cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
DIMENSIONLESS SOLUTIONS OF BORDER-IRRIGATION ADVANCE

The equations of border-irrigation flow are written in dimensionless form and solved numerically at three different levels of mathematical approximation. For the advance phase three independent parameters exist: the Froude number based on normal depth, the dimensionless exponent of the Kostiakov infiltration equation, and a dimensionless parameter determining the deviation of flow conditions from normal. It is shown both by order of magnitude analysis and from the results of the numerical computation that the inertia terms in the governing equations are unimportant for border flow (Froude number approximately zero). The model governed by the remaining two parameters, the zero-inertia model, is used to generate dimensionless advance trajectories and related information for all practical combinations of these two parameters. An additional advance trajectory is computed for each value of the dimensionless infiltration exponent using the normal-depth model to show the range of applicability of the latter.
Delusions of Grandeur: On the Creeping Militarization of U.S. Foreign Policy

This paper analyzes the political economy of the creeping militarization of U.S. foreign policy. The core argument is that in integrating the 3D approach -- defense, development, and diplomacy -- policymakers have assigned responsibilities to military personnel which go beyond their comparative advantage, requiring them to become social engineers tasked with constructing entire societies. Evidence from The U.S. Army Stability Operations Field Manual is presented to illustrate the wide scope of responsibilities assigned to the U.S. military. The tools of political economy are used to analyze some of the implications.
Biological Activity and Metabolism of Hercules AC-528 Components in Rats and Cockroaches

Technical Hercules AC-528 (Delnav) was separated by partition chromatography into eight different fractions. The major Components were the cis and trans isomers of 2,3- p -dioxanedithiol S,S -bis( O,O -diethyl phosphorodithioate). The structure, toxicity to house flies and rats, ant cholinesterase activity and stability to alkaline hydrolysis were studied for these eight Hercules AC-528 components. Radioactive Hercules AC-528 was prepared and the metabolism in rats and cockroaches studied for the cis and trans isomers, 2-p -dioxenethiol S-(O,O -diethyl phosphorodithioate) and bis(diethoxyphosphinothioyl) disulfide. In a wide variety of in vivo and in vitro biological systems the cis and trans isomers were the most stable of the radioactive components; the single exception was a study on hydrolysis by human plasma where the dioxene derivative was the most stable. In a sub-acute feeding study with rats, Hercules AC-528 was found to accumulate to a small degree in fat. However, the residues disappeared rapidly when feeding of Hercules AC-528 was discontinued. Other factors in investigating Hercules AC-528 included: cholinesterase depression and recovery in rats following administration of a sub-lethal dose; the effect of sub-acute feeding on rat plasma, red blood corpuscle and brain cholinesterase activity; metabolism of the components of Hercules AC-528 by Periplaneta americana (L.) and rat liver slices; the formation of more polar, non-hydrolyzed metabolites from the radioactive components by rats and cockroaches; and the nature of the hydrolysis products formed from the components in human plasma and following oral administration to rats.
Analysis of sentinel surveillance on HIV/AIDS among drug users in Pukou District from 2010 to 2012

Objective To learn about AIDS related knowledge,risk behaviors and the status of HIV/HCV/Syphilis infection among drug users in Pukou District,Nanjing.Methods Guided by " National HIV/AIDS Sentinel Surveillance Implementation Plan",400 new detention drug users were selected by random sampling with anonymous questionnaires and HIV/HCV/Syphilis test per year in drug relief reformatory in Pukou District.Results It was found that prior to detention,heroin and methamphetamine were mainly used for the target group with 71.1%and 25.8%,respectively.The injecting drug users were46.8%,35.8%of them were syringes sharing.There were 12.8%drug users ever had commercial sexual behavior,86.3%of them had condom use with sexual behavior for every time.In drug users,the proportions of heroin use and injecting drug were decreased by years from 2010 to 2013(P0.001),while methamphetamine use showed a rising trend(P0.001).The awareness rate of AIDS related knowledge was 99.4%.The prevalence of HIV/Syphilis/HCV infection were 0.3%,7.6%and47.0%,respectively.The positive rate of HCV antibody in injecting group(61.7%)was significantly higher than that in non injection drug users(33.4%)(P0.001).Conclusion HIV infection rate was lower while HCV infection was higher for drug users in Pukou District.Mean time proportion of injecting drug use declined yearly while syringes sharing existed with certain proportion.Therefore,publicity campaign on HIV/AIDS and interventions should be conducted continuously and surveillance force should be strengthened for the drug users group.
A MODEL FOR THE STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF CELL RADIOSENSITIVITY DURING THE CELL CYCLE

Publisher Summary This chapter describes a model for the statistical analysis of cell radiosensitivity during the cell cycle. It discusses the solutions of the system of differential equations which characterize this model when the rate constants k1 and k2 together with initial proportions of sensitive and resistant cells, S0 and R0, are treated as random variables with specified probability distributions. The analysis is performed under the assumption that the above random variables may be characterized by the uniform and beta probability distributions. In view of the range of variation of these variables and their inherent characteristics, these probability distributions seem quite relevant. The chapter describes the radiosensitivity model and presents the statistical characterization of this system.
Gender in Children's Firearm Deaths: Using the Data to Guide Interventions.

Presaging the recent Presidential action on closing gun sale loopholes, the recent article by Grinshteyn and Hemenway[1] provides compelling evidence of the continuing staggering disparity in rates of firearms-related deaths between the US and other high-income developed countries. Among all the carefully compiled data presented by the authors, we choose here to highlight unintentional deaths. Total unintentional firearms deaths in the US were 6.2 times that of other high-income countries. When looking at the ratio by age groups, unintentional firearm deaths among children 5-14 years old in the US were 12.2 times that of other high-income countries, guns in children's environment clearly compounding the already heightened risk of accidental death. Prior work has estimated that 110 US children die annually from unintentional firearms injuries; and hospitalization for firearm injury has been estimated to be more than 10 times that figure. Moreover, looking closely at the firearms deaths in the US, it is noteworthy that for the 0-14-year age group, there are considerably more deaths among boys than girls (ratio around 4:1), agreeing with data from a 2003 cross-sectional study with the same methodology and data sources. These same striking sex differences were observed in the sample of 100 accidental firearms deaths in children (0-14 years) studied during the year following the Sandy Hook massacre, where 77% of victims and 82% of perpetrators were male. The findings merit some pause, as they speak strongly to the transmission of a hypermasculinized culture of firearm use from adult to child, putting boys especially at higher risk of gun play and thus accidental deaths and injury due to firearms.... [1]Grinshteyn, E. and Hemenway, D. Violent death rates: the United States compared to other high-income OECD countries, 2010. Am J Med. 2016; 129: 266–273 Language: en
The Perioperative Management of the Voice and Serum Calcium Levels

The complications of laryngeal nerve injury and hypoparathyroidism are relatively uncommon with thyroid surgery. Injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve results in a hoarse voice, while injury to the external branch of the laryngeal nerve can result in loss of high-pitched vocal range or projection. Neuropraxia, or stretch injury, to the recurrent laryngeal nerve is often transient and will recover over 2–3 months following surgery. Laryngoscopy is the gold standard for diagnosis of vocal cord abnormalities after thyroidectomy. Treatment of vocal cord dysfunction includes voice therapy and operative approaches that aimed at medialization of the paralyzed cord so as to improve adduction and apposition of the vocal cords during phonation which results in more normal voice. Injury or removal of the parathyroid glands during thyroidectomy can result in hypoparathyroidism causing subsequent hypocalcemia. The initial symptoms of hypocalcemia include paresthesias of the extremities, and perioral area can progress to tetany, seizures, and arrhythmias in severe cases. Postoperative supplementation with calcium with or without vitamin D is used in the treatment of hypocalcemia and as prophylaxis against the development of symptoms during inadequate parathyroid hormone production. Routine calcium and vitamin D supplementation or supplementation based on postoperative calcium or parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels are both viable options. Temporary hypoparathyroidism occurs in about a third of patients after bilateral thyroidectomy; however, permanent hypoparathyroidism is rare.
Two-Dimensional Model of Tissue Oxygen Gradients in Avian Growth Cartilage

The avian growth plate cartilage provides an appropriate model for the study of oxygen supply to tissue. Unlike cardiac or skeletal muscle, which have been the classical organs to study oxygen diffusion (Krogh), the cartilage is non-contractile and vessels are confined to sparsely spaced channels which traverse the growth plate longitudinally. Thus, because of the tissue constraints, this organ is incapable of opening new vascular channels during adaptation to oxygen stress. Oxygen stress is a probable concomitant of the growth plate environment. First, because of the low priority of blood flow to the bone (current estimates are that 3% of total body blood flow traverses the entire skeleton) (Tothill). Secondly, cartilage cells are far removed from vascular channels compared to cells in other organs. The average intervascular distance in hypertrophic cartilage (near the mineralization front) is 318 μm, and in resting cartilage (near the articular side of the growth plate) this distance is increased to 404 μm (Silverton 1989b). Measurements of oxygen pressures by glass microelectrode in growth plates are recorded at 20–25 mm Hg (Brighton).
EEPROM retention performance modulation by poly Si grain size & dopant distribution

Floating gate material plays a significant role in the performance of Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-only memory (EEPROM). In this work, three types of floating gate Si materials were utilized for fabricated EEPROM cells. In-situ doped amorphous Si shows better high temperature data retention (HTDR) performance than both poly crystalline Si and amorphous Si with post-deposition implantation. Electrical, SIMS and TEM characterization indicates the mechanism responsible for this trend is a reduction in tunnel oxide P penetration leading to reduced tunnel-oxide degradation for in-situ doped amorphous Si. Therefore, charge loss through tunnel oxide during HTDR test is significantly suppressed.
Exploration and validation of alternate sensing methods for wearable continuous pulse transit time measurement using optical and bioimpedance modalities

In this work we explore the viability of a multimodal sensing device that can be integrated in a wearable form factor for daily, non-invasive ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring. A common approach in previous research has been to rely on measuring the pulse transit time (PTT), which has been shown to be correlated with the BP. In this work, we look into the feasibility of measuring PTT using sensors separated by a small distance on one arm so that any eventual realization of the system is convenient to wear and use over long periods of time. Moreover, we investigate the combined use of two different modalities for cardiovascular measurement: the optical photoplethysmogram (PPG) as well as the bio-potential based impedance (Bio-Z) measurement. These two modalities have been previously only studied on their own or in conjunction with the electrocardiogram (ECG) for the purpose of estimating PTT. We measure the PTT from the wrist to the finger using Bio-Z and PPG sensors, and compare it to the conventional PTT measured from the ECG to PPG at the finger, in order to prove that it can be an effective replacement for existing PTT measurement strategies. Moreover, successful measurement of PTT with two different modalities of sensors at close proximity will allow designs with multiple heterogeneous sensors on a more versatile wearable sensing platform that is optimized for power and is more robust to environmental or skin contact changes. This will enable the next generation of smart watches that capture PTT and BP. Experiments were conducted in vivo with simultaneous ECG, Bio-Z and PPG sensors, and results indicate that the PTT calculated from the Bio-Z and PPG sensors placed at a close distance correlates well with the more established PTT measurement using the ECG in conjunction with PPG, with correlation coefficient as high as 0.92.
Which Preschool Children With Specific Language Impairment Receive Language Intervention

Purpose Potential biases in service provision for preschool children with specific language impairment (SLI) were explored. Method In Study 1, children with SLI receiving treatment (SLI-T) and thos...
Microdevices for Oral Drug Delivery

The application of micro- and nanotechnology to the biomedical arena has tremendous potential in terms of developing new diagnostic and therapeutic modalities. Recent advances in micromachining and microelectriomechanical systems (MEMS) technology have provided the opportunity to fabricate miniature biomedical devices for a variety of applications. While the majority of research has focused on the development of miniaturized diagnostic tools, researchers have more recently concentrated on the development of microdevices for therapeutic applications. The progression of microfabrication technology has enabled the creation of entirely new classes of drug delivery devices which can possess a combination of structural, mechanical, chemical, and electronic features to surmount the challenges associated with conventional systems. Some therapeutic applications of microtechnology include microneedles for transdermal delivery [1, 2], as well as various implantable systems, such as immunoisolating biocapules [3, 4] and microchips for controlled release [5, 6]. However in this research, the strengths of microfabrication and micromachining were capitalized to create a completely novel microdevice from silicon dioxide, porous silicon, and poly(methyl methacrylate) for cytoadhesive oral drug delivery with inherent features providing controlled release.
Ultrasound Equipment Maintenance

Point-of-care ultrasound equipment has unique maintenance and exposure issues that must be addressed for successful and safe US practice. Supplies, service, and customization of machines suggestions are discussed with innovative and creative solutions provided.
Reflections on Chloroflexus

A persona/historic account is presented of the discovery of the anoxygenic filamentous bacteria of hot springs: Heliothrix oregonensis and Chloroflexus aurantiacus. The later discoveries of marine and hypersaline forms are also described.
Review: Pervasive computing at scale: Transforming the state of the art

The remarkable recent progress in computing power, sensors and embedded devices, smart phones, wireless communications and networking technologies, combined with emerging data mining techniques, cloud computing and social networking paradigms has enabled us to create pervasive computing systems and services with diverse applications and global accessibility. In this paper, we assess the current state of the art of pervasive computing at scale (PeCS) and look ahead to future directions the field can pursue together with challenges it will need to overcome.
Marketing Public Policy and the Evolving Role of Marketing Academics: A Historical Perspective:

In this article, the authors highlight marketing public policy activities and the evolving role of marketing academics prior to 1960. In doing so, the authors provide an historical setting for disc...
Catalysis of Thermostable Alcohol Dehydrogenase Improved by Engineering the Microenvironment through Fusion with Supercharged Proteins

The enzymatic microenvironment can impact biocatalytic activity; however, these effects can be difficult to investigate as mutations and fusions can introduce multiple variables and overlapping effects. The fusion of a supercharged protein is a potentially facile means to alter the enzymatic microenvironment. We have investigated complexes made between a thermostable alcohol dehydrogenase (AdhD) and superfolding green fluorescent protein (sfGFP) mutants with extreme surface charges. Three charged sfGFP variants, -30, 0, and +36 were covalently attached to AdhD through the SpyCatcher/SpyTag system. Specific rates for the NAD+ -dependent oxidation of butane-2,3-diol were significantly increased in the -30 sfGFP complex, a mixed effect was seen for the 0 sfGFP complexes, and the rates were unaffected by +36 sfGFP complexation. Reactions performed at various pH values (7.8-9.8) and salt concentrations (7.75-500 mm) showed that there was a complex interplay between these effects that was consistent with fusion proteins affecting the local ionic strength, as opposed to the local pH. Steady-state kinetic analyses were performed with the -30 and 0 AdhD-sfGFP complexes. The overall catalytic efficiency was dependent on the charge of the fused sfGFP variant; the -30 sfGFP fusions exhibited the largest beneficial effects at pH 8.8. The impact of the fusions on the apparent ionic strength provides further insight into the effects of charged patches observed on metabolon-forming enzyme complexes.
Content and Delivery in Financial Education Programs

This chapter provides an overview of topics commonly covered in financial education programming and a more detailed description of innovative content integration not previously addressed in literature. In addition, a discussion on various techniques of content delivery is included, and many modes of delivery which are based in experiential learning theory. Specific descriptions of and recommendations associated with currently existing university-based financial education programs are provided.
Application of Squeezed-State Light to Laser Stabilization

Squeezed-state light having now been generated in several laboratories [1], a variety of exciting applications can be pursued. Improving the phase sensitivity of an interferometer [2], recently demonstrated [3], requires only squeezed vacuum (no mean field). In contrast, exploring the full range of issues in atomic spectroscopy requires squeezed light with a coherent excitation.
Early Childhood Education Curriculum Choice: Assessing the Interplay between Prior Beliefs and Evidence-Based Information

The purpose of this study was to examine the transference of an informational brochure elucidating the importance of developmentally appropriate practice, along with assessing the interplay between prior implicit beliefs about educating and raising children and the informational brochure. Participants included 210 college students who completed the modified Modernity Scale and half of the participants read a brochure designed to highlight developmentally appropriate practice. All participants then viewed videotaped vignettes showing preschool children participating in either a child or teacher directed numeracy project. Following the video presentation, all participants were asked to rate the video’s curriculum using an author created questionnaire. In general, participants preferred developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) to didactic practice (DP) regardless of whether they read the brochure. Additionally, participants with higher traditional child rearing beliefs preferred the DP video, while more modern beliefs preferred the DAP video.
Bayesian cross validation for gravitational-wave searches in pulsar-timing array data

Gravitational-wave data analysis demands sophisticated statistical noise models in a bid to extract highly obscured signals from data. In Bayesian model comparison, we choose among a landscape of models by comparing their marginal likelihoods. However, this computation is numerically fraught and can be sensitive to arbitrary choices in the specification of parameter priors. In Bayesian cross validation, we characterize the fit and predictive power of a model by computing the Bayesian posterior of its parameters in a training data set, and then use that posterior to compute the averaged likelihood of a different testing data set. The resulting cross-validation scores are straightforward to compute; they are insensitive to prior tuning; and they penalize unnecessarily complex models that overfit the training data at the expense of predictive performance. In this article, we discuss cross validation in the context of pulsar-timing-array data analysis, and we exemplify its application to simulated pulsar data (where it successfully selects the correct spectral index of a stochastic gravitational-wave background), and to a pulsar data set from the NANOGrav 11-yr release (where it convincingly favours a model that represents a transient feature in the interstellar medium). We argue that cross validation offers a promising alternative to Bayesian model comparison, and we discuss its use for gravitational-wave detection, by selecting or refuting models that include a gravitational-wave component.
Exploring the utility of different tag-recovery experimental designs for use in spatially explicit, tag-integrated stock assessment models

Abstract The need for spatial stock assessment models that match the spatiotemporal management and biological structure of marine species is growing. Spatially explicit, tag-integrated models can emulate complex population structure, because they are able to estimate connectivity among population units by incorporating tag-recovery data directly into the combined objective function of the assessment. However, the limited scope of many small-scale tagging studies along with difficulty addressing major assumptions of tagging data has prevented more widespread utilization of tag-recovery data sets within tag-integrated models. A spatially explicit simulation-estimation framework that simulates metapopulation dynamics with two populations and time-varying connectivity was implemented for three life history (i.e., longevity) scenarios to explore the relative utility of tagging data for use in spatial assessment models across a range of tag release designs (e.g., annual, historical, periodic, and opportunistic tagging). Model scenarios also investigated the impacts of not accounting for incomplete tag mixing or assuming all fish were fully selected (i.e., that the age composition of tagged fish was unknown). Results demonstrated that periodic tagging (e.g., releasing tags every five years) may provide the best balance between tag program cost and parameter bias. For cost-effective tagging programs, tag releases should be spread over a longer time period instead of focusing on release events in consecutive years, while releasing tags in tandem with existing surveys could further improve the practicality of implementing tag-recovery experiments. However, care should be taken to fully address critical modeling assumptions (e.g., by estimating tag mixing parameters) before incorporating tagging data into an assessment model.
The role of imaging as a guide to the surgical treatment of endometriosis.

Minimally invasive surgery for complex endometriosis requires preoperative planning that intimately connects the gynecologic surgeon to the radiologist. Understanding the surgeon’s perspective to endometriosis treatment facilitates a productive relationship that ultimately benefits the patient. We examine minimally invasive surgery for endometriosis and the key radiologic information which enable the surgeon to successfully negotiate patient counseling, preoperative planning, and an interdisciplinary approach to surgery.
Suppressing circulating current in the modular multilevel converter using line-to-line voltage correction modules

The minimization of circulating currents is a major technical challenge in the modular multilevel converter (MMC) topology. Circulating currents are an inherent property of the MMC that originate from the voltage difference between the phases. These currents have a great impact on the submodule (SM) capacitor voltage ripple, voltage/current stress on the power switching devices and the power losses. Therefore, minimization of circulating currents is imperative for the smooth operation of the MMC. In order to achieve this goal, this paper proposes a modified MMC topology which makes use of additional line-to-line connected modules termed as voltage correction modules. These modules compensate for the voltage difference between the phases of the MMC and suppress the circulating currents. This solution offers a decoupled control between the circulating currents and the power stage and is independent of the number of SMs used in the MMC. Mathematical modeling along with the control strategy is explained throughout the paper and two test cases are conducted via detailed PSCAD/EMTDC simulations to validate this approach.
Phases of frustrated quantum antiferromagnets on the square and triangular lattices

We analyze the zero temperature phase diagrams of the spin $S$ quantum antiferromagnet on square and triangular lattices with competing nearest and next-nearest exchange interactions as well as biquadratic couplings. We approach the problem from the large $S$ limit. Our primary focus is on determining the extent to which the existence and character of any quantum disordered phases can be inferred from this approach.
The role of bilingualism in Latino youth experiences of acculturation stress when living in an emerging Latino community

Latino youth experience unique stressors as they navigate two cultural contexts. While a substantial amount of research has been conducted investigating Latino youths’ experiences of acculturation,...
The burden of Clostridioides difficile infection in patients with history of liver transplant and during index admission.

Background/objectives Liver transplant recipients have an increased risk of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) which associated with higher morbidity and mortality. CDI in liver transplant has been argued to increase hospital costs, charges, and length of stay (LOS) in small studies. However, no recent nationwide analysis determines these outcomes. Methods This is a retrospective cohort study using the National Inpatient Sample 2016. All patients with ICD10CM diagnostic codes for CDI were included. The cohort was stratified for the history of liver transplant and liver transplant index admission. The primary outcome was the odds of CDI in both patient cohorts to patients without liver transplant. Secondary outcomes were inpatient morbidity, mortality, resource utilization, colectomy rates, LOS, and total hospital costs and charges. Results A total of 360 364 patients with CDI were identified, 1665 had a history of liver transplant and 155 had liver transplant during that admission. Patients with a history of liver transplant had increased odds of CDI compared to patients with no history of liver transplant (adjusted odds ratio 2.78; 95% confidence interval, 2.44-3.16). Patients with CDI had greater odds of shock, acute kidney injury, ICU stay, organ failure and significantly higher costs, charges and LOS. Conclusions Patients with a history of liver transplant increased odds of CDI. CDI with history of liver transplant and the index admission for liver transplant had higher odds of morbidity and resource utilization. Clinicians must maintain a high index of suspicion for CDI for early diagnosis and appropriate initiation of treatment.
Standardization of Classification and Management of Pediatric Patients with Acute Gastroenteritis and Volume Depletion

Background: Acute gastroenteritis (AGE), often defined as increased stool frequency with or without vomiting, is a common cause of illness in the pediatric population. Until recently, level of dehydration was determined without a validated scale [2-5]. In 2008, Goldman et al. published a study validating the use of the Clinical Dehydration Scale (CDS, Fig 1) and dehydration categories for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in children 1-month to 5-years of age with suspected AGE [2]. This quality improvement (QI) study aimed to standardize classification and management of dehydration in pediatric …
Controlling for Doubt and Uncertainty Through Multiple Lines of Evidence: A New Look at the Mesoamerican Nahua Migrations

Nahuatl represents a relatively recent extension of the Uto-Aztecan language family into Mesoamerica. Ethnohistorians have linked Nahuatl's arrival to the historically attested migrations of nomadic people into central Mexico in the last centuries before the Spanish Conquest. Archaeologists have tended to treat migration as an explanation for a change in material culture rather than a social question to be examined theoretically. We approach this migration through the comparison of multiple data sets and conclude that what has previously been treated as a historical event is instead part of a longer term process tying together Mesoamerica's northern periphery with its highland core. While we find that certain themes from migration theory are reflected in this preindustrial migration as well, other variables are unique and bode well for archaeology's ability to address and contribute to theoretical issues relating to migration.
NFDFuzz: A Stateful Structure-Aware Fuzzer for Named Data Networking

Fuzzing is a very popular automated testing technique that has yet to be applied in any significant way to NDN (Named Data Networking). NDN and its software forwarding daemon NFD present interesting challenges for fuzzing. To be effective, a fuzzer for NFD needs to be both stateful, due to the nature of the NDN data plane, and aware of the packet structure and the rules governing the NDN wire protocol. In this work we present the design of our NFD fuzzer and provide an overview of its most salient implementation details.
Role of the Microbiome in Interstitial Lung Diseases

There are trillions of microorganisms in the human body, consisting of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and archaea; these collectively make up the microbiome. Recent studies suggest that the microbiome may serve as a biomarker for disease, a therapeutic target, or provide an explanation for pathophysiology in lung diseases. Studies describing the impact of the microorganisms found in the respiratory tract on lung health have been published and are discussed here in the context of interstitial lung diseases. Additionally, epidemiological and experimental evidence highlights the importance of cross-talk between the gut microbiota and the lungs, called the gut-lung axis. The gut-lung axis postulates that alterations in gut microbial communities may have a profound effect on lung disease. Dysbiosis in the microbial community of the gut is linked with changes in immune responses, homeostasis in the airways, and inflammatory conditions in the gastrointestinal tract itself. In this review, we summarize studies describing the role of the microbiome in interstitial lung disease and discuss the implications of these findings on the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases. This paper describes the impact of the microbial communities on the pathogenesis of lung diseases by assessing recent original research and identifying remaining gaps in knowledge.
An assessment of the impact of corporate social responsibility on organizational quality performance: Empirical evidence from the petroleum industry

As more organizations are emphasizing their roles and responsibilities to society, there is a need to examine the impact of an organization’s social and environmental practices on firm performance. In this paper, we use the perspective of quality management to examine the effectiveness of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on improving organizational quality performance. Data was collected from 31 managers in the oil and gas industry in Iran. We examined the effect of CSR on organizational quality outcomes using structural equation modeling. We then conducted robustness checks using multivariate regression analysis, directly observed variables, and bootstrapping methods. The findings suggest that CSR has a positive impact on internal quality results; however, the effect of CSR on external quality results is not statistically significant. The results suggest a mediating role for internal quality results in the relationship between CSR and external quality results. The findings also provide new insights into the relationship between CSR and organizational quality performance at two levels.
Redeemed From Skepticism Nietzsche’s Revaluation of Inquiry (ζητϵῖν) and Tranquility (ἀταραξία) in Pyrrhonian Skeptics

Friedrich Nietzsche offers different opinions of the ancient Skeptics. On certain occasions, he praises them as philosophers of intellectual integrity, because they constantly question dogma and co...
Reaction and diffusion at the reservoir/shale interface during CO2 storage: Impact of geochemical kinetics

Abstract We use a reactive diffusion model to investigate what happens to CO2 injected into a subsurface sandstone reservoir capped by a chlorite- and illite-containing shale seal. The calculations simulate reaction and transport of supercritical (SC) CO2 at 348.15 K and 30 MPa up to 20,000 a. Given the low shale porosity (5%), chemical reactions mostly occurred in the sandstone for the first 2000 a with some precipitation at the ss/sh interface. From 2000 to 4000 a, ankerite, dolomite and illite began replacing Mg–Fe chlorite at the sandstone/shale interface. Transformation of chlorite to ankerite is the dominant reaction occluding the shale porosity in most simulations: from 4000 to 7500 a, this carbonation seals the reservoir and terminates reaction. Overall, the carbonates (calcite, ankerite, dolomite), chlorite and goethite all remain close to local chemical equilibrium with brine. Quartz is almost inert from the point of its dissolution/precipitation. However, the rate of quartz reaction controls the long-term decline in aqueous silica activity and its evolution toward equilibrium. The reactions of feldspars and clays depend strongly on their reaction rate constants (microcline is closer to local equilibrium than albite). The timing of porosity occlusion mostly therefore depends on the kinetic constants of kaolinite and illite. For example, an increase in the kaolinite kinetic constant by 0.25 logarithmic units hastened porosity closure by 4300 a. The earliest simulated closure of porosity occurred at approximately 108 a for simulations designed as sensitivity tests for the rate constants. These simulations also emphasize that the rate of CO2 immobilization as aqueous bicarbonate (solubility trapping) or as carbonate minerals (mineral trapping) in sandstone reservoirs depends upon reaction kinetics – but the relative fraction of each trapped CO2 species only depends upon the initial chemical composition of the host sandstone. For example, at the point of porosity occlusion the fraction of bicarbonate remaining in solution depends upon the initial Na and K content in the host rock but the fraction of carbonate mineralization depends only on the Ca, Mg, Fe content. Since ankerite is the dominant mineral that occludes porosity, the dissolved concentration of ferrous iron is also an important parameter. Future efforts should focus on cross-comparisons and ground-truthing of simulations made for standard case studies as well as laboratory measurements of the reactivities of clay minerals.
The DSM-5 Definition of Mental Disorder: Critique and Alternatives

The chapter begins by dissecting the definition of mental disorder offered in the latest edition of the diagnostic manual, incisively pointing out its flaws and shortcomings. These flaws are of two kinds. First, there is the DSM’s overreach in what it “counts” as a mental disorder—e.g., enduring conditions with a clear biological etiology such as Down’s syndrome; temporary states caused by events such as alcohol intoxication, dehydration, or fever-induced delirium; and reactions to adverse environmental stressors. For a condition to be categorized as a mental disorder, its etiology ought to be mentally related, not simply represent a condition that adversely effects mental functioning; indeed, distress and dysfunction can be caused by a wide range of factors, not all of which constitute “mental disorders.” Second, there are fundamental errors in logical reasoning found throughout the manual—e.g., the assumption that diagnoses represent natural and coherent syndromes, as well as the pervasive reification and tautological reasoning in how mental disorder is “explained” by the very elements that comprise its definition. Alternatives to the DSM are explored including various forms of “denialism,” symptomatic treatment, and functional behavioral assessment. The chapter concludes with a reflection on the consequences for clinical assessment and treatment of the DSM’s vision of mental disorder and a call for social workers to critically examine its tenets and decide for themselves the model(s) they wish to use.
The Acquisition of Grammatical Marking of Indefiniteness with the Indefinite Article a in L2 English

The article system is a notorious source of difficulty for second language (L2) learners of English, largely because it is based on a complex set of abstract distinctions which are, to some extent, arbitrarily mapped onto surface forms ( a, the , and zero ). This difficulty is only compounded when learners’ first languages (L1s) do not share the same surface features and/or the same semantic conceptualizations with the target language (TL). This study is about the acquisition of grammatical marking of indefiniteness in L2 English as exemplified by a learner’s use of the indefinite article a. The ways in which L2 acquirers manage to make sense of English articles and even the cases when they do not offer fascinating insights into learners’ cognition (Young, 1996). The specific focus of this study is on whether differences in the grammatical treatment of indefiniteness in L1 and L2 correspond with detectable and systematic differences in interlanguage (Selinker, 1972).
Base mispair extension kinetics. Binding of avian myeloblastosis reverse transcriptase to matched and mismatched base pair termini.

We investigate the enzymatic basis for the inefficient extension of single base mismatches by DNA polymerase compared with the extension of correct base pairs. Inefficient mismatch extension could result from either a reduced binding of the enzyme to mispaired versus correctly paired DNA template-primer termini, or from a lowered intrinsic rate of extension of mispairs by a bound enzyme, or from a combination of both factors. Avian myeloblastosis reverse transcriptase is used to measure the affinities (equilibrium dissociation constants) for the four matched and twelve mismatched base pair configurations situated at a primer 3'-terminus. The binding affinities are analyzed by two different assays employing polyacrylamide gels. The first assay uses steady-state kinetics to measure the efficiency of elongating correct and incorrect base pairs and to evaluate the enzyme's dissociation constants for matched and mismatched termini. The estimated KD values obtained in the steady-state analysis fall within a range of approximately 0.1-20 nM. The efficiencies of extending two of the mispairs, G.G and C.C, are too low to allow a determination of KD by the kinetics method. The second assay uses equilibrium binding to measure the ratio of polymerase bound to matched compared with mismatched termini, KDright/KDwrong. The affinity ratios, including values for G.G and C.C mispairs, are in the range of about 0.4-4.2. While around 1 order of magnitude difference is observed in the relative binding affinities of the polymerase for matched and mismatched primer termini, the relative extension efficiencies vary over more than 5 orders of magnitude. Therefore, it appears that inefficient mismatch extension is caused primarily by a kinetic block inhibiting elongation from mispaired primer 3'-termini rather than to a difference in binding.
Age-related comparisons of people with multiple sclerosis: demographic, disease, and treatment characteristics.

Objective: To determine if the demographic characteristics and health care needs of younger people with MS differ from older people with MS. Participants: The study analyzed enrollment data from the NARCOMS Registry to compare 1,987 younger adults with MS (30 years and younger) to 29,245 other adults with MS (over 30 years). Methods: Analyses of the NARCOMS data focused on descriptive characteristics of these adults with MS, using a t-test to identify any statistically significant age-related differences in means and a chi-squared test to identify any statistically significant age-related differences in proportions. Results: A significantly larger proportion of younger adults with MS were female and African American compared to other adults with MS. We found significant age-related differences in the expression of physical disability domains but few significant age-related differences in symptoms of depression. We also observed significant age-related differences in the utilization of health providers, with larger proportions of other adults with MS treated by internists, urologists, rehabilitation specialists, and physical and occupational therapists. Conclusions: The comprehensive care of younger adults with MS should include monitoring for mental health conditions and the availability of mental health services.
The Importance of Teacher/Parent Partnerships: Preparing Pre-Service and In-Service Teachers.

The importance of a good parent-teacher relationship has been well documented. The author presents a guide to getting parent-teacher relationships started in the right direction and then maximizing the benefits of their interactions.
3D printing multi-functionality: Embedded RF antennas and components

Significant research and press has recently focused on the fabrication freedom of Additive Manufacturing (AM) to create both conceptual models and final end-use products. This flexibility allows design modifications to be immediately reflected in 3D printed structures, creating new paradigms within the manufacturing process. 3D printed products will inevitably be fabricated locally, with unit-level customization, optimized to unique mission requirements. However, for the technology to be universally adopted, the processes must be enhanced to incorporate additional technologies; such as electronics, actuation, and electromagnetics. Recently, a novel 3D printing platform, Multi3D manufacturing, was funded by the presidential initiative for revitalizing manufacturing in the USA using 3D printing (America Makes - also known as the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Intuitive). The Multi3D system specifically targets 3D printed electronics in arbitrary form; and building upon the potential of this system, this paper describes RF antennas and components fabricated through the integration of material extrusion 3D printing with embedded wire, mesh, and RF elements.
The crustal structure beneath the Vitória-Trindade ridge

From the analyses of bathymetric and seismic profiles, and the correspondent free-air gravity anomalies, two-dimensional crustal models were derived for the eastern part of the Vitoria-Trindade ridge. The models account for the regional flexure of the oceanic lithosphere under the action of the load represented by the ridge.
Political Mothering: Latina and African American Mothers in the Struggle for Educational Justice

This article explores the process and impact of women organizing for educational justice in Northern California by documenting the efforts of a committed group of mothers who sought to address the disproportionate underachievement of Latino and African American students within their city's high school. Using a combined methodology of ethnography and participatory action research, this article illustrates the power of converting racial and social identities into a political strategy while constructing new narratives of self.
Estimated soil organic carbon change due to agricultural land management modifications in a semiarid cereal-growing region in Central Spain

Maintaining or increasing soil organic carbon (SOC) in agricultural lands is important for soil productivity, restoration and could potentially be a factor in reducing carbon emissions. In order to implement best practices for maintaining productivity and increasing SOC, there is a need for understanding how management changes may alter SOC levels. This applied study presents a methodology to assess and predict SOC levels to better understand effects modification to land management can have in semiarid central Spain. Results show extensification using longer-term pasture rotations (e.g. 5-year) could increase SOC levels and have an impact on soil restoration important in maintaining productivity. SOC increases brought about by new management may also have a role in contribution to national carbon emission reduction plans.
Effects of constant and cycling hot environments on mitogen-stimulated proliferation of peripheral blood lymphocytes from sows and litters☆

1. 1. Lymphocytes from sows maintained in a constant hot environment (32°C) showed reduced proliferative responses to mitogens PHA (P < 0.02) and PWM (P < 0.01) in comparison to sown maintained in a constant cool environment (21°C). In the piglets the hot constant temperature slightly reduced (P < 0.05) proliferative responses of lymphocytes to PHA. 2. 2. No significant effects of a cycling hot environment (27–32°C) were found for any proliferative responses of lymphocytes from sows and litters. 3. 3. In the constant hot environment, serum cortisol concentrations were significantly reduced in the sows (P < 0.0001) while no differences in serum cortisol concentrations were found in the litters.
Simple de Sitter solutions

We present a framework for de Sitter model building in type IIA string theory, illustrated with specific examples. We find metastable dS minima of the potential for moduli obtained from a compactification on a product of two Nil three-manifolds (which have negative scalar curvature) combined with orientifolds, branes, fractional Chern-Simons forms, and fluxes. As a discrete quantum number is taken large, the curvature, field strengths, inverse volume, and four dimensional string coupling become parametrically small, and the de Sitter Hubble scale can be tuned parametrically smaller than the scales of the moduli, KK, and winding mode masses. A subtle point in the construction is that although the curvature remains consistently weak, the circle fibers of the nilmanifolds become very small in this limit (though this is avoided in illustrative solutions at modest values of the parameters). In the simplest version of the construction, the heaviest moduli masses are parametrically of the same order as the lightest KK and winding masses. However, we provide a method for separating these marginally overlapping scales, and more generally the underlying supersymmetry of the model protects against large corrections to the low-energy moduli potential.