cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Developmental Model for Counseling Infertile Couples

The authors used Combs, Bustamante, and Onwuegbuzie’s Interactive Literature Review Process (ILRP) to identify, collect, and evaluate the literature on infertility. During this process, we noted th...
Fear of appearing incompetent and attraction toward agreeing and disagreeing strangers.

The hypothesized interactive effect of feat of appearing incompetent in the relationship between attitude similarity and interpersonal attraction was not obtained. Instead, significant main effects occurred for both male and female Ss due primarily to the stronger attraction toward dissimilar strangers by Ss with high fear of appearing incompetent than those low in such fear.
A systematic framework to monitor mulling processes using Near Infrared spectroscopy

Abstract The optimal design of sensor location and setup is essential to ensure the accuracy and precision of in-line process monitoring of water/moisture content. This manuscript presents a systematic framework of using Near Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to monitor moisture content in an alumina mulling process that is commonly used in the upstream operation of catalyst supports production. For this, the optimal conditions of NIR sensor setup and critical quality attributes (CQAs) of a mulling process have been first identified and then calibration models for monitoring moisture at various conditions were developed and validated. The results suggest that there is a strong relationship between sensor setup and prediction accuracy. Therefore, optimal conditions such as operating distance of the NIR sensor, sample thickness and acquisition number need to be identified prior to installment of the sensor into the manufacturing plant. In mulling processes, the particle size distribution (PSD) and surface roughness/smoothness can also vary during operation, making the monitoring of moisture content a difficult task. In this study, the effects of PSD and powder surface characteristics on moisture content measurement has been investigated and it has been found that if suitable raw data preprocessing has been applied, the effect of agglomerate size and sample surface characteristics on the accuracy of the in-line measurements can be significantly minimized. This will allow the use of a single calibration model for a range of PSDs and powder bed smoothness/roughness and that will save a significant amount of time and resources. Here, a mulling process where a microNIR sensor has been used for monitoring of moisture content has been considered as a demonstrative example. However, the approach is generic and can be applied for any combination of process and sensor.
The ecology and evolution of colony-size variation

Animals often breed in colonies that can vary in size by several orders of magnitude. Colony-size variation is perplexing because individuals in some colony sizes have lower fitness than those in other colony sizes, yet extensive size variation persists in most populations. Natural variation in colony size has allowed us to better quantify the costs and benefits of coloniality, but what causes and maintains size variation is in general unknown. Ecological correlates of colony-size variation potentially include local availability of resources, such as food or nesting sites, and may also reflect individuals’ sorting among colonies (based on life-history traits, morphology, or behavioral propensities) to find the social environment to which they are best suited. Preferences for particular colony sizes are genetically based in some species. The fitness differences observed among colony sizes may reflect unmeasured tradeoffs among life-history components and also could vary temporally or spatially. Colony-size variation might be maintained by fluctuating directional or stabilizing selection that alternately favors individuals in different group sizes and leads to stasis in the colony-size distribution over the long term. Recent focus on the cues individuals use to select breeding habitat (e.g., conspecific attraction, reproductive success of others) does not satisfactorily explain variation in colony size. Costs of dispersal, reliance on imperfect information, and collective nonrandom movement can also lead to colony-size variation in the absence of fitness-based site selection. Our understanding of factors generating and maintaining variation in colony size remains in its infancy and offers many opportunities for future research with broad implications for behavioral ecology.
Complete Microbiota Engraftment Is Not Essential for Recovery from Recurrent Clostridium difficile Infection following Fecal Microbiota Transplantation

ABSTRACT Bacterial communities from subjects treated for recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (rCDI) by fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), using either heterologous donor stool samples or autologous stool samples, were characterized by Illumina next-generation sequencing. As previously reported, the success of heterologous FMT (90%) was superior to that of autologous FMT (43%) (P = 0.019), and post-FMT intestinal bacterial communities differed significantly between treatment arms (P IMPORTANCE This study provides a detailed characterization of fecal bacterial communities in subjects who participated in a previously published randomized clinical trial to treat recurrent C. difficile infection (rCDI). Bacterial communities were characterized to determine differences between subjects who received fecal bacteria either from healthy donor stool samples or their own stool samples as “placebo” in order to determine which groups of bacteria were most important in achieving a cure. The results of this study suggested that bacteria associated with secondary bile acid metabolism could potentially provide resistance to infection and that complete transfer of healthy donor microorganisms was not necessary to resolve CDI following unsuccessful antibiotic treatment.
Women's willingness and ability to feel the strings of their intrauterine device.

OBJECTIVE: To determine how many intrauterine device (IUD) users are willing and able to palpate their IUD strings. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among IUD users presenting for their 6-week follow-up visit after insertion at the University of Hawaii USA between January 2011 and January 2012. Participants were asked whether they had previously felt the strings and whether they were willing to do so during the visit. Bivariate analyses and multiple logistic regression were performed. RESULTS: Previous attempts to palpate IUD strings were reported by 74 (58.7%) of 126 participants of whom 49 (66.2%) could feel the strings. At the study visit 60 (47.6%) participants were willing to try to feel their strings; 33 (55.0%) were successful. Overall 58 (46.0%) participants were willing and able to palpate their IUD strings at home and/or at the study visit. Fewer women who self-identified as native Hawaiian than women of other races reported previous attempts (P=0.005). Previous instruction to check IUD strings was associated with willingness to palpate them before and after controlling for native Hawaiian race (odds ratio 8.78 95% CI 3.43-22.43; adjusted odds ratio 9.64 95% CI 3.57-26.04). CONCLUSION: Approximately half the participants were willing and able to palpate their IUD strings. Routinely counseling women to check their IUD strings might have limited clinical utility. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Sensor-based Methodological Observations for Studying Online Learning

Online learning has gained increased popularity in recent years. However, with online learning, teacher observation and intervention is lost, creating a need for technologically observable characteristics that can compensate for this limitation. The present study used a wide array of sensing mechanisms including eye tracking, galvanic skin response (GSR) recording, facial expression analysis, and summary note-taking to monitor participants while they watched and recalled an online video lecture. We explored the link between these human-elicited responses and learning outcomes as measured by quiz questions. Results revealed GSR to be the best indicator of the challenge level of the lecture material. Yet, eye tracking and GSR remain difficult to capture when monitoring online learning as the requirement to remain still impacts natural behavior and leads to more stoic and unexpressive faces. Continued work on methods ensuring naturalistic capture are critical for broadening the use of sensor technology in online learning, as are ways to fuse these data with other input, such as structured and unstructured data from peer-to-peer or student-teacher interactions.
Evaluating state level transportation revenue alternatives

Abstract Numerous studies have investigated the state of transportation funding in US states and forecasted a significant funding deficiency. Reasons for this include the lack of political will to increase the rates of fuel taxes, the loss in purchasing power of the fuel tax due to inflation, and the reduction in revenue due to increased use of alternative fuel vehicles. Possible options to generate the additional revenue to fill this funding gap range from modifying existing taxes and fees to implementing new revenue sources. However, determining what to do and offering policy recommendations can be challenging and may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. The authors’ critical review of the methods used by earlier studies that evaluate revenue generation strategies at the state level reveals a lack of systematic analysis. In response, the authors propose the use of a systematic multi-criteria analysis (MCA) as a better decision support tool. The MCA is argued to be an improvement over current methods because the best funding strategy depends not only on revenue generation but also on other parameters such as fairness and ease of implementation. To support the argument, the authors conduct a comprehensive multi-criteria evaluation of transportation revenue generation alternatives for the State of Texas. The authors’ criteria system provides a better platform for including the priorities of stakeholders and policy makers at different levels. Including an outranking method such as PROMETHEE and a scenario analysis, the evaluation becomes more objective and more transparent. This enables the decision makers to more effectively compare the competing objectives of different alternatives. The authors discuss the drawbacks of the recent transportation funding decisions made by the Texas Legislature and highlight how the systematic evaluation can improve decision making. The authors recommend that states follow the systematic evaluation of funding options described in this paper, which can provide policy makers and the public a better understanding of the pros and cons of the funding options thereby helping them to select the most suitable funding strategy.
An endoscopic end to coma

ABSTRACTA 23-year-old man presented to the emergency department after ingesting an unknown amount of an immediate-release preparation of carbamazepine. Thirty minutes after presentation, he became obtunded and required intubation for airway protection. Initial serum carbamazepine concentration was 59 μg/mL and peaked at 120 μg/mL 16 hours later. High-flux hemodialysis (HFHD) was performed, followed by continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration (CVVH). The patient remained comatose as his hospital course was remarkable for prolonged serum carbamazepine toxicity. On day 12, esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) was performed and a 5 cm carbamazepine bezoar weighing 9.9 g was recovered from his stomach using an esophageal overtube and a Roth Net to facilitate extraction. Following endoscopic intervention, serum carbamazepine concentrations rapidly declined and his mental status improved with no permanent neurological deficit or other sequelae.
CNS Disease from Toxins, Alcohol, and Cannabis: Effects on Sleep

Sleep is affected by multiple environmental factors, but specific industrial and biologic toxins produce changes in the sleep–wake functions of humans. Mercury poisoning, trypanosomiasis, and endotoxins are examples that can alter sleep. 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine produces a parkinsonian syndrome with significant sleep effects. Alcohol also affects sleep, especially altering hypoxic and hypercapnic drive, and increasing upper airway resistance. Lastly, cannabis tends to induce sleep, but a cannabis withdrawal syndrome has been described in which sleep worsens.
Radio Interferometric Observations of Cometary Molecules

A useful method for extracting cometary signals is demonstrated using VLA observations of Comet Brorsen-Metcalf (19890).
Cross-Cultural Influences on Audit Quality: A Comparison of Pacific Rim, European, and North American Audits

Publisher Summary This chapter elaborates the comparison of Pacific Rim, European, and North American audits and cross-cultural influences on audit quality. As the globalization of the business environment continues to expand, both external, and internal auditors in many countries are finding that audits are taking them to foreign lands more often. As these auditors experience new audit environments, they are discovering additional barriers that limit their ability to perform the level of audit quality desired. The new performance barriers can generally be classified as cross-cultural factors. The results provided through this study imply that careful planning of the audit, and preparation of the audit staff can mitigate many of the commonly encountered cross-cultural problems encountered. For European countries, preaudit review of accounting procedures, and scope used in the auditee country would allow the audit team to anticipate, and become familiar with these cultural differences so that the language barrier can be minimized. It is found that for the Pacific Rim countries included in the study, it would appear that planning of the audit becomes even more critical.
Search in Labor Markets

This chapter describes the job search model that will be used to study the distribution of earnings. The Markov process describing movements between employment and unemployment will be the basis of the distribution of unemployment in Chapter 5. The wage offer distribution will be used to explain the distribution of wage rates in Chapter 6. The impacts of labor market conditions will yield the valuations of unemployment in terms of earnings in Chapter 4. The behavior of workers will explain the joint distribution of unemployment and wage rates in Chapter 6.
Temple University’s African American Studies PhD Program @ 30: Assessing the Asante Affect1:

Temple University’s Department of Africology and African American Studies is celebrating its 30th year of operation as a PhD program. Since its inception in l988, the doctoral program at Temple has...
Laxative use and testing for Clostridium difficile in hospitalized adults: An opportunity to improve diagnostic stewardship.

Background It is recommended that that only unformed stool from patients with diarrhea be tested for Clostridium difficile infection. We determined the prevalence of and patient characteristics associated with antecedent laxative receipt among hospitalized adults undergoing C difficile testing. Methods In a case-control study of 5,452 C difficile tests from 5 hospitals in Southeast Michigan, patients who received laxatives (docusate, senna, polyethylene glycol 3350, bisacodyl, and magnesium hydroxide) in the 24 or 48 hours before testing were identified. Logistic regression was performed to identify patient characteristics associated with laxative receipt before testing. Results In 535 (9.8%) and 707 (13%) tests, patients received laxatives in the 24 and 48 hours before testing, respectively. The odds of antecedent laxative receipt were significantly greater for patients residing on a surgical service than a medical service (24 hours odds ratio [OR], 2.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.1–3.1; 48 hours OR, 2.7; 95% CI, 2.3–3.2), patients residing in an intensive care unit (ICU) than a non-ICU (24 hours OR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.0–1.6; 48 hours OR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.1–1.6), and patients whose Elixhauser Comorbidity Score was 4 or higher (24 hours OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.1–1.7; 48 hours OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.2–1.7). Conclusions Among patients tested for C difficile, antecedent laxative use was common. Improving diagnostic stewardship around C difficile testing, particularly in surgical and ICU patients, is a significant opportunity and priority for quality improvement.
Supporting Collaboratively Constructed Independence: A Study of Spinal Cord Injury

Independence is a central concern for people in the care of many chronic conditions. It is often viewed as a goal that can be facilitated with the use of patient data. It is also viewed, especially from the medical side, as something an individual achieves. However, in the lived experience, independence is often a set of collaborative practices. In this paper, we unpack findings from an interview-based study of Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) self-care. We found that independence - both functional and in the form of effecting agency - must be co-constructed by the choices and activities of the care network, including the person with disability, caregivers, and clinicians. This collaboratively shaped independence also affects potential collection and use of data in support of self-care. We describe how collaboratively shaped independence informs requirements and constraints for the design of sensor-based networks for self-care in long-term chronic disability.
Comparison of Infection Risk with Corticosteroid or Hyaluronic Acid Injection Prior to Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Background:Recent studies have shown that intra-articular injections ≤3 months before total knee arthroplasty increase the risk of periprosthetic joint infection. We are aware of no previous study that has differentiated the risk of periprosthetic joint infection on the basis of the type of medicati
Microbial stability of syringes of anesthetic drugs prepared in the operating room

Abstract Study objective To determine whether microbial contamination of anesthesia syringes prepared in the operating room (OR) become contaminated in a time-dependent fashion. Design Observational. Setting Operating suite in a major university hospital. Patients None (in vitro study). 400 syringes were studied for microbial contamination. Interventions Syringes prepared in the OR by anesthesia personnel were sampled at 1, 2, 3, or 4 h in a sterile fashion and sent to the microbiology laboratory for quantitative culture of any bacteria. Measurements Colony forming units (CFU) per mL of drug were calculated and any identified positive cultures were identified by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry. Logistic regression was used to test the effect of time since preparation on prevalence of positive culture, as was the effect of number of accesses of the syringe and identity of the drug. Main results Overall, 9/400 (2.25%) syringes were positive for bacteria. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) concentration of bacteria among positive cultures was 100 (100,100) CFU. All cultured species were generally nonpathogenic common contaminants. There was no effect of time since preparation, number of accesses of the syringe at the time of sampling, or drug identity (propofol vs. other). Conclusions Contamination of anesthesia syringes is uncommon and occurs at a low overall concentration of bacteria. Contamination does not appear to be time related, and thus calls into question the reasonableness of USP Chapter 797's one-hour requirement.
Observed dependence of characteristics of liquid-pool fires on swirl magnitude

Abstract One dozen vertically oriented thin rectangular vanes, 62 cm tall and 15.2 cm wide, were placed 27 cm from the center of heptane and ethanol pool fires in continuously fed, floor-flush pans 3.2 cm and 5.1 cm in diameter in the laboratory. The vanes were all oriented at the same fixed angles from the radial direction, for 9 different angles, ranging from 0∘ to 85∘, thereby imparting 9 different levels of circulation to the air entrained by each pool fire. The different swirl levels were observed to engender dramatically different pool-fire structures. Moderate swirl suppresses the global puffing instability, replacing it by a global helical instability that generates a tall fire whirl, the height of which increases with increasing circulation. Except for the largest heptane pool, higher swirl levels produced vortex breakdown, resulting in the emergence of a bubble-like recirculation region with a ring vortex encircling the axis. Measured burning rates increase with increasing swirl levels as a consequence of the associated increasing inflow velocities reducing the thickness of the boundary layer within which combustion occurs right above the liquid surface, eventually forming detached edge flames in the boundary layer that move closer to the axis as the circulation is increased. Still higher circulation reduces the burning rate by decreasing the surface area of the liquid covered by the flame, thereby reducing the height of the fire whirl. Even higher circulation causes edge-flame detachment, resulting in formation of the blue whirl identified in recent literature, often meandering over the surface of the liquid in the present experiments. This sequence of events is documented herein.
A Dual Plating Battery with the Iodine/[ZnIx(OH2)4−x]2−x Cathode

Plating battery electrodes typically deliver higher specific capacity values than insertion or conversion electrodes because the ion charge carriers represent the sole electrode active mass, and a host electrode is unnecessary. However, reversible plating electrodes are rare for electronically insulating nonmetals. Now, a highly reversible iodine plating cathode is presented that operates on the redox couples of I2 /[ZnIx (OH2 )4-x ]2-x in a water-in-salt electrolyte. The iodine plating cathode with the theoretical capacity of 211 mAh g-1 plates on carbon fiber paper as the current collector, delivering a large areal capacity of 4 mAh cm-2 . Tunable femtosecond stimulated Raman spectroscopy coupled with DFT calculations elucidate a series of [ZnIx (OH2 )4-x ]2-x superhalide ions serving as iodide vehicles in the electrolyte, which eliminates most free iodide ions, thus preventing the consequent dissolution of the cathode-plated iodine as triiodides.
KL2 mentored career development programs at clinical and translational science award hubs: Practices and outcomes.

Introduction NIH Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSAs) include KL2 mentored career development awards for faculty commencing clinical and translational research. A survey of KL2 leaders revealed program practices, curricular elements and compelling data about scholar characteristics and outcomes. Methods We conducted a literature review, framed the survey construct, and obtained input from across the CTSA consortium. A REDCap survey was emailed in fall 2016 to 61 active programs. Results Fifty-five programs (90.2%) responded. Respondents had been funded from 3 to 11 years, including 22 "mature" hubs funded for ≥8 years. Program cohort sizes were 56% "small", 22% "medium", and 22% "large." Hubs offer extensive competency-aligned training opportunities relevant to clinical and translational research, including graduate degrees, mentorship, and grant-writing. Seventy-two percent of hubs report parallel "KL2-equivalent" career development programs. All hubs share their training and facilitate intermingling with other early stage investigators. A total of 1,517 KL2 scholars were funded. KL2 awardees are diverse in their disciplines, research projects, and representation; 54% are female and 12% self-identified as underrepresented in biomedical research. Eighty-seven percent of scholars have 2-3 mentors and are currently supported for 2-3 years. Seventy-eight percent of alumni remain at CTSA institutions in translational science. The most common form of NIH support following scholars' KL2 award is an individual career development award. Conclusions The KL2 is a unique career development award, shaped by competency-aligned training opportunities and interdisciplinary mentorship that inform translational research pathways. Tracking both traditional and novel outcomes of KL2 scholars is essential to capture their career trajectories and impact on health.
Cyclosporine a directly affects human and mouse b cell migration in vitro by disrupting a hIF-1 αdependent, o2 sensing, molecular switch.

Hypoxia is a potent molecular signal for cellular metabolism, mitochondrial function, and migration. Conditions of low oxygen tension trigger regulatory cascades mediated via the highly conserved HIF-1 α post-translational modification system. In the adaptive immune response, B cells (Bc) are activated and differentiate under hypoxic conditions within lymph node germinal centers, and subsequently migrate to other compartments. During migration, they traverse through changing oxygen levels, ranging from 1-5% in the lymph node to 5-13% in the peripheral blood. Interestingly, the calcineurin inhibitor cyclosporine A is known to stimulate prolyl hydroxylase activity, resulting in HIF-1 α destabilization and may alter Bc responses directly. Over 60% of patients taking calcineurin immunosuppressant medications have hypo-gammaglobulinemia and poor vaccine responses, putting them at high risk of infection with significantly increased morbidity and mortality. We demonstrate that O 2 tension is a previously unrecognized Bc regulatory switch, altering CXCR4 and CXCR5 chemokine receptor signaling in activated Bc through HIF-1 α expression, and controlling critical aspects of Bc migration. Our data demonstrate that calcineurin inhibition hinders this O 2 regulatory switch in primary human Bc. This previously unrecognized effect of calcineurin inhibition directly on human Bc has significant and direct clinical implications.
Enhancement of hydrocarbons production through co-pyrolysis of acid-treated biomass and waste tire in a fixed bed reactor.

The elution of metallic content from cotton stalk (CS) and its co-pyrolysis with waste tires (WT) was investigated in fixed bed reactor. Hydrochloric acid (HCl) was used for leaching and successful removal of metals from cotton stalk was observed. Removal efficiencies of 86%, 58%, 48%, 58% and 35% for potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, and iron metals were achieved, respectively. Pyrolysis and co-pyrolysis using various mixing ratios of raw (R-CS) and acid washed cotton stalk (W-CS) with waste tire were carried out at 550 °C. Co-pyrolyzing W-CS with WT not only resulted in increased liquid yield with reduced char and gas yields, but also improved the quality of pyrolytic oil evincing the occurrence of strong positive synergistic effect. The addition of WT reduced oxygenates, density and water content of oil whilst pH and calorific value are increased compared to both, R-CS and W-CS pyrolytic oils. Relative percentage area of hydrocarbons increased to 65% in co-pyrolysis of WT with W-CS as compared to 47% for that of R-CS at optimum blend ratio (CS:WT 1:3). Likewise, 19% higher reduction in oxygenated compounds was observed in W-CS and WT co-pyrolytic oil. Co-pyrolyzing WT with R-CS and W-CS resulted in improved quality of oil. However, the synergistic effect was less significant for R-CS suggesting that the presence of intrinsic metals in R-CS hampered the occurrence of synergistic effects.
Homework Completion in Treating Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder with Exposure and Ritual Prevention: A Review of the Empirical Literature

Homework is an integral part of treating obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) with exposure and response prevention (ERP). Between-session homework assignments are prescribed in ERP protocols, including self-monitoring, self-guided exposure practices, and ritual prevention. This review seeks to explore the empirical literature on the importance of homework completion in ERP. We completed a systematic review of existing studies and organized results to provide a narrative review with an emphasis on informing research and practice. Heterogeneous methods have been utilized to operationalize and quantify homework completion in ERP. Several studies yielded evidence showing that that patient completion of between-session homework robustly predicts to treatment outcomes across ERP delivery methods (individual outpatient, intensive residential treatment) in both adults and pediatric samples. Some factors were linked to poor patient homework completion, including OCD features (e.g., avoidance, insight), patient expectancies, and the strength of the therapeutic alliance. Relatively few studies have investigated strategies to improve homework completion. Homework completion is an important component of treating OCD with ERP. More research is needed to improve assessment tools and test strategies to enhance homework completion. We conclude with key practice points and directions for future research.
Challenges in shared decision-making in pediatric neuro-oncology: Two illustrative cases of the pursuit of postoperative alternative medicine:

In caring for pediatric patients, a multifaceted approach in decision-making is utilized. The role of the medical team in complementary and alternative medicine is controversial. In cases of conven...
Bioplastic production by feeding the marine Rhodovulum sulfidophilum DSM-1374 with four different carbon sources under batch, fed-batch and semi-continuous growth regimes.

Abstract In the present study, the ability of the marine bacterium Rhodovulum sulfidophilum DSM-1374 to convert, via photo-fermentative process, certain organic acids such as single carbon source (acetate, lactate, malate and succinate) into polyhydroxyalkanoate accumulations within bacterial cells is evaluated. The main goal of the investigation was poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (P3HB) synthesis by a photo-fermentative process. Of the four carbon sources, only succinate simultaneously produced P3HB and H2 (268 mg/L and 1085 mL/L respectively). Malate was the least productive source for P3HB; the other carbon sources (acetate and lactate) produced a significant amount of polymer (596 mg P3HB/L for acetate and 716 mg P3HB/L for lactate) when R. sulfidophilum was cultured in batch growth conditions. Cumulative P3HB increased significantly when the bacterium was grown under two steps: nutrient sufficient conditions (step 1) followed by macronutrient deficient conditions (step 2). The highest cumulative P3HB was observed at the end of step 2 (1000 mg/L) when R. sulfidophilum was fed with lactate under phosphorus starvation. When grown over 1200 h, under a semi-continuous regimen, the harvested dry-biomass reached a constant content of P3HB (39.1 ± 1.6 % of cell dry-weight), in the semi-steady state condition. Since lactate is an abundant byproduct of world industries, it can be used to mitigate the environmental impact in a modern circular bio-economy.
Epidemiology and Molecular Basis of Multidrug Resistance in Rhodococcus equi.

SUMMARY The development and spread of antimicrobial resistance are major concerns for human and animal health. The effects of the overuse of antimicrobials in domestic animals on the dissemination of resistant microbes to humans and the environment are of concern worldwide. Rhodococcus equi is an ideal model to illustrate the spread of antimicrobial resistance at the animal-human-environment interface because it is a natural soil saprophyte that is an intracellular zoonotic pathogen that produces severe bronchopneumonia in many animal species and humans. Globally, R. equi is most often recognized as causing severe pneumonia in foals that results in animal suffering and increased production costs for the many horse-breeding farms where the disease occurs. Because highly effective preventive measures for R. equi are lacking, thoracic ultrasonographic screening and antimicrobial chemotherapy of subclinically affected foals have been used for controlling this disease during the last 20 years. The resultant increase in antimicrobial use attributable to this “screen-and-treat” approach at farms where the disease is endemic has likely driven the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) R. equi in foals and their environment. This review summarizes the factors that contributed to the development and spread of MDR R. equi, the molecular epidemiology of the emergence of MDR R. equi, the repercussions of MDR R. equi for veterinary and human medicine, and measures that might mitigate antimicrobial resistance at horse-breeding farms, such as alternative treatments to traditional antibiotics. Knowledge of the emergence and spread of MDR R. equi is of broad importance for understanding how antimicrobial use in domestic animals can impact the health of animals, their environment, and human beings.
Biomechanical comparison of humeral condyles with experimental intracondylar fissures immobilized with a transcondylar positional or a lag screw: An ex-vivo study in dogs

Objective To compare the axial biomechanical properties of intracondylar humeral osteotomies fixed with 4.5 mm transcondylar positional or cortical lag screws. Study design Ex vivo study. Sample population Paired humeri from 21 canine cadavers. Materials and methods An intracondylar osteotomy was created on each humerus to mimic an intracondylar fissure. Paired humeri were randomly assigned to fixation with a positional or a lag screw. All specimens were radiographed postinstrumentation to document proper screw placement. Axial load was applied to the distal articular surface of the trochlea at a rate of 1 mm/s until a 40% decrease in load was measured. Specimens were assessed for mode of failure with visual inspection and radiographs. Results Stiffness (1236.7 ± 181 N/mm vs. 1050.8 ± 265 N/mm), yield load (3284.3 ± 1703 N vs. 2071.1 ± 740 N), and maximum load (7378.0 ± 1288 vs. 5793.7 ± 2373 N) were greater in constructs fixed with a positional rather than a lag screw (p = .0008, .044, and .040, respectively). Conclusion In our model, mechanical properties were improved when the transcondylar osteotomy was stabilized with a 4.5 mm positional screw rather than a lag screw. Clinical significance This ex vivo study suggests that a transcondylar lag screw and positional screw are not biomechanically equal. Additional in vivo studies are need to help with clinical decision making when prophylactically treating HIF.
Locally Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer and Small Cell Lung Cancer

Carcinomas of the lung originate from the pulmonary parenchyma or the tracheobronchial tree. The latter consists of the trachea, which subdivides into the main bronchi and lobar bronchi bilaterally.
The French Military Intervention in Mali, Counter-Terrorism, and the Law of Armed Conflict

The recent conflict in Mali underscores that non-state armed groups are increasingly a source of global insecurity. That conflict equally highlights the fact that developing and fragile states in Africa are especially vulnerable to myriad terrorist groups and transnational criminal organizations that seek to exploit the limitations in the security sectors of weaker or less developed countries. Advances in both information technology and weapons systems, moreover, have given non-state armed groups heretofore unparalleled capabilities, enabling more lethal operational activity as well as recruitment on a global scale. Such advances contributed, in no small part, to the ability of terrorist groups in Mali in 2012-2013 to exploit existing identity cleavages and tear the country in two. The conflict in Mali and the subsequent French intervention are, therefore, interesting objects of study on a number of levels. One particular area which the conflict and the French intervention illuminated, however, was the way in which international law is subtly adjusting to the new threats posed by non-state armed groups operating in the territories of fragile states, notably with regard to (a) the concept of intervention by invitation in an internal armed conflict, and (b) the concept of implied authorization for the use of force. This article provides an analysis of the conflict in Mali and the legal authority asserted by France to legally undergird its intervention in Mali; explores the contours of this changing international legal landscape; examines relevant provisions of the France-Mali Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA); and posits that the French intervention in Mali represents a subtle shift in international law vis-a-vis military force in counter-terrorism operations. This article then considers the implications of that subtle shift for U.S. counter-terrorism operations when U.S. forces are arrayed against non-state armed groups in ungoverned spaces, such as a potential intervention in Iraq or Syria against a group like the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). Through a review of the history of the conflict in Mali, relevant U.N. Security Council Resolutions, the reaction of the international community to the French intervention, and evaluation of other indicia, this article demonstrates that the new paradigm of armed conflict – and the revolutionary shifts in the capabilities of modern non-state armed groups – has served as a catalyst for a degree of international legal evolution, ushering in a more permissive view of the legality of the use of military force by intervening states against non-state armed groups or violent extremist organizations operating in the territories of fragile states and/or ungoverned spaces.
Collapse of thick-walled cylinders under external pressure

Hydrostatic collapse tests performed on thick-walled capped cylinders are described. Finite-element predictions which incluce the effects of end-cap stiffening, cross-section ovalities and material strain hardening are compared to experimental results. The analyses correctly predict the sequence of events leading to collapse, but experimental failure pressures are significantly below predictions. It is concluded that the von Mises yield criterion used in the analysis did not accurately represent the yield behavior of the 1018 steel tubing material of the test-cylinders for the triaxial-stress conditions of interest.
MEAN AIRWAY PRESSURE |[lpar]|Paw|[rpar]| AND INTRACRANIAL PRESSURE |[lpar]|IOP|[rpar]| IN NEWBORN INFANTS

Previous authors have shown that adverse changes in cerebral blood flow are reflected in changes in ICP. We sought to determine whether increased Paw required to ventilate newborns may alter ICP and predispose them to intraventricular hemorrhage.
Work/text: Investigating "The Man from U.N.C.L.E.," by Cynthia W. Walker

Review of Cynthia W. Walker. 2015. Work/Text: Investigating "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." New York: Hampton Press, 2013. Hardcover, $89.50 (367p) ISBN 978-1612891200; paperback, $37.95 (379p) ISBN 978-1612891217.
Admittance-wall model of rectangular microstrip antennas using an eigenfunction expansion of the one-dimensional Green's function

Preliminary results of the analysis of thin microstrip antennas using a complex admittance-wall boundary condition are presented. The wall admittance is obtained from the fields produced by currents on the microstrip patch and its image. The corresponding boundary value problem is solved using an eigenfunction expansion of the one-dimensional Green's function showing the complex resonant frequencies explicitly. Features of the model include good physical insight, accuracy, no need to introduce edge extensions, and the advantage of a simple formula giving at once the input impedance over the whole frequency range of a mode and for a range of possible locations of the feed. >
Cutting Edge: TNF-Induced MicroRNAs Regulate TNF-Induced Expression of E-Selectin and Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 on Human Endothelial Cells: Feedback Control of Inflammation

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) pair with target sequences in the 3' untranslated region of mRNAs to posttranscriptionally repress gene expression. In this study, we report that TNF-mediated induction of endothelial adhesion molecules can be regulated by miRNAs that are induced by TNF. Specifically, E-selectin and ICAM-1 are targets of TNF-induced miRNAs miR-31 and miR-17-3p, respectively. Specific antagonism of these TNF-induced miRNAs increased neutrophil adhesion to cultured endothelial cells. Conversely, transfections with mimics of these miRNAs decreased neutrophil adhesion to endothelial cells. These data suggest that miRNAs provide negative feedback control of inflammation.
A Search for Encke's Comet in Ancient Chinese Records: A Progress Report

The catalog by Ho Peng Yoke lists ancient Chinese observations of 581 transient astronomical objects of which some 300 might conceivably have been P/Encke, between the years – 156 and + 1600. Using the Gauss-Hill method it was possible to establish roughly the plane of the orbit and the direction of perihelion for P/Encke over this interval of time. All but about 40 of the objects could be eliminated by comparing the observed locations with possible locations of P/Encke. Several more could be eliminated on the basis of their calculated magnitudes and general observability. Large uncertainties in the non-Newtonian motion as yet prevent our certain identification of P/Encke among the remaining possibilities.
Phase I and pharmacokinetic study of brequinar sodium (NSC 368390).

Brequinar sodium is a quinoline carboxylic acid derivative that has shown antitumor activity in a number of in vivo murine and human tumor xenograft models. Its mechanism of action is blockade of de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis by inhibition of dihydroorotic acid dehydrogenase. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate the superiority of prolonged drug exposure in achieving tumor growth inhibition. This phase I study evaluated the administration of brequinar sodium by short, daily i.v. infusion for 5 days repeated every 4 weeks. Fifty-four subjects were enrolled in the study and received drug in doses ranging from 36–300 mg/m2. The dose-limiting toxicities were mucositis and diffuse skin rash. Other toxicities included myelosuppression, nausea, vomiting, malaise, and burning at the infusion site. The maximum tolerated dose on the “daily times 5” schedule was 300 mg/m2. The recommended phase II dose is 250 mg/m2. Pharmacokinetic analysis of the day 1 drug clearance curves in 51 subjects showed slight nonlinearity in the relationship between dose and area under the clearance curve (AUC). The dose versus AUC relationship was well described using a Michaelis-Menten model of brequinar elimination kinetics with V max = 45 (µg/ml)/h and K m = 123 µg. Analysis of the day 5 drug clearance curves revealed a diminution in V max to 30 (µg/ml)/h. As a consequence of the reduction in V max, brequinar plasma concentrations on day 5 were higher than predicted from day 1 drug kinetics. Pharmacodynamic analysis of the day 1 kinetic parameters and the toxicities occurring during the first cycle of drug therapy revealed significant correlations between mucositis and dose, AUC, and peak brequinar concentration; between leukopenia and AUC and peak drug concentration; and between thrombocytopenia and β elimination rate.
Your Money or Your Network: Indicators of Presidential Candidate Viability in the 2008 Nomination Contest

This study examines campaign fundraising, campaign appearances, poll standings and social network supporters as measures of presidential candidate viability in the 2008 nomination contest. Its focus is the early contests in Iowa and New Hampshire and the Super Tuesday primaries and caucuses. We collect and analyze data at both the aggregate and individual state level for the eight Democratic and seven Republican candidates who remained in the race on February 5th. Poll standings, nationally and for individual states, were the strongest predictors of candidate vote share in both the aggregate and individual state contests. Number of Facebook supporters was also positive and significant in the majority of contests. In contrast, cash on hand at the end of the 4th quarter was infrequently significant, sometimes as a positive influence and sometimes a negative influence on vote share. At the state level, the number of events held in the state is not a significant predictor of the candidate's vote share in that contest. We conclude that online campaign activity is an important additional indicator of candidate viability that is independent of traditional measures like campaign funding and poll standings. Moreover, the number of supporters seems to be highly reactive to campaign events: winners of the early Iowa and New Hampshire contests and subsequent Super Tuesday primaries and caucuses evidence a much higher than average increase in supporters than other candidates.
Epidemiology and the Public Policy Process

Public policy and epidemiology function in a dynamic environment influenced by political, economic, social, and other factors. As demonstrated by the national health goal to eliminate health disparities among population groups by 2010, it will be important to have policies that demonstrate an understanding of societal determinants of health. Public policies related to vaccine preventable diseases have a long history of dependency on epidemiological data as demonstrated by the public health achievements over the last century. However, as the public becomes more educated, policy aware, and possessive of their investment in policy decisions, consideration must be given to the power and clarity of epidemiological data, their interpretation, and their usability. Mandatory Hep B vaccination for infants and preschool children is an example of a complex array of issues and opinions, strong advocacy from health providers and public health departments for continuing mandatory vaccines, and opposition from some parents who are equally as dedicated to eliminating mandatory Hep B vaccines for all infants and preschool children for a variety of reasons. In addition to antigovernment sentiments associated with health department control (mandatory immunizations), opponents to mandatory vaccination devalue the importance of herd immunity and systematically chal- lenge the science and outcomes of related Hep B vaccine studies, particularly adverse events. As more vaccines are developed and mandated, opportunities for debate and challenges can be expected, particularly by the public.Successful public health policy based on epidemiological data depends on the quality and strength of the evidence, interactions with multiple stake- holders, and the clarity with which this information is communicated to the public.
Dynamic phishing content using generative grammars

Phishing prevention and detection algorithms depend on content exemplars to train on in order to effectively identify threats. Developing these exemplars can either be done by hand, which is time consuming and expensive, or taken from attacks that have already been detected in the wild, which limits the ability to detect new or novel threats. In this paper, we describe PhishGen, a system that uses generative grammars to create dynamic e-mail contents for use as test cases for anti-phishing research. In addition, we demonstrate our system's ability to adapt to existing filters in order to ensure the delivery of e-mails without the need to white-list, which provides an additional level of realism for phishing attacks during penetration testing.