cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High affinity [3H]dextrorphan binding in rat brain is localized to a noncompetitive antagonist site of the activated N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-cation channel

[3H]Dextrorphan recognition sites were characterized in rat brain membranes. The pharmacological profile and regional distribution of [3H]dextrorphan binding sites appear to distinguish these sites from those labeled either by [3H]dextromethorphan or by putative sigma receptor radioligands. Data from thoroughly washed forebrain membranes suggest that [3H]dextrorphan predominantly labels a high affinity site defined by the activated state of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-channel complex. Regulation of [3H]dextrorphan binding by specific modulators of NMDA receptor function suggests that [3H]dextrorphan binding is predominantly localized to a domain of the receptor-channel complex also recognized by the prototypical noncompetitive antagonist radioligands (+)-[3H]5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5,10-imi ne (MK-801) and [3H]1-[1-(2-thienyl)cyclohexyl]piperidine (TCP). The critical relationship between [3H]dextrorphan binding and activation of the NMDA receptor-complex is suggested by the profound dependence of [3H]dextrorphan binding on glutamate in well washed membranes. Basal specific [3H]dextrorphan binding is nearly totally suppressed by the specific competitive NMDA antagonist D(-)-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid (D-AP5), in a glutamate- but not glycine-surmountable manner. Glutamate and glycine each stimulate [3H]dextrorphan binding in a concentration-dependent manner, effecting maximal increases from control of up to 30- and 14-fold, respectively. The NMDA receptor specificity of the modulation of [3H]dextrorphan binding by glutamate and glycine is indicated by the sensitivity of their effects to competitive antagonism by D-AP5 and 3-amino-1-hydroxy-2-pyrrolidone (HA-966), respectively, and by the accordant rank orders of potency of glycine analogs as modulators of [3H]dextrorphan binding and as ligands at the strychnine-insensitive glycine site. The divalent cations Mg2+ and Zn2+ and the polyamines spermine and spermidine regulate [3H]dextrorphan binding in a manner consistent with radioligand interaction at the noncompetitive NMDA antagonist domain. Mg2+ and spermidine regulate [3H]dextrorphan binding biphasically in well washed forebrain membranes, whereas Zn2+ monotonically inhibits [3H]dextrorphan binding. Mg2+ and spermidine regulate [3H]dextrorphan binding with qualitative similarity and in a contrasting fashion to their regulation of [3H]MK-801 and [3H]TCP binding. First, spermidine and Mg2+ are significantly more potent modulators of [3H]dextrorphan binding than of [3H]MK-801 and [3H]TCP binding in well washed membranes; second, whereas the potencies of spermidine and Mg2+ as modulators of [3H]MK-801 and [3H]TCP binding are significantly increased by glutamate and glycine in well washed membranes, their potencies as regulators of [3H]dextrorphan binding appear to be unaffected by glutamate and glycine.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Effects of endotoxin on zinc metabolism in human volunteers.

After stress or trauma, the serum zinc concentration decreases. This study evaluated possible mechanisms for hypozincemia with the use of a human endotoxemia model. Two doses of endotoxin [lipopoly...
Genome-wide significant loci for addiction and anxiety

Abstract Background Psychiatric comorbidity is common among individuals with addictive disorders, with patients frequently suffering from anxiety disorders. While the genetic architecture of comorbid addictive and anxiety disorders remains unclear, elucidating the genes involved could provide important insights into the underlying etiology. Methods Here we examine a sample of 1284 Mexican-Americans from randomly selected extended pedigrees. Variance decomposition methods were used to examine the role of genetics in addiction phenotypes (lifetime history of alcohol dependence, drug dependence or chronic smoking) and various forms of clinically relevant anxiety. Genome-wide univariate and bivariate linkage scans were conducted to localize the chromosomal regions influencing these traits. Results Addiction phenotypes and anxiety were shown to be heritable and univariate genome-wide linkage scans revealed significant quantitative trait loci for drug dependence (14q13.2-q21.2, LOD=3.322) and a broad anxiety phenotype (12q24.32-q24.33, LOD=2.918). Significant positive genetic correlations were observed between anxiety and each of the addiction subtypes (ρ g =0.550–0.655) and further investigation with bivariate linkage analyses identified significant pleiotropic signals for alcohol dependence-anxiety (9q33.1-q33.2, LOD=3.054) and drug dependence-anxiety (18p11.23-p11.22, LOD=3.425). Conclusions This study confirms the shared genetic underpinnings of addiction and anxiety and identifies genomic loci involved in the etiology of these comorbid disorders. The linkage signal for anxiety on 12q24 spans the location of TMEM132D , an emerging gene of interest from previous GWAS of anxiety traits, whilst the bivariate linkage signal identified for anxiety-alcohol on 9q33 peak coincides with a region where rare CNVs have been associated with psychiatric disorders. Other signals identified implicate novel regions of the genome in addiction genetics.
Development of a High Toughness Weld for Incoloy Alloy 908

Incoloy® alloy 908+ is a candidate conduit material for the large-scale Nb3Sn superconducting magnets of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER).1 It is a nickel-iron base precipitation-hardening superalloy with a chemical composition that has been optimized for a low coefficient of thermal expansion, superior cryogenic structural properties, and phase stability during the Nb3Sn reaction heat treatment.2 The alloy precipitates γ′, Ni3(A1,Ti,Nb), as the primary strengthening phase and has demonstrated excellent mechanical properties at both 298 and 4 K.3,4 However, welds of the alloy have shown reduced fracture toughness. Since fabrication of the cablein-conduit conductors for ITER will require welding, the motive of the work has been to improve fracture toughness while maintaining adequate weld strength.
MOLECULAR THEORIES OF RUBBER-LIKE ELASTICITY AND POLYMER VISCOELASTICITY

Abstract The foundation for nearly all the molecular theories of the physical properties of polymers was laid in 1934 when Guth and Mark [I], and Kuhn [21 first recognized the role of configurational entropy of polymer chains. By virtue of ability of their segments to rotate with respect to each other along the chain backbone, macromolecules are capable of assuming a myriad of conformations. It is this long, flexible chain nature of polymer molecules that provides us a link in in terpreting the macroscopic physical properties in terms of microscopic molecular dynamics. In this review we shall demonstrate the utilization of conformational statistics in the formulation of molecular theories for two important aspects of the mechanical properties of polymers. The first part deals with the equilibrium elastic response of a cross-linked rubber -like network. A simplified derivation will be given on the basis of the entropic approach. Some of the underlying assumptions will then be examined, and the contribution...
Transfer of TLC screening methods for azithromycin, imipramine HCl, and sulfadoxine + pyrimethamine tablets to quantitative HPTLC-densitometry methods

ABSTRACTTransfer of three thin-layer chromatography (TLC) mobile kit protocols for detecting fake drugs in pharmaceutical products to quantitative high-performance TLC (HPTLC)–densitometry methods was carried out using a model process published earlier. The developed and validated methods for tablets containing azithromycin, imipramine HCl, and sulfadoxine + pyrimethamine involved EMD Millipore Premium Purity silica gel 60 F254 plates, automated sample, and standard solution application with a CAMAG Linomat 4, and automated densitometry with a CAMAG Scanner 3 for detection, identification, and quantification.
Report of clinical results in intraoperative wireless recording

In this work, clinical results of a wireless recording system for intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring during a spine correction surgery are reported. The wireless modules connecting directly to the subdermal needle electrodes transmit the waveforms detected in certain muscle areas to a computer via telemetry for real-time display, analysis and storage. Sufficient gain, bandwidth and digitalization preserve the integrity of the neural signal waveforms throughout the surgery. The feasibility of using wireless communication to quantitatively document the health of patient's neural system during spine manipulation is demonstrated. The waveforms are recorded in real time with high accuracy to assess the risks of injury. This demonstration validates the potentials for wireless signal acquisition in clinical settings and can enable more applications for precise diagnosis with benefits of elimination cluttered wires and electromagnetic interferences.
A Flow-Injection System for Studying Heat Inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella enteritidis in Liquid Whole Egg.

A flow-injection system was devised to mimic continuous flow-through pasteurization systems for laboratory thermal inactivation studies. Air bubbles were introduced into the sample stream to create separate moving segments (plugs) of liquid stream during pasteurization while residence time was adjusted by a combination of pump speed and column length. The method was used to obtain thermal inactivation data for Listeria monocytogenes Scott A and Salmonella enteritidis ATCC 13076 in liquid whole eggs at different temperatures and heating times. Thermal inactivation of L. monocytogenes using the capillary tube method (Zcap = 7.3°C) gave results comparable to those obtained with the flow-injection system (Zflow = 7.2°C). The flow-injection system also was used to examine thermal inactivation of S. enteritidis (SE) grown in either tryptic soy broth (TSB) or egg yolk medium (EYM) before inoculation into liquid whole egg (LWE). D-values were obtained by regression analysis and the data showed that SE grown in EYM gave D-values 15 to 120% higher than those obtained for SE grown in TSB. Thermal inactivation studies performed with S. enteritidis grown in commercial broth media may therefore inaccurately represent thermal resistance of S. enteritidis grown in liquid or shell raw egg as may occur in egg-associated outbreaks. The continuous flow-injection system described herein may be adapted to study continuous flow pasteurization processes not easily examined by the traditional capillary tube method.
Origin and population connectivity of temperate and tropical tunas: Insights from natural markers in otoliths

N chemical markers in the otoliths of temperate and tropical tunas (Thunnus albacares, T. obesus, T. thynnus) were used to investigate their origin and spatial histories at the ocean-basin scale. Here, we provide an overview of the approach and general findings to date for studies conducted in both the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean. Characterizing the otolith chemistry of youngof-the-year (YOY) tunas is the first step in establishing chemical baselines for each putative nursery (i.e. source), and evaluating the suitability of the approach for investigating trans-ocean movement and homing capabilities. Spatial variation in otolith chemistry of YOY tunas was detected for all species examined and, although elemental ratios and stable isotopes both showed promise for determining an individual’s place of origin, classification success was typically higher for stable isotopes, particularly δ18O. The nursery origin of adolescent and adult T. albacares, T. obesus, and T. thynnus were determined by comparing their otolith core chemistry to YOY baselines, and several interesting patterns were detected. Trans-ocean or trans-boundary movements occurred for all three species examined, suggesting that these tunas are highly migratory with populations connected at the ocean-basin scale. Still, limited movements and high site fidelity were also observed, and this finding indicates that local (versus outside) production may be more important than previously assumed for certain populations of tunas. Given that yields and rebuilding plans are highly sensitive to the movement and mixing of individuals from different production zones, an improved understanding of connectivity is needed to ensure that tuna populations are sustainably managed.
1% low-fat milk has perks!: An evaluation of a social marketing intervention.

This study evaluated the effect of a 12-week social marketing intervention conducted in 2012 promoting 1% milk use relying on paid advertising. Weekly milk sales data by type of milk (whole, 2%, 1%, and nonfat milk) were collected from 80 supermarkets in the Oklahoma City media market, the intervention market, and 66 supermarkets in the Tulsa media market (TMM), the comparison market. The effect was measured with a paired t-test. A mixed segmented regression model, controlling for the contextual difference between supermarkets and data correlation, identified trends before, during, and after the intervention. Results show the monthly market share of 1% milk sales changed from 10.0% to 11.5%, a 15% increase. Evaluating the volume sold, the monthly mean number of gallons of 1% milk sold increased from 890.5 gal (SD = 769.8) per supermarket from before the intervention to 1070.7 gal (SD = 922.5) following the intervention (t(79) = 9.4, p = 0.000). Moreover, average weekly sales of 1% milk were stable prior to the intervention (b = - 0.2 gal/week, 95% CI [- 0.6 gal/week, 0.3 gal/week]). During each additional week of the intervention, 1% milk sales increased by an average of 4.1 gal in all supermarkets (95% CI [3.5 gal/week, 4.6 gal/week]). Three months later, albeit attenuated, a significant increase in 1% milk sales remained. In the comparison market, no change in the market share of 1% milk occurred. Paid advertising, using the principles of social marketing, can be effective in changing an entrenched and habitual nutrition habit.
Autoimmune enteropathy and hepatitis in pediatric heart transplant recipient

AIE is a rare disorder in children that presents with severe diarrhea and malabsorption, caused by immune-mediated damage to intestinal mucosa. AIE is often associated with various syndromes of immunodeficiency including IPEX syndrome (immune dysregulation, polyendocrinopathy and enteropathy, X-linked). Dysfunctional T regulatory cells are the source of pathology in both IPEX syndrome and AIE as they are essential in maintaining tolerance to self-antigens and eliminating autoreactive B cells. This case report describes a 10-year-old cardiac transplant and total thymectomy patient on chronic immunosuppression with tacrolimus that presented with AIE and extraintestinal manifestations of cyclical hepatitis. Transition from tacrolimus to sirolimus successfully increased T regulatory cells and resolved enteritis and hepatitis symptoms. Data support that thymectomy at <1 year of age increases risk of autoimmune disease due to abnormal immune maturation. Studies suggest that the sirolimus promotes the upregulation of the FoxP3 protein that is classically associated with Tregs. In turn, Tregs prevent the maturation of autoreactive B cells that lead to autoimmune reactions.
Measurable and Influential Parameters That Influence Corrosion Performance Differences between Multiwall Carbon Nanotube Coating Material Combinations and Model Parent Material Combinations Derived from Epoxy-Amine Matrix Materials

Protective coatings are often erroneously thought of as perfect environmental barriers for metal substrates; however, a host of corrosion inducing environmental contaminants permeate through defect-free coatings. Carbon nanotubes are high aspect ratio nanofillers with unique mechanical, electrical, and polymer interaction properties with well-established yet, for practical reasons, often unrealized potential. The research objective was to quantify and understand the influential effects and relationships between low concentration levels of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) dispersed into epoxy-amine matrix materials and the different water hydrogen bonding interactions on corrosion rates of steel substrates. We hypothesize that when water directly hydrogen bonds with polymer, substrate and/or MWCNTS, the localized water’s capacity to transfer environmental contaminants through the coating, i.e., to and from the substrate, diminishes due to a reduced potential to contribute to the formation of water hydrat...
Ionic dependence of active Na-K transport: "clamping" of cellular Na+ with monensin.

The Na+ ionophore monensin was used to study the Na+- and K+-dependence of ouabain-inhibitable 86Rb+ uptake in ARL 15 cells, a rat liver cell line. Graded concentrations of monensin rapidly induced...
What Is So Special About Specialized Courts in the United States

Courts and their judges are typically thought of as generalist in orientation. Yet we continue to witness in recent years a growing trend toward the creation of specialized courts that rely on judges with technical and subject-matter expertise. It is a trend found increasingly in the United States and around the world. In this chapter, we examine the nature of specialized courts and their growing popularity. We bring out the “special” in specialized courts by analyzing the power of their structural characteristics and reviewing the current state of research and theoretical development on specialized courts. We analyze the therapeutic jurisprudence movement in federal and state courts as one of the most exciting developments in judicial politics in recent years. Finally, we discuss concerns about whether specialized courts pose a threat to traditional courts. We end by discussing the possible direction of future work on judicial specialization.
Teaching Ad Tech: Assessing Collaborative Teaching in an Advertising, Computer Science and Design Course:

Advertising technology is advancing quickly incorporating digital techniques that may be beyond the experience of the individual faculty member. Collaborative teaching, where faculty members from d...
A wearable sensor based hand movement rehabilitation and evaluation system

This paper presents a wearable hand movement rehabilitation system for stroke patients. The system is developed based on data glove and keyboard games. Rehabilitation practice is achieved via hand gesture recognition. In this work, the data glove with bending sensors is good for motion data collection during hand movement rehabilitation. The hand animation model, combined with keyboard games, enables the stroke patient under test to see its fingers movements and exercise process. In feedback stage, the rehabilitation evaluation and recommendation are provided based on the recognition of hand gestures. The experimental results have demonstrated a high accuracy on overt gesture recognition and a reasonable accuracy on complex key press gesture recognition.
Effect of tuning characteristics of continuous wave quantum cascade laser on detection of CH 4 and N 2 O in mid-IR region

We report on studies of tuning characteristics and modulation properties of a distributed feedback continuous wave quantum cascade laser centered at 7.83 μm in detection of mid-IR line transitions of methane, nitrous oxide and water-vapor.
Oral Appliances for the Management of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

The use of oral appliances has been more widely accepted over the last decade. Despite the fact that the availability of these devices is not widely known, the use of them as for a first-line therapy and as an option to CPAP or surgery is growing. In like manner the evidence to support the use of oral appliances as a viable treatment option for patients with sleep apnea or who may only snore is only going to become more compelling as it relates to the use of oral appliances. One of the key issues surrounding the decision to use an oral appliance, have surgery or to use CPAP is not just which will be more effective but which therapy is likely to proved the best long term benefit. When considering a decision to use CPAP or an oral appliance the need to assess compliance and adherence is paramount. After all, what matters most is that the patient is motivated to manage the sleep apnea on an ongoing, regular basis in an effort to avoid the onset of health risks related to sleep apnea. Oral appliances offer the patient this option along with convenience and in many cases an improved quality of life.
Advocacy Networks and Market Models for Education

In much of the world, policymakers, philanthropists, and experts are demanding evidence on the effectiveness of proposed approaches for addressing issues, often as an indicator of the suitability of different interventions for receiving funding and support. But in education policy in particular, there are serious questions not only about the degree to which policies are actually evidence based but also how evidence is produced, whether it is useful, how policymakers access or use evidence on policy proposals, and how new forms of advocacy networks convey ideas across time and space, and perhaps—in doing so—re-shape those ideas. Into the space between research production and policymaking, we are seeing the entrance of new actors—networks of intermediaries—that seek to collect, interpret, package, and promote evidence for policymakers to use in forming their decisions. In this chapter, I briefly review a number of approaches to considering policy transfer, focusing on education issues in general, and market-based policies in particular. I then outline the concept of advocacy networks, and highlight the emerging role of intermediaries within those networks. Then after considering some of the current approaches to understanding how policy ideas transfer across nodes, actors, and contexts, this chapter describes an ongoing, multi-site study that examines this issue through a mixed-methods investigation of actors working in policy networks. In reporting some of the findings from the study, this chapter notes a few of the limitations of one of the most popular theoretical perspectives for understanding such networks. The concluding discussion introduces some theoretical considerations for analyzing policy transfer through a lens of economic transaction.
Families Facing the Opioid Crisis: Content and Frame Analysis of YouTube Videos:

Opioid abuse has become a national crisis due to overprescribing, misuse, and misinformation. Data were collected from N = 125 YouTube videos, with n = 33 videos fitting the inclusion criteria for ...
Real-world treatment patterns and healthcare costs of biologics and apremilast among patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis by metabolic condition status.

To compare treatment patterns and costs among psoriasis patients with and without metabolic conditions newly initiating a biologic or apremilast. Adult patients included had ≥1 prescription for sec...
Assessment of Labor Issues Faced by the Coconut Producer in Lanao del Norte Province

This article assesses the labor issues encountered by coconut producers. It identifies the factors influencing the labor cost that burdened the coconut producers. The study was conducted in the province of Lanao del Norte in the Philippines from October to November 2016. A total of 400 coconut producers were surveyed using the closed-ended questionnaires. The data were analyzed using Garrett’s ranking method and multiple linear regression was applied by the aid of SPSS version 23. The study reveals that high cost of labor is the prime issue encountered by coconut producers in the province. The inadequacy of labors was considered as an important issue since it was ranked as the second rank in labor issues by the coconut producers. It further reveals that the number of the laborers, size of the land, and the number of coconut tree have a strong influence on the cost of labors.
32 – THE ECONOMICS OF GOVERNMENT FAILURE

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the economics of government failure. Economic theory suggests that public sector action, like the market mechanism, sometimes goes astray in dealing with certain types of economic activity. When the benefits of public sector action are difficult for voters to perceive, proposals tend to be rejected even though they would promote the community's welfare. When the costs of a policy are difficult to identify, there is a strong incentive to package public policy in a manner that amplifies the benefits while concealing the costs imposed on voters. There is a strong incentive for political suppliers to support special interest issues, particularly if the issue is complex. The unorganized, largely uninformed majority does not understand the issue. In contrast, one's position on the special interest issue is the sole determining factor of support, financial and elective, from the special interest group. The shortsightedness effect is another potential source of conflict and government failure.
Towards the Selection of the Best Machine Learning Techniques and Methods for Urinalysis

Urinalysis is a significant technique used for determining and inspecting the urinary system. Urine has numerous chemical materials secreted; these materials can be used to diagnose diseases and conditions such as urinary tract infection, diabetes, kidney diseases, and pregnancy, at the earliest. Accessing medical care and health screenings are quite essential, but it has become extremely difficult since screening techniques are either very expensive or convoluted for people of low-income communities. Despite the fact, that numerous urinalysis methods and techniques have been brought forth by researchers over the years, no research has been conducted to scrutinize and review state-of-the-art developments in the stated area. Hence, this research aims to conduct a Systematic Literature Review of urinalysis methods proposed and assessed from 2007 to 2019 and recognizes 33 studies. This leads to the identification of 10 methods, 8 technologies, 12 challenges, and 10 diseases. An insight analysis of the identified methods and models reveals that Genetic Based Fuzzy Classifying Method and Automatic Urinary Particle Recognition Method are the most optimum options due to the fact that their computational time is minimum as well as they do not require any supportive hardware. Moreover, the analysis of technologies reveals that Mobile App (Augmented Reality) is the best option among the identified technologies. It has also been discovered that machine/deep learning classification techniques have been used to classify the sample and provide reliable and accurate results within time. Nevertheless, a complete analysis of methods and technologies has been presented. The findings of this article are extremely useful for practitioners as well as academics of the area.
Torque-on-bit (TOB) prediction and optimization using machine learning algorithms

Abstract Drilling optimization can have direct and indirect cost savings implications on drilling a well. As a result, over the years, attention has been given to developing analytical and data-driven models that effectively predict and optimize the rate of penetration (ROP). This paper focuses on another aspect of improving drilling performance - predicting and optimizing torque-on-bit (TOB). TOB is a critical component in estimating the energy expanded during drilling called mechanical specific energy (MSE). TOB was modeled as a function of rotary speed (RPM), weight-on-bit (WOB), flow rate, pump pressure, and unconfined compressive strength (UCS). Five regression-based machine learning algorithms - linear regression, ridge regression, support vector machines, random forest, and boosted trees were used to build TOB models. The performance of the five algorithms was compared using the root mean square error (RMSE) and results showed that boosted trees was the best performing across all the formations. Three direct search optimization algorithms - Nelder Mead, differential evolution, particle swarm optimization (PSO) were used to optimize TOB and results showed that PSO consistently produced minimized TOB values in all the 12 formations. Finally, hypothesis testing was used to statistically test if there was a significant difference between the measured and optimized TOB values. The p-value obtained for each formation was less than the significance level of 5%, indicating the minimized TOB values were significant.
The health impacts of eviction: Evidence from the national longitudinal study of adolescent to adult health.

Abstract Eviction represents an urgent social and economic issue in the United States, with nearly two million evictions occurring annually in the U.S. Still, the population health impacts of evictions, as well as the pathways linking eviction to health, are not well documented or understood, particularly among young adults. Using nationally-representative, longitudinal data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (1994–2008) (n = 9029), the present study uses a combination of analytic methods—including prospective lagged dependent variable regression models, inverse probabilities of treatment weighting, longitudinal first difference models, causal mediation techniques—to comprehensively assess whether and how evictions relate to depressive risk and self-rated health across early adulthood, paying particular attention to the stress-related pathways linking eviction and health. Results provide robust evidence of positive longitudinal associations between eviction and depressive risk, in particular. In the prospective regression models, young adults who experienced recent eviction had more depressive symptoms and worse self-rated health than those who were not evicted, net a host of background characteristics. Using treatment weighting techniques, results showed that young adults who experienced eviction had more depressive symptoms than those who were not evicted (5.921 vs. 4.998 depressive symptoms, p = 0.003). Perceived social stress mediated nearly 18 percent of the associations between eviction and the depressive symptoms (p
Comparison of Conventional and Triple Bolus Computerized Tomographic Urography Protocols for Radiation Dose Reduction in Hematuria Evaluation: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Purpose:Computerized tomographic urography is the diagnostic tool of choice for evaluating hematuria. In keeping with the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle, we evaluated a triple bo...
Microplastics as hubs enriching antibiotic-resistant bacteria and pathogens in municipal activated sludge

Abstract Microplastics can serve as carriers of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and pathogens, representing a pressing concern to aquatic biota and human health. Activated sludge units at municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are “hotspots” converging microplastics and antibiotics. In this batch study with activated sludge samples from three domestic WWTPs, we demonstrated both polyethylene (PE) and polystyrene (PS) microplastics can acclimate biofilms enriched with sulfonamide resistance genes (sul1 and sul2) and the associated mobile genetic element (intI1) in comparison with fine sands as control particles. Absolute abundances of these genes were further elevated by 1.2∼4.5 fold when sulfamethoxazole was initially spiked as a representative sulfonamide. The combination of 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and differential ranking analysis revealed that microplastics selectively promoted antibiotic-resistant and pathogenic taxa (e.g., Raoultella ornithinolytica and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia) with enrichment indices ranging from 1.6 to 3.3. Furthermore, heterotrophic Novosphingobium and filamentous Flectobacillus accounted for 14.6 % and 3.3 % on average in microplastic biofilms, respectively, which were up to 2.8 and 11.1 times higher than those in sand biofilms. Dominance of these bacterial species may contribute to initial biofilm formation that facilitates subsequent colonization and proliferation of ARB and pathogens, thus amplifying their risks in the receiving environments and beyond.
On the Ranking of Teams

In this paper, we argue that in a possible world there is a determinate ranking of teams. Our argument rests on the premise: In theory, nothing prevents a determinate better than ranking. This premise in turn rests on assumptions with regard to stipulations regarding ‘better than’ and nature of a competition as well as a right answer theory of interpretation. We then speculate that in some actual leagues in some years, there were determinate rankings. We consider objections that focus on ties, noise, intransitivity, meaning of ‘better than’, and league recognition of the best team. We finish by noting that the issues involved in sport also apply to ranking candidates to occupy roles in our lives.
Craving Empathy: Studying the Sustained Impact of Empathy Training on Clinicians.

Evidence is sparse when it comes to the longitudinal impact of educational interventions on empathy among clinicians. Additionally, most available research on empathy is on medical trainee cohorts....
A model management systems approach to decisions analyzed under uncertainty: a relational database approach

This study proposes and implements a Model Management System (MMS) for decision tree type problems in order to facilitate the encoding, the manipulation, and the solving of large-scale decision models, and to promote model sharing. The implemented MMS system combines Geoffrion's Structured Modeling Language (SML), the Information Resource Dictionary System (IRDS) as extended by Dolk, and relational database technologies. The SML encompasses a wide variety of models in the Management Science/Operations Research (MS/OR) areas, thus providing a tool which can extend the proposed MMS into other areas in the future. The IRDS provides a way to catalogue the decision models and their components in a relational database. Model management using a relational database management system has the advantages of being able to store large decision models, flexible model management, and facilitating sharing models among multiple users. The methodology for this research involves three phases: design, implementation, and evaluation. The design phase considers theoretical justifications, and strategies for solution algorithms. The implementation phase includes actual program coding. The evaluation phase considers how satisfactorily the research purposes are met. In the design phase, the time and space complexities of the decision tree method, the influence diagram method, and the algebraic formulation method for decision problems are analyzed. In the implementation phase, the C language with embedded Structured Query Language (SQL) is used. The C language is used for solution algorithms, while the SQL is used for storing and fetching the required data to and from the database. For decision tree type problems, operations including evaluation, sensitivity analysis, determination of the Value of (Im)perfect Information, transportation of the evaluation result of one decision tree to another, and modification of decision trees are implemented. Additional operations such as integrity checks for and determination of an order of node removals in an influence diagram are also implemented. This research provides for the possibility of an integrated model management environment for Decision Analysis. To realize the full potential of this research, the system needs to be extended to include other types of decision problems, eventually leading to other MS/OR areas.
False Negative Cough Profiles

Occasionally cough profiles will demonstrate a positive margin to leakage under the curve and yet each cough will be associated with coincident urine loss. This emphasizes the need to correlate urodynamic findings with clinical parameters continuously as the study proceeds. It is evident that erroneous interpretation of the study would be made by a third party with only the tracing of the study to review without the knowledge that urine loss occurred coincident with each cough.
Management, utilization, quality and antiquality

Red clover can be successfully established by a variety of different methods depending on intended use. As a group, the clovers are generally considered to have good seedling vigor and the larger seeded species like red clover usually emerge and compete well with companion crops or weeds. There are three primary methods of red clover establishment: 1) in cultivated soil as a pure stand, 2) in cultivated soil with a companion crop, and 3) as a renovation crop planted by various methods into an existing crop — usually a perennial grass pasture. Within each method various cultural practices may be employed.
‘Bill’ Phillips’ War and his Notorious Pass Degree.

This paper adds to what was previously known about Phillips’ life between his departure from Australia in 1937 until he became an academic in 1950. The paper includes new information about Phillips’ MBE and the attack on the Empire Star, the conditions at the Bandoeng prisoner of war camp in Java, and his operation of secret radios during the three and a half years of his imprisonment. The paper also attempts to explain Phillips’ notorious Pass degree in Sociology.
Feminizing Fred: Exploring the Feminization of Men In Advertising As Seen in Rolling Stone

Everyday, we are inundated with advertisements. In our media saturated world, it is hard to remain unaffected by the thousands of ads that we see each day. Many studies have been conducted on how advertising affects our perception of gender. By applying research conducted on the feminine role in advertising to depictions of men, this paper argues that although gender roles are still defined in today’s advertisements, there is a shift to portraying men more effeminately. This is particularly represented through music culture, as seen in advertisements included in Rolling Stone’s glamorization of androgyny and thus defying rules of masculinity within American society. While it might seem that the feminization of men would “level the playing field” for women, this paper asserts that depicting men in media’s prescribed feminine way is unhelpful to producing gender equality in the media, and that in fact, neither men nor women should be shown in these damaging depictions. 1 Couiter: Feminizing Fred Published by Rollins Scholarship Online, 2010
Timing of a Controlled Islanding Strategy

Controlled islanding is a 'last line of defense' for avoiding catastrophic blackouts in an electric power system approaching global instability. The design of an intentional controlled islanding strategy must be inherently predictive in nature, as well as reliable. An algorithm is presented that monitors the synchronous stability of the system at a global level using the Prony method, and is coupled with detection of local out-of-step conditions to decide when controlled islanding should be initiated. The boundaries of the islands are derived from the groups of slow coherent generators. The objective is to minimize the potential blackout extent in the system
Righting the wrong.

The evidence for the kinds of programs required to meet children9s health needs has been frequently and plainly demonstrated. The programs need to be multilayered, including welfare and educational aspects in addition to health components. All Western European countries have such sociomedical plans in operation. Not all are as well-organized or effective as they might be, but in the Netherlands and Scandinavia, they are awesomely complete and effective. Social measures augment and strengthen traditional health services. Preventive measures are undertaken across the board: nutrition enhancement in the schools; home visits for immunization of very young children; and after-school programs through the school system to provide care, supervision, and learning experiences.
The ultraviolet absorption spectra of chromatoid bodies of Entamoeba invadens in situ: an optical titration.

Abstract Ultraviolet absorption spectra of chromatoid bodies, which have been considered to be crystals of ribosomes, found in the cysts of E. invadens , were obtained by microspectrophotometry. The absorption spectra changed from a single 275 nm peak obtained from fresh cysts to peaks at 260 nm and 310 nm obtained from one day old cysts. Three day old cysts showed a further change to two peaks at 260 nm and 360 nm. We have attributed these changes to the oxidation of tryptophan to formylkynurenine and the hydrolysis of formylkynurenine to kynurenine.
Dynamic power minimization during combinational circuit testing as a traveling salesman problem

Testing of VLSI circuits can cause generation of excessive heat which can damage the chips under test. In the random testing environment, high-performance CMOS circuits consume significant dynamic power during testing because of enhanced switching activity in the internal nodes. Our work focuses on the fact that power minimization is a traveling salesman problem (TSP). We explore application of local search and genetic algorithms to test set reordering and perform a quantitative comparison to previously used deterministic techniques. We also consider reduction of the original test set as a dual-objective optimization problem, where switching activity and fault coverage are the two objective functions.
The Synthesis of Isomers of d-Apiofuranosyl l-Phosphate

Abstract The α-d-apio-d-furanosyl 1-phosphate and α-d-apio-l-furanosyl 1-phosphate esters of d-apiose have been prepared from a mixture of the β-d-apiose tetraacetates in 20% yield. The β isomers of d-apiose tetraacetate were prepared from a dry syrup of the chromatographically pure sugar in almost quantitative yield. The tetraacetates of the two different ring forms were separated by paper and thin layer chromatography, and they were characterized by gas chromatography and analysis of their nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum. Reaction of the d-apiose tetraacetates with crystalline phosphoric acid resulted in the formation of four isomers of d-apiose monophosphate. The two monophosphate isomers described above and their 1,2-cyclic phosphodiester derivatives were separated by chromatography on Dowex 1-C1 columns. The products were further purified by paper chromatography in several solvent systems. Analytical data indicated the monophosphate esters were pure. The only sugar released on acid or enzymatic hydrolysis of these compounds was indistinguishable from d-apiose on paper chromatography with a wide range of solvent systems. Procedures for evaluating the stereochemical homogeneity of the d-apiose phosphate esters were developed. The configuration and position of the phosphate group was established by periodate oxidation and analysis of nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum. A colorimetric method for the quantitative determination of small amounts of d-apiose and microprocedures for studying the rate of phosphorylation of fully acetylated d-apiose-14C by crystalline phosphoric acid were also developed during the course of this study. The sugar phosphate esters were utilized to identify intermediates involved in the synthesis of the branched chain sugar which is present as a cell wall polysaccharide in Lemna minor and as a flavone glycoside in parsley.
Deception in 2 × 2 Games:

Deception, which involves the conscious misrepresentation by Deceiver of his preferences to Deceived in a game of incomplete information, is analyzed in 2 × 2 games in which the preferences of players are strictly ordered. The 78 distinct 2 × 2 games are divided into three mutually exclusive classes:1. Deception-proof (27 percent): Not susceptible to deception by either player.2. Deception-stable (51 percent): While susceptible to deception by at least one player, neither player can ensure himself of a better outcome through deception.3. Deception-vulnerable (tacit) (22 percent): At least one player can ensure himself of a better outcome only through deception. In addition, a fourth class of games (35 percent of total). which cuts across classes 2 and 3 above, are shown to be vulnerable to Deceiver who “reveals” himself in the play of a game.Several theorems that characterize and interrelate the four classes and eleven finer categories of 2 × 2 games are proved. The theory is applied to the analysis of th...
Evidence on the substitutability between government purchases and consumer spending within specific spending categories

Abstract This paper examines the response of consumer spending to government purchases within four spending categories: education, health, housing, and transportation. Estimation suggests they are either complements or independent, and confidence intervals exclude large estimates of substitutability found in the literature.
Energy decomposition of rainfall in the time-frequency-scale domain using wavelet packets

Abstract The time-frequency-scale features of high-resolution rainfall are investigated in an effort to gain more insight into the rainfall-generating mechanism. In particular, we look for the existence of persistent and short-lived structures and their associated frequencies and time (length) scales, as well as the energy they carry. We try to achieve this objective via the wavelet packet representation. The best representation for a signal from the point of view of minimum entropy (i.e. maximum information in a few coefficients) is obtained, and, in the process, we define two measures: (1) best basis spectrum, which is analogous to the well-known Fourier spectrum; (2) frequency persistence spectrum, a new measure, which in essence gives an idea of what scale has been chosen to best represent a particular frequency; thus the localization of that frequency in time, whether persistent or short lived, is known. We discuss the implications of our analysis in separating stratiform and convective components of rain and in gaining insight into the rainfall energy cascading mechanism for the purpose of model building.
Convergence of a Multigrid Method for Elliptic Equations with Highly Oscillatory Coefficients

Standard multigrid methods are not so effective for equations with highly oscillatory coefficients. New coarse grid operators based on homogenized operators are introduced to restore the fast convergence rate of multigrid methods. Finite difference approximations are used for the discretization of the equations. Convergence analysis is based on the homogenization theory. Proofs are given for a two-level multigrid method with the homogenized coarse grid operator for two classes of two-dimensional elliptic equations with Dirichlet boundary conditions.
Stereoscopic particle image velocimetry measurements of supersonic, turbulent, and interacting streamwise vortices: challenges and application

Abstract This work presents a comprehensive review of the challenges encountered in stereoscopic PIV measurements when applied to the characterization of complex and interacting systems of turbulent supersonic streamwise vortices. Emphasis is given to the proper selection of critical parameters, their impact on the observability of the flowfield of interest and the accuracy of the derived results. Specifically, the discussion is centered on the guidelines underlying the requirements related to the choice of the interrogation area, laser pulse separation time and flow tracers in response to the necessity to probe the coherent structures under the constraints imposed by the investigated flow. Peak locking and its impact on the accuracy of the experiment are addressed and indications are given on how to recognize the resulting errors. All the aforementioned parameters are also analyzed with respect to each other as an ideal selection of some of them often produces contrasting effects on the others, affecting the calculations of the flowfields. The design and the results of a stereoscopic PIV experiment for the characterization of interacting, turbulent streamwise vortices in a Mach 2.5 freestream are included in this work in order to provide a practical application of the selection process of the critical experimental parameters and highlight the identification of the aforementioned contrasting requirements.