorly defined. To discover longevity control genes, we performed a forward genetic screen for delayed reproductive aging in C. elegans. Here, we show that am117 is a nonsense mutation in the phm-2 gene, which encodes a protein homologous to human scaffold attachment factor B. phm-2(lf) mutant worms have an abnormal pharynx grinder, which allows live bacteria to accumulate in the intestine. This defect shortens lifespan on highly pathogenic bacteria but extends lifespan and health span on the standard E. coli diet by activating innate immunity pathways that lead to bacterial avoidance behavior and dietary restriction. eat-2(lf) mutants displayed a similar phenotype, indicating accumulation of live bacteria also triggers extended longevity in this mutant. The analysis of phm-2 elucidates connections between pathogen response and aging by defining a mechanism of longevity extension in C. elegans—bacterial colonization, innate immune activation, and bacterial avoidance behavior.
Quality of MBSAQIP data: bad luck, or lack of QA plan?

National clinical registries are commonly used in clinical research, quality improvement, and health policy. However, little is known about methodological challenges associated with these registry analyses that could limit their impact and compromise patient safety. This study examined the quality of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MSBASQIP) data to assess its usability potential and improve data collection methodologies. We developed a single flat file (n = 168,093) using five subsets (Main, BMI, Readmission, Reoperation, and Intervention) of the 2015 MBSAQIP Participant User Data File (PUF). Logic and validity tests included (1) individual profiles of patient’s body mass index (BMI) changes over time, (2) individual patient care pathways, and (3) correlation analysis between variable pairs associated with the same clinical encounters. 8888 (5.3%) patients did not have postoperative weight/BMI data; 20% of patients had different units for preoperative and postoperative weights. Postoperative weight measurements ranged between − 71 and 132% of preoperative weight. There were 325 (3.7%) hospital readmissions reported on the day of or day after MBS. The self-reporting of “emergency” vs. “planned” interventions did not correlate with the type of procedure and its indication. Up to 20% of data could potentially be unused for analysis due to data quality issues. Our analysis revealed various data quality issues in the 2015 MBSAQIP PUF related to completeness, accuracy, and consistency. Since information on where the surgery was performed is lacking, it is not possible to conclude whether these issues represent data errors, patient outliers, or inappropriate care. Including automated data checks and biomedical informatics oversight, standardized coding for complications, additional de-identified facility and provider information, and training/mentorship opportunities in data informatics for all researchers who get access to the data have been shown to be effective in improving data quality and minimizing patient safety concerns.
Integrating Harmony with Rhythm: Transcending the Interdisciplinary Discord of Modern Academia

This essay presents interdisciplinarity as an alternative approach to management academics, explaining its potentials and limitations. Interdisciplinarity, on the one hand, is an opportunity for ma...
Cuff-Less Blood Pressure Monitoring System Using Smartphones

Recently, smartphones with mobile health applications have become promising tools in the healthcare industry due to their convenience, ubiquity for patients, and the ability to gather data in real time. In this paper, we propose a novel non-invasive, portable, and cuff-less method for monitoring BP by only using the smartphones’ camera. Our experiment uses pulse transit time (PTT) between two separate photoplethysmogram (PPG) signals to estimate the subjects’ systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Our proposed method first measures the subject’s PPG signals from his/her index fingers using the smartphones’ camera. Then, filtering and peak detection algorithms of the proposed method reduce the motion and noise artifacts in the PPG signals. Finally, the proposed method estimates SBP and DBP based on a linear regression model which was trained and tested on 30 trials with six healthy subjects. We evaluated the proposed method by comparing BP values of the proposed method with those of the reference (or gold-standard) device in terms of mean absolute error ( $MAE$ ), standard deviation of error ( $SD$ ), and R-squared ( $R^{2}$ ) value of the cross-validation. Experimental results show that the proposed method estimates the average of $MAE \pm SD$ is 2.07 ± 2.06 mm Hg for SBP estimation, and 2.12 ± 1.85 mm Hg for DBP estimation. These estimates are lower than accurate BP estimation standard (5 ± 8 mmHg).
Studies of high temperature ternary phases in mixed-metal-rich early transition metal sulfide and phosphide systems

Investigations of ternary mixed early transition metal-rich sulfide and phosphide systems resulted in the discovery of new structures and new phases. A new series of Zr and Hf - group V transition metal - sulfur K-phases was synthesized and crystallographically characterized. When the group V transition metal was Nb or Ta, the unit cell volume was larger than any previously reported K-phase. The presence of adventitious oxygen was determined in two K-phases through a combination of neutron scattering and X-ray diffraction experiments. A compound Hf{sub 10}Ta{sub 3}S{sub 3} was found to crystallize in a new-structure type similar to the known gamma brasses. This structure is unique in that it is the only reported {open_quotes}stuffed{close_quotes} gamma-brass type structure. The metal components, Hf and Ta, are larger in size and more electropositive than the metals found in normal gamma brasses (e.g. Cu and Zn) and because of the larger metallic radii, sulfur can be incorporated into the structure where it plays an integral role in stabilizing this phase relative to others. X-ray single-crystal, X-ray powder and neutron powder refinements were performed on this structure. A new structure was found in the ternary Nb-Zr-P system which has characteristics in common with many knownmore » early transition metal-rich sulfides, selenides, and phosphides. This structure has the simplest known interconnection of the basic building blocks known for this structural class. Anomalous scattering was a powerful tool for differentiating between Zr and Nb when using Mo K{alpha} X-radiation. The compounds ZrNbP and HfNbP formed in the space group Prima with the simple Co{sub 2}Si structure which is among the most common structures found for crystalline solid materials. Solid solution compounds in the Ta-Nb-P, Ta-Zr-P, Nb-Zr-P, Hf-Nb-P, and Hf-Zr-S systems were crystallographically characterized. The structural information corroborated ideas about bonding in metal-rich compounds.« less
Dull as Dachau1

Dull as Dachau is a reflexive, autoethnographic account of the contrived engagement of American undergraduates (from a privileged background) of a class-mandated visit to the Dachau Concentration C...
Subclinical Cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr Virus Shedding Is Associated with Increasing HIV DNA Molecular Diversity in Peripheral Blood during Suppressive Antiretroviral Therapy.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) almost universally infects persons with HIV (PWH), and it is a driver of persistent inflammation and HIV persistence. The mechanisms underlying the association between CMV (and possibly other herpesviruses) and HIV persistence are unclear. Serially collected blood samples were obtained from men who have sex with men (MSM) who started antiretroviral therapy (ART) within 1 year of their estimated date of HIV infection (EDI). Total CMV and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA were quantified in peripheral blood mononuclear cells by droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). Deep sequencing of the HIV DNA partial env gene was performed, and the dynamics of viral diversity over time were analyzed in relation to CMV and EBV shedding status. In total, 37 MSM PWH were included and followed for a median of 23 months (IQR, 22 to 28). Participants started ART within a median of 3.1 months (IQR, 1.5 to 6.5) after EDI and remained virally suppressed thereafter. A total of 18 participants (48.6%) were classified as high EBV shedders, while 19 (51.4%) were classified as CMV shedders. In longitudinal analyses, normalized molecular diversity levels tended to increase over time among participants with detectable CMV and high EBV DNA (0.03 ± 0.02, P = 0.08), while they significantly declined among participants with no/low viral shedding (-0.04 ± 0.02, P = 0.047, interaction P < 0.01). Subclinical CMV and EBV shedding could contribute to the dynamics of the HIV DNA reservoir during suppressive ART. Whether persistent CMV/EBV replication could be targeted as a strategy to reduce the size of the latent HIV reservoir is an avenue that should be explored.IMPORTANCE As part of this study, we evaluated the molecular characteristics of the HIV DNA reservoir over time during antiretroviral treatment (ART) in relation to those of other chronic viral infections (i.e., cytomegalovirus [CMV] and Epstein-Barr virus [EBV]). We demonstrated that the presence of CMV and high-level EBV DNA in peripheral blood cells was associated with changes in HIV DNA molecular diversity. Specifically, HIV DNA molecular diversity increased over time among participants with detectable CMV and high-level EBV DNA, while it significantly declined among participants with no/low viral shedding. Although the current study design does not allow causality to be inferred, it does support the theory that persistent CMV and EBV shedding could contribute to the dynamics of the HIV DNA reservoir during suppressive ART, even when ART is initiated during the earliest phases of HIV infection.
DecOp: Decentralized Network Operations in Software Defined Networking using Blockchain

With the increase of IOT devices worldwide, Software-Defined Networking (SDN) has emerged as a critical tool to optimize and manage congested IP networks. The challenges faced with such networks are achieving optimal resource allocation and traceability. Network operators face network security attacks (eg. MITM) causing a breach in Service-Level Agreements (SLA). Traditional solutions have aimed to improve this using algorithms and additional hardware. This paper presents DecOp, a new methodology in operating a network based on peers instead of a centralized algorithm using Blockchain (BC). BC is a growing technology that is used primarily in the financial industry (eg. BITCON and ETHEREUM) because of its ability to bring dependable consensus amongst several users using distributed ledgers. DecOp makes use of the existing platforms infrastructure to process and store network configurations. This allows for a modular solution that can be implemented and verified with varying platforms. We designed a new method to allocate resources by integrating SDN and BC using the designed Secure Service Contract (SSC) chaincode, Secure Network Operator (SNO) chaincode, and modular communication middleware. This provides a dependable traceability by storing changes to the network state in an immutable ledger. A prototype is developed and tested with Hyperledger Fabric as the BC platform and OpenDaylight as the SDN Controller. Evaluation results focus on system performance versus the BC Network size, from 12 to 40 peers.
Effective provider-patient communication of a rare disease diagnosis: A qualitative study of people diagnosed with schwannomatosis

Abstract Objective To understand diagnostic communication preferences of patients with schwannomatosis, a rare disease. Methods Eighteen adults with schwannomatosis from across the United States participated in semi-structured phone interviews about their diagnostic experiences. Interview transcripts were inductively coded using thematic analysis. Results We identified three elements of effective diagnostic communication: education (particularly about etiology, prognosis, and treatment options); psychological support (to cope with the new diagnosis and any prior diagnostic harms); and efforts to develop therapeutic alliance (i.e. feelings of collaboration, trust, and social-emotional rapport). Poor communication was characterized by inadequate or jargon-heavy explanations, perceived disinterest in or disbelief of symptoms, and lack of partnership. Effective communication helped people feel informed and cope with their condition; poor communication could cause significant psychological distress. Conclusions During diagnosis, patients need education and psychosocial support; the presence of therapeutic alliance between clinicians and patients facilitates this assistance. Diagnostic communication that includes these elements helps patients proactively engage in healthcare decision-making and connect with appropriate treatments. Practice Implications When disclosing a rare disease diagnosis, clinicians should meaningfully educate patients about the disorder and acknowledge diagnosis-related psychosocial stressors. Approaching diagnosis empathetically and collaboratively helps foster therapeutic alliance. Referrals for psychological and genetic counseling are often warranted.
Creep Deformation and Dynamic Grain Growth in an Interstitial-Free Steel

Dynamic grain growth is demonstrated to be much faster than static grain growth in a body-centered-cubic, interstitial-free steel sheet material at 850 $$\,^\circ {\rm{C}}$$ . Dynamic grain growth occurs during concurrent plastic deformation at elevated temperature, whereas static grain growth occurs during static annealing. Grain growth during steady-state plastic flow in tension at 850 $$\,^\circ {\rm{C}}$$ to a true strain of 0.2 at a true-strain rate of $$10^{-4}$$ $${\rm{s}}^{-1}$$ doubled grain size, while static annealing for the same time produced no increase in grain size. This is described as dynamic normal grain growth (DNGG) because no abnormally large grains were observed. The recrystallized microstructure of the steel demonstrated a log-normal distribution of grain sizes. DNGG produced bimodal grain size distributions that deviate from the theoretical expectation of a simple shift to larger sizes during normal growth. The bimodal distributions contained a remnant of small grains that were not consumed during grain growth. DNGG produced a crystallographic texture that is unique from both the recrystallized material and that produced by lattice rotation alone. DNGG strengthened the $$\{111\} \langle 110 \rangle $$ and $$\{111\} \langle 112 \rangle $$ components of the strong $$\gamma $$ -fiber component in the original recrystallization texture. Lattice rotation from tensile deformation, by contrast, strengthened the $$\alpha $$ -fiber components that intersect the original $$\gamma $$ -fiber.