cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Russia's "Ethnic Revival": The Separatist Activism of Regional Leaders in a Postcommunist Order

Since 1990 Russia has experienced an unexpected "ethnic revival." Varying widely in geography, culture, economic development, and institutional history, the country's thirty-two ethnic regions offer a chance to weigh the evidence for alternative theories of separatist activism. This paper examines statistically why some--such as Chechnya and Tatarstan--have come to epitomize demands for greater independence, while others--such as Mordovia or Chukotka--have remained largely quiescent. It finds that, while a Muslim religious tradition predisposed a region's leaders to press greater separatist demands, such primordial factors were filtered through a rational calculus of the region's relative bargaining power in negotiations with the center and of the leader's own organizational interests. Contrary to some leading theories, the most developed, resource-rich, and high-income groups and regions were more separatist than more economically backward ones.
Applications of Geographic Information System in Airfield Infrastructure System Management and Maintenance

New geographic information system (GIS) applications in airfield infrastructure system management and maintenance are discussed. Aviation activity is steadily increasing, and U.S. airport facilities must provide higher service quality and must increase capacities to accommodate projected aviation growth. In response to the increasing requirements from passengers and airliners, efficiency is the most important factor in airport operations and airfield facilities maintenance. Airport authorities, particularly at large commercial airports, increasingly understand the benefits in using GIS-based programs to plan and manage their airport facilities. An integrated GIS system combined with Geographic Positioning Systems and personal digital assistants provides a powerful tool that helps airport operators and engineers improve regular airfield inspection, management, and reporting processes, resulting in a more efficient airport operation system. GIS applications associated with other tools are introduced, and airport personnel are given several easy-to-learn GIS approaches and techniques. This is intended to help airports improve current airfield facility inspection processes and maintenance mechanisms. An implementation plan achieved at Kaohsiung International Airport in Taiwan was used to demonstrate how an integrated GIS system can help airport operators and engineers receive real-time facilities data, evaluate deterioration rates, and make policy decisions on maintenance and rehabilitation within a short time. This implementation plan is designed on a step-by-step basis that allows airport personnel to easily follow and apply the system to airport practice. Another example carried out at Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) in Utah was used to show GIS applications in facilitating skid resistance evaluation of runway surfaces. By adding projection data to the airport image, SLC airport maintenance crews can graphically evaluate friction capacities of Runway 16L-34R and investigate potential factors that result in a reduction of skid resistance. Up-to-date GIS application approaches are shown so that airport personnel may develop a suitable GIS system that enables airports to improve their operation systems and increase aviation safety.
A1-2: Cost-Effectiveness of Interleukin 28B Genotype-Guided Protease Inhibitor Therapy in Treatment-Naïve Patients with Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 2 or 3

Background/Aims The addition of protease inhibitors to standard of care (SOC) dramatically increases treatment response in Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) genotype 1 patients. Moreover, Interleukin 28B (IL28B) genotyping helps predict responsiveness for these patients. However, the economic implications of incorporating IL28B genotyping in HCV genotype 2 or 3 infected patients are unknown. This study used a treatment algorithm that included IL28B genotype-guided therapy to examine the short and long-term cost-effectiveness of utilizing these single-nucleotide polymorphisms in treatment-naive HCV genotype 2 or 3 infected patients.
Myeloperoxidase-enhanced formation of (±)-trans-7,8-dihydroxy-7,8-dihydrobenzo[a] pyrene adducts in lung tissue in vitro: a role of pulmonary inflammation in the bioactivation of a procarcinogen

Several studies have indicated a correlation between the presence of inflammation and the development of cancer. The aim of our study was to determine if pulmonary neutrophils could transform the proximate respiratory carcinogen (+-)-trans-7,8-dihydroxy-7,8-dihydrobenzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P-7,8-diol), to an ultimate carcinogenic metabolite via myeloperoxidase (MPO). To test this hypothesis, virus-free male DBA/2 mice were exposed by inhalation to the Gram-negative bacteria Proteus mirabilis for 1 h. For various time points post-exposure, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed to determine total and differential cell counts, cellular MPO activity and production of superoxide. Twelve hours after the exposure, cellular activity of MPO as well as percentage and total number of polymorphonuclear leukocytes peaked and declined thereafter. At this same time point, cells from BAL exhibited increased release of superoxide, as measured by reduction of cytochrome c, after addition of soluble or particulate stimuli, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) or opsonized zymosan respectively. These cells also elicited biotransformation of B[a]P-7,8-diol as evidenced by enhanced B[a]P-7,8-diol-derived chemiluminescence, tetraol formation and covalently bound adduct formation to exogenous DNA upon addition of TPA or opsonized zymosan. Moreover, the cell-free BAL fluid of infected mice contained substantial MPO activity in comparison to that of uninfected animals. Also, MPO enhanced the binding of B[a]P-7,8-diol to lung DNA in vitro. Unlike previous work emphasizing the potential roles of oxygen free radicals in tumor promotion, our results indicate a role of neutrophilic MPO in the initiation of carcinogenesis.
TURBULENCE ENERGY AND DIFFUSION TRANSPORT OF THIRD-MOMENTS IN A SEPARATING AND REATTACHING FLOW

For accurate prediction of turbulent flow in separated and reattaching regions, it is necessary to incorporate second- and third-moments of turbulent fluctuations. The turbulence energy and the energy dissipation rate equations are modified by incorporating second-order closure. Moreover, a transport equation model for the third-order closure with a near-wall correction is developed for the evaluation of the diffusive action of the second-moments. After comparison of the results with experimental data, it is concluded that the models developed here improve the prediction of triple-velocity correlations in both recirculating and redeveloping flow regions.
Conservation of ectomycorrhizal fungi: exploring the linkages between functional and taxonomic responses to anthropogenic N deposition

Anthropogenic nitrogen (N) deposition alters ectomycorrhizal fungal communities, but the effect on functional diversity is not clear. In this review we explore whether fungi that respond differently to N deposition also differ in functional traits, including organic N use, hydrophobicity and exploration type (extent and pattern of extraradical hyphae). Cortinarius, Tricholoma, Piloderma, and Suillus had the strongest evidence of consistent negative effects of N deposition. Cortinarius, Tricholoma and Piloderma display consistent protein use and produce medium-distance fringe exploration types with hydrophobic mycorrhizas and rhizomorphs. Genera that produce long-distance exploration types (mostly Boletales) and contact short-distance exploration types (e.g., Russulaceae, Thelephoraceae, some athelioid genera) vary in sensitivity to N deposition. Members of Bankeraceae have declined in Europe but their enzymatic activity and belowground occurrence are largely unknown. Bankeraceae produce a distinct hydrophobic mat exploration type that may also be important in N acquisition under conditions of low N availability.
Review of the M.D. Anderson experience in the treatment of bladder sarcoma

Abstract Objective To assess the histologic subtypes, clinical presentations, treatment approaches, and treatment-related outcomes of patients with bladder sarcoma. Methods Between January 1985 and July 2004, 19 patients (12 men and 7 women) with primary bladder sarcoma were evaluated at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. Median follow-up duration was 72 months (range 3–141). Results The median age of patients at presentation was 57 years (range 22–94). The histologic subtypes of bladder sarcoma were leiomyosarcoma (N = 14), angiosarcoma (N = 3), and unclassified sarcoma (N = 2). The clinical presentation consisted of gross, painless hematuria in 79% of patients, lower urinary tract symptoms in 16%, and microhematuria in 5%. The primary treatment modalities used were surgery in 16 (84%) patients, chemotherapy in 2 (11%), and palliation in 1 (5%). The rate of local and distal recurrence was 16% and 53%, respectively. The most common sites of distant metastases were the lungs, bone, brain, and liver. The 5-year disease-specific survival rate was 59%, with a median survival duration of 6 years. There was no statistically significant difference in disease-specific survival between patients with bladder leiomyosarcoma compared to other sarcoma subtypes (P = 0.149). Lymphovascular invasion (P = 0.03) and lymphatic metastasis (P = 0.03) were associated with disease-specific survival, and surgical margin status was associated with recurrence-free (P = 0.04), disease-specific (P = 0.03), and overall survival (P = 0.005). Conclusions Bladder sarcoma is a highly aggressive malignancy, regardless of its histologic subtype. Surgical margin status is an important determinant of survival.
Current environment of service learning within the school of pharmacy

Abstract Service learning (SL) is an alternative to the traditional teaching model and offers valuable benefits to pharmacy students, including the opportunity to expand their community engagement and develop as active citizens. Despite numerous advantages, the current role of SL within our institution is largely unknown. The primary goal of this study was to evaluate the current presence of SL among faculty and preceptors within our pharmacy school. The secondary objectives were to identify factors that may impact faculty offering SL and to identify needs or barriers of faculty members and preceptors so that those needs may be met to promote more SL. A survey was conducted of faculty and preceptors to assess the current environment of SL within our pharmacy curriculum. Statistical analysis was utilized to investigate predictive factors for faculty and preceptor interest in SL and to identify prominent barriers to initiating SL opportunities for students. A total of 193 participants completed the survey. Among them, 79 (42%) participants currently offer SL opportunities to their students. Furthermore, many participants indicated positive attitudes towards SL overall, including the beliefs that SL can positively impact the health of a patient (85%), can teach students valuable skills (90%), and can provide additional benefit beyond those gained from extracurricular activities (61%). Time (71%) was the largest barrier to implementations of SL. The survey results were used as a basis for developing resources to facilitate curricular change and further promote SL efforts at the school.
The primary process in the photolysis of hexafluoroacetone vapour III. The efficiency of intersystem crossing

The value of k$\_6$/(k$\_4$+k$\_5$+k$\_6$) (mechanism of part I) was determined by two techniques, namely the sensitization of the isomerization of cis- to trans-butene-2 and the sensitization of the phosphorescence of biacetyl. Both techniques yielded a value for the ratio of 0.9$\pm$0.1. The value obtained by the isomerization technique is a lower limit because the quantum yield for the isomerization did not attain a value independent of [cis-butene-2], but reached a maximum at low concentrations of olefine and then decreased. A similar scavenging of the excited singlet state of hexafluoroacetone was observed when biacetyl was present as an addend. However, in both cases the measurements were made with sufficiently low concentrations of addend that the singlet scavenging should have introduced less than 10% error. It is concluded that reaction (5) of the mechanism cannot be an important mode of disappearance of excited ketone molecules.
Changes in protein synthetic activity in early Drosophila embryos mutant for the segmentation gene Krüppel.

We have identified early embryo proteins related to the segmentation gene Krueppel by (35S)methionine pulse labelling and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Protein synthesis differences shared by homozygous embryos of two Krueppel alleles when compared to heterozygous and wild-type embryos are reported. The study was extended to syncytial blastoderm stages by pulse labelling and gel analysis of single embryos, using Krueppel-specific proteins from gastrula stages as molecular markers for identifying homozygous Krueppel embryos. Localized expression of interesting proteins was examined in embryo fragments. The earliest differences detected at nuclear migration stages showed unregulated synthesis in mutant embryos of two proteins that have stage specific synthesis in normal embryos. At the cellular blastoderm stage one protein was not synthesized and two proteins showed apparent shifts in isoelectric point in mutant embryos. Differences observed in older embryos included additional proteins with shifted isoelectric points and a number of qualitative and quantitative changes in protein synthesis. Five of the proteins with altered rates of synthesis in mutant embryos showed localized synthesis in normal embryos. The early effects observed are consistent with the hypothesis that the Krueppel product can be a negative or positive regulator of expression of other loci, while blastoderm and gastrula stage shiftsmore » in isoelectric point indicate that a secondary effect of Krueppel function may involve post-translational modification of proteins.« less
A Taxonomy of Data Prefetching Mechanisms

Data prefetching has been considered an effective way to mask data access latency caused by cache misses and to bridge the performance gap between processor and memory. With hardware and/or software support, data prefetching brings data closer to a processor before it is actually needed. Many prefetching techniques have been proposed in the last few years to reduce data access latency by taking advantage of multi-core architectures. In this paper, we propose a taxonomy that classifies various design concerns in developing a prefetching strategy. We discuss various prefetching strategies and issues that have to be considered in designing a prefetching strategy for multi-core processors.
Adoption of Energy Efficient Technologies from a Demand Side Management Perspective: Taxonomy of Adoption Drivers, Barriers and Policy Tools

Energy efficiency is considered an alternative to building a power plant. However products and services enabling these efficiencies sometimes hit bottlenecks in adoption. This chapter reviews this important issue.
Oral cholecystography in chronic renal insufficiency (CRI)

Thirty-two patients with chronic renal insufficiency (CRI) had oral cholecystography. Eleven of 15 patients (73%) with moderately advanced renal impairment had diagnostically inadequate single-dose cholecystograms. In contrast, all 11 patients on chronic hemodialysis had diagnostically opacified gallbladders following a single dose of contrast. Six other patients had biliary disease, either calculi (5 patients) or neoplasia (1 patient). These data suggest that CRI diminishes the likelihood of diagnostic gallbladder opacification, even in the absence of gallbladder disease, and that if the metabolic consequences of CRI are controlled by dialysis, the chances of diagnostic opacification are significantly improved (P<0.005). As oral cholecystography may not only result in inadequate opacification, but also carry the potential of renal toxicity, abdominal ultrasound should prove a safer and possibly more effective alternative in such patients.
Critical illness polyneuropathy and myopathy as neurological complications of sepsis

Intensive care unit acquired weakness (ICUAW) is a frequent and severe complication of intensive care management. Within ICUAW critical illness polyneuropathy (CIP) and myopathy (CIM) can be differentiated. The major symptom of ICUAW is progressive quadriparesis, which makes weaning from the respirator more difficult, can appear early after admission to an ICU and can often be detected several months after discharge from the ICU. The pathophysiology of ICUAW is multifactorial and complex. Potential therapeutic approaches are the early and sufficient therapy of mulitorgan dysfunction, optimal control of glucose levels as well as early and intensive physiotherapy. This review article discusses the data on incidence, pathophysiology, diagnostic approaches and prognosis of ICUAW.
Selection and combination of hypotheses for dialectal speech recognition

While research has often shown that building dialect-specific Automatic Speech Recognizers is the optimal approach to dealing with dialectal variations of the same language, we have observed that dialect-specific recognizers do not always output the best recognitions. Often enough, another dialectal recognizer outputs a better recognition than the dialect-specific one. In this paper, we present two methods to select and combine the best decoded hypothesis from a pool of dialectal recognizers. We follow a Machine Learning approach and extract features from the Speech Recognition output along with Word Embeddings and use Shallow Neural Networks for classification. Our experiments using Dictation and Voice Search data from the main four Arabic dialects show good WER improvements for the hypothesis selection scheme, reducing the WER by 2.1 to 12.1% depending on the test set, and promising results for the hypotheses combination scheme.
Research on the Grading Ring Configuration of EHV Transmission Line in High Altitude Region

To research the problem of serious corona phenomenon in power transmission line at high-altitude region,establishing a simplified three-dimensional electrostatic field finite element model,this paper calculates the voltage distribution of porcelain insulator string and electric field distribution on the surface of grading ring to analyze the influence of ring diameter,pipe diameter and the ring location on the ring's maximum electric field and the voltage distribution of insulator string,and furthermore makes a research on the grading ring configuration of 500 kV transmission lines with a 1:1 model of cup tower proposed in the paper.The results show that the grading ring of 600 mm diameter and 60 mm pipe diameter can meet the requirement of anti-corona noise for insulator string in 4 000 m altitude region.
Optimization on Fermentation Conditions of Streptomyces Js-1~T and Inhibition of the Fermented Liquid against Mycogone perniciosa

[Objective] The aim was to study fermentation conditions and control effect of Streptomyces Js-1T. [Method] In order to increase the productivity of activities substance of strain Js-1T,the composition of fermenting solution and fermenting conditions were optimized by single factor. The inhibition of its fermented liquid against Mycogone perniciosa was also tested. [Result] The optimum fermenting solution were Mannose 30. 0 g,KNO32. 0 g,Mg SO41. 5 g,K2HPO41. 0 g,Na Cl 0. 1 g,and water 1 000 ml; the optimal fermenting conditions were temperature 30 ℃,p H = 8,and 100 ml liquid medium in 250 ml flake. The inhibition of its fermented liquid against Mycogone perniciosa Ⅰ,Ⅱand Ⅲ were 68. 77%,83. 84% and 85. 62%,respectively. [Conclusion]Streptomyces strain Js-1Thad certain application prospect in control of Mycogone perniciosa.
Etiological Surveillance of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease in Baoshan District of Shanghai, 2009-2011

[Objective] To identify the etiological characteristics and diagnostic significance of hand,foot and mouth disease(HFMD) in Baoshan District of Shanghai by data collected from 2009 to 2011.[Methods]Specimens of throat swabs,anal swabs or faeces and herpes fluids of patients with HFMD were collected from March 2009 to December 2011 to detect nucleic acid of enterovirus 71(EV71),coxsackievirus A16(CoxA16) and other enterovirus.[Results]From 2009 to 2011,the total positive enterovirus rates of all samples were 59.00%,72.44% and 79.00% respectively.The positive rate of EV71 in the severe or fatal cases was 90.91%,significantly higher than those of the general cases(χ2=45.97,P0.001) and the clustered cases(χ2=56.85,P 0.001).The positive rates of enterovirus in throat swabs,anal swabs or faeces,herpes fluids and pharyngeal aspirates were 68.02%,86.67%,71.43%,and 25.00% respectively.The coincidence rate of throat swabs and anal swabs or faeces was 83.53%;and that of throat swabs and herpes was 100.00%.There was a significant difference in the positive rates of nucleic acid between specimens collected 0-4days and 5-10days after onset(79.73% versus 45.61%,χ2=30.91,P0.001).[Conclusion]The main pathogens that caused HFMD in Baoshan District from 2009-2011 were EV71 and CoxA16.The detection rates increased year by year with varied dominant pathogens for each year.Severe or fatal HFMD cases were mainly caused by EV71 in this area.Throat swabs,anal swabs or faeces,and herpes fluids show a high diagnostic value on HFMD monitoring.Collecting HFMD specimens within 4 days after onset is proposed for HFMD diagnosis.
Discovering Cell Mechanisms: The Locus of Cell Mechanisms: Terra Incognita between Cytology and Biochemistry

Until these ‘accidents’ occurred, workers engaged in the exploration of living organisms had been forced to stop at the edge of a mysterious no-man's-land, bounded at the upper level of the dimension scale by the resolving power of the light microscope, and at the lower level by the applicability of chemical techniques. They knew, in a frustrating sort of way, that the area between these two boundaries contained some of the essential clues without which life would remain forever ununderstandable. With the technical advances mentioned, this region suddenly became accessible, both to visual examination right down to the level of macromolecules, and to chemical separation and analysis right up to the level of microscopic entities. (de Duve, 1963–4, pp. 49–50) Having described in abstract terms what mechanisms are and how they figure in scientific explanation, I turn now to setting the stage historically for the contributions of cell biology. The project of identifying cell mechanisms began in earnest after 1940 in what was then unoccupied territory between cytology and biochemistry. Researchers were at best dimly aware that crucial cellular operations occurred in organelles for which no direct methods of investigation were available. These organelles were too small to be meaningfully examined with the light microscope and much larger than the reacting molecules in homogenates that biochemists prepared from broken cells.
Mathematics Learning and Knowing: A Cognitive Process:

The recent reform in mathematics education has been fueled by the poor performance of students on tests of mathematical concepts, skills, and strategies, and by the growing influence of constructivism, a theory of cognitive development. To enhance student understanding and performance, educators are recommending that the curriculum focus on the big ideas that undergird all areas of mathematics, including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, probability, and statistics, and that have application in other disciplines. By learning and using the processes of investigation to explore the big ideas in various contexts, students gain a robust and more lasting understanding of the concepts. This emphasis on exploration and understanding requires new instructional methodologies and assessment techniques.
Blood selenium concentrations in female Pacific black brant molting in Arctic Alaska: Relationships with age and habitat salinity

Abstract Blood samples collected from 81 female Pacific black brant (Branta bernicla nigricans) molting near Teshekpuk Lake, Alaska, were analyzed for selenium concentration. The concentration of selenium in blood of after second year (hatched two or more years ago) females (0.84 μg/g wet weight) was significantly greater than the concentration in second year (hatched the previous year) females (0.61 μg/g wet weight). The concentrations of selenium we found in blood of black brant were 1.5 to 2 times greater than baseline values typical of freshwater birds, but considerably lower than reported in other marine waterfowl sampled in Alaska. This finding may be attributable in part to the nearly exclusive herbivorous diet of black brant. No relationship was noted between blood selenium concentration and molting habitat salinity. We are unaware of any previous reports of blood selenium concentrations in black brant.
The Costs of Career Mistakes

The cliche that mistakes are expensive applies to the process of choosing a practice. However, because many physicians do not think in economic terms, we tend to underestimate or ignore the costs of our career mistakes. This attitude is unfortunate because the stakes are high.
The Early Impact of an Administrative Processing Fee on Manuscript Submissions at The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery

Background: There was a dramatic increase in the volume of manuscripts submitted to The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery (JBJS) between 2009 and 2012. This resulted in increased journal administrative costs. To offset this financial burden, in May 2013, JBJS started charging authors an administrative processing fee at the time of submission. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of the administrative fee on the volume and characteristics of manuscripts submitted to JBJS. Methods: Our analysis included 866 manuscripts submitted to JBJS between November 2012 and November 2013. We compared manuscripts submitted 6 months prior to fee implementation and prior to the announcement (denoted as the baseline group), in the several months prior to fee implementation but after the fee implementation announcement (denoted as the fee announcement group), and in the 6 months after fee implementation (denoted as the fee implementation group). Manuscripts were reviewed for institutional and author demographic characteristics, as well as for general study characteristics. Results: In the first full calendar year (2014) after the implementation of the fee, the annual volume of submissions to JBJS declined by 33.5% compared with the annual submission volume in 2010 to 2012. In a comparative analysis, the geographical region of origin (p = 0.003), level of evidence (p < 0.0001), funding, and specialty differed between the 3 submission periods. However, subgroup analyses demonstrated that differences were attributable to the fee announcement group and that there were few important differences between the baseline and fee implementation groups. Reporting of funding information improved significantly between the baseline and fee implementation groups; in the post-fee implementation period, studies were more likely to have declared no external funding source (p = 0.001). Conclusions: The administrative processing fee at JBJS has been associated with a decrease in submission volume, but, overall, there has not been a change in the characteristics of studies submitted. However, decreased overall volume implies a decrease in the absolute number of high-level studies submitted to the journal. Administrative processing fees at high-volume journals may be a financially viable way to offset high administrative costs without substantially changing the characteristics of submitted articles.
The Adaptive Utility of Deontology: Deontological Moral Decision-Making Fosters Perceptions of Trust and Likeability

Although various motives underlie moral decision-making, recent research suggests that deontological moral decision-making may have evolved, in part, to communicate trustworthiness to conspecifics, thereby facilitating cooperative relations. Specifically, social actors whose decisions are guided by deontological (relative to utilitarian) moral reasoning are judged as more trustworthy, are preferred more as social partners, and are trusted more in economic games. The current study extends this research by using an alternative manipulation of moral decision-making as well as the inclusion of target facial identities to explore the potential role of participant and target sex in reactions to moral decisions. Participants viewed a series of male and female targets, half of whom were manipulated to either have responded to five moral dilemmas consistent with an underlying deontological motive or utilitarian motive; participants indicated their liking and trust toward each target. Consistent with previous research, participants liked and trusted targets whose decisions were consistent with deontological motives more than targets whose decisions were more consistent with utilitarian motives; this effect was stronger for perceptions of trust. Additionally, women reported greater dislike for targets whose decisions were consistent with utilitarianism than men. Results suggest that deontological moral reasoning evolved, in part, to facilitate positive relations among conspecifics and aid group living and that women may be particularly sensitive to the implications of the various motives underlying moral decision-making.
Psychology: Science in spite of itself

Barbara A. Spellman hails an analysis of reproducibility in psychology by a champion for change.
Protocol for the Emory University African American Vaginal, Oral, and Gut Microbiome in Pregnancy Cohort Study.

Adverse birth and neonatal outcomes disproportionately affect African American women and infants compared to those of other races/ethnicities. While significant research has sought to identify underlying factors contributing to these disparities, current understanding remains limited, constraining prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment. With the development of next generation sequencing techniques, the contribution of the vaginal microbiome to adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes has come under consideration. However, most microbiome in pregnancy studies include few African American women, do not consider the potential contribution of non-vaginal microbiome sites, and do not consider the effects of sociodemographic or behavioral factors on the microbiome. We conceived our on-going, 5-year longitudinal study, Biobehavioral Determinants of the Microbiome and Preterm Birth in Black Women, as an intra-race study to enable the investigation of risk and protective factors within the disparate group. We aim to recruit over 500 pregnant African American women, enrolling them into the study at 8–14 weeks of pregnancy. Participants will be asked to complete questionnaires and provide oral, vaginal, and gut microbiome samples at enrollment and again at 24–30 weeks. Chart review will be used to identify pregnancy outcomes, infections, treatments, and complications. DNA will be extracted from the microbiome samples and sequencing of the V3 and V4 regions of the 16S rRNA gene will be conducted. Processing and mapping will be completed with QIIME and operational taxonomic units (OTUs) will be mapped to Greengenes version 13_8. Community state types (CSTs) and diversity measures at each site and time will be identified and considered in light of demographic, psychosocial, clinical, and biobehavioral variables. This rich data set will allow future consideration of risk and protective factors, between and within groups of women, providing the opportunity to uncover the roots of the persistent health disparity experienced by African American families.
Antitumour Activity of Metal Complexes

The demonstration of the antitumour activity of cisplatin encouraged wider studies on other transition metal complexes. Very few systematic studies on metal complexes in general have been conducted despite the intensive screening of the National Cancer Institute anticancer program. A recent update to 1981 gave a total of nearly 14000 compounds for all inorganic compounds tested by NCI, of which almost 8000 were transition metal complexes [1]. All but a thousand of these complexes involve metals from iron to mercury, and the percentage of compounds meeting minimal activity standards is approximately 10%.
On power-law tail distribution of strength statistics of brittle and quasibrittle structures

Abstract Understanding the tail behavior of the probability distribution of structural strength is of paramount importance for reliability-based design of engineering structures. For brittle and quasibrittle structures, the tail distribution not only determines the design strength at a low failure probability, but also governs the functional form of the strength distribution of large-size structures. There exists clear evidence that the Weibull distribution is applicable to brittle structures. Based on the theory of extreme value statistics, the applicability of Weibull distribution suggests that the tail distribution must follow a power law. The justification of the power-law tail distribution was first proposed by Freudenthal based on an assumed type of flaw statistics and linear elastic fracture mechanics of non-interacting flaws. A series of recent studies suggested that the power-law tail can be explained by the transition rate theory governing the statistics of material failure at the nano-scale. In this study, we investigate the tail distribution by considering the randomness in both material strength and applied stress field. The present analysis adopts a nonlocal strength-based failure criterion, in which the spatial variability of the material strength is represented by an autocorrelated random field. The failure statistics of the structure is calculated as a first passage probability. We analyze this problem in 1D, 2D and 3D settings, and the results indicate that in all cases the tail distribution of the nominal structural strength follows a power law. It is shown that the power-law tail behavior of strength distribution stems from the tail distribution of material strength. The flaw statistics introduces additional randomness to the nominal structural strength, but does not dictate the power-law form of its tail distribution.
Objectification, masculinity, and muscularity: A test of objectification theory with heterosexual men.

Objectification theory is increasingly used to explain the body image-related experiences of men because research indicates that men are at heightened risk for body image concerns because of sociocultural messages regarding appearance of the male body. Although researchers have explored body image concerns among men, it is important to understand various sociocultural correlates relating to their body image disturbances. Therefore, we introduced gender role conflict in the present study to better explain their drive for muscularity. Based on data from 473 heterosexual men in the United States, the proposed model demonstrated excellent data fit, although several of the paths were non-significant, suggesting mixed support for the utility of objectification theory in the context of men’s body image. Specifically, sexual objectification experiences did not uniquely predict self-objectification and body surveillance—key internalizing variables in the objectification theory framework—and these variables had multiple non-significant relationships with additional hypothesized variables. However, gender role conflict was significantly related to objectification theory variables, suggesting the importance of attending to this variable when understanding heterosexual men’s body image disturbances. A more parsimonious model—with non-significant paths removed—was also explored and demonstrated excellent data fit. Limitations, future areas of research, and practice implications are discussed.
Concluding Questions: What Creates Change in Solution Focused Anxiety Management, and How Can We Do More of It?

This chapter introduces some ideas about what might account for the change that grows from solution focused anxiety management, and it invites readers to “do more of what works.” It describes a pilot qualitative analysis of the “take-home messages” described by class participants. The chapter introduces Fraser and Solovey’s concept of “second-order change” as the “golden thread” that runs through interventions that “work” in psychotherapy. When people are anxious, their first reaction is often to take what Fraser and Solovey would call a “first-order change” approach that doesn’t work well enough. By tapping client strengths and combining multiple “ingredients of solution,” solution focused anxiety management transforms anxiety into courage, coping, appropriate caution, and choice.
Biochemistry and Biosynthesis of ABH and Lewis Antigens

Serological techniques were used initially to define the human ABO, H, and Lewis blood group determinants. These studies were done in the context of exploring genetic polymorphisms in the expression of such antigens, usually identified in association with antibody-mediated red blood cell destruction occurring after blood transfusion. Following the studies that uncovered these determinants earlier in this century, a substantial amount of experimental effort was expended to determine the precise structural nature of these molecules, and the genetic and molecular basis for their polymorphic properties. We now have a detailed picture of the chemical nature of these blood group determinants, we understand their biosynthetic pathways in substantial detail, and recent work has yielded a satisfyingly consistent set of hypotheses concerning the genes and enzymes that determine their expression. As will be detailed below, and in Chapter 2 of this volume, the molecules of the A, B, H, and Lewis blood group determinants are oligosaccharides, which are constructed by the sequential catalytic action of glycosyltransferase enzymes. Recent studies in this area have been focused on isolating and characterizing such glycosyltransferase genes. As will be apparent below, the genes corresponding to the ABO, H, and Lewis blood group loci have been cloned and characterized. Moreover, recent work suggests that the human Secretor blood group locus has also been isolated. These cloned gene segments represent tools for characterizing the molecular basis for genetic polymorphisms in these loci, and for defining the basis for the tissue-specific expression patterns of these oligosaccharide-type antigens, at the molecular level.
A Social Contract Conception of the Tort Law of Accidents

This paper explores two central questions in the tort law of accidents—the choice between negligence and strict liability, and the level of reasonable precaution—from a fairness perspective. The first part of the paper develops the idea that liability rules are fair when they are, ex ante and over the long run, to the advantage of all those they affect, even those who fare worst under them. The second part of the paper investigates the choice between negligence and strict liability, taking into account two competing conceptions of fairness. One influential conception takes reciprocity or nonreciprocity of risk to be the master test of fairness, holding that accident costs are fairly distributed when the risks which give rise to accidents are fairly distributed. Another influential conception holds that the accident costs of risky activities should be spread among all those who benefit from the activity, ideally in proportion to their degree of benefit. This conception takes the distribution of harm—of the costs of accidents themselves—to be central. Part two of the paper argues that this second conception of fairness is preferable, and that it gives us good reason to believe that enterprise liability is prima facie fairer than negligence liability. Part three of the paper takes up the question of reasonable care, investigating the fair level of precaution. This part of the paper focuses particularly on the question of what fairness requires when an activity imposes a significant risk of serious injury. When an injury is serious—when the harm it does substantially impairs the pursuit of a normal life and when that harm cannot be repaired—fairness cannot be achieved by redistributing accident costs after the fact of an injury. Fairness must be achieved, if it can be achieved, by pitching the level of precaution at an appropriately high point ex ante. The paper argues that fairness requires pushing the level of precaution beyond the wealth maximizing point when substantial risks of serious injury are at issue. Fairness requires reducing such risks to the point where further reduction would threaten the activity that engenders them, the point where the long run health of the activity would be jeopardized. The fourth and final section of the paper examines the connections between fairness and the forms of justice. Taking issue with the dominant position in contemporary tort theory, section four argues that justice (as fairness) in tort accident law is primarily a question of distributive justice, and only secondarily a matter of corrective justice.
Exploring the Effect of Prior Knowledge and Gender on Undergraduate Students’ Knowledge Structures in Chemistry

Success in chemistry requires not only the ability to recruit prior knowledge but also the ability to establish strong connections between new and existing concepts to form knowledge clusters around core principles. How these knowledge structures are organized can be used to understand the relationships between concepts within a student’s mind. 618 undergraduate students in a general chemistry course participated in this study at a US institution. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect, if any, that prior knowledge in chemistry and mathematics and gender have on the formation of students’ knowledge structures. In addition, the structures were analyzed to identify the hidden connections between macroscopic, submicroscopic, and symbolic representations of chemical knowledge. To visualize these structures, a word association test (WAT) was created to determine concept relatedness. Student response data was then transformed into a series of distances by a computer program called JPathfinder, which created visual representations of the knowledge structures in the Gephi platform. The meaning and implications of these structures were discussed to provide ideas for teaching interventions that focus on weakly associated basic general chemistry concepts. The potential uses of WAT were also shared to help educators identify student misconceptions.
Reduction of Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella Typhimurium on Blueberries through Brief Exposure to Antimicrobial Solutions Coupled with Freezing.

This study evaluated the efficacy of different brief-exposure antibacterial washes (≤3 min) coupled with frozen storage against Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella Typhimurium on blueberries. Inoculated berries where treated with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl, 200 ppm), chlorine dioxide (15 ppm), ozone (3 and 5 ppm), or lactic acid (2%) for short exposure times (10 s, 1 min, or 3 min), and antibacterial effectiveness was determined with or without an additional freezing hurdle (−12°C, 1 week). Wash treatments alone resulted maximum log reductions from 1.0 to 2.8, while the additional freezing step increased this to a range from 3.7 to 6.6. The greatest reduction of L. monocytogenes (6.6 log) and Salmonella Typhimurium (5.3 log) was observed after freezing combined with 3 min of exposure to 2% lactic acid or 200 ppm of NaOCl, respectfully. After treatment, no residue was measured by the methodologies used. However, lactic acid treatment resulted in changes of color and aroma. In conclusion, wash treatments of blueberries using short exposure times had antimicrobial effectiveness (1.0 to 2.8 log reductions) and can be enhanced by coupling with freezing.
The Internet Made Me Do It: Reconciling Social Media and Professional Norms for Lawyers, Judges, and Law Professors

Social media platforms operate under their own social order. Design decisions and policies set by platforms steer user behavior. Additionally, members of online communities set informal expectations that form a unique set of norms. These social media norms—like oversharing, disinhibition, and anonymity—become common online, even though similar conduct might be shunned in the real world. For lawyers, judges, and law professors, a different set of norms apply to both their online and offline conduct. Legal ethics rules, codes of judicial conduct, workplace policies, and general professionalism expectations dictate behavior for legal professionals. Collectively, these professional norms set a higher bar—one that fundamentally clashes with ever-evolving social media norms. This conflict between social media and professional norms must be reconciled in order for lawyers, judges, and law professors to avoid online missteps. This essay examines the clash between the norms of social media conduct with the constraints of professional norms. By doing so, it hopes to help lawyers, judges, and law professors reconcile their real-world roles with their online behavior and offers some guidance for maintaining professionalism across the board.
Simultaneous Transfemoral Mitral and Tricuspid Valve in Ring Implantation: First Case Report with Edwards Sapien 3 Valve

Patients with advanced valvular disease may be at high or prohibitive risk for surgical management. We describe a patient with previous mitral and tricuspid valve repair and recurrent admissions for New York Heart Association Class IV heart failure symptoms due to severe mitral stenosis and severe tricuspid regurgitation. Due to her comorbidities and two previous sternotomies, the patient was at high risk for surgery. We performed a simultaneous transfemoral mitral and tricuspid valve-in-ring implantation. This is the first report of its kind using a Sapien 3 valve (Edwards Lifesciences).
The contraceptive needs and pregnancy desires of women after incarceration: A qualitative study.

Abstract Objective Prior qualitative research with women incarcerated at Rikers Island Jail asked women to anticipate their future contraceptive needs and pregnancy desires upon re-entering the community. We conduct this follow-up study to understand better the actual contraceptive needs and pregnancy desires experienced by women after incarceration. Study Design We conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews in New York City in 2014 with 10 women incarcerated within the past three years. We coded transcripts using an iterative process, identified emerging themes, and stopped recruitment after reaching thematic saturation. Results Most participants desired to wait to become pregnant until they had stable housing, income, and employment. A few faced systemic barriers to obtaining contraception, including the process of re-applying for insurance and obtaining medical appointments. For many, incarceration disrupted their use of contraception, insurance status, and relationship with trusted medical providers. Most women lacked trust in the new health professionals they encountered after incarceration. Conclusions Incarceration disrupted medical care in general, and contraceptive care in particular. Assistance should be provided to re-apply for insurance, make appointments, and support women to see trusted health professionals. Implications Incarceration further disenfranchises an already marginalized community through disrupting access to medical care and constrains women’s reproductive autonomy long after return to the community.
The role of perceived support and local culture in undergraduate research mentoring by underrepresented minority faculty members: findings from a multi-institutional research collaboration

Undergraduate research is value-added experiential learning that cultivates creative and intentional learners in and out of the classroom. However, only recently have researchers begun investigatin...