cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A New Method of Polyline Approximation

Many methods of a raw vectorization produce lines with redundant vertices. Therefore the results of vectorization usually need to be compressed. Approximating methods based on throwing out inessential vertices are widely disseminated. The result of using any of these methods is a polyline, the vertices of which are a subset of source polyline vertices. When the vertices of the source polyline contain noise, vertices of the result polyline will have the same noise. Reduction of vertices without noise filtering can disfigure the shape of the source polyline. We suggested a new optimal method of the piecewise linear approximation that produces noise filtering. Our method divides the source polyline into clusters and approximates each cluster with a straight line. Our optimal method of dividing polylines into clusters guarantees that the functional, which is the integral square error of approximation plus the penalty for each cluster, will be the minimum one.
Adolescent Family Context and Adult Identity Formation

This study examines the links between adolescent family context and coming to see oneself as an adult. Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, the authors investigate how adolescent family structure, resources, and processes together influence adult identity and whether they do so similarly for men and women. The authors find that youth in single-parent or stepparent families, but not in two-parent adoptive families, are more likely to identify as adults compared with those in two-biological-parent families. These relationships, however, are mediated by both family resources and processes. Furthermore, one of these processes, parental control, is especially influential for youth in single-father and other family structures, and parent—adolescent relationship quality and living in other-structure families are more consequential for young women than men.
A rapid colorimetric method for the quantitative determination of copper oxidase activity (ceruloplasmin).

A rapid procedure for determining quantitatively copper oxidase activity of plasma or serum is described. It is calibrated against determined amounts of ceruloplasmin and can be adapted to usual clinical laboratory equipment for the quantitative determination of ceruloplasmin.
Computational structural mechanics. From national defense to national resource

Computer modeling has become indispensable to the engineering process, from initially refining an idea with computer-aided tools to implementing the final steps in manufacturing a product. Computer models help the research engineer unravel the basic physical phenomena in real processes, and they can also save time and money. Before the advent of modern computers, many engineering tasks required expensive and timeconsuming physical tests in the laboratory or field, and entailed formidable manual calculations. Although these tests are still required to meet some guidelines, we can now efficiently simulate many processes by computer. Virtually all major programs at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory rely on engineering. The author argues that the unique nature of the lab's work imposes modeling requirements that are usually more complex and on a larger scale than those faced by the broader engineering design community. He stresses that, in fact, their engineers have developed structural-mechanics computer programs, or codes, that contribute regularly to the computer modeling technology base. >
Pectoralis muscle performance during ascending and slow level flight in mallards (Anas platyrhynchos).

In vivo measurements of pectoralis muscle length change and force production were obtained using sonomicrometry and delto-pectoral bone strain recordings during ascending and slow level flight in mallards (Anas platyrhynchos). These measurements provide a description of the force/length properties of the pectoralis under dynamic conditions during two discrete flight behaviors and allow an examination of the effects of differences in body size and morphology on pectoralis performance by comparing the results with those of a recent similar study of slow level flight in pigeons (Columbia livia). In the present study, the mallard pectoralis showed a distinct pattern of active lengthening during the upstroke. This probably enhances the rate of force generation and the magnitude of the force generated and, thus, the amount of work and power produced during the downstroke. The power output of the pectoralis averaged 17.0 W kg(−)(1)body mass (131 W kg(−)(1)muscle mass) during slow level flight (3 m s(−)(1)) and 23.3 W kg(−)(1)body mass (174 W kg(−)(1)muscle mass) during ascending flight. This increase in power was achieved principally via an increase in muscle strain (29 % versus 36 %), rather than an increase in peak force (107 N versus 113 N) or cycle frequency (8.4 Hz versus 8.9 Hz). Body-mass-specific power output of mallards during slow level flight (17.0 W kg(−)(1)), measured in terms of pectoralis mechanical power, was similar to that measured recently in pigeons (16.1 W kg(−)(1)). Mallards compensate for their greater body mass and proportionately smaller wing area and pectoralis muscle volume by operating with a high myofibrillar stress to elevate mechanical power output.
Microsecond Rotational Dynamics of Actin: Spectroscopic Detection and Theoretical Simulation

Abstract We have investigated the microsecond rotational dynamics of F-actin with transient phosphorescence anisotropy (TPA) spectroscopy, and analyzed the data to determine the relative contributions from rigid-body rotations and from intrafilament bending and twisting, using a theoretical model developed for DNA dynamics by Schurr and co-workers. The fits of the data to the model were constrained by independently determining the orientation of the dye's absorption dipole (by transient absorption anisotropy, TAA) and the actin filament length distribution (by electron microscopy). We conclude that (1) the Schurr theory enables calculation of the torsional flexibility of actin independent of any contribution from rigid body rotations of the whole filament, (2) the TPA decays cannot be explained by rigid-body or bending rotations, but reflect primarily twisting motions within actin filaments, and (3) the dynamic properties of actin filaments are best ascribed to a continuous elasticity. This analysis establishes a firm methodological foundation for future studies of the effects of perturbations of the dynamics of actin on its functional properties.
Navigating Barriers: The Challenge of Directed Secretion at the Natural Killer Cell Lytic Immunological Synapse

Introduction Natural killer (NK) cells have an inherent ability to recognize and destroy a wide array of cells rendered abnormal by stress or disease. NK cells can kill a targeted cell by forming a tight interface—the lytic immunological synapse. This represents a dynamic molecular arrangement that over time progresses through a series of steps to ultimately deliver the contents of specialized organelles known as lytic granules.
Burden of Dengue Infection and Disease in a Pediatric Cohort in Urban Sri Lanka

Dengue is the most significant arthropod-borne viral infection of humans. Persons infected with dengue viruses (DENV) have subclinical or clinically apparent infections ranging from undifferentiated fever to dengue hemorrhagic fever/shock syndrome. Although recent studies estimated that the Indian subcontinent has the greatest burden of DENV infection and disease worldwide, we do not have reliable, population-based estimates of the incidence of infection and disease in this region. The goal of this study was to follow-up a cohort of 800 children living in a heavily urbanized area of Colombo, Sri Lanka to obtain accurate estimates of the incidence of DENV infection and disease. Annual blood samples were obtained from all children to estimate dengue seroprevalence at enrollment and to identify children exposed to new DENV infections during the study year. Blood was also obtained from any child in whom fever developed over the course of the study year to identify clinically apparent DENV infections. At enrollment, dengue seroprevalence was 53.07%, which indicated high transmission in this population. Over the study year, the incidence of DENV infection and disease were 8.39 (95% confidence interval = 6.56–10.53) and 3.38 (95% confidence interval = 2.24–4.88), respectively, per 100 children per year. The ratio of clinically inapparent to apparent infections was 1.48. These results will be useful for obtaining more accurate estimates of the burden of dengue in the region and for making decisions about testing and introduction of vaccines.
Lactulose and Combination Therapy of Hepatic Encephalopathy: The Role of the Intestinal Microflora

Lactulose is the most frequently utilized agent in the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy because of its efficacy and the fact that it has few serious side effects. How this nonabsorbable disaccharid
Identification and Characterization of a Nuclease Specific for the 3′ End of the U6 Small Nuclear RNA

The U6 small nuclear RNA is post-transcriptionally processed by the addition and removal of nontemplate uridylates (Us) at its 3′ end prior to incorporation into the U4·U6 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein complex. An enzyme responsible for removing Us from the U6 3′ end has not been previously identified. Here we biochemically isolate and characterize an exonuclease activity from HeLa cells that removes template and nontemplate 3′-nucleotides specifically from U6 RNA. We also report the isolation of an inhibitor of this U6 nuclease. U6 nuclease rapidly removes the four terminal 3′ Us found in the human U6 coding sequence in a magnesium-dependent manner. Mutagenesis studies on the U6 RNA define regions essential for processing. U6 nuclease recognizes specific sequences on both strands near the base of the major intramolecular stem loop of the U6 RNA. The preprocessed 3′ Us form part of the base of the stem loop, but neither specific sequences nor secondary structure at the four terminal nucleotides are required to achieve processing.
Considerations on Optimal Fluoride Intake Using Dental Fluorosis and Dental Caries Outcomes - A Longitudinal Study

Objectives: The “optimal” intake of fluoride has been widely accepted for decades as between 0.05 and 0.07 mg fluoride per kilogram of body weight (mg F/kg bw) but is based on limited scientific evidence. The purpose of this paper is to present longitudinal fluoride intake data for children free of dental fluorosis in the early-erupting permanent dentition and free of dental caries in both the primary and early-erupting permanent teeth as an estimate of optimal fluoride intake. Methods: Data on fluoride ingestion were obtained from parents of 602 Iowa Fluoride Study children through periodic questionnaires at the ages of 6 weeks; 3, 6, 9, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, and 36 months; and then at 6-month intervals thereafter. Estimates of total fluoride intake at each time point were made by summing amounts from water, dentifrice, and supplements, as well as other foods and beverages made with, or containing, water. Caries data were obtained from examinations of children at ages 5 and 9 years, whereas fluorosis data were obtained from examinations of children only at age 9 years. Results: The estimated mean daily fluoride intake for those children with no caries history and no fluorosis at age 9 years was at, or below, 0.05 mg F/kg bw for nearly all time points through the first 48 months of life, and this level declined thereafter. Children with caries had generally slightly less intakes, whereas those with fluorosis generally had slightly higher intakes. Conclusions: Given the overlap among caries/fluorosis groups in mean fluoride intake and extreme variability in individual fluoride intakes, firmly recommending an “optimal” fluoride intake is problematic.
Gender Differences in Treatment-Seeking Cocaine Abusers - Implications for Treatment and Prognosis

This study examined gender differences in demographics, psychosocial functioning, substance abuse severity, psychopathology, and 1-year outcome in cocaine-dependent patients with the goal of identifying factors important to improving treatment and identifying prognostic indicators. The sample included 298 cocaine-dependent adults (92 women). Ninety-four patients (29 women) provided 1-year follow-up assessments. Compared to men, women consumed similar quantities of cocaine by more addictive routes and experienced more rapid progression of drug dependence, thus highlighting the need to facilitate treatment entry. The substantial rates of positive treatment outcomes emphasizes the effectiveness of treatment for cocaine-dependent individuals.
Overview of epithelial polarity.

Polarity is the structural and functional hallmark of epithelia. The apical plasma membrane, facing the organism's exterior (the lumen of the gut, renal tubule, glandular duct, or bile canaliculus) differs in many important respects from the basolateral plasma membrane that is apposed to adjacent epithelial cells (lateral plasma membrane), and to the basement membrane (basal plasma membrane) and interior of the organism. Vectorial transport, a prin­ cipal function of epithelia, depends on the polar distribution of plasma membrane constituents. To the extent that the same transporter is present in the apical and basolateral plasma membrane of an epithelial cell, substrate would be pumped into or out of the cell, rather than vectorially, across the epithelium. Figure 1 is an ofte n reproduced schematic that depicts the com­ plex structure of intestinal epithelium. The apical plasma membrane, depicted with many microvilli, is the special organelle that gives the epithelium its specific functional characteristics. The basolateral plasma membrane, on the other hand, shares many characteristics with the plasma membranes of nonpo­ lar cells. It is usually the location of the (Na + K)-ATPase, receptors for hormones and growth factors, transporters for ions and nutrients, and is the site of attachment to the basement membrane or other supporting material. Its special characteristics complement the special characteristics of the apical plasma membrane. For example, in epithelia that transport glucose from apical to basal surface, the apical membrane contains a sodium-coupled glucose transporter that moves glucose into the cell based on the driving force
The Genetic Relationship between Anadromous and Resident Oncorhynchus mykiss at a Putative Barrier with Implications for Habitat Improvement

AbstractBig Bear Creek in the Potlatch River system, Idaho, contains an Endangered Species Act-listed wild population of steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss (anadromous Rainbow Trout) that is the focus of extensive habitat restoration actions intended to increase population abundance. Both anadromous and resident O. mykiss populations occur in the Big Bear Creek drainage; however, anadromous individuals are known to spawn and rear only in the lower drainage, whereas putative resident fish occur in the headwaters. Big Bear Falls is a potential upstream migration barrier that is located between the two populations. Oncorhynchus mykiss of unknown origin are present within 1 km above the falls. We used analyses of genetic diversity, structure, and sibship reconstruction to determine whether Big Bear Falls limited the movement of steelhead to headwater areas. Known resident O. mykiss were sampled in headwater areas, known anadromous adults were sampled at a weir in the lower drainage, and juveniles of unknown life h...
Metabolism of Vitamin D in the Chick

SummaryThe metabolism of large (hypercalcemic) dosages of vitamins D2 and D3 has been studied in the chick. The chick evidently does not absorb vitamin D2 as well as it does vitamin D3, at least in the doses given; a larger proportion of it is found in the feces, and less is found in the carcasses. The amounts of vitamin D3 found in carcasses and feces account for all of the dosage given, but about 35% of the vitamin D2 cannot be accounted for. Analysis of the data indicated that there are two phases of inactivation of the vitamins. In the first both are inactivated at about the same rate, but in the second phase the rate of destruction of vitamin D2 is about 50% greater. The generally more rapid inactivation of vitamin D2 in the tissues may have a bearing on the fact that it is less effective in the chick than is vitamin D3.
Latex sensitivity in Washington State acute care hospitals. A needs assessment and survey of awareness of the issues.

Based on reports from the workers' compensation system and a sentinel health provider network, latex gloves may be one of the most prevalent sources of occupational skin disorders in Washington Sta...
NSTX toroidal field coil turn to turn short detection

The National Spherical Torus Experiment (NSTX) was designed, installed, and commissioned in the existing facilities at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) in 1999. Most of the hardware, plant facilities, auxiliary subsystems, and power systems originally used for the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor (TFTR) were used with suitable modifications to reflect NSTX needs. A major upgrade was undertaken on NSTX. The TF has been upgraded to provide one tesla field from the present 0.5 tesla field. This entailed a much higher Toroidal Field Current from 71.2kA to 129.8kA, and required major configuration changes including doubling the number of parallel strings of rectifiers along with associated power loop changes. Before the planned upgrade the machine developed turn to turn fault of the Toroidal Field Coil bundle. The machine was shut down and the Upgrade work started earlier than planned. It was decided to provide a turn to turn fault detection and trip for the upgraded toroidal field coil. A unique scheme was developed to detect a turn to turn fault in TF. This paper gives a description of the turn to turn short detection scheme that has been implemented.
Semi-flowable self-consolidating concrete and its application

Semi-flowable self-consolidating concrete (SFSCC) was developed to address the issue of shape stability while possessing self-consolidation properties in pavement concrete. In an unrodded flow test using a standard slump cone, SFSCC has a flow diameter of 27.9-33.0 cm, slump of 15.2-20.3 cm and symmetric cone shape. The green strength of a freestanding fresh concrete cylinder in compression ranges from 1.3-2.5 kPa and the compaction factor should be ≥ 0.98. Applications to slip-form paving and sloping pavements are discussed based on two field constructions. The first is a bike path and the second is a street pavement. Both pavements were constructed without mechanical vibrators and were finished and cured in the same method as conventional concrete pavements.
Photoacoustic image reconstruction in an attenuating medium using singular-value decomposition

Photoacoustic tomography (PAT) or optoacoustic tomography reconstructs an image of the optical absorption function of a medium using the ultrasound signals induced when it is exposed to pulsed electromagnetic radiation. These signals are generated due to the thermal expansion caused by localized heating from the absorption of pulsed electromagnetic radiation [1]. The majority of the image reconstruction algorithms in PAT so far have assumed a non-dispersive acoustic medium. The effect of frequency-dependent attenuation on acoustic waves can be significant since PAT uses broadband detection. Reconstructed images may exhibit distortion and artifacts if these effects are not taken into account. Previous work on dispersive acoustic media done by our group [2] focused on incorporating the frequency-dependent attenuation effects into the PAT model. In this paper, we will use an approach similar to that by Schotland et al. [3] [4], in optical diffusion tomography, to derive an inversion formula for the optical absorption function using singular-value decomposition (SVD). This formula is applicable in a planar geometry where the array of transducers lies in a plane. It provides an insight into the conditioning of the inverse problem and offers a promising method for image reconstruction in an attenuating medium.
Microhabitat and biology of Sphaerium striatinum in a Central New York stream

In many lotic systems, drastic declines in freshwater bivalve populations, including fingernail clams (Sphaeriidae), have created concerns about biodiversity and future ecosystem services. We examined the local occurrence of the historically common fingernail clam, Sphaerium striatinum, in a central New York stream. We sampled the density of sphaeriids and measured the associated habitat variables (substrate, depth, water flow) to test within-stream multivariate benthic microhabitat association. Size distribution, density, and diel feeding periodicity were measured as focal aspects of fingernail clam biology and ecology. S. striatinum tended to be found in microhabitats that had harder substrates and faster flow. The Labrador Creek fingernail clam local population had positive indicators (size distribution, density). There was significant diel periodicity in feeding behavior. The clams fed most actively during the 0400–0800 h periods. This kind of behavioral periodicity can indicate a significant ecological interaction between predators and bivalve prey. Increased understanding of the behavioral ecology of small native freshwater bivalves in an unimpacted headwater stream is a fundamental building block for development of overall ecological conservation goals for freshwater bivalves and their lotic habitats.
Quantum physics: Atomic envoy enables molecular control

A technique for manipulating molecules uses an intermediary atom to query a nearby molecule's energy state and produces 'quantum superpositions' of these states, a prerequisite for extremely high-precision spectroscopy. See Letter p.203 Over the past decade, researchers have refined the art of cooling, trapping and manipulating atoms to perform precision measurements and to use them as quantum bits, or qubits. However, performing the same operations on molecules remains a challenge because their more complicated electronic structure makes them difficult to manipulate. Current methods involve complex procedures with many lasers. But trapped molecules and molecular ions could open exciting possibilities for quantum information processing and precise measurements of fundamental constants. Here the authors establish a general protocol, exploiting a co-trapped atom to help to prepare and coherently manipulate single molecular ions using only one laser. The operations are demonstrated using a CaH+ molecular ion, but could be extended to other species. The authors expect that their techniques will enable trapping and manipulation of symmetric molecules such as H2+.
Monitoring Abnormal Bio-Optical and Physical Properties In the Gulf of Mexico

The dynamic bio-optical and physical ocean properties within the Gulf of Mexico (GoM) have been identified by the Ocean Weather Laboratory. Ocean properties from VIIRS satellite (Chlorophyll and Bio-Optics and SST) and ocean-circulation models (currents, SST and salinity) were used to identify regions of dynamic changing properties. The degree of environmental change is defined by the dynamic anomaly of bio-optical and physical environmental properties (DAP). A Mississippi River plume event (Aug 2015) that extended to Key West was used to demonstrate the anomaly products. Locations where normal and abnormal ocean properties occur determine ecological and physical hotspots in the GoM, which can be used for adaptive sampling of ocean processes. Methods are described to characterize the weekly abnormal environmental properties using differences with a previous baseline 8 week mean with a 2 week lag. The intensity of anomaly is quantified using levels of standard deviation of the baseline and can be used to recognize ocean events and provide decision support for adaptive sampling. The similarities of the locations of different environmental property anomalies suggest interaction between the bio-optical and physical properties. A coral bleaching event at the Flower Garden Banks Marine Protected Area is represented by the salinity anomaly. Results identify ocean regions for sampling to reduce data gaps and improve monitoring of bio-optical and physical properties.
Towards transforming FDA adverse event narratives into actionable structured data for improved pharmacovigilance

Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, making post-market surveillance of drugs vital for the protection of public health. The FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) is a surveillance system for online reporting of Adverse Event (AE) incidents. Although the FAERS data storage system includes a structural schema, entry of large portions of the AE reports as unstructured free-form narratives is prevalent, impeding the automated monitoring of these reports. To improve the review process by FDA, we have developed the Meta Extraction Framework (MEFA) that supports the automatic extraction of structured "information categories" from large narratives. MEFA assembles a rich variety of rule-based and machine learning based information extraction techniques that work with a bank of syntactic, semantic and morphological features. Our experimental study evaluates the effectiveness of these diverse extraction methods, highlighting that rule-based approaches prevail for demographic information while machine learning based approaches are superior for medical information in our experimental context.
Molecular simulation of the pore size distribution effect on phase behavior of methane confined in nanopores

Abstract An understanding of the phase behavior of hydrocarbons is important in the petroleum reservoir simulation. However, fluid phase behavior in a shale reservoir is substantially different from conventional behavior. Since fluids are stored inside nanopores of shale rocks, there is a strong interaction between the pore boundary and fluid molecules. Due to this interaction, the fluid molecules are distributed heterogeneously inside the nanopores and the phase diagram is shifted under confinement. Advanced theoretical procedures such as molecular simulations are needed to properly model the heterogeneous molecular distribution inside the shale nanopores. Previous molecular simulation studies of nanoconfined hydrocarbon phase behavior have been limited to single pore size models. However, shale rocks usually have a wide pore size distribution (PSD) and single pore-size models are not accurate enough to represent a real shale system. In this work, to understand the PSD effect on the phase behavior, a recently proposed molecular simulation method, gauge-GCMC, is used to generate phase diagrams based on two types of cylindrical models (single pore and multiple pores, including one based on Eagle Ford shale rock). In single pore tests, the pore diameter is changed from 4 to 10 nm. Our results for multi-pore systems show that with an increasing pore size, the phase equilibrium properties approach the bulk values. Also, smaller pores cause a more significant shift in the phase diagram. Our results show that the small pores are filled before the large ones, which means that liquid will first be condensed in the small pores. In the Eagle Ford case, the pore model is designed by discretizing PSD data from experiments. The results show that it is possible to use a single pore model with a 10 nm diameter to represent the pore system of this shale sample.
A Teaching Simulation Is Effective in Improving Athletic Training Students' Football Helmet Facemask Removal Clinical Skills and Confidence.

Context: Patient encounters related to acute care skills rarely occur in clinical education, leaving a potential gap in students' skills and confidence. Objective: Investigate the effects of an acu...
Changes in Modern Pollen Assemblages and Soil Geochemistry along Coastal Environmental Gradients in the Everglades of South Florida

This study aims to document the changes in modern pollen assemblages and soil elemental chemistry along broad edaphic, hydrological, and salinity gradients, including a previously undocumented secondary environmental gradient, in a vast mangrove-dominated wetland region in the Everglades, south Florida. Twenty-five soil surface samples were collected along an interior wetland transect and an estuarine mangrove transect across coastal zones in the Everglades National Park and subjected to palynological and XRF analyses. Modern pollen spectra from the sampling sites were classified into five a priori groups—wet prairie, pineland, inland mangroves, coastal mangroves, and fringe mangroves, based on the five vegetation types and sub-environments from which they were collected. Discriminant analysis shows that all (100%) of the samples are correctly classified into their a priori groups. On a broad scale, the modern pollen assemblages in surface samples collected from different vegetation types reflect the primary environmental gradient in the Florida Coastal Everglades. A distinct salinity and chemical gradient is also recorded in the XRF results, and the complexity of these gradients is captured at both regional and local scales. At the regional scale, concentrations of all the elements increase from terrestrial toward coastal sites. At the local scale, XRF results show a progressive decrease in most chemical concentrations and in the Cl/Br and Ca/Ti ratios away from the Shark River Slough at each individual site, suggesting that a secondary fluvial/tidal gradient also exists locally as a function of the distance from the river, the main carrier of these chemicals. This study provides new evidence to show that tidal flooding from the Shark River Estuary is directly related to the nutrient availability in the surrounding mangrove forests. These data will deepen our understanding of the environmental drivers behind the vegetation zonation in the region, especially in the mangrove ecosystems, and fill a gap in the pollen data network for the Everglades.
Sensitivity of Na+/K+-ATPase isoforms to acid and aluminum explains differential effects on Atlantic salmon osmoregulation in fresh water and seawater

Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) smolts are sensitive to acid rain and associated increases in dissolved inorganic aluminum (Al) resulting in decreased seawater tolerance at this critical life stage. Salmon have two major isoforms of the catalytic alpha subunit of Na+/K+-ATPase (NKA), with NKAα1a being the major freshwater (FW) isoform and NKAα1b the major seawater (SW) isoform. Here we evaluate physiological markers of SW preparedness and NKAα1a and NKAα1b isoforms after short-term exposure to acidified water and acidified water with added Al (acid–Al). Atlantic salmon smolts were exposed to low ion FW (Control), low ion acidic water (pH 5.2; acid), and low ion acidic water (pH 5.2) with moderate levels of added inorganic Al (35 μg·L−1; acid–Al) for 4 days. Acid exposure resulted in loss of salinity tolerance (higher plasma chloride (Cl) after SW exposure) and significantly decreased the levels of gill NKAα1b but not NKAα1a protein abundance. Acid–Al exposure resulted in loss of plasma Cl in FW and higher p...
Hazing Culture in College Sports Far from History

The University of Virginia is facing a legal challenge from a former football player who claims he was bullied and mocked over a learning disability and forced to participate in a hazing ritual that left him with a broken eye socket.
Investigating Moral Disengagement Among First-Year Engineering Students

In this Research Full Paper, we investigate moral disengagement among first-year engineering students. Current engineering ethics education typically assumes that providing information about what is ethical (i.e., as explicated in ethical codes) and developing ethical reasoning skills will lead to ethical behaviors in the classroom and on the job. However, we know that people, including students and practicing engineers, sometimes engage in unethical conduct. Bandura’s theory of moral disengagement explains how people disengage from their ethical principles and behave unethically. In this paper, we investigate and characterize moral disengagement among first-year engineering students. This study is based on survey and interview data collected from first-year engineering students at four U.S. universities as part of a larger longitudinal, mixed-methods research project. Our survey sample showed similar or lower moral disengagement scores as compared to other studies, while our interview data revealed how different students applied different ethical frames when evaluating moral situations and/or making moral decisions. Moreover, seven of the eight types of moral disengagement measured by the survey instrument were evident in our interview data, and we propose another mechanism called unreflective disengagement. We expect our study will be of interest to researchers and engineering educators who wish to better understand moral disengagement among students, including as a potentially relevant factor in ongoing efforts to enhance engineering ethics training.
Gradenigo's syndrome in a four-year-old patient: a rare diagnosis in the modern antibiotic era.

Objective This study gives details of a rare case of petrous apicitis that presented as Gradenigo's syndrome and was managed surgically. Method This study presents a case report and review of the literature. Results A four-year-old female was admitted for failure to thrive following recent sinusitis. Physical examination was positive for right sided facial pain, photophobia and right abducens nerve palsy. Subsequent magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 1.3 × 1.7 × 1.4 cm abscess encompassing the right Meckel's cave. A computed tomography scan showed petrous apicitis and otomastoiditis, confirming Gradenigo's syndrome. The patient was taken to the operating theatre for right intact canal wall mastoidectomy with myringotomy and tube placement. She was discharged on six weeks of ceftriaxone administered by a peripherally inserted central catheter line. At a two-week post-operative visit, she showed notable improvement in neuropathic symptoms. Conclusion This study presents a rare case of petrous apicitis managed surgically without the need for a craniotomy or transcochlear procedure.
Relatively hyperbolic Coxeter groups with maximal flats of codimension one

We study relatively hyperbolic Coxeter groups of type HM with maximal affine Coxeter subgroups of codimension one. Our main result in this paper is that the dimension of these groups is bounded above.
Additional Utility of Pharmacogenomics (PGx) Panel Testing in a CYP2D6 Normal Metabolizer with a History of Breast Cancer.

Objective: To demonstrate the utility of pharmacogenomic (PGx) panel testing use versus single gene testing for a single indication. Panel testing may not only help further refine clinical decision making for the primary medical indication, it may uncover with one diagnostic test multiple PGx abnormalities, altering current and future therapy for other conditions. Summary: Breast cancer patient presented to the pharmacist PGx service to discuss results and to help determine best guidance for post-surgical pain treatment. From the panel testing it was incidentally found the patient may be at higher clot risk from standard cancer prophylactic, hormone therapy as well as possible future cardiac therapy. Conclusion: PGx panel testing may not only uncover potential medication related problems (MRPs) with the primary medical indication being tested, it may also refine therapy for other medical problems, resulting in avoidance of future MRPs and the health care costs associated with them. Article Type: Case Study
Angina Severity, Mortality, and Healthcare Utilization Among Veterans With Stable Angina.

Background Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) angina severity classification is associated with mortality, myocardial infarction, and coronary revascularization in clinical trial and registry da...
Arrivals: Parsis, Pilgrims and Puritans

This prelude to the designated timeframe of the book (1771–1865) explores some of the perceived parallels between the immigration of English “Pilgrim” and “Puritan” groups to the northeastern coast of America in the early decades of the seventeenth century, and that of Zoroastrians from Iran to the northwest Indian coast of Gujarat several centuries earlier, and from there to Bombay under British rule. A study of the founding narratives of each group—which were almost contemporary in their earliest written form—highlights their emphases on the preservation of their respective religion as a motivation for relocation. It is clear that socioeconomic factors were also at play. The early commercial enterprises and infrastructures of each group are introduced as a backdrop to their initial interactions with each other, as goods began to be shipped across the thousands of miles between the two continents.
Development of an activated carbon-based nanocomposite film with antibacterial property for smart food packaging

Abstract This work is to develop silver integrated nanocomposite film based on activated carbon (AC) and cellulose nanofiber (CNF) and characterize its functional properties for smart food packaging. The nanocomposite film was produced using a casting method, which used the ultrasonic suspension of CNF impregnated with AC and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), named activated carbon-based silver-cellulose film (AgNPs/AC-CNF). The antimicrobial properties of the film were tested against food pathogens, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. It was found that AgNPs concentrations in the range of 140-450 ppm inhibited the growth of S. aureus and E. coli on the agar plates. The conductivity of AgNPs/AC-CNF film was also examined for its cyclic voltammetry (CV), differential plus voltammetry (DPV) and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) using a potentiostat. The results obtained by CV and DPV showed that peak current increased from 0.2 to 1.1 μA and 0.78 to 1.16 μA, respectively. The electrical resistivity of the film decreased from 6.8 to 1.9 kΩ.cm as AgNPs increased over the range of 70 to 450 ppm. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis of the film showed that AgNPs were dispersed evenly within the film and well-connected with the pores of CNF and AC particles. This AgNPs/AC-CNF film showed promise to be an effective antimicrobial conductive film for smart food packaging applications.
Body Mass Index as a Moderator of Treatment Response to Ketamine for Major Depressive Disorder.

Purpose/background Major depressive disorder (MDD) and obesity commonly co-occur. We sought to assess the impact of body mass index (BMI) on the acute antidepressant effects of ketamine in patients with treatment-resistant depression. Methods/procedures Post hoc analyses were conducted from a multisite, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial designed to assess the rapid-onset effects of intravenous ketamine. Patients (n = 99) were randomized to a single dose administration of ketamine 0.1 mg/kg (n = 18), ketamine 0.2 mg/kg (n = 20), ketamine 0.5 mg/kg (n = 22), ketamine 1.0 mg/kg (n = 20), or active placebo, midazolam 0.045 mg/kg (n = 19). Patients were stratified for BMI. For patients randomized to ketamine (n = 80), BMI was assessed as a continuous variable and also categorically (obese, overweight, not obese/overweight [reference]). The primary outcome measure was the change on the 6-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale 24 hours after treatment. Outcomes at day 3 were also assessed. Findings/results The 6-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale change scores at 24 hours were inversely associated with BMI (-0.28 ± 0.12, P = 0.02). With BMI operationalized categorically, both obese (-4.15 ± 1.41, P = 0.004) and overweight (-1.99 ± 1.14, P = 0.08) categories were inversely related to the 6-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale change score at 24 hours, statistically significant for the obese category, as compared with the reference group. Similar but weaker findings were observed at 72 hours after infusion. Implications/conclusions Higher BMI and obesity were associated with a more robust acute antidepressant response to ketamine. This may have clinical relevance for a great number of patients who have both MDD and obesity. Clinical trial registration NCT01920555.
Transmission Electron Microscope In Situ Straining Technique to Directly Observe Defects and Interfaces During Deformation in Magnesium

In situ straining was used to study deformation behavior of hexagonal close-packed (hcp) metals. Twinning and dislocation motion, both essential to plasticity in hcp materials, were observed. Typically, these processes are characterized postmortem by examining remnant microstructural features after straining has occurred. By imposing deformation during imaging, direct observation of active deformation mechanisms is possible. This work focuses on straining of structural metals in a transmission electron microscope (TEM), and a recently developed technique that utilizes familiar procedures and equipment to increase ease of experiments. In situ straining in a TEM presents several advantages over conventional postmortem characterization, most notably time resolution of deformation and streamlined identification of active deformation mechanisms. Drawbacks to the technique and applicability to other studies are also addressed. In situ straining is used to study twin boundary motion in hcp magnesium. A $$ \left\{ {10\bar{1}2} \right\} $$ twin was observed during tensile and compressive loading. Twin-dislocation interactions are directly observed. Notably, dislocations are observed to remain mobile, even after multiple interactions with twin boundaries; this result suggests that Basinki’s dislocation transformation mechanism by twinning is not present in hcp metals. The coupling of in situ straining with traditional postmortem characterization yields more detailed information about material behavior during deformation than either technique alone.
Overview of how N32 and N34 elovanoids sustain sight by protecting retinal pigment epithelial cells and photoreceptors.

Abstract The essential fatty acid DHA (22:6, omega-3 or n-3) is enriched in and required for the membrane biogenesis and function of photoreceptor cells (PRCs), synapses, mitochondria, etc. of the CNS. PRC DHA becomes an acyl chain at the sn-2 of phosphatidylcholine, amounting to more than 50% of the PRC outer segment phospholipids, where phototransduction takes place. Very long chain PUFAs (n-3, ≥ 28 carbons) are at the sn-1 of this phosphatidylcholine molecular species and interact with rhodopsin. PRC shed their tips (DHA-rich membrane disks) daily, which in turn are phagocytized by the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), where DHA is recycled back to PRC inner segments to be used for the biogenesis of new photoreceptor membranes. Here, we review the structures and stereochemistry of novel elovanoid (ELV)-N32 and ELV-N34 to be ELV-N32: (14Z,17Z,20R,21E,23E,25Z,27S,29Z)-20,27-dihydroxydo-triaconta-14,17,21,23,25,29-hexaenoic acid; ELV-N34: (16Z,19Z,22R,23E,25E,27Z,29S,31Z)-22,29-dihydroxytetra-triaconta-16,19,23,25,27,31-hexaenoic acid. ELVs are low-abundance, high-potency, protective mediators. Their bioactivity includes enhancing of antiapoptotic and prosurvival protein expression with concomitant downregulation of proapoptotic proteins when RPE is confronted with uncompensated oxidative stress. ELVs also target PRC/RPE senescence gene programming, the senescence secretory phenotype in the interphotoreceptor matrix, as well as inflammaging (chronic, sterile, low-grade inflammation). An important lesson on neuroprotection is highlighted by the ELV mediators that target the terminally differentiated PRC and RPE, sustaining a beautifully synchronized renewal process. The role of ELVs in PRC and RPE viability and function uncovers insights on disease mechanisms and the development of therapeutics for age-related macular degeneration, Alzheimer's disease, and other pathologies.
Effect of Grain Boundary Structure on Grain Boundary Diffusivities in the Au/Ag System

Grain boundary chemical diffusivities for a series of symmetric [001] tilt boundaries in the Au/Ag system were measured by the surface accumulation method using newly developed thin-film multi-crystal specimens, in which the grain boundaries feeding the accumulation surface were all of the same type. Possible effects due to segregation at the grain boundaries and surfaces were avoided. CSL boundaries of low-∑ ( i.e., 5, 13, 17, 25) and also more general boundaries with tilt angles between the low-∑ orientations were selected. The diffusivities were found to vary monotonically with tilt angle ( i.e., no cusps at low-∑'s were found) in a manner consistent with the Structural Unit model.
Technology-Assisted Psychosocial Interventions for Childhood, Adolescent, and Young Adult Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Purpose: Technology-assisted interventions are essential in supporting cancer survivors' psychosocial outcomes, especially for childhood, adolescent, and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors, a tech-...
Stage A Heart Failure Is Not Adequately Recognized in US Adults: Analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, 2007-2010.

Background Stage A heart failure (HF) is defined as people without HF symptoms or structural heart disease, but with predisposing conditions for HF. This classification is used to identify high risk patients to prevent progression to symptomatic HF. While guidelines exist for managing HF risk factors, achievement of treatment goals in the United States (US) population is unknown. Methods We examined all adults with Stage A HF (≥20 years, N =4,470) in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) 2007-2010, a nationally representative sample. Stage A HF was defined by coronary heart disease (CHD), hypertension, diabetes mellitus, or chronic kidney disease. We evaluated whether nationally accepted guidelines for risk factor control were achieved in Stage A patients, including sodium intake, body mass index, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), cholesterol, and blood pressure (BP). Pharmacologic interventions and socioeconomic factors associated with guideline compliance were also assessed. Results Over 75 million people, or 1 in 3 US adults, have Stage A HF. The mean age of the Stage A population was 56.9 years and 51.5% were women. Seventy-two percent consume ≥2g sodium/day and 49.2% are obese. Of those with CHD, 58.6% were on a statin and 51.8% were on a beta-blocker. In people with diabetes, 43.6% had HbA1c ≥7%, with Mexican Americans more likely to have HbA1c ≥7% . Of those with hypertension, 30.8% had a systolic BP ≥140 or diastolic BP ≥90 mm Hg. Having health insurance was associated with controlled blood pressure, both in those with hypertension and diabetes. In CHD patients, income ≥$20,000/year and health insurance were inversely associated with LDL ≥100mg/dL with prevalence ratio (PR) of 0.58 (P=0.03) and 0.56 (P=0.03), respectively. Conclusions One-third of the US adult population has Stage A HF. Prevention efforts should focus on those with poorly controlled comorbid disease.