cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Decline of plasma growth hormone binding protein in old age.

Aging is associated with a progressive decline in GH secretion and serum insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I levels. This change in the GH-IGF axis is thought to contribute to the changes in body composition associated with aging, such as a loss in lean body mass and an increase in adipose tissue mass. Although the decrease in GH secretion starts in the third decade of life, marked changes in muscle mass and strength become apparent only much later. To assess whether a component of GH resistance supervenes in senescence, we studied plasma GH binding protein (GHBP) levels in 50 normal subjects between the ages of 61 and 98 yr. The GHBP is a soluble, circulating ectodomain of the GH receptor (GHR); its plasma level is thought to reflect GHR levels in tissues and, hence, GH responsivity. GHBP activity in plasma declined progressively between age 60 and 98 yr. The GHBP levels in nonagenarians was about half that of persons aged 60-65. This contrasts with younger adults, where GHBP levels remain relatively stab...
Architecture for information assurance decision support systems based on integration of knowledge intensive multi-agent systems

We propose the architecture for integration of information assurance, knowledge base, and information fusion with the main purpose for understanding forensics and digital evidence. This architecture will be very useful in several applications: (1) identification of important software modules needed for a comprehensive decision support system for information assurance (or other functionalities), (2) a "roadmap" for planning and monitoring R&D activities in information technology, (3) a big picture (bird-eye view) of various R&D program activities in major funding agencies (such as DARPA, AFOSR, ONR, ARO, NSF, etc.).
A maxima-tracking method for skeletonization from Euclidean distance function

A skeletonization algorithm based on the Euclidean distance function using the sequential maxima-tracking method is described which, when applied to a connected image, generates a connected skeleton composed of simple digital arcs. With a slight modification, the algorithm can preserve the more important features in the skeletal branches which touch the object boundary at corners. Therefore its application to shape recognition can be easily achieved. >
Challenges in tobacco use prevention among minority youth.

Approximately 80% of smokers began using tobacco products before 18 years of age [(1)][1] . Between 1990 and 2000, the population growth rate (shown in parentheses) within each of the following racial/ethnic minority populations increased more rapidly than that for whites (5%): Asian Americans (48
Directional Invariance of Co-occurrence Matrices within the Liver

Co-occurrence matrices are one of three texture algorithms commonly used on computed tomography (CT) images. In this paper we analyze the directional invariance of Co-occurrence matrices for the purpose of reducing their runtime by reducing the number of directions analyzed without negatively affecting the quality of the texture data extracted.
Validation of the Safe at Home Screening with Adults Who Have Acquired Brain Injury

The Safe at Home Screening (SAH) is an occupational therapy assessment tool designed to quickly assess home safety awareness and skills through the use of mock hazardous situations in a kitchen setting. The SAH has been standardized on community-dwelling adults. This research project involves psychometric analyses using the SAH on a sample of adults with acquired brain injuries (ABI; N = 31), and compares their SAH outcome scores with those of the Kohlman Evaluation of Living Skills (KELS). The scores on the two tests were found to be moderately correlated. An aspect of content validity was explored by asking the clients' occupational therapists to make predictions about their clients' functioning in the realm of home safety. Correlations between the expert opinions of potential client scores and actual SAH test scores were moderate.
Optical Whispering-Gallery Mode Phenomenon as a Composite Sensor With Applications to Direct On-Chip Thermal Sensing

Optical Whispering-Gallery Mode (WGM) resonators can be fabricated with very high quality factors allowing for their use as high resolution sensors in a myriad of fields ranging from quantum electro-dynamics (QED) to pressure sensing. In this paper, we focus on integrating WGM as a dynamic temperature measurement device. The WGM sensors are fabricated onto the heating element, instead of acting as an indirect temperature sensor, allowing for direct monitoring of an area of interest. An adaptation to the WGM theoretical model, to include the thermal expansion of the composite system, is discussed and analyzed.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Long-Term Performance of a Flood Alert System and Upgrade to FAS3: A Houston, Texas, Case Study

The second-generation radar-based flood alert system (FAS2) has been operational for more than a decade, and provides accurate advanced warning to the Texas Medical Center (TMC) in the Brays Bayou watershed of southwest Houston. Over the past nine years, FAS has generally predicted floods with average differences of 0.88 h in time of peak and 3.6% in peak flows and a R2 value of 0.90 for the overall performance. After years of urbanization in the watershed, the hydrologic model as a core engine in the system has been updated with recent routing information and loss rate factors to provide more reliable prediction information. Recently, the system has been upgraded into its third generation (FAS3) by incorporating a hydraulic prediction tool—FloodPlain Map Library (FPML)—so that mapped warning information in geographic information systems (GIS) and Google Maps can be provided to emergency personnel in real time. In addition to briefly reviewing the theory and design of the flood warning system for Brays Ba...
Understanding Bilingualism and Its Impact on Speech Audiometry

This tutorial provides a review of auditory research conducted with monolingual and bilingual speakers of Spanish and English. Based on a functional view of bilingualism and on auditory research findings showing that the bilingual experience may affect the outcome of auditory research, we discuss methods for improving descriptions of linguistically diverse research participants. The review delves into how the bilingual experience can affect auditory research outcomes and discusses ways in which experimental design can be adjusted when bilingual or monolingual participants are used for research needs. The goal of the tutorial is to increase awareness about the complexities of using bilinguals in auditory research, thereby improving the quality of auditory research involving bilingual research participants.
A hands-on approach to teaching manufacturing processes

This paper describes a laboratory-based course in manufacturing processes. The course provides a general understanding of the behavior of the materials commonly used in manufacturing, the basic techniques used in processing them into useful products, the scientific theory underlying those processes, and the criteria for selecting particular processes. The course incorporates an innovative hands-on laboratory, which involves team projects that help students gain experience with selected manufacturing processes. The projects start with simple components that can be made on a single machine such as a lathe or a mill, and progress to the manufacture and assembly of a fully operational model engine. This approach exposes students to the issues involved in putting together a nontrivial assembly. The projects also expose students to the idea of working in teams, a skill that is highly sought by industry. The paper also discusses the implementation of collaborative learning techniques, using Internet tools to promote interaction among team members.
Antecedents of Failure for Newly Chartered Banks in the U.S. Banking Industry

In the United States, newly chartered banks are subject to increased regulatory scrutiny during their early years of operation to ensure their long-term viability. As the record number of bank fail...
Geeks, Social Imaginaries, and Recursive Publics

This article investigates the social, technical, and legal affiliations among “geeks” (hackers, lawyers, activists, and IT entrepreneurs) on the Internet. The mode of association specific to this group is that of a “recursive public sphere” constituted by a shared imaginary of the technical and legal conditions of possibility for their own association. On the basis of fieldwork conducted in the United States, Europe, and India, I argue that geeks imagine their social existence and relations as much through technical practices (hacking, networking, and code writing) as through discursive argument (rights, identities, and relations). In addition, they consider a “right to tinker” a form of free speech that takes the form of creating, implementing, modifying, or using specific kinds of software (especially Free Software) rather than verbal discourse.
The Effect of Estradiol-17 Beta-monopalmitate on Yields and Quality of Chicken Roasters

Abstract THE primary object of estrogen treatment of poultry is improvement of carcass quality. Estrogen treatment has at least some influence on each component of carcass quality, and for the most part the influence is favorable. Increases in subcutaneous fat improve the appearance of the dressed carcass, and muscle fat, important for juiciness, is consistently increased. The improved appearance of the bird generally results in a better grade, thus yielding greater economic returns to the producer. Estradiol-17 beta-monopalmitate was approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in fattening and improving the finish of chickens June 6, 1964. The objectives of these studies were to determine the effects of estradiol-17 beta-monopalmitate on chicken roasters with respect to: 1. Growth rate and feed efficiency. 2. Dressing percentage. 3. Thawing loss; cooking loss. 4. Juiciness, tenderness, flavor and overall preference of the cooked meat as scored by a taste panel. REVIEW OF…
Ten Years of Experience with test Criteria for Fracture-Proof Anchorage Stems of Artificial Hip Joints

Since loosened femoral component stems are subjected to severe stresses, the material of which the stem is made becomes over-stressed and this may eventually result in an absolutely undesirable fat...
Molecular and biokinetic characterization of methylotrophic denitrification using nitrate and nitrite as terminal electron acceptors

Although methanol is a widely employed carbon source for denitrification, relatively little is known on the abundance and diversity of methylotrophic bacteria in activated sludge. The primary aim of this study was to specifically identify bacteria that metabolized methanol in a sequencing batch denitrifying reactor (SBDR), using a novel technique, stable isotope probing (SIP) of 13C labeled DNA. A secondary aim was to quantitatively track dominant methylotrophic bacteria in the SBDR exposed to different terminal electron acceptors. SIP enabled 13C 16S rDNA clone libraries revealed that SBDR methylotrophic populations were related to Methyloversatilis spp. and Hyphomicrobium spp. Based on newly developed quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays, Hyphomicrobium spp. were more abundant than Methyloversatilis spp. throughout the period of SBDR operation. The relative population abundance was stable despite a shift in electron acceptor from nitrate to nitrite (keeping the same methanol dose). However, the shift to nitrite resulted in a significant decrease in denitrification biokinetics on both nitrate and nitrite.
Effect of Problem-Solving Therapy on Depressed Low-Income Homebound Older Adults' Death/Suicidal Ideation and Hopelessness

Previous study findings of psychotherapy's effect on suicide prevention have been inconsistent. This study reports the results of secondary analyses of outcome data from a short-term depression treatment on reducing death/suicidal ideation among 158 low-income homebound adults aged 50+. The treatment, in-person or telehealth problem-solving therapy (PST), compared with telephone support call, has been found effective in reducing depressive symptoms and disability among participants. Compared with support call participants, tele-PST participants, but not in-person PST participants, exhibited lower ideation ratings across the follow-up period. Effect sizes at 36 weeks were 0.31 for tele-PST and 0.17 for in-person PST. Hopelessness mediated the effect of tele-PST but not in-person PST; however, in-person PST also alleviated hopelessness, which led to lower ideation. Clinical implications of the findings are discussed.
SLLP1, A Unique, Intra-acrosomal, Non-bacteriolytic, c Lysozyme-Like Protein of Human Spermatozoa

We report the presence of a unique, non-bacteriolytic, c (chicken or conventional type) lysozyme-like protein, SLLP1, in the acrosome of human sperm. C lysozymes are bacteriolytic and can also bind to N-acetylglucosamines linked by b-1,4 glycosidic bonds. Most of the invariant residues (17 out of 20), including all the cysteines, were conserved in SLLP1, but the two catalytic residues E35 and D52 of c lysozymes were replaced with T and N, respectively. The full-length cDNA encodes a protein of 215 aa with a predicted protease cleavage site between A87 and K88. The processed form of SLLP1, which showed an exon-intron organization similar to human c lysozyme, was the major isoform in the acrosome of ejaculated sperm. As expected, based on its sequence, the mature protein secreted from yeast showed no bacteriolytic activity. A significant decrease (54%, P # 0.001) in the number of sperm bound to zona-free hamster eggs was observed in the presence of antisera to recombinant SLLP1. SLLP1 mRNA (size, ;1 kb) appeared to be expressed only in the testis and in the Burkitt lymphoma Raji cell line. The gene SPACA3 encodes SLLP1 and contains five exons at locus 17q11.2. Because of its typical c lysozyme-like sequence, genomic organization, conservation of putative substrate-binding sites even in the absence of catalytic residues, and localization in the acrosomal matrix, we hypothesize that, after acrosome reaction, SLLP1 could be a potential receptor for the egg oligosaccharide residue N-acetylglucosamine, which is present in the extracellular matrix over the egg plasma membrane, within the perivitelline space, pores of zona pellucida, and cumulus layers.
Competition among Small, Free-floating, Aquatic Plants

Abstract The surface cover of three species of small, free-floating, aquatic plants in a beaver swamp was monitored for 1 yr. Simultaneous experiments at the same site quantified competitive relationships among these species in different seasons. In the summer competition experiment, Salvinia minima grew rapidly and had negative effects on the relative change in cover of both Azolla caroliniana and Spirodela punctata. Relative change in cover of S. minima increased when it was grown with S. punctata, but only when A. caroliniana was not present. A negative correlation in the swamp between cover of S. minima and S. punctata, the two most abundant species during the summer, is consistent with the strong competitive effects of S. minima in the summer competition experiment. During the autumn competition experiment, S. minima had a negative effect on A. caroliniana's relative increase in cover. This effect, however, was not competitive and was caused by an herbivore of S. minima that switched to A. carolinian...
EVALUATION OF AN AUTOMATED HPLC SYSTEM HAVING MULTIPLE DETECTORS

ABSTRACT An automated liquid chromatographic system having multiple detectors has been constructed. The paired-ion separation of six acid sulfonate rug dyes was used to assess the capabilities of the instrumentation. The applicability of the UV/visible multichannel detector is illustrated by visible absorption spectra of the dyes which were taken on the fly. Spectra that provide more specificity were obtained using a coherent anti-Stokes Raman detector. The effects of concentration and pump frequency on spectral profiles in the CARS spectra are shown for a representative dye.
Effect of Propranolol on Bile Acid- and Cholera Enterotoxin-Stimulated cAMP and Secretion in Rabbit Intestine

Stimulation of net secretion by deoxycholic acid (DCA) in the colon and by cholera enterotoxin (CE) in the jejunum is mediated by cAMP. Propranolol (Pr) inhibits adenylate cyclase (AC) activity and net secretion induced by bile acid in the colon. The aim of this study was to assess the organ specificity of DCA and CE as well as the selectivity of Pr inhibition. Three colonic and three jejunal loops were prepared in each of 8 rabbits treated intravenously with Pr, 4 mg per kg, 1/2 hr before loop construction and in each of 10 untreated control rabbits. One milliliter of DCA, 6 mM, CE, 10 µ per ml, or heat-inactivated CE or 0.9% NaCl, as basal controls were injected in random order into each of the loops. The volume of luminal fluid and mucosal AC were measured in each intestinal loop 5 hr later. DCA in the colon stimulated AC 2-fold (P
Ice Storms in Central Hardwood Forests: The Disturbance Regime, Spatial Patterns, and Vegetation Influences

Freezing rain occurs more commonly in eastern North America than anywhere else on earth. During a major freezing rain event, or ice storm, heavy ice loads accrete on vegetation and strip branches, snap boles, and uproot trees. Freezing rain commonly develops throughout a large area within a winter storm, and therefore a single storm can damage broad swaths of forest. These disturbances greatly exceed ‘background’ gap formation in severity and extent, but they do not generate the catastrophic mortality associated with severe fires or windstorms. Ice storms create disturbances of intermediate severity. A paucity of appropriate weather data obscures freezing rain climatology, but some generalizations are possible. Ice storms occur most frequently in the northeastern and midwestern USA, and a zone of high frequency also extends southward along the Appalachian Mountains and Piedmont. In mountainous landscapes, disturbance severity varies strongly over elevational and topographic gradients. Several studies have investigated ice storm damage at the scale of forest stands. Tree species vary in susceptibility, with ‘pioneer’ species typically sustaining heaviest damage and mortality. Less is known about longer-term consequences for age structure and species composition. The large gaps appear to provide recruitment opportunities for light-demanding colonizers. At the same time, the damage-resistance of slow-growing, stress-tolerant trees such as hemlocks and oaks likely enables persistence in ice-prone forests. The ecological role of ice storms depends, in part, on interactions with fires and other disturbances.
In vitro biosynthesis of calcitonin.

SummaryThe hypocalcemia activity of calcitonin preparations isolated from ovine thyroid slices incubated in Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate buffer containing low and high concentrations of calcium was studied. Biosynthesis of calcitonin was found to be stimulated by high calcium concentration in the incubation medium. The secretion of calcitonin from the ovine thyroid slices was enhanced by calcium.
Abstract 2312: A genomics approach to determining the role of DICER1 in tumorigenesis: Interferon responses in the cancer cell

DICER1 is required for generation of mature microRNAs (miRNAs) and other short noncoding RNAs. Reduced DICER1 levels are associated with adverse outcomes in a variety of cancers and multiple lines of evidence suggest DICER1 is a tumor suppressor. The effects of reduced DICER1 on mRNA transcript abundance in tumor cells remain largely unknown. To determine how reduced DICER1 levels contribute to tumor phenotypes we used shRNA to stably knock down DICER1 in endometrial cancer cell lines for extended periods (up to 25 passages). Reduced DICER1 levels had no effect on cell proliferation but were associated with enhanced cell migration and increased growth in soft agar. MiRNA profiling for the KLE cancer cell line DICER1 knockdowns (two different DICER1 shRNA constructs) revealed that miRNA levels were decreased overall. Not surprisingly, many mRNA transcripts were upregulated in the DICER1 knockdowns. A striking number of interferon stimulated genes (ISGs) showed upregulation. Upregulation of six ISG transcripts was validated by qRT-PCR in three independent knockdowns of DICER1 in KLE cells. IFNα, a key upstream regulator of the interferon response, was significantly increased in DICER1 knockdowns (KLE and additional endometrial cancer cell lines). IFNα protein secreted in media of DICER1 knockdown cells activated an interferon response in HT29 colon carcinoma cells. The majority of ISGs with increased transcript levels lacked miRNA target sequences and as such it seemed unlikely that the increase in expression levels was secondary to reduced miRNA levels. We tested the hypothesis that defects in miRNA processing could trigger an interferon response. We showed that DICER1 knockdowns in which miRNA processing is reduced have increased levels of pre-microRNAs in the cytoplasm. Pre-microRNAs are double-stranded molecules and long enough (60-100 nt) to activate the dsRNA sensors in the cytoplasm, such as Mda5/IFIH1, that typically sense viral dsRNA (> 30 nt) and stimulate the interferon response. Knockdown of DROSHA, necessary for processing of pri-miRNAs to pre-miRNAs, did not result in accumulation of pre-miRNAs and did not cause an interferon response. Our findings suggest elevated pre-microRNA levels trigger the interferon response to double stranded RNA (incompletely processed miRNA and other species). Rescue experiments (restoring DICER1 function) are currently underway to shed additional light on how reduced double-stranded RNA processing might elicit an interferon response. Work is ongoing to determine the relationship between the observed interferon response and the migration and soft agar phenotypes. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2312. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-2312
Associations Between Body Fat Percentage and Fitness among Police Officers: A Statewide Study

Abstract Background Police work is generally sedentary although there may be situations that require physical endurance and strength, such as foot chases and arresting suspects. Factors such as excessive body fat can impede an officer's physical ability to deal with such occurrences. Our objective was to examine associations between officers' body fat percentage (BF%) and performance on a standardized fitness protocol. Methods Data were obtained from fitness screening among 1,826 male and 115 female officers in a large US police agency. The screening consisted of a 2.4-km run, push-ups, sit-ups, and sit-and-reach test. Sex-specific body fat percentages were estimated from skinfold thickness measured using calipers. Linear regression models were used to examine unadjusted and adjusted mean scores of fitness tests across BF% tertiles. Results The prevalence of overall fitness was 4.3 times greater in male officers and 3.6 times greater in female officers having the lowest BF% tertile compared with the highest tertile (30.3% vs 7.1% and 46.0% vs 12.8%, respectively). BF% was linearly and positively associated with the time of 2.4-km run ( p 0.001), and linearly and inversely associated with the number of push-ups ( p 0.001), sit-ups ( p 0.001), and the distance of sit-and-reach ( p 0.001) in men. Similar associations were observed in women with the exception of sit-and-reach ( p = 0.122). Associations were independent of age, race/ethnicity, rank, and duty station. Conclusion Overall, BF% was inversely associated with fitness levels in male and female officers. Future longitudinal studies should be initiated to explore the potentially causal relationship between BF% and fitness in law enforcement officers.
Scalp congenital hemangioma with associated high-output cardiac failure in a premature infant: Case report and review of literature.

IntroductionScalp congenital hemangiomas (CHs) are rare vascular malformations among infants; they can be associated with an array of complications, including cardiac and cosmetic issues. Here, we ...
Radium-226 Removal from Simulated Produced Water Using Natural Zeolite and Ion-Exchange Resin

Large volumes of produced water with high dissolved solids content are generated by the oil and gas industry. The presence of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM), such as radium, in this flowback water adds to the costs associated with its handling, treatment, and disposal. In this research, clinoptilolite was tested for radium removal and its performance has been compared to that of an ion-exchange resin. Natural zeolite showed excellent stability in high chloride environments; its capacity and selectivity for radium outperformed the ion-exchange resin.
Cost-Effectiveness of Treatment Sequences of Chemotherapies and Targeted Biologics for Elderly Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Patients

BACKGROUND: Treatment patterns for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients have changed considerably over the last decade with the introduction of new chemotherapies and targeted biologics. These treatments are often administered in various sequences with limited evidence regarding their cost-effectiveness. OBJECTIVE: To conduct a pharmacoeconomic evaluation of commonly administered treatment sequences among elderly mCRC patients. METHODS: A probabilistic discrete event simulation model assuming Weibull distribution was developed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the following common treatment sequences: (a) first-line oxaliplatin/irinotecan followed by second-line oxaliplatin/irinotecan + bevacizumab (OI-OIB); (b) first-line oxaliplatin/irinotecan + bevacizumab followed by second-line oxaliplatin/irinotecan + bevacizumab (OIB-OIB); (c) OI-OIB followed by a third-line targeted biologic (OI-OIB-TB); and (d) OIB-OIB followed by a third-line targeted biologic (OIB-OIB-TB). Input parameters for the m...
Optical Enhancement of DNA-Base Radio-Resistivity

We propose a mechanism which uses the simultaneous application of circularly polarized light and an external magnetic field to control the polarization of the free radicals and create S=1 electron-hole spin excitations (excitons) on nucleotide-base. We deploy an ab-initio molecular dynamics model to calculate the characteristic parameters of the light needed for optical transitions. The effect of spin-injection on the formation of a free energy barrier in diffusion controlled chemical reaction pathways leads to the control of radiation-induced base damage. The proposed method allows us to manipulate and partially suppress the damage induced by ionizing radiation.
THE EAR: Excision and Repair

The external ear provides many functions. It collects sound waves and channels them to the middle and inner ear, provides support for eyeglasses, and is important for cosmesis. A normal appearing ear is unnoticed, but an irregular appearance of the external ear is obvious. The ear, in a protruding position from the head, receives significant sun exposure and consequently is the site for the development of cutaneous malignancies. Squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma of the external ear account for 5% to 8% of all skin cancers. 4 Additionally, benign skin conditions occur on the ear, including chondrodermatitis nodularis chronica helices, keloids, nevi, and epidermal inclusion cysts among others.
Heart Failure Prevention

Heart failure takes a tremendous toll on patients and the health-care system. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), 5.7 million adult Americans had heart failure in 2012, and that number is expected to rise by 46 % by 2030. Despite significant advancements in therapies with improved morbidity, the 1-year mortality rate is 29.6 %, and cumulative mortality is almost 50 % within the first 5 years after initial diagnosis. More than 1.8 million office visits and 676,000 emergency room visits were attributed to heart failure in 2010. In 2012, the direct medical costs of heart failure exceeded $21 billion, with a projected increase of almost 127 % by 2030. The good news is the impact of prevention on the reduction of heart failure. As one example, 75 % of heart failure cases had predisposing hypertension; the lifetime risk for people with a blood pressure (BP) > 160/90 mmHg is double that of those with a BP < 140/90 mmHg. The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study identified hypertension, obesity, and systolic dysfunction as important risk factors amenable to prevention. Thus, the “heart failure tide” is turning to a bigger focus on prevention, rather than a singular focus on treatment. As with other diseases, early detection is vital as is eliminating or reducing risk factors and treating them aggressively. Common, preventable risk factors include hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, and diabetes mellitus. This chapter also describes other areas where prevention can make a big difference, such as with heart failure’s association with social behaviors ranging from alcohol abuse to use of cocaine, androgenic steroids, and amphetamines (recreational use)—and heart failure’s relationship to the human immunodeficiency virus and chemotherapy. Eliminating or reducing risk factors and treating them adequately will not only reduce morbidity and mortality but can maintain patients’ quality of life and reduce health-care costs.
A reconfigurable-winding system for electric vehicle drive applications

In this paper, a reconfigurable-winding system for electric vehicles (EV) applications is discussed. It features fewer solid-state ac switches compared with state-of-the-art designs and does not have a dc circuit short-circuit failure mode. Simulation results show that the proposed design can achieve significant inverter loss reduction in low and high speed modes. Preliminary experiments demonstrate the ability to change winding configurations in about 5 ms.
A Comprehensive Review of H2S Scavenger Technologies from Oil and Gas Streams

Sour crudes containing > 0.5 % sulfur are of low quality and cause harm to equipment, the environment, and to humans. Therefore, sustainable measures for crude oil sweetening are of significant importance. Removal of H2S directly at the wellhead before the transport increases the value of crude oil and may be necessary to adhere to legal transport laws. Chemical agents known as scavengers are used to scrub H2S from crude oils. Scavengers are either of the regenerative or non-regenerative type and are used depending on the pH or water content of the crude stream. The literature has been surveyed to reveal those absorbents that allow the most effective scavenging of H2S at wellhead applications. The chemical processing, including recovery of scavenger or end use of products, is discussed for decision-making at the confluence of chemistry and chemical engineering for H2S removal. This work investigates how and why some scavengers perform better for some crudes and environmental conditions than others with the intent to develop designer scavengers and processing conditions for the crude oil industry.
NEW AND FORTHCOMING AT REFERENCE

Compiled by Lori Mestre, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and Linda Salem, San Diego State University
WIPP intermediate scale borehole test - A pretest analysis 1

A three-dimensional finite element structural analysis of the Intermediate Scale Borehole Test at the WIPP has been performed. The analysis provides insight into how a relatively new excavation in a creeping medium responds when introduced into an existing pillar which has been undergoing stress redistribution for 5.7 years. The stress field of the volume of material in the immediate vicinity of the borehole changes significantly when the hole is drilled. Closure of the hole is predicted to be larger in the vertical direction than in the horizontal direction, leading to an ovaling of the hole. The relatively high stresses near the hole persist even at the end of the simulation, 2 years after the hole is drilled.
Linking Public Housing to Education: A Comparative Case Study of HOPE VI

AbstractThis research examines the federally funded HOPE VI urban revitalization program’s influence on neighborhood public school performance. A comparative case study was conducted in two HOPE VI neighborhood public schools, one that improved significantly (Philadelphia), and one that experienced a decline (Washington DC). The analysis revealed several insights into neighborhood factors that may influence school performance: the most vulnerable residents were least likely to gain reentry, mixed income housing residents often opt out of traditional public schools, and partnerships between public housing and education officials have been historically overlooked.
Determination of Heavy Metal Ions in Selected Medicinal Plants of Agra

Therapeutic plants have always been valued as a mode of treatment of variety of ailments in folk cultures and have played a very important role in discovering the modern day medicines with novel chemical constituents. Now, is it has been established fact that over dose or prolonged ingestion of medicinal plants leads to the chronic accumulation of different elements which causes various health problems. In this context, elemental contents of the medicinal plants are very important and need to be screened for their quality control. Essential metals can also produce toxic effects when the metal intake is high concentrations, whereas nonessential metals are toxic even in very low concentration for human health. During the present study the levels of Copper, Iron and Zinc in five most important therapeutic plants i. e. Achyranthus aspera, Azadirachta indica, Adhatoda vasica, Ricinus communis and Withania somnifera, of Agra city were determined through AAS. The results were compared with the permissible limits (PL) set by WHO. Accordingly, all plants showed increased levels of Copper and Iron which is alarming. Maximum 35.8 ppm Copper in Azadirachta indica and 674.2ppm Iron in Achyranthus aspera were being observed. Thus, the tested plants showed high content of toxic pollutant due to industrial pollution. Therefore, special care must be taken during the administration of routinely used control practices for herbal medicines screening in order to protect consumers from toxicity.
The impact of intravascular ultrasound on outcomes of endovascular repair of blunt traumatic aortic injury

IntroductionEndovascular repair has become first-line therapy for traumatic aortic injury. Proper endograft sizing is critical to outcomes following traumatic aortic injury repair; however, the ade...
Engine Inlet Guide Vane Ice Impact Fragmentation

Experimental testing and analytical modeling of ice impact and fragmentation at turbo fan engine inlet were conducted in this research. A rotor testing facility, Adverse Environment Rotor Test Stan...
Co-creating Culture Through Relationship with Individuals of Asian Indian Origin

The applications of relational theory to clinical social work practice with individuals of Asian Indian origin are discussed in this chapter. Developing culturally attuned practices with this population requires recognizing the importance of a number of issues, including interactions between individual identity and group and family identity; roles and impacts of extended family and intergenerational relationships; challenges related to immigration and acculturation; and the influences of religious and spiritual beliefs on clients’ values and worldviews. Relational theory offers practitioners a framework and strategies for engaging with their Asian Indian clients around these issues, particularly when the practitioner feels a dissonance with her own assumptions and values about family, identity, and personal growth. Through a case example of working with a gay-identified Asian Indian man, the importance of self-reflection, taking a not-knowing stance, and compassionately engaging with feelings of disconnection to help the client transform his relationships with self, family, and cultural identity will be illustrated.
A formula about W-operator and its application to Hurwitz number

Abstract W -operators are differential operators on the polynomial ring. Mironov, Morosov and Natanzon construct the generalized Hurwitz numbers. They use the W -operator to prove a formula for the generating function of the generalized Hurwitz numbers. A special example of the W -operator is the cut-and-join operator. Goulden and Jackson use the cut-and-join operator to calculate the simple Hurwitz number. In this paper, we study the relation between W -operator W ( [ d ] ) and the central elements K 1 n − d d in ℂ S n . Based on the relation we find, we give another proof about a differential equation of the generating function of d -Hurwitz number.
Modeling Pneumatic Actuators for a Refreshable Tactile Display

In this paper, we develop a dynamic lumped parameter model of a pneumatic membrane actuator to inform the design of a shape display that meets force, speed and spatial density specifications for refreshable braille. A system identification experiment is undertaken to determine relevant system parameters that remain fixed under variation of the lengths of the connecting tubes and cavity volumes. Parameter values were found to fit a numerical solution to a step response in pressure for multiple line lengths. Two additional experiments were conducted using various applied pressures and actuator cavity volumes to validate the model. Extrapolation of the model to the dimensions of a first prototype scaled at 5/3 braille dot size and spacing predicts a 1.4 Hz bandwidth whereas experiments yield a 1.7 Hz bandwidth.
Comparing medians

Many methods have been proposed for comparing the medians of J independent groups. Generally, however, extant techniques require very restrictive assumptions or they are known to perform in an unsatisfactory manner in simulations. Included are many well-known rank-based methods plus certain types of bootstrap techniques. One goal here is to point out that two recently proposed methods also perform poorly when there are tied values. Another goal is to examine the small sample properties of several alternative methods that have not been previously studied. The main result is that a multiple comparison technique (called method R), is the only method to perform well in all the situations considered here. For an omnibus test with J>2 groups and no tied values, two methods are found that control Type I error probabilities reasonably well, one of which is based in part on results in Liu and Singh [1997. Notions of limiting p-values based on data depth and bootstrap. J. Amer. Statist. Assoc. 92, 266-277]. With tied values, the second method is found to be more satisfactory, but even it can perform poorly.
Social Learning and Adolescent Deviance Abstention: Toward Understanding the Reasons for Initiating, Quitting, and Avoiding Drugs

Tests of theories that attempt to explain why individuals currently use drugs are widespread; however, the theoretical examinations of abstention from drugs and the cessation of their use are rare. For its part, social learning theory has been supported consistently in its delineation of the process by which substance use is learned. We propose that cessation and abstention are also learned behavior. Using logistic regression analysis, we examine the ability of social learning variables to distinguish among abstainers, current users, and former users of illicit drugs within a sample of 1688 middle- and high-school students in two widely separated nonurban communities. Results indicate that social learning variables clearly distinguish abstainers from current users but are less able to distinguish former users and current users or former users from abstainers. The theoretical, research, and policy implications of these findings are examined in detail.
Determining the utility of the pediatric appendicitis score in a community hospital setting

Purpose: Most studies of the pediatric appendicitis score (PAS) were conducted at academic centers. Therefore prior to applying this score in a quality improvement initiative around the diagnosis of appendicitis, we evaluated the effectiveness of this score in our community hospital setting. Methods: A retrospective chart review evaluated baseline data over a 6 month period of time (1/22/15-7/22/15). Patients ( < 18yo) were identified who presented to one of our 4 ERs with a diagnosis of abdominal pain or appendicitis. Charts were manually reviewed and assigned a PAS based on lab values and medical provider notes. Practitioner concern for appendicitis during the visit (based on notes, …
Critical Appraisal of a Clinical Trial

Critical appraisal of a clinical trial involves systematic examination of research to assess its reliability, value, and relevance in clinical decision making. Critical appraisal of the trial is a very important component in evidence-based practice. Each trial has to be scrutinized in various aspects like study design, arms, comparator arm, trial run and recruitment, outcomes, toxicity, potential confounders and bias, statistical methods, and ethical issues. The chapter summarizes on how to perform a critical appraisal of a clinical trial.
Oligomerization of the antimalarial drug target PfATP4 is essential for parasite survival

Plasmodium falciparum P-type ATPase (PfATP4) is a Na+ efflux pump crucial for maintaining low [Na+]i in malaria parasites during their intraerythrocytic development cycle. In recent years, multiple studies have shown PfATP4 to be the target of a large number of chemical scaffolds, including current candidate antimalarials KAE609 and SJ733. Here we show that PfATP4 exists as a large complex. Immunopurification and proteomic studies revealed the complex to be homooligomeric in nature. The complex appears to be assembled co-translationally. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that ATP4 from apicomplexans and chromerids form a distinct class of P-type ATPases having fewer transmembrane helices compared to their orthologues. We hypothesized that reduction of transmembrane helices in PfATP4 might necessitate oligomerization to maintain its function. We further suspected potential involvement of π-π interactions between aromatic amino acids within the terminal transmembrane helix of each monomer to be critical for oligomerization. To test this hypothesis, we mutated three aromatic amino acids in the last transmembrane helix of PfATP4. Wildtype and the mutated PfATP4 genes were introduced at an ectopic locus in a P. falciparum line, in which endogenous PfATP4 was conditionally expressed. Whereas the wildtype copy of PfATP4 expressed from the ectopic locus was able to form the oligomeric complex, the mutant PfATP4 failed to do so. Strikingly, unlike the wildtype, the mutant PfATP4 failed to functionally complement the knockdown of the endogenous gene, leading to parasite demise. These results strongly suggest that co-translational oligomerization of PfATP4 is essential for its function and for parasite survival.
Operational benefits and challenges of shared-ride automated mobility-on-demand services

Abstract This paper presents a quantitative analysis of the operations of shared-ride automated mobility-on-demand services (SRAMODS). The study identifies (i) operational benefits of SRAMODS including improved service quality and/or lower operational costs relative to automated mobility-on-demand services (AMODS) without shared rides; and (ii) challenges associated with operating SRAMODS. The study employs an agent-based stochastic dynamic simulation framework to model the operational problems of AMODS. The agents include automated vehicles (AVs), on-demand user requests, and a central AV fleet controller that can dynamically change the plans (i.e. routes and AV-user assignments) of AVs in real-time using optimization-based control policies. The agent-based simulation tool and AV fleet control policies are used to test the operational performance of AMODS under a variety of scenarios. The first set of scenarios vary user demand and a parameter constraining the maximum user detour distance. Results indicate that even with a small maximum user detour distance parameter value, allowing shared rides significantly improves the operational efficiency of the AV fleet, where the efficiency gains stem from economies of demand density and network effects. The second set of scenarios vary the mean and coefficient of variation of the curbside pickup time parameter; i.e. how long an AV must wait curbside at a user’s pickup location before the user gets inside the AV. Results indicate that increases in mean curbside pickup time significantly degrade operational performance in terms of user in-vehicle travel time and user wait time. The study quantifies the total system (user plus fleet controller) cost as a function of mean curbside pickup time. Finally, the paper provides an extensive discussion of the implications of the quantitative analysis for public-sector transportation planners and policy-makers as well as for mobility service providers.
Contextualizing the “Turkish Paradox”

The chapter contextualizes the “Turkish paradox” of lower representation of women in municipal councils as compared to in the Parliament. Women’s political underrepresentation is analyzed through three perspectives: historical, party-specific, and locally based. First, the historical perspective reveals that it is not always true that women were fewer in municipalities, especially during the years of minimal national representation. Secondly, it becomes apparent that political parties contribute unequally to women’s political exclusion, even though this fact often remains hidden within the national average of women’s representation. Thirdly and crucially, the local fabric in Turkey is very rich with significant differences and specificities linked to region, city, and even incumbent political majority.
Instructional Approaches: Anatomy Education of Physical Therapists

The profession of physical therapy has undergone an evolution since its inception. Since the early 1900s it has grown from a technical training program to a doctorate level degree. Human anatomy courses remain a requirement for physical therapist educational curricula. However, changes in anatomy pedagogy have been trending within health profession educational models, leading to questions regarding which method is best for student learning. The objective of this study was to determine if anatomy instructional method used within physical therapist educational curricula impacted current anatomy knowledge. Licensed physical therapists were recruited to complete a demographic survey and a questionnaire to demonstrate their knowledge of anatomy topics. Anatomy topics included six regional components: (1) upper limb; (2) lower limb; (3) thorax and abdomen; (4) pelvis; (5) spine; and (6) head. Each regional component contained five questions regarding systemic subsets related to joints and osteology, muscles, nervous system, vasculature, and special areas (e.g., spatial orientations, structures within spaces, pathways of nerves). Within the thorax and abdominal region, data analysis indicated that the dissection instruction method, when compared to no laboratory instruction, led to statistically significant greater anatomical knowledge (P = 0.02). Dissection also showed greater means when compared to the no laboratory method (P = 0.02) and the prosection method in the head region (P = 0.01). However, the variance explained by instructional method was small. This study adds empirical evidence regarding current anatomy knowledge exhibited by physical therapists as the level of anatomical knowledge exhibited small differences based on instructional methods.