cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mayan morality: An exploration of permissible harms

Anthropologists have provided rich field descriptions of the norms and conventions governing behavior and interactions in small-scale societies. Here, we add a further dimension to this work by presenting hypothetical moral dilemmas involving harm, to a small-scale, agrarian Mayan population, with the specific goal of exploring the hypothesis that certain moral principles apply universally. We presented Mayan participants with moral dilemmas translated into their native language, Tseltal. Paralleling several studies carried out with educated subjects living in large-scale, developed nations, the Mayan participants judged harms caused as the means to a greater good as more forbidden than harms caused as a side-effect (i.e., side-effect bias). However, unlike these other populations living in large-scale societies, as well as a more educated and less rural Mayan comparison group, the target rural Mayan participants did not judge actions causing harm as worse than omissions (i.e., omission bias). A series of probes targeting the action-omission distinction suggest that the absence of an omission bias among the rural Mayan participants was not due to difficulties comprehending the dilemmas, using the judgment scale, or in attributing a greater causal role for actions over omissions. Thus, while the moral distinction between means and side-effect may be more universal, the moral distinction between actions and omission appears to be open to greater cross-cultural variation. We discuss these results in light of issues concerning the role of biological constraints and cultural variation in moral decision-making, as well as the limitations of such experimental, cross-cultural research.
A sensitive method for quantitation of β-lyase metabolites of sulfur mustard as 1,1′-sulfonylbis[2-(methylthio)ethane] (SBMTE) in human urine by isotope dilution liquid chromatography–positive ion-electrospray-tandem mass spectrometry

Abstract A method for measurement of an important biological marker, 1,1′-sulfonylbis[2-(methylthio)ethane] (SBMTE) of sulfur mustard agent HD [bis-(2-chloroethyl)sulfide] in human urine, to quantify HD exposure, is presented. It employs TiCl3 reduction of β-lyase metabolites to SBMTE, and automated solid-phase extraction sample preparation, followed by isotope dilution liquid chromatography–positive ion-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry with 7.5 min/sample cycle time, to achieve SBMTE quantitation of up to 200 samples/24 h a day. Percent relative standard deviations over the calibration range varied from 12.0% at 0.1 ng/mL to 0.9% at 100 ng/mL, and the limit of detection from a 0.5 mL sample was below the lowest level calibration standard of 0.1 ng/mL.
Alcohol Use by Adolescents in Disrupted Families

Alcohol use increases among adults in response to marital disruption and divorce, but data that are available regarding adolescent alcohol use are inconsistent in the light of whether or not families are intact To explore this question we obtained measures of frequency and quantity of alcohol use from 2595 junior and senior high school students, together with information about family intactness and parental alcohol use. Adolescents in single and stepparent families reported more alcohol use than adolescents from intact families, for both frequency and quantity of use. This was the case for boys and for girls, as weH as for junior high school and for senior high school students. Parents in nonintact families also were reported to be using more alcohol than parents in intact families. Adolescent alcohol use was significantly correlated with parental alcohol use. After adjusting adolescent alcohol use for parental alcohol use as a covariate, the finding of greater alcohol use by adolescents in non-intact families remained.
Pharmacotherapy for pediatric sleep disturbances: Current patterns of use and target populations for controlled clinical trials

The systematic study of pharmacologic treatment of sleep disturbances in children requires both careful selection of patients and a thorough and consistent diagnostic approach. This article examines information pertinent to advancing these efforts by considering the prevalence and significance of pediatric sleep disturbances; reviewing current patterns of use of medication for childhood sleep disturbances; and identifying patient populations in whom pharmacotherapy is likely to be appropriate and controlled clinical studies should be conducted. This review reinforces the need to identify safe and effective pharmacologic agents for treating pediatric sleep disturbances and to clearly define the indications and prescribing parameters for such medications. Several medications for pediatric sleep disturbances are commonly prescribed despite a paucity of data to support their efficacy and tolerability. Furthermore, virtually no information is available to guide decisions about appropriate medication doses or duration of therapy in pediatric patients. Finally, despite the fact that pharmacologic therapies for pediatric sleep disturbances have not been well studied to date, it is clear that they fill an important void in the management of sleep disorders in children and deserve continued consideration and evaluation. Recent increases in awareness of the importance of evaluating pediatric responses to medications and advances in techniques for studying the effects of psychotropics offer optimism that the efficacy and tolerability of sleep medicines will be significantly enhanced.
The APA Centennial and Teaching History of Psychology

The purpose of this annotated bibliography is to stimulate interest in and promote scholarly activity about teaching history of psychology. We organized 56 articles into three categories: projects, perspectives, and evaluations. This literature on teaching history of psychology is a source of valuable reference material for teachers and scholars. The most glaring need is for thorough evaluative research.
Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in dialysis patients and estimation of mean interdialytic blood pressure

To define blood pressure (BP) patterns and control in dialysis patients, 48-hour ambulatory BP monitoring was performed in 36 hemodialysis and 18 peritoneal dialysis patients. Monitoring began during a dialysis session for hemodialysis patients. Data revealed significantly lower diastolic BP (DBP) and lower diastolic load (percentage of diastolic values > 90 mm Hg) in hemodialysis patients compared with peritoneal dialysis patients (80.6 mm Hg v 88.8 mm Hg, respectively, [P < 0.03] and 26% v 45%, respectively [P < 0.03]) for the 48-hour period. When the 2 days were analyzed separately, the difference in diastolic pressures and loads was significant only for the first (dialysis) day. Similarly, trends toward lower systolic BP (SBP) and systolic load in hemodialysis patients existed throughout monitoring and were greater in magnitude during the first day. BP data were fit to a random-coefficient growth curve model to detect periodicity. This sensitive model did not detect diurnal variation of BP in either group. The incidence of hypotension did not differ between the two groups (2.0% v 1.0% of total observations, hemodialysis v peritoneal dialysis). In the hemodialysis group, the proportion of hypotensive observations was significantly greater during the 4 hours postdialysis compared with other periods (5.6% v 1.6%; P < 0.02), a finding that likely reflects the practice of holding antihypertensives until after hemodialysis. However, patient diaries did not reflect hypotensive symptoms during this time. In the hemodialysis group, mean BP and predialysis BP did not correlate with interdialytic sodium load or weight gain. Predialysis and postdialysis BP (recorded by dialysis nurses) correlated significantly with mean BP. Predialysis SBP overestimated mean SBP by an average of 10 mm Hg, while postdialysis SBP underestimated mean SBP by an average of 7 mm Hg. To create formulas to estimate mean SBP and DBP in hemodialysis patients, multiple linear regression was used to model these variables against age, sex, race, and average prehemodialysis/posthemodialysis BP. The model achieved a high degree of fit (r2 = 0.72 for SBP; r2 = 0.65 for DBP), demonstrating that prehemodialysis and posthemodialysis BP can be used to predict mean BP in hemodialysis patients. In summary, our data show the absence of a diurnal variation of BP in dialysis patients and lower BP in hemodialysis patients compared with peritoneal dialysis patients. Among hemodialysis patients, more hypotension occurred after dialysis compared with other periods, and predialysis and postdialysis BP can be used to model mean BP levels.
Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-γ–Mediated Effects in the Vasculature

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma is a nuclear receptor and transcription factor in the steroid superfamily. PPAR-gamma agonists, the thiazolidinediones, are clinically used to treat type 2 diabetes. In addition to its function in adipogenesis and increasing insulin sensitivity, PPAR-gamma also plays critical roles in the vasculature. In vascular endothelial cells, PPAR-gamma activation inhibits endothelial inflammation by suppressing inflammatory gene expression and therefore improves endothelial dysfunction. In vascular smooth muscle cells, PPAR-gamma activation inhibits proliferation and migration and promotes apoptosis. In macrophages, PPAR-gamma activation suppresses inflammation by regulating gene expression and increases cholesterol uptake and efflux. A recurring theme in many cell types is the modulation of the innate immunity system particularly through altering the activity of the nuclear factor kappaB. This system is likely to be even more prominent in modulating disease in vascular cells. The effects of PPAR-gamma in the vascular cells translate into the beneficial function of this transcription factor in vascular disorders, including hypertension and atherosclerosis. Both human genetic studies and animal studies using transgenic mice have demonstrated the importance of PPAR-gamma in these disorders. However, recent clinical studies have raised significant concerns about the cardiovascular side effects of thiazolidinediones, particularly rosiglitazone. Weighing the potential benefit and harm of PPAR-gamma activation and exploring the functional mechanisms may provide a balanced view on the clinical use of these compounds and new approaches to the future therapeutics of vascular disorders associated with diabetes.
High Resolution Video Playback in Immersive Virtual Environments

High resolution 2D video content in High Definition or higher resolutions has become widespread and video playback of such media in immersive virtual environments (VE) will be a valuable element adding more realism to VE applications. This kind of video play-back, however, has to overcome several problems. First, the data volume of video clips can reach up to hundreds of gigabytes or more depending on the length of the clips, and the data has to be streamed into virtual reality (VR) systems in real-time. Second, the interactivity of the playback screen in 3D virtual environments requires efficient rendering of each video frame. Interactivity means that the plane of the video playback screen needs to rotate, translate, and zoom in and out in 3D space as the viewer roams around in the VE. This also means that the video is not necessarily parallel to the display screen but will need to be displayed as a general quadrangle. In this work, we propose an efficient algorithm that utilizes mipmapped data, that is, multiple levels of resolutions, to provide an efficient way to interactively play back high resolution video content in VEs. In addition, we discuss several optimizations to sustain a constant frame rate, such as an optimized memory management mechanism, dynamic resolution adjustment, and predictive prefetching of data. Finally, we evaluate two video playback applications running on a virtual reality CAVE system: 1) high definition video at 3840 × 2160 pixels and 2) 32 independent 256 × 192 pixels video clips.
Collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (Xiaflex) for the Treatment of Urethral Stricture Disease in a Rat Model of Urethral Fibrosis

Objective To evaluate the treatment effect of collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCH) in a rat model of urethral fibrosis. Materials and Methods Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats (300-350 g) were divided into 5 groups. The rat urethra was injected with normal saline in the sham group and, in the other 4 groups, the rat urethra was injected with 10 μg of transforming growth factor beta 1 to create fibrosis of the urethra. Two weeks following transforming growth factor beta 1 injection, the rats were injected with varying doses of CCH or vehicles, depending on their group. The rats were then euthanized at 4 weeks after CCH or vehicle injection. Urethral tissue was harvested for histologic and molecular analyses. Type I and III collagen levels were evaluated by Western blot analysis. Results There was urethral fibrosis and to significant increase in collagen type I and III expressions in the urethral fibrosis group compared with the sham group ( P P Conclusion This study demonstrated a beneficial effect of CCH injections in a rat model of urethral fibrosis. These findings suggest a potential role for CCH as a therapeutic option in urethral stricture patients and warrant further investigation.
An analytical comparison of nearest neighbor algorithms for load balancing in parallel computers

With nearest neighbor load balancing algorithms, a processor makes balancing decisions based on its local information and manages work load migrations within its neighborhood. This paper compares a couple of fairly well-known nearest neighbor algorithms, the dimension exchange and the diffusion methods and their variants in terms of their performances in both one-port and all-port communication architectures. It turns out that the dimension exchange method outperforms the diffusion method in the one-port communication model, and that the strength of the diffusion method is in asynchronous implementations in the all-port communication model. The underlying communication networks considered assume the most popular topologies, the mesh and the torus and their special cases: the hypercube and the k-ary n-cube. >
Physiological correlates of natural activity and locomotor capacity in two species of lacertid lizards

1. Physiological factors relating to activity metabolism were measured in two species of African lacertid lizards that differ greatly in natural foraging patterns:Eremias lineoocellata, a sit-and-wait predator, andE. lugubris, a widely foraging animal. 2. Maximal oxygen consumption at 37°C is greater inE. lugubris [3.22 ml O2/(gxh)] than inE. lineoocellata [2.49 ml O2/(gxh)]. 3. Anaerobic scope and capacity at 37°C are greater inE. lineoocellata [2.56 mg lactate/(gx min) and 1.81 mg lactate/g] than inE. lugubris [2.12 mg lactate/(gxmin) and 1.40 mg lactate/g]. 4. Relative heart mass and hematocrit are greater inE. lugubris than inE. lineoocellata (0.28% and 0.24% body mass; 30.1 and 24.4 respectively). 5. No significant interspecific differences occur in hind limb muscle mass as a percentage of body mass or in myoglobin concentration, citrate synthase or myofibrillar ATPase activity of hind limb skeletal muscle. 6. No significant interspecific differences occur in isometric contractile properties (twitch and tetanic tension, twitch rise time and half-relaxation time, and fatigue response to tetanic stimulation) of the iliofibularis muscle. 7. Organismal metabolic patterns of aerobic and anaerobic capacity reflect differences in locomotor capacity and natural foraging patterns of these species.
On-chip logic minimization

While Boolean logic minimization is typically used in logic synthesis, logic minimization can be useful in numerous other applications. However, many of those applications, such as Internet Protocol routing table and network access control list reduction, require logic minimization during the application's runtime, and hence could benefit from minimization executing on-chip alongside the application. On-chip minimization can even enable dynamic hardware/software partitioning. We discuss requirements of on-chip logic minimization, and present our new on-chip logic minimization tool, ROCM. We compare with the well-known Espresso logic minimizer and show that ROCM is 10 times smaller, executes 10-20 times faster, and uses 3 times less data memory, with a mere 2% quality penalty, for the routing table and access control list applications. We show that ROCM solves real-sized problems on an ARM7 embedded processor in just seconds.
The role of fracture zones during early Red Sea rifting: structural analysis using Space Shuttle radar and LANDSAT imagery

The structural pattern of the Red Sea region, an area where continental lithosphere is cut by a young oceanic rift, was studied by means of satellite and space shuttle radar imagery. The Space Shuttle Mission 2 made two passes over the Red Sea bracketing a region transitional between the southern Red Sea, where true seafloor spreading started about 5 Ma BP, and the northern Red Sea where crust is probably continental, though thinned and stretched. Structures on these passes define bands of shearing in the African and Arabian margins parallel to the Dead Sea Fracture Zone (000–020°). Combinations of these data with LANDSAT information reveal four shear bands along the margins of the Red Sea and one oblique to the Gulf of Suez. We have named the northern three Red Sea shear zones detected on the SIR-A data, the Brothers–Dead Sea Fracture Zone, the Zabargad Fracture Zone and the Shagara Fracture Zone. Two sets of normal faults were also detected, trending 330–340° (parallel to the northern Red Sea coastline) and 310–320° (parallel to the axial deeps in the Red Sea). A map of the 310–320° faults bordering the Red Sea resembles a V-shaped wedge narrowing to the north near the Gulf of Suez. These faults may have formed as a result of the most recent push of seafloor spreading. If this is so, then there may be a propagating tectonic wedge moving from south to north which thins the continental crust up to distances of 300 km from the axis of spreading. Following continental deformation, oceanic crust may be emplaced in 9hot points9 along the rift axis. These 9punctiform9 oceanic spreading centres should propagate in the same direction as continental rifting. During this episode palaeo-shear zones probably act as barriers (9locked zones9) to the axial propagation. One such case is at the Zabargad Fracture Zone where the oblique impact of the propagating rift against the palaeo-shear may have placed the Red Sea9s western side under compression and uplift while the eastern side may have been subject to oblique extension with the formation of pull-apart basins. The Space Shuttle imagery allows integration of some of the northern Red Sea morphotectonic features with structures on the continent.
An approach for developing networked sensors architectures

Current sensor technologies provide an abundance of sensed data in a variety of bands and formats. However, rather than providing the intended improvements in situational awareness for military and civil infrastructures, these sensor systems tend to deluge users with huge data sets that hide the data of interest within the shear volume of detailed output. Additionally, these sensor systems are generally independent, forcing human operators to locate, integrate and correlate the data across multiple systems. Emerging concepts in sensor technologies suggest that a networked, collaborative approach to sensing may provide superior performance in situational awareness. This approach shows the promise of improving collected data accessibility to human users, as well as automating correlation and corroboration of collected data across multiple bands and sensor modalities. This paper explores basic networked sensor concepts and presents notional architectures for constructing and operating networks of sensors.
Unique chronostratigraphic marker in depositional fan stratigraphy on Mars: Evidence for ca. 1.25 Ma gully activity and surficial meltwater origin

The origin of gullies on Mars is controversial (e.g., catastrophic groundwater release, debris flows, dry granular flows, or meltwater from surface ice and snow) and their ages are difficult to determine due to their small size. We describe a gully depositional fan that contains a unique chronostratigraphic marker (secondary crater clusters) between episodes of gully activity during fan development. This marker can be traced to its source, a 7-km-diameter rayed crater that we have dated as ca. 1.25 Ma. This age links gully activity to the emplacement of dust-ice mantling deposits interpreted to represent recent ice ages on Mars. This association, together with multiple episodes of depositional fan formation, favors an origin for these gullies from top-down melting of snow and ice during multiple favorable spin-axis and orbital variations. This melting mechanism is consistent with the occurrence of gullies in unique steep-sloped, poleward-facing insolation microenvironments that favor the melting of small amounts of surficial snow and ice.
Selected Life-History Traits of Black Soldier Flies (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) Reared on Three Artificial Diets

Hermetia illucens (L.) was reared on three larval diets to determine their effects on preimaginal development and selected adult life-history traits. Prepupal and adult characteristics were examined for individuals reared on each diet and compared with field-collected prepupae and corresponding emergent adults. Diet did not significantly influence development or survivorship to the prepupal stage. However, adult emergence for all diets was significantly less than that determined for the wild population. Development time from egg to adult for individuals reared on the diets at 27°C ranged from 40 to 43 d with the larval stage lasting 22–24 d. We observed >96% larval survivorship to the prepupal stage and 21–27% adult emergence. Females accounted for 55–60% of emergent adults across treatments. Specimens reared on each diet were reduced in size, longevity, and calorie content in comparison to specimens from the wild population. Males within diet treatments and field-collected specimens were significantly smaller than females and emerged 1–2 d before females. Additionally, males reared on the diets and provided water lived for 9 d, whereas females lived for 8 d. This information indicates the diets might be used for rearing soldier flies. However, further refinement is needed to produce adults similar to those found in nature.
The Effect of Sovereign Credit Rating Changes on Emerging Stock Markets

This paper studies the effect of sovereign credit rating changes issued by Standard and Poor's and Moody's on the cross section of domestically traded stocks. We first establish, consistent with earlier literature that analyzed similar phenomena in the U.S. (e.g. Holthausen and Leftwich, 1986; Goh and Ederington, 1993), that local stock markets react only to news of sovereign credit rating downgrades. Cumulative abnormal returns of stock indices also show that investors react only to rating announcements made by Standard & Poor's. We then study the cross sectional variation of the abnormal returns of individual firms associated with sovereign credit rating changes. We find that larger firms experience larger stock price drops after a sovereign credit downgrade. Also, firms located in more developed emerging countries experience smaller stock price reductions following sovereign credit downgrades. Finally, we document that firms that had access to international capital markets experience larger abnormal returns than firms that do not have access to international financial markets.
Relationship Between Sensory Stimuli–Elicited IPSPs in Motoneurons and PGO Waves During Cholinergically Induced Muscle Atonia

Kohlmeier, Kristi A., Faustino Lopez-Rodriguez, Francisco R. Morales, and Michael H. Chase. Relationship between sensory stimuli–elicited IPSPs in motoneurons and PGO waves during cholinergically ...
Ca2+ Channel Inactivation in Small Mesenteric Arteries of WKY and SHR

BACKGROUND This study was designed to test the hypothesis that differences exist in the inactivation properties of voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels (Ca(V)) in hypertensive arterial smooth muscle cells (ASMCs), and that these differences contribute to enhanced Ca(V) activity. METHODS The properties of Ca(V) were studied in freshly isolated myocytes from small mesenteric arteries (SMAs) of Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) using whole-cell patch-clamp methods. RESULTS Peak currents (I(Ca)) were larger in SHR with either 2 mmol/l Ca(2+) or Ba(2+) as the charge carrier. In WKY and SHR, the peak current was larger with Ba(2+) than with Ca(2+) with no difference in their ratio. The voltage dependence of Ca(V) activation was shifted to the left in SHR as compared to WKY for Ca(2+) but not for Ba(2+), while availability was not different. The time course of inactivation of current could be represented by two time constants, both of which were larger in SHR than in WKY and also larger for Ba(2+) than for Ca(2+), with a greater fraction of inactivation being associated with the process slower in SHR and with Ba(2+). The time courses of availability, inactivation, and recovery from inactivation were faster in SHR than in WKY in the case of Ca(2+), but there was no difference in the case of Ba(2+). CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that there are differences between WKY and SHR in the inactivation properties of SMA Ca(V), and that these differences could contribute to larger steady-state currents. The differences cannot be explained merely by the presence of a larger number of identical Ca(V) complexes, and it appears likely that differences in intrinsic compositions, primary structures, and/or regulation are involved.
Attraction of metastriate ticks (acari: Ixodidae) to the sex pheromone 2,6-dichlorophenol and to substituted phenols.

The attraction of Dermacentor parumapertus and Hyalomma anatolicum excavatwm to 2,6-dichlorophenol is reported and compared with that of Amblyomma americanum. Amblyomma americanum demonstrated a dose-response relationship to the sex pheromone. In a structure-activity study of substituted phenols, A. americanum also responded to 3-chlorophenol, 4-chlorothiophenol, 2,3-dichlorophenol, 2,4-dichlorophenol, and 2,5,-dichlorophenol.
Granulocyte Chemotaxis in the Chediak-Higashi Syndrome of Mink

Studies of granulocyte chemotaxis were performed in mink with the Chediak-Higashi syndrome. In vivo migration of leukocytes to an inflammatory site was reduced in the affected animals. In vitro studies documented a consistent early impairment in the chemotactic response of Chediak-Higashi mink granulocytes. Serum from Chediak-Higashi mink generated normal amounts of chemotactic factors. The cellular defect in leukocyte chemotaxis in mink is comparable to that observed in humans with the Chediak-Higashi syndrome and may contribute to the increased susceptibility to infection in this disease.
Effects of lead acetate on expression of androgen binding protein,transferrin and inhibin mRNA in sertoli cells of rat

Aim:To investigate the effects of lead acetate on the expression of androgen binding protein(ABP),transferrin(Tf)and inhibin(INH)mRNA in sertoli cells of rat.Methods:Rat sertoli cells were cultured,purified and identified and treated with different concentrations(0,10-8,10-7,10-6,and 10-5 mol/L)of lead acetate for 24 h,cell viability was evaluated by MTT method;The level of ABP,Tf and INH mRNA expression were measured by RT-PCR.Results:Exposed to different concentrations of lead acetate,we found the lead acetate didn't have cytotoxicity(F=2.592,P=0.053).The expressions of INH mRNA were obvious different among the five groups(F=562.901,P0.001).Exposured to the dose of 10-8 and 10-7mol/L lead acetate,It was lower than that of the control group(P0.05).Conclusion:The lead acetate could keep cell viability through decreaseing the expression of INH mRNA at the concentrations of 10-8 mol/L and 10-7mol/L.
Susceptibility of beta cypermethrin-resistant Musca domestica to common used insecticides

Objective To study the susceptibility of beta cypermethrin-resistant Musca domestica to common used insecticides and supply evidence for using insecticides reasonably.Methods Topical application method.Results The housefly's resistant ratios to clorpyrifos,propoxur,beta cypermethrin,allethrin,cyhalothrin,DDVP folds respectively were 0.85,8.75,153.79,35.59,679.71,0.09 respectively.Conclusion If the housefly yields resisitance to beta cypermethrin,exchanging or mixing used of organophosphate insecticdes may be a better method.
Selected laboratory in pediatric emergency care.

SUMMARY The superiority of either a complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, or C-reactive protein as a generic, global screening test for bacterial infection in infants or children has not been clearly demonstrated.76 The few claims of superiority for one determination over another relate more to the clinical setting than marginal differences in sensitivity or specificity.81 Neither the complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, or C-reactive protein has proved sensitive enough of predicting invasive bacterial infection that it can be used as an isolated measure upon which major management decisions can safely be based.126 Several investigators have therefore addressed whether these tests can complement each other.6, 69, 76 Unfortunately, acquisition of multiple nonspecific laboratory tests in a given clinical situation may yield widely divergent results.98 The C-reactive protein, complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and zeta sedimentation ratio are all comparably priced in the $15.00 to $30.00 range. However, if multiple tests are obtained, the cost of this approach may become unacceptably high.77 Current practice advocates a careful evaluation of an ill pediatric patient in an Emergency setting. The initial clinical impression of an experienced clinician based on history and physical examination frequently provides dependable information with which to direct subsequent evaluation. If bacterial infection ranks high on the differential list, relevant laboratory studies should be considered. Observation of quantitative and qualitative changes of the hematologic profile or rate of erythrocyte sedimentation are adequate tools in specific circumstances. With the resurgence of interest in the use of C-reactive protein, it too may join the ranks of convention in selected settings.
Expression of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor contributes to the establishment of intestinal microbial community structure in mice.

Environmental and genetic factors represent key components in the establishment/maintenance of the intestinal microbiota. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is emerging as a pleiotropic factor, modulating pathways beyond its established role as a xenobiotic sensor. The AHR is known to regulate immune surveillance within the intestine through retention of intraepithelial lymphocytes, functional redistribution of Th17/Treg balance. Consequently, environmental/genetic manipulation of AHR activity likely influences host-microbe homeostasis. Utilizing C57BL6/J Ahr−/+ and Ahr−/− co-housed littermates followed by 18 days of genotypic segregation, we examined the influence of AHR expression upon intestinal microbe composition/functionality and host physiology. 16S sequencing/quantitative PCR (qPCR) revealed significant changes in phyla abundance, particularly Verrucomicrobia together with segmented filamentous bacteria and an increase in species diversity in Ahr−/− mice following genotypic segregation. Metagenomics/metabolomics indicate microbial composition is associated with functional shifts in bacterial metabolism. Analysis identified Ahr−/−-dependent increases in ileal gene expression, indicating increased inflammatory tone. Transfer of Ahr−/− microbiota to wild-type germ-free mice recapitulated the increase Verrucomicrobia and inflammatory tone, indicating Ahr−/−-microbial dependence. These data suggest a role for the AHR in influencing the community structure of the intestinal microbiota.
NBS Six-Port ANA

This paper describes a "Turn-Key" NBS-designed ANA utilizing the six-port principle to provide state-of-the-art measurement accuracy for power and scattering (S) parameters over a frequency range of 400 MHz to 18 GHz.
Abstract C76: Community-wide outreach and screening to reduce hepatitis B, hepatitis C and liver cancer disparities among African immigrants in Minnesota

Background: In Minnesota, the 2012 Cancer Report by the Department of Health reported both the incidence of liver cancer and mortality rates due to liver cancer among Blacks were significantly higher than Caucasians. African immigration to Minnesota is the third highest by percentage of state population in the US. Given that viral hepatitis disproportionately affects sub-Saharan Africans and that these individuals are emigrating from countries where childhood HBV vaccination has only recently been implemented on a national scale, we speculate that this unique immigrant community may be a major contributor to the increased burden of viral hepatitis and liver cancer complications in the state. Limited research exists on the burden of viral hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma among African immigrants. Thus, we conducted a prospective community-wide screening to assess the rates of chronic HBV and HCV infections among Somali, Liberian and Kenyan immigrants in Minnesota. Methods: Several African community health centers and organizations in Minnesota were selected for the study. Individuals of Somali, Liberian or Kenyan descent were enrolled in a prospective screening study for chronic HBV and HCV infection. Blood samples were collected and tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb), hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb), and anti-hepatitis C virus antibody (anti-HCV). Follow-up testing, health education, counseling, and referral were provided to participants. Results: 853 participants provided blood specimens. 13.5% of participants had chronic HBV infection while 32.4% had prior HBV exposure with spontaneous viral clearance. 7% of participants had chronic HCV infection. Follow up and linkage to care were provided to participants with chronic hepatitis while preventive advice was provided to those who were negative for both infections. In particular, participants susceptible to HBV were informed about the availability of HBV vaccine in order to protect against future HBV infection. Conclusions: Chronic HBV and HCV are major health problems among recent African immigrants in Minnesota. Community-based screening is an effective way to identify and provide health education and linkage to care for individuals with or at risk for viral hepatitis. Citation Format: Essa A. Mohamed, Nasra H. Giama, Hassan M. Shaleh, Abdul M. Oseini, Hager Ahmed Mohammed, Jessica Cvinar, Ibrahim A. Waaeys, Hamdi A. Ali, Loretta K. Allotey, Lewis R. Roberts. Community-wide outreach and screening to reduce hepatitis B, hepatitis C and liver cancer disparities among African immigrants in Minnesota. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Ninth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2016 Sep 25-28; Fort Lauderdale, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2017;26(2 Suppl):Abstract nr C76.
Use of imaging software for assessment of the associations among zona pellucida thickness variation, assisted hatching, and implantation of day 3 embryos

The aim of this study was to determine if zona pellucida thickness variation (ZPTV) is associated with implantation and if this relationship changes with use of assisted hatching (AH). Day 3 embryos from single or double embryo transfers (DETs) performed between 2014 and 2016 were included. ZPTV was assessed by examining photographs taken before transfer using an automated image processing platform to segment the zona pellucida (ZP) with an active contour technique. One hundred points were obtained of ZP thickness (ZPT) of each embryo to calculate ZPTV ([maximum ZPT–mean ZPT]/mean ZPT). Logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of implantation by tertile of ZPTV. Maternal age and AH were adjusted for a priori. Other cycle and embryo characteristics were adjusted for if they altered the continuous effect estimate by >10%. There was no statistically significant association between ZPTV and implantation across tertiles although embryos with greater ZPTV showed a trend of decreased implantation (Tertile 2 (T2) versus Tertile 1 (T1), OR = 0.80, CI = 0.50–1.28; Tertile 3 (T3) versus Tertile 1 (T3), OR = 0.75, CI = 0.47–1.20). While similar nonsignificant trends for the association between ZPTV and implantation were observed across tertiles after stratification of embryos hatched or not, embryos with the greatest ZPTV had slightly higher odds for implantation when AH was utilized (T3 vs. T1: with AH, OR = 0.89, CI = 0.49–1.62; without AH, OR = 0.61, 0.29–1.27). ZPTV was not associated with implantation after day 3 transfer. This finding did not vary by use of AH.
Synthesis of bavachromanol from resorcinol via a tandem cationic cascade/EAS sequence

Abstract The natural chalcone bavachromanol has been prepared through a tandem reaction sequence that joins cationic cyclization of an epoxide to an adjacent MOM-acetal with electrophilic aromatic substitution by a presumed methoxymethylene cation. Only a single regioisomer of the tandem product was observed, with substitution taking place exclusively ortho to the position of the original acetal. This regiocontrol provided a key intermediate from a symmetrical precursor, and allowed preparation of the meroterpenoid through a short reaction sequence.
Size Exclusion Chromatography: A Teaching Aid for Physical Chemistry

All analytical techniques are governed by the principles of physical chemistry, and chromatography is certainly no exception. By examining the underlying concepts of size exclusion chromatography (SEC), students can gain greater appreciation of and insight into the science and utility of thermodynamics, as well as solution properties of macromolecules. In this paper we will show how the separation mechanism that governs SEC, an unusual form of chromatography, can be explained using the tenets of thermodynamics. This paper gives educators access to an HPLC technique usually not included in undergraduate chemistry curriculum.
Analysis of target detection performance for wireless sensor networks

In surveillance and tracking applications, wireless sensor nodes collectively monitor the existence of intruding targets. In this paper, we derive closed form results for predicting surveillance performance attributes, represented by detection probability and average detection delay of intruding targets, based on tunable system parameters, represented by node density and sleep duty cycle. The results apply to both stationary and mobile targets, and shed light on the fundamental connection between aspects of sensing quality and deployment choices. We demonstrate that our results are robust to realistic sensing models, which are proposed based on experimental measurements of passive infrared sensors. We also validate the correctness of our results through extensive simulations.
Masses of Medium Weight Nuclei by Transfer Reactions

In the last decade a large experimental program has been in progress at MSU with the aim of testing the isobaric mass multiplet equation (IMME) first proposed by Wigner.l This relation holds that the masses of the members of an isospin multiplet of mass A and isospin T can be expressed in a simple quadratic form: $$M(A,{T_z}) = a + b{T_Z} + cT_z^2$$ , where Tz is the isospin projection. There are numerous derivations of this formula in the literature,2,3 which employ perturbation methods to expand the nuclear Hamiltonian. In the above form, the lowest isospin multiplet which can be used to test the IMME is T = 3/2.
Achieving LEED credit for ergonomics: Laying the foundation

Despite guidance from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) on the requirements for earning a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) ergonomics credit in the Innovation in Design and Innovation in Operations category, few projects have received the credit. The University of California, Berkeley ergonomics program, Ergonomics@Work, has aligned the ergonomics strategy to those of the USGBC and LEED to achieve the ergonomics credit in several new buildings. This article describes the steps needed to obtain the credit and highlights the opportunities it creates to partner with the project team to promote ergonomics. As a profession it is up to ergonomists to create the road map that incorporates ergonomics into the green building design.
Smart and connected water resource management via social media and community engagement

Water is a critical natural resource that has significant impacts on human living and society. Growing population and energy consumption exacerbate the scarcity of water and our ability to manage this resource. This demonstration paper presents WaterScope, a smart and connected platform for water resource management, which integrates multiple data sources such as water level data, social media data, and water related articles. Furthermore, the tool enables forecasting underground water levels, identifying water concerns, sharing knowledge and expertise among stakeholders, and thus bringing new insights to our understanding and insights of the water supplies and resource management. The prototype engages water stakeholders who face problems of similar nature but deal with the problem in an ad-hoc and isolated manner. The interactive WaterScope platform targets creating an interconnected virtual community that aims to improve water supply resilience.
Anergy into T regulatory cells: an integration of metabolic cues and epigenetic changes at the Foxp3 conserved non-coding sequence 2.

Peripheral immune self-tolerance relies on protective mechanisms to control autoreactive T cells that escape deletion in the thymus. Suppression of autoreactive lymphocytes is necessary to avoid autoimmunity and immune cell–mediated damage of healthy tissues. An intriguing relationship has emerged between two mechanisms of peripheral tolerance—induction of anergy and Foxp3 + regulatory T (Treg) cells—and is not yet well understood. A subpopulation of autoreactive anergic CD4 T cells is a precursor of Treg cells. We now hypothesize that phenotypic and mechanistic features of Treg cells can provide insights to understand the mechanisms behind anergy-derived Treg cell differentiation. In this short review, we will highlight several inherent similarities between the anergic state in conventional CD4 T cells as compared with fully differentiated natural Foxp3 + Treg cells and then propose a model whereby modulations in metabolic programming lead to changes in DNA methylation at the Foxp3 locus to allow Foxp3 expression following the reversal of anergy.
302) Prediction of Experimental Pain Outcomes by Subjective and Objective Measures of Sleep in Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

Interrelationships among pain and poor sleep are well established. However, discrepancies between subjective (self-report) and objective (actigraphy) measures of sleep are commonly observed. The current study tested if pain intensity and situational pain catastrophizing after experiencing experimentally-induced pain were differentially predicted by subjective or objective measures of sleep in patients with chronic temporomandibular disorder (TMJD) or healthy controls (HCs). Forty patients with TMJD and 20 HCs were brought into the lab for two visits approximately one week apart. At visit one, they completed subjective self-report measures of sleep (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory [PSQI], Insomnia Severity Index [ISI]). On visit two, they completed additional self-report measures (PROMIS sleep-related impairment, sleep disruption, and fatigue) and underwent a cold-pressor task (CPT) consisting of four repeated immersions over a 6-minute period. They rated pain intensity during the task. Next, participants completed a situational pain catastrophizing measure. Between visits, participants wore an actigraphy watch (Actiwatch II, Philips Respironics) for seven days from which the following sleep-derived variables were averaged: latency, total sleep time, efficiency, and wake after sleep onset (WASO). Results revealed that people with TMJD had worse subjective sleep than HCs (all p’s
INFLUENCE OF VEHICLE AND ROADWAY FACTORS ON THE DYNAMICS OF TRIPPED ROLLOVER

The time–domain sensitivity analysis of the vehicle tripped rollover model is conducted utilising sensitivity methods developed by the University of Missouri–Columbia. The eight–degree–of–freedom tripped rollover model simulates the motion of a light vehicle which skids laterally on pavement and then impacts with a kerb. Based on energy considerations, the rollover prevention energy reserve (RPER) of the vehicle is derived and used as an indication of vehicle rollover stability. The results reveal that the minimum value of RPER approaches zero at the threshold of rollover and, if the minimum falls below zero, then vehicle rollover will occur. The sensitivity of the RPER to vehicle and roadway parameter changes is investigated using percentage sensitivity functions and various sets of initial conditions. The sensitivity results show that vehicle geometry and wheel–suspension deformation parameters are by far the most influential characteristics in tripped rollover, followed by the inertia properties of the vehicle.
“I’m in Pain!”

In this chapter, we will explore three cases involving patients admitted to the hospital with evidence of opioid use disorder. Each patient’s story is unique; however, they share a serious medical condition that is often fatal if untreated. At the conclusion of the case discussions, learners will understand the social, ethical, and public health context of opioid use disorder and recognize the importance of prevention and treatment of this disorder. Learners will also begin to understand the ethical and social challenges in caring for patients with chronic pain, including people who have sickle cell disease and those on chronic opioid therapy. Finally, learners will identify ways in which physicians and other healthcare practitioners have contributed to the opioid epidemic and how they can help to address it in their communities.
Politicization and Polarization in Climate Change News Content, 1985-2017:

Despite concerns about politicization and polarization in climate change news, previous work has not been able to offer evidence concerning long-term trends. Using computer-assisted content analyse...
Chemistry of Aged Beer and Spirits: Symposium Introduction.

The Chemistry of Aged Beer and Spirits symposium was organized in ACS-San Diego, CA in August 2019 with a keynote address, 3 informational talks and 6 research based talks. Beer related topics ranged from the sensory compounds associated with barrel aging to haze formation, to wood aging and finally to in line detection of diacetyl. Topics on spirits ranged from the chemistry of tequila to effects of water components on whiskey to analysis of whiskey microwebs. The symposium was well attended and supplemented with an introduction to brewing processes at a local brewery.
Developmental sequence of the syncarpous gynoecium of Sarracenia purpurea (Sarraceniaceae) with flattened and broadened carpels and an umbrella-shaped style

The umbrella-shaped style of Sarracenia has a flattened and broadened distal half forming an umbrella canopy, and a slender cylindrical proximal half forming an umbrella stalk. The developmental se...