cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An evaluation of friction and impact induced acoustic behaviour of selected automotive materials, Part II: impact induced acoustics

Rattle/impact induced noises represent an automotive industry concern because they affect both the consumer's perception and warranty expense. This paper attempts to evaluate impact induced noise. The mechanical properties of Polypropylene (PP), Aluminum (Al), Magnesium (Mg), steel, brass, and Polyamide 66 (nylon 66) (PA or PA66) samples were determined and rated against their acoustic signature when subjected to an impact event. Next, the sound recordings were used in a jury study to compare rattle behaviour and the loudness metric of N5 in sones was the single factor that had the best subjective to objective correlation.
Electron Field Emission from Aluminum Nitride

AlN has been identified as a candidate material for cold cathode field emitters due to its purported negative electron affinity (NEA) surface. Recent studies by our group on AlN(0001) using angle-resolved ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (ARUPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) have indicated that AlN(0001) is a positive electron affinity surface. We have also investigated electron field emission behavior of AlN and pure Al films grown on Si. AlN and Al films were grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) and transported via an ultra-high vacuum (UHV) integrated processing system (IPS) to an electron emission measurement system (EEMS). The reference Al film on Si showed characteristic Fowler-Nordheim behavior with a turn-on field of 120V/μm (defined at 10μA-cm-2) and ∼100μA-cm-2 emission at 140V/μm. The AlN film also showed Fowler-Nordheim behavior with a turn-on field of 60V/μm and ∼10mA-cm-2 at 100V/μm. Air exposure of the AlN film caused a shift in turn-on to 90V/μm and ∼0.1mA-cm-2 at 100V/μm. The I-V behavior of the AlN film is consistent with the ARUPS results on a different AlN sample - both indicating a positive electron affinity AlN surface.
Organizational Socialization and Group Development: Toward an Integrative Perspective

It is suggested here that conceptual similarities between organizational socialization and group development, as well as the frequently simultaneous occurrence of these two processes, necessitate an integrative treatment of socialization and group development. Stage models of socialization and group development are compared, and three processes common to both are identified as one means of integration. Three specific research ideas that acknowledge these process linkages are offered as suggestions for future research.
Diamonds: geology, gemmology, technology

Diamonds – rough stones, cut stones, host rocks, historical jewellery, contemporary jewellery, and hi-tech materials – were the stars of an exhibition at the Natural History Museum in London in 2005, the biggest of its kind the Museum had ever staged. Why diamonds are so rare, how they have been valued through history, and the links between the unique properties of diamond and its use were the key themes of the exhibition.
NEIGHBORHOOD AND DELINQUENCY: AN ASSESSMENT OF CONTEXTUAL EFFECTS*

The sociological perspectives which helped formulate the study of delinquency and continue to underlie more specific conceptual frameworks—Social Disorganization, Subculture, and Labeling—point to the importance of contextual effects in the dynamics explaining delinquent and criminal behavior. Yet, systematic examination of such effects has been all but neglected. This paper delineates and empirically assesses neighborhood characteristics postulated to represent contextual factors affecting individual delinquency and criminality. Data were collected from a stratified random sample of adolescent males drawn from 12 New York City neighborhoods. The initial model, designed to refine hypotheses specifying community contextual effects, exhibits a highly satisfactory fit to the data. The framework underscores the importance of considering distinct community contextual effects as well as individual-level effects. Two neighborhood-level factors, the effects of which are quite distinct, are important: the community's level of organizational participation and the extent of disorder and criminal subculture. The indirect and direct effects of these factors are elaborated in relation to three measures of de1inquency—namely, self-reported, officially recorded, and severe self-reported delinquency.
Elemental composition of marine Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus: Implications for the ecological stoichiometry of the sea

The elemental composition of marine cyanobacteria is an important determinant of the ecological stoichiometry in low-latitude marine biomes. We analyzed the cellular carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) contents of Prochlorococcus (MED4) and Synechococcus (WH8103 and WH8012) under nutrient-replete and P-starved conditions. Under nutrient-replete conditions, C, N, and P quotas (femtogram cell 21 ) of the three strains were 46 6 4, 9.4 6 0.9, and 1.0 6 0.2 for MED4; 92 6 13, 20 6 3, and 1.8 6 0.1 for WH8012; and 213 6 7, 50 6 2, 3.3 6 0.5 for WH8103. In P-limited cultures, they were 61 6 2, 9.6 6 0.1, and 0.3 6 0.1 for MED4; 132 6 6, 21 6 2, and 0.5 6 0.2 for WH8012; and 244 6 21, 40 6 4, and 0.8 6 0.01 for WH8103. P limitation had no effect on the N cell quota of MED4 and WH8012 but reduced the N content of WH8103. The cellular C quota was consistently higher in P-limited than in nutrient-replete cultures. All three strains had higher C : P and N : P ratios than the Redfield ratio under both nutrient-replete and P-limited conditions. The C : N molar ratios ranged 5‐5.7 in replete cultures and 7.1‐7.5 in P-limited cultures; C : P ranged 121‐165 in the replete cultures and 464‐779 under P limitation; N : P ranged 21‐33 in the replete cultures and 59‐109 under P limitation. Our results suggest that Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus may have relatively low P requirements in the field, and thus the particulate organic matter they produce would differ from the Redfield ratio (106C : 16N : 1P) often assumed for the production of new particulate organic matter in the sea. The marine cyanobacterium Prochlorococcus is a small photosynthetic prokaryote (diameter, 0.5‐0.8 mm) that is
Online college education for computer-savvy students: a study of perceptions and needs

With new technologies and cyberspace-literate students, distance education has been in high demand and more schools are getting into online education. As such, understanding the needs of current and prospective learners has become especially important for success in the new millennium. Based on the learners’ needs and current technology status, this study provides a review on the feasibility of online education for modern students in a developed nation. Based on the survey of 203 undergraduate students, this research provides an assessment of their views, needs, and wants for the feasibility of offering online courses and programs. Such demographic variables as gender, ethnicity and education demonstrated statistically significant results. Recommendations are provided for administrators to enhance their online offerings as a result of the feedback from students. The document further explores online education, online operation, and other such variables that impact the success of students in higher education.
Development and maintenance of FR escape with titrated reinforcement

High fixed-ratio grid escape behavior was developed and maintained when a titrated reinforcement procedure was used in the acquisition of a lower ratio. FR20 developed in one session was maintained as long as 170 sessions. Escape responding remained consistent when the schedule was raised to FR40, FR60, and even FR80.
A MAGNETORHEOLOGICAL SEMI-ACTIVE ISOLATOR TO REDUCE NOISE AND VIBRATION TRANSMISSIBILITY IN AUTOMOBILES

The demand for low cost, quiet operation, and increased operator comfort in automobiles and other applications is requiring that new techniques be developed for noise and vibration isolation. One a...
Evaluation of an ensemble dispersion calculation

Abstract A Lagrangian transport and dispersion model was modified to generate multiple simulations from a single meteorological dataset. Each member of the simulation was computed by assuming a ±1-gridpoint shift in the horizontal direction and a ±250-m shift in the vertical direction of the particle position, with respect to the meteorological data. The configuration resulted in 27 ensemble members. Each member was assumed to have an equal probability. The model was tested by creating an ensemble of daily average air concentrations for 3 months at 75 measurement locations over the eastern half of the United States during the Across North America Tracer Experiment (ANATEX). Two generic graphical displays were developed to summarize the ensemble prediction and the resulting concentration probabilities for a specific event: a probability-exceed plot and a concentration-probability plot. Although a cumulative distribution of the ensemble probabilities compared favorably with the measurement data, the resulti...
Types and Stages of Fetal Anoxia

Anoxia means lack of adequate oxygenation. There are four types of anoxia (Figs. 4 and 5) that may interfere with the mechanism of oxygenation and cause inadequate ventilation of the fetus.
Large eddy simulation of the near wake of a rectangular wing

A model of the initial conditions in the near wake of a rectangular wing is devised to investigate mechanisms of turbulence production in the spiral wake around the core of a tip vortex. The model consists of a streamwise vortex sheet whose strength is found from Prandtl lifting line theory. Spanwise vorticity is represented by a Gaussian streamwise velocity profile that is superimposed on the field of the vortex sheet. The integrated spanwise vorticity of this profile is zero. The model is then used to initialize the flow field for temporal large-eddy simulation of the instabilities of the spanwise vorticity during roll up. The results show that the sinuous mode prevails in the spiral wake around the core. The strength and streamwise length scale of the instability vary along the wake because of the continuous variation in its thickness. The large scale structures produced by the instability of the spiral wake cause the formation of undulations on the core consistent with the hypothesis of Devenport et al. (1996).
Combined Effects of Differential Irrigation and Feeding Injury by the Citrus Red Mite (Acari: Tetranychidae) on Gas Exchange of Orange Leaves

Experiments were done to determine the combined and potentially interacting effects of differential irrigation and feeding damage by the citrus red mite, Panonychus citri McGregor, on gas exchange of orange (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) leaves. Individual trees within a 40-yr-old grove were differentially irrigated at 80, 100, or 120% of their calculated evapotranspirational (ET) demand and differentially treated with acaricides in a factorial design. Gas exchange of orange leaves was measured at about 28-d intervals during the summer of 1987. Peak mite densities on acaricide-free trees were more than three times greater than the conventional treatment threshold, whereas peak densities on acaricide-treated trees just slightly exceeded this threshold. Gas exchange was significantly affected by irrigation and was generally highest in the 120% ET treatment. Gas exchange was generally independent of mite densities, and there was no interaction between irrigation and mite feeding on rates of gas exchange. Results suggest that for highest gas exchange rates, it may be more important to maintain irrigation levels close to or slightly above forecast ET levels than to suppress mite populations to their conventional, “visible-injury” treatment threshold.
Mechanical Principle and Designing Running Shoe Innovation

By applying mechanical principles the mechanical functions of the nails of the running shoes, the mechanical property of the materials for making the shoes and the integration of the shoe foot system were studied. The new idea of designing the running shoe innovation was established. The results showed that the mechanical functions of the running shoes were affected by the shape, numbers, distribution style of the nails and the angles between nails and the bottom of the shoes. The proper material for making the shoe bottoms effectively amortizes the action of the ground to the body in the phase of push forward. And in the phase of push backward the second utilization of energy would be produced. The integration of the shoe foot system would influence results. It was suggested that the characteristics of the individuation of the runner should be embodied in the new idea of designing the running shoe innovation.
Influence of habitat attributes on density of Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana) in agricultural ecosystems

In agriculturally fragmented ecosystems, mesopredators play dominant roles in food webs through scavenging. We examined the influence of habitat attributes associated with carrion on local Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana Kerr, 1792) density in an agricultural landscape. We conducted opossum mark–recapture in 25 forest patches from 2005 to 2010, which represented the most extensive sampling of opossums to date. We analyzed mark–recapture data with a closed robust design and evaluated effects of landscape features linked to carrion on opossum density and female opossum density with generalized linear mixed-effects models. We included landscape-level (1481.6 m buffer) and patch-level covariates linked to carrion in addition to other covariates associated with high opossum densities. We developed a set of 19 candidate models and examined model fit with Akaike’s information criterion. The top model for opossum density included the density of adjoining roads, whereas the top model for female density incl...
Time use and physicians' exploration of the reason for the office visit.

BACKGROUND Patient-centered clinical methods encourage physicians to explore the patient's reasons for the visit. Practitioners worry that this behavior may be inefficient. This study piloted a method to examine how the number of problems managed and time per problem vary with time spent exploring a patient's views. METHODS Exploration of a patient's views, medical investigation, explanation, and management were mapped against time for a defined agenda from videotapes of eight second-year residents seeing three simulated patients. Performance of three of four tasks defined completion of work on an agendum. Visit length, time per agendum completed, and proportion of agenda completed were compared with time per task using regression methods. RESULTS Time on exploration correlated with visit length and proportion of agenda completed, but other tasks did not. Time per agendum completed was unrelated to time on exploration. CONCLUSIONS Visits were longer when more time was spent exploring the patient's reason for the visit because the physician tackled more problems. Time required per problem was not significantly increased. Task/agenda mapping is worth further development to examine differences in comprehensiveness and efficiency among practice styles.
Relative damage susceptibilities of KTiOPO4 crystals

Optical damage thresholds reported for frequency doubling 1.06-μm light in KTiOPO4 (KTP) range from 1 to >30 GW/cm2. The damage mechanism of KTP crystals discussed involves the formation of gray tracks, or thin regions of darkened material, which are dichroic and preferentially absorb light whose electric vector lies along the z-axis. Gray track damage is attributed to Ti3+ centers developing in KTP.
MacIntyre, Our Gadfly

Alasdair MacIntyre’s work has been called “striking” and “stunning.” MacIntyre’s exceptional strength as a philosopher is his sting. We lack, he argues, both a shared conception of what it means to live well together and a way to engage one another rationally in a common pursuit of excellent living. Having convinced ourselves that there is no rational way to converse about our common quest for lives that are excellent and meaningful, we are lost — to a degree that may be unprecedented. In MacIntyre’s writing, the manager emerges as a central character. The manager MacIntyre describes seems stuck with the motivational pursuit of success and unable to pursue human excellence for its own sake. Engaging, criticizing, and extending MacIntyre’s arguments is difficult but worthwhile.
The Sankofa Effect: Divergent Effects of Thinking About the Past for Blacks and Whites

Time perspective theory has traditionally focused on the individual level assessment of how thinking about time influences emotion and behavior. In this chapter, we extend this individual-level approach by proposing that emotion, behavior, and cognitive processes are also influenced by a collective representation of time that is attached to both individuals and their groups. Specifically, marginalized groups with an historical narrative of prejudice and discrimination may benefit from integrating personal and collective pasts into the present and future, a process called Sankofa. To capture Sankofa processes, we propose the development of a collective time perspective measure. Two experiments are reported that show Blacks engage in Sankofa processes more than Whites, and that a past orientation mediates psychological outcomes for Blacks. Finally, we discuss how Sankofa processes may be limited when facing psychological threats. Time perspective is discussed as a source of psychological threat as well as a process for coping with it.
A painful TR(i)P to lysosomes.

The ion channel TRPA1 detects noxious stimuli at the plasma membrane of neurons and elicits pain and inflammation. In this issue, Shang et al. (2016. J. Cell Biol. ) report that TRPA1 also localizes to lysosomal membranes of neurons, releasing intracellular Ca2+ to trigger vesicle exocytosis and neuropeptide release.
Post-Nissen Dysphagia and Bloating Syndrome: Outcomes After Conversion to Toupet Fundoplication.

Protracted dysphagia and bloating are potential troublesome side effects following Nissen fundoplication. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of conversion from Nissen to Toupet on dysphagia and bloating. The study used a retrospective chart review of all patients who had undergone conversion from Nissen to Toupet between 2001 and 2014. Endpoints were to determine the effect of conversion on dysphagia, bloating, and reflux control. Twenty-five patients underwent conversion at a median of 3.7 years (1.4–10.5) after initial fundoplication. Indications were dysphagia in 19 (76%) and bloating syndrome in 6 (24%) patients. The median operative time was 104 min (86–146). There were no serious complications or mortality. Median follow-up was 27 months (0.8–130). Dysphagia was relieved in 16 (84%) and bloating in all 6 patients. Two patients developed reflux requiring a redo-Nissen. Two patients had persistent dysphagia and required endoscopic dilation. The GERD-HRQL post-conversion showed a median score of 5 (3–13). Conversion relieved dysphagia in 84% and bloating in 100%. Significant recurrence of GERD was rare. Given the absence of serious complications, conversion should be considered in patients with severe bloating or dysphagia.
Sedentary behavior patterns in non-pregnant and pregnant women.

Sedentary behavior has been associated with adverse health outcomes among pregnant women; however, few studies have characterized sedentary behavior patterns in this population. We described patterns of accelerometer-determined indicators of sedentary behavior among a national sample of US pregnant (n = 234) women and non-pregnant (n = 1146) women participating in the NHANES 2003-06 cycles. We included women with ≥ 4 days of accelerometer wear of ≥ 10 h/day. A count threshold of < 100 cpm was used to describe sedentary behavior as: 1) total accumulated sedentary time by bout length categories; 2) accumulated sedentary time within discrete bout length categories; 3) mean, median, and usual bout length; and 4) and bout frequency. Both non-pregnant and pregnant women spent up to 60% of their accelerometer wear time in sedentary behavior depending on the minimum bout threshold applied. Sedentary time was higher among pregnant women compared to non-pregnant women when lower bout thresholds (i.e. 10 min or less) were applied. The majority of total sedentary time was accumulated in bouts lasting < 10 min. The women averaged less than two prolonged sedentary bouts (i.e., ≥ 30 min) per day, which accounted for nearly 20% of total accumulated sedentary time. When applying a minimum threshold of at least 15 min, sedentary time increased across pregnancy trimesters, while sedentary time was similar across trimesters when using lower thresholds. These findings provide the first characterization of accelerometer-determined indicators of sedentary behavior in pregnant women. The minimum bout threshold applied influenced estimates of sedentary time and patterns sedentary time accumulation across pregnancy trimesters.
Open Maximal Mucosa-Sparing Functional Total Laryngectomy.

Background: Total laryngectomy after (chemo)radiotherapy is associated with a high incidence of fistula and therefore flaps are advocated. The description of a transoral robotic total laryngectomy prompted us to develop similar minimally invasive open approaches for functional total laryngectomy. Methods : A retrospective study of consecutive unselected patients with a dysfunctional larynx after (chemo)radiation that underwent open maximal mucosal sparing functional total laryngectomy (MMSTL) between 2014 and 2016 is presented. The surgical technique is described and the complications and functional outcome are reviewed. Results: The cohorts included 10 patients that underwent open MMSTL. No pedicled flap was used. Only one postoperative fistula was noted (10%). All patients resumed oral diet and experienced a functional tracheoesophageal voice. Conclusions: MMSTL could be used to perform functional total laryngectomy without a robot and with minimal incidence of complications.
Molecular Landscape of Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer

In this issue of Cancer Cell, Hurst et al. report an integrated analysis of non-invasive (stage Ta) bladder cancer. Two genomic subtypes are distinguished by chromosome 9q loss, resulting in increased AKT/PI3K/mTOR signaling. Tumors from female patients have a higher frequency of KDM6A mutations.
Plasmonic Parametric Resonance

Here we review the concept of Plasmonic Parametric Resonance (PPR): a novel way to amplify high-order plasmonic modes with a uniform optical pump. PPR originates from a temporal permittivity modulation. The threshold conditions for PPR and schemes of experimental realization and detection are also discussed.
Combining ODR and Blood Vessel Tracking for Artery-Vein Classification and Analysis in Color Fundus Images.

Purpose This study aims to develop a fully automated algorithm for artery-vein (A-V) and arteriole-venule classification and to quantify the effect of hypertension on A-V caliber and tortuosity ratios of nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) patients. Methods We combine an optical density ratio (ODR) analysis and blood vessel tracking (BVT) algorithm to classify arteries and veins and arterioles and venules. An enhanced blood vessel map and ODR analysis are used to determine the blood vessel source nodes. The whole vessel map is then tracked beginning from the source nodes and classified as vein (venule) or artery (arteriole) using vessel curvature and angle information. Fifty color fundus images from NPDR patients are used to test the algorithm. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy metrics are measured to validate the classification method compared to ground truths. Results The combined ODR-BVT method demonstrates 97.06% accuracy in identifying blood vessels as vein or artery. Sensitivity and specificity of A-V identification are 97.58%, 97.81%, and 95.89%, 96.68%, respectively. Comparative analysis revealed that the average A-V caliber and tortuosity ratios of NPDR patients with hypertension have 48% and 15.5% decreases, respectively, compared to that of NPDR patients without hypertension. Conclusions Automated A-V classification has been achieved by combined ODR-BVT analysis. Quantitative analysis of color fundus images verified robust performance of the A-V classification. Comparative quantification of A-V caliber and tortuosity ratios provided objective biomarkers to differentiate NPDR groups with and without hypertension. Translational relevance Automated A-V classification can facilitate quantitative analysis of retinal vascular distortions due to diabetic retinopathy and other eye conditions and provide increased sensitivity for early detection of eye diseases.
Role of Robust Engineering in Product Development

Principles of Robust Engineering (some times referred to as Taguchi Methods) have been successfully applied in many applications across the globe and have resulted in hundreds of thousands of dollars in savings besides having robust products/service. Robustness can be defined as designing a product/service in such a way that its performance is similar across all customer usage conditions. In this paper we will describe the applicability of robust engineering principles in total product/service development with emphasis on the robustness aspects. We discuss several robustness strategies with case examples.
Development of a Reservoir System Operation Model for Water Sustainability in the Yaqui River Basin

AbstractThe Yaqui River Basin (YRB) is in the semiarid state of Sonora in northwest Mexico. The flow in this watershed is controlled by three reservoirs: Angostura, Novillo, and Oviachic. A daily r...
Genetic differences between Coccidioides spp. and closely related nonpathogenic Onygenales

Author(s): Kirkland, Theo N | Abstract: AbstractCoccidioides spp. are dimorphic, pathogenic fungi that can cause severe human and animal disease. Like the other primary fungal pathogens, animal infection results in a morphologic transformation from the environmental mycelial phase to a tissue phase, known as a spherule. The sequencing and annotation of Coccidioides spp. and the genomes of several nonpathogenic Onygenales species allows comparisons that provide clues about the Coccidioides spp. genes that might be involved in pathogenesis. The analysis in this study is a gene by gene orthology comparison. Although there were few differences in the size of genes families in the Coccidioides spp.-specific group compared to the genes shared by Coccidioides spp. and nonpathogenic Onygenales, there were a number of differences in the characterization of the two types of genes. Many more Coccidioides spp.-specific genes are up-regulated expression in spherules. Coccidioides spp.-specific genes more often lacked functional annotation and were more often classified as orphan genes. Analysis by random forest machine learning confirmed that high numbers of orthologs and high levels of expression in hyphae were predictive of common genes, while high levels of expression in spherules and more nonsynonymous predicted Coccidioides spp.-specific genes. Review of individual genes in the Coccidioides spp.-specific group identified a histidine kinase, two thioredoxin genes, a calmodulin gene and ureidoglycolate hydrolase. Hopefully, identification of these genes will be useful for pursuing potential Coccidioides spp. virulence genes in the future.
Science Citation Knowledge Extractor

The importance of academic publications is often evaluated by the number of and impact of its subsequent citing works. These citing works build upon the referenced material, representing both further intellectual insights and additional derived uses. As such, reading peer-reviewed articles which cite one’s work can serve as a way for authors to understand how their research is being adopted and extended by the greater scientific community, further develop the broader impacts of their research, and even find new collaborators. Unfortunately, in today’s rapidly growing and shifting scientific landscape, it is unlikely that a researcher has enough time to read through all articles citing their works, especially in the case of highly-cited broad-impact studies. To address this challenge, we developed the Science Citation Knowledge Extractor (SCKE), a web tool to provide biological and biomedical researchers with an overview of how their work is being utilized by the broader scientific community. SCKE is a web-based tool which utilizes natural language processing and machine learning to retrieve key information from scientific publications citing a given work, analyze the citing material, and and present users with interactive data visualizations which illustrate how their works are contributing to greater scientific pursuits. Results are generally grouped into two categories, aimed at 1) understanding the broad scientific areas which one’s work is impacting and 2) assessing the breadth and impact of one’s work within these areas. As a web application, SCKE is easy to use, with a single input of PubMed ID(s) to analyze. SCKE is available for immediate use by the scientific community as a hosted web application at https://geco.iplantcollaborative.org/scke/. SCKE can also be self-hosted by taking advantage of a fully-integrated VM Image (https://tinyurl.com/y7ggpvaa), Docker container (https://tinyurl.com/y95u9dhw), or open-source code (GPL license) available on GitHub (https://tinyurl.com/yaesue5e).
Social and Physical Environmental Characteristics Associated With Adult Current Cigarette Smoking

INTRODUCTION Our objective was to identify social and physical environmental factors associated with current cigarette smoking among adults by metropolitan county in the United States. METHODS We linked cigarette smoking data from the 2012 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) Selected Metropolitan Area Risk Trends (SMART) data set to 7 social and physical environmental characteristics: county type (metropolitan designation), primary care physician density, income inequality, percentage of the population that was a racial/ethnic minority, violent crime rate, education, and percentage of county residents with low income and no health insurance, all obtained from several county data sets. Spatial regression and hierarchical logistic regression modeling were performed. RESULTS Results showed that metropolitan counties with a high proportion of non-Hispanic white adults (P < .001), lower education levels (high school graduate or less) (P < .001), and high violent crime rates (P < .001) had a higher adult cigarette smoking prevalence than other metropolitan counties. Spatial models showed 63.3% of the variability in county cigarette smoking prevalence was explained by these 3 factors as well as county type (based on population size of the of metropolitan area), primary care physician density, and percentage of county residents with low income and no health insurance. At an individual level, results showed that as the density (population) of primary care physicians increased in a county, the odds of being a current smoker decreased (OR, 0.980; P = .02). CONCLUSION We found a significant association between adult cigarette smoking and county social and physical environmental factors. These place-based factors, especially social environmental characteristics, may reveal tobacco-related disparities to be considered when developing strategies to reduce tobacco use.
Impact of immune thrombocytopenic purpura on clinical outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND Patients with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) admitted with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) may be challenging to manage given their increased risk of bleeding complications. There is limited evidence in the literature guiding appropriate interventions in this population. The objective of this study is to determine the difference in clinical outcomes in AMI patients with and without ITP. METHODS Using the United States national inpatient sample database, adults aged ≥18 years, who were hospitalized between 2007 and 2014 for AMI, were identified. Among those, patients with ITP were selected. A propensity-matched cohort analysis was performed. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes were coronary revascularization procedures, bleeding and cardiovascular complications, and length of stay (LOS). RESULTS The propensity-matched cohort included 851 ITP and 851 non-ITP hospitalizations for AMI. There was no difference in mortality between ITP and non-ITP patients with AMI (6% vs7.3%, OR:0.81; 95% CI:0.55-1.19; P = .3). When compared to non-ITP patients, ITP patients with AMI underwent fewer revascularization procedures (40.9% vs 45.9%, OR:0.81; 95% CI:0.67-0.98; P = .03), but had a higher use of bare metal stents (15.4% vs 11.3%, OR:1.43; 95% CI:1.08-1.90; P = .01), increased risk of bleeding complications (OR:1.80; CI:1.36-2.38; P < .0001) and increased length of hospital stay (6.14 vs 5.4 days; mean ratio: 1.14; CI:1.05-1.23; P = .002). More cardiovascular complications were observed in patients requiring transfusions. CONCLUSIONS Patients with ITP admitted for AMI had a similar in-hospital mortality risk, but a significantly higher risk of bleeding complications and a longer LOS compared to those without ITP. Further studies are needed to assess optimal management strategies of AMI that minimize complications while improving outcomes in this population.
Evaluation of interventions focused on reducing propeller scarring by recreational boaters in Florida, USA

Abstract Propeller scarring by recreational vessels is a known threat to seagrass meadows in Florida. Despite decades of awareness about the problem, there has been little meaningful progress in addressing this largely preventable stressor. We consider it preventable because it rests on human behaviors, which can be changed by education, technology, social norms, and policy. However, past attempts to address seagrass scarring have rarely been evaluated for effectiveness. Thus, very little guidance exists for natural resource managers, educators, and policy makers responsible for allocating limited resources toward effective interventions. Using a social marketing approach, we deployed two separate interventions, one education-based and the other cue-based (navigational aids) in Florida, USA. We measured boater behavior and attitudes before and after the interventions to assess the relative effectiveness of each. Navigational aids elicited a clear behavioral improvement across a broad cross-section of boaters, while minimal effects were observed for the educational intervention. However, analyses suggest the recreational boating audience can be segmented by factors such as experience level to better target educational messages in future seagrass protection efforts. These results will assist seagrass managers, educators, advocates, policy makers, and boating industry stakeholders in deploying an efficient combination of approaches to better address propeller scarring in Florida's seagrass meadows.
Reengineering Tier 2 Interventions for Responsive Decision Making: An Adaptive Intervention Process

Tier 2 social behavioral interventions are designed to support up to 15% of the school population; as such, they must be efficient and effective. The purpose of this article is to propose an adapti...
Synthesis, characterization, and electrochemical properties of a first-row metal phthalocyanine series.

The synthesis and characterization of a 3d-metallophthalocyanine series (OEtPcM; OEtPc = 1,4,8,11,15,18,22,25-octaethoxy-phthalocyanine; M = VO, Cr, MnCl, MnN, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn) is presented. With the exception of OEtPcZn, all species were crystallographically characterized, including the protonated (OEtPcH2) and partially lithiated (OEtPcHLi) precursors. The electrochemical behavior of all species – displaying a mix of metal- and ligand-borne redox events – was investigated and tentatively correlated to the structural properties. It was found that non-labile axial metal–ligand substituents (O2−, N3−) and the use of coordinating solvents heavily influenced the reversibility of the electrochemical events, suggesting that aggregation is a dominant consideration for well-defined electrochemical behavior. We used this data to outline possible design criteria for Pc-based charge carrier applications in the context of redox-flow batteries and energy storage.
Pathological effects of nano-sized particles on the respiratory system

Recent advances in nanotechnology have made significant progress in biomedical sciences. However, there are growing concerns that exposure to naturally-occurring and synthetic nano-sized particles promotes various types of human diseases. The lungs are the vital organ for gas exchange. Due to their unique position, the lungs can be the primary route that nanoparticles (NPs) enter the human body, which exerts toxic effects. In spite of the wide applications of NPs, the precise effects on health following exposure are not fully understood. To address this, the biophysical properties of naturally-occurring and synthetic NPs, their pathological effects on the respiratory system and the potential human health risk are examined. The goal of this review is to provide the current evidence that exposure to NPs is a risk factor to develop human diseases. The understanding of the pathological process by NPs is essential in preventing and the treatment of nanoparticle-induced human diseases.
Metaphors of International Law

This chapter explores international law in search of its hidden and not-so-hidden metaphors. In so doing, it discovers a world inhabited by states, where rules are mined or picked when ripe, where trade keeps boats forever afloat on rising tides. But is also unveils a world in which voices are silenced, inequality is ignored, and hands are washed of responsibility. International law is built on metaphors. Metaphors provide a language to describe and convey the law’s operation, help international lawyers identify legal subjects and categorize situations in doctrinal categories, and provide normative justifications for the law. Exploring their operation at each of these levels, this chapter describes the ways metaphors allow international lawyers to build a shared, tangible universe of legal meaning. But it also reveals how metaphors simultaneously help hide international law’s dark side, blind international lawyers to alternative ways of organizing the world, and prejudge legal outcomes. Metaphors, a key building block of the international law we know, become key also to its demolition, restoration, or remodeling.
Effect of power ultrasonic on the viscosity of anhydride epoxy resin system

Abstract The effect of power ultrasonic (US) on the viscosity of an anhydride epoxy resin system has been investigated. Especially, the potential reduction of the viscosity could be used prospectively for the production process pultrusion in the variation of closed injection pultrusion. An ultrasonic sonotrode is integrated into a rheometer to directly determine the influence of US on the viscosity of the epoxy resin Biresin® CR141. The temperature is determined during the ultrasonic excitation to consider the effect of US and temperature on the viscosity separately. The results demonstrate that the viscosity can be reduced by at least 80% points within 5 ​s using US. The temperature of the sonicated resin system increases from 30 ​°C to a maximum of 63–71 ​°C. In terms of the viscosity of the resin system, the result is that the decrease in viscosity is only due to the increase in temperature.
An update on the efficacy and safety of iloperidone as a schizophrenia therapy.

Schizophrenia has a prevalence of approximately 1% in the general population, with 15.2 per 100,000 persons affected. Iloperidone is a second-generation antipsychotic drug approved for the treatmen...
How Do Social Needs Cluster Among Low-Income Individuals?

Social needs screening in health care settings reveals that many low-income individuals have multiple unmet social needs at the same time. Having multiple simultaneous social needs greatly increase...
Rapid Development and Deployment of Respiratory Evaluation Clinics in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic to Keep Staff and Patients Safe

The world as we knew it changed at the beginning of 2020 with the explosion of the global pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2, a.k.a. COVID-19. As of January 10, 2021, the novel coronavirus has infected over 89 million people worldwide and killed over 1.9 million. In the U.S., there have been 22 million people infected and 373,000 deaths. It has never been more important to protect our vulnerable patients and staff from infectious disease, especially during the time they spend in our offices and clinics. It quickly became apparent that there was a need for a dedicated location where patients could be seen that were too ill to be evaluated via telemedicine, but not ill enough to be sent to the Emergency Department (ED). To fill this need, our primary care network developed the Respiratory Evaluation Clinic (REC) concept. These were two geographical locations where the outlying clinics could send potentially infectious patients to evaluate and test COVID-19. Some recommendations, adaptations, lessons learned and the REC clinics' expansions to other locations throughout our network are discussed.
Role of surface diffusion in formation of unique reactivity for graphite oxidation: Time-resolved measurements in a pulsed diffusion reactor

Abstract Quantification of oxidation kinetics is essential to develop graphitic materials for diverse applications: from refractories found in gas-cooled nuclear reactors to catalysts needed for chemical manufacturing. Using well-defined highly oriented pyrolytic graphite, low-pressure isotopic transient experiments combined with controlled annealing periods are used to resolve the role of surface diffusion and quantify oxidation kinetics with nanomole-precision. We observe an unexpected increase in reactivity following annealing which is explained by the role of surface diffusion increasing the probability for trapping mobile oxygen at more reactive edge sites. Here, the locus of adsorption and spillover to the basal plane is distinct from the trapping location creating a more active oxygen species. Isotopic products reflect the population dynamics of oxygen added at the edge and surface diffusion that relocates basal plane oxygen to more reactive edge sites. Since this process proceeds in parallel with direct oxidation reactions, it is not likely to be observed using steady-state or conventional ‘bulk’ characterization techniques. Our unique time-resolved non-equilibrium measurement in a well-defined transport regime, enables observation of three distinct behaviors: short-term deactivation due to the balance of rates in oxygen supply/product formation, reactivity increases due to surface diffusion and longer-term reactivity increase with oxygen accumulation.
Prominent Spatiotemporal Waves of COVID-19 Incidence in the United States: Implications for Causality, Forecasting, and Control

Abstract Better understanding of the spatiotemporal structure of the COVID-19 epidemic in the USA may help inform more effective prevention and control strategies. By analyzing daily COVID-19 case data in the United States, Mexico and Canada, we found four continental-scale epidemic wave patterns, including travelling waves, that spanned multiple state and even international boundaries. These major epidemic patterns co-varied strongly with continental-scale seasonal temperature change patterns. Geo-contiguous states shared similar timing and amplitude of epidemic wave patterns irrespective of similarities or differences in state government political party affiliations. These analyses provide evidence that seasonal factors, probably weather changes, have exerted major effects on local COVID-19 incidence rates. Seasonal wave patterns observed during the first year of the epidemic may become repeated in the subsequent years. One Sentence Summary The COVID-19 epidemic in the United States has consisted of four continental-scale spatiotemporal waves of case incidence that have spanned multiple states and even international boundaries.
Rapid Maneuvering Control of Pectoral Fin-Actuated Robotic Fish

The virtues of being maneuverable, efficient, and lifelike have made robotic fish an appealing choice in a wide range of applications. Their agile locomotion can be partially attributed to their bio-inspired propulsion methods. Pectoral fins have in particular become an important form of propulsion for robotic fish, as they play a vital role in achieving agile maneuvering at low swimming speeds. Despite the benefits it offers, pectoral fin-based locomotion presents significant challenges in the control of robotic fish. The range constraint of the fin movement can often inhibit the robot from generating thrust in a direction required for maneuvering. The latter could necessitate the fin moving first in a direction opposite to the desired one (which in turn generates unwanted drag) in order to “back up” and create enough room for accelerating. While seeming natural for fish or humans, such fin maneuvers are difficult to engineer with existing control design methods. To overcome these challenges and achieve quick maneuvering control, in this paper, we propose a dual-loop control approach, composed of a backstepping-based controller in the outer loop and a fin movement-planning algorithm in the inner loop. In particular, for the inner loop, we propose a model-predictive planning scheme based on a randomized sampling algorithm that accommodates the fins’ constraints and “intelligently” determines the necessary fins’ movements to produce a desired thrust despite the fins’ current configuration. Simulation results are presented to demonstrate the performance of the proposed scheme via comparison with a nonlinear model predictive controller in rapid velocity maneuvering.
Electron Microscopic Observations on the Fine Structure of Cell Walls of Chlamydia psittaci

Abstract L-cell cultures were infected with elementary bodies (EB) of meningopneumonitis organisms. Cell walls were prepared from reticulate bodies (RB), which are the intracellular developmental forms into which EB are converted, and from EB at appropriate times after infection. When fragmented EB cell walls were shadowcast with platinum palladium alloy, about one-half of the fragments were seen to be composed of hexagonally arrayed structures on the inner side of the cell wall. When EB cell walls were negatively stained with phosphotungstic acid, they all showed this fine structural array. These macromolecular units were estimated to be about 18 nm in diameter. RB cell walls, harvested at various times after infection, were similarly stained; about 20% of RB walls at 15 hr after infection showed traces of these regular structures, but only 2% of them had the structures at 24 hr. When RB cell walls prepared from penicillin-containing culture were examined, they were observed to be similar to RB without penicillin. When EB cell walls were treated with formamide at 160 C, and then centrifuged in a 10 to 40% potassium tartrate density gradient, hexagonal particles about 20 nm in diameter were obtained as a middle band in the gradient column. These particles were not obtained from RB cell walls harvested from cultures with or without penicillin. It is concluded that the particles are macromolecular subunits located on the inner side of the EB cell walls, that the subunits probably provide the structural rigidity found in the EB, and that their synthesis is inhibited by penicillin.