cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis on Quality Surveillance of Drinking Water in Dinghai Island Rural Area in Zhejiang Province

OBJECTIVE Grasping the health situation on quality of drinking water in Dinghai rural area, to ensure the resident drinking water safety and provide government decision. METHODS Respectively choosed 10 waterworks and distributed water supply points, according to rainless period and high water period start surveillance. RESULTS The amount of water sample was 124, the percent of pass was 63.71%(79/124). The amount of rainless period and high water period was 62 respectively, the percent of pass were 75.81% (47/62)and 51.61%(32/62)respectively, and the rate was statistical significant(χ2=7.85,P=0.005); the percent of pass on waterworks was 71.15%(74/104), and distributed water supply points was 40%(5/20), the rate was statistical significant(χ2=15.46, P0.05). CONCLUSION The situation of drinking water was ordinary in Dinghai rural area, it existed more potential safety hazard. It should be strengthened water conservation, water conservation, propeled Gleichschaltung of water supply, and regulated daily operation, to ensure the safety of water supply health.
Quantitative Trait Loci for Plant Height and Their Relationsith with the Genetic Control of Yield Traits and Heading Date in Rice

Plant height is an important trait determining the yield potential of rice.Variations on plant height among semi-dwarf rice cultivars are generally continuous distributed and controlled by polygenes.Recent studies have indicated that quantitative trait loci(QTLs) for plant height have been detected in all the 12 chromosomes of rice,and four of them have been cloned.It has been shown in QTL cloning and primary QTL mapping that many QTLs for plant height could exert pleiotropism on yield traits and/or heading date,which might be utilized to enhance the yield potential of rice.
The Role of External Radiation and Brachytherapy in Unresectable Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer

The role of radiation therapy in the management of non–small cell lung cancer is rapidly changing. Preoperative radiation, with the exception of the superior sulcus tumor, has not been found to benefit patients. The issue of postoperative radiation in completely resected patients with non–small cell lung cancer remains controversial. Current postoperative trials suggest, however, that postoperative radiation in these patients prevents local recurrence and, in combination with chemotherapy, prolongs survival. Primary radiation therapy in inoperable non–small cell lung cancer is associated with a small but definite cure rate. Better definition of treatment volume, proper selection of dose-time, state-of-art treatment planning, and, whenever possible, intraoperative radiation have improved local control rates and decreased severe complications.
Empirische Mathematik: Die Methode (!) „Rate und Prüfe“

Wir alle kennen die Geschichte, wie der junge Carl Friedrich Gaus angeblich die ersten 100 Zahlen aufaddierte, indem er einen „genialen“ Trick anwandte: Er addierte 1 und 100, dann 2 und 99, 3 und 98, und so weiter. Sein Trick ware aber klaglich gescheitert, falls die Aufgabe gelautet hatte, die ersten 100 Quadrate aufzusummieren. Eine viel bessere Methode ware fur ihn gewesen, die ersten paar Terme der Folge a(n) := 1 +2 + · · · + n zu berechnen
Melting of gelatin gels confined to silica nanopores

Nanoconfinement is a way to create materials whose properties differ from the bulk. For the first time, this research explores the effect of nanoconfinement on the thermodynamics and kinetics of gel melting. Differential scanning calorimetry has been employed to study gelatin gels prepared inside 4, 6, 15, and 30 nm pores of a silica matrix. It has been found that with decreasing the pore size the heat of melting decreases from 3.5 J g−1 in bulk to 0.6 J g−1 in 6 nm pores, which is linked to a decrease in crosslinks formed via hydrogen bonding. Despite decreases in crosslink formation, the melting temperature for gels confined to 6 nm pores increased nearly 10 °C compared to bulk gel. In 4 nm pores, no gel melting was observed. Isoconversional kinetic analysis of the melting data has revealed that the increase in thermal stability is associated with a decrease in the pre-exponential factor that occurs upon nanoconfinement. The origins of the effect have been linked to diminished molecular mobility of the gelatin chains confined inside the nanopores, which leads to enhanced restoration of broken crosslinks.
P064 Serum treatment in a flow crossmatch

Aim Autoantibodies present in patient sera may cause a positive flow cytometric crossmatch that is not clinically relevant. Previous studies have shown that pronase treatment of lymphocytes reduces autoreactivity. However, in addition to removing Fc receptors, treatment with pronase can affect HLA antigen expression. More recent studies show that pronase treatment can also create cryptic epitopes, and many laboratories that treat unseparated T and B cells have reported an increased incidence of positive T cell and negative B cell crossmatches. For these reasons, our laboratory has focused on treatment of serum to enhance assay performance. Hypotonic dialysis (HD) is one of many serum treatments that are used to reduce non-specific reactivity. In this study we assess the ability of HD treatment to remove autoantibodies and improve the specificity of the flow crossmatch. Method We identified T cell ( n = 68) and B cell crossmatches ( n = 56) performed between January 2015 and May 2016 in which untreated and hypotonically dialyzed (HD) sera were used to perform an autologous crossmatch. The crossmatch was considered positive if the test serum to negative control ratio was ⩾2.5. Results There was a significant decrease in the ratio of HD compared to untreated sera in B cell autocrossmatches (mean ratio 1.16 versus 1.76; p = 0.002) and no significant difference between with the T cell autocrossmatches (mean ratio 1.05 versus 1.1; p = 0.06). Eleven (19%) B cell autocrossmatches were positive with the untreated serum (mean ratio 3.5 versus 1.8 for the HD; p = 0.005). Four autocrossmatches (7%) remained positive with HD serum. Conclusion Hypotonic dialysis reduced auto-reactivity in B cell autocrossmatches. Treatment of sera to remove interference offers several advantages; the same serum can be used in solid-phase immunoassays, an untreated serum can be used as a control and most importantly it maintains integrity of lymphocytes used in the crossmatch.
Morphometric Variation During Chick Development in Interior Double-Crested Cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus)

Abstract. In numerous avian species, egg size is correlated to female body condition, hatchling size and nestling growth. Recent demography studies of Interior Double-crested Cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus) suggest a migratory divide across the Great Lakes; western populations winter in the Gulf of Mexico region of the southeastern United States (Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi) with extensive catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) aquaculture, and eastern populations winter in Florida, where catfish aquaculture is not pervasive. If Double-crested Cormorants have improved their overall body condition through catfish exploitation, then egg and chick sizes should also be affected. Three breeding areas in Ontario (east, central, and west) were selected for empirical measures of size variation. During the breeding seasons of 2006 and 2007, egg, naked young, fledgling, and adult morphometric data were collected. Eggs in eastern areas (volume = 465.8 ± 3.9 cm³) were on average larger than eggs in centra...
“Cyclic” Solutions for Finite Projective Planes

Abstract It is well-known that if the order s of a finite projective plane is a prime or a power of a prime, then there is always a cyclic solution for the (0, 1) incidence matrix of such a plane. We raise a more difficult question. Excluding some type of border, it is possible that the incidence matrix for the plane can be partitioned into subsets of permutation matrices. Are there solutions which are, excluding the border, “cyclic” in the permutation matrices themselves? The permutation matrices themselves need not be cyclic. A minor advantage of this approach is that a specific solution can be obtained very rapidly. We show that with the standard border (defined later), there is always a “cyclic” solution if the order is prime. With a Baer subplane border, we have no new results involving “cyclic” solutions, but the fragmentary information here is given in section 3. We say we have a “semi-cyclic” solution if, exclusive of a border, the incidence matrix remaining can be partitioned into permutation matrices such that there is a further partitioning into larger subdivisions each of which is “cyclic” in the permutation matrices. In section 3 we give a solution of this type for the plane of order 9. With this type of approach, the isomorphism question is complex. In the last section we give a generalization of Halľs multiplier theorem that is useful along with some details from a communication from R. H. F. Denniston received after the conclusion of the conference in which he shows that the two types of planes of order 9 just described are inequivalent.
Abstract 984: FGF2 from the bone marrow promotes resistance to FLT3 inhibitors in AML

Introduction: Activating mutations in the FLT3 kinase are present in ∼25% of newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (FLT3+ AML) patients and confer a poor prognosis. Treatment with FLT3 inhibitors is initially effective, but residual leukemia cells survive in the bone marrow microenvironment and clinical resistance develops within months. We tested proteins from the bone marrow microenvironment for their ability to protect FLT3-ITD+ MOLM14 cells from AC220, and found that FLT3 ligand (FL) and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) were among the most protective. Results: Consistent with previous reports, FL restored downstream FLT3 phosphorylation and signaling in the presence of the FLT3 inhibitor quizartinib (AC220). In contrast, FGF2 activated FGFR1 and the MAPK pathway, circumventing the effects of AC220 on MOLM14 cells and increasing cell survival. To model the effect of prolonged contact with the bone marrow microenvironment, MOLM14 cells were cultured continuously in FGF2 and AC220. Under these conditions, 4/4 cultures developed AC220 resistance and resumed exponential growth after 7 weeks. Development of FGF2-mediated resistance was accelerated compared to MOLM14 cultured continuously in AC220 alone (only 2/4 resistant cultures,12 weeks). Long-term resistant cultures grown in FGF2 were protected from AC220 across a wide range of concentrations, but concurrent treatment with the FGFR inhibitor PD173074 synergistically overcame FGF2-mediated protection. Serial bone marrow biopsies of patients on the AC220 phase II clinical trial were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Quantification of FGF2 revealed a significant increase in AC220 during treatment (34% to 51% after one month, p Conclusions: FGF2 ligand-induced activation of the FGFR1/MAPK pathway leads to protection from AC220 in vitro and eventual development of resistance. FGF2-mediated resistance can be overcome by concurrent FLT3 and FGFR inhibition. Consistent with our in vitro model, patients treated with AC220 had increasing FGF2 in their bone marrow, which peaked prior to resistance and relapse, suggesting that combined FLT3 and FGFR inhibitors may improve the durability of response. Our results provide an approach to develop rational inhibitor combinations that cirucumvent ligand-mediated pathways of resistance. Citation Format: Jacqueline Martinez, Elie Traer, Nathalie Javidi-Sharifi, Anupriya Agarwal, Jennifer Dunlap, Isabel English, Tibor Kovacsovics, Jeffrey Tyner, Melissa Wong, Brian Druker. FGF2 from the bone marrow promotes resistance to FLT3 inhibitors in AML. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 984. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-984
Cerebellum: Associative Learning

Associative learning is behavioral change that accompanies the presentation of two or more stimuli at the same point in time or space. Recent experimental evidence suggests that the cerebellum is a brain structure that is critical for some types of associative learning. Using data from classical eyeblink conditioning, adaptation of the ‘vestibulo–ocular’ reflex, and instrumental signaled bar-press conditioning, the involvement of the cerebellum in associative learning is described.
Multimodal pain management: There is more to happiness than opioids

Abstract Given the ongoing opioid epidemic, surgeons are faced with the difficult task of providing adequate postoperative pain control while also minimizing the negative effects of opioid consumption on individuals and on society. Multimodal pain management is one approach to addressing this dilemma. A multimodal pain management regimen uses medications that target different parts of the pain pathway, minimizing the amount of any one medication and its associated side effects. This article reviews common components of multimodal pain management and describes a regimen that is currently used for shoulder arthroplasty at New York Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center.
Evidence of exceptional oyster-reef resilience to fluctuations in sea level.

Ecosystems at the land-sea interface are vulnerable to rising sea level. Intertidal habitats must maintain their surface elevations with respect to sea level to persist via vertical growth or landward retreat, but projected rates of sea-level rise may exceed the accretion rates of many biogenic habitats. While considerable attention is focused on climate change over centennial timescales, relative sea level also fluctuates dramatically (10-30 cm) over month-to-year timescales due to interacting oceanic and atmospheric processes. To assess the response of oyster-reef (Crassostrea virginica) growth to interannual variations in mean sea level (MSL) and improve long-term forecasts of reef response to rising seas, we monitored the morphology of constructed and natural intertidal reefs over 5 years using terrestrial lidar. Timing of reef scans created distinct periods of high and low relative water level for decade-old reefs (n = 3) constructed in 1997 and 2000, young reefs (n = 11) constructed in 2011 and one natural reef (approximately 100 years old). Changes in surface elevation were related to MSL trends. Decade-old reefs achieved 2 cm/year growth, which occurred along higher elevations when MSL increased. Young reefs experienced peak growth (6.7 cm/year) at a lower elevation that coincided with a drop in MSL. The natural reef exhibited considerable loss during the low MSL of the first time step but grew substantially during higher MSL through the second time step, with growth peaking (4.3 cm/year) at MSL, reoccupying the elevations previously lost. Oyster reefs appear to be in dynamic equilibrium with short-term (month-to-year) fluctuations in sea level, evidencing notable resilience to future changes to sea level that surpasses other coastal biogenic habitat types. These growth patterns support the presence of a previously defined optimal growth zone that shifts correspondingly with changes in MSL, which can help guide oyster-reef conservation and restoration.
Comparative effects of meditation and exercise on physical and psychosocial health outcomes: a review of randomized controlled trials

ABSTRACTNo review papers have examined studies that have directly compared non-active forms of meditation with exercise to evaluate effects on physical or psychosocial outcomes, which was the purpo...
Effects of Wireless Mobile Technology on Employee Work Behavior and Productivity: An Intel Case Study

Wireless mobility is impacting business and home users by changing the way we work and live (Lyytinen and Yoo 2002). Research studies have modeled the patterns of use in ubiquitous computing environments (Cousins and Robey 2003). Intel began migrating users from Intel® Pentium® II processor-based notebook bundles to Intel® Centrino' M mobile technology-based notebook bundles in 2003. To study how wirelessenabled laptops impact productivity and work behavior, Intel studied more than 100 Intel employees in different offices around the United States by providing them with the same Intel Centrino mobile technology notebook bundles used in our migration. We tested participants in Intel's Human Factors Engineering Usability labs, gathered data from weekly activity logs kept by study participants, evaluated responses to preand post-surveys, evaluated actual usage patterns from the records of wireless hotspot access service providers, and conducted one-on-one interviews with study participants. We observed a productivity gain of 37.3 percent between the two systems which confirmed our business decision to migrate to wireless technology. What surprised us, though, was the pace at which our participants' work behaviors changed during the study. The key findings of the study are summarized below. Time Slicing. Time slicing refers to the worker's ability to slice time and convert smaller and smaller portions into valuable work time. On an older notebook, an extra few minutes wouldn't have been enough to allow an employee to plug in, start up the
Seed-based authentication for mobile clients across multiple devices

Authenticating users for mobile cloud apps has been a major security issue in recent years. Traditional passwords ensure the security of mobile applications, but it also requires extra effort from ...
High-resolution spectroscopy of the a4Σ−3/2 − X12Π3/2 system of gold monosulphide in the near infrared

We have recorded the a4Σ− 3/2 − X1 2Π3/2 (0,0), (1,0), and (2,0) bands of gaseous gold monosulphide (AuS) at sub-Doppler resolution in the near-infrared region. The molecules were made in a hollow ...
Do older programmers perform as well as young ones? Exploring the intermediate effects of stress and programming experience

There is a widespread perception that older adults are underperformers when compared with younger adults in tasks that involve intense use of technology, such as computer programming. Building on schema theory, we developed a research model that contradicts this perception. To provide an initial test of the model, we conducted a computer programming experiment involving 140 student participants majoring in technology-related areas with ages ranging from 19 to 54 years. The participants were asked to develop, under some time pressure, a simple software application. The results of our analyses suggest that age was positively associated with programming experience and perceived stress, that programming experience was positively associated with programming performance, and that perceived stress was negatively associated with programming performance. A moderating effect analysis suggests that as programming experience increased, the association between perceived stress and programming performance weakened; going from strongly negative toward neutral. This happened even as age was controlled for. When taken together, these results suggest that the widespread perception that older adults are underperformers is unwarranted. With enough programming experience, older programmers generally perform no better or worse than young ones.
TSPO ligand PK11195 improves Alzheimer-related outcomes in aged female 3xTg-AD mice.

Abstract Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathogenesis is a multifactorial process that involves numerous pathways within the central nervous system. Thus, interventions that interact with several disease-related pathways may offer an increased opportunity for successful prevention and treatment of AD. Translocator protein 18 kD (TSPO) is a mitochondrial protein that is associated with regulation of many cellular processes including inflammation, steroid synthesis, apoptosis, and mitochondrial respiration. Although TSPO ligands have been shown to be protective in several neurodegenerative paradigms, little work has been done to assess their potential as treatments for AD. Female 3xTg-AD mice were administered the TSPO ligand PK11195 once weekly for 5 weeks beginning at 16 months, an age characterized by extensive β-amyloid pathology and behavioral impairments. Animals treated with PK11195 showed improvements in behavior and modest reductions of in both soluble and deposited β-amyloid. The finding that short-term PK11195 treatment was effective in improving both behavioral and pathological outcomes in a model of late-stage AD supports further investigation of TSPO ligands as potential therapeutics for the treatment of AD.
The Sacks lectures

In Harvey Sacks, American sociology has its as-yet-unsung genius. Seven? teen years after his tragic death in an automobile accident, these volumes make possible an argument which has, hitherto, been diluted by the unavail? ability of a major resource: Sacks's lectures. Now, this contentious claim can be advanced, bold-faced, with these publications, finally, in hand. That Sacks's collected oral disquisitions ('lectures' seems somehow too commonplace a term with which to characterise them) should qualify him for such an acco? lade should become more widely apparent after the public perusal and study of Gail Jefferson's faithful, and elegantly accomplished, rendition of Sacks's astonishing presentations to his classes in sociology over the years 1964 (Fall) to 1972 (Spring). As course 'lectures', I venture to assert that they are probably without precedent in most university sociology courses for their consistency of quality of thought, keenness of insight, originality of docu? mentation and sheer brilliance of intellectual vision. They stand out today as quite extraordinary achievements, and as a living testimony to the deep seri? ousness and scholarly integrity of the man who delivered them, even though they were undoubtedly looked upon by many of the enrolled students at the time as 'ordinary academic events'. As Schegloff remarks, "the students who sat in the rooms in which the lectures were delivered can hardly have known what they were hearing" (Schegloff, 1992) 'Introduction' to Vol. 1, p. xii). The quality of Jefferson's transcriptions of Sacks's presentations to classes in social science at the University of California, Irvine, is quite remarkable in their rendering of nuances, stylistic idiosyncrasies and other minutiae of the original materials, but not too surprising given their source: one of the leading communicative-action analysts in the world, and a former close col? league of Sacks himself. At a time when many in U.S. social science are anguishing about their status vis-a-vis the triumphant natural sciences (or collectively lamenting
Electrical and Optical Properties of Diamond Films Deposited from an Oxy-Acetylene Flame

Diamond exhibits remarkable physical and chemical properties that have attracted attention from scientists and engineers for a long time. The invention of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) techniques for the deposition of diamond on foreign substrates at low pressures, i.e., atmospheric or subatmospheric pressures, and low temperatures, i.e., below 1000°C, has further stimulated a great deal of interest for researchers to optimize the deposition processes for practical application of the remarkable diamond thin films.
Effect of the Tangential Loads on the Bending of Elastic Plates

In this work, the problem of bending of a semi-infinite plate under the action of tangential loads is considered on the base of the classical theory, theory of Reissner-Hencky-Mindlin in Vasilyev’s sense, and theory of Ambartsumyan. The comparisons between deflections, transverse shear forces and moments by first-order and higher-order refined theories are performed.
Treatment Recommendations in Oncology Visits: Implications for Patient Agency and Physician Authority.

Although oncology is a major site for clinician‒patient treatment negotiation requiring a careful balance of potentially competing viewpoints, little is known about how clinicians promote their tre...
Clinician identified barriers to treatment for individuals in Appalachia with opioid use disorder following release from prison: a social ecological approach.

The non-medical use of opioids has reached epidemic levels nationwide, and rural areas have been particularly affected by increasing rates of overdose mortality as well as increases in the prison population. Individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) are at increased risk for relapse and overdose upon reentry to the community due to decreased tolerance during incarceration. It is crucial to identify barriers to substance use disorder treatment post-release from prison because treatment can be particularly difficult to access in resource-limited rural Appalachia. A social ecological framework was utilized to examine barriers to community-based substance use treatment among individuals with OUD in Appalachian Kentucky following release from prison. Semi-structured qualitative interviews with 15 social service clinicians (SSCs) employed by the Department of Corrections were conducted to identify barriers at the individual, interpersonal, organizational/institutional level, community, and systems levels. Two independent coders conducted line-by-line coding to identify key themes. Treatment barriers were identified across the social ecological spectrum. At the individual-level, SSCs highlighted high-risk drug use and a lack of motivation. At the interpersonal level, homogenous social networks (i.e., homophilious drug-using networks) and networks with limited treatment knowledge inhibited treatment. SSC’s high case load and probation/parole officer’s limited understanding of treatment were organizational/institutional barriers. Easy access to opioids, few treatment resources, and a lack of community support for treatment were barriers at the community level. SSC’s noted system-level barriers such as lack of transportation options, cost, and uncertainty about the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. More rural infrastructure resources as well as additional education for family networks, corrections staff, and the community at large in Appalachia are needed to address barriers to OUD treatment. Future research should examine barriers from the perspective of other key stakeholders (e.g., clients, families of clients) and test interventions to increase access to OUD treatment.
Yahdii reveals the way

Using Indigenous Astronomy and the arts, I respond to Wayfinding with a conceptual image that represents my cultural understanding of the idea of navigation.
Directionality of information flow and echoes without chambers.

How do echo chambers operate? Why does social propagation of information become trapped within the boundaries of social groups? Previous studies of these questions have identified informational and structural factors which hinder information exchange across group boundaries; these factors constitute “chambers” in which information flows are confined and transformed into “echoes.” However, empirical evidence has indicated that these factors may not sufficiently explain the mechanism of echo chambers. Hence, the present study investigated whether the insular flow of information emerges and endures without the chambers. A randomized controlled experiment was conducted in which participants, who were classified into two political groups, exchanged randomly selected articles with the same number of ingroup and outgroup neighbors. The experiment manipulated the directionality of incoming information flow by varying the number of articles sent from ingroup neighbors across two conditions. Analyses revealed that the ingroup-slanted inflow induced ingroup-slanted outflow, suppressing transmission toward neighbors in a different social group. The biased inflow also promoted positive reactions to information exchanges and reduced negative evaluations on the exchanged information. Furthermore, the ingroup-slanted inflow increased false perceptions of ingroup majority, which is known to encourage information dissemination by a social group. The present study suggests two self-reinforcing mechanisms of ingroup-biased flows that generate echoes even without the chambers. These mechanisms may enable a small group of strategic actors to exacerbate polarization within a large population by manipulating directions of information flow.
Politicizing fashion: Inconspicuous consumption and anti-intellectualism during the Cultural Revolution in China:

For many years, fashion has been an area of interest in consumer research, but scholars have paid little attention to how political ideology influences fashion. This article examines how Chinese co...
Establishing a campus garden and food pantry to address food insecurity: lessons learned

This case study describes the simultaneous establishment of a campus garden and food pantry at an urban, Hispanic-serving institution. Lessons learned and implications for practice are discussed. P...
Typography as Semiotic Resource

>The typography of written language not only serves as a conduit of verbal narrative, it serves as a visual element and semiotic resource with its own meaning potentials. In conjunction with an ana...
Agrarian Policy Changes and the Evolution of Land Tenure in Cuba

The agrarian policy changes introduced in Cuba since 2007 have resulted in notable changes in land tenure. This has contributed to a shift to annual crops, substantial reductions in idle land and the partial (but still insufficient) recovery of non‐sugar agricultural output and yields. Despite these limited advances, the long‐term growth and development of Cuban agriculture requires more profound structural reforms. The experiences of China and Vietnam suggest that the (further) expansion of land tenure and property rights should be a logical first step to achieve this goal.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Screening in the U.S.

Introduction This study evaluates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on testing for common sexually transmitted infections. Specifically, changes are measured in chlamydia and gonorrhea testing and case detection among patients aged 14–49 years during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods U.S. chlamydia and gonorrhea testing and positivity were analyzed on the basis of >18.6 million tests (13.6 million tests for female patients and 4.7 million tests for male patients) performed by a national reference clinical laboratory from January 2019 through June 2020. Results Chlamydia and gonorrhea testing reached a nadir in early April 2020, with decreases (relative to the baseline level) of 59% for female patients and 63% for male patients. Declines in testing were strongly associated with increases in weekly positivity rates for chlamydia (R2=0.96) and gonorrhea (R2=0.85). From March 2020 through June 2020, an expected 27,659 (26.4%) chlamydia and 5,577 (16.5%) gonorrhea cases were potentially missed. Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic impacted routine sexually transmitted infection services, suggesting an increase in syndromic sexually transmitted infection testing and missed asymptomatic cases. Follow-up analyses will be needed to assess the long-term implications of missed screening opportunities. These findings should serve as a warning for the potential sexual and reproductive health implications that can be expected from the overall decline in testing and potential missed cases.
Towards Imaging Pt Chemoresistance Using Gd(III)-Pt(II) Theranostic MR Contrast Agents.

Cisplatin and related Pt(II) chemotherapeutics are indispensable tools for the treatment of various solid tumors. Despite their widespread clinical use in approximately 50 % of chemotherapy regimens, they are hindered by issues with off-target toxicity and chemoresistance, both innate and acquired. To date, there is no effective way to predict the outcome of Pt(II) chemotherapy because the genes associated with resistance are not completely known or understood. Instead, patients undergo weeks to months of potentially harmful therapy before knowing if it is effective. Here we report two Gd(III)-Pt(II) theranostic MR contrast agents that contain cisplatin and carboplatin-based moieties respectively. We used these agents to demonstrate that accumulation differences in Pt(II) sensitive and resistant cells, a dominant factor in chemoresistance, can be imaged by MR. Both theranostic agents bind to DNA, are cytotoxic, and enhance the intracellular T1 -weighted MR contrast of multiple cell lines. Most importantly, the cisplatin-based agent accumulates less in Pt(II) resistant cells in vitro and in vivo, resulting in decreased MR contrast enhancement compared to the parent Pt(II) sensitive cell line. This straightforward method to image a key factor of Pt(II) resistance using MRI is an important first step towards the ultimate goals of predicting response to Pt(II) chemotherapy and monitoring for the onset of chemoresistance - a critical unmet need in medicine that could significantly improve patient outcomes.
Ureteral Reconstruction: An Overview of Appendiceal Interposition and Ureterocalicostomy

For the mid-proximal ureteral stricture as well as failed pyeloplasty, ureteral reconstruction can be difficult. This chapter highlights and describes points of technique for two rarely used procedures that may be used in these challenging clinical situations, appendiceal interposition, and ureterocalicostomy.
Modeling the soil moisture sensor using an automated data acquisition system

The authors develop an electrical model of a soil moisture sensor using data collected from an automated data acquisition system. The model developed, which is useful in expediting sensor design, is capable of predicting the responses of the sensor at different moisture conditions and at different frequencies. Comparison of the model and experimental data is included. >
Synthesis of (L) α-2,4-Dinitrophenylhistidne

THE reaction of histidine with 1 : 2 : 4-fluorodinitrobenzene (FDNB) could yield a di-substituted histidine and two mono-substituted histidines. Di-dinitrophenylhistidine has been prepared in pure form1–4, and although the isolation of a mono-dinitrophenylhistidine has been claimed1, neither physical constants nor proof of structure were given. Later workers have not been able to prepare either of the mono-substituted compounds in pure form4,5. Efforts to synthesize α-dinitrophenylhistidine were recently reported to have resulted in mixtures containing equal amounts of imidazole dinitrophenylhistidine and α-dinitrophenylhistidine5.
Physical State in Which Naphthalene and Bibenzyl are Utilized by Bacteria

The generation times of a strain of Pseudomonas grown on a mineral salts medium in the presence of various amounts of naphthalene did not vary with the amount of solid present, and these generation times were the same as the generation time on mineral salts medium containing only dissolved naphthalene. The generation time of a soil isolate grown on mineral salts medium in the presence of 0.5 g of solid bibenzyl per liter was the same as the generation time on a mineral salts medium saturated with bibenzyl. The evidence indicates that naphthalene and bibenzyl are utilized in the dissolved state.
Review of the Upside of Your Dark Side: Why Being Your Whole Self – Not Just Your “Good” Self – Drives Success and Fulfillment, by Todd Kashdan and Robert Biswas-Diener

The Upside of Your Dark Side is the result of collaboration between Todd Kashdan, a research powerhouse and vocal critic from within the positive psychology movement, and Robert Biswas-Diener, an accomplished author, coach, consultant, and researcher in his own right. The resulting product gives readers the best of both authors’ strengths: outstanding empirical rigor, vibrant writing, and groundbreaking ideas. The central thesis of Upside is to turn on its head the common wisdom that negative emotions are bad and should be avoided; they show how in moderation, in the right situations, three key negative emotions (anger, guilt, and anxiety) can be tremendously beneficial. They also argue that happiness and mindfulness, two constructs often thought to be universally beneficial, are not all good. They close with the proposition that a person who avoids negativity misses out on the benefits of being “whole” – a person who experiences both positive and negative emotions and harnesses each to their full potential.
WWBs, ENSO predictability, the spring barrier and extreme events

This study examines how semi-stochastic Westerly Wind Bursts (WWBs) affect El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) predictability. An ensemble ENSO prediction experiment is presented in which the Community Climate System Model version 3 (CCSM3) and CCSM3 with a state-dependent WWB parameterization are used as both “truth” and as predictor systems. Inclusion of WWBs has little effect on ENSO predictability if the “truth” lacks WWBs. If the “truth” includes WWBs, the limit of ENSO predictability is larger for a forecast system that captures the correct statistics of WWBs. Predictability drops considerably if a forecast system that lacks WWB events is used to predict a “truth” that includes WWBs. At longer lead times, predictability is more dependent on the dynamical properties of the truth; that is, the importance of capturing the WWB statistics becomes less important and the statistics (e.g., signal-to-noise ratio) of the truth determine the limit of predictability. At short leads, ENSO predictability depends on the prediction system and the “truth.” ENSO prediction skill is model and phase dependent. Predictability of extreme warm events remains a challenge as the number of ensemble members required to capture these events is on the order of 100 members. Finally, we examine real ENSO predictions with and without the WWB parameterization. It is found that including WWBs in the prediction system significantly increases ENSO prediction skill compared with a prediction system that lacks WWBs. Also, it is found that the so-called forecast spring prediction barrier is, at least partially, caused by the lack of WWB representation in the forecast system.
Beyond Identities: The Limits of an Antidiscrimination Approach to Equality

This article compares the legal culture of equality in the United States with the legal cultures of other constitutional democracies. It looks at two manifestations of equality: equality in its narrow sense – as a nondiscrimination mandate – and equality in its broader, substantive sense – as establishing a positive right to access the social goods or resources necessary to sustain equally valued individuals. The article ultimately argues that the foundational difference between the manner in which equality is understood in the United States and how it is understood in much of the rest of the world arises from the recognition and acceptance in other countries that human need and vulnerability are not only an individual responsibility but also a state responsibility. The U.S. Constitution is ancient by international standards, and it embodies and idealizes an antiquated political-legal subject and a restricted sense of state responsibility that is unrealistic for defining the appropriate legal relationships that exist between the modern state, the lives of individuals, and the operation of complex societal institutions. Clinging to the idea of a “liberal” constitutional or political legal subject that was prevalent when the U.S. Constitution was drafted has impeded the evolution of a concept of equality that would complement our developing understanding of what is necessary in terms of state responsibility to ensure that all people are treated as “created equal.” This article concludes by offering the concept of the “vulnerable subject” as a more viable and appropriate figure around which to build contemporary policy and law and suggesting some measures legislatures and courts could take to build a more responsive and responsible state that would function to ensure meaningful equality of access and opportunity.
Program Synthesis Using Dual Interpretation

We present an approach for component-based program synthesis that uses two distinct interpretations for the symbols in the program. The first interpretation defines the semantics of the program. It is used to specify functional requirements. The second interpretation is used to capture nonfunctional requirements that may vary by application. We present a language for program synthesis from components that uses dual interpretation. We reduce the synthesis problem to an exists-forall problem, which is solved using the exists-forall extension of the SMT-solver Yices. We use our approach to synthesize bitvector manipulation programs, padding-based encryption schemes, and block cipher modes of operations.
The role of phase II antioxidant enzymes in protecting memory T cells from spontaneous apoptosis in young and old mice.

Aging is associated with a functional decline and change in the phenotypic distribution of T cell subsets. The free radical theory of aging is widely promoted as the mechanistic basis for cellular senescence, including the immune system. Although the exact molecular explanation for the role of oxidative stress in cellular senescence is unclear, there is a connection to altered mitochondrial function, both as a contributor and as a target of oxidative stress. In this study we demonstrate that splenic T lymphocytes from old C57BL/6 mice exhibit a significant decline in mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψ m ). However, despite this change, there is a lower rate of withdrawal apoptosis in the memory CD4 + and CD8 + T cells. To explain the survival of these long-lived cells against a background of increased oxidative stress, we demonstrate increased glutathione production and phase II enzyme expression, which combine to protect memory T cells against oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cell death. The accumulation of memory T cells with aging explains higher phase II enzyme expression in CD4 + and CD8 + T cells from old mice. Compared with wild-type mice, mice lacking the expression of NF-E2-related factor-2 , the transcription factor that regulates phase II enzyme expression, had a significantly enhanced rate of apoptosis in the presence of an oxidative stress stimulus. NF-E2-related factor-2 -deficient T cells exhibit a bigger decline in Δψ m and increased reactive oxygen species production than cells from wild-type animals. Taken together, we suggest that phase II enzyme expression and the accompanying increase in intracellular thiol levels protect memory T cells from mitochondrial dysfunction and spontaneous apoptosis.
A study of the high current back lighted thyratron and pseudospark switch

High-current operation of the back-lighted thyratron (BLT) switch is reported. The cathode emission mechanism and discharge formation characteristics common to BLT and pseudospark switches are described. The BLT switch is an optically triggered low-pressure diffuse discharge closing switch that operates at high currents with a self-heated cathode. Operation for square 150 ns pulses of 1-10.5 kA, 2.5-20 kV, >
Supporting justice policy reform: A case study in the role of training*

This paper explores the role of staff training as an intervention supporting policy reform in criminal justice. Using the example of one state's experience (Florida) in curriculum development and t...
Human immunodeficiency virus infection in Alabama women: sociodemographic, behavioral, and reproductive health characteristics and factors associated with lack of human immunodeficiency virus-1 viral control.

Abstract Background Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among women in the southern United States is on the rise. This study examined sociodemographic profile and behavioral risk factors for HIV and sexually transmitted infections and assessed factors associated with HIV-1 viral control in a cohort of 280 HIV-infected Alabama women aged 17 to 66 years. Methods Women receiving care for HIV infection at a university outpatient HIV clinic were enrolled in the study. Women completed a self-administered questionnaire on demographics and behavioral risk factors at enrollment. They were followed up with appointments at least every 6 months with Papanicolaou smears, cervicovaginal lavages, cervical and vaginal swabs, and blood specimens collected at each visit. Results Of the women in the study, 69% were black, had mean age of 36 years, and ~ three fourths were mothers with annual household income P = 0.02) and had significantly lower viral loads at enrollment ( P = 0.04) than black women. Factors associated with lack of HIV-1 control (≥ 10,000 RNA copies/mL) at enrollment included black race/ethnicity (odds ratio [OR]: 2.8; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2 − 6.8), CD4 + T-cell count μ L (OR: 20.1; CI: 8.6 − 47.0), being diagnosed with HIV Conclusions Poorer HIV-1 viral control in black women at enrollment may indicate suboptimal access to HIV testing, delays in receipt of medical care after HIV-1 diagnosis, and/or some underlying biologic or social race-related influence.
Colony density and activity times of the ant Camponotus semitestaceus (hymenoptera:formicidae) in a shrub steppe community

Colony densities and above-ground activity periods were determined for Camponotus semitestaceus colonies within a shrub-steppe community. Colony densities (x +/- SD) averaged 0.088 +/- 0.032 per m/sup 2/ and 0.048 +/- 0.028 per m/sup 2/ on two sagebrush-bunchgrass sites and 0.028 +/- 0.028 per m/sup 2/ on a burned site. Seventy-five percent of the nest entrances were located alongside the stems of sagebrush, indicating a preference for these microhabitats as nest locations. Above-ground activity times were determined by using time lapse photography. Activity commenced shortly after sunset, when light intensities dropped to 2.5 to 1.0 foot-candles (ca. 27 to 11 lux) and terminated just before sunrise. Light intensity appears to be the primary cue for controlling above-ground activity periods of this species, but temperature also appears to be an important factor. When soil surface temperatures drop to 1.7 to 3.9/sup 0/C, all above-ground activity ceases, irrespective of light intensity. 19 references, 3 figures, 2 tables.
Paleomagnetism of Jurassic radiolarian chert above the Coast Range ophiolite at Stanley Mountain, California, and implications for its paleogeographic origins

Upper Jurassic red tuffaceous chert above the Coast Range ophiolite at Stanley Mountain, California (lat 35°N, long 240°E), contains three components of remanent magnetization. The first component (A; removed by ≈100–≈200°C) has a direction near the present-day field for southern California and is probably a recently acquired thermoviscous magnetization. A second component (B; removed between ≈100 and ≈600°C) is identical to that observed by previous workers in samples of underlying pillow basalt and overlying terrigenous sedimentary rocks. This component has constant normal polarity and direction throughout the entire section, although these rocks were deposited during a mixed polarity interval of the geomagnetic field. The B magnetization, therefore, is inferred to be a secondary magnetization acquired during accretion, uplift, or Miocene volcanism prior to regional clockwise rotation. The highest temperature component (C; removed between ≈480 and 680°C) is of dual polarity and is tentatively interpreted as a primary magnetization, although it fails a reversal test possibly due to contamination by B. Separation of the B and C components is best shown by samples with negative-inclination C directions, and a corrected mean direction using only these samples indicates an initial paleolatitude of 32°N ± 8°. Paleobiogeographic models relating radiolarian faunal distribution patterns to paleolatitude have apparently been incorrectly calibrated using the overprint B component. Few other paleomagnetic data have been incorporated in these models, and faunal distribution patterns are poorly known and mostly unquantified. The available data, therefore, do not support formation of the Coast Range ophiolite at Stanley Mountain near the paleoequator or accretion at ≈10°N paleolatitude, as has been previously suggested based on paleomagnetic data, but indicate deposition near expected paleolatitudes for North America (35°N ± 4°) during Late Jurassic time.