cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of Environmental Factors on Trichogramma pretiosum Reared on Southwestern Corn Borer Eggs

We investigated the effect of constant temperature, fluctuating temperature, relative humidity, and photophase on Trichogramma pretiosum Riley developmental time, longevity, fecundity, and sex ratio. Equations describing developmental time were derived for all life stages using second-degree polynomials. The optimal developmental rate occurred at approximately 30°C for all life stages. Developmental thresholds for egg, larval, prepupal, and pupal stages, and for development from oviposition to adult, were 13.3, 10.3, 10.7, 13.7, and 13.1°C, respectively. Adult longevity was approximately 2 days under constant temperatures, with the exception of 17 and 35°C (7.67 and 0.60 days, respectively). Fecundity under constant temperature was 18.0 ova per female below 30°C and 9.0 ova per female above 30°C. Parasite sex ratios (male:female) were 1:1, 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, and 1:5 for host eggs containing 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 parasites, respectively. Median developmental time was affected only when the temperature fluctuated between 22 and 38°C. Fecundity and longevity were not significantly affected by the fluctuating temperatures included in the study. Developmental time at 20% RH was approximately 2 days longer than at 60 and 80% RH. Adult female longevity was also significantly longer at 20% RH. However, fecundity was significantly greater at 80% RH. Developmental time was increased under a 12 and 16 h photophase. Female longevity was significantly shorter under a 12 h photophase. Fecundity was unaffected by photophase.
Aircraft Fire Protection Developments by the Federal Aviation Administration (1940–1970)

Aircraft fire protection studies conducted by CAA/FAA from the DC-3 problems of 1940 to the most recent studies of the Boeing 720 and the Lockheed Jetstar are reviewed. The reasons for the changing emphasis from concern over powerplant fires in flight to concern over post-crash fires are discussed. Current studies of controlled flammability fuels, development of protection against burner-can burn-throughs, identification of interior materials of increased fire resistance and development of improved methods of crash firefighting are outlined.Copyright © 1970 by ASME
Subcritical Water Reactions of a Hardwood Derived Organosolv Lignin with Nitrogen, Hydrogen, Carbon Monoxide, and Carbon Dioxide Gases

Subcritical H2O at 365 °C is considered for lignin conversion, because H2O exhibits unusual properties at higher temperatures (i.e., decreased ion product and static dielectric constant), such that there is a high solubility for organic compounds. This high solubility for organic compounds is expected to apply to lignin for its conversion into high value transportation fuels, which may prove the effectiveness of integrated biorefineries. Experiments were conducted with hardwood derived Organosolv lignin, subcritical H2O (defined here as H2O at 365 °C and autogenous pressure), and various industrial gases (N2, H2, CO, and CO2 at a cold pressure of 500 psi) for 30 min to determine both lignin’s potential to generate value-added products (e.g., monomer compounds and methanol) without the need for a catalyst and the roles (if any) of the H2O and the gases in the reactions. The behavior of H2O at temperature (365 °C) and pressure within this research is expected to be similar to the behavior of supercritical H...
Maryblyt v. 7.1 for Windows: An Improved Fire Blight Forecasting Program for Apples and Pears

Turechek, W. W., and Biggs, A. R. 2015. Maryblyt v. 7.1 for Windows: An improved fire blight forecasting program for apples and pears. Plant Health Progress doi:10.1094/PHP-RS-14-0046. This article describes updates found in Version 7.1 of the fire blight prediction model Maryblyt, originally developed by Paul Steiner and Gary Lightner. In addition, a brief history of the development of the Maryblyt model is given. The article ends with examples comparing the
A Sinter-Resistant Catalytic System Fabricated by Maneuvering the Selectivity of SiO2 Deposition onto the TiO2 Surface versus the Pt Nanoparticle Surface

A triphasic catalytic system (Pt/TiO2–SiO2) with an “islands in the sea” configuration was fabricated by controlling the selectivity of SiO2 deposition onto the surface of TiO2 versus the surface of Pt nanoparticles. The Pt surface was exposed, while the nanoparticles were supported on TiO2 and isolated from each other by SiO2 to achieve both significantly improved sinter resistance up to 700 °C and outstanding activity after high-temperature calcination. This work not only demonstrates the feasibility of using a new triphasic system with uncovered catalyst to maximize the thermal stability and catalytic activity but also offers a general approach to the synthesis of high-performance catalytic systems with tunable compositions.
A non-autonomous insect piggyBac transposable element is mobile in tobacco

The piggyBac transposable element, originally isolated from a virus in an insect cell line, is a valuable molecular tool for transgenesis and mutagenesis of invertebrates. For heterologous transgenesis in a variety of mammals, transfer of the piggyBac transposable element from an ectopic plasmid only requires expression of piggyBac transposase. To determine if piggyBac could function in dicotyledonous plants, a two-element system was developed in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) to test for transposable element excision and insertion. The first transgenic line constitutively expressed piggyBac transposase, while the second transgenic line contained at least two non-autonomous piggyBac transposable elements. Progeny from crosses of the two transgenic lines was analyzed for piggyBac excision and transposition. Several progeny displayed excision events, and all the sequenced excision sites exhibited evidence of the precise excision mechanism characteristic of piggyBac transposase. Two unique transposition insertion events were identified that each included diagnostic duplication of the target site. These data indicate that piggyBac transposase is active in a dicotyledonous plant, although at a low frequency.
Reuseable Monolithic Nanoporous Graphite-Supported Nanocatalysts (Fe, Au, Pt, Pd, Ni, and Rh) from Pyrolysis and Galvanic Transmetalation of Ferrocene-Based Polyamide Aerogels

Polyamide aerogels with ferrocene as a monomer repeat unit were prepared in one step from ferrocene dicarboxylic acid and tris(4-isocyanatophenyl)methane. Pyrolysis at ≥800 °C yielded nanoporous carbons doped throughout with crystallites of α-Fe (about 50 nm in diameter), which in turn were shrouded in graphitic ribbons (<30 graphene layers thick). Transmetalation was carried out with aqueous solutions of Au, Pt, Pd, Rh, and Ni salts, via a path akin to galvanic corrosion, whereas graphitic ribbons separated anodes (α-Fe particles) from cathodes (defects along the ribbons). The new metallic phases formed clusters of smaller crystallites (10–20 nm in diameter) on the graphitic ribbons, leaving behind empty cage-like formations previously occupied by the Fe(0) nanoparticles. All metal-doped carbons were monolithic and over 85% porous. Catalytic activity was demonstrated with the oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde catalyzed with carbon-supported Au or Pt, the reduction of nitrobenzene by hydrazine t...
“Christ’s Vicar in the Theatre”

The popular newspapers that Galsworthy attacked for encouraging wartime jingoism were, particularly in the years just after the war, eager to print whatever they could by or about him. Galsworthy’s response was selective. He freely publicized PEN and internationalism. He generally refused requests for personal interviews, but would contribute to popular symposia on subjects he thought of as appropriately artistic, like a piece he wrote in 1920 for John O’London’s Weekly as part of a much longer article on what music meant to various authors. Galsworthy, unlike some of the authors who replied that they didn’t care about music at all, responded that music meant a great deal, “music is for me like poetry”, and wrote of his love for Gluck’s Orfeo, Franck’s Violin Sonata, and Chopin, adding that he hated Wagner.1 In great demand as a reviewer of other writers, Galsworthy almost always refused, claiming he was not an able critic. He would write prefaces for particular works he respected, especially those written by friends and relatives, like Hudson’s Green Mansions, Edward Garnett’s play Jeanne D’Arc, Ralph Mottram’s first novel, The Spanish Farm and Dorothy Ivens’ first collection of stories, The Golden Bird.
Administration of tauroursodeoxycholic acid prevents endothelial dysfunction caused by an oral glucose load

Postprandial hyperglycaemia leads to a transient impairment in endothelial function; however, the mechanisms remain largely unknown. Previous work in cell culture models demonstrate that high glucose results in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and, in animal studies, ER stress has been implicated as a cause of endothelial dysfunction. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that acute oral administration of tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA, 1500 mg), a chemical chaperone known to alleviate ER stress, would prevent hyperglycaemia-induced endothelial dysfunction. In 12 young healthy subjects (seven men, five women), brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) was assessed at baseline, and at 60 and 120 min after an oral glucose challenge. Subjects were tested on two separate visits in a single-blind randomized cross-over design: after oral ingestion of TUDCA or placebo capsules. FMD was reduced from baseline during hyperglycaemia under the placebo condition (-32% at 60 min and -28% at 120 min post oral glucose load; P 0.05 from baseline). Postprandial plasma glucose and insulin were not altered by TUDCA ingestion. Plasma oxidative stress markers 3-nitrotyrosine and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) remained unaltered throughout the oral glucose challenge in both conditions. These results suggest that hyperglycaemia-induced endothelial dysfunction can be mitigated by oral administration of TUDCA, thus supporting the hypothesis that ER stress may contribute to endothelial dysfunction during postprandial hyperglycaemia.
Geometrical Relationships, Polarimetry, and the Interferometer Measurement Equation

In this chapter, we start to examine some of the practical aspects of interferometry. These include baselines, antenna mounts and beam shapes, and the response to polarized radiation, all of which involve geometric considerations and coordinate systems. The discussion is concentrated on Earth-based arrays with tracking antennas, which illustrate the principles involved, although the same principles apply to other systems such as those that include one or more antennas in Earth orbit.
A city edge cloud with its economic and technical considerations

Multiple economic and technology trends suggest a rapidly growing edge infrastructure at the city level to complement the traditional cloud infrastructure. This paper sets forth the economic and technical issues that have motivated the architecture chosen and describes the city edge cloud architecture now being deployed by the US Ignite nonprofit.
Characteristics of Pharmacy Students Associated with a Successful PGY1 Residency Match

The pharmacy residency selection process is a complex one using both quantitative and qualitative metrics to assess the applicant. Though some literature exists about desired characteristics of an ideal applicant from a program perspective, little data exist about the student characteristics that predict a successful match. The objective of this study was to determine if match applicant demographics, pre-admission standardized test scores, and academic performance in pharmacy school affect match rate. This study was conducted at a large public school of pharmacy in the USA. Post-Graduate Year 1 (PGY1) residency match data and student characteristics were obtained over a 6-year time period. PGY1 match success per year was calculated as a proportion of students who were successfully matched in that year out of all the active applicants. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to assess the impact of student characteristics on match rate. Student characteristics influencing a successful residency match. In the multivariable analysis, PCAT-Chemistry (OR = 0.979, p = 0.0455), PCAT-Reading Comprehension (OR = 1.012, p = 0.0428), and final grade point average (OR = 9.847, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with match success. Student demographic characteristics did not influence match rate. Among PGY1 residency applicants, a higher GPA and better performance on the PCAT-Reading Comprehension subsection increased the likelihood of a successful PGY1 match over the study period. Higher performance on the PCAT-Chemistry subsection was associated with a lower success of matching.
Second generation O-alkyldithiocarbonates: Easy access to a new class of metalloligands

Abstract The second-generation xanthate ligand 4-PyCH 2 OCS 2 Na, consisting of a backbone functionalized O -alkyldithiocarbonate donor set, has been prepared. The reaction of this ligand with either Ph 3 SnCl or (Ph 3 P) 2 CuNO 3 yields the neutral monometallic complexes [4-PyCH 2 OCS 2 SnPh 3 ] and [4-PyCH 2 OCS 2 Cu(PPh 3 ) 2 ], respectively. These compounds were characterized by 1 H NMR and UV–Vis spectroscopies, and in solid state by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The structure of [4-PyCH 2 OCS 2 SnPh 3 ] consists of a mono-dimensional coordination polymer, formed by the monodentate coordination of the O CS 2 − group to the Sn(IV) center, in combination with the coordination of the pyridine group to an adjacent tin atom. In the case of [4-PyCH 2 OCS 2 Cu(PPh 3 ) 2 ], the xanthate ligand coordinates to the Cu(I) center in an isobidentate fashion, leaving the pyridine moiety free. These monometallic complexes act as metalloligands toward the [Rh 2 (OAc) 4 ] dimer, producing the tetrametallic derivatives [Rh 2 (OAc) 4 ]·2[4-PyCH 2 OCS 2 SnPh 3 ] and [Rh 2 (OAc) 4 ]·2[4-PyCH 2 OCS 2 Cu(PPh 3 ) 2 ], respectively. These compounds were investigated in solution phase using 1 H NMR and UV–Vis techniques, and it is proposed that the formation of the first compound proceeds via a two-step process, while the formation of the latter is a one-step process.
A new epitope-tagged Pkhd1 allele sheds light on fibrocystin signaling.

In this issue of Kidney International, Outeda et al. present a new epitope-tagged allele of murine Pkhd1 that allows the monitoring of functional fibrocystin in vivo from the extreme C-terminus of the molecule. This work also shows that the removal of two-thirds of the intracellular tail of fibrocystin does not result in cystogenesis in either the liver or kidney, with major implications for our understanding of Pkhd1 function and polycystic kidney disease in general.
Job demands, resources, and stress among staff in after school programs: Neighborhood characteristics influence associations in the job demands-resources model

Abstract After school programs have shown to be important for the safety and health of children. Although research has shown the influence of job stress on the performance of staff in after school programs, little is known about the sources of stress in this workforce and the extent to which neighborhood factors influence job-related stress for after school staff in urban environments. The current study sought to examine the job demands-resources model and the association of neighborhood characteristics with this model. The sample consisted of 94 park-based after school staff recruited from 30 separate parks in a large Midwestern city. Measures of job demands, job resources, and job stress were used in conjunction with the Child Opportunity Index, a measure of neighborhood opportunity. Increased job demands predicted increased job stress. Additionally, hierarchical linear modeling demonstrated that socio-economic opportunity and health opportunity influenced the association between job demands and job stress. Health opportunity influenced the association between job resources and job stress. Findings suggest that specific neighborhood characteristics may partially explain the associations between job demands, job resources, and job stress. As such, staff require adequate resources to meet job demands, within specific neighborhood contexts, to improve and sustain quality services.
Are Parents’ Ratings and Satisfaction With Preschools Related to Program Features?:

This study examines whether parents’ overall satisfaction with their child’s early childhood education (ECE) program is correlated with a broad set of program characteristics, including (a) observa...
Central Nervous System Infections

Infections of the nervous system are potential life-threatening and are caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Prompt recognition and treatment of a central nervous system (CNS) infection is crucial for patient survival, as these infections have a high morbidity and mortality. CNS infections include meningitis, encephalitis, and brain abscesses. This article seeks to detail the etiology, clinical course, diagnostic challenges, and treatment of CNS infections organized by infectious agent.
Use of hormone replacement therapy in Washington State: is prevention being put into practice?

BACKGROUND American women are using hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for long-term disease prevention, as well as symptom control, in increasing numbers. Our study examined the role of prevention in women's decisions to initiate HRT and their intended duration of therapy. METHODS We analyzed the mailed survey responses of 2023 women aged 50 to 70 years from the practices of 46 physicians in the Puget Sound region for knowledge and attitudes about HRT, current use, and intended duration of therapy. Multiple logistic regression was used to model current HRT use and intended treatment length. RESULTS A total of 71% of our respondents were using HRT. Women with osteoporosis, coronary heart disease (CHD), or risk factors for CHD were not more likely to be using HRT, and women with CHD or risk factors for CHD were not targeted by their physicians for discussion of HRT. Of women using HRT, 77% expected lifelong use, and this was not more common among women initiating HRT for disease prevention. CONCLUSIONS Despite the high rates of HRT use and expected lifelong duration, use of HRT for prevention was neither higher among women most likely to benefit nor a major determinant of expected lifetime use.
Use of Rapamycin in the Induction of Tolerogenic Dendritic Cells

Rapamycin (RAPA), a macrocyclic triene antibiotic pro-drug, is a clinically-utilized 'tolerance-sparing' immunosuppressant that inhibits the activity of T, B, and NK cells. Furthermore, maturation-resistance and tolerogenic properties of dendritic cells (DC) can be supported and preserved by conditioning with RAPA. Propagation of murine bone marrow (BM)-derived myeloid DC (mDC) in clinically relevant concentrations of RAPA (RAPA-DC) generates phenotypically immature DC with low levels of MHC and significantly reduced co-stimulatory molecules (especially CD86), even when exposed to inflammatory stimuli. RAPA-DC are weak stimulators of T cells and induce hyporesponsiveness and apoptosis in allo-reactive T cells. An interesting observation has been that RAPA-DC retain the ability to stimulate and enrich the regulatory T cells (Treg). Presumably as a result of these properties, alloantigen (alloAg)-pulsed recipient-derived DC are effective in subverting anti-allograft immune responses in rodent transplant models, making them an attractive subject for further investigation of their tolerance-promoting potential.
A programming course in bioinformatics for computer and information science students

We have created a course entitled "Representations and Algorithms for Computational Molecular Biology" with three specific goals in mind. First, we want to provide a technical introduction for computer science and medical information science students to the challenges of computing with molecular biology data, particularly the advantages of having easy access to real-world data sets. Second, we want to equip the students with the skills required of productive research assistants in molecular biology computing research projects. Finally, we want to provide a showcase for local investigators to describe their work in the context of a course that provide adequate background information. In order to achieve these goals, we have created a programming course, in which three major projects and six smaller assignments are assigned during the quarter. We stress fundamental representations and algorithms during the first part of the course in lectures given by the core faculty, and then have more focused lectures in which faculty research interests are highlighted. The course stressed issues of structural molecular biology, in order to better motivate the critical issues in sequence analysis. The culmination of the course was a challenge to the students to use a version of protein threading to predict which members of a set of unknown sequences were globins. The course was well received, and has been made a core requirement in the Medical Information Sciences program.
Mouse Liver Nicotinamide N-Methyltransferase:: cDNA Cloning, Expression, and Nucleotide Sequence Polymorphisms

Abstract Nicotinamide N -methyltransferase (NNMT) catalyzes the N-methylation of nicotinamide and structurally related compounds. We cloned mouse liver NNMT cDNA to make it possible to test the hypothesis that large differences among strains in levels of hepatic NNMT activity might be associated with strain-dependent variation in NNMT amino acid sequence. Mouse liver NNMT cDNA was 1015 nucleotides in length with a 792 nucleotide open reading frame (ORF) that was 83% identical to the nucleotide sequence of the human liver NNMT cDNA ORF. The mouse liver cDNA encoded a 264 amino acid protein with a calculated M r value of 29.6 kDa. NNMT cDNA ORF sequences were then determined in five inbred strains of mice with very different levels of hepatic NNMT enzymatic activity. Although multiple differences among strains in nucleotide sequence were observed, none altered encoded amino acids. cDNA sequences for C57BL/6J and C3H/HeJ mice, prototypic strains with “high” and “low” levels of hepatic NNMT activity, respectively, were then expressed in COS-1 cells. Both expression constructs yielded comparable levels of enzyme activity, and biochemical properties of the expressed enzyme, including apparent K m values for substrates and ic 50 values for inhibition by N 1 -methylnicotinamide, were very similar to those of mouse liver NNMT. Growth and development experiments were then conducted, which demonstrated that, although at 8 weeks of age average hepatic NNMT activity in C57BL/6J mice was 5-fold higher than that in C3H/HeJ mice, activities in the two strains were comparable by 30 weeks of age—indicating strain-dependent variation in the developmental expression of NNMT in mouse liver. These observations will serve to focus future studies of strain-dependent differences in murine hepatic NNMT on the regulation of the enzyme activity during growth and development.
THE STATISTICAL COMPUTING PORTION OF A GRADUATE EDUCATION PROGRAM IN STATISTICS

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the training of statisticians for employment in industry and government, with focus on the statistical computing portion of an overall training program. The computer-related education and training program for statistics students features an initial orientation to the basics of computer and statistical program package use, continuing reinforcement of this training in a wide variety of other statistics courses, special elective courses specific to computing, and possibly practical work experience in the area. Support is provided by availability of consultants in statistical computing, and academic training in computer science. Within this framework, all statistics students gain some knowledge about computer hardware and statistical software use. Interested students can continue study in the area in varying depths. It seems apparent that knowledge of computers and statistical computing is important to most statisticians. Given this fact, the program seems to embed itself fairly well into an overall educational program in statistics. Thus, implementation of the suggestions would almost surely not seriously disrupt the existing program in a statistics department that currently devotes little attention to computing.
Risk factors and outcomes of acute respiratory distress syndrome in critically ill patients with cirrhosis.

AIM Prior randomized controlled trials of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) excluded critically ill patients with cirrhosis. Data regarding risk factors for ARDS development and outcomes from ARDS in patients with cirrhosis are scarce. We sought to characterize outcomes from ARDS in patients with cirrhosis. METHODS An observational cohort of patients with cirrhosis admitted to an intensive care unit at a high-volume liver transplant center between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2014 were reviewed. ARDS cases were identified according to the Berlin definition. Potential risk factors were examined in multivariable logistic regression analysis for ARDS development. Outcomes including in-hospital mortality were compared between ARDS and non-ARDS patients. RESULTS A total of 559 patients met the inclusion criteria and 45 (8.1%) developed ARDS. Differences between ARDS and non-ARDS patients included sepsis, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease - Sodium score, and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score. In-hospital mortality was higher in cirrhotic patients with ARDS compared with those without ARDS (82.2% vs. 27.6%, P < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, acute-on-chronic liver failure (OR 8.69, 95% CI 2.28-33.18, P < 0.01) and shock on intensive care unit admission (OR 3.13, 95% CI 1.57-6.24, P = 0.001) were associated with ARDS development, whereas etiology of cirrhosis or alcohol use were not. CONCLUSIONS Acute-on-chronic liver failure and shock on intensive care unit admission were risk factors for ARDS development, whereas etiology of cirrhosis and alcohol were not. Mortality from ARDS was markedly increased in patients with cirrhosis. Early recognition and treatment for infection might be important for improving the high mortality in this group of patients.
P058 The importance of complete HLA-DQB1 sequences when typing beyond exon 2

Aim This study examined the variation observed when typing exons 2 + 3 of HLA-DQB1 using reverse sequence specific oligonucleotides (rSSO) as compared to typing exon 2 alone in volunteers from an unrelated hematopoietic stem cell donor program. New alleles and those with incomplete sequences were characterized with next generation sequencing (NGS) to update the IPD-IMGT/HLA database. Methods Samples were typed for HLA-DQB1 using One Lambda’s SSO LabType with additional phasing probes for exon 2 ( ∼ 50,000 donors) or for exons 2 + 3 ( ∼ 15,000). Full-length HLA-DQB1 sequences (40) were obtained using an Illumina platform and in-house protocol. Results Overall, 38 incomplete DQB1 alleles were identified and sequenced with NGS, including 6 that could only be detected by rSSO with exon 3 probes. The majority of these alleles appear only 1–2 times in the sample set and were not listed as common or well-documented in Mack et al. 2013. The addition of exon 3 in rSSO typing complicated analysis since many alleles lack sequence data for exon 3, and the software assumes no probe binding if there is no known sequence. An example is DQB1*06:08 ( ∼ 10), which binds to one of the exon 3 probes and therefore is not assigned (i.e., false positive). Two alleles showed discrepant results between rSSO and NGS due to novel sequences. The full-length sequences obtained for all alleles sequenced demonstrate high conservation of the regions outside of exon 2. Conclusions There are advantages and disadvantages from screening exons 2 + 3 of HLA-DQB1. It elucidates greater variation not identified from screening exon 2 alone but has a more complicated analysis due to incomplete DNA sequences. Updating the IPD-IMGT/HLA database is critical for improved accuracy. C. Masaberg: 7. Other (Identify); Company/Organization; Intellectual property typing workflow, One Lambda licensing. C.K. Hurley: 7. Other (Identify); Company/Organization; Intellectual property typing workflow, One Lambda licensing.
Binary and ternary LCD codes from projective spaces

We construct binary and ternary Linear Complementary Dual (LCD) codes with parameters [2n −∑ i=1s2ui + s − 1,n, 2n−1 −∑ i=1s2ui−1] 2 and [3n−1 2 ,n, 3n−1 − n] 3, where ui ≤ 2 and ∑i=1su i = n. Furt...
Continuous Activity Tracking Using a Wrist-Mounted Device in Adult Spinal Deformity: A Proof of Concept Study.

Background Sagittal imbalance in adult spinal deformity (ASD) likely influences balance and ambulatory capacity because of muscular demand, pain, and disability. Disability measures for ASD rely heavily on ambulatory function; however, current metrics may fail to fully capture its contribution. We sought 1) to determine the utility of continuous remote step count monitoring and activity tracking in ASD using a consumer-friendly accelerometer, and 2) to investigate trends and patterns both before and after surgical intervention. Case Description One patient with progressive ASD was enrolled. Daily step count (SC), distance traveled (DT), and levels of activity were measured using a wrist-mounted device for 17 months. Spinopelvic parameters were measured from standing radiographs. The patient underwent T4-ilium long-segment fusion for correction of progressive deformity (coronal cobb angle: 8°; sagittal vertical axis: 4 cm; coronal vertical axis: 2 cm); recovery was uneventful. The device was worn for 216 of 520 (41%) recorded days during waking hours, with an average SC of 5254 ± 2696 per day. SC (P Conclusions Wrist-mounted devices are a noninvasive and effective measure to track daily activity and ambulatory capacity of patients with spinal deformity. In a single case, progressive deformity correlated with worsening activity levels, whereas deformity correction improved SC and activity level. These results support remote activity monitoring as an exploratory outcome for future studies.
The electrostatic field between parallel asymmetric cylindrical conductors

In this paper, the electrostatic field between two parallel cylindrical conductors with different cross-sections, at known voltage difference, has been theoretically studied, in order to obtain analytical expressions for the electric potential and the electric field strength at any point in the space surrounding these conductors. By assuming conductors of infinite length, a problem with longitudinal symmetry is introduced. It is shown that this problem can be effectively treated in two dimensions by applying the method of image charges. The resulting analytic formulas can be applied in various high voltage applications, where the electric field stress is a key parameter.
Mexican Americans' diabetes symptom prevalence, burden, and clusters.

Abstract Aims Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), serious and increasingly prevalent among Mexican Americans, produces symptoms related to high and low glucose levels, medication side effects, and long-term complications. This secondary analysis explored symptom prevalence, differences among symptom burden levels, and how symptoms clustered. Methods Clinical measurements and survey data (demographic, quality of life, and the symptom subscale of the Diabetes Symptom Self-Management Inventory) collected from Mexican American adults with T2DM (n = 71) were analyzed for symptom prevalence, differences across levels of symptom burden, and symptom clusters. Agglomerative hierarchical and k-means clustering analyses were performed on a Gower matrix. Internal validation methods and rank aggregation were used to identify the best clustering method of the two techniques and to identify symptoms that clustered together. Results Participants reported mean = 14 symptoms; tiredness and trouble sleeping were most prevalent. People with high symptom burden had significantly lower quality of life and perceptions of worse diabetes severity. Hierarchical clustering produced three symptom clusters: cluster 1 = 9 symptoms (e.g. intense thirstiness, dry mouth); cluster 2 = 9 symptoms (e.g., itching skin, weight gain, noise or light sensitivity); cluster 3 = 13 symptoms (e.g., nervous, headache, trouble concentrating, and memory loss). Conclusion Mexican Americans with T2DM report several co-occurring symptoms. Quality of life is significantly worse for people with high symptom burden. Three distinct symptom clusters were identified. Studies with larger samples are needed to further diabetes symptom science. Clinicians should assess and address patients' co-occurring symptoms as a potential means of decreasing symptom burden and improving quality of life.
Chocolate Milk versus carbohydrate supplements in adolescent athletes: a field based study

The purpose of this study is to translate laboratory-based research on beverage-based supplements to a naturalistic, field setting in adolescent athletes. To this end, we tested the effects of two commercially-available drinks on strength in a field-based setting with both male and female high school athletes completing a summer training program. One hundred and three high school athletes completed the study (M age = 15.3, SD = 1.2; 70.9% male; 37.9% Afr. Amer.). Measures included a composite strength score (bench press + squat). Participants completed 1 week of pre- and post-testing, and 4 days per week of strength and conditioning training for 5 weeks. Participants were randomly-assigned to receive either CM or CHO immediately post-exercise. A 2 (group) × 2 (time) repeated measures ANOVA showed there was a significant main effect on time for increase in the composite strength score (p = .002, ŋp2 = .18). There was a significant interaction of composite strength score between groups, (p = .04, ŋp2 = .08). The CM group (12.3% increase) had significantly greater improvements in composite strength from pre- to post-test than CHO (2.7% increase). There were no differences in these results based on demographic variables. This is the first study comparing the impact of CM and CHO on athletic outcomes in an adolescent population in a field-based environment. CM had a more positive effect on strength development and should be considered an appropriate post-exercise recovery supplement for adolescents. Future research will benefit from longer study durations with larger numbers of participants.
Molecular Engineering of Structurally Diverse Dendrimers with Large Electro-Optic Activities.

To boost electro-optic (EO) performance, a series of multichromophore dendrimers have been developed based on higher hyperpolarizability (CLD-type) chromophore cores that have been used previously (FTC-type dendrimers). The multichromophore dendrimers were molecularly engineered to have either three arms, two arms, or one arm; long or short linkers; and a fluorinated dendron (FD) or tert-butyldiphenylsilyl (TBDPS) shell. The EO performance obtained by FDSD (poling efficiency = 1.60 nm2 V–2), based on succinic diester linkers, was higher than the analogue with longer adipic diester linkers and higher than the analogs with fewer chromophore moieties. Due to the shorter succinic diester linker and improved site isolation, the dendrimer chromophore with TBDPS groups exhibited enhanced glass-transition temperature (Tg = 108 °C) and comparable poling efficiency (1.62 nm2 V–2) to the FD-containing version. These neat EO dendrimers have a higher index of refraction (n = 1.75–1.84 at 1310 nm) than guest–host polym...
Ultrafast catalytic reduction of environmental pollutants in water via MOF-derived magnetic Ni and Cu nanoparticles encapsulated in porous carbon

Abstract The current study deals with the synthesis and development of nickel and copper-based nanocatalysts for NaBH4-mediated reduction of environmental pollutants. To achieve this, metallic Ni and Cu nanoparticles-embedded carbon sheets, namely as C@Ni and C@Cu, are synthesized through annealing of Ni-BDC and Cu-BDC metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) under an argon atmosphere at 600 °C. XRD analysis showed that the Cu-BDC and Ni-BDC MOFs convert completely to the corresponding C@Ni and C@Cu nanocatalysts upon annealing. SEM and TEM micrographs illustrated decoration of nanoscale metallic Ni and Cu nanoparticles over porous carbon sheets. Raman analysis of the C@Ni and C@Cu nanocatalysts illustrated the existence of carbon as graphite with D and G bands. Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM) measurements also revealed the superparamagnetic behavior of the C@Ni nanocatalyst. Their catalytic performance was tested for the catalytic reduction of environmental pollutants such as 4-nitrophenol, methyl orange and methylene blue. The obtained results from the catalytic studies are comparable with previously reported many other noble metal-based and transition metal-based nanocatalysts. Moreover, the catalytic performance of the developed catalysts dropped slightly (
Identification of two HCC phenotypes based on thrombocytopenia.

e14720 Background: Clinical phenotypes of small and larger HCCs are not well characterized. Aims. To characterize small HCC phenotypes. Methods: A cohort of 430 small HCCs that were diagnosed throu...
Methods for exosome isolation and characterization

Abstract Extracellular vesicles are released from cells under both physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Exosomes are a class of extracellular vesicles that originate from intraluminal membranes, and their diameters vary from 30 to 150 nm. Like hormones and cytokines, exosomes play a critical role in cell-cell communication. Proper methods for exosome isolation and characterization facilitate accurate downstream analyses. This review summarizes both conventional and novel techniques for exosome isolation and characterization as well as their advantages and limitations. Novel methods for fractionating exosome subsets, defining exosomal cargo, tracking exosomes in vivo, and determining whether a protein is associated with the inside or outside of exosomes are also included in this review.
Homotopy Types of Random Cubical Complexes

We study the topology of a random cubical complex associated to Bernoulli site percolation on a cubical grid. We begin by establishing a limit law for homotopy types. More precisely, looking within an expanding window, we define a sequence of normalized counting measures (counting connected components according to homotopy type), and we show that this sequence of random probability measures converges in probability to a deterministic probability measure. We then investigate the dependence of the limiting homotopy measure on the coloring probability $p$, and our results show a qualitative change in the homotopy measure as $p$ crosses the percolation threshold $p=p_c$. Specializing to the case of $d=2$ dimensions, we also present empirical results that raise further questions on the $p$-dependence of the limiting homotopy measure.
Back so soon? Characterizing emergency department use after trauma

Abstract Background Trauma readmissions have been well studied but little data exists regarding Emergency Department (ED) utilization following an injury. This study was performed to determine the factors associated with a return to the ED after trauma. Methods A retrospective review of all adult trauma patients evaluated between January and December of 2014 was performed. Demographics, follow-up plan, and characteristics of ED visits within 30 days of discharge were recorded. Predictive factors of ED utilization were identified using univariate analysis and multi-logistic regression. Results Fourteen percent of 1836 consecutive patients returned to the ED within 30 days of initial trauma. On multi-logistic regression, penetrating trauma (OR 2.15 p = 0.001), and scheduled follow-up (OR 1.81 p = 0.046) remained significant predictors. Conclusions Penetrating trauma victims are at increased risk of returning to the ED, most often because of wound or pain issues. Recognizing these factors allows for targeted interventions to decrease ED resource utilization.
“Eat to Live”-Piloting a Culinary Medicine Program for Head & Neck Radiotherapy Patients

Head and neck radiotherapy (H&N RT) patients are at risk for malnutrition following treatment due to dysphagia and alterations in taste quality. This project studied feasibility of a food skills intervention strategy support food preparation, cooking confidence, and individualized dietary choices to support nutritional status in this patient population. We piloted a monthly cooking class (called “Eat to Live”) from November 2018 to January 2019. Every class included cooking and nutrition domains, organized around a specific meal of the day (i.e., breakfast, lunch, or dinner). Seven participants (4 patients, 3 caregivers) attended at least one class, with four participants (3 patients, 1 caregiver) completing all three classes. Pre- and post-study measures (self-administered questionnaires) assessed changes in cooking behavior, dietary choices, and taste sensation before and after the intervention. Healthful eating scores increased modestly from start to finish of the class (1.5 to 1.7 on a 3-point scale), with averaged patient preference scores for healthy foods increasing incrementally. This took place despite physical taste scores declining across the 3-month study. After completing the class, participants were more likely to select fresh fruits and vegetables, grains, lean cuts of meat, and dairy products. Patients also adopted positive behavioral modifications to their diets, such as eating out at restaurants less often and baking/grilling foods instead of frying. To our knowledge, this is the first published report on feasibility and patient acceptance of an evidence-based culinary medicine intervention in H&N RT patients. We observed objective improvements in dietary choices and cooking confidence in a small cohort of patient/caregiver dyads. This pilot work justifies follow-on development of a more comprehensive intervention optimized for patient convenience and longitudinal support.
The fifty-four day thesis proposal: first experiences with a research course

Research traditionally is taught one-on-one as a student works with a faculty member to define, test, and defend a thesis. While guiding and supervising a publishable research project must require the specialized depth of a researcher current in the field, there are many aspects of research that are common across Computer Science and can be taught in a classroom setting. Such a course can be a precursor to the regular thesis process for those students committed to doing research, and it can be an aid in the decision process for those students still unsure as to whether or not to attend graduate school to tackle a thesis once there.This paper describes and discusses the first iteration of a research course presented to a mixed class of undergraduate and graduate Computer Science students. The course took place during in an eight-week compressed format and had the goal that every student would produce and defend a ten-to-twenty page thesis proposal.All students succeeded in producing and defending a plausible thesis. The small class size (ten students) allowed for a discussion format that revealed several unexpected misconceptions about various details of the research process. Students benefitted greatly from the opportunity to see others at the same stage in the process, and the instructor was able to provide a level of feedback that would not be possible with a larger class. Although the course would suffer from a larger class size, the experience shows that some economics of scale are possible in the early stages of learning to do research.
A Way Forward: Building Career and Postsecondary Pathways

Given that young people and many of the programs that serve them are disrupting the divide between college and career pathways, more robust integrated policy and practice is required at the federal, state, and local levels to build career and postsecondary pathways for young people. This affects the education space, as well as the public and private sectors. We advance bold policy suggestions that would support young people working and learning in the United States.
Sons of the Machine: Case Studies of Social Change in the Workplace

"Sons of the Machine" offers a humane and cogent look at industrial culture in Latin America. Through first-hand studies of the processes of social change at three Colombian factories it counters both literary and academic notions of "industrial man." It is a book that grew from Charles Savage's frustration and deep curiosity about the alienation among men and of men from their work in the oilfields of South America in the 1950s.Turning away from the business schools' and management scientists' answers, Savage undertook case studies of different sites in Colombia at different stages of industrial development. Visiting and living in these locations - Santuario, La Blanca, and Medellin-from 1960 to 1972, he laid the foundations for this moving and insightful portrait of the development of industrial man."Sons of the Machine" reveals the lives of the workers and their bosses in La Nueva, one of the small potteries in Santuario, in the single factory (also a pottery) in La Blanca, and in the menswear factory of El Dandy in the large metropolitan center of Medellin. It shows that among the issues that inevitably arise in the process of industrialization are conflict between management's preferred organization of production and the worker's social organization both in an out of the workplace, the conflict of efficiency and standardization with craft values, and the tension caused by the introduction of new technology. The result is a rich portrayal of the process of structural change in the societies and economies of village, town, and city. The studies show that these changes sometimes occur in rapid bursts during a short period of time rather than slowly and continuously over long periods as the conventional wisdom holds.The late Charles Savage held faculty positions at MIT, Boston College, Harvard University, and lnstituto Centroamericano de Administracion des Empresas (INCAE). George F. F. Lombard has revived Savage's work, drawn his conclusions together in the context of recent scholarship, and provided a substantial introduction to this book. He is Louis E. Kirstein Professor of Human Relations, Emeritus, at Harvard University. Sons of the Machine is included in the Organization Studies Series, edited by John van Maanen.
‘Codeine crazy:’ a content analysis of prescription drug references in popular music

Prescription drug misuse (PDM) is a national problem in the U.S., particularly effecting youth ages 16–25. Drug-related messages in music are one known predictor of substance use for this populatio...
Energetics of Salt-Bearing Sodalites, Na8Al6Si6O24X2 (X = SO4, ReO4, Cl, I): A Treatment Option for Pertechnetate-Enriched Nuclear Waste Streams

An alternative option for treating anion-enriched reprocessed nuclear waste streams is to immobilize technetium-99 (99Tc, β = 293.7 keV, t1/2 = 2.1 × 105 years) and other anions in micro- and mesop...
Early Adverse Childhood Experiences and Self-Control Development among Youth in Fragile Families:

Though considerable research links both a lack of self-control and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) to a variety of negative health and behavioral outcomes, few studies to date have explored wh...
An in-situ Raman study on the oxidation of mackinawite as a corrosion product layer formed on mild steel in marginally sour environments

Abstract An in situ Raman flow loop with flow cell was developed to enable observation of the mackinawite corrosion product layer generated in marginally sour environments with traces of oxygen ingress. As a result, the mackinawite corrosion product layer was found to be oxidized into magnetite in the solution when [O2](aq) > 3 ppb(w), which was linked to the pitting initiation of mild steel (API X65) in marginally sour environments. The 2D precursor of nano-crystal mackinawite, the chemisorption FeS layer, Sads (Fe), was detected by ex situ Raman microscopy.