Testing Quantum Electrodynamics in the Lowest Singlet State of Neutral Beryllium-9

We report spectroscopic results on the 2s2p1P1 state in neutral atomic beryllium-9. The absolute frequency for the center of gravity is determined to be 42 565.4501(13)  cm−1, a factor of 130 more precise than the previous experimental measurement. The result is in agreement with and a factor of 8 more precise than the current best theoretical estimate of 42 565.441(11)  cm−1, which was calculated including the effects of quantum electrodynamics. Because of the large natural linewidth of the transition, the hyperfine constants were not able to be extracted to high precision

From Scientific Discovery to Cures: Bright Stars within a Galaxy

We propose that data mining and network analysis utilizing public databases can identify and quantify relationships between scientific discoveries and major advances in medicine (cures). Further development of such approaches could help to increase public understanding and governmental support for life science research and could enhance decision making in the quest for cures

The Lesser of Two Evils? A Qualitative Study of Offenders\u27 Preferences for Prison Compared to Alternatives

Recent work has demonstrated that many offenders will choose to serve prison rather than any amount of a community-based sanction. This primarily quantitative research has found that offender-generated exchange rates are influenced by a wide variety of experiences and characteristics. Missing from this literature is a qualitative evaluation of why offenders might make this choice. We present qualitative data from 618 probationers and parolees to explain why those who have experienced imprisonment are less willing to serve community sanctions than their counterparts, and more willing to serve prison. Results hold implications for deterrence, recidivism, rehabilitation, and correctional policy issues

Longitudinal Professional Identity Development Amongst Medical Students

Abstract Title: Longitudinal Professional Identity Development Amongst Medical Students Background: Professional development is a core competency for medical student education. A standardized model for assessment of student longitudinal professional identity development will allow medical schools to better implement interventions. Methods: To assess professional development at a large, Midwest, allopathic medical school, a survey with seven statements regarding professional development was created. The statements encompassed domains of mentorship, communication skills, professionalism, and innovation and asked students to rank each statement from 1-5 (1 - highly deficient, 5 - highly proficient). The online, anonymous survey was emailed to all students (n = 1154) over a 2 month time period. Results: 319 (27.6%) surveys were completed. Responses between year 1-2 and year 3-4 showed a unanimous increase in average proficiency across all 7 statements. Year 3-4 had a significant increase in overall proficiency (p Conclusion: Although professional identity development follows an overall upward trend, year 3 is a vulnerable period for professional identity development. While increased accessibility to advising is needed in all four years, it is even more necessary in year 3. The power of the study is limited by the number of responses

Concert recording 2017-12-03b

[Track 1]. Boogie wonderland / Earth Wind and Fire -- [Track 2]. Think / Aretha Franklin -- [Track 3]. Please please please / James Brown -- [Track 4]. Your precious love / Tammi Terrell -- [Track 5]. September / Earth Wind and Fire -- [Track 6]. Window seat / Erykah Badu -- [Track 7]. Going down / Norman Whitfield -- [Track 8]. Uptown funk / Mark Ronson, Bruno Mars, Philip Lawrence, Jeff Bhasker, Devon Gallaspy

MEKK2 mediates aberrant ERK activation in neurofibromatosis type I

Neurofibromatosis type I (NF1) is characterized by prominent skeletal manifestations caused by NF1 loss. While inhibitors of the ERK activating kinases MEK1/2 are promising as a means to treat NF1, the broad blockade of the ERK pathway produced by this strategy is potentially associated with therapy limiting toxicities. Here, we have sought targets offering a more narrow inhibition of ERK activation downstream of NF1 loss in the skeleton, finding that MEKK2 is a novel component of a noncanonical ERK pathway in osteoblasts that mediates aberrant ERK activation after NF1 loss. Accordingly, despite mice with conditional deletion of Nf1 in mature osteoblasts (Nf1(fl/fl);Dmp1-Cre) and Mekk2(-/-) each displaying skeletal defects, Nf1(fl/fl);Mekk2(-/-);Dmp1-Cre mice show an amelioration of NF1-associated phenotypes. We also provide proof-of-principle that FDA-approved inhibitors with activity against MEKK2 can ameliorate NF1 skeletal pathology. Thus, MEKK2 functions as a MAP3K in the ERK pathway in osteoblasts, offering a potential new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of NF1

Concert recording 2018-04-14

[Track 1]. Lonely avenue / Ray Charles -- [Track 2]. Boogie wonderland / Earth Wind and Fire -- [Track 3]. Think / Aretha Franklin -- [Track 4]. Please please please / James Brown -- [Track 5]. Your precious love / Tammi Terrell -- [Track 6]. September / Earth Wind and Fire -- [Track 7]. Baby brown eyes / Alisha Jones -- [Track 8]. Window seat / Erykah Badu -- [Track 9]. Smooth criminal / Michael Jackson -- [Track 10]. Going down / Norma Whitfield -- [Track 11]. Uptown funk / Mark Ronson Bruno Mars Philip Lawrence Jeff Bhasker Devon Gallaspy Nicholas Williams -- [Track 12]. Curley green hair / Jacob Skinner -- [Track 13]. You think of her / Shelby Sprott -- [Track 14]. Coffee song / Jordan Strickland Walter Ferguson -- [Track 15]. Leave a trace / Churches -- [Track 16]. Real one / Alisha Jones -- [Track 17]. Reality / Jordan Strickland -- [Track 18]. Still into you / Paramore -- [Track 19]. Alive / Carlie Spiers

Impact of COVID-19 on a Free Clinic Patient Population

The Robert R. Frank Student Run Free Clinic at WSUSOM, surveyed patients to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its patient population. The study examined any challenges faced in food, financial status, transportation, and healthcare. A Qualtrics survey was administered with ethnicity, age, and gender as controls, while testing patient responses to social factors using the Likert scale. The survey was targeted to a portion of the clinic’s patient pool (n=33) over a span of three months and responses were analyzed using SPSS 26 regression analysis, ANOVA, and paired sample T-tests. Significant responses were across demographics, categories of impact, and pre/post COVID-19. Results show that access to fresh foods was severely impacted by COVID-19 (t = -3.19, p\u3c 0.05). Linear regression models show a correlation between difficulty accessing healthcare and medications, before and after COVID-19, indicating that the pandemic may have exacerbated pre-existing barriers to treatment (correlation = 0.810). Financial status has been the most affected with many patients indicating changes in employment or income status. 55% of the participants noted a greater use of savings or retirement money to make ends meet. A moderate correlation (0.471) was found between the use of public transportation prior to the pandemic and transportation barriers during the pandemic. We have decided to compile resources to address the needs based on the study results. Future research includes a longitudinal, follow-up survey to gauge any changes. Limitations include the study sample size and participation bias among the patient population

Removal of cadmium and zinc from water using sewage sludge-derived biochar

© 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B V. This is an open access article available under a Creative Commons licence. The published version can be accessed at the following link on the publisher’s website: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scenv.2024.100118This research reveals the adsorption of cadmium (Cd2+) and zinc (Zn+2) from water using sewage sludge-derived biochar pyrolysed at 700 °C (SSB). The morphology and particle characteristics of SSB were characterised through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), particle size distribution (PSD), fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). The adsorption study showed that the optimum contact times for removing Zn2+ and Cd2+ were 80 and 140 minutes, respectively. 95.51% Zn2+ and 97.54% Cd2+ could be removed from spiked solutions featuring 50 mg/L of Zn2+ and 50 mg/L Cd2+, each treated with 25 g/L biochar. The optimum pH of the solutions was 8–9 at a temperature of 40°C, indicating some precipitation of the metal ions at an alkaline pH. The highest adsorption capacity of SSB for Cd2+ and Zn2+ was found to be 3.02 and 2.51 mg/g, respectively, which compares favourably with other adsorbents. The isotherm studies confirmed experimental data to closely follow the Langmuir isotherm model at an R2 value of 0.9846 and 0.9816 for Cd2+ and Zn2+, respectively. The kinetic study confirmed the physical interaction between the adsorbents and the adsorbate. The spontaneous and exothermic nature of the process was confirmed by negative values of change in Gibbs free energy (ΔG) and enthalpy (ΔH). SSB could be regenerated for 6 cycles. Overall, this study explores sustainability, recycling, and waste management by offering SSB as a potentially cost-effective and environment-friendly solution to remove Cd2+ and Zn2+ from water.Published versio