cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Feasibility Experimental Study of Pyrite as a Solar Cell Materials

Experiments carried out on pyrite ultraviolet,visible,infrared spectroscopy,to obtain pyrite full spectrum of sunlight absorption rate data.On this basis we have focused on the dye-sensitized solar cells photocathode Experimental Research.I prepared a thin film solar cells of pyrite and graphite for the solar cell photocathode solar cells,the characterization of various thin-film morphology.Finally,we have the performance of each battery were measured comparison.Then expect that the pyrite is a possible substitute of the Silicon as the cardinal photovoltaic semiconductor material to prepare for the solar cell.
Clarity, Unbelief, and Inexcusability

Satan the apostate tries to convince the other angels that perhaps they are eternal, without beginning, like God. If so, they are equal to God and God’s law does not rule over them. This chapter develops further Hodge’s view of faith and reason, and the relationship between philosophy and theology. Hodge claims that the Bible is clearer than general revelation. This is not the same as saying that the Bible is redemptive revelation needed because of the rejection of clear general revelation.
PreGrasp Pose Estimation of Objects Using Local Sensors on Dexterous Hands

In order to successfully grasp an arbitrary object, one must know the pre-grasp position and orientation (pose) of the targeted object. This knowledge may help propose a grasping strategy which will ensure grasping, increase the stability of the grasp, and provide a grasp which will either not require further manipulation of the object or will make manipulation of the object easier. The pose estimation problem is the determination of the pose of an object based on sensor data. The sensor data is generated by simulating the response of noncontact proximity sensors having spherical detection ranges. The pose of the object is solved using the concept of triangulation to derive the equations and a nonlinear least-squares technique to solve for the unknown sensor parameters and object frame location relative to the reference frame. For simplicity, the object is modeled as spherical.
Poster 132: Use of Alendronate to treat osteoporosis in boys with muscular dystrophy: a report of 3 cases.1

Abstract Setting: Tertiary care pediatric hospital. Patients: 2 boys with Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy (DMD), ages 11 and 12 years, and 1 boy with Becker’s muscular dystrophy (BMD), age 11 years. All boys are ambulatory for a portion of the day. Case Descriptions: Baseline bone mineral density of the lumbar spine and femoral neck were assessed using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Results revealed significant osteoporosis at the femoral neck, with a mean z score (SD using age- and sex-matched peers) of −3.73 (range, −3.16 to −4.42). Results at lumbar spine revealed mean z score of −1.14 (range, −1.6 to 0.82). Because all subjects were having frequent falls, parents and physicians felt aggressive treatment was necessary to prevent fractures. Oral alendronate was initiated at 45mg weekly for 6 months. Assessment/Results: All 3 subjects tolerated the medication without side effects. There were no gastrointestinal complaints. Follow-up DXAs performed after 6 months of treatment revealed improvements at the femoral neck in all 3 subjects, with a mean improvement in z score of 0.94 (range, 0.3–1.33) representing an improvement of almost 1 SD. There was improvement at the lumbar spine, with a mean change of 0.28 (range, −0.45 to 1.11). Discussion: Osteoporosis is problematic in boys with DMD and becomes more severe as the disease progresses. The high incidence of fractures in this group of boys is likely due to osteoporosis. This is the first known report on the use of alendronate in children with DMD or BMD in the treatment of osteoporosis. Conclusion: In this small case series, weekly oral alendronate over 6 months was effective in improving bone mineral density in boys with DMD and BMD. A prospective, randomized, double-blinded study is underway.
Clean Hands and Strict Liability: Clarifying the Mens Rea Standard When Prosecuting Servicemembers for Errors in Military Pay

For the men and women of our military, errors in their paychecks are just like rubbery eggs in the chow hall or a downpour during a field exercise ― they are all just a normal part of wearing the uniform. Archaic computer systems and labyrinthine regulations cause servicemembers to be overpaid or underpaid with alarming frequency. However, ambiguities in the Uniform Code of Military Justice’s (UCMJ) larceny statute mean that military lawyers often misapply the mens rea element in the narrow but common subset of cases where a servicemember is overpaid but did nothing to cause the overpayment. Too many servicemembers face the threat of prosecution for overpayments even though they have clean hands.This Article proposes revisions to the Manual for Courts-Martial to provide clearer guidance to commanders and military lawyers regarding mens rea in pay and benefits overpayment cases. With the current sense of urgency among lawmakers who are considering changes to the military justice system, the timing is right to correct this lingering source of confusion and bring uniformity to how overpayments are prosecuted across the force.
Performance of Emergency Department Screening Criteria for an Early ECG to Identify ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

BackgroundTimely diagnosis of ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in the emergency department (ED) is made solely by ECG. Obtaining this test within 10 minutes of ED arrival is criti...
Statistical Anomaly Detection via Composite Hypothesis Testing for Markov Models

Under Markovian assumptions, we leverage a central limit theorem for the empirical measure in the test statistic of the composite hypothesis Hoeffding test so as to establish weak convergence results for the test statistic, and, thereby, derive a new estimator for the threshold needed by the test. We first show the advantages of our estimator over an existing estimator by conducting extensive numerical experiments. We find that our estimator controls better for false alarms while maintaining satisfactory detection probabilities. We then apply the Hoeffding test with our threshold estimator to detect anomalies in two distinct applications domains: One in communication networks and the other in transportation networks. The former application seeks to enhance cyber security and the latter aims at building smarter transportation systems in cities.
Development of a self-directed, online-learning curriculum to increase community-engaged research in clinical and translational science.

Background Medical research strives to improve health; community-engaged research (CEnR) supports translation to the community. Methods This article describes the use of andragogical theory to develop asynchronous CEnR training. Results A total of 43 researchers and community members completed at least one module. The majority (67%–100%) stated that training met their educational needs and noted a desire for more information. Conclusion The curriculum reinforced CEnR principles to enhance medical research.
Neutronic Evaluation of a Liquid Salt–Cooled Reactor Assembly

AbstractThis study presents a thorough parametric neutronic analysis of a plate-based tristructual isotropic (TRISO) fuel particle bearing liquid salt–cooled reactor assembly. The analyses presented investigated the effects of altering fuel enrichment, packing fraction, plate region thicknesses, assembly structure thicknesses, assembly size, numbers of plates per assembly, use of burnable poison materials, replacement of assembly and plate carbon material with silicon carbide, and use of uranium nitride fuel kernels. The effects or trends observed included reactivity behavior, discharge burnup, cycle length, and other key design parameters such as moderator temperature coefficients, coolant density coefficients, control blade worth, and impacts upon power peaking (i.e., power and flux distributions).This study is based upon two-dimensional lattice physics calculations involving the SERPENT 2 code and by using the nonlinear reactivity model as a reasonable tool for predicting discharge burnup. The reported...
Inflammation and Cancer: The Role of Lipid Signaling in the Continuum Between Two Ends of the Tumor Spectrum

Inflammation and cancer have a long and contentious history. Currently, there are two lenses through which the role of inflammation in cancer can be viewed. Substantial evidence suggests that inflammation can not only propagate, but even initiate cancer pathogenesis. However, emerging studies indicate that inflammation may alternatively enhance host containment and destruction of tumorigenic cells. Herein, we explore how our understanding of inflammation in cancer has evolved, from the first identification of excessive inflammation in tumors two millennia ago to the complex association between inflammation and cancer pathogenesis with the recent emergence of immune-harnessing cancer therapies. We discuss the dynamic roles of various immune cells, cytokines, and specific lipid autacoid signaling in cancer, focusing on fatty acid-derived lipid mediators such as prostaglandin E2. We contrast the pro-tumorigenic and anti-tumorigenic functions of immune cells and lipid mediators, while highlighting how their functions can be dramatically altered by the tumor microenvironment.
Freeze–thaw processes and intense rainfall: the one-two punch for high sediment and nutrient loads from mid-Atlantic watersheds

Large runoff, sediment, and nutrient exports from watersheds could occur due to individual extreme climate events or a combination of multiple hydrologic and meteorological conditions. Using high-frequency hydrologic, sediment, and turbidity data we show that freeze–thaw episodes followed by intense winter (February) rainstorms can export very high concentrations and loads of suspended sediment and particulate organic carbon (POC) and nitrogen (PN) from mid-Atlantic watersheds in the US. Peak suspended sediment (> 5000 mg L−1), POC (> 250 mg L−1) and PN (> 15 mg L−1) concentrations at our 12 and 79 ha forested watersheds for the February rainfall-runoff events were highest on record and the fluxes were comparable to those measured for tropical storms. Similar responses were observed for turbidity values (> 400 FNU) at larger USGS-monitored watersheds. Much of the sediments and particulate nutrients likely originated from erosion of stream bank sediments and/or channel storage. Currently, there is considerable uncertainty about the contribution of these sources to nonpoint source pollution, particularly, in watersheds with large legacy sediment deposits. Future climate projections indicate increased intensification of storm events and increased variability of winter temperatures. Freeze–thaw cycles coupled with winter rain events could increase erosion and transport of streambank sediments with detrimental consequences for water quality and health of downstream aquatic ecosystems.
Fora do que se acredita existir: a Terra em perspectiva multidimensional

What should intellectuals make of mad, “irrational” religion today? And in what way is anthropology needed to reach that understanding? These questions are addressed apropos of the case of Barbara Marciniak, a once-popular New Age spirit medium, or “channel,” for what she conceives of as extraterrestrials from the Pleiades. An examination of her conception of thought leads to an approach called “the anthropology of concepts”, which focuses on the parts of Marciniak’s thinking that diverge from modern thought.
Der Dur-Moll-Kontrast in der italienischen Triosonate

Im Zuge der Ausbildung der harmonischen Tonalitat im Verlaufe des 17. Jahrhunderts gewinnt die Beziehung zwischen einer Grundtonart und ihrer ›Paralleltonart‹ zunehmend an Bedeutung. Dieser Prozes wird am Beispiel der Entwicklung der italienischen Triosonate in der zweiten Jahrhunderthalfte untersucht. Im Hinblick auf Moll-Ausweichungen in Durtonarten und den Moll-Dur-Kontrast als Eroffnungstopos in langsamen Moll-Satzen werden Werke verschiedener Komponistengenerationen miteinander verglichen. Dabei ergeben sich folgende Resultate: In Dur-Stucken last sich die Tonart der VI. Stufe nicht auf entsprechende Kadenzstufen der duralen Modi zuruckfuhren, ist aber dennoch haufiges Ziel von Ausweichungen. Die Wendung zur Tonart der III. Stufe kommt erst gegen Ende des Jahrhunderts in Mode, obwohl es sich um eine Kadenzstufe im modalen System handelt. In Moll-Stucken lost die Dur-Transposition einer Anfangsphrase (in Moll) allmahlich die entsprechende Wiederholung in der Molltonart der V. Stufe ab. Die bereits im 16. Jahrhundert u.a. bei bestimmten Skalenmodellen (Folia, Romanesca) signifikante Klangfolge ›Moll-Dur‹ reprasentiert erst im spateren 17. Jahrhundert einen Ausdrucksgegensatz der neuen ›Tongeschlechter‹. Einige kompositionsgeschichtliche Konsequenzen dieser Entwicklungen werden mit einem knappen Ausblick auf die Modulationsordnung im Suiten- und Sonatensatz bis zur Epoche der ›Wiener Klassik‹ skizziert.
Mixed Lubrication and Lubricated Wear

This review attempts to update our current analytical understanding of the macro-scale lubrication variables such as the average film thickness, lubricant and contact pressures, shear stress, and surface temperature, as well as the micro-scale random variables induced by the randomly distributed asperity contacts. Attention is first given to the all important average film thickness which controls the degree of asperity contacts, and the intensity and extent of the contacting pressure and temperature. Early developments of average Reynolds equation using average flow factors offer a convenient way to determine the effects of surface roughness height and the lay orientation on the average film thickness. However, recent numerical simulations of elastohydrodynamic line and point contacts with longitudinal or transverse rough ridges have shown these early models seem to yield a much larger roughness effect particularly for transverse roughness operating at a low lambda, the ratio of the average film thickness to the composite roughness. In the light of these numerical simulations and some recent experimental results of film thickness and friction in mixed lubrication, an assessment is given to the possible limitations of the average flow model and some possible reasons for the overestimate. The development of accurate models for the asperity contact pressure and temperature as functions of lambda is important for determining the hydrodynamic to contact load and friction ratios as well as the asperity contact temperature distribution in mixed lubrication. A brief review is also given to recent advancements in this area. Even though theories of mixed lubrication are not fully matured, there have been some limited successes in applying them to predict lubricated wear and wear transition to scuffing in elastohydrodynamic contacts. A recent wear model in mixed lubrication is also discussed
Undergraduate nursing students' lived experience of health: a phenomenological study.

In order to function as promoters of health, nursing students first need to examine their own meaning of health. A phenomenological study was conducted to explore 56 undergraduate nursing students' lived experience of health. Using Van Kaam's (1966) phenomenological methodology, three necessary constituents of health emerged: optimal unfolding, peaceful contentedness, and perpetual vigilance. These necessary constituents were synthesized into a valid description of the total experience of health as perceived by undergraduate nursing students, i.e., the experience of health is basking in peaceful contentedness permeated by optimal unfolding and perpetual vigilance. Implications for both nursing students and faculty are discussed.
Premenstrual Syndrome: Studies in Interdisciplinary Problem-Solving

On September 17, 1984, 22 professionals from the United States, Canada, and Great Britain convened at the Albert Greenfield Center at SugarLoaf in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for five days of intensive discussion. The disciplinary composition of the full group is schematically presented in Figure 1. This group included lawyers, but their subject would not be limited to the law; it included physicians and biomedical researchers, but their contributions would not be limited to medical concerns; the group included professors, but their discussions would not be constrained to the academic area. Among the latter were philosophers, sociologists, psychologists, ethicists, criminologists, and feminists, whose contributions, like those of the physicians and lawyers, would not. be limited to their parochial concerns. Moreover, what made this gathering truly unique was the participants’ mutual purpose of reciprocal education and the subsequent mutual goal of working together as a problem-solving team on the basis of shared interdisciplinary information. Their focus would be on the premenstrual syndrome as an example of a bio-psycho-social behavioral complex about which considerable uncertainty remains, and yet regarding which numerous demands for specific concrete responses are made upon the biomedical, legal, and social science disciplines.
Exclusion Limits on Hidden-Photon Dark Matter Near 2 neV from a Fixed-Frequency Superconducting Lumped-Element Resonator

We present the design and performance of a simple fixed-frequency superconducting lumped-element resonator developed for axion and hidden-photon dark matter detection. A rectangular NbTi inductor was coupled to a Nb-coated sapphire capacitor and immersed in liquid helium within a superconducting shield. The resonator was transformer-coupled to a DC SQUID for readout. We measured a quality factor of ∼40,000 at the resonant frequency of 492.027 kHz and set a simple exclusion limit on ∼2 neV hidden photons with kinetic mixing angle e ≳ 1.5 × 10−9 based on 5.14 h of integrated noise. This test device informs the development of the Dark Matter Radio, a tunable superconducting lumped-element resonator which will search for axions and hidden photons over the 100 Hz to 300 MHz frequency range.
Consilivm Cvivsdam ex Animo Cvpientis Esse Consvltvm et Romani Pontificis Dignitati et Christianae Religionis Tranqvillitati

As we have already seen, Erasmus had carefully prepared the way for the proposal that the Lutheran affair be settled by a court of arbitration 1). In the Consilium cuiusdam the plan, hitherto expressed only in general terms, appeared for the first time in a definite and practicable form. It marked the consummation of the Erasmian policy, the point toward which the humanist had been working for the preceding two years. Yet the name of Erasmus did not appear in connection with the Consilium; nor did he ever assume full responsibility for it. For several reasons he did not wish it to appear that he had taken the initiative in originating the scheme. His safety had already been threatened by the inquisitors, and he wished to avoid the necessity of presenting the plan in person at Worms 2). Moreover, his neutrality had been compromised, despite his protests that he knew and cared nothing about Luther, by the indiscreet publication of some of his letters and by the noticeable similarity of his works to those of the reformer. Aleander and many others considered him the guiding spirit of the new movement.
Singularities of quadratic differentials and extremal Teichmüller mappings defined by Dehn twists

Let S be a Riemann surface of finite type. Let ω be a pseudo-Anosov map of S that is obtained from Dehn twists along two families {A,B} of simple closed geodesics that fill S. Then ω can be realized as an extremal Teichmuller mapping on a surface of the same type (also denoted by S). Let ϕ be the corresponding holomorphic quadratic differential on S. We show that under certain conditions all possible nonpuncture zeros of ϕ stay away from all closures of once punctured disk components of S∖{A,B}, and the closure of each disk component of S∖{A,B} contains at most one zero of ϕ. As a consequence, we show that the number of distinct zeros and poles of ϕ is less than or equal to the number of components of S∖{A,B}.
Monteggia Fracture-Dislocation: Ulna and Radius Fixation

The treatment of patients with Monteggia fractures should begin with a discussion regarding postsurgical expectations and the high risk of complications in order to maximize patient satisfaction. In the operating room, a stepwise approach should be taken in order to turn complex fracture patterns into simpler, more manageable ones. Mini fragment plates can be considered as a reduction tool to help accomplish this. Stabilization of the radius fracture and reduction of the radial head can aid in gauging anatomic length of comminuted ulna fractures. To maintain stability of the radial head, restoration of ulnohumeral joint and ulnar length is required. After surgery, early active range of motion is essential in preventing stiffness.
RevUrb: Understanding Urban Activity and Human Dynamics through Point Process Modelling of Telecoms Data

Vibrant public spaces which consistently attract dense and diverse populations while hosting continuous social activity are an integral part of any successful urban district. The design of such places has motivated the efforts of urban planners and decision makers for centuries. In recent decades, data-driven and analytical approaches to evaluate the performance of public spaces have begun to emerge. In particular, the recent emergence of Location-Based Services data from mobile phones has created opportunities for detailed modelling of urban behavior. Previous applications of such data to urbanism have been exploratory and have occasionally lacked rigorous statistical modelling. In this paper, the relationship between physical and functional characteristics of urban environments and the propensity for dense clusters of activity to form is examined. Activity clusters are identified using a density based clustering algorithm. These clusters are modelled as the realization of an Inhomogeneous Poisson Process (IPP), where the density of the process varies in space in association with the urban features. The IPP intensity was found to be positively associated with amenities such as shopping and entertainment, the availability of parking and bus stops and the presence of natural water features. The intensity was negatively associated with the distance from the city centre and streets and with presence of hotels. Ultimately, this study suggests a methodology of ‘reversed urbanism’, where statistical relationships can offer an evidence-based approach to urban design, planning and decision making.
Pain and Complications Following Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate Harvested From the Iliac Crest in Foot and Ankle Surgery.

Background Autologous bone graft is the gold standard in orthopedics, with the iliac crest the most common harvest site. In an attempt to minimize morbidity with open bone graft harvest from the iliac crest and still maintain the benefit of collecting and transplanting live cells and growth factors, bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) from the iliac crest has become increasingly popular. However, any harvest procedure can potentially cause pain and complications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and complications of BMAC from the iliac crest for use in foot and ankle fusion procedures. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed on all patients who underwent BMAC harvest from the iliac crest with their foot or ankle procedure by 1 of 4 fellowship-trained surgeons (2014-2017) with a minimum of 6-month follow-up. Patients were evaluated for complications, pain, and functional limitation secondary to the harvest. The final outcome follow-up was conducted using a specifically designed telephone questionnaire to assess patient satisfaction. A total of 55 patients were included, with a median age of 58 years (range 31-81 years) and 69% were women. Results Out of 55 patients, 52 (94.5%) reported good to excellent results, and satisfaction with the procedure at the time of the questionnaire. Three patients reported persistent complications and some element of dissatisfaction after 6 months. Some patients reported transient complications (hematomas and numbness) that eventually resolved. Fifty percent of patients reported some element of immediate post-operative pain. However, at the time of final follow-up, only 2 reported persistent pain at the harvest site lasting up to 6 months, but it was not activity limiting. Conclusion BMAC harvest is a safe procedure with a high rate of patient satisfaction and minimal morbidity. Levels of evidence Level IV: Case series.
Neuroprogression across the Early Course of Psychosis

Psychotic disorders are severe, debilitating, and even fatal. The development of targeted and effective interventions for psychosis depends upon on clear understanding of the timing and nature of disease progression to target processes amenable to intervention. Strong evidence suggests early and ongoing neuroprogressive changes, but timing and inflection points remain unclear and likely differ across cognitive, clinical, and brain measures. Additionally, granular evidence across modalities is particularly sparse in the “bridging years” between first episode and established illness—years that may be especially critical for improving outcomes and during which interventions may be maximally effective. Our objective is the systematic, multimodal characterization of neuroprogression through the early course of illness in a cross-diagnostic sample of patients with psychosis. We aim to (1) interrogate neurocognition, structural brain measures, and network connectivity at multiple assessments over the first eight years of illness to map neuroprogressive trajectories, and (2) examine trajectories as predictors of clinical and functional outcomes. We will recruit 192 patients with psychosis and 36 healthy controls. Assessments will occur at baseline and 8- and 16-month follow ups using clinical, cognitive, and imaging measures. We will employ an accelerated longitudinal design (ALD), which permits ascertainment of data across a longer timeframe and at more frequent intervals than would be possible in a single cohort longitudinal study. Results from this study are expected to hasten identification of actionable treatment targets that are closely associated with clinical outcomes, and identify subgroups who share common neuroprogressive trajectories toward the development of individualized treatments.
Online monitoring and control of a cyber-physical manufacturing process under uncertainty

Recent technological advancements in computing, sensing and communication have led to the development of cyber-physical manufacturing processes, where a computing subsystem monitors the manufacturing process performance in real-time by analyzing sensor data and implements the necessary control to improve the product quality. This paper develops a predictive control framework where control actions are implemented after predicting the state of the manufacturing process or product quality at a future time using process models. In a cyber-physical manufacturing process, the product quality predictions may be affected by uncertainty sources from the computing subsystem (resource and communication uncertainty), manufacturing process (input uncertainty, process variability and modeling errors), and sensors (measurement uncertainty). In addition, due to the continuous interactions between the computing subsystem and the manufacturing process, these uncertainty sources may aggregate and compound over time. In some cases, some process parameters needed for model predictions may not be precisely known and may need to be derived from real time sensor data. This paper develops a dynamic Bayesian network approach, which enables the aggregation of multiple uncertainty sources, parameter estimation and robust prediction for online control. As the number of process parameters increase, their estimation using sensor data in real-time can be computationally expensive. To facilitate real-time analysis, variance-based global sensitivity analysis is used for dimension reduction. The proposed methodology of online monitoring and control under uncertainty, and dimension reduction, are illustrated for a cyber-physical turning process.
Ureteral Stent Encrustation: Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, Management and Current Technology

Purpose:Encrustation is a common phenomenon that can occur following placement of a ureteral stent into the urinary tract, and it can lead to serious complications. The following review addresses t...
Landowner perceptions of woody plants and prescribed fire in the Southern Plains, USA

Grassland environments face a number of threats including land use change, changing climate and encroachment of woody plants. In the Southern Plains of the United States, woody plant encroachment threatens traditional agricultural grazing economies in addition to grassland dependent wildlife species. Numerous studies have examined the physical drivers of conversion from grassland to woodland but social drivers may be equally important to understanding the causes of and prescriptions for environmental degradation. In this paper, we report the results of a survey of landowners in the Southern Plains of Texas and Oklahoma in which we asked participants to estimate the current amount of woody plant cover on their land, their preferred amount of woody plant cover and about their perspectives regarding the use of prescribed fire for managing woody plants. Prescribed fire is ecologically and economically one of the most effective tools for maintaining grasslands but many landowners do not use this tool due to lack of knowledge, lack of resources and concerns over safety and legal liability. We found that while most of our respondents did express a desire for less woody plant cover on their land, woody plant preference did not affect landowner's use of prescribed fire. However, belonging to a prescribed burn association and owning larger properties were correlated with increased use of prescribed fire. Woody plant cover preference was significantly influenced by landownership motivations, with hunters and other recreational motivated landowners preferring more trees and ranchers preferring fewer. This is important because throughout most of our study area, there has been a steady shift from agricultural production to amenity or recreational landownership, a trend that may undermine efforts to restore or maintain open grasslands. Future outreach efforts to promote prescribed fire to maintain grasslands should more actively support prescribed burn associations, which is an effective vehicle for increasing prescribed fire use by private landowners.
Personal perspective: bootless.

Given an opportunity to chronicle the experience of traversing America as a Black man, I elect to convey a less frequently told vantage point. This is the perspective of the ‘accomplished’ bootless.
Clinical Response to COVID-19 and Utilization of an Emergency Dental Clinic in an Academic Institution.

Abstract Introduction The spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the spring of 2020 resulted in the temporary suspension of elective dental procedures and clinical dental education in academic institutions. This study describes the use of the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine emergency dental clinic during the peak surge in COVID-19 cases in Massachusetts, highlighting the number of endodontic emergencies. Methods Aggregate data from clinical encounters and call records to an emergency triage phone line from March 30 through May 8, 2020, were used to describe the characteristics of dental emergencies, clinical encounters, and procedures performed. Results A total of 466 patient interactions occurred during this period, resulting in 199 patients advised by phone and 267 clinical encounters. The most common dental emergencies were severe dental pain from pulpal inflammation (27.7% of clinical encounters) followed by a surgical postoperative visit (13.1%). The most frequent procedures were extractions (13.9% of clinical encounters) and surgical follow-up (13.5%); 50.2% of the clinical encounters were categorized as aerosol generating, and 86.1% of encounters would have required treatment in a hospital emergency department if dental care was not available. There were no known transmissions of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 among clinic providers, patients, or staff during this period. Conclusions These results highlight the importance of endodontic diagnosis and treatment in the provision of emergency dental care during a pandemic and demonstrate that dental treatment can be provided in a manner that minimizes the risk of viral transmission, maintaining continuity of care for a large patient population.
Repurposing Cholinesterase Inhibitors as Antidepressants? Dose and Stress-Sensitivity May Be Critical to Opening Possibilities

When stress becomes chronic it can trigger lasting brain and behavioral changes including Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). There is conflicting evidence regarding whether acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) may have antidepressant properties. In a recent publication, we demonstrated a strong dose-dependency of the effect of AChEIs on antidepressant-related behavior in the mouse forced swim test: whereas the AChEI donepezil indeed promotes depression-like behavior at a high dose, it has antidepressant-like properties at lower doses in the same experiment. Our data therefore suggest a Janus-faced dose-response curve for donepezil in depression-related behavior. In this review, we investigate the mood-related properties of AChEIs in greater detail, focusing on both human and rodent studies. In fact, while there have been many studies showing pro-depressant activity by AChEIs and this is a major concept in the field, a variety of other studies in both humans and rodents show antidepressant effects. Our study was one of the first to systematically vary dose to include very low concentrations while measuring behavioral effects, potentially explaining the apparent disparate findings in the field. The possibility of antidepressant roles for AChEIs in rodents may provide hope for new depression treatments. Importantly, MDD is a psychosocial stress-linked disorder, and in rodents, stress is a major experimental manipulation for studying depression mechanisms, so an important future direction will be to determine the extent to which these depression-related effects are stress-sensitive. In sum, gaining a greater understanding of the potentially therapeutic mood-related effects of low dose AChEIs, both in rodent models and in human subjects, should be a prioritized topic in ongoing translational research.
A second life for wine grapes: Discovering potentially bioactive oligosaccharides and phenolics in chardonnay marc and its processing fractions

Abstract Chardonnay marc (pomace), an agricultural waste product, has demonstrated significant potential health benefits in previous studies. This study represents the first comprehensive chemical characterization of chardonnay marc, its seed and seedless fractions, and a seed extract to uncover the bioactive compounds inducing their observed health benefits. Chardonnay marc and its processing fractions' gross composition (i.e. protein, lignin, fat, carbohydrates, polysaccharides), phenolic contents, and oligosaccharide profiles were determined. The chardonnay seeds contained higher quantities of protein, fat, and polysaccharides than the seedless marc while the seedless marc contained more total carbohydrates and sugars. All samples had abundant phenolics with the seed extract being the most concentrated (34.72 ± 0.13 mg/g). (−)-Gallocatechin was the most abundant phenolic in the marc (1.4905 ± 0.0393 mg/g) and seedless marc (0.94 ± 0.04 mg/g), and (−)-epicatechin was the most concentrated phenolic in the seeds (9.4093 ± 0.1018 mg/g) and seed extract (14.22 ± 0.09 mg/g). Thirty-six distinct oligosaccharides were discovered between the four samples with three to nine degrees of polymerization and eleven distinct monosaccharide subunits. Overlap existed between the samples’ oligosaccharides with six of the same hexose and hexose-pentose oligosaccharides present in all. Each sample, however, had a distinct oligosaccharide profile such as with eight oligosaccharides unique to the seed extract.
Histoplasmosis in an off-trail Hiker receiving ustekinumab: Implications for Preventive and diagnostic strategies for patients receiving anti-IL-12/23 therapy

Ustekinumab, an IL-12/23 inhibitor, is an important agent in treatment of inflammatory bowel disease and psoriasis. Clinical trials have not demonstrated significantly increased infection risk with ustekinumab. We report a case of disseminated histoplasmosis in the setting of ustekinumab and methotrexate following a hike in the Catskill Mountains, a region not commonly associated with Histoplasma encapsulatum. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of newly acquired histoplasmosis complicating treatment with ustekinumab.
COVID-19 Pandemic and the Cholecystitis Experience at a Major Urban Safety-Net Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Acute cholecystitis is a common reason for emergency general surgery admission. The declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic may have resulted in treatment delays and corresponding increases in severity of disease. This study compared cholecystitis admissions and disease severity pre- and postdeclaration of pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of adult acute cholecystitis admissions (January 1,2020-May 31, 2020). Corresponding time periods in 2018 and 2019 comprised the historical control. Difference-in-differences analysis compared biweekly cholecystitis admissions pre- and postdeclaration in 2020 to the historical control. Odds of increased severity of disease presentation were assessed using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Cholecystitis admissions decreased 48.7% from 5.2 to 2.67 cases (RR 0.51 [0.28,0.96], P = 0.04) following pandemic declaration when comparing 2020 to historical control (P = 0.02). After stratifying by severity, only Tokyo I admissions declined significantly postdeclaration (RR 0.42 [0.18,0.97]), when compared to historical control (P = 0.02). There was no change in odds of presenting with severe disease after the pandemic declaration (aOR 1.00 [95% CI 0.30, 3.38] P < 0.99) despite significantly longer lengths of symptoms reported in mild cases. CONCLUSIONS: Postpandemic declaration we experienced a significant decrease in cholecystitis admissions without corresponding increases in disease severity. The pandemic impacted healthcare-seeking behaviors, with fewer mild presentations. Given that the pandemic did not increase odds of presenting with increased severity of disease, our data suggests that not all mild cases of cholecystitis progress to worsening disease and some may resolve without medical or surgical intervention.
The social psychological dynamics of transgender and gender nonconforming identity formation, negotiation, and affirmation:

This study contributes to trans identity affirmation research by exploring transgender and gender nonconforming (GNC) identity formation, negotiation, and affirmation involving self-verification (r...
The DNP: A Descriptive Study of Student Experiences and Factors Contributing to Pursuing this Degree

Since 2004 discourse pertaining to a terminal clinical degree in nursing has increased nationally, however few articles were found that discussed why advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) were choosing to pursue this degree, and their lived experiences while doing so. This descriptive, qualitative research study aimed to identify contributing factors in the decision to pursue the DNP degree, and to explore the experiences of DNP student experiences. Rogers’ theory of diffusion of innovations (2003) guided the study. Snowball recruitment led to seven participants from who data was collected using email conversations. Five major themes were identified: (1) personal development, (2) achieving personal goals, (3) professional advancement, (4) program attibutes and (5) relationship with others. Implications exist for the nurse contemplating this degree, for faculty who educate APRNs, and for program directors as they structure learning environments and recruit new enrollees. Recommendations include the clarification of the DNP role in the delivery of healthcare services, to identify why so few of the respondents intend to use this degree in clinical practice, and for future research into how online nursing programs can use technology to effectively teach DNPs.
Electrostatically coupled micromechanical beam filters

This paper presents a new electrical coupling technique for implementation of high-order narrow-bandwidth programmable bandpass filters using micromechanical resonators. The concept of electrostatic coupling of closely-spaced microresonators for filter synthesis is introduced and its electromechanical modeling is presented. The electrostatic coupling approach eliminates the need for any physical coupling element in between the resonators and provides the highest degree of tunability and design flexibility among the available filter synthesis approaches. Low frequency single crystal silicon prototypes of second order electrostatically coupled filters have been successfully implemented and characterized. Filter quality factors as high as 6,800 (0.015%BW) with more than one decade of bandwidth tunability are demonstrated in a second order electrostatically coupled beam filter with a center frequency of 170 kHz.
Functions Holomorphic in a Region

a) The function \(g(z)\mathop = \limits^{{\text{def}}} f(z) - f(z) - f'(a)z\) is such that g′(a) = 0 whence g is not injective near a, i.e., near a there are two points b, c such that g(b) = g(c), whence the conclusion.
Approaching the slepian-wolf boundary using practical channel codes

We propose a method that allows the use of practical error correcting codes of fixed length to achieve performance close to the Slepian-Wolf boundary without the use of explicit time-sharing arguments
Reaction mechanism of the direct gas phase synthesis of H2O2 catalyzed by Au3

The gas phase reaction of molecular oxygen and hydrogen catalyzed by a Au(3) cluster to yield H(2)O(2) was investigated theoretically using second order Z-averaged perturbation theory, with the final energies obtained with the fully size extensive completely renormalized CR-CC(2,3) coupled cluster theory. The proposed reaction mechanism is initiated by adsorption and activation of O(2) on the Au(3) cluster. Molecular hydrogen then binds to the Au(3)O(2) global minimum without an energy barrier. The reaction between the activated oxygen and hydrogen molecules proceeds through formation of hydroperoxide (HO(2)) and a hydrogen atom, which subsequently react to form the product hydrogen peroxide. All reactants, intermediates, and product remain bound to the gold cluster throughout the course of the reaction. The steps in the proposed reaction mechanism have low activation energy barriers below 15 kcalmol. The overall reaction is highly exothermic by approximately 30 kcalmol.
A new model for substrate heat spreading to two convective heat sinks: Application to the BGA package

The thermal heat conduction from a circular heat source to a circular conductive substrate exposed to distinct convective heat sinks on its upper and lower surfaces is treated rigorously by formally solving a mixed boundary value problem through the singular integral equation technique. The effects of the two heat sinks are consolidated into one effective heat sink that is derived by application of a current source transformation to the DC circuit representation of the problem. The utility of the model is shown by applying it to a compact thermal model of a ball grid array (BGA) package.
Effects of designed tubular porosity on compressive strengths of honeycomb ceramics

Three-dimensional honeycomb porous ceramics were fabricated using the fused deposition process. The structures were designed to have a controlled interconnected porosity. Elastic interactions between pores of honeycomb ceramic materials were then evaluated for different pore parameters using the finite element modeling (FEM) approach. The FEM results were compared experimentally with the compressive failure strengths of the honeycomb ceramics. The effect of relevant pore parameters on the compressive strength was studied. An analytical fracture mechanics based approach is presented for comparison with the FEM to reflect on the relative importance of pore parameters for different volume fractions of porosity. A detailed insight is also provided into the interrelation between various porosity parameters, mechanical behavior and design of these structures.
Do Zero Correlations Really Exist among Measures of Different Intellectual Abilities

Whether measures of different intellectual abilities are positively intercorrelated has been a topic of interest and debate since the turn of the century. The data from an article by Guilford pivotal to this debate are reexamined. It is argued that, contrary to the original claim of the article, the data set of over 7,000 correlations does not provide support for the existence of zero correlations among tests of intellectual abilities.
High dose cyclophosphamide performs better than monthly dose cyclophosphamide in quality of life measures

In spite of current therapies, the overall health status of patients with SLE is poor. High-dose cyclophosphamide (50 mg/kg for 4 days) with or without stem-cell rescue has been introduced as a new therapy for severe SLE, including renal and central nervous system (CNS)-SLE. Long-term durable responses have been found to be 40%. A randomised clinical trial was completed comparing high-dose cyclophosphamide with monthly intravenous cyclophosphamide (750 mg/m squared bovine serum albumin) in patients with SLE who need cyclophosphamide for the first time. The primary outcome of the trial was complete clinical response. In this report, we compare the treatment groups with respect to quality of life. The patients in this study had a mean age of 35.3 +/- 10.1 years, were of Caucasian (35%), African-American (51%), Hispanic (8%) and Asian (6%) people, and 88% were women. The organ leading to treatment was renal lupus in 29%, CNS-lupus in 45% and other organs in 26%. Quality of life was measured at each visit using the Medical Outcome Study Short-Form 36 (SF-36). At 6 months, the patients in the high-dose cyclophosphamide trial arm had significantly greater improvement than patients in the monthly intravenous cyclophosphamide arm (P = 0.026; P = 0.0082, respectively) in the categories of general health and social functioning. At 18 months, the improvement in the role-physical score was significantly greater in the high-dose cyclophosphamide trial arm than in the monthly-dose cyclophosphamide arm (P = 0.025). At the end of the two and a half-year study, there were no significant differences between the groups with respect to changes in SF-36. By pooling the groups, at 30 months, there was a statistically significant (P < 0.05) improvement over baseline in 6 of the 8 SF-36 domains. This study shows earlier improvement in SF-36 measures at 6 months in the high-dose cyclophosphamide group but equal improvement in both arms at two and one and a half years. Eventual improvements in quality-of-life with both cyclophosphamide regimens are clinically meaningful to both patients and treating physicians.