The Ever-Shifting Internet Population

Presents findings from surveys conducted between March and May 2002. Takes a new look at Internet access and the digital divide. Explores factors of cost, lack of technology skills, and physical access (particularly for persons with disabilities)

Free-Layer-Thickness-dependence of the Spin Galvanic Effect with Spin Rotation Symmetry

Spin-orbit coupling near the surface of a ferromagnetic metal gives rises to spin-to-charge conversion with symmetry different from the conventional inverse spin Hall effect. We have previously observed this spin galvanic effect with spin rotation symmetry (SGE-SR) in a spin valve under a temperature gradient. Here we show there are two processes that contribute to the SGE-SR, one of which is sensitive to the free magnetic layer thickness, while the other only depends on the interface of the free layer. Based on the free-layer-thickness-dependent study, we extrapolate the spin diffusion length of Py to be 3.9+/-0.2 nm. We also propose that the SGE-SR can help to quantitatively study the spin Seebeck effect in metallic magnetic films.Comment: 5 pages, 3 figures, This version is to replace the original version, which has a typo in Eq. (2

NOTES: WOODPECKER FORAGE AVAILABILITY IN HABI- TAT DISTURBANCES OF THE BLACK HILLS

Habitat disturbance events are critical to ecological systems in which some bird species have become specialized. The vegetation community, reduced competition, ability to avoid predators, nest-site characteristics, and forage opportunities within a disturbed ecosystem are all aspects that make it desirable for selection by particular species (Svärdson 1949, Cody 1981, Martin 1998). Specifically, avian species rely on the forest conditions created by fire, insects, and disease (Brawn et al. 2001, Hunter et al. 2001, Devictor et al. 2008). In the Black Hills National Forest (BHNF) of South Dakota,two major types of natural disturbances include wildfires and mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae; MPB) infestations. Dead trees (snags) created by these disturbances attract a suite of insects and wildlife species. Bark beetles (Family: Curculionidae, Scolytinae) and wood borer beetles (Families: Buprestidae and Cerambycidae) are of particular importance to black-backed woodpeckers (Picoides arcticus; BBWO) because they feed almost exclusively on the larvae of these insects (Beal 1911, Murphy and Lehnhausen 1998, Hutto 2006, Bonnot et al. 2008, Bonnot et al. 2009). Black-backed woodpeckers are of key interest to resource management agencies due to their habitat specialization needs and the management activities like wildfire salvage logging and pre-thinning that occur in these disturbance areas (Hutto 1995, 2006). These management activities potentially reduce nest site and food availability for BBWOs and, as a result, they were recently petitioned for protection under the Endangered Species Act (Hanson et al. 2012). Following a fire event or insect infestation, the relative probability of using trees affected by the disturbance increases over surrounding healthy trees (Rota 2013). As a result, we were interested in understanding the food that is available to the woodpeckers following these forest disturbances

Pitfalls in the Diagnosis of β-Thalassemia Intermedia

We present case histories of three patients who had β-thalassemia (β-thal) trait with 'unusual severity' managed as β-thal intermedia (β-TI) where the basis of disease severity could not be explained with routine hematological and genetic investigations. The clinical diagnosis of 'thalassemia intermedia' was justifiable as they had a β-thal mutation and disease severity that did not fit in with either β-thal trait or with β-thal major (β-TM). As mutations of α, β, and γ genes could not explain the unusual severity of the disease, further analysis with next-generation sequencing (NGS) for red cell diseases was carried out, which led to the diagnosis of coexisting membranopathies. This case series highlights the inherent difficulty in the diagnosis of β-TI with certainty in some patients where the genetic basis is not clear-cut

Taking Back the Work: A Cooperative Inquiry into Leaders of Color in Movement-Building Organizations

Through the Leadership for a Changing World Research and Documentation program, a group of leaders of color committed to social justice came together to reflect on the specific obstacles leaders of color face as they engage in movement building and to find ways to overcome these barriers. Together they asked: How do we build, strengthen and sustain movement-building organizations led by people of color? In the report, the group has identified four strategies to help community-based leaders of color engage in "taking back the work," with examples of each based on their successful work in communities

A "One-Stop" Screening Protocol for Haemoglobinopathy Traits and Iron Deficiency in Sri Lanka.

The high frequencies of carriers of severe haemoglobinopathies and of iron deficiency in Southeast Asia require reliable and affordable tests to improve on current screening procedures. We evaluate a "one stop" approach using the THALCON dichlorophenolindophenol (DCIP) and one-tube osmotic fragility (OF) tests and measurement of Zinc Protoporphyrin (ZPP) to detect and distinguish HbE and β-thalassaemia traits from iron deficiency. We compare findings with current screening practice in Sri Lanka that relies on the identification of low mean red cell volume and/or mean red cell hemoglobin for this purpose. Between November 2017 and May 2018, we undertook a cross-sectional survey of secondary school students in Gampaha district, Sri Lanka. The THALCON-DCIP and OF tests were compared to capillary electrophoresis (CE), used as a gold standard to detect haemoglobinopathies. ZPP was measured in whole blood. Plasma ferritin and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured in students with a raised ZPP concentration. We collected venous blood samples from 1,324/1,332 (99.4%) students. The median age of the students was 17 (IQR 16-18) years, all were Sinhalese and 814/1,324 (61.5%) were female. CE identified 3 students with HbE trait and 26 students with β-thalassaemia trait. The THALCON-DCIP test was positive only in the 3 students with HbE (sensitivity 100%, 95% CI 29.2-100.0; specificity 100%, 95% CI 99.7-100.0). The THALCON-OF test identified all 26 students with β-thalassaemia trait (sensitivity = 100%, 95% CI 86.8-100.0) and 287 students with a normal CE result (specificity = 77.9%; 95% CI 75.5-80.1). It was also positive in 2/3 (66.7%) students with HbE trait. Iron deficiency (ZPP > 70 μmol/mol heme) was present in 118/1,240 (9.5%) students with a normal hemoglobin genotype, all of whom had plasma ferritin <15 ng/ml and CRP <5 mg/L. This one-stop approach offers reliable and affordable population screening for both haemoglobinopathy traits and iron deficiency in resource-limited settings where these conditions are common and ensures that iron supplements are targeted only to those who require them. Further work is warranted to refine the OF test to reduce the number of false positive results

The Habitable Zone Planet Finder Reveals a High Mass and Low Obliquity for the Young Neptune K2-25b

Using radial velocity data from the Habitable Zone Planet Finder, we have measured the mass of the Neptune-sized planet K2-25b, as well as the obliquity of its M4.5 dwarf host star in the 600–800 Myr Hyades cluster. This is one of the youngest planetary systems for which both of these quantities have been measured and one of the very few M dwarfs with a measured obliquity. Based on a joint analysis of the radial velocity data, time-series photometry from the K2 mission, and new transit light curves obtained with diffuser-assisted photometry, the planet's radius and mass are 3.44 ± 0.12 R_⊕ and 24.5_(-5.2)^(+5.7) M_⊕. These properties are compatible with a rocky core enshrouded by a thin hydrogen–helium atmosphere (5% by mass). We measure an orbital eccentricity of e = 0.43 ± 0.05. The sky-projected stellar obliquity is λ = 3° ± 16°, compatible with spin–orbit alignment, in contrast to other "hot Neptunes" that have been studied around older stars

The Habitable-zone Planet Finder Reveals A High Mass and a Low Obliquity for the Young Neptune K2-25b

Using radial-velocity data from the Habitable-zone Planet Finder, we have measured the mass of the Neptune-sized planet K2-25b, as well as the obliquity of its M4.5-dwarf host star in the 600-800MYr Hyades cluster. This is one of the youngest planetary systems for which both of these quantities have been measured, and one of the very few M dwarfs with a measured obliquity. Based on a joint analysis of the radial velocity data, time-series photometry from the K2 mission, and new transit light curves obtained with diffuser-assisted photometry, the planet's radius and mass are $3.44\pm 0.12 \mathrm{R_\oplus}$ and $24.5_{-5.2}^{+5.7} \mathrm{M_\oplus}$. These properties are compatible with a rocky core enshrouded by a thin hydrogen-helium atmosphere (5% by mass). We measure an orbital eccentricity of $e=0.43 \pm 0.05$. The sky-projected stellar obliquity is $\lambda=3 \pm 16^{\circ}$, compatible with spin-orbit alignment, in contrast to other "hot Neptunes" that have been studied around older stars.Comment: Accepted for publication in AJ, 31 pages, 14 figure

Leg Ulcers: A Report in Patients with Hemoglobin E Beta Thalassemia and Review of the Literature in Severe Beta Thalassemia

BACKGROUND Leg ulcers are a frequent complication in patients with the inherited hemoglobin disorders. In thalassemia, the literature is limited, and factors associated with the development of leg ulcers in HbE beta thalassemia, the most common form of severe beta thalassemia worldwide, have not previously been reported. METHODS We reviewed all available medical records of patients with HbE beta thalassemia to document the onset of leg ulcers at the two largest treatment centres in Sri Lanka. We reviewed the literature to identify studies reporting outcomes of interventions for ulcers in severe thalassemia. RESULTS Of a total of 255 actively registered patients with HbE thalassemia in the two centres, 196 patient charts were evaluable. A leg ulcer with a documented date of onset was recorded in 45 (22%) of 196 evaluable patients, aged (mean ± SEM) 22.2 ± 1.4 years. Most had been irregularly transfused; steady state hemoglobin was 6.4 ± 0.2 g/dL. Treatment achieving healing in 17 patients included transfusions, antibiotics, oral zinc, wound toileting and skin grafting. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION Leg ulcers may be more common in HbE beta thalassemia than in other forms of thalassemia. A systematic approach to treatment will be needed to document the prevalence and factors placing such patients at risk for leg ulcers. Controlled trials to evaluate the optimal treatment of this common complication are indicated