cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Staffing decisions for heterogeneous workers with turnover

In this paper we consider a firm that employs heterogeneous workers to meet demand for its product or service. Workers differ in their skills, speed, and/or quality, and they randomly leave, or turn over. Each period the firm must decide how many workers of each type to hire or fire in order to meet randomly changing demand forecasts at minimal expense. When the number of workers of each type can by continuously varied, the operational cost is jointly convex in the number of workers of each type, hiring and firing costs are linear, and a random fraction of workers of each type leave in each period, the optimal policy has a simple hire- up-to/fire-down-to structure. However, under the more realistic assumption that the number of workers of each type is discrete, the optimal policy is much more difficult to characterize, and depends on the particular notion of discrete convexity used for the cost function. We explore several different notions of discrete convexity and their impact on structural results for the optimal policy.
Year-to-year instability of the Mars south polar cap

Models of the Mars polar cap energy balance suggest that the south cap has two possible configurations at the current epoch. It can be covered all year by CO2 frost, as was observed by the Viking spacecraft, or the CO2 frost can disappear at midsummer to expose an underlying surface. The difference between the two states depends on the role of energy conducted into the subsurface. If the cap was exposed the previous year, conducted energy will cause less CO2 frost to condense in winter, and the frost will disappear completely in summer. If the cap was covered the previous year, there will be no conducted energy, and it will stay covered again. Subtle effects in the atmosphere can perturb the cap energy balance sufficiently to cause the cap to jump between states. This behavior might provide an explanation for the large southern summer water vapor abundances observed in 1969. It also explains the observed differences between the north and the south residual caps as resulting in part from a difference in the role in the annual energy balance of energy conducted into the subsurface.
The Long-term Unemployed: A New Protected Class of Employee?

Since the onset of the latest United States (U.S.) recession (beginning in December 2007), the U.S. economy has been posting high unemployment levels consistently exceeding 8 percent. Of specific interest, the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), reports on a specific subset of the U.S. unemployed: the long-term unemployed, defined as those who are unemployed for 27 weeks and over. Since December 2009, the share of the long-term unemployed of the total U.S. unemployed has exceeded 40 percent (through April 2012), the highest level since 1948 when data was first collected. A phenomenon of this recession is an alleged public bias by American private sector employers against hiring the long-term unemployed, or even simply those unemployed. While the authors support the removal of discrimination against the unemployed in job advertisements, they cannot support the larger notion of including those who are unemployed as a protected class of employees. Becoming or being unemployed is a state that one can change, and based on the lack of research on how widespread this discrimination is (beyond anecdotal stories or limited research surveys), they believe that extending protection under equal employment opportunity legislation would be overreaching and inappropriate at this time.
Inferring Predator Behavior from Attack Rates on Prey-Replicas That Differ in Conspicuousness

Behavioral ecologists and evolutionary biologists have long studied how predators respond to prey items novel in color and pattern. Because a predatory response is influenced by both the predator’s ability to detect the prey and a post-detection behavioral response, variation among prey types in conspicuousness may confound inference about post-prey-detection predator behavior. That is, a relatively high attack rate on a given prey type may result primarily from enhanced conspicuousness and not predators’ direct preference for that prey. Few studies, however, account for such variation in conspicuousness. In a field experiment, we measured predation rates on clay replicas of two aposematic forms of the poison dart frog Dendrobates pumilio, one novel and one familiar, and two cryptic controls. To ask whether predators prefer or avoid a novel aposematic prey form independently of conspicuousness differences among replicas, we first modeled the visual system of a typical avian predator. Then, we used this model to estimate replica contrast against a leaf litter background to test whether variation in contrast alone could explain variation in predator attack rate. We found that absolute predation rates did not differ among color forms. Predation rates relative to conspicuousness did, however, deviate significantly from expectation, suggesting that predators do make post-detection decisions to avoid or attack a given prey type. The direction of this deviation from expectation, though, depended on assumptions we made about how avian predators discriminate objects from the visual background. Our results show that it is important to account for prey conspicuousness when investigating predator behavior and also that existing models of predator visual systems need to be refined.
Millimeter wave reflectivity used for measurement of skin hydration with different moisturizers.

Background/aims: A new non-invasive method for determining the free water content in human skin has been developed. The method analyzes the reflection of millimeter (mm) wavelength electromagnetic waves. The amount of reflection of mm waves depends on an electrical property (namely, the permittivity) of the skin, and this depends upon the free water content of the various skin layers. The aim of the present study was to use the mm wave reflectometry method for determination of free water content in healthy skin treated with different hydrating substances. Methods: Skin lotion, pure water, glycerol, and petroleum jelly (an occlusive substance) were used for hydration of skin. The amount of free water was calculated using the permittivity values of skin layers found from fitting a three layer skin model to measured reflection data. The skin model consisted of (1) the stratum corneum (SC), (2) the viable epidermis plus the dermis, and (3) fat layers. Results: Mm wave reflection was significantly affected by the water content of the thick SC of the palm but not by the very thin SC of the forearm. Treatment of the forearm and palm skin with different hydrating substances produced notable changes of the free water content in the SC, but not in the viable epidermis or dermis. The greatest hydration was produced by pure water and skin lotion, and the lowest by petroleum jelly. However, petroleum jelly produced prolonged retention of water in the SC following its hydration by other moisturizers. The content of free water was found to return to its baseline value after removal of moisturizers in as short a time as 8.3 min. Conclusion: The study shows that mm wave reflectometry can be used as a sensitive technique for the non-invasive determination of water content in living skin.
Local measurements in two-phase liquid-metal magneto-fluid-mechanic flow

Local measurements have been carried out in a mercury-nitrogen two-phase flow using the hot-film anemometric technique, in a cylindrical pipe with electrically insulated walls. The flow was turbulent ( Re = 63000) and in the bubbly regime (〈α〉 ≈ 0.03). The maximum intensity of the magnetic field was 0.94 T. Processing of the hot-film signal provided in this medium, for the first time, simultaneous quantitative data for the local time-averaged velocity of the liquid-phase turbulent fluctuations, as well as local void fractions. These data were checked against those obtained, for the same conditions, using a double conductivity probe. The latter also provided information on the bubble velocity and average bubble size. Turbulence spectra were also measured.
The Importance of High Distress Tolerance in the Relationship between Nonsuicidal Self-Injury and Suicide Potential

Research has indicated that nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicidal behavior are strongly related to one another, with a sizable portion of individuals with a history of NSSI also reporting a history of nonlethal suicide attempts. Nonetheless, little research has examined possible moderators of this relationship. One potentially important construct is distress tolerance (DT), which has been shown to be negatively associated with NSSI and positively associated with the acquired capability for suicide. In this study, 93 adult inpatients (54.8% male) receiving treatment for substance use disorders completed a structured interview assessing prior suicidal behavior and questionnaires assessing DT, NSSI, and psychopathology. Results indicated that DT moderates the relationship between NSSI frequency (but not number of NSSI methods) and suicide potential (a continuum ranging from no prior suicidal behavior to suicidal behavior with minimal bodily harm to highly lethal suicidal behavior), ΔR(2) = .04; p < .023; f(2) = .06, with this relation increasing in strength at higher levels of DT. These results are consistent with an emerging line of research indicating that high levels of DT facilitate suicidal behavior in at-risk populations and suggest that the capacity to tolerate aversive physiological and affective arousal might be vital to engagement in serious or lethal suicidal behavior.
Design and operational model for complete mixing activated sludge system

The complete mixing activated sludge (CMAS) system is gaining in popularity for treating both domestic and industrial wastewaters. Experience over the past 20 years has produced a simple mathematical model which can be used in both the design and the operational evaluation of CMAS systems. Laboratory pilot plants and full scale field units have furnished the basic data needed to confirm the validity of the mathematical model. The basic concepts of the model are discussed in light of field evaluations. Areas of conflict and confusion which have arisen in the past will be presented and discussed. Design examples and operational evaluations are presented for several different wastewater systems.
MIMO-OFDM Systems in the Presence of Phase Noise and Doubly Selective Fading

In this paper, we analyze the effects of phase noise to multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) systems over doubly selective Rayleigh fading channels. Similar to single-antenna OFDM, MIMO-OFDM suffers from significant performance degradation due to phase noise and time-selective fading, which causes inter- carrier interference (ICI). We derive the expressions of carrier- to-interference and signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratios. After characterizing the common phase error (CPE) caused by phase noise and ICI caused by phase noise, as well as time-selective fading, we then derive a minimum mean-squared error-based scheme to mitigate the effect of both phase noise and time-selective fading. We also evaluate and compare the performances of various detection schemes combined with the proposed CPE mitigation scheme. Through numerical results, we examine the relative performances and the potential error floors of these detection schemes.
On the automorphism Group of a putative code

A long standing open question in coding theory is whether a binary self-dual [72,36,16] code exists. It was shown recently that the automorphism group order of such code is equal to 2imiddot3 jmiddot5middot7, 2imiddot3jmiddot7, 2imiddot3jmiddot5, or 2imiddot3 j for some nonnegative integers i and j. We show that the group order is not a multiple of 35 and find that only 22 orders are possible
Systematic profile/feature-based intelligence for spectral sensors

12 Argonne National Laboratory has been creating a special- purpose software-engineering tool to support research and development of spectrum-output-type [chemical] sensors. The modular software system is called SAGE, the Sensor Algorithm Generation Environment and includes general- purpose signal conditioning algorithms (GP/SAGE) as well as intelligent classifiers, pattern recognizers, response accelerators, and sensitivity analyzers. GP/SAGE is an implementation of an approach for delivering a level of encapsulated intelligence to a wide range of sensors and instruments. It capitalizes on the generic classification and analysis needed to process most profile-type data. The GP/SAGe native data format is a generalized 1D vector, signature, or spectrum. GP/SAGE modules form a computer- aided software engineering `workbench' where users can experiment with various conditioning, filtering, and pattern recognition stages, then automatically generate final algorithm source code for data acquisition and analysis systems.
Philodendron/Dieffenbachia Ingestions: Are They a Problem?

Ingestions involving the philodendron/dieffenbachia members of the Arum family are allegedly associated with the development of intense irritation of mucous membranes, resulting in swelling of the ...
Hippocampal Dopamine/DRD1 Signaling Dependent on the Ghrelin Receptor

The ghrelin receptor (GHSR1a) and dopamine receptor-1 (DRD1) are coexpressed in hippocampal neurons, yet ghrelin is undetectable in the hippocampus; therefore, we sought a function for apo-GHSR1a. Real-time single-molecule analysis on hippocampal neurons revealed dimerization between apo-GHSR1a and DRD1 that is enhanced by DRD1 agonism. In addition, proximity measurements support formation of preassembled apo-GHSR1a:DRD1:Gαq heteromeric complexes in hippocampal neurons. Activation by a DRD1 agonist produced non-canonical signal transduction via Gαq-PLC-IP3-Ca(2+) at the expense of canonical DRD1 Gαs cAMP signaling to result in CaMKII activation, glutamate receptor exocytosis, synaptic reorganization, and expression of early markers of hippocampal synaptic plasticity. Remarkably, this pathway is blocked by genetic or pharmacological inactivation of GHSR1a. In mice, GHSR1a inactivation inhibits DRD1-mediated hippocampal behavior and memory. Our findings identify a previously unrecognized mechanism essential for DRD1 initiation of hippocampal synaptic plasticity that is dependent on GHSR1a, and independent of cAMP signaling.
Isn't it Obvious? How Klein's Definition of Analogous Prior Art Conflicts with the Supreme Court's Vision for Obviousness

The Supreme Court has, in recent years, emphasized the importance of retaining fact-based inquiries in determining a patent’s validity over the use of bright-line tests developed by the Federal Circuit. In light of the trend at the Supreme Court level, the recent Federal Circuit decision In re Klein presents a surprising insistence on maintaining rigid rules-based tests in the doctrine of analogous prior art. This is especially true considering the Supreme Court decision KSR, which emphasized extreme flexibility in the related doctrine of obviousness. This Note examines Klein in light of KSR, and suggests a test to be used in an analogous-prior-art determination that better aligns with the Supreme Court’s vision of patent law.
Total hip arthroplasty and hemiarthroplasty in mobile, independent patients with a displaced intracapsular fracture of the femoral neck

We thank Dr. Macaulay for his kind comments and interest in our paper. First, the 7.5% dislocation rate might have been reduced a little in association with the use of a 32-mm head. Other variables that could have reduced the dislocation rate were optimal orientation of the acetabular component, the use of an acetabular component with a long posterior wall, …
Effect of Nanoparticle Dispersion on Mechanical Behavior of Polymer Nanocomposites

Although the positive effect of nano-fillers is well known, delivering a quality nanocomposite consistently is far from maturity. The challenge primarily comes from the dispersion of nanoparticles, especially at high particle loading. Due to the dispersion problem, the advantage of nano reinforcement has not been fully utilized. The present paper reviews the effect of dispersion on polymeric nanocomposites and shows that, with uniform dispersion, the properties of polymeric nanocomposites can be improved almost proportionally with particle volume fraction. The effect of particle size on particle dispersion is also presented and the true size effect of nanoparticles on the properties of nanocomposites is examined by decoupling it from the dispersion effect. Finally, a few failure mechanisms associated with nanoparticles are postulated by contrasting them with those of microparticles.
Erratum: Existence of a second-order phase transition in a two-dimensional φ 4 field theory

We study the stability of the vacuum in a two-dimensional ${\ensuremath{\varphi}}^{4}$ field theory with a fixed ${(\mathrm{mass})}^{2}$ term and a variable ${\ensuremath{\varphi}}^{4}$ coupling term. We make the theory finite by normal-ordering the Hamiltonian with respect to a fixed mass. As the ${\ensuremath{\varphi}}^{4}$ coupling strength increases, we can show that the system will undergo a second-order phase transition from a normal vacuum to an abnormal vacuum. There is no contradiction between the existence of a second-order transition in the absence of an external field and the Simon-Griffiths theorems which forbid any possible phase transition in the presence of an external field.
GLT-1: The elusive presynaptic glutamate transporter

Abstract Historically, glutamate uptake in the CNS was mainly attributed to glial cells for three reasons: 1) none of the glutamate transporters were found to be located in presynaptic terminals of excitatory synapses; 2) the putative glial transporters, GLT-1 and GLAST are expressed at high levels in astrocytes; 3) studies of the constitutive GLT-1 knockout as well as pharmacological studies demonstrated that >90% of glutamate uptake into forebrain synaptosomes is mediated by the operation of GLT-1. Here we summarize the history leading up to the recognition of GLT-1a as a presynaptic glutamate transporter. A major issue now is understanding the physiological and pathophysiological significance of the expression of GLT-1 in presynaptic terminals. To elucidate the cell-type specific functions of GLT-1, a conditional knockout was generated with which to inactivate the GLT-1 gene in different cell types using Cre/lox technology. Astrocytic knockout led to an 80% reduction of GLT-1 expression, resulting in intractable seizures and early mortality as seen also in the constitutive knockout. Neuronal knockout was associated with no obvious phenotype. Surprisingly, synaptosomal uptake capacity (Vmax) was found to be significantly reduced, by 40%, in the neuronal knockout, indicating that the contribution of neuronal GLT-1 to synaptosomal uptake is disproportionate to its protein expression (5–10%). Conversely, the contribution of astrocytic GLT-1 to synaptosomal uptake was much lower than expected. In contrast, the loss of uptake into liposomes prepared from brain protein from astrocyte and neuronal knockouts was proportionate with the loss of GLT-1 protein, suggesting that a large portion of GLT-1 in astrocytic membranes in synaptosomal preparations is not functional, possibly because of a failure to reseal. These results suggest the need to reinterpret many previous studies using synaptosomal uptake to investigate glutamate transport itself as well as changes in glutamate homeostasis associated with normal functions, neurodegeneration, and response to drugs.
Compactness and non-compactness for Yamabe-type problems

The Yamabe equation is one of the most natural and well-studied second-order semilinear elliptic equations arising in geometric variational problems. The existence theory is classical, while it follows from the works (Brendle, J Am Math Soc 21:951–979, 2008; Brendle and Marques, J Differ Geom 81:225–250, 2009) and (Khuri et al., J Differ Geom 81:143–196, 2009) that n = 25 is a critical dimension for compactness/noncompactness issues (or a priori estimates). In this survey article we review these results and discuss more recent related work on Yamabe-type problems.
Characterization of a novel HTLV-infected cell line.

A man from Chile developed an aggressive mature T cell leukemia associated with marked eosinophilia. The neoplastic lymphocytes were of T helper surface phenotype, and they expressed the p24 and p19 antigens of human T cell leukemia virus (HTLV). A cell line (ME) was established from the patient9s peripheral blood cells that was initially composed of eosinophils and T and B lymphocytes. The B lymphocytes of the cell line are polyclonal and contain Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA. Many of the T lymphocytes, a few of the B lymphocytes, and none of the eosinophils express HTLV p19 and p24 antigens. By 6 months of culture, the ME line no longer contained eosinophils. A variant line of ME was established; this variant (ME-2) is notable because the cells (greater than 80%) adhere tightly to the bottom of the culture flask; they do not express T lymphocyte markers, but 30% of the cells contain cytoplasmic mu heavy immunoglobulin chains. These pre-B and null lymphocytes contain p19 and p24 antigens (80% of cells), have the HTLV- I genome, and are able to transform normal T lymphocytes in vitro. We isolated a B lymphocyte clone (11A) from ME that expresses cytoplasmic immunoglobulin (70% of cells) and p19 and p24 antigens (75% of cells), contains the EBV and HTLV genomes, and can transform T lymphocytes from normal volunteers. These data show that B lymphocytes can be infected with HTLV, although no disease of HTLV-infected B lymphocytes has been reported. The T lymphocytes from normal adult peripheral blood were easily immortalized (about 70% efficiency) by cocultivation with lethally irradiated ME cells. Twenty-five of 27 of the transformant lines were composed of T lymphocytes with helper antigens, and two of the lines were of T suppressor antigen phenotype. All the cell lines that were tested constitutively produce lymphokines, including colony- stimulating factor (CSF), erythroid-potentiating activity (EPA), macrophage migration-inhibitory factory (MIF), neutrophil-inhibitory factor (NIF), and differentiation-inducing factor (DIF).
Age-related augmentation of plasma catecholamines during dynamic exercise in healthy males

Although plasma norepinephrine (NE) increases with age in response to a variety of submaximal adrenergic stimuli, the effect of age on plasma catecholamine levels during maximal aerobic effort and ...
Stimulant Medication in Teenagers

Results of biennial surveys, 1975 - 1993, by school nurses of medication use for hyperactive/inattentive (HA/I) public elementary and secondary school students are reported from the Baltimore County Health Department and the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD.
High-throughput on-chip in vivo neural regeneration studies using femtosecond laser nano-surgery and microfluidics

In recent years, the advantages of using small invertebrate animals as model systems for human disease have become increasingly apparent and have resulted in three Nobel Prizes in medicine or chemistry during the last six years for studies conducted on the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). The availability of a wide array of species-specific genetic techniques, along with the transparency of the worm and its ability to grow in minute volumes make C. elegans an extremely powerful model organism. We present a suite of technologies for complex high-throughput whole-animal genetic and drug screens. We demonstrate a high-speed microfluidic sorter that can isolate and immobilize C. elegans in a well-defined geometry, an integrated chip containing individually addressable screening chambers for incubation and exposure of individual animals to biochemical compounds, and a device for delivery of compound libraries in standard multiwell plates to microfluidic devices. The immobilization stability obtained by these devices is comparable to that of chemical anesthesia and the immobilization process does not affect lifespan, progeny production, or other aspects of animal health. The high-stability enables the use of a variety of key optical techniques. We use this to demonstrate femtosecond-laser nanosurgery and three-dimensional multiphoton microscopy. Used alone or in various combinations these devices facilitate a variety of high-throughput assays using whole animals, including mutagenesis and RNAi and drug screens at subcellular resolution, as well as high-throughput high-precision manipulations such as femtosecond-laser nanosurgery for large-scale in vivo neural degeneration and regeneration studies.
Foreclosed and Sold: An Examination of Community and Property Characteristics Related to the Sale of REO Properties:

Foreclosure affects not only the foreclosing homeowner but also the surrounding residential neighborhood. Prior work has found that the negative neighborhood impacts of foreclosed properties that r...
Brief psychotherapy with medical students

This study analyzed relationships between psychopathology presented by volunteer medical students and success in brief psychotherapy. Success in psychotherapy was related to inward-directed pathology (neuroses), regardless of severity. The findings suggest that when brief psychotherapy is offered to medical students, they will avail themselves of the opportunity and those with inward-directed pathology can achieve significant clinical benefit in a short time. Those with outward-directed pathology (character disorders) may need to be prepared for entering long-term psychotherapy.
Adult Emergence Patterns, Population Trends and Activity Patterns of the Hickory Shuckworm, Cydia caryana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae: Olethreutinae) in Pecan Orchards

Emergence of hickory shuckworm, Cydia caryana (Fitch), adults from larval overwintering sites was bimodal. The major emergence peak occurred during the period of mid-March to mid-May and the smaller activity period during July and August. Pheromone trapping was effective for monitoring population trends during generations 1 and 5 of C. caryana but less so during generations 2, 3, and 4. Activity patterns suggest the species is crepuscular rather than truly nocturnal.
Ratio Calibration of a Digital Voltmeter for Force Measurement Using the Programmable Josephson Voltage Standard | NIST

Ratio calibration of a digital voltmeter (DVM) is critical for applications such as load cell response for force measurement. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) DVM ratio ser...
Self-managing organizations: Exploring the limits of less-hierarchical organizing

Abstract Fascination with organizations that eschew the conventional managerial hierarchy and instead radically decentralize authority has been longstanding, albeit at the margins of scholarly and practitioner attention. Recently, however, organizational experiments in radical decentralization have gained mainstream consideration, giving rise to a need for new theory and new research. This paper reviews the literature on less-hierarchical organizing and identifies three categories of research: post-bureaucratic organizations, humanistic management and organizational democracy. Despite this extensive prior work, scholarly understanding of radical decentralization remains limited. Using the term self-managing organizations to capture efforts that radically decentralize authority in a formal and systematic way throughout the organization, we set forth a research agenda to better understand less-hierarchical organizing at its limits.
Program Evaluation Approaches to Service Delivery in Child and Family Mental Health

Mental health services for children have existed in a variety of forms and organizational frameworks for many years. Unfortunately, decisions to start, maintain, or discontinue a mental health service program all too frequently have been based on ideological, political, philosophical, and financial considerations and a bit too infrequently on empirical evidence of what works or does not. Additionally, when evaluation of programmatic efforts in mental health services has been made, it is often not integrated with clinical applications. As a result, many programs in child and family mental health have been implemented with either no plan to evaluate from the outset or the evaluation is considered an added-on, unimportant, and interfering component. Accordingly, programs are not evaluated or are evaluated in a haphazard manner. The current era of increased accountability may lead to more evaluation of mental health programs and interventions; however, the need to know what works, for whom, and under what circumstances has been evident for many decades (Roberts, Vernberg, & Jackson, 2002; Steele & Roberts, 2003). In sum, if something is considered worth doing with expenditures of effort, time, and money, it is worth evaluating whether the outcomes justified the expenditures.
SHORT COMMUNICATION: Importance of adequate shelters for crayfishes maintained in aquaria

In short term experiments with different combinations of shelter types and sizes, shadow is the primary factor influencing shelter-seeking behaviour of both juvenile and non-breeding adult Orconectes rusticus and Procambarus clarkii
Gastroesophageal Reflux and Sleep-Disordered Breathing

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is a common clinical problem in children. Although GER can be physiological in infancy, a significant number of children will develop gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), as ­evidenced by the presence of accompanying esophageal and extra-­esophageal symptoms. There are profound physiological changes in the upper gastrointestinal tract function during sleep. In fact, sleep is viewed as a vulnerable state that promotes the presence of GER, and can therefore lead to GERD. Given the proximity of the upper airway to the upper gastrointestinal tract, sleep disordered breathing (SDB) and GERD share ­bi-directional cause and effect relationships. This chapter describes some of the pertinent mechanisms of GER, the changes in esophageal function that accompany sleep, and the clinical manifestations associated with sleep-related GERD.
The cylindrical stretched flame

For sufficiently cool remote gases, the cylindrical stretched flame shows classical ignition-extinction behavior. For remote gas temperatures close to the adiabatic flame temperature, the flame response is qualitatively different, with negative flame speed solutions which may be physically accessible.
The biology of the pigmentary system and its disorders.

Melanin is the major determinant of skin color in humans. Abnormalities and diseases affecting pigmentation interrupt the production or distribution of melanin. The authors discuss the many diseases of hyper- and hypopigmentation.
Feasibility survey for a study on selective antibiotic management of acute otitis media.

Objective To assess the views of community physicians on management of acute otitis media (AOM) without antibiotics and their willingness to support research on this issue. Methods Community physicians who admit to a children's hospital were surveyed using a questionnaire containing questions on current issues in AOM management and their willingness to support research on management of AOM without antibiotics. Results Fifty-two percent of the surveys were returned. All respondents report concern about antibiotic resistant bacteria. Sixty-three percent treat otitis media with effusion with antibiotics and 68% give prophylactic antibiotics for recurrent otitis media. Thirty-five percent consider management of AOM without antibiotics as a possible alternative management practice. Forty-five percent of the respondents are willing to support research in this practice and 46% need more information. Conclusions Surveyed physicians indicate concern about antibiotic resistance and a willingness to support further research on the initial management of acute otitis media without antibiotics.
Effect of immediate vs gradual reduction in nicotine content of cigarettes on biomarkers of smoke exposure a randomized clinical trial

Importance The optimal temporal approach for reducing nicotine to minimally or nonaddictive levels in all cigarettes sold in the United States has not been determined. Objectives To determine the effects of immediate vs gradual reduction in nicotine content to very low levels and as compared with usual nicotine level cigarettes on biomarkers of toxicant exposure. Design, Setting, and Participants A double-blind, randomized, parallel-design study with 2 weeks of baseline smoking and 20 weeks of intervention was conducted at 10 US sites. A volunteer sample of daily smokers with no intention to quit within 30 days was recruited between July 2014 and September 2016, with the last follow-up completed in March 2017. Interventions (1) Immediate reduction to 0.4 mg of nicotine per gram of tobacco cigarettes; (2) gradual reduction from 15.5 mg to 0.4 mg of nicotine per gram of tobacco cigarettes with 5 monthly dose changes; or (3) maintenance on 15.5 mg of nicotine per gram of tobacco cigarettes. Main Outcomes and Measures Between-group differences in 3 co-primary biomarkers of smoke toxicant exposure: breath carbon monoxide (CO), urine 3-hydroxypropylmercapturic acid (3-HPMA, metabolite of acrolein), and urine phenanthrene tetraol (PheT, indicator of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) calculated as area under the concentration-time curve over the 20 weeks of intervention. Results Among 1250 randomized participants (mean age, 45 years; 549 women [44%]; 958 [77%] completed the trial), significantly lower levels of exposure were observed in the immediate vs gradual reduction group for CO (mean difference, −4.06 parts per million [ppm] [95% CI, −4.89 to −3.23];P Conclusions and Relevance Among smokers, immediate reduction of nicotine in cigarettes led to significantly greater decreases in biomarkers of smoke exposure across time compared with gradual reduction or a control group, with no significant differences between gradual reduction and control. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier:NCT02139930
Process mineralogy of ferric chloride leaching Delta District complex sulfide ores, Alaska

Extensive exploration has resulted in delineation of a massive sulfide district on the north flank of the east-central Alaska range. The district covers approximately 400 mi2 and contains numerous stratiform, transposed and some replacement type sulfide deposits ranging in size from less than 1 million st to 20 million st. Five types of ores were sampled for the study. Mineralogical analysis revealed that the minerals are too fine grained for conventional grinding and beneficiation. Hydrometallurgical studies were conducted using ferric chloride as a lixiviant. Ore microscopic studies as well as electron microprobe analyses of minerals in the raw samples and leach residues explained the low recoveries for certain elements as well as sources of impurities that need to be eliminated from the process streams.
Role of hydrogen sulfide in the musculoskeletal system

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been known as a gasotransmitter, and it contributes to various physiological and pathological processes. Multiple enzymes such as cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS), cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE) and 3-Mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (MST) produce endogenous H2S, and these are differentially expressed in the various tissue systems including the skeletal system. However, abnormal H2S production is associated with deregulation of the signaling cascade and imbalanced tissue homeostasis. Several studies have previously provided evidence showing the essential regulatory action of H2S in skeletal homeostasis. In this review, we have emphasized the novel function of H2S in both bone and skeletal muscle anabolism, in particular. Additionally, we also reviewed the molecular and epigenetic basis of H2S signaling in bone development and skeletal muscle function.
Sensors for Isolation of Anti-Cancer Compounds Found Within Marine Invertebrates

Highly evolved bacteria living within immobile marine animals are being targeted as a source of antitumor pharmaceuticals. This paper describes 2 electo-optical sensor systems developed for identifying species of tunicates and actinobacteria that live within them. Two stages of identification include 1) a benthic survey apparatus to locate species and 2) a laboratory housed cell analysis platform used to classify their bacterial micro-biome. Marine Optics Sampling- There are over 3000 species of Tunicates that thrive in diverse habitats. We use a system of cameras, GPS and the GPS/photo integration application on a PC laptop to compile a time / location stamp for each image taken during the dive survey. A shape-map of x/y coordinates of photos are stored for later identification and sampling. Flow Cytometers/cell sorters housed at The Medical University of South Carolina and The University of Maryland have been modified to produce low-noise, high signal wave forms used for bacteria analysis. We strive to describe salient contrasts between these two fundamentally different sensor systems. Accents are placed on analog transducers and initial step sensing systems and output.
Microbial Transformation of A Sulfonamide Antibiotic Under Various Background Nutrient Conditions

Certain microbes can biotransform antibiotics. Little is known about these microbes or the biotransformation processes. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of background nutrient conditions on a sulfonamide degrading culture and on its biotransformation of sulfadiazine (SDZ) with respect to transformation kinetics and transformation products. The mixed culture capable of degrading SDZ consisted primarily of three genera, Brevibacterium, Castellaniella and Leucobacter. The maximum biotransformation rate was 4.55 mg L−1 d−1 in the absence of background nutrients. Among the three background nutrient conditions tested, diluted R2A medium lead to the highest maximum SDZ biotransformation rates, followed by humic acid and glucose. 2-aminopyrimidine was the major SDZ biotransformation product under the background nutrient conditions tested, while another previously reported biotransformation product, sulfanilic acid, was further degraded by the mixed culture. The findings from this study can help improve our estimation of the fate of antibiotics in the environment.
2SPD-005 Economic analysis of osimertinib in previously untreated EGFR mutant advanced non-small cell lung cancer

Background and importance Osimertinib improves progression free survival (PFS) in previously untreated patients with EGFR mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, its profitability has not been established in a third level hospital. Aim and objectives The aim of the study was to evaluate the cost effectiveness of osimertinib in patients with mutated EFGR NSCLC compared with other tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Material and methods This was a cost effectiveness study of osimertinib in patients with EFGR mutated NSCLC in a third level hospital over a period of 1 year of treatment (1 January 2018 to 12 January 2019). The protocol of the hospital was reviewed to include all therapeutic alternatives: afatinib, gefitinib and erlotinib. The main variable of the study was the incremental cost effectiveness ratio (ICER) of osimertinib compared with other TKIs. Secondary variables included: cost of treatment per month (€), efficacy (life months gained), total cost of treatment (€) and incremental cost of osimertinib compared with other TKIs. Results The incremental cost effectiveness ratios of osimertinib compared with each TKI were: Osimertinib versus erlotinib: €6896/month of PFS. Osimertinib versus gefitinib: €7931/month of PFS. Osimertinib versus afatinib: €7067/month of PFS. Conclusion and relevance At the current commercialised price, firstline osimertinib therapy in patients with EGFR mutant NSCLC would mean an incremental cost of €7455±€439 per month of PFS gained compared with other TKIs. If we consider a year of treatment, the incremental cost of osimertinib would be an additional €74547±4388. The reduction in cost of osimertinib would significantly improve its cost effectiveness profile. The main limitation of this study was that the cost of the complete treatment was calculated using the drug’s PVL. References and/or acknowledgements No conflict of interest.
Beyond Equity as Inclusion: A Framework of "Rightful Presence" for Guiding Justice-Oriented Studies in Teaching and Learning.

Current discourses of equity in teaching and learning are framed around calls for inclusion, grounded in the extension of a set of static rights for high-quality learning opportunities for all stud...
Attitudes of East Tennessee residents towards general and pertussis vaccination: a qualitative study

Despite vaccination being one of the safest and most successful public health tools to control infectious diseases, some people still doubt the efficacy and safety of vaccines. In order to address vaccine hesitancy and anti-vaccination sentiment, it is necessary to understand vaccination attitude development and vaccination behaviors. The objective of this project was to qualitatively investigate general vaccination attitudes and behavior with an additional emphasis on pertussis vaccination. To identify factors that influence attitudes toward vaccination and behaviors in East Tennessee, eleven one-on-one interviews were conducted with participants recruited through convenience and purposive sampling. Interview protocol and deductive codes were developed using the Triadic Theory of Influence as a theoretical framework. Interview transcripts were analyzed qualitatively and themes were identified through constant comparison of interviews, considering both deductively and inductively coded data. Most participants (8) held positive attitudes towards vaccination. Participants (8) comfortable with vaccinating themselves or their children said they followed recommendations of doctors. Vaccine hesitant participants’ (3) most frequently cited concern was safety and concern about side effects. These participants also reported that they referenced non-academic or professional sources and felt confident about their knowledge of vaccines and diseases. Vaccine hesitant participants had low perception of risk of vaccine-preventable diseases, particularly pertussis. Participants with children reported that friends and family were influential when deciding to vaccinate their children. This study identified themes in the attitudes towards vaccination of participants recruited in East Tennessee. We found that risk perception and family and social group attitudes were the primary influences on vaccination decision making. We recommend that future research includes anti-vaccination participants in their research, if possible, and further explore the relationship between perception of one’s own knowledge and health behavior outcomes.
Examining the CREB Transcriptional Program in Erythropoiesis

Abstract The erythropoietin (EPO) signal transduction network regulates a plethora of critical cellular functions during red blood cell maturation including proliferation and iron metabolism. Recently, it has been discovered that EPO signaling also controls heme metabolism through activation of the protein kinase A (PKA) pathway. The activation of PKA by EPO leads to the mitochondrial phosphorylation of the terminal heme enzyme, ferrochelatase (FECH), to ramp up heme production. In addition to FECH, a second principal PKA target is the CREB transcription factor, leading to the hypothesis that the EPO-PKA signaling pathway also regulates gene expression during red cell maturation. Here, we tested this hypothesis using biochemical and bioinformatics approaches. We found that CREB becomes phosphorylated in human and murine erythroid cells in an EPO-dependent manner. Using pharmacologic inhibitors, we confirmed that CREB phosphorylation is downstream of JAK2 and PKA signaling. Moreover, we found enrichment of a previously identified CREB-gene signature within the erythroid transcriptional program. To date, our work suggests that CREB plays a role during red cell development as an effector of EPO signaling. Further work will be required to understand the function of CREB target genes. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Reimagining Social Media Governance: Harm, Accountability, and Repair

Despite a rich history of scholarship on the governance of online spaces, social media platforms continue to both cause and facilitate harm. Many of the problems that manifest on social media are amplifications of enduring social inequities; however, this does not absolve social media companies from the responsibility to recognize and repair the harms they enable. Current social media governance approaches largely focus on removing individual content and accounts that violate platform policies, but they overlook the individuals and communities who experience harm. This is at best an oversight, and at worst, an extension of Western criminal justice systems that prioritize retribution over structural change via accountability and repair. Drawing from justice theories, we propose several key shifts for social media governance to better recognize and repair harm.
A new view of macula densa cell protein synthesis.

Macula densa (MD) cells, a chief sensory cell type in the nephron, are endowed with unique microanatomical features including a high density of protein synthetic organelles and secretory vesicles i...