cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
BIOCLIMATOLOGICAL RESEARCH: THE ISSUE OF CLIMATIC SENSITIVITY

This essay discusses the issue of climatic sensitivity and the problems inherent in its evaluation within the general context of bioclimatological research. Bioclimatologists subscribe to two general approaches when evaluating the climatic sensitivity of biota. The more conventional approach implies that repeated minor perturbations of climate have a significant impact on organism range and success. The extreme-event approach suggests that a few unique events have the greatest impact. A review of the literature seems to indicate a movement of bioclimatologists toward the extreme-event approach. It is suggested that the use of mean climatological variables probably represents an inadequate approach to explain organism success or ecotone boundaries. Rather, a small number of stressful events seems to exert a much greater influence on humans and other organisms. [Key words: bioclimatology, climatic sensitivity, synoptic approach, acclimatization.]
Finding the Most Useful Clusters: Clustering and the Usefulness Metric

Algorithms that extract information from data are required to provide correct information. However, data mining algorithms have an additional requirement. The information they extract must not only be correct, but also useful. The usefulness metric was developed to meet these needs. Although it has been shown to work on classification algorithms, the usefulness metric’s success lies in its ability to be applied to other data mining algorithms. This paper will show two different methods of applying the usefulness metric to a clustering algorithm in order to obtain more useful clusters.
The Liturgy in Medieval England: Regional Uses and local variety

York Use What was known in the later middle ages as the Use of York differs in kind from that of Sarum in that it refers to the metropolitical church – York Minster, in common parlance – of the province, whereas Salisbury was just one of fourteeen cathedral churches in the province of Canterbury. The province of York was not at all like its southern neighbor. For one thing, it was vastly smaller, in terms both of population and of having only three dioceses: York itself; Carlisle, where a modest Augustinian priory founded around 1123 received cathedral status some ten years later; and Durham, monastic (from 1083), wealthy, powerful, jealous of its dignity and prerogatives. Durham stood also as a bastion, ecclesiastical and otherwise, of English presence in the unclear and often controverted border region with Scotland: expressed in terms of early Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, Durham came to stand for the old north-facing Bernicia, York for the south-facing Deira of which it had always been the center. Not surprisingly, then, some liturgical tension can be discerned between York and Durham; for example, a few secular service books used in the latter diocese follow Sarum rather than York use. York stands in some tension also with Canterbury. This is reflected obviously in the primacy struggle between the two archbishoprics, a struggle that did not finally end (with Canterbury the victor) until the fourteenth century. More obvious liturgically is York's comparative deficiency in saints.
Physical and Virtual Manipulatives: What Is “Concrete”?

We discuss research on both physical manipulatives and virtual manipulatives to provide a framework for understanding, creating, implementing, and evaluating efficacious manipulatives—physical, virtual, and a combination of these two. We provide a theoretical framework and a discussion of empirical evidence supporting that framework, for the use of manipulatives in learning and teaching mathematics, from early childhood through the elementary years. From this reformulation, we re-consider the role virtual manipulatives may play in helping students learn mathematics. We conclude that manipulatives are meaningful for learning only with respect to learners’ activities and thinking and that both physical and virtual manipulatives can be useful. When used in comprehensive, well planned, instructional settings, both physical and virtual manipulatives can encourage students to make their knowledge explicit, which helps them build Integrated-Concrete knowledge.
Wing Formation and Reproduction from Insecticide-Treated Cotton Aphids (Homoptera: Aphididae)

Field observations of the cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover, from 1999 to 2001 indicated an increase in percentage of winged aphids in cotton fields after an application of imidacloprid. Cotton a...
Ions from Solution to the Gas Phase: A Molecular Dynamics Simulation of the Structural Evolution of Substance P during Desolvation of Charged Nanodroplets Generated by Electrospray Ionization

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are used to model changes in the conformational preferences of a model peptide during the transition from a hydrated environment (charged nanodroplet generated by electrospray ionization) to the solvent-free peptide ion. The charged droplet consists of ∼2400 water molecules, 22 hydronium ions, and 10 chloride and contains a single Substance P (SP) [SP + 3H]3+ ion (SP3+; amino acid sequence RPKPQQFFGLM-NH2). Initially, droplet shrinkage involves a combination of solvent evaporation and ejection of excess charge, primarily hydronium ions. Further droplet shrinkage leads to a series of fission events, which includes the loss of some Cl– ions. SP3+ ions adapt to the smaller size droplet through small conformational changes that result in coiling of the hydrophobic C-terminus of the peptide on or near the droplet surface, intramolecular interactions involving the hydrophilic N-terminus of the peptide, and water-mediated interactions between the SP3+ ion and H3O+ and Cl– ions...
Downregulation of cGMP Phosphodiesterase Induced by Expression of GTPase-Deficient Cone Transducin in Mouse Rod Photoreceptors

Purpose. Photoexcitation of vertebrate retinal rod photoreceptors stimulates GTP binding to the transducin a subunit. Like other GTP-binding proteins, transducin restores itself to an inactive form by hydrolyzing its bound GTP. The role of GTP hydrolysis in phototransduction was investigated. Methods. A mutant form of cone transducin a deficient in its ability to hydrolyze bound GTP was expressed in mouse rod photoreceptors. Results. Expression of the mutant cone transducin a at levels threefold to sixfold higher than endogenous rod transducin a led to a specific depletion of the transducin target, cGMP phosphodiesterase, and a decrease in the cGMP level. Suction electrode recordings revealed abnormally prolonged flash responses, decreased maximal response amplitudes, and a shift in the stimulus-response relation to higher flash strengths. Conclusions. Rods expressing high levels of GTPase-deficient cone transducin a have reduced levels of phosphodiesterase catalytic subunits and cGMP. These changes are associated with prolonged flash responses, reduced dark current, and decreased sensitivity to light. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 1994;35:2932-2947.
Dynamics of DNA Knots during Chain Relaxation

We perform single-molecule experiments and simulations to study the swelling of complex knots in linearly extended DNA molecules. We induce self-entanglement of DNA molecules in a microfluidic T-junction using an electrohydrodynamic instability and then stretch the molecules using divergent electric fields. After the chain is fully extended, the knot appears as a region of excess fluorescent brightness, and we shut off the field and observe the knot swelling over time. We find (1) the knot topologies created by the instability are more complex than what is expected from equilibrium simulations of knot formation, (2) the knot swells at a time scale comparable to the end-to-end relaxation of the chain, which indicates that the swelling is dictated by the chain’s global dynamics, and (3) knots are long-lived when the DNA is in the coiled state. These findings demonstrate the rich physics involved in the relaxation of knotted polymers which has not been examined heretofore.
Anomalous Long Term Trends in USHCN Temperature Data

A month by month trend analysis of daily maximum and daily minimum temperature data from Fort Collins, Boulder, and Cheesman USHCN weather stations in northeastern Colorado for the period 1893-2014 is presented. The results show anomalous and incompatible patterns in long term temperature trends among the three stations that serve to question the use of the Fort Collins data as empirical evidence of global warming. The findings are consistent with questions raised by others with respect USHCN data integrity, the homogenization of incompatible station data into regional climatology, and the greater validity and information content of observational data over derived synthetic data.
The Role of Inflammation in Cardiac Function and Repair

Reperfusion of the infarcted myocardium is associated with an intense inflammatory reaction, which may extend ischemic injury, but is also crucial for cardiac repair, improving patient survival. Myocardial necrosis induces complement activation and free radical generation, triggering a cytokine cascade initiated by Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-α release. In addition, chemokine expression is markedly induced in the infarcted myocardium and may have a role in regulating leukocyte infiltration, angiogenesis and granulation tissue formation. Bone marrow-derived stem cells may also be recruited in the infarct thus participating in cardiac repair. Elucidating the complex interactions and regulatory mechanisms responsible for infarct healing may allow us to design effective inflammation-related interventions for the treatment of myocardial infarction.
Preferences, Utility and Choice

A consumer is defined here to be a decision maker who chooses among commodity bundles subject to certain financial and other constraints. The choice is based on a preference ordering of commodity bundles and the financial constraints are summarized by the budget constraint.
Predictors of Parent Engagement Based on Child Care Providers’ Perspectives

Abstract Objective Determine the predictors of child care providers’ parent engagement regarding child nutrition in child care centers (CCCs) and family child care homes (FCCHs). Design Cross-sectional. Setting Child care centers and FCCHs. Participants Child care center directors (n = 337) and FCCH providers (n = 1,153) completed a self-administered survey. Main Outcome Measures Fifteen variables were examined as predictors for parent engagement: providers’ perceived barriers to communication, participation in Go Nutrition and Physical Self- Assessment in Child Care, National Association for the Education of Young Children accreditation, participation in Quality Ratings and Improvement Systems, feeding practices, and professional development. Analysis Structural equation modeling examined the relation between variables for CCCs and for FCCHs. Results For CCCs, NAEYC accreditation, providers’ perceived barriers regarding parents’ cultural beliefs about food, parents not liking the taste of healthy foods, and parents prioritizing other food-related topics over healthy eating significantly predicted parent engagement. For FCCHs, participation in Go Nutrition and Physical Self- Assessment in Child Care, perceiving parents to be busy, not wanting to offend parents, and practicing family-style dining were significantly related to parent engagement. For both CCCs and FCCHs, professional development regarding child nutrition was related to parent engagement. Conclusions and Implications Focusing professional development on child care contexts and addressing providers’ perceived barriers may improve parent engagement.
Cloud-BSS: Joint intra- and inter-Cluster interference cancellation in uplink 5G cellular networks

Abstract Coordinated Multi-Point (CoMP) processing is a promising method to cancel the intra-cluster interference, to improve the average Signal-to-Interference-plus-Noise Ratio (SINR), and to increase the system spectral efficiency. Such a method, however, cannot mitigate the inter-cluster interference, which leads to a poor capacity performance for cluster-edge Mobile Stations (MSs). Moreover, the additional overhead and processing required for multiple-site reception/transmission among different Base Stations (BSs) adds delay and limits the cluster size. In this article, we detail the challenges and problems of CoMP and propose an innovative Blind Source Separation (BSS)-aided solution, called Cloud-BSS, to address those problems. In the proposed solution, we leverage the centralized characteristic of Cloud Radio Access Networks (C-RANs) as well as the complementary advantages of CoMP and BSS to decrease both intra- and inter-cluster interference. Specifically, we study the performance of BSS under different network topologies and show that its performance highly depends on the mixing matrix. Then, we propose to use CoMP to reject the intra-cluster interference so as to make the overall mixing matrix diagonal dominant, which allows to use BSS in order to reject the inter-cluster interference. Thorough Monte Carlo computer simulations, we confirm the validity of our analysis and show the benefits of this novel uplink solution.
Fill "half your child's plate with fruits and vegetables": Correlations with food-related practices and the home food environment.

Abstract This study examined the prevalence of parental report of children's adherence to USDA's MyPlate guidelines of ‘half of plate filled with fruits and vegetables (FV)’ and associations with child and parent/guardian report of food-related practices and the home food environment. Data for this study represent the baseline assessment (n = 160 parent-child dyads) of the Healthy Home Offerings via the Mealtime Environment (HOME) Plus study, a randomized controlled trial to prevent excess weight gain among 8-12 year-old children. Multiple logistic regression models examined associations between a newly created ‘half plate FV’ variable ‘During the past seven days how many times was half of your child's plate filled with fruits and vegetables at dinner?” and personal and home food environmental factors, including food availability, child fruit/vegetable intake, and healthy eating index (HEI), adjusted for race and receipt of public assistance. Parents reported their children had half their plates filled with FV at dinner on average 2.7 times in the past week. With each reported child intake of FV, the odds of having half their plates filled with FV were almost one and a half times greater; there were significantly higher odds of children having half their plates filled with FV with greater children's HEI, parent and child cooking skills and self-efficacy to cook healthy meals, family meal frequency, and availability of more types of fruits and vegetables in the home. The findings demonstrate that the MyPlate campaign's message of “half the plate filled with FV” can be used in nutrition interventions focusing on improving the home food environment and increasing children's FV intake; the survey item used in the present study may be effective in capturing adherence to the MyPlate message.
The South Carolina Multigenerational Linked Birth Dataset: Developing Social Mobility Measures Across Generations to Understand Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Adverse Birth Outcomes in the US South

Objectives To describe the creation of a multigenerational linked dataset with social mobility measures for South Carolina (SC), as an example for states in the South and other areas of the country. Methods Using unique identifiers, we linked birth certificates along the maternal line using SC birth certificate data from 1989 to 2014, and compared the subset of records for which linking was possible with two comparison groups on sociodemographic and birth outcome measures. We created four multi-generational social mobility measures using maternal education, paternal education, presence of paternal information, and a summary score incorporating the prior three measures plus payment source for births after 2004. We compared social mobility measures by race/ethnicity. Results Of the 1,366,288 singleton birth certificates in SC from 1989 to 2014, we linked 103,194, resulting in 61,229 unique three-generation units. Mothers and fathers were younger and had lower education, and low birth weight was more common, in the multigenerational linked dataset than in the two comparison groups. Based on the social mobility summary score, only 6.3% of White families were always disadvantaged, compared to 30.4% of Black families and 13.2% of Hispanic families. Moreover, 32.8% of White families were upwardly mobile and 39.1% of Black families were upwardly mobile, but only 29.9% of Hispanic families were upwardly mobile. Conclusions for Practice When states are able to link individuals, birth certificate data may be an excellent source for examining population-level relationships between social mobility and adverse birth outcomes. Due to its location in the Deep South, the multigenerational SC dataset may be particularly useful for understanding racial/ethnic difference in social mobility and birth outcomes.
A Tool for Training Speech Imitation Accuracy

Dysarthria is a neurological motor speech disorder that commonly results in reduced intelligibility. Communication partners can learn to better understand the speech of someone with dysarthria through perceptual training. Vocal imitation of the degraded speech during perceptual training has been shown to elevate this learning. A tool that provides the learner with real-time feedback regarding the accuracy of their imitation attempts during training may further enhance this learning. We describe a training tool that compares dysarthric speech productions with the imitation attempts of healthy subjects, using a two-level dynamic warp that accounts for both spectral and temporal degradation. Feature vectors derived from both the spectrogram and LPC are examined.
Utility of recognizing early electrocardiogram changes in bronchogenic Takotsubo cardiomyopathy: A case report

Utility of recognizing early electrocardiogram changes in bronchogenic Takotsubo cardiomyopathy: A case report
Carbon Nanotubes: Synthesis via Chemical Vapour Deposition without Hydrogen, Surface Modification, and Application

The present study describes the growth of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) from liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) on an Fe2O3/Al2O3 precatalyst via a chemical vapour deposition (CVD) process without hydrogen. The obtained multiwalled CNTs exhibit a less-defective structure with an identical external diameter of tubes of around 50 nm. The growth mechanism of CNTs suggests that the Fe2O3/Al2O3 precatalyst is reduced to Fe/Al2O3 during the synthesis process using the products of LPG decomposition, and the tip-growth mechanism is suggested. The resulting CNTs are surface-modified with potassium permanganate in the acid medium and used as an adsorbent for copper from aqueous solutions. The Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models are employed to evaluate the adsorption data, and the maximum adsorption capacity of Cu(II) is 163.7 mg·g−1.
Trephination versus wide excision for the treatment of pediatric pilonidal disease

Abstract Background/Purpose To evaluate outcomes of trephination compared to wide excision in children undergoing initial surgical treatment of pilonidal disease. Methods A retrospective review was conducted of patients undergoing initial pilonidal excision between September 2017 and September 2018. Operations were categorized as either trephination or wide excision via an open or closed-wound technique. Outcomes were evaluated and data analyzed by chi-squared and one-way ANOVA tests. Results One-hundred and five patients were identified, with a mean follow-up of 4.6 months. Trephination was performed in 57% of patients, and of the remaining patients undergoing wide excision, 62% of wounds were left open. There were no demographic differences among the three groups. Compared to both the open and closed techniques, trephination was associated with fewer wound complications (17% vs 29% vs 3%, respectively, p = 0.006), and postoperative visits (4.4 vs 2.4 vs 1.4, respectively, p Conclusion Trephination for pilonidal disease in pediatric patients is associated with a lower wound complication rate and fewer postoperative visits compared to wide excision. Recurrence rates are similar among the various surgical methods. Further prospective study would be useful to describe long-term outcomes of patients undergoing trephination for pilonidal disease. Type of study Treatment study. Level of evidence III (retrospective comparative).
Isolation and culture of primary embryonic zebrafish neural tissue

Abstract Background Primary cell culture is a valuable tool to utilize in parallel with in vivo studies in order to maximize our understanding of the mechanisms surrounding neurogenesis and central nervous system (CNS) regeneration and plasticity. The zebrafish is an important model for biomedical research and primary neural cells are readily obtainable from their embryonic stages viatissue dissociation. Further, transgenic reporter lines with cell type-specific expression allows for observation of distinct cell populations within the dissociated tissue. New method Here, we define an efficient method for ex vivo quantification and characterization of neuronal and glial tissue dissociated from embryonic zebrafish. Results Zebrafish brain dissociated cells have been documented to survive in culture for at least 9 days in vitro (div). Anti-HuC/D and anti-Acetylated Tubulin antibodies were used to identify neurons in culture; at 3 div approximately 48% of cells were HuC/D positive and 85% expressed serotonin, suggesting our protocol can efficiently isolate neurons from whole embryonic zebrafish brains. Live time-lapse imaging was also carried out to analyze cell migration in vitro. Comparison with existing methods Primary cultures of zebrafish neural cells typically have low rates of survivability in vitro. We have developed a culture system that has long term cell viability, enabling direct analysis of cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions. Conclusions These results demonstrate a practical method for isolating, dissociating and culturing of embryonic zebrafish neural tissue. This approach could further be utilized to better understand zebrafish regeneration in vitro.
Effects of Back Support Exoskeleton Use on Postural Stability

While occupational back support exoskeletons (BSEs) are being considered as a potential intervention to reduce physical demands in tasks such as repetitive lifting (e.g., Frost, Abdoli-E, & Stevens...
EXO-UL Upper Limb Robotic Exoskeleton System Series: From 1 DOF Single-Arm to (7+1) DOFs Dual-Arm

Abstract A human-in-the-loop system has long been recognized as a complex system due to the difficulty in modeling and predicting the environment’s (human’s) fluctuation. The question becomes even complicated when the human in the loop suffers from a stroke, which disables one’s upper limb with weakness, abnormal synergy, and/or spasticity. From different perspectives including mechanical design, control, and human motion analysis, this chapter works as an illustrative piece demonstrating to the audience the development process of the authors’ lab working on upper limb exoskeleton robotic systems for stroke patients’ rehabilitation training: EXO-UL1, EXO-UL3, EXO-UL7, and EXO-UL8.
Does the Role of A Rapid Triage Provider Improve Pain Control in an Academic Pediatric Emergency Department

Pediatric pain control in the emergency department (ED) remains problematic. This quantifiable metric may be positively affected by the utilization of a rapid triage provider (RTP). This is a retrospective case control study of pediatric patients requiring either ketorelac intravenous (IV) or morphine IV for painful conditions. Patients in the control group were managed according to standard nursing-driven triage process. Patients in the RTP group were seen by the standard triage team as well as by the RTP.We identified 114 patients who required IV pain medications. The mean time from arrival to pain medication administration for the RTP group as compared with the control group was 47 and 64 minutes (P = 0.02). Similarly, the mean time from arrival to IV pain medication order placement was 15 and 43 minutes (P < 0.01). An RTP improves pain control in the pediatric ED via more efficient order placement and IV pain medication administration.
Invasive Group B Streptococcal Infection with Toxic Shock-Like Syndrome in a Postsplenectomy Patient

The incidence of invasive group B streptococcal disease (GBS) in nonpregnant population is increasing. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are 10 cases in every 100,000 nonpregnant adults each year, and 1 in 20 nonpregnant adults with serious GBS infections die. GBS infection is almost always associated with underlying risk factors such as diabetes mellitus or malignancy. We present a 47-year-old female with a remote history of splenectomy presented with toxic shock-like syndrome secondary to invasive GBS infection.
From folklore to fact: comparing implementations of stacks and continuations

The efficient implementation of function calls and non-local control transfers is a critical part of modern language implementations and is important in the implementation of everything from recursion, higher-order functions, concurrency and coroutines, to task-based parallelism. In a compiler, these features can be supported by a variety of mechanisms, including call stacks, segmented stacks, and heap-allocated continuation closures. An implementor of a high-level language with advanced control features might ask the question ``what is the best choice for my implementation?'' Unfortunately, the current literature does not provide much guidance, since previous studies suffer from various flaws in methodology and are outdated for modern hardware. In the absence of recent, well-normalized measurements and a holistic overview of their implementation specifics, the path of least resistance when choosing a strategy is to trust folklore, but the folklore is also suspect. This paper attempts to remedy this situation by providing an ``apples-to-apples'' comparison of six different approaches to implementing call stacks and continuations. This comparison uses the same source language, compiler pipeline, LLVM-backend, and runtime system, with the only differences being those required by the differences in implementation strategy. We compare the implementation challenges of the different approaches, their sequential performance, and their suitability to support advanced control mechanisms, including supporting heavily threaded code. In addition to the comparison of implementation strategies, the paper's contributions also include a number of useful implementation techniques that we discovered along the way.
Thin film deposition research and its impact on microelectronics scaling

Throughout his career, Dr. Stephen Rossnagel and his co-workers have had a profound influence on thin film deposition. His seminal work includes the development of reactive, collimated, and ionized methods of DC and RF magnetron sputtering, as well as plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition. Most importantly, his contributions have been widely adopted within the microelectronics community in its efforts to produce finer layers with increased uniformity and functionality. While applications span a very broad range, from complementary metal oxide semiconductor device metallization to DNA sensing, Dr. Rossnagel has also conducted fundamental investigations into microstructural effects on electronic scattering. In this manuscript, the authors will highlight some of Steve’s contributions to these areas and their continued relevance to current and future microelectronic device scaling.
Using Grounded Theory to Inform the Human-Centered Design of Digital Health in Geriatric Palliative Care.

Abstract Context Digital health offers innovative mechanisms to engage in palliative care, yet digital systems are typically designed for individual users, rather than integrating the patient's caregiving “social convoy” (i.e., family members, friends, neighbors, formal caregiving supports) to maximize benefit. As older adults with serious illness increasingly rely on the support of others, there is a need to foster effective integration of the social convoy in digitally supported palliative care. Objectives Conduct a qualitative study examining patient, social convoy, and health care provider perspectives on digital health for palliative care to inform the design of future digital solutions for older adults with serious illness and their social convoy. Methods Grounded theory approach using semi-structured interviews (N = 81) with interprofessional health care providers, older adults with serious illness, and their social convoy participants at home, clinic, or Zoom. Interviews were conducted using question guides relevant to the participant group and audio-recorded for verbatim transcription. Two coders lead the inductive analysis using open and axial coding. Results Thematic results aligned with the human-centered design framework, which is a participatory approach to the design process that incorporates multiple user stakeholders to develop health solutions. The human-centered design process and corresponding theme included the following: 1) Empathy: Patient, Caregiver, and Provider Experience reports participants' experience with managing serious illness, caregiving, social support, and technology use. 2) Define: Reactions to Evidence-Based Care Concepts and Barriers illustrates participants' perspectives on the domains of palliative care ranging from symptom management to psychosocial-spiritual care. 3) Ideation: Desired Features reports participant recommendations for designing digital health tools for palliative care domains. Conclusion Digital health provides an opportunity to expand the reach of geriatric palliative care interventions. This paper documents human-centered preferences of geriatric palliative care digital health to ensure technologies are relevant and meaningful to health care providers, patients, and the caregiving social convoy.
Results of a Pilot Trial of a Lifestyle Intervention for Stroke Survivors: Healthy Eating and Lifestyle after Stroke

Abstract Objectives Although healthy lifestyle practices mitigate recurrent stroke risk and mortality, few stroke survivors adhere to them, particularly among socioeconomically disadvantaged communities. We developed and pilot tested a occupational therapy-based lifestyle management intervention, Healthy Eating And Lifestyle after Stroke (HEALS), to improve stroke survivors’ self-management skills relating to diet and physical activity and evaluated it in a diverse safety-net population. Materials and Methods One hundred English- or Spanish-speaking participants with stroke or transient ischemic attack were randomized to a 6-week occupational therapist-led group lifestyle intervention vs. usual care. Each of the six 2-h group sessions included didactic presentations on diet and physical activity, peer exchange, personal exploration with goal setting, and direct experience through participation in a relevant activity. Primary outcomes at 6 months were change in body mass index, fruit/vegetable intake, and physical activity. Secondary outcomes included change in waist circumference, smoking, blood pressure, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, triglyceride, total cholesterol, glycosylated hemoglobin levels, quality of care, and perceptions of care. Effect sizes were determined in preparation for a larger randomized controlled trial powered to detect a difference in primary outcomes. A nested formative evaluation assessed facilitators and barriers to implementation, acceptance, and intervention adherence. Results There were no significant changes in primary or secondary outcomes at 6 months. Effect sizes for all outcomes were small ( Conclusions The HEALS intervention was feasible in a safety-net setting, but effect sizes were small. A longer-duration intervention, with intervener fidelity checks may be warranted. Trial Registration NCT01550822.
Rapid and extraction-free detection of SARS-CoV-2 from saliva by colorimetric reverse-transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification.

Background Rapid, reliable, and widespread testing is required to curtail the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Current gold standard nucleic acid tests are hampered by supply shortages in critical reagents including nasal swabs, RNA extraction kits, personal protective equipment, instrumentation, and labor. Methods To overcome these challenges, we developed a rapid colorimetric assay using reverse-transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) optimized on human saliva samples without an RNA purification step. We describe the optimization of saliva pretreatment protocols to enable analytically sensitive viral detection by RT-LAMP. We optimized the RT-LAMP reaction conditions and implemented high-throughput unbiased methods for assay interpretation. We tested whether saliva pretreatment could also enable viral detection by conventional reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Finally, we validated these assays on clinical samples. Results The optimized saliva pretreatment protocol enabled analytically sensitive extraction-free detection of SARS-CoV-2 from saliva by colorimetric RT-LAMP or RT-qPCR. In simulated samples, the optimized RT-LAMP assay had a limit of detection of 59 (95% confidence interval: 44-104) particle copies per reaction. We highlighted the flexibility of LAMP assay implementation using three readouts: naked-eye colorimetry, spectrophotometry, and real-time fluorescence. In a set of 30 clinical saliva samples, colorimetric RT-LAMP and RT-qPCR assays performed directly on pretreated saliva samples without RNA extraction had accuracies greater than 90%. Conclusions Rapid and extraction-free detection of SARS-CoV-2 from saliva by colorimetric RT-LAMP is a simple, sensitive, and cost-effective approach with broad potential to expand diagnostic testing for the virus causing COVID-19.
Machine Learning for Consumers and Markets

Consumers leave digital footprints through large volumes of heterogeneous data which is a wealth of commercial value for firms, waiting to be mined. While there are initial success stories, this area is still under-explored. Further research and communication between the ML community and business community are needed to better align the objectives and create more successful applications. While machine learning is equipped to handle a variety of raw data for predictive tasks, without the theoretical insights from economics and consumer behavior to guide ML models, extracting generalizable insights with clear managerial implications and formulating impactful policies remain elusive. This workshop aims to promote further communication between these disciplines to foster synergistic development of impactful research that could benefit one another.
Robust three-dimensional nanotube-in-micropillar array electrodes to facilitate size independent electroporation in blood cell therapy

Blood is an attractive carrier for plasmid and RNA-based medicine in cell therapy. Electroporation serves as a favorable delivery tool for simple operation, quick internalization, minimum cell culture involvement, and low contamination risk. However, the delivery outcome of electroporation heavily depends on the treated cells such as their type, size, and orientation to the electric field, not ideal for highly heterogeneous blood samples. Herein, a new electroporation system was developed towards effective transfection to cells in blood regardless of their large diversity. By coupling replica molding and infiltration-coating processes, we successfully configured a three-dimensional electrode comprised of a polymer micropillar array on which carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are partially embedded. During electroporation, cells sag between micropillars and deform to form a conformal contact with their top and side surfaces. The implanted CNTs not only provide a robust conductive coating for polymer micropattern but also have their protruded ends face the cell membrane vertically everywhere with maximum transmembrane potential. Regardless of their largely varied sizes and random dispersion, both individual blood cell type and whole blood samples were effectively transfected with plasmid DNA (85% after 24 h and 95% after 72 h, or 2.5-3.0 folds enhancement). High-dose RNA probes were also introduced, which regulate better the expression levels of exogenous and endogenous genes in blood cells. Besides its promising performance on non-viral delivery routes to cell-related studies and therapy, the involved new fabrication method also provides a convenient and effective way to construct flexible electronics with stable micro/nano features on the surface.
Using the Public Trust Doctrine to 'Make it Rain'

When water is plentiful, there is no need for law to govern it. Unfortunately, this is not the case today and has not been for quite some time. While some cities and states are experiencing flooding, others are looking at record droughts. The states facing these record-breaking droughts have legitimate worries over water supply and how to govern it. However, there is an ancient method of collecting water that has become more and more popular in these desperate times in need of water: rainwater harvesting. This article proposes a framework that looks to utilize a legal principle that has been around for hundreds of years to collect rainwater: the public trust doctrine (PTD). First, the article explains why rainwater harvesting is beneficial. Second, it examines the challenges of accessing water in today’s world. Third, the article turns to our nation’s history of water law stemming from early Roman law and how it evolved into a malleable doctrine that has a foundation in placing natural resources such as water, wildlife, and air into the ownership of the public. Within this section, the article then proposes using the existing PTD law to harvest rainwater. Fourth, the article provides a brief description to what some of the nation’s states are allowing and not allowing concerning rainwater harvesting and how the PTD could affect these states. It also suggests that the states adopt rainwater harvesting as a permissive resource under the PTD. Lastly, the article looks to challenges and complexities that could face such a proposal.
History of Salvarsan (Arsphenamine)

The drug Salvarsan (arsphenamine) was developed and introduced as a chemotherapeutic agent against syphilis in the first decade of the twentieth century by Paul Ehrlich. Although a significant breakthrough in the treatment of syphilis at the time, it was eventually replaced by penicillin. Keywords: chemotherapy; Ehrlich; pharmacology; syphilis; therapeutics
Group Extensions, Simple Algebras and Cohomology

In this chapter we will study the structure of extensions of groups and the structure of central simple algebras over a field 𝔽. The theory of group extensions, $$N \triangleleft E \to G$$ , their existence and classification, will be reduced to two questions about low dimensional cohomology groups. Specifically, we will associate to G and the center C of N, abelian groups ∅ 2 (G; C) and ∅ 3 (G; C), depending only on G, G, and the action ∅ of G on C. The second group will contain an element, unambiguously defined for each triple (N, G, τ: G → Out(N)) so that → induces ∅ on restriction to C, and a necessary and sufficient condition for the existence of an extension with the data (N, G, τ) will be that that element be zero. Then, once it is known that some extension exists, the elements in the first group will count the number of distinct extensions which are possible up to an appropriate notion of isomorphism. These results are due to S. Eilenberg and S. MacLane, and first appeared in a paper in the Annals of Mathematics in 1947, [EM].
Catalytic hydrogenation of coals in the absence of solvent: 1. Compositional changes of an hvA bituminous coal by chemical analysis and reflected fluorescent light microscopy

Abstract The effect of dry catalytic hydrogenation of an hvA bituminous coal, using an impregnated Mo catalyst, has been examined at temperatures up to 400 °C. Yields of chloroform-soluble extracts of over 30% were obtained with low attendant gas yield. Analyses of the extracts show that although there were no dramatic compositional changes over a wide range of yield, there are some possibly important distinctions which merit further investigation. Fluorescence microscopy showed that the intensity of vitrinite fluorescence increased in parallel with extract yield. With increasing yield, shifts in the fluorescence spectra were indicative of an increase in the concentration of condensed aromatic structures in the extract. It is considered that, at high yield, a considerable proportion of the extract is derived from the breakdown of the vitrinite macromolecular structure.
Social Pedagogy and Critical Theory: A Conversation with Hans Thiersch

Hans Thiersch was born on May 16, 1935 in Recklinghausen, Germany. His work became particularly influential since the 1970s, when he applied the concept of lifeworld orientation to social pedagogy. Indeed, Thiersch can be considered one of the representatives of a critical social pedagogy. Since his retirement in 2002, he has been a professor emeritus of Education and Social Pedagogy at the University of Tubingen. He has also co-edited the handbook of social work / social pedagogy. Professor Thiersch has published extensively on a variety of topics related to education, social work, youth welfare, residential care, morality and justice. However, because most of his publications are in German, his work is not well known outside of Germany. On a rainy evening of October 2013 in Frankfurt, I had the opportunity to have a conversation with Professor Thiersch.
Gadolinium as an Element for Neutron Capture Therapy

Gadolinium is being studied as an alternate active element to B for Neutron Capture Therapy (NCT). The advantages of Gd-157 as compared to B-10 are that Gd-157 has a very large thermal neutron cross section (455,000 b), and Gd containing compounds that target tumors are being developed as MRI contrast agents. A disadvantage is that the products of the Gd + n reaction, gamma rays and Auger electrons, do not appear to be as well suited to NCT as the products of the B + n reaction, but these still may be effective in destroying tumors. Because of the advantages of Gd, an investigation of Gd as an element for NCT is proceeding at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL)1.
Enhancing seismic resolution using continuous wavelet transform

Most deconvolution algorithms try to transform the seismic wavelet into spikes by designing inverse filters that attempts to remove an estimated seismic wavelet from seismic data. Considering that seismic trace singularities are associated with acoustic impedance contrasts, and can be characterized by wavelet transform modulus maxima lines (WTMML), we show how to improve seismic resolution by using the wavelet transform. Specifically, we apply complex Morlet continuous wavelet transform (CWT) to each seismic trace and compute the WTMML‟s. Then, we reconstruct the seismic trace with the inverse continuous wavelet transform (ICWT) from the computed WTMML‟s with a slightly different complex Morlet wavelet than that used in the forward CWT. As the reconstruction process preserves amplitude and phase along different scales, or frequencies, the result resembles a deconvolution process. Using synthetic and real seismic data we show the effectiveness of the methodology on detecting seismic events associated with acoustic impedance changes.
Plasmonic Response of Electrified Metal-Liquid Interfaces During Faradaic and Non-Faradaic Reactions by Enhanced Optical Transmission

Thin Au films, patterned by focused ion beam (FIB) milling to contain an array of subwavelength nanopores, exhibit enhanced optical transmission (EOT) via front-back resonance coupling. The films also serve as working electrodes capable of controlling the local potential, allowing electrochemical processes to be monitored using wavevector-resolved spectral mapping. The precise value of the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) wavevector can be extracted from the enhanced optical transmission signal and correlated with several distinct classes of electrochemical processes: double layer reorganization, faradaic adsorption/desorption, heterogeneous electron transfer, and anion adsorption. Specifically, the protonation/deprotonation reaction of an adsorbed monolayer of 4-mercaptobenzoic acid, the adsorption/desorption reaction of dodecanethiol to Au, the solution-phase reaction of ferri-ferrocyanide, and sulfate adsorption/desorption are investigated. A simple model is presented that encompasses both the EOT signal and electrochemical processes and produces semi-quantitative agreement with the SPR spectral wavevector mapping observed experimentally.
Evaluation of an application of graph theory to the layout problem

When designing a facility layout it is desirable to obtain an optimum design which satisfies certain necessary relationships among departments. Recent research has indicated that applying graph theory to the layout problem can result in the development of improved solutions, but little can be found to indicate how much better the resultant solutions are. The objectives of this paper are to develop a graph theory approach based on research experience and suggestions of Moore, Carrie and Seppanen, to develop a general computer program implementing the procedure and to compare its performance with that of CRAFT, CORELAP and ALDEP. The comparisons are based upon the adjacency relationships satisfied in the resultant layouts. The procedure finds the graph G equivalent to the problem being solved and then generates one of its maximal spanning trees, which after being transformed to its ‘string’ equivalent, is used to extract a maximal planar sub-graph of G. The dual of this sub-graph represents the desired solu...
Defining the data processing manager's role

THE role of the data processing manager in terms of managing a data processing function, of the computer itself, and of people responsible for systems analysis and design, programming and operation, appears self evident. However, it provides particular management problems which must be taken into account when selecting the manager. Furthermore, this selection process must also take account of his role as an innovator; the role in which he directly affects the established management pattern of activities and the means of achieving management objectives.
Shaping the Future of Health Education: From Behavior Change to Social Change*

The view that individual behavior change is the primary goal of health education presents several serious problems. Although individual behavior does contribute to health and disease, social organization is perhaps a more powerful influence. The use of behavior change as the primary tool for health education raises grave ethical issues. Health education which seeks to change individual behavior has also failed to have a significant impact on public health. An alternative strategy is health education for social change. The goal of this approach is to involve people in collective action to create health promoting environments and life-styles. Several contemporary models for and principles characteristic of health education for social change are described.