cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Case Study of a Case Study: Analysis of a Robust Qualitative Research Methodology

A unique multi-part qualitative study methodology is presented from a study which tracked the transformative journeys of four career-changing women from STEM fields into secondary education. The article analyzes the study’s use of archived writing, journaling, participant-generated photography, interviews, member-checking, and reflexive analytical memos. An exploration into the interconnectedness of the methodologies used reveals a robust framework from which the first stages of grounded theory emerged. A detailed explanation of the methodological aspects of conducting the study is discussed with the purpose of making this combination of qualitative methods replicable. Key Words: Qualitative Methods, Visual Research, Reflexive Analytic Memos, Participant Generated Photography. The purpose of this qualitative (Creswell, 1998; Merriam, 1998) case study research was to understand the transformative journey of four women career-changers moving from business, engineering, and science into secondary education. The study was built within an authentic setting with varied and in-depth data collection. The focus of this research was the exploration of the transformative process (Mezirow, 1978) experienced by the participants as they transitioned from their previous careers into graduate school and then into teaching. The primary reason for the research was to gain an understanding of how adults learn and how their relationship to learning is different from children or adolescents. It has been my experience that adults approach new learning with a more intense need and amplified emotional state compared to other age groups. The research questions targeted the identification of transformation in the participants and the durability of those transformations as they moved from their teacher education program into their careers as secondary teachers. The study moved with the participants from their decision to enter a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program to two years after the program. The questions, method, design, and setting were brought together to serve one another so that the most in-depth understanding of the participants’ transformative journey could be achieved. Transformative learning theory (Mezirow, 2000) framed this study because of its derivation from and focuses on adult learners (Kegan, 1998). The purpose of this article is to describe a uniquely robust multi-part qualitative methodology. The qualitative methods used include archived writing, journaling, participant-generated photography, interviews, member-checking, and reflexive analytical memos. An exploration into the interconnectedness of the methodologies used reveals a robust framework from which initial stages of grounded theory were produced. A detailed explanation of the methodological aspects of conducting the study demonstrates the ability to replicate this combination of qualitative methods. An analysis
After the internet, before democracy: competing norms in Chinese media and society

After the internet, before democracy: competing norms in Chinese media and society, by Johan Lagerkvist, Bern, Switzerland, Peter Lang Publishers, 2010, 325 pp., US$88.95 (paperback), ISBN-13: 978-...
Tone reproduction for realistic images

Radiosity and other global illumination methods for image synthesis calculate the real world radiance values of a scene instead of the display radiance values that will represent them. Though radiosity and ray tracing methods can compute extremely accurate and wide-ranging scene radiances, modern display devices emit light only in a tiny fixed range. The radiances must be converted, but ad-hoc conversions cause serious errors and give little assurance that the evoked visual sensations are truly equivalent. Sensation-preserving conversions for display, already known in photography, printing, and television as tone reproduction methods, are discussed. Computer graphics workers can apply the existing photographic methods, but may also extend them to include more complex and subtle effects of human vision using the published findings of vision researchers. Ways of constructing a sensation-preserving display converter, or tone reproduction operator, for monochrome images are demonstrated. >
Family Policy Analysis The Need to Integrate Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods

Research methodologies employed in family policy research are examined. Using three emerging concepts in family policy analysis—life status transitions, informal economic behavior, and stress mediation—recent policy research concerning low-income families is critically reviewed for its methodological adequacy. It is suggested that by integrating qualitative research methods into quantitative designs, the overall quality and cost-effectiveness of policy-relevant family research can be significantly improved. The implications of this suggestion are examined in the closing section of the article.
Chaotic Behaviors in Three-Level Atomic Optical Bistability System

We experimentally demonstrated chaotic behaviors in three-level Lambda-type atoms inside an optical cavity. The route to chaos through periodic doubling was observed in the experiment, which could be controlled by the coupling beam parameters
Constraint solving for bounded-process cryptographic protocol analysis

The reachability problem for cryptographic protocols with non-atomic keys can be solved via a simple constraint satisfaction procedure.
Germ Cell-Specific Genes and Posttranscriptional Regulation in the Testis

Ten to 15% of couples are infertile. One of the most common causes of infertility is defective spermatogenesis characterized by the production of few or no sperm (oligospermia and azoospermia, respectively). However, little is known of the molecular causes of spermatogenic failure. Current assessment of infertility is based on sperm counts and testicular biopsies with little molecular analysis, apart from Y chromosome analysis in some cases. Thus, we sought to examine whether microarray technology might enable us to profile gene expression in infertile men and define subclasses of spermatogenic failure with a biological basis. We performed microarray analysis on a small group of infertile men and then focused further on analysis of a subset of genes that encode RNA-binding proteins in the DAZ gene family and/or interact with proteins encoded by this family. In this chapter, we review these experiments and also discuss the target RNAs of these RNA-binding proteins in more detail.
HIV-1 antibodies from infection and vaccination: insights for guiding vaccine design

Attempts to formulate a protective HIV-1 vaccine through classic vaccine design strategies have not been successful. Elicitation of HIV-1-specific broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) at high titers that are present before exposure might be required to achieve protection. Recently, the application of new technologies has facilitated the study of clonal lineages of HIV-1 envelope (Env) antibodies, which have provided insights into HIV-1 antibody development during infection and upon vaccination. Strategies are being developed for the analysis of infection and vaccine candidate-induced antibodies, their gene usage, and their maturation pathways such that this information can be used to attempt to guide rational vaccine design.
Defect Annealing of InAs–InAlGaAs Quantum-Dash-in-Asymmetric-Well Laser

We report the improvement of ~1.62-mum wavelength InAs-InAlGaAs quantum-dash-in-asymmetric-well laser performance using rapid thermal annealing. After the postgrowth annealing at 700 degC for 2 min, the internal quantum efficiency is increased from 90% to 93%, and the linewidth of the laser spectrum and the threshold current density is significantly reduced
Global path planning for Mars rover exploration

TEMPEST is a planner for long-range planetary navigation that bridges the gap between path planning and classical planning and scheduling. In addition to planning routes, our approach yields the timing and placement of actions to conserve and restore expendable resources and that abide by operational constraints. TEMPEST calls upon the incremental search engine (ISE) to enable heuristic path planning and efficient re-planning under global constraints, over a four dimensional state space. We describe our approach, then demonstrate how the planner operates in a simulated Mars science traverse. Following a brief summary of TEMPEST results from a recent rover field experiment, we evaluate our research progress and describe our current and future work.
A Prospective Randomized Trial of Ultrasound- vs Landmark-Guided Central Venous Access in the Pediatric Population

Background The purpose of this prospective randomized study was to compare landmark- to ultrasound-guided central venous access when performed by pediatric surgeons. The American College of Surgeons advocates for use of ultrasound in central venous catheter placement; however, this is not universally embraced by pediatric surgeons. Complication risk correlates positively with number of venous cannulation attempts. Study Design With IRB approval, a randomized prospective study of children under 18 years of age undergoing tunneled central venous catheter placement was performed. Patient accrual was based on power analysis. Exclusion criteria included known nonpatency of a central vein or coagulopathy. After randomization, the patients were assigned to either ultrasound-guided internal jugular vein access or landmark-guided subclavian/internal jugular vein access. The primary outcomes measure was number of attempts at venous cannulation. Secondary outcomes measures included: access times, number of arterial punctures, and other complications. Continuous variables were compared using 2-tailed Student's t -test. Discrete variables were analyzed with chi-square. Significance was defined as p Results There were 150 patients enrolled between April 2008 and September 2011. There was no difference when comparing demographic data. Success at first attempt was achieved in 65% of patients in the ultrasound group vs 45% in the landmark group (p = 0.021). Success within 3 attempts was achieved in 95% of ultrasound group vs 74% of landmark group (p = 0.0001). Conclusions Ultrasound reduced the number of cannulation attempts necessary for venous access. This indicates a potential to reduce complications when ultrasound is used by pediatric surgeons.
DIFFRACTION BY A FINITE STRIP

A new approach is presented to diffraction problems involving plane strip barriers or slit apertures. These are problems that display the effects of multiple interacting edges. The approach taken here provides exact, compact solutions. The theory is introduced through a series of examples that are, in fact, the 'standard' problems of the subject, diffraction of a plane oblique wave by a slit, for example. In each case, the solutions are found to depend explicitly on a single 'special' function and its Fourier transform. These fundamental functions are described, with the emphasis placed on practical computational methods. The example problems are all couched in the language of acoustics.
Do Payment Mechanisms Change the Way Consumers Perceive Products

Do payment mechanisms change the way consumers perceive products? We argue that consumers for whom credit cards (cash) have been primed focus more on benefits (costs) when evaluating a product. In study 1, credit card (cash) primed participants made more (fewer) recall errors regarding cost attributes. In a word recognition task (study 2), participants primed with credit card (cash) identified more words related to benefits (costs) than those in the cash (credit card) condition. In study 3, participants in the credit card (cash) condition responded faster to benefits (costs) than to costs (benefits). This differential focus led credit card primed consumers to express higher reservation prices (studies 1–3) and also affected their product choices (study 4) relative to those primed with cash.
Reduced inflammation and altered innate response in neonates during paramyxoviral infection

Background Human infants are frequently hospitalized due to infection with the paramyxovirus respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). However, very little is known about the neonatal response to paramyxoviral infection. Here, a neonatal model of paramyxoviral infection is developed using the mouse pathogen Sendai virus (SeV).
Structure and Dynamics of Laminar Jet Micro-Slot Diffusion Flames

Results of an experimental investigation into the behavior of laminar jet diffusion flames, produced using micro-slot burner ports, are presented. Under certain conditions, the cross-sectional shape of micro-slot flames is qualitatively similar to the cross-sectional shape of circular burner port flames produced in an environment where molecular diffusion is the primary transport mechanism. An order of magnitude analysis reveals that, over the range of experimental conditions examined, the behavior of the experimentally observed micro-slot flames is not necessarily diffusion-controlled. A comparison of the experimental data with an accepted theoretical model shows that current theoretical models do not accurately predict the experimentally observed flame heights. A theoretical expression for purely diffusion-controlled micro-slot flame height is developed and compared with experimental micro-slot flame data. The region where this theoretical expression is valid is identified through an examination of the diffusion to buoyancy parameter. A qualitative discussion of micro-slot flame structure is also presented.
Ascorbic acid and copper in linoleate oxidation. III. Catalysts in combination

In promoting oxidation of 0.02 M potassium linoleate in a buffered (pH 7.0) aqueous dispersion at 37'C, ascorbic acid at low concentrations (1.8 X 10-6 and 1.8 X 10-5 M) in combination with copper (1.3 X 10-7 to 1.3 X lopa M) had greater catalytic activity than the additive activity of the two catalysts individually. Possible explanations for the enhanced catalysis include reduction of copper by ascorbic acid to the cuprous form, increased concentration of semidehydro- ascorbic acid radical, and formation of a metal-ascorbic acid- oxygen complex. and 1.8 X loFa M) and copper (1.3 X 10-6 and 1.3 X M) inhibited the formation of conjugated dienes but not the oxidation of ascorbic acid, and caused rapid loss of part of the conjugated dienes that were already present. It is suggested that free- radical inhibitors formed by the combination of catalysts inhibit initiation of lipid oxidation but not copper-catalyzed oxidation of ascorbic acid. Effects of the inhibitory combina- tions on changes in UV absorption by conjugated dienes, and absorbance in the TBA test, indicate the presence of at least two conjugated dienes that differ in stability. Some combinations of ascorbic acid (1.8 X
The Polyanilines: Model Systems for Diverse Electronic Phenomena

Polyaniline has three stable insulating forms, leucoemeraldine base (LEB), emeraldine base (EB), and pernigraniline base (PNB). These three forms exhibit differing phenomena ranging from intramonomer luminescing excitons and ring rotation polarons in LEB, to nonluminescing charge transfer excitons and also ring rotation polarons in EB, to a degenerate ground state with bond order parameter solitons and ring order parameter polarons in PNB. The electronic structure and excitations of these three forms are contrasted. The LEB form can be p-doped (oxidatively doped), the EB form can be protonic acid doped and the PNB form can be n-doped (reductively doped) to form conducting systems. The essential role of crystallinity and coherence in the metallic state of the emeraldine salt form is reviewed. The role of derivatization in controlling the electronic phenomena in the insulating and conducting forms is outlined.
Plato’s CAVE: A Multidimensional, Image-Guided Radiation Therapy Cross Reality Platform with Advanced Surgical Planning, Simulation, and Visualization Techniques Using (Native) DICOM Patient Image Studies

Plato’s CAVE™ (Computer Augmented Virtual Environment) is a presurgical planning, multidimensional “situation clinical platform” designed, developed, and introduced to clinical practice by the Department of Radiation Oncology at Houston Methodist Hospital, located in Houston’s Texas Medical Center. At approximately 500 square feet, Plato’s CAVE was specifically designed to permit a team of physicians to review all available diagnostic images of the patient. The initial clinical focus was on interventions within the domain of surgical oncology/radiation oncology including radiation therapy, reconstructive surgery, and organ transplantation. This advanced clinical visualization process, supported by a novel and creative assemblage of FDA-approved, commercially available diagnostic imaging components, is available for all relevant patient care services within The Methodist Hospital System.
Improved Hourly Reservoir Operation Model

The modifications described in the following greatly facilitate the attainment of a good initial feasible policy and eliminate the need for the LP, minimize multiple start-sups and shutdowns of the generating units, and result in better Optimal solutions, although global optima cannot be guaranteed.
INCAP studies of energy, amino acids, and protein.

This Special Issue summarizes the results of several studies aimed at providing information on a series of questions related to the adequate protein and energy intakes that allow adequate growth an...
Challenges, opportunities, and perspectives on lightweight composite structures: Aerospace versus automotive

Abstract As the automotive industry looks to greater use of composites, it is important to note the similarities and differences between the aerospace industry, which pioneered the use of composites, and the automotive industry. This chapter will compare the manufacturing, use, performance, design, analysis, market, and supply needs of each industry and what each industry can learn from the other. The chapter will also review the challenges and opportunities for the overall composites industry with the use of more composites in automotive applications.
Model for microemulsions. III: Interfacial tension and droplet size correlation with phase behavior of mixed surfactants

Abstract We have developed a model for microemulsions which relates surfactant structure to microemulsion droplet size, interracial tension, and phase behavior. The concept of curvature parameter, developed to describe microemulsion phase behavior (M. L. Robbins and J. Bock, J. Colloid Interface Sci.124, 462 (1988)), is expanded to cover interfacial tension, droplet size, and phase behavior correlations. The curvature parameter is made up of contributions from the thickness and volumes of surfactant polar heads and hydrocarbon chains at the water/oil interface. A set of equations is developed interrelating water and oil uptakes, droplet interfacial tensions, and droplet sizes via the curvature parameter and applied to equilibrated microemulsions prepared with mixtures of ethoxylated dinonyl phenol and the monoethanol amine salt of dodecyl o-xylene sulfonic acid in 1 1 decane/aqueous NaCl of varying salinity. The model predicts that droplet interfacial tensions should vary inversely with water and oil uptakes and that the square root of droplet tensions should vary linearly with the curvature parameters. Curvature parameters calculated from water and oil uptakes were found to plot linearly against salinity (see previous reference), suggesting that the square root of interracial tension should also plot linearly against salinity. Measured bulk interfacial tensions when plotted as √γ vs salinity gave linear plots as opposed to the conventional semilogarithmic plots which are highly curved. Measured bulk interfacial tensions varied inversely with water and oil uptakes and correlated very well with calculated droplet interfacial tensions using a sifigle empirical constant. Based on limited data, this constant appears to be universal for the systems tested. The current paper extends testing of theoretical correlations to include microemulsion droplet size. Droplet sizes in lower- (water-continuous) and upper- (oil-continuous) phase anionic microemulsions were measured as a function of aqueous salinity using dynamic (laser) light scattering on microemulsions prepared with the surfactant combination of monoethanol ammonium dodecyl ortho-xylene sulfonate/tertiary amyl alcohol (C12∗XS-MEA/TAA) in 1 1 oil/aqueous NaC1. The model predicts that micro-emulsion droplet size should be inversely proportional to the square root of the interfacial tension (√γ), which is in turn inversely related to water and oil uptakes ( V w V s and V o V s . The value of the proportionality constant depends on the thickness and compressibility of the surfactant layer at the water/oil interface. Using the length of the C12∗XS-MEA molecule measured from molecular model projections, droplet sizes calculated from water and oil uptakes agree very well with those determined by dynamic light scattering experiments, lending further support to the model.
Immediate effects of intravenous injections of tolbutamide and insulin on blood glucose and amino acids.

Summary1) In normal subjects sodium tolbutamide given intravenously in dosage of 40 mg/kg of actual body weight produced hypoglycemia comparable to that produced by insulin (0.1 unit/kg body weight) intravenously. In 3 of 5 subjects the fall in blood glucose took place within 5 minutes following injection of tolbutamide. 2) In 7 patients with stable diabetes the decrease in blood glucose following tolbutamide was slower than that with insulin and no fall occurred in 2 patients with unstable diabetes. 3) In normal persons and in the 7 diabetic patients who experienced a fall in blood glucose following tolbutamide, there was likewise a decrease in serum amino acids comparable to that following insulin. No fall in serum amino acids occurred in the 2 patients with unstable diabetes.
Oral Contraceptives and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection

The AIDS Commentary by Holmberg et al. does indeed digest a wealth of information. However 1 speculation requires correction. The authors comment that estrogen-containing oral contraceptives thicken cervical mucus thereby reducing HIV infection is not correct. It is true that OCs will thicken cervical mucus but it is the progesterone in these pills that causes this change. Estrogen by itself will increase cervical mucus and make it less viscid. Therefore it is not fair to state that "estrogen use by women is another putative risk factor for HIV infection." Whether estrogen or its combination with a progesterone (the dominant hormone in OCs) is responsible for the ectropion development is unclear. Another explanation for the higher seroconversion rate among Nairobi prostitutes who used OCs may be simply the absence of protection via condoms. (full text)
Escape thresholds to electric shock using a conditioned pole-displacement response in rats

Rats were first taught to displace a pole in order to escape a 1.0-mA shock to the feet. During a subsequent test session, 60 random presentations of several intensities of shock were used to generate psychophysical response curves and estimate escape thresholds. The median escape threshold for 48 rats was 0.18 mA using this procedure. The results are compared to other threshold procedures designed to assess the aversiveness of electric shock.
Fractals Everywhere

Focusing on how fractal geometry can be used to model real objects in the physical world, this up-to-date edition featurestwo 16-page full-color inserts, problems and tools emphasizing fractal applications, and an answers section. A bonus CD of an IFS Generator provides an excellent software tool for designing iterated function systems codes and fractal images.
Case 2: Refractory Hypertension in a Neonate

A 5-day-old female infant born at 351/7 weeks is transferred to our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for evaluation and management of systemic hypertension. She is twin A of a monochorionic diamniotic pregnancy complicated by twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome in which she is the donor twin. On fetal ultrasonography performed before delivery, twin B has polyhydramnios and a pericardial effusion, and twin A has reversed end-diastolic umbilical artery blood flow. The twins are born by emergency caesarean delivery due to concern for fetal status. Her Apgar scores are 4 and 8 at 1 and 5 minutes, respectively. Her birth weight is 1,990 g. In the NICU, blood pressures are noted to be elevated with recordings consistently above 120/100 mm Hg by an oscillometric device. Echocardiography reveals left ventricular hypertrophy with mild tricuspid and mitral regurgitation. On arrival at our NICU, her weight is 1,830 g, and blood pressure is 124/97 mm Hg. Four quadrant blood pressures do not identify a gradient between the upper and lower extremities. Physical examination is unrevealing: cardiac auscultation reveals a regular rate and rhythm with no murmurs, symmetric and palpable femoral and brachial pulses, and no abdominal masses or renal artery bruits. Serum electrolytes are remarkable for mild hyponatremia (sodium, 130 mEq/L [130 mmol/L]; potassium, 6.3 mEq/L [6.3 mmol/L]; chloride, 101 mEq/L [101 mmol/L]; bicarbonate, 17 mEq/L [17 mmol/L]; blood urea nitrogen, 10 mg/dL [3.6 mmol/L]; and creatinine, 0.7 mg/dL [53 μmol/L]). Renin level is elevated at 270 ng/mL/h (expected for age, 1.4–7.8 ng/mL/h), and aldosterone level is also …
Piracy in Somalia and Marine Insurance

The piracy in Somalia is different from the piracy in past, whose main feature is hijacking the vessels, cargo and crew for ransom. In the current marine insurance system, the ransom Should be treated as general average, but its legality is defective. For the ransom-sharing problems, the vessels and cargo insurers should share the loss without the need for P I Club of the engage in sharing. While frghting against the piracy, countries should reach a consensus on the definition of piracy and the nature of the ransom in order to better cope with the problem of piracy in Somalia.
A click chemistry-based microRNA maturation assay optimized for high-throughput screening.

Catalytic enzyme-linked click-chemistry assays (cat-ELCCA) are an emerging class of biochemical assay. Herein we report on expanding the toolkit of cat-ELCCA to include the kinetically superior inverse-electron demand Diels–Alder (IEDDA) reaction. The result is a technology with improved sensitivity and reproducibility, enabling automated high-throughput screening.
The Influence of Hydrogen on the Transition from Amorphous to Crystalline Structure in Plasma Deposition of Silicon and Alloys

This paper examines the effect of hydrogen in the plasma deposition of amorphous and crystalline silicon and silicon carbides by deliberately adding hydrogen to the plasma. Particular emphasis has been placed on the transition from amorphous to microcrystalline and polycrystalline structures in the PECVD process. Hydrogen is found to govern the film formation process by promoting the reverse process, ‘etching’, which includes all reactions that do not lead to network propagation. By preferentially eliminating energetically unfavorable configurations during the growth, hydrogen controls the structure, growth mechanism, hydrogen and dopant incorporation, transport, and grain growth of the film. Excessive hydrogen dilution, however, reduces the grain size by changing the columnar grain growth to a more spherical-like grain growth, and eventually eliminates film growth. By promoting ‘etching’,hydrogen plays an important role in producing low-temperature crystalline silicon and alloys. We found that polycrystalline silicon with grains as large as 200nm can be obtained at a temperature as low as 200°C.
Growth hormone-releasing factor affects macronutrient intake during the anabolic phase of zinc repletion: total hypothalamic growth hormone-releasing factor content and growth hormone-releasing factor immunoneutralization during zinc repletion.

Growth hormone-releasing factor (GRF) is thought to perform two distinct functions within the brain. GRF synthesized in the median eminence (ME) stimulates the release of growth hormone (GH) from the pituitary, while GRF in the suprachiasmatic nucleus and median preoptic area (SCN/MPOA) may stimulate selection of dietary protein. These two functions may be coupled to regulate and enhance growth. During zinc repletion, a period characterized by increased protein intake and accelerated growth, we examined this coupling by measuring GRF peptide content in hypothalamic sites and neutralizing GRF function by infusing anti-GRF antibody into the hypothalamus during zinc repletion. Total GRF content and GRF content in the ME and SCN/MPOA were decreased in zinc-deficient (Zn-) rats compared to zinc-adequate (Zn+) rats (P < 0.05). There were no differences in GRF content during zinc repletion in either nuclei. Subsequently, we investigated the macronutrient feeding patterns of rats chronically infused with anti-GRF...
Beginning With Me: Accounting For A Researcher Of Color's Counterstories In Socially Just Qualitative Design

To avoid simplification, a methodological process that contextualizes decisions made in qualitative design must exist. Employing Critical Race Theory’s counterstorytelling, I examine how qualitative research void of personal contextualization that informs design, renders simple designs. Since counterstorytelling reveals a nuanced understanding of racism, it becomes an applicable tool that informs racially just research design; thus, counterstorytelling results in complexification, a process rendering research designs more sophisticated. I propose that too much personal distance between researcher and research ultimately masks White hegemonic designs while marginalizing designs brought forth by the contextualization of researchers of color. This paper humbly offers a step-by-step process of how I, a researcher of color, operationalized my counterstories to inform my research design and how it impacted the data derived from the study at large.
On the minimal mass design of composite membranes

Abstract This paper will show that a simple membrane (e.g. balloon) is not always the minimal mass pressure vessel. Of course one could always add cables to support the membrane, or plate, to reduce the thickness and hence mass required of the membrane. By minimizing the sum of the mass of the membrane plus the mass of the cable network, a minimal mass solution for the pressure vessel can be found. We will show the necessary and sufficient conditions (involving material choices and cable network topology) for which a composite system, composed of a membrane and cable network, has less mass than a membrane alone. The main motivator for this study is a spin-stabilized pressurized space structure useful for artificial gravity habitats. To contain and support the membrane, we will optimize the topology of the class of prestressable structures called tensegrity. These structures are usually composed of a network of axially-loaded compressive and tensile members. In the pressurized examples of this paper, inflation provides the compressive forces, and hence the optimized tensegrity topology eliminates the compressive structures when they are not needed. The minimal mass designs herein produce easily-tunable prestressed networks, and control systems that allow deployment and stiffness tuning features. The minimal mass design of those structures, for different load combinations (pressure loads and centrifugal loads), produces a composite structure composed of membranes and cable network. Two different composite systems are analyzed and compared with simple uniform membranes: the first system is composed of a cylindrical membrane supported by circular ring cables, the second system is composed by a membrane surrounded by ring cables and longitudinal cables. The comparison of the minimal mass designs with the single continuous membrane clearly highlights the advantage of the composite systems made of high-performance materials. When the material of the membrane and cables are the same, there is no advantage to the composite system, but various requirements usually demand different properties of the membrane and cable material.
Exposure to Contaminated Drinking Water and Health Disparities in North Carolina.

Objectives. To examine drinking water quality in majority Black periurban neighborhoods in Wake County, North Carolina, that are excluded from nearby municipal water service and to estimate the health benefits of extending water service.Methods. We tested 3 samples collected July through December 2014 in 57 private wells for microbial contaminants. We compared contaminant prevalences to those in adjacent community water systems (35 280 samples from routine monitoring). Using a population intervention model, we assessed the number of annual emergency department visits for acute gastrointestinal illness that is preventable by extending water services to the 3799 residents of these periurban communities.Results. Overall, 29.2% of 171 private well samples tested positive for total coliform bacteria and 6.43% for Escherichia coli, compared with 0.556% and 0.00850% of municipal system samples. An estimated 22% of 114 annual emergency department visits for acute gastrointestinal illness could be prevented by ext...
Usefulness of the Linkage Concept to Understanding the Regulation of Rat Liver Phosphofructokinase

Although this tribute to Gregorio Weber has quite appropriately focused on the use of fluorescence methodologies in the study of macro-molecules, most of which he pioneered, it is perhaps also fitting to discuss other contributions to our current thinking regarding protein biophysics, that do not necessarily involve the exploitation of the fluorescence phenomenon, to which the Professor has made seminal contributions as well. I refer specifically to several papers (Weber, 1971, 1972, 1975), written in the early 1970’s, pertaining to protein ligand binding and the ramifications of the principles of linkage that must be satisfied when evaluating binding behavior. After a brief review of the points made in these papers, I would like to then discuss how the concept of linkage, as elaborated by Dr. Weber, has proven to be invaluable in providing a greater insight into the mechanisms governing the allosteric regulation of an enzyme of considerable interest to those studying the metabolic control of hepatic carbohydrate metabolism; namely, rat liver phosphofructokinase (PFK).
Beetles of Peru: a survey of the Families. Eucnemidae Eschscholtz, 1829

A checklist of the eucnemid beetles of Peru is presented, based on a literature survey and identification of specimens from two museums. The Peruvian fauna comprises ~107 species in 30 genera from eight tribes and three subfamilies. Nine genera are newly recorded for Peru. They include: Xylophilus Mannerheim 1823, Temnillus Bonvouloir 1871, Gastraulacus Guerin-Meneville 1843, Somahenecus Cobos 1964, Silveriola Cobos 1956, Onichodon Newman 1838, Cladus Bonvouloir 1872, Thambus Bonvouloir 1871 and Neomathion Fleutiaux 1930. Fifty-eight species are newly recorded for Peru. A familial diagnosis as well as notes on eucnemid habitat, collecting methods, and biology are provided. This contribution is part of the ‘Beetles of Peru’ project.
An evidence-based review of academic web search engines, 2014-2016: Implications for librarians’ practice and research agenda

Academic web search engines have become central to scholarly research. While the fitness of Google Scholar for research purposes has been examined repeatedly, Microsoft Academic and Google Books have not received much attention. Recent studies have much to tell us about the coverage and utility of Google Scholar, its coverage of the sciences, and its utility for evaluating researcher impact. But other aspects have been woefully understudied, such as coverage of the arts and humanities, books, and non-Western, non-English publications. User research has also tapered off. A small number of articles hint at the opportunity for librarians to become expert advisors concerning opportunities of scholarly communication made possible or enhanced by these platforms. This article seeks to summarize research concerning Google Scholar, Google Books, and Microsoft Academic from the past three years with a mind to informing practice and setting a research agenda. Selected literature from earlier time periods is included to illuminate key findings and to help shape the proposed research agenda, especially in understudied areas.
Rotator cuff healing using demineralized cancellous bone matrix sponge interposition compared to standard repair in a preclinical canine model.

This Level II study assessed clinically relevant outcomes for repair of large, retracted infraspinatus tendons (ISTs) using a demineralized bone matrix (DBM) sponge (FlexiGraft) hydrated in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) versus direct repair in a validated canine model. Adult research dogs (n = 10) were used. The IST was transected in each shoulder (n = 20) and randomized to direct repair or repair with DBM-PRP interposition at 4 weeks posttransection. At 12 weeks postrepair, dogs were sacrificed, and the repair evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), histology, and biomechanical testing. MRI and histology scores were significantly (P < 0.05) better in the DBM-PRP shoulders. Biomechanical testing revealed significantly improved strength of the DBM-PRP repairs at 5 mm and 10 mm of displacement, as well as for ultimate failure load. In this canine model of retracted IST repair, DBM-PRP sponge hydrated in PRP was considered safe and effective. In addition, use of DBM-PRP was associated with improved MRI and histologic appearance, and improved strength compared to direct repair. Clinical Significance: Based on reported failure rates for repair of large, retracted rotator cuff tears, improving tendon-to-bone healing is critical. Use of DBM combined with PRP shows potential for addressing this critical clinical need. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved
Effects of hypothermia on drug absorption.

The in situ rat gut technique was used to study the effects of hypothermia on the intestinal absorption of a 1 mg/ml solution of sodium pentobarbital in 0.01 M phosphate buffer (pH 6.0). Male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing between 300 and 370 g were exposed to an atmosphere of helox (helium:oxygen, 80:20) at 0–4°C for 5 hr. This procedure lowers the rectal temperature of the rats from 38 to 20°C. The animals were prepared for surgery using ether as anesthetic after their rectal temperature reached 20°C. Water flux in and out of the intestinal lumen was estimated from tritiated polyethylene glycol 4000 concentrations in the perfusate. The disappearance rate constant of pentobarbital from the intestinal lumen was 0.0638 ± 0.007 min−1 for hypothermic rats, in comparison to 0.114 ± 0.0123 min−1 for normothermic rats.
Atrial Fibrillation and the Weekend Effect Regarding Cardioversion, Length of Stay, Readmission, and Mortality.

Background The weekend effect is a phenomenon in which worse outcomes have been found to occur over the weekend. This has been investigated in the context of stroke, ST-elevation myocardial infarction, and pulmonary embolism among others. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia, and admissions for AF have been increasing. However, few studies exist investigating the existence of a weekend effect regarding AF. Previous studies have been limited by a pragmatic but unrealistic definition of the weekend starting at midnight on Friday and ending midnight on Sunday. In addition, the studies that exist have conflicting data regarding outcomes of mortality and length of stay (LOS). Methods Over a 5-year period, 3233 patients with a primary diagnosis of AF were admitted to an academic center. A retrospective analysis was performed to determine rates of cardioversion, 30-day readmission, 30-day mortality, LOS, and time to cardioversion among patients admitted over the weekend compared with those admitted during the work week. Weekend was defined as the 48-hour period, including Saturday and Sunday. Results Baseline demographics and common risk factors were found to be equivalent in weekend admissions compared with weekday admissions. These characteristics were found to be equivalent in those who underwent cardioversion and those who did not. There was no statistically significant difference between groups in odds of cardioversion, 30-day readmission, or 30-day mortality. Difference in mean LOS and mean time to cardioversion was not statistically significant between groups. Conclusion In conclusion, a weekend effect was not identified regarding AF in an academic hospital.
Epidemiological and aetiological characteristics of hand, foot and mouth disease cases 2011–2017 in Yixing, China

Objectives: Aim to find the epidemiological and aetiological characteristics of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) cases in Yixing.Methods: All HFMD cases reported in China information for disease...
Full gene HLA class I sequences of 79 novel and 519 mostly uncommon alleles from a large United States registry population.

HLA class I assignments were obtained at single genotype, G-level resolution from 98 855 volunteers for an unrelated donor registry in the United States. In spite of the diverse ancestry of the volunteers, over 99% of the assignments at each locus are common. Within this population, 52 novel alleles differing in exons 2 and 3 are identified and characterized. Previously reported alleles with incomplete sequences in the IPD-IMGT/HLA database (n = 519) were selected for full gene sequencing and, from this sampling, another 27 novel alleles are described.
Effects of Quality Improvement and Upgrading on Software Market Disruption

Digital goods, such as software, are significant elements of the contemporary digital economy. The authors propose a model that characterizes dynamic profit-maximizing competitive pricing strategies of digital goods with network effects. In a two-period game theory model, an incumbent firm has a quality advantage in period 1, but the potential disrupter has a quality advantage in period 2. They analyze pricing strategies and characterize conditions under which the potential disrupter becomes an actual disrupter. They discuss implications for user adoption of digital goods and opportunities for future research.
Future Directions of Work Analysis

This book has sought to take a forward-look approach to work analysis. More specifically, the approach has sought to recognize the two major components of work analysis, in response to the emergence of knowledge work. In doing so, readers should realize by now that work analysis has moved well beyond the techniques associated with the Industrial Era. With the advent of knowledge work across most jobs, work analysis has undergone much change, moving forward to meet the challenges of today’s workplace. Today, work analysis has a far wider range of uses than ever before. What hasn’t changed is the fundamental principle that documenting what people do in the workplace remains an important activity in organizations. Now, there is a need to understand work analysis in the looming digital age, and how work analysis can be used to consider how to meet the challenges that it presents. Now it seems prescient to extend that information into the future practice of work analysis. Many authors are recognizing the digital age as being truly unique and disruptive compared to past economic ages, simply because of the influence of information and communications technology and likely advances in artificial intelligence.
The Swinging Pendulum in Treatment for Hypothyroidism: From (and Toward?) Combination Therapy

Thyroid hormone replacement for hypothyroidism can be achieved via several approaches utilizing different preparations of thyroid hormones, T3, and/or T4. "Combination therapy" involves administration of both T3 and T4, and was technically the first treatment for hypothyroidism. It was lauded as a cure for the morbidity and mortality associated with myxedema, the most severe presentation of overt hypothyroidism. In the late nineteenth and the early Twentieth centuries, combination therapy per se could consist of thyroid gland transplant, or more commonly, consumption of desiccated animal thyroid, thyroid extract, or thyroglobulin. Combination therapy remained the mainstay of therapy for decades despite development of synthetic formulations of T4 and T3, because it was efficacious and cost effective. However, concerns emerged about the consistency and potency of desiccated thyroid hormone after cases were reported detailing either continued hypothyroidism or iatrogenic thyrotoxicosis. Development of the TSH radioimmunoassay and discovery of conversion of T4-to-T3 in humans led to a major transition in clinical practices away from combination therapy, to adoption of levothyroxine "monotherapy" as the standard of care. Levothyroxine monotherapy has a favorable safety profile and can effectively normalize the serum TSH, the most sensitive marker of hypothyroidism. Whether levothyroxine monotherapy restores thyroid hormone signaling within all tissues remains controversial. Evidence of persistent signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism during levothyroxine monotherapy at doses that normalize serum TSH is mounting. Hence, in the last decade there has been acknowledgment by all thyroid professional societies that there may be a role for the use of combination therapy; this represents a significant shift in the clinical practice guidelines. Further bolstering this trend are the recent findings that the Thr92AlaD2 polymorphism may reduce thyroid hormone signaling, resulting in localized and systemic hypothyroidism. This strengthens the hypothesis that treatment options could be personalized, taking into consideration genotypes and comorbidities. The development of long-acting formulations of liothyronine and continued advancements in development of thyroid regenerative therapy, may propel the field closer to adoption of a physiologic thyroid hormone replacement regimen with combination therapy.
Pharma-Oncogenomics in the Era of Personal Genomics: A Quick Guide to Online Resources and Tools

The past two decades have seen unprecedented advances in the field of oncogenomics. The ongoing characterization of neoplastic tissues through genomic techniques has transformed many aspects of cancer research, diagnosis, and treatment. However, identifying sequence variants with biological and clinical significance is a challenging endeavor. In order to accomplish this task, variants must be annotated and interpreted using various online resources. Data on protein structure, functional prediction, variant frequency in relevant populations, and multiple other factors have been compiled in useful databases for this purpose. Thus, understanding the available online resources for the annotation and interpretation of sequence variants is critical to aid molecular pathologists and researchers working in this space.
Multiple linear and curvilinear regression and multifactor analysis of variance

Abstract This chapter addresses multiple linear regression, multiple testing bias, model diagnostics, adjusting for violation of assumptions, curvilinear regression, multiway analysis of variance (ANOVA), analysis of covariance, the relationship between regression and ANOVA, experimental design, and specialized forms of ANOVA.