cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Accumulation of hexahydro‐1,3,5‐trinitro‐1,3,5‐triazine in channel catfish (ictalurus punctatus) and aquatic oligochaetes (lumbriculus variegatus)

The extensively used military explosive hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) has been widely released to the environment during production, usage, and disposal operations. Toxic effects of RDX have been reported in terrestrial and aquatic receptors, but investigations regarding the bioaccumulation potential of RDX in aquatic systems are scarce. The objective of the present study was to describe the toxicokinetics of RDX during aqueous exposure for the channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) and aquatic oligochaetes (Lumbriculus variegatus) and to compare the amount of RDX accumulation in juvenile catfish following aqueous exposure only, dietary exposure only, and a combination of dietary and aqueous exposure. The toxicokinetics measurements included bioconcentration factors (BCFs), uptake rates, elimination rates, and biological half-lives. First-order, single-compartment models described the toxicokinetics for both species. Uptake of RDX into oligochaetes was relatively rapid (uptake clearance constant [ku] of 5.17 ml/g/h) compared to that in catfish (ku = 1.28 ml/g/h). However, elimination also was more rapid in oligochaetes, with biological half-lives of 0.28 and 1.09 h for oligochaetes and catfish, respectively. Thus, both species had very similar estimated BCFs of 2.1 ml/g for oligochaetes and 2.0 ml/g for catfish. Accumulation of RDX in fish that were fed oligochaetes exposed to an exceedingly high water concentration of RDX was minimal. The present investigation indicates that RDX uptake via the aqueous route is the expected dominant uptake pathway, with dietary uptake contributing minimally to the overall body burden in fish inhabiting RDX-contaminated sites. Because of the exceedingly low bioaccumulative potential and low reported toxicity of RDX, the presence of this explosive in aquatic systems is unlikely to pose unacceptable risks to invertebrates and fish.
Fluorescence Polarization Analysis of Protein-DNA and Protein-Protein Interactions

Fluorescence polarization is a powerful technique for characterizing macromolecular associations and can provide equilibrium determinations of protein-DNA and protein-protein interactions. This technique is particularly useful (and better suited than electrophoretic methods) to study low affinity protein-protein interactions. In this review, we have outlined the principles underlying the use of fluorescence polarization to study the assembly of higher order complexes that bind to the CRE. The availability of simple, relatively inexpensive instrumentation means that this technology is no longer only within the realm of the physical biochemist.
An update to modern taxonomy (2011) of freshwater planktic heterocytous cyanobacteria

It is essential for the modern taxonomic classification of cyanobacteria to be continually updated in accordance with revisions based on molecular sequence comparisons and combined with morphological features, ecophysiological characters and other biochemical and molecular markers (“polyphasic approach”). Several genera, which are characterized by their planktic life form and contain indicator species important for the evaluation of aquatic biocenoses in majority of water bodies are recognized in the monophyletic group of heterocytous cyanobacteria. Current taxonomic revisions (and nomenclatoric consequences) of the specific contents of these heterocytous cyanobacterial generic units are covered by this article. Among these genera, 12 contain only planktic species, three remaining genera contain both planktic and non-planktic species. Comments and suggestions for future research are stressed especially in the ecologically distinct genera, which includes species dominating in the plankton of various reservoir types.
Energetic N(+) ions in the interstellar medium

Energetic N(+) ions are produced in interstellar clouds by reactions of He(+) ions and N2 with sufficient energy to overcome the exoergicity of the reaction of N(+) with H2 and thereby from NH(+) ions. The reacting N(+) ions also slow down by elastic collisions with the ambient H2 molecules. The equilibrium energy distributions of the N(+) ions in a gas with temperature between 10 and 70 K are derived and the effective reaction rate coefficients are calculated. At 30 K, the rate coefficient is 1.6 x 10 to the -10th cu cm/sec.
Weakly Coupled Relaxor Behavior of BaTiO3–BiScO3 Ceramics

The structural and dielectric properties of (1−x)BaTiO3–xBiScO3 (x=0–0.5) ceramics were investigated to acquire a better understanding of the binary system, including determination of the symmetry of the phases, the associated dielectric properties, and the differences in the roles of Bi2O3 and BiScO3 substitutions in a BaTiO3 solid solution. The solubility limit for BiScO3 into the BaTiO3 perovskite structure was determined to be about x=0.4. A systematic structural change from the ferroelectric tetragonal phase to a pseudo-cubic one was observed at about x=0.05–0.075 at room temperature. Dielectric measurements revealed a gradual change from proper ferroelectric behavior in pure BaTiO3 to highly diffusive and dispersive relaxor-like characteristics from 10 to 40 mol% BiScO3. Several of the compositions showed high relative permittivities with low-temperature coefficients of capacitance over a wide range of temperature. Quantification of the relaxation behavior was obtained through the Vogel–Fulcher model, which yielded an activation energy of 0.2–0.3 eV. The attempt characteristic frequency was 1013 Hz and the freezing temperature, Tf, ranged from −177° to −93°C as a function of composition. The high coercive fields, low remanent polarization, and high activation energies suggest that in the BiScO3–BaTiO3 solid solutions, the polarization in nanopolar regions is weakly coupled from region to region, limiting the ability to obtain long-range dipole ordering in these relaxors under field-cooled conditions.
Ion Irradiation Induced Metastable Phase Formation in the Al-Zr System

The Al-Zr system was investigated in an effort to form quasicrystals. While no quasicrystals were found, a metastable phase previously formed only by annealing of a metastable solid solution was observed. This phase was formed by thermal annealing or by elevated temperature ion irradiations of thin film specimens. This work is the first observation of ion irradiation induced formation of this metastable phase.
Professionalism in nursing behaviors of nurse practitioners.

Little research on the level of professionalism of nurse practitioners has been published to date. These nurses are expected to practice relatively autonomously in delivering client care and therefore must monitor their own levels of professionalism. At a national conference, 502 nurse practitioners completed the Professionalism in Nursing Behaviors Inventory. Participants represented all of the states and the most common specialties of nurse practitioners. Nearly 68 per cent had been practitioners less than 5 years and were primarily employed in physicians' offices. The majority had received their master's degrees from schools with nurse practitioner curricula, and 8 per cent held doctorates. More than one half of the practitioners had written a research proposal or participated in a project within the past 2 years. In terms of autonomy, nearly 50 per cent of the nurses had written their own job descriptions. Maintaining certification motivated them to engage in some professionalism behaviors. Results indicated these nurse practitioners had high levels of professionalism. J Prof Nurs 17:203-210, 2001.
The Effect of Apolipoprotein A-II on the Structure and Function of Apolipoprotein A-I in a Homogeneous Reconstituted High Density Lipoprotein Particle

In this study we examined the effects of apoA-II on the structure and function of apoA-I in homogeneous reconstituted HDL (rHDL). First, we measured the binding of apoA-II to apoA-I-rHDL, containing dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine or palmitoyloleoylphosphatidylcholine, and the degree of apoA-I displacement at various ratios of apolipoproteins. Using fluorescence methods, we determined that apoA-II binding is rapid, irreversible, and associated with apoA-I displacement only when the molar ratio of apoA-II/apoA-I is greater than 1:2. Next, we used the stable apoA-II/apoA-I-rHDL complex at the apoA-II/apoA-I ratio of 1:2 to examine its physical properties, apoA-I structure, and reactivity with lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT). Using chemical cross-linking in conjunction with fluorescence and electrophoretic methods, we demonstrated that the conformation of apoA-I must be flexible to allow apoA-II binding to the apoA-I-rHDL particles and showed that the hybrid particles have an unchanged Stokes diameter. Fluorescence and circular dichroism measurements revealed little or no change in the secondary structure or in the N-terminal domain of apoA-I, but showed a marked destabilization of apoA-I to denaturation by guanidine hydrochloride. Limited tryptic digestion indicated that the central region of apoA-I becomes accessible to proteolysis in the hybrid particles. Together, these results suggest that amphipathic alpha-helices of apoA-II replace four central helices of one apoA-I molecule (residues approximately 99-187) in the complex and in the process destabilize apoA-I. Thus, apoA-II binding at physiologic ratios may not completely displace apoA-I from HDL, but may provide a reservoir of easily exchangeable apoA-I. Finally, we showed that the reaction of the hybrid HDL with LCAT was inhibited 2-5-fold, relative to apoA-I-rHDL, due to a corresponding increase in the apparent Km value. This suggests that LCAT binding to the hybrid particles is sterically hindered by the excess protein (portions of apoA-I and apoA-II not bound to lipid). Therefore, apoA-II can modulate the reaction of HDL with LCAT by decreasing LCAT binding to hybrid particles and making the enzyme available for reaction with other substrates.
Using performance-based regulation to reduce childhood obesity

Worldwide, the public health community has recognized the growing problem of childhood obesity. But, unlike tobacco control policy, there is little evidence about what public policies would work to substantially reduce childhood obesity. Public health leaders currently tend to support traditional "command and control" schemes that order private enterprises and governments to stop or start doing specific things that, is it hoped, will yield lower childhood obesity rates. These include measures such as 1) taking sweetened beverages out of schools, 2) posting calorie counts on fast-food menu boards, 3) labeling foods with a "red light" if they contain high levels of fat or sugar, 4) limiting the density of fast food restaurants in any neighborhood, 5) requiring chain restaurants to offer "healthy" alternatives, and 6) eliminating junk food ads on television shows aimed at children. Some advocates propose other regulatory interventions such as 1) influencing the relative prices of healthy and unhealthy foods through taxes and/or subsidies and 2) suing private industry for money damages as a way of blaming childhood obesity on certain practices of the food industry (such as its marketing, product composition, or portion size decisions). The food industry generally seeks to deflect blame for childhood obesity onto others, such as parents and schools.
Alterations in tissue glutathione and angiotensin converting enzyme due to inhalation of diesel engine exhaust.

Quantitative changes in reduced glutathione (GSH) and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) of lung and extrapulmonary tissues were determined following exposure of laboratory animals to diesel engine exhaust (DEE). Exposure of male rats and guinea pigs to DEE containing 750 μg particulates per cubic meter for 12 wk did not cause any changes in GSH levels of lung, liver, and heart compared to control values. Rats were then exposed for various time periods to 6 mg/m 3 DEE. Two weeks of exposure produced statistically significant increases of 21 and 7% in GSH levels of lung and liver, respectively, but no change in the heart. Following 4 wk of exposure, lung showed a 14% increase and heart an 11% increase in GSH level. Furthermore, rats exposed for 4 wk to DEE did not show any particular susceptibility toward the GSH‐depleting effect of acetaminophen as compared to controls. A significant depletion (15%) of hepatic GSH was observed after 8 wk of exposure, while lung was still showing an increase of 18% in GSH...
Blends of novel L‐tyrosine‐based polyurethanes and polyphosphate for potential biomedical applications

Elastomeric biodegradable polyurethanes and polyphosphate have been developed using an L- tyrosine-based diphenolic monomer desaminotyrosine-tyrosine hexyl ester (DTH). Soft segments, which are polycaproloctone diol (PCL) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) have been used for the synthesis of two biodegradable L-tyrosine polyurethanes (LTUs), which are PEG-C-DTH and PCL-C-DTH. An investigation of the physico-chemical properties shows that these polymers have dramatically different properties. By blending LTUs with L-tyrosine polyphosphate (LTP), we hope to produce a family of materials with a wide range of thermal, morphological, surface, and degradative properties. Examination of the blends shows a smooth surface morphology with a partially phase-separated structure. These findings are consistent with the results obtained from thermal analysis of the blends. Hydrophilic nature of PEG imparts the PEG-based blends (PEG-C-DTH/LTP) with a significantly higher surface and bulk hydrophilicity compared with the PCL-based blends (PCL-C-DTH/LTP). Finally, the blends demonstrate a rapid initial hydrolytic degradation in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) followed by a significantly slower, prolonged degradation. The observed trend may occur due to the rapid hydrolytic degradation rate of the polyphosphate polymer followed by the degradation of the polyurethane component. Thus, tuning the physical properties by blending LTUs with LTP may be useful for drug delivery device and soft tissue engineering scaffold applications. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Caught in the Web: The Impact of Library Instruction on Business Students' Perceptions and Use of Print and Online Resources.

Many business students rely heavily on the Web for research, in part because of their unfamiliarity with the breadth of their library’s business resources (online and in print). This study sought to determine whether library instruction could impact undergraduate business students’ attitudes and use of three information formats: print materials, library databases, and Web resources. Over the course of a semester, pre-/postinstruction questionnaires were collected from ninety students enrolled in a business capstone course. Results indicate that after library instruction, students held more favorable attitudes toward print resources and used them in their research more than they had initially expected.
Network Analysis and the Law: Measuring the Legal Importance of Supreme Court Precedents

We construct the complete network of 28,951 majority opinions written by the U.S. Supreme Court and the cases they cite from 1792 to 2005. We illustrate some basic properties of this network and then describe a method for creating importance scores using the data to identify the most important Court precedents at any point in time. This method yields dynamic rankings that can be used to predict the future citation behavior of state courts, the U.S. Courts of Appeals, and the U.S. Supreme Court, and these rankings outperform several commonly used alternative measures of case importance.
Modeling the role of distributional information in children’s use of phonemic contrasts

Abstract Between the first and the second year of life, children improve in their ability to use phonemic contrasts when learning label–object pairings. This improvement may be related to children’s experience with the distribution of phonemes across lexical forms. Because phonemes typically occur in different lexical frames (e.g., /d/ and /t/ in “doggy” and “teddy” rather than “doggy” and “toggy”), familiarity with words makes similar phonemes more distinct through acquired distinctiveness. In a series of simulations, we demonstrate that English input has the distributional characteristics necessary to facilitate use of phonemic contrasts as a function of increasing familiarity with the lexicon. Further, these simulations support a novel prediction: that less common phonemes should take longer to be used productively. We tested this prediction with children between 18 and 25 months, and found that the relatively infrequent /s/ and /z/ contrast takes longer to emerge than frequent contrasts such as /b/–/d/ or /d/–/t/.
A Numerical Analysis of Crack Growth in Microcracking Ceramic and Ceramic Composites

A set of numerical analyses of crack growth was performed to elucidate the mechanism of microcracking on the observed fracture behavior of ceramics and ceramic composites. The random nucleation, orientation and size effects of discrete microcracks and resulting interactions are fully accounted for in a hybrid finite element model. The results indicate that the energy expenditure due the microcrack nucleation seems not to contribute significantly to the resistance to crack growth. The main controlling parameter appears to be elastic interaction of the microcracks with the main crack in the absence of a reinforcing phase; therefore, the microcrack density plays an important role. In the case of the composites, the interaction of the main crack with the stress fields of the reinforcing phase, rather than interaction of microcracks, is the controlling parameter for the resistance to the crack growth even in the presence of a large population of microcracks. It will be also shown that the crack branching and crack kinking can readily develop as a result of microcracking.
Effect of Feeding Thyroid on Anterior Hypophysis of the Female Albino Rat.

SummaryTwenty-eight female rats were fed amounts of desiccated thyroid ranging from 250 to 1,000 mg. daily. The oestral cycle was suppressed to varying degrees, dependent on the dosage of thyroid. ...
Skew derivations andU q (sl(2))

This note first describes the basic properties of the skew derivations on the polynomial ringk[X]. As a consequence of these properties it is proved that theq-analogue of the enveloping algebra of sl(2),U q(sl(2)), has a unique action on C[X], where “action” means that C[X] is a module algebra in the Hopf algebra sense. This depends on the fact that the generators of a subalgebra ofU q(sl(2)) described by Woronowicz must act via an automorphism, and the skew derivations associated to it.
Experimental study on surface integrity of Ti-6Al-4V machined by LS-WEDM

Titanium alloys have been widely used in the aerospace industry due to its outstanding properties. However, the poor thermal conductivity and high chemical reactivity impair titanium alloys machinability in conventional machining, which make it to be one of the typical difficult-to-machine materials. Electrical discharge machining (EDM) becomes the best alternative to machine titanium alloys. This paper focuses on investigating surface integrity of low-speed wire electrical discharge machining (LS-WEDM) in machining Ti-6Al-4V (TC4) by multiple cuts namely one main cut (MC) followed by trim cuts (TC). The machining parameter levels of multiple cuts and offsets were modified aimed at TC4 material, and the surface roughness of 0.67 μm was obtained after one MC and three TC. In addition, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to observe the surface microstructure, which is characterized by an uneven fusing structure, spherical droplets, irregular droplets, craters, cracks, and micro-void; Moreover, it can be observed that cracks usually began with the edge of micro-voids, and the debris on the machined surface were deformed fragments due to the low thermal conductivity makes TC4 material be ejected or solidified before completely melting. Furthermore, the foreign elements of Cu and Zn were detected in the white layer by energy dispersive spectrograph (EDS) integrated in SEM; it also can be found that the crater edge has more Cu and Zn elements than crater center. The white layers were predominantly nonuniform and discontinuous due to poor penetration hardening of TC4 material. After the third TC, the white layer has become more continuous and the thickness was reduced to 2.7 μm, which was nearly invisible. The hardness of the white layer was almost the same as the base material. Finally, the blueviolet film was observed on the TC4 workpiece surface due to the electrolysis making the surface oxidation. By using X-ray diffraction (XRD), it is confirmed that TiO2, Ti2O3, and TiO existed in the oxidation film. The technique and knowledge that this study proposed could provide a significant contribution to electrical discharge machining surface improvement.
Epidemiological Investigation and Analysis of Bacillary Dysentery in Haidian District in 2007

[Objective]To understand the morbidity,epidemic character,bacterial spectrum and drug resistance of bacillary dysentery in Haidian district in 2007,provide the basic data for scientific control and prevention of bacillary dysentery in the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. [Methods]According to the information from Disease Directly Reporting Network in Haidian District in 2007,the current incidence of bacillary dysentery was analyzed descriptively. The Shigella samples in enteric clinics were tested in subtypes and drug resistance. [Results] In 2007,there are 5286 cases of bacillary dysentery reported in Haidian District,and the incidence rate was 213.98/lakh with the second place among 38 kinds of legal notifiable infectious disease. The epidemic peak occured through June to September,and the August had the highest incidence rate of bacillary dysentery with 1288 cases reported,which accounted for 24.37% of the cases during the year. The cases focused on 0~4 years old group,20 years old group,5 years old group and 70+ years old group. The majority of patients were students,scattered children,government functionaries and retirees,with the constituent ratio at 70.17%.The food was the main inducing factor of bacillary dysentery. The distribution of subtypes showed that Shigella Sonnei and Shigella Flexneri accounted for 80.00% and 20.00% respectively. The drug resistances of Shigella for various antibiotics were different. [Conclusion] Bacillary dysentery still was one of the important public health problems which harm to the health of Haidian people,and the incidence rate was higher than the national average level. The prevalence showed significant season peak. The society should pay more attention to prevention and control among the key populations,including 0~4 years old group,school students,government functionaries and clerks. Shigella Sonnei was the dominant subtype in Haidian District. Therefore,the prevention and control of Bacillary dysentery in all departments should be strengthened,especially in the administration of food health.
Assessing motion cueing seat effectiveness in UAV pilots and sensors

This note discusses the potential effectiveness of using motion cueing seat technology for the training of UAV pilots and sensors. Issues related to training and skill-based learning are discussed....
Practice models used by pharmacists in rural Minnesota to obtain Medicare reimbursement.

Objectives: (1) Define "incident-to" rules for Medicare reimbursement; (2) Describe how pharmacists can meet incident-to rules; (3) Provide examples of models of practice in rural areas that could be useful for meeting incident-to rules; and (4) Develop a strategy for creating a pharmacy practice model that could meet Medicare reimbursement rules in rural areas. Design and Participants: A survey of participants from the Pharmacy Rural Education, Practice and Policy Institute and the College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota. Setting: Community, hospital, and clinic practice sites in rural Minnesota. Results: Four distinct models of practice have evolved that meet the incident-to rules of Medicare for reimbursement. Travel, proximity to physicians, and employment are the major determinants of the models described. Conclusion: Pharmacists in rural areas have demonstrated the ability to satisfy the incident-to rules for Medicare reimbursement. Collaborative agreements with physicians must include specific employment, practice, and supervisory relationships in order to satisfy these rules.
Detection of transient synchrony across oscillating receptors by the central electrosensory system of mormyrid fish

Recently, we reported evidence for a novel mechanism of peripheral sensory coding based on oscillatory synchrony. Spontaneously oscillating electroreceptors in weakly electric fish (Mormyridae) respond to electrosensory stimuli with a phase reset that results in transient synchrony across the receptor population (Baker et al., 2015). Here, we asked whether the central electrosensory system actually detects the occurrence of synchronous oscillations among receptors. We found that electrosensory stimulation elicited evoked potentials in the midbrain exterolateral nucleus at a short latency following receptor synchronization. Frequency tuning in the midbrain resembled peripheral frequency tuning, which matches the intrinsic oscillation frequencies of the receptors. These frequencies are lower than those in individual conspecific signals, and instead match those found in collective signals produced by groups of conspecifics. Our results provide further support for a novel mechanism for sensory coding based on the detection of oscillatory synchrony among peripheral receptors.
Abstract 3433: Association between serum concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and increased risk of breast cancer among US women

The main objective of this study was to examine the cross-sectional relationship between exposure to PCBs or their congeners and breast cancer among US women. There is limited information on the association of specific PCB congener or their combination levels in blood serum with increased breast cancer risk. PCBs are weak estrogens which has been shown to act as endocrine disrupters by increasing or blocking estrogen like activities in animals and humans. We analyzed National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 1999-2004 in the lipid adjusted blood samples of female participants (>20 years of age). Exposure assessment was based on lipid adjusted serum levels of 6 individual PCB congeners (PCB 074, 099, 118, 138, 153, and 180), the sum of dioxin-like PCBs (074 and 118), and the sum of non-dioxin-like PCBs (099 + 138 + 153+187) in conjunction with data obtained from the medical and reproductive health questionnaires. We calculated geometric means to compare PCB concentrations in women9s blood samples who also self-reported a breast cancer diagnosis and women who were never diagnosed with cancer. Logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between PCB, their congener or their combinations and breast cancer. We evaluated age, race/ethnicity, age at menarche, body mass index (BMI; kg/m2), and lactation as potential confounders. Our results show a weighted geometric mean levels of 6 PCB congeners to be significantly higher in blood serum among women with breast cancer when compared to the rest of the study population. After adjusting for age, race, BMI, lactation, and age at menarche we found significant association of PCB 138 with breast cancer [odds ratios of 2.88; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.14-7.30; 2.93, 95% CI: 1.04-8.26; and 3.43, 95% CI: 1.12-10.4] in women with higher body burdens of individual PCB congeners (> 50th percentile, 50th-75th percentile, and ≥75th percentile), respectively. After adjusting for age and race, it was also found that the sum of non-dioxin-like PCBs (074 and 118) in blood serum is significantly associated with breast cancer [OR of 1.14; 95% CI: 1.00-1.29]. In summary, our results suggest a possible link between environmental exposures to PCBs and increased risk of breast cancer among U.S. women. Citation Format: Marisa Morgan, Alok Deoraj, Deodutta Roy. Association between serum concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and increased risk of breast cancer among US women. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 3433.
NATURAL CHANNEL DESIGN FOR AGRICULTURAL DITCHES IN SW MINNESOTA

Agricultural drainage ditches are a common occurrence throughout the Minnesota River Valley. Current ditch construction utilizes a trapezoidal form engineered to contain both small and large volume flows. However, following high flows, sediment accumulation in the channel bottom necessitates periodic channel cleaning. This (inefficient) design results in annual costs to local governments and private citizens. Joint research by the University of Minnesota (UMN) and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) investigated the use of a “compound” channel design to reduce and/or eliminate the need for periodic ditch maintenance. Compound channels incorporate smaller, self-maintained, “natural” channels within the larger flood channel geometry. An 800-m section of Judicial Ditch #8 (JD #8) in Swift County, MN was over-widened during routine cleanout maintenance. The over-widening allowed a smaller, low-flow channel with an active floodplain to establish within the larger flood channel. Measurements indicate a naturally stable B4 channel has developed within the larger flood channel. The smaller, stable channel allows for higher velocities during low flow conditions that efficiently move water and sediment. The ability of this channel design to transport sediment represents a potential savings in periodic clean-out maintenance. Additional benefits include enhanced fish and lowland bird habitat.
Do we need critical realism

Again, please forgive the predictability. I am hardly going to answer this chapter's title question negatively. Clearly, I would not have brought you this far to conclude that we do not need CR after all. The point of this chapter is to bring everything together, to see how CR compares in terms of similarities and differences with various other theoretical and philosophical positions in sociology. My hope is that even if you are un-persuaded by what I have said so far about CR, the discussion here will at least help you better navigate through the thicket of philosophical commitments across sociological perspectives. I speak of philosophical commitments, and hopefully by this time it is clear we cannot escape them. We have them and they influence us, whether we recognize them or not. Such being the case, as we sociologists counsel others, so should we think critically ourselves. We should make sure that the positions to which we are philosophically committed are the those that are most defensible. Although much good social science can still come from faulty philosophical premises, it will not be the best social science it could be. With faulty philosophical premises, moreover, much that might be potentially good social science will not even be entertained. Under the long dominant positivism, for example, ethnography has been devalued and discouraged. Under CR, it is not. So there is a pragmatic payoff here. Like the pragmatists, we in CR – or at least I – do not believe in philosophizing without practical point. However long our sojourn in philosophy may last, our work there should all ultimately relate back to some practical problem of life. In this case, the practical problem is how we best go about doing social science – and how, even more pertinently – we avoid practicing a sham discipline, one that looks like science but is not. I promised that in this chapter there would be a handy chart, and there it is as Table 7.1. It will facilitate our task of examining similarities and differences across theoretical positions. First, I need to explain a bit what you are seeing, and the first thing to say is that the chart is sort of a mixed bag as it includes both theoretical and metatheoretical positions. The top four positions are philosophical metatheories; the bottom nine are more standard theoretical perspectives in sociology.
The effects of enzymes and direct fed microbial combination on performance and immune response of broilers under a coccidia challenge

This study evaluated the effect of an enzyme blend (xylanase, amylase and protease; XAP) in combination with a direct fed microbial (DFM) containing three strains of Bacillus spp. on intestinal histology, immune response and performance of broilers. Four dietary treatments were tested in a 2 × 2 factorial trial, including two levels of challenge (without or with coccidial infection), two levels of feed additive (with or without XAP and DFM). Diets were fed ad libitum to male Cobb500 broilers in mash feeds from 1–21 days of age, with eight replicate pens per treatment within brooder-batteries with raised wire floors and built up litter, housing six birds per pen. A mild challenge was introduced by oral gavage at day five to the challenged birds, using a six-fold concentration of coccidial vaccine. A high fibre basal diet formulated with rye and wheat middlings was used to further increase the challenge. Body weight and feed intake were measured and feed conversion ratio (FCR) was calculated during starter (1–12 d), grower (12–21 d) and overall 1–21 days. Intestinal morphology and immune response parameters were measured on day 12 and 21. Compared to the unchallenged groups, the coccidial challenge reduced (P < 0.05) body weight gain (BWG), increased FCR, reduced villus height and increased crypt depth. The challenged birds had increased pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β; P < 0.05) in the intestine as well as higher levels of acute phase proteins (APP, haemopexin and α−1-acid glycoprotein) in the plasma and circulating heterophils. XAP + DFM supplementation improved BWG, reduced FCR and increased energy efficiency compared to the non-supplemented groups. The combination of XAP and DFM reduced inflammatory responses such as APP compared to the challenged control group and maintained performance to a comparable level seen in the unchallenged control. The data indicate that XAP enzymes in combination with Bacillus-based DFM may reduce the damage and performance losses induced by coccidial challenge.
On assessing calibration of multivariate ensemble forecasts

A necessary condition for optimal use in decision making of probability forecasts in general, and ensemble forecasts in particular, is that they should be calibrated. Ensemble calibration implies that each observation is statistically indistinguishable from the members of its forecast ensemble. The dimensionality of multivariate forecast settings, where the observation is a vector of related quantities rather than a scalar, affords opportunities for a rich variety of types of ensemble miscalibration, and so requires more sophisticated metrics for detection and diagnosis. This paper investigates the performance in an artificial data setting of five multivariate ensemble calibration metrics that have been proposed in the literature. It is found that none of these dominates the others for detecting covariance miscalibration across a variety of miscalibration types, and that each exhibits weak performance in some instances, implying that several of the metrics should be used simultaneously when multivariate ensemble miscalibration is to be investigated. Multivariate biases were detected more strongly and diagnostically using univariate rank histograms for the individual forecast vector components.
Immunosuppressive Treatment Is Associated with Durable Responses and a Survival Advantage in Younger Patients with int-1 Myelodysplastic Syndrome.

Immunosuppressive therapy (IST) can improve cytopenias in selected patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Between 1998 and 2004, 129 patients with MDS [94 int-1, 13 int-2, 16 low and 6 high International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS) stage] were given IST on investigational protocols: 116 received ATG 160mg/kg, 42 with additional cyclosporine (CsA); 13 received CsA alone for up to 6 months. Mean follow-up was 47 (range 0.7–120) months. Previously, we reported a score, using HLA-DR15 type, age and duration of red cell transfusion-dependence to segregate patients into high probability (HP), intermediate probability (IP), and low probability (LP) of hematological response to IST. Here we compare survival, response, and leukemic progression in HP and LP/IP NIH IST-treated patients and in non-IST controls enrolled in the International MDS Risk Analysis Workshop (IMRAW) (Blood 89:2079, 1997). Overall, 29% of NIH IST patients responded: HP patients (median ages for HP and the combined LP/IP] were 49 and 65 yr, respectively) were more likely to respond to IST than LP patients 38/55 (69%) vs 0/71 plus 0/3 IP; p 60 years of age and none responded to IST. Marrow cellularity did not influence response to IST. Only two responders relapsed and required re-treatment with ATG; both responded to the second treatment. All but one patient with trisomy 8 increased the percentage of these cells in the marrow following therapy; the two responding monosomy 7 patients showed normal cytogenetics and FISH analysis following response to therapy. Age and IPSS stage were the major factors affecting survival in both treated and untreated patients. The actuarial survival of the 44 IST int-1 patients (median age 54) age ≤ 60 was superior to the untreated 87 int-1 IMRAW patients age ≤ 60 years (median age 48); the projected median survival was >16.4 years for the IST group and 5.2 years for the IMRAW group (p=0.0016), while there was no difference in survival between IST and IMRAW int-1 patients > 60 years of age (p=NS). Leukemic evolution was also decreased in the int-1 IST treated group ≤ 60 years of age compared to the comparable conservatively treated IMRAW group (projected time for 25% pts to develop AML was >16.4 years for IST patients vs 6.9 years for the IMRAW group) (p<0.001). These findings indicate that our IPSS int-1 patients ≤age 60 who received IST had improved survival compared to an untreated historical control group and that combined ATG/CsA gave superior responses compared to ATG alone.
Effects of Cytoplasmic Tail Truncations on Connexin 50 Hemichannel Function

Gap junction channels form aqueous pores connecting the cystolic compartments of two cells, allowing for the direct transfer of ions, metabolites, and signaling molecules between cells. A single gap junction channel consists of two docked hemichannels composed of connexin proteins. While most connexins form hemichannels that remain closed until docked, presumably to prevent lysis, Cx50 and others can form functional hemichannels that open and close in unopposed membranes. Gap junction and hemichannel function is known to be sensitive to pH, with different connexins showing different sensitivities.
A Fiber-Optic Mechanoreceptor in a Finger-Shaped End Effector for Human-Like Tactile Sensing

An artificial mechanoreceptor based on a hetero-core fiber-optic sensor has been developed using a reflective-type sensor element for realizing human-like sensations for multiple tactile information on artificial structures. The proposed mechanoreceptor is embedded in a finger-shaped end effector as a pseudoartificial finger in order to evaluate how the end effector responds to a variety of tactile information. The end effector can detect contact forces in the range of 0.02–4 N with a maximum force sensitivity of 3.23 dB/N and is sensitive in a local area contact within 2 mm, which is comparable with the spatial resolution of human fingertips. The end effector can also detect vibrations at frequencies up to 1 kHz. The developed end effector is also tested in assessing the hardness of a soft resin material in the range of 5°–80° on the Shore A hardness scale, and in discriminating surface conditions when scanned across a surface.
Mitigating Ischemic Injury of Stem Cell-Derived Insulin-Producing Cells after Transplant

The advent of large-scale in vitro differentiation of human stem cell-derived insulin-producing cells (SCIPC) has brought us closer to treating diabetes using stem cell technology. However, decades of experiences from islet transplantation show that ischemia-induced islet cell death after transplant severely limits the efficacy of the therapy. It is unclear to what extent human SCIPC are susceptible to ischemia. In this study, we show that more than half of SCIPC die shortly after transplantation. Nutrient deprivation and hypoxia acted synergistically to kill SCIPC in vitro. Amino acid supplementation rescued SCIPC from nutrient deprivation, likely by providing cellular energy. Generating SCIPC under physiological oxygen tension of 5% conferred hypoxia resistance without affecting their differentiation or function. A two-pronged strategy of physiological oxygen acclimatization during differentiation and amino acid supplementation during transplantation significantly improved SCIPC survival after transplant.
Boundary Element Methods for Nonstationary Stokes Problem in Three Dimensions and Their Convergence Analysis

In this paper we develop boundary element methods for nonstationary Stokes problem in three dimensions. The method is based upon variational formulations for the integral equations of the first kind. Numerical schemes are developed, optimal-order error estimates and superconvergence estimates are obtained.
Temporal changes in motor variability during prolonged lifting/lowering and the influence of work experience

Abstract Existing research indicates that repetitive motions are strongly correlated with the development of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). Resulting from the redundant degrees-of-freedom in the human body, there are variations in motions that occur while performing a repetitive task. These variations are termed motor variability (MV), and may be beneficial for reducing WMSD risks. To better understand the potential role of MV in preventing injury risk, we evaluated the effects of fatigue on MV using data collected during a lab-based prolonged, repetitive lifting/lowering task. We also investigated whether experienced workers used different motor control strategies than novices to adapt to fatigue. MV of the whole-body center-of-mass (COM) and box trajectory were quantified using cycle-to-cycle standard deviation, sample entropy, and goal equivalent manifold (GEM) methods. In both groups, there were significantly increased variations of the COM with fatigue, and with a more substantial increase in a direction that did not affect task performance. Fatigue deteriorated the task goal and made it more difficult for participants to maintain their performance. Experienced workers also had higher MV than novices. Based on these results, we conclude that flexible motor control strategies are employed to reduce fatigue effects during a prolonged repetitive task.
Food Plant Chemicals Linked With Neurological and Neurodegenerative Disease

Abstract Many plants regularly consumed by humans contain substances that in sufficient doses have the potential to induce neurological disease. Susceptibility varies but often includes a poor nutritional state associated with poverty and nutritional dependency on components of single plants for food. Neurological diseases associated with plant toxicity are not uncommonly first attributed to other causes, most often infectious agents. Acute and self-limiting chronic neurological diseases, as well as progressive neurodegenerative disorders, have been linked to plant-derived chemicals consumed in food. This large subject is illustrated here by (a) ackee- and lychee-associated acute hypoglycemic encephalopathy, (b) chronic motorsystem disease caused by dependency on cassava or grasspea, and (c) soursop and cycad-associated neurodegenerative disease.
Reliable and power-aware architectures: Fundamentals and modeling

Chip power consumption is one of the most challenging and transforming issues that the semiconductor industry has encountered in the past decade, and its sustained growth has resulted in various concerns, especially when it comes to chip reliability. It translates into thermal issues that could harm the chip. It can also determine battery life in the mobile arena. Furthermore, attempts to circumvent the power wall through techniques like near-threshold voltage computing lead to other serious reliability concerns. For example, chips become more susceptible to soft errors at lower voltages. This scene becomes even more disturbing when we add an extra variable: a hostile (or harsh ) surrounding environment.
Malignant melanoma of the anus: report of 12 patients and analysis of 255 additional cases.

The authors present a report of 12 patients with anal melanoma (AM) and review 255 cases reported since 1947. Combining these patients with those from the literature, the authors analyze several aspects of AM that are controversial or have not been studied in a systematic manner. The mean clinical tumor size was 4.1 cm. Seventy per cent were grossly pigmented, 63 per cent were polypoid, and 44 per cent were prolapsed. Two-thirds of AM were located in the proximal pecten, at or near the level of the anal valves. Microscopically, the most useful diagnostic criteria were melanin production, junctional change, and a nesting growth pattern. In four of the authors’ cases, atypical junctional change extended laterally from the overt invasive neoplasm for distances up to 1 cm. Approximately 60 per cent of patients had metastases at the time of diagnosis. There was no statistical difference in determinate survivals of patients treated for cure by local excision and abdominoperineal resection. Neither tumor size nor configuration affected survival. The choice of therapy was not influenced by tumor size.
Risk-Cost-Benefit Analysis For Port Environmental Security Investments

This paper reviews experience in implementing risk-based multiobjective tradeoff analysis and decision making for water resources, multimodal and maritime transportation, and related topics. The paper addresses principally situations in which the decision space of risk management is large and combinatorial, engaging the decision maker in the allocation of resources to the security, robustness, and resilience of critical infrastructures. The applications are hurricane preparedness and resilience of multimodal transportation systems; optimal disaster protection of interdependent floodplain industry sectors; redundancy, robustness, and resilience of critical water resources infrastructure; priority setting of transportation systems that are vulnerable to extreme events; use of uncertain benefit-to-cost ratios to support tradeoff analysis in resource allocation to infrastructure improvements; requirements identification for major navigation structures that are vulnerable to accidents and natural hazards; and addressing the criteria of multiple stakeholders in management of the risk of extreme events for navigation structures. We address the relevance, lessons, and implications of the above for sustaining and improving the security and environmental security of ports and related critical infrastructures.
Anthropometric and Biomechanical Considerations in Government Regulations

The purpose of this paper is ‘to provide’ an overview of the application of anthropometric and biomechanical data in promulgating government regulations for the protection of worker safety and health. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the Agency established by Congress in 1970 to protect worker health and safety through a variety of measures, including: 1. The promulgation and enforcement of mandatory standards to abate workplace hazards; 2. Education of workers to recognize hazards and obtain abatement through training and workplace redesign and; 3. Information and education programs for employers to obtain voluntary compliance with regulations and an enlightened attitude toward safety and health in the workplace.