cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prediction of all-cause occupational disability among US Army soldiers

Introduction Long-term occupational disability rates associated with eventual discharges from military service have risen sharply among active-duty US Army soldiers during the last three decades, with important implications for soldier health and national security alike. To address this problem, we built predictive models for long-term, all-cause occupational disability and identified disability risk factors using a very large, multisource database on the total active-duty US Army. Methods We conducted a cross-temporal retrospective cohort study and used mixed-effects logistic regression models to derive and validate disability risk assignments. The derivation cohort included 510 616 US Army soldiers on duty in December 2012, and the validation cohort included 483 197 soldiers on duty in December 2013. Results The predictive model yielded an overall c-statistic of 85.97% (95% CI 85.61% to 86.32%). Risk thresholds at the population9s 75th and 95th centiles identified 80.53% and 42.08%, respectively, of the disability designations that occurred population wide during the subsequent 9 months. Frequent work excusals, high outpatient care utilisation and psychotropic medication use were the strongest independent predictors of later disability. Conclusions These findings indicate that predictive models using diverse data types can successfully anticipate long-term occupational disability among US Army soldiers and could be used for disability risk screening.
Reciprocal relationships between behaviour and parasites suggest that negative feedback may drive flexibility in male reproductive behaviour

Parasites are ubiquitous components of the environment that contribute to behavioural and life-history variation among hosts. Although it is well known that host behaviour can affect parasite infec...
Asbestos Fiber Preparation Methods Affect Fiber Toxicity.

To measure the toxic potential of asbestos fibers—a known cause of asbestosis, lung cancer, and malignant mesothelioma—asbestos minerals are generally first ground down to small fibers, but it is unknown whether the grinding condition itself changes the fiber toxicity. To evaluate this, we ground chrysotile ore with or without water for 5–30 min and quantified asbestos-induced reactive oxygen species generation in elicited murine peritoneal macrophages as an indicator of fiber toxicity. The toxicity of dry-ground fibers was higher than the toxicity of wet-ground fibers. Grinding with or without water did not materially alter the mineralogical properties. However, dry-ground fibers contained at least 7 times more iron than wet-ground fibers. These results indicate that grinding methods significantly affect the surface concentration of iron, resulting in changes in fiber-induced reactive oxygen species generation or toxicity. Therefore, fiber preparation conditions should be accounted for when comparing the...
Thermal Processing for Food Sterilization and Preservation

Abstract This chapter introduces the reader to the wide array of food process machinery, equipment, and systems that are used throughout the food industry for the purpose of manufacturing shelf-stable foods that are preserved by heat sterilization (thermal processing). The first part of the chapter describes the various retort systems used in the manufacture of sterilized canned foods, beginning with batch processing in still-cook steam retorts and progressing through modern-day continuous retort systems used by large manufacturers of canned foods. The second part of the chapter describes a number of automated materials handling systems that provide substantial automation to the loading and unloading of batch retorts used by large food manufacturers. This is followed by a chapter section on aseptic processing and filling systems widely used in the manufacture of shelf-stable liquid food products. The chapter concludes by acquainting the reader with the scope of compliance activities required of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Low-Acid Canned Food Regulations (LACF) that must be followed in order to enter the market place with sterilized canned foods.
Queer Marxism in Two Chinas

Queer Marxism in Two Chinas is an intellectually adventurous book that engages with crucial debates within queer studies and China studies. Liu presents the two Chinas, the People's Republic of Chi...
The Economics of Cancer Care: Implications for Family Caregivers

Evidence is mounting on the escalating costs of cancer care associated with family members who provide care to their loved one with cancer (Grunfeld et al., Canadian Medical Association Journal 170(12):1811–1812, 2004; Moore, Cancer Nursing 22(5):389–396, 1999; Muurinen, Medical Care 24(11):1007–1017, 1986). With a few exceptions, past research on the cost of cancer has been restricted to studying treatment, screening, or prevention costs (Sherman et al., Cancer 91(4):841–851, 2001; Stommel et al., Cancer 71(5):1867–1874, 1993). The majority of research related to the costs of cancer care for family caregivers has been associated with direct medical costs, and data from insurance companies, hospitals, and Medicare files have yielded significant findings. However, these same data sources have not been useful for determining the indirect costs borne by patients and their families. As a result, there is a growing need to capture the comprehensiveness of nonmedical costs associated with cancer care (Moore, Cancer Nursing 22(5):389–396, 1999; Sherman et al., Cancer 91(4), 841–851, 2001; Stommel et al., Cancer 71(5), 1867–1874, 1993).
Research Review: Neural response to threat in children, adolescents, and adults after child maltreatment – a quantitative meta-analysis

Background Child maltreatment is common and has long-term consequences for affective function. Investigations of neural consequences of maltreatment have focused on the amygdala. However, developmental neuroscience indicates that other brain regions are also likely to be affected by child maltreatment, particularly in the social information processing network (SIPN). We conducted a quantitative meta-analysis to: confirm that maltreatment is related to greater bilateral amygdala activation in a large sample that was pooled across studies; investigate other SIPN structures that are likely candidates for altered function; and conduct a data-driven examination to identify additional regions that show altered activation in maltreated children, teens, and adults. Methods We conducted an activation likelihood estimation analysis with 1,733 participants across 20 studies of emotion processing in maltreated individuals. Results Maltreatment is associated with increased bilateral amygdala activation to emotional faces. One SIPN structure is altered: superior temporal gyrus, of the detection node, is hyperactive in maltreated individuals. The results of the whole-brain corrected analysis also show hyperactivation of the parahippocampal gyrus and insula in maltreated individuals. Conclusions The meta-analysis confirms that maltreatment is related to increased bilateral amygdala reactivity and also shows that maltreatment affects multiple additional structures in the brain that have received little attention in the literature. Thus, although the majority of studies examining maltreatment and brain function have focused on the amygdala, these findings indicate that the neural consequences of child maltreatment involve a broader network of structures.
Your Thoracic Epidural is Not Working: How Do You Provide Analgesia Post-thoracotomy?

You are carrying the pain pager and are paged to the floor for a patient who is 2 days following (POD#2) a thoracotomy for a pulmonary lobectomy. When moving the patient from a chair to her bed, her epidural catheter was inadvertently pulled out and now the patient is in severe pain. Should you replace her epidural or seek alternative techniques for adequate pain control?
Glucose Metabolism: An Index of Nicotine Action in the Brain

Several experimental approaches have been used to delineate the initial sites and the distributions of action of nicotine in the brain. Radioligand binding studies have revealed a heterogeneous distribution of high affinity, specific binding sites for nicotine in brain. Other studies have employed metabolic mapping with 2-deoxy-D-[l-14C]glucose (DG) to measure of the regional cerebral metabolic rate(s) for glucose (rCMRglc). In rats, l-nicotine stimulates rCMRglc in brain areas which contain specific binding sites for [3H]nicotine, indicating that the sites are true receptors, linked to functional activity. Affected areas include limbic structures, components of the visual system, brain stem nuclei important in cardiovascular reflexes, and areas involved in motor function. In general, rats show tolerance to the effects of nicotine on rCMRglc. The distribution of in vivo effects of nicotine on rCMRglc implicates various brain regions in the behavioral and physiological effects of the drug.
Compilation and Distribution of Mineral Resource Information in the United States

The general problems encountered and the products emanating from Mineral Information Systems, including computer-based storage and retrieval systems, are discussed. A brief description of the major computer-based information systems, such as, Rock Analysis Storage System (RASS), Computerized Resource Infojmation Bank (CRIB), Minerals Availability System (MAS) is given.
An improved purification method for the lysosomal storage disease protein β-glucuronidase produced in CHO cells.

Abstract Human β-glucuronidase (GUS; EC 3.2.1.31) is a lysosomal enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of β- d -glucuronic acid residues from the non-reducing termini of glycosaminoglycans. Impairment in GUS function leads to the metabolic disorder mucopolysaccharidosis type VII, also known as Sly syndrome. We produced GUS from a CHO cell line grown in suspension in a 15 L perfused bioreactor and developed a three step purification procedure that yields ∼99% pure enzyme with a recovery of more than 40%. The method can be completed in two days and has the potential to be integrated into a continuous manufacturing scheme.
Demo abstract: Prototyping M 2 I communication system for underground and underwater networks

In the past few years, magnetic induction (MI) communication and networking have attracted significant attentions for wireless applications in underground, underwater, and many other complex and extreme environments. Although the technology is becoming more and more mature, there are still many research challenges, which prohibit MI from being widely applied. One of the most challenging task is to extend the limited MI communication range. Metamaterial-enhanced magnetic induction (M2I) has been theoretically proved to be an efficient way to achieve long distance communication without increasing antenna size. In this demo, we for the first time present a prototype for M2I communication and networking. The objective of this demo is to show the communication-range enhancement of M2I and the proposed communication and networking architecture.
Subcellular Nanorheology Reveals Lysosomal Viscosity as a Reporter for Lysosomal Storage Diseases

We describe a new method to measure viscosity within subcellular organelles of a living cell using nanorheology. We demonstrate proof of concept by measuring viscosity in lysosomes in multiple cell types and disease models. The lysosome is an organelle responsible for the breakdown of complex biomolecules. When different lysosomal proteins are defective, they are unable to break down specific biological substrates, which get stored within the lysosome, causing about 70 fatal diseases called lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs). Although the buildup of storage material is critical to the pathology of these diseases, methods to monitor cargo accumulation in the lysosome are lacking for most LSDs. Using passive particle tracking nanorheology and fluorescence recovery after photobleaching, we report that viscosity in the lysosome increases significantly during cargo accumulation in several LSD models. In a mammalian cell culture model of Niemann Pick C, lysosomal viscosity directly correlates with the levels of...
Task swapping for schedule improvement: a broader analysis

In this paper we analyze and extend a recently developed "task-swapping procedure" for improving schedules in oversubscribed situations. In such situations, there are tasks which cannot be directly added to the current schedule without introducing capacity conflicts. A schedule is improved if one or more of these tasks can be feasibly included, and the goal of task swapping is to rearrange some portion of the current schedule to make this possible. Key to effective task swapping is an ability to exploit the scheduling flexibility inherent in the constraints associated with various scheduled tasks, and previous work has shown that the use of retraction heuristics that favor tasks with greater rescheduling flexibility can give rise to strong schedule improvement capabilities. We extend this work by developing and evaluating several improvements to the core task swapping procedure. We introduce three pruning techniques and show that each significantly improves computational efficiency while maintaining solution quality. We then investigate the possibility of improving the "end" solutions by stochastically exploring the "neighborhood" around them, and demonstrate that improved solutions are possible given the ability to spend additional time.
Transpersonal education: A preview.

The movement toward Humanistic Education has been trying to replace a previously exclusive attention to things and information with a renewed concern for the human person. Now there is another move...
Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction Using All-Soft Suture Anchors for Patellar Fixation

The medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL), which is critical for both patellar stability and normal kinematics of the patellofemoral joint, is disrupted in most patellar dislocations. Consequently, MPFL reconstruction is advocated in recurrent dislocations to restore native patellar constraints. Fixation of the MPFL graft to the medial border of the patella can be achieved through various methods, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. We present a technique for MPFL fixation to the patella using all-soft suture anchors, theoretically decreasing the risk of patellar fracture and articular surface violation.
Potential Racial Disparities Using Current Lung Cancer Screening Guidelines.

The current age threshold for lung cancer screening targets individuals beginning at age 55. These guidelines were developed based on results from the National Lung Cancer Screening Trial where only 4.4% of the enrollees were African American, when they represent 12.3% of US population. African Americans were also found to have higher incidence and younger onset of lung cancer. We hypothesized that implementation of screening at age 55 would not detect a substantial fraction of early onset lung cancer cases in African American population. We used Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program data to determine the frequency of early-onset lung cancers and to assess the stage at diagnosis in a biracial sample. Microscopically confirmed lung cancer (primary site code C 34) cases were identified using SEER 18 registry (2004–2014). Early-onset cancers were defined as cancers diagnosed in persons aged 45 to 54 years. Cases were stratified by race and age groups. Comparisons were evaluated with chi-square tests. 468,403 lung cancers were diagnosed during this period. Nearly 9% of all lung cancers were early onset, with increased frequency in African Americans vs. Whites, 14.2 vs. 8.2%, p < 0.05. Age-adjusted incidence rates were significantly higher in African Americans with highest percent difference noted for age group 50–54. African Americans were more likely to be diagnosed at advanced stages of lung cancer compared to Whites. We conclude that the current age threshold for lung cancer screening may potentially miss a considerable number of lung cancer cases in African Americans. Further studies are needed to determine the appropriateness of screening age criteria for African Americans.
Participatory Heritage . Henriette Roued-Cunliffe and Andrea Copeland, eds., for the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals. London, U.K.: Facet Publishing, 2017. 213p. Paper. $74.98 (ISBN 978-1-78330-132-2).

If you work in a college or university library and have ever tried to partner with a community group or heritage organization or are contemplating doing same, you will probably be well served by looking into this slim volume. Comprising nineteen short case studies, the book provides a wide variety of examples of the challenges and issues faced by institutions trying to collaborate with “participatory heritage” groups. Occasionally the partnership succeeds, but often projects pursued with the best of intentions end in frustration and disappointment. The very definition of participatory heritage offered in the introduction implicitly lays out the problems for formally organized, professionally constituted institutions: “Participatory heritage could be thought of as a space, a space in which individuals engage in cultural activities outside of formal institutions for the purpose of knowledge-sharing and co-creating with others. Those engaged with participatory heritage collaborations tend to place importance on content and less importance on medium, process, or professional expertise; thus they acknowledge a diversity of expertise and operate from a premise of shared authority. The collaborations are bottom-up in nature, as they emerge from connections among individuals rather than organizations.” (xv)
Surgical Care of the Pregnant Patient

One of the greatest challenges that confront the surgeon is the care of the pregnant patient. Outcomes of disease management affect two patients, both the mother and the fetus. In addition, physiological changes during pregnancy alter classic complaints, presentations, and treatments. Abdominal emergencies in the gravid woman are frequently difficult to diagnose, and management of cases that are straightforward in the nonpregnant patient become complicated in the pregnant state.
Web services-based access to local clinical trial databases: a standards initiative of the Association of American Cancer Institutes.

Electronic discovery of the clinical trials being performed at a specific research center is a challenging task, which presently requires manual review of the center’s locally maintained databases or web pages of protocol listings. Near real-time automated discovery of available trials would increase the efficiency and effectiveness of clinical trial searching, and would facilitate the development of new services for information providers and consumers. Automated discovery efforts to date have been hindered by issues such as disparate database schemas, vocabularies, and standards for intersystem exchange of high-level data, but adequate infrastructure now exists that makes possible the development of applications for near real-time automated discovery of trials. This paper describes the current state (design and implementation) of the Web Services Specification for Publication and Discovery of Clinical Trials as developed by the Technology Task Force of the Association of American Cancer Institutes. The paper then briefly discusses a prototype web service-based application that implements the specification. Directions for evolution of this specification are also discussed.
Two-Component Extreme Value Distribution

It is well known that floods may be generated by different physical mechanisms. For instance, most of the annual flood maxima at a particular site might be the result of a primary mechanism, such as frontal storms. A smaller fraction of the events, however, might be associated with a secondary mechanism, such as rain on snow with frozen soils, that occasionally gives rise to floods larger than those associated with the primary mechanism. In this regard, Rossi et al. (1984) proposed a two-component extreme value distribution. This distribution belongs to the family of distributions of the annual maxima of a compound Poisson process, which forms a theoretical basis for annual flood series analysis. Single-component distribution methods of estimating return periods and probabilities of flood events do not work well when runoff originates from nonhomogeneous sources, i.e., when a mixture random variables is involved. The most important consideration in selecting a distribution for use in flood frequency analysis is the behavior of the right tail of the distribution. It is from the right tail that return periods and probabilities of rare events are determined. The two-component extreme value (TCEV) distribution permits a reasonable interpretation of the physical phenomenon which generates floods and is able to account for most of the characteristics of the real world flood data, important among them being the large variability of the sample skewness coefficient which mostly gives rise to the poor performance of many of the commonly used flood frequency distributions. The two component extreme value (TCEV) distribution has been shown to account for most of the characteristics of the real flood experience. The TCEV distribution also offers a practical approach to regional flood frequency estimation. Theoretical properties of the TCEV distribution have been widely investigated (Rossi, et al., 1984; Berm, et al., 1986; Rossi, et al., 1986; Fiorentino et al., 1987a, b). In his extensive review of a large number of commonly used distributions, Cunnane (1986) concluded that only the two-component extreme value distribution and the Wakeby distribution satisfied the important reproductive criterion--an ideal distribution must reproduce at least as much variability in flood characteristics as is observed in empirical data.
Future Directions: New Targets

The biology of endometrial cancer is providing new therapeutic targets. In this chapter we review (a) how the integration of chemotherapy has been taking place; (b) new targeted therapies and immunotherapies being tested in the treatment of these malignancies; (c) new targets worthy of consideration based on the biology of uterine cancers; (d) other consequences such as of these advances and the reduction of morbidity and toxicity associated with past practices; and (e) other special entities and issues to be considered.
Techniques for Drawing Geographic One-Line Diagrams: Substation Spacing and Line Routing

Visualization of electric power transmission systems centers on the one-line diagram, which is a simplified logical depiction of the circuit's connections and elements. Such a graph drawing is useful for supporting the study, analysis, and presentation of power system data. This paper proposes an automated way to generate one-line diagrams, given substation identifiers with geographic tags and the system bus-branch model. Two approaches to drawing the substations are given: a force-directed approach and a greedy approach, which in different ways modify the position and size of substations as drawn. For transmission line routing between substations, a Delaunay-based method is employed, which segments the transmission line drawings to avoid overlapping with substations and other lines. These methods show good visual properties in spacing, geographic context, relatively straight lines, and computational speed. The result is that large power systems, real and synthetic, can be easily and quickly visualized with a diagram that merges geographic context with logical clarity.
Mitigation of Cascading Denial of Service Attacks on Wi-Fi Networks

Recent work demonstrates that IEEE 802.11 networks are vulnerable to cascading DoS attacks, whereby a single node can suddenly render an entire network unstable. In this work, we propose, analyze, and simulate a method to prevent such attacks from occurring. Our key idea is to optimize the duration of packet transmissions. To achieve this goal, we show that it is essential to properly model the impact of MAC overhead, and in particular MAC timing parameters. We propose a new theoretical model where we relate the utilization of neighboring pairs of nodes using a sequence of iterative equations and use fixed point techniques to study the limiting behavior of the sequence. Through this analysis, we show how to optimally set the packet duration so that, on one hand, cascading DoS attacks are avoided and, on the other hand, throughput is maximized. We validate our analytical results using extensive ns-3 simulations. A key insight obtained from our analysis and simulations is that IEEE 802.11 networks with relatively large MAC overhead are less susceptible to cascading DoS attacks than networks with smaller MAC overhead.
Evaluation of Subtropical North Atlantic Ocean Circulation in CMIP5 Models against the Observational Array at 26.5°N and Its Changes under Continued Warming

AbstractObservationally based metrics derived from the Rapid Climate Change (RAPID) array are used to assess the large-scale ocean circulation in the subtropical North Atlantic simulated in a suite...
Network-aware energy saving multi-objective optimization in virtualized data centers

With the current growth of data centers, improving energy saving is becoming more important to cloud service providers. The data centers architectural design and the advancement of virtualization technologies can be exploited for energy saving. In this paper, we studied the energy saving problem in data centers using virtual machines placement and live migration taking to account the status of the network links load. The problem was formulated as multi-objective integer linear program, which solvable by CPLEX, to minimize the energy consumed by the servers and minimize the time to migrate virtual machines. To overcome CPLEX high computation, a heuristic algorithm is introduced to provide practical and efficient virtual machines placement while minimizing their migration overhead to the network. The heuristic is evaluated in terms of energy consumed and performance using a real data center testbed that is stressed by running Hadoop Hibench benchmarks. The results where compared to the ones obtained by distributed resource scheduler (DRS) and the base case. The results show that the heuristic algorithm can save up to 30% of the server’s energy. For scalability and validity of optimality, the results of the heuristic were compared to the ones provided by CPLEX where the gap difference was less than 7%.
Association of orthostatic hypertension with mortality in the Systolic Hypertension in the Elderly Program.

We examined the association of orthostatic hypertension with all-cause mortality in the active treatment and placebo randomized groups of the Systolic Hypertension in the Elderly Program (SHEP). SHEP was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of the effect of chlorthalidone-based antihypertensive treatment on the rate of occurrence of stroke among older persons with isolated systolic hypertension (ISH). Men and women aged 60 years and above with ISH defined by a systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 160 mm Hg or higher and diastolic blood pressure lower than 90 mm Hg were randomized to chlorthalidone-based stepped care therapy or matching placebo. Among 4736 SHEP participants, 4073 had a normal orthostatic response, 203 had orthostatic hypertension, and 438 had orthostatic hypotension. Compared with normal response, orthostatic hypertension was associated with higher all-cause mortality at 4.5 and 17 years in analyses adjusted for age, gender, treatment, SBP, and pulse pressure (PP, HR 1.87, 95% CI 1.30–2.69, p = 0.0007; HR 1.40, 95% CI 1.17–1.68, p = 0.0003, respectively). These associations remained significant after additional adjustment for risk factors and comorbidities (HR 1.43, 95% CI 0.99–0.08, p = 0.0566 at 4.5 years, and HR 1.27, 95% CI 1.06–1.53, p = 0.0096 at 17 years). The increased risk of all-cause mortality associated with orthostatic hypertension was observed in both the active and placebo groups without significant interaction between randomization group and the effect on mortality. Orthostatic hypertension is associated with future mortality risk, is easily detected, and can be used in refining cardiovascular risk assessment.
Improving rating scales: Applying Rasch analysis to student pharmacists' attitudes towards herbal medications

Abstract Background This study analyzed the psychometric properties of a cross-sectional survey of student pharmacists' attitudes regarding herbal medications using a polytomous Rasch model. Seven items assessed students' attitudes towards herbal medications using a 6-point agreement scale (0 to 5). Student responses were reviewed to identify outliers and aberrant response patterns, assess scale fit, and perform item analysis. Scale performance was assessed to determine if response categories were independent and equally represented. Items were reviewed for model fit and construct validity with significant item gaps identified using a z-test. Impact A total of 324 students completed the survey. The initial 6-point scale was analyzed. Student responses with outfit mean-square (MNSQ) values >5 were removed, yet the scale did not have appropriate functionality. The categories were merged to form a 4-point scale with no improvement. Therefore, two different 3-point scale options were analyzed: response categories of 0, 1 to 3, and 4 to 5; and response categories of 0, 1 to 4, and 5. With ten students removed, both 3-point scales met the requirements for functionality and all items exhibited good fit with MNSQ values between 0.6 and 1.4, person-separation value of 1.29, and person-reliability value of 0.62. Recommendations Both 3-point scales met the requirements for Rasch analysis. The most optimal scale was the 0, 1 to 4, and 5 option. Discussion This study provides findings from the survey validity assessment alongside the survey results, which is useful for readers to have confidence in the quality of the study findings.
Measuring User Experiences of E-sourcing Platforms in the Apparel Industry: Development of the Apparel E-sourcing Experience Index

With innovations in technology, numerous companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), have integrated e-commerce as a primary sourcing platform for international trade and for the settlement of outsourcing deals with buyers (Lu & Hirschheim, 2011). Grounded in three primary theories such as (a) the triangular alignment model, (b) the technology-organization-environment framework, and (c) the 5Rs of apparel supplier selection, this paper aims to develop appropriate scales to measure the Apparel E-sourcing Experience Index (AEEI). Developing an index that measures the experiences and/or benefits of e-sourcing can lead to a greater potential for adopting and continuing to implement e-sourcing platforms. The specific target sample frame was set as either manufacturers or suppliers of fashion businesses which have already adopted or utilized e-commerce platforms in the U.S. and India, and a total of 315 observations were collected. Item Response Theory (IRT) was employed in conjunction with factor analysis.
What Conversations Between PEV Owners and Owners of Non-PEVs in California Tell Us About Sustaining a Transition

The excitement of advocates, policymakers and automakers for the increasing number of makes and models of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) coming to market, increasing number of PEVs sold in successive years, and growing networks of PEV charging infrastructure is presently lost on the vast majority of the car-buying public—even in California, touted as being among the global PEV market leaders. Sustaining PEV market growth will become problematic if the number of car-owning households paying attention to PEVs is not growing, too. Survey data from California in 2014 and 2017 show no increase over time in the percentage of households that have already purchased, shopped for, or even started to gather information about PEVs. Conceptual frameworks regarding how innovations spread through relevant social groups stipulate communication is necessary between the few early actors and the many more potential later actors. With the goals of improving PEV policy and marketing, we explored what might be said between households who have purchased PEVs and some who have not. Workshops were convened in three regions throughout California representing high to low PEV sales and charging infrastructure development. In response to non-PEV owners’ questions, PEV owners gave “account,” i.e., told their stories of buying and driving a PEV which included informal tallies of costs, incentives, and benefits. This storytelling conveyed to non-PEV owners many of the signs of PEVs, i.e., how PEVs, charging infrastructure, and incentives are (to those who know the signs) symbols of transition to electric-drive vehicles. Routinely, but not universally, learning the symbol system of PEVs produced more positive evaluations of PEVs’ symbolic, functional, and affective benefits among the non-PEV owners. The workshops reinforce the results from large sample survey research showing the lack of attention paid to PEVs by most car-owning households and suggest elements of a social narrative to promote a transition to electric-drive vehicles.
Defining Intermediates of Nitrogenase MoFe Protein During N2 Reduction Under Photochemical Electron Delivery from CdS Quantum Dots

Coupling the nitrogenase MoFe protein to light-harvesting semiconductor nanomaterials replaces the natural electron transfer complex of Fe protein and ATP and provides low-potential photoexcited electrons for photocatalytic N2 reduction. A central question is how direct photochemical electron delivery from nanocrystals to MoFe protein is able to support the multielectron ammonia production reaction. In this study, low photon flux conditions were used to identify the initial reaction intermediates of CdS quantum dot (QD):MoFe protein nitrogenase complexes under photochemical activation using EPR. Illumination of CdS QD:MoFe protein complexes led to redox changes in the MoFe protein active site FeMo-co observed as the gradual decline in the E0 resting state intensity that was accompanied by an increase in the intensity of a new "geff = 4.5" EPR signal. The magnetic properties of the geff = 4.5 signal support assignment as a reduced S = 3/2 state, and reaction modeling was used to define it as a two-electron-reduced "E2" intermediate. Use of a MoFe protein variant, β-188Cys, which poises the P cluster in the oxidized P+ state, demonstrated that the P cluster can function as a site of photoexcited electron delivery from CdS to MoFe protein. Overall, the results establish the initial steps for how photoexcited CdS delivers electrons into the MoFe protein during reduction of N2 to ammonia and the role of electron flux in the photochemical reaction cycle.
Mechanisms Underlying Behavior Therapy for Tourette’s Disorder

Behavior therapy is the recommended first-line treatment for Tourette’s disorder and other tic disorders (TD). Despite its therapeutic benefit, not all patients exhibit a positive treatment response. Understanding the mechanisms underlying behavior therapy for TD (i.e., how behavior therapy reduces symptoms) can help identify strategies to optimize treatment outcomes. This review examines evidence for three proposed mechanisms—habituation, associative learning, and cognitive control—across laboratory studies and clinical trials. Evidence shows that mechanisms likely differ in youth and adults. The most promising evidence points to interactions between associative learning and cognitive control as mechanisms, with nuanced differences between youth and adults with TD. Habituation may also be a mechanism for adults with TD, but not for youth with TD. As multiple mechanisms are implicated and several promising ones remain unexamined, future mechanistic research is essential to identify approaches that could optimize behavior therapy outcomes.
Materials science of defects in GaAs-based semiconductor lasers

Abstract This chapter provides an overview of concepts pertaining to point defects and dislocations in GaAs that are relevant to laser degradation. An introduction to the thermodynamics of simple native point defects in GaAs emphasizes the importance of process conditions in controlling their concentration, particularly the consequences of doping via the Fermi level effect. An overview of the structure and properties of dislocations in GaAs is also presented, highlighting the elementary steps of dislocations glide and climb and why they might segregate point defects and impurities. These concepts are applied to understand the current strategies for lattice-mismatched growth of GaAs on silicon. While the defect processes mentioned so far are all thermally activated, the chapter concludes with a review of recombination-enhanced defect reactions in GaAs and how nonradiative recombination acts as a catalyst for enhanced dislocation growth in lasers. These basic ideas allow an understanding of the strategies to combat degradation in semiconductor lasers.
Farm to Fashion: Suri Alpaca With Spiral Patternmaking

This is the first garment made from 80% Suri Alpaca, grown in the US and carded, spun, and woven in northern Italy. Its sustainable characteristics are that it is entirely biodegradable, composed of only natural materials in natural colors with no dyes or finishes. Of the two breeds of Alpaca, Suri is less common and has longer more lustrous fibers than huacaya, and when currently used for textiles is rarely seen as a woven apparel fabric. The design criteria were to make a runway ensemble within the luxury price point, that has some transformable element to encourage extended use, reflects a thoughtful design process grounded in the fabric itself, includes only natural colors and components, and integrates the Suri Alpaca locks (freshly sheared fibers) in some way. The garment looks complex, yet the patterns, draped in a spiral shape, are quite simple with minimal seaming.
Electronic spin separation induced by nuclear motion near conical intersections

Though the concept of Berry force was proposed thirty years ago, little is known about the practical consequences of this force as far as chemical dynamics are concerned. Here, we report that when molecular dynamics pass near a conical intersection, a massive Berry force can appear as a result of even a small amount of spin-orbit coupling (<10−3 eV), and this Berry force can in turn dramatically change pathway selection. In particular, for a simple radical reaction with two outgoing reaction channels, an exact quantum scattering solution in two dimensions shows that the presence of a significant Berry force can sometimes lead to spin selectivity as large as 100%. Thus, this article opens the door for organic chemists to start designing spintronic devices that use nuclear motion and conical intersections (combined with standard spin-orbit coupling) in order to achieve spin selection. Vice versa, for physical chemists, this article also emphasizes that future semiclassical simulations of intersystem crossing (which have heretofore ignored Berry force) should be corrected to account for the spin polarization that inevitably arises when dynamics pass near conical intersections. Spin polarization is at the basis of quantum information and underlies some natural processes, but many aspects still need to be explored. Here, the authors, by quantum mechanical computations, show that even a weak spin-orbit coupling near a conical intersection can induce large spin selection, with consequences for spin manipulation in photochemical or electrochemical reactions.
The type 1 diabetes resistance locus B10 Idd9.3 impairs B cell development and implicates microRNA-34a as a regulator of T1D pathogenesis (BA14P.200)

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease resulting from the T cell-mediated destruction of insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells. Multiple insulin-dependent diabetes (Idd) loci confer T1D susceptibility or resistance in both humans and nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice, but the genes and mechanisms by which they control disease development are largely unknown. NOD.B10 Idd9.3 mice contain the Idd9.3 locus from T1D-resistant C57BL/10 mice that encodes 19 genes, including microRNA (miR)-34a, and confers partial T1D protection. B cells have been shown to play a critical role in priming autoantigen-specific CD4+ T cells in NOD mice. We show that early B cell development is impaired in NOD.B10 Idd9.3 mice, resulting in significant reduction of splenic B cells compared to NOD mice. Molecular analysis revealed that miR-34a expression was significantly elevated in B cell progenitors and marginal zone B cells of NOD.B10 Idd9.3 mice compared to NOD mice. Furthermore, miR-34a expression inversely correlated with levels of Foxp1, an essential regulator of B cell lymphopoiesis, which is directly repressed by miR-34a. Importantly, peripheral B cell paucity in NOD.B10 Idd9.3 mice was associated with impaired proliferation of islet-antigen-specific CD4+ T cells in response to endogenous autoantigen in pancreatic lymph nodes. These data suggest that miR-34a negatively regulates B cell development in NOD.B10 Idd9.3 mice and thereby may contribute to their T1D protection.
Overview of anatomy and physiology of the ocular motor system

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews that the shared goal of all components of the ocular motor system is to maintain clear, single vision by placing and maintaining an object of visual interest on the fovea, the retinal region, with the highest density of photoreceptors and the best visual acuity. Several functional classes of eye movements coexist to meet this shared goal. These include saccades, smooth pursuit, vergence, optokinetic responses, and vestibular reflexes. It discusses that separate premotor or supranuclear command networks exist for initiation and modulation of each functional class of eye movements. These premotor networks converge upon a “final common pathway” that includes the ocularmotoneuron, the neuromuscular junction, and the final effector organ of eye movements— that is, the extraocular muscle. The chapter also reviews that the complexity and the variety of demands that the ocular motor system must meet in order to maintain stable vision require complex anatomy and physiology at every level from extraocular muscle to cortical ocular motor regions.
An improved low-cost 6.4 Gbps wafer-level tester

This paper describes an economical approach to high-speed testing of high-density wafer-level packaged logic devices. The solution assumes that the devices to be tested have built-in self-test features, thereby reducing the complexity of functional testing required. This also reduces the need for expensive automated test equipment (ATE). A stand alone miniature tester is developed and connected to the top of a wafer probe card with multiple high-speed (up to 6.4 Gbps) signals. Off the shelf components are used in order to keep costs low. However its performance in some aspects exceeds that of traditional ATE. Measurements illustrate the tester generating 6.4 Gbps signals with a plusmn25ps timing accuracy. The generated signals exhibit low jitter ~40ps and have low rise times on the order of 50-70ps
Financial Development and Capital Flight: Is the Association Non-Linear?

The paper revisits the relationship between capital flight and financial development. Previous research has focused on a linear relationship between the two variables. Using a broad panel of 107 middle income and low income economies, the results reveal that a non-linear association exists between financial development and capital flight. The impact of financial development on capital flight depends on the level of financial development. Financial development triggers capital flight for countries at intermediate and higher levels of financial development, but the impact of financial development on capital flight is negative for sufficiently higher levels. The results are robust with alternate specifications, additional control variables and alternative measures of financial development.
The Role of Folate in Reducing Chronic and Developmental Disease Risk: An Overview

: The role of folate in health and disease has moved beyond prevention of macrocytic anemia. Sub-optimal folate status is now linked to increased risk for heart disease, certain cancers, impaired cognition, and increased risk for birth defects and complications. Since folate is essential for nucleotide synthesis, homocys-teine metabolism, and de novo synthesis of S-adenosylmethionine, aberrations in these pathways may contribute, alone or together, to the disease processes discussed in this paper.
Closed perineal cryosurgery in prostatic cancer New probe and technique

Abstract A new closed transperineal cryosurgery probe and technique are described for cryosurgery of cancer of the prostate. The technique is simple and is easily performed, using local anesthesia with less complication than transurethral or open perineal cryosurgery.
Laboring in Cyberspace: A Lockean Theory of Property in Virtual Worlds

This paper examines property relations in massively multiplayer online games MMOGs through the lens of John Locke's theory of property. It argues that Locke's understanding of the common must be modified to reflect the differences between the physical world that he dealt with and the virtual world that is now the site of property disputes. Once it is modified, Locke's theory provides grounds for recognizing player ownership of much of the intellectual material of virtual worlds, the goods players are responsible for creating, and the developer-created goods that players obtain through an exchange of labor or goods representing labor value.
Low Dose Parathyroid Hormone Maintains Normal Bone Formation in Adult Male Rats During Rapid Weight Loss

Abstract A persistent negative energy balance results in bone loss. It is not clear whether the bone loss associated with chronic negative energy balance can be prevented. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of intermittent low dose parathyroid hormone (PTH) treatment in maintaining normal bone formation during severe energy restriction. Six-month-old male Fisher 344 rats were divided into 4 treatment groups: (1) baseline, (2) ad libitum ( ad lib )-fed control, (3) energy-restricted (to consume 40% ad lib caloric intake), or (4) energy-restricted + low dose (1 μg/kg/d) PTH. Severe energy restriction for 14 d decreased body weight and serum leptin levels. Compared to ad lib -fed controls, energy-restricted rats had lower cancellous bone formation, higher osteoclast perimeter/bone perimeter and higher bone marrow adiposity in the proximal tibial metaphysis. Also, the energy-restricted rats had a lower periosteal bone formation rate at the tibia–fibula synostosis. Administration of PTH to energy-restricted rats had no effect on weight loss or osteoclast perimeter/bone perimeter. In contrast, energy-restricted rats treated with PTH had higher rates of cancellous and cortical bone formation compared to energy-restricted rats, and did not differ from the ad lib -fed control animals. Furthermore, PTH treatment maintained normal bone marrow adiposity. In conclusion, rapid weight loss in adult male rats was accompanied by decreased bone formation and increased bone marrow adiposity and these changes were prevented by low dose PTH treatment. Taken together, the results suggest that the energy cost of bone formation in adult rats is low and PTH therapy is effective in preventing the reduced bone formation associated with rapid weight loss.