cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract Wiener processes and their reproducing Kernel Hilbert spaces

Abstract : The paper explores the relationship between Gaussian processes and their associated RKH Spaces. A simple proof of Gross's theorem on abstract Wiener spaces is given. For a Gaussian measure mu with continuous covariance R defined on the Banach space C(T) of real continuous functions on T (T being a separable complete metric space) it is shown that the closure of H(R) in C(T) is the support of mu. This result is extended to Gaussian measures on arbitrary separable Banach spaces. A necessary and sufficient criterion for a separable Gaussian process x(t) (0 = or < t = or < 1) with continuous covariance R to have continuous sample paths is furnished by the following result to the effect that the canonical normal distribution on H(R) extends to a Gaussian measure on C(0,1) if and only if the sup-norm on H(R) is measurable in the sense of Gross. (Author)
Clamp voltage analysis for RCD forward converters

A detailed, in depth analysis of the RCD clamped forward converter is performed. Parameters that affect the clamp voltage are examined and the critical parameters are identified. The analysis concentrates on the clamp voltage and the parameters that affect it. A mathematical solution for the clamp voltage is presented and compared to experimental results from a 24 W converter.
Maternity and Paternity Policies Available to Academic Librarians

This study examines how frequently parental leave and other related childcare policies are available to academic librarians across the United States. It also looks at the relationships between policies offered and types of academic libraries that offer those policies. The author surveyed administrators at academic libraries serving baccalaureate, master’s, and research institutions and discovered that benefits available to academic librarians are not as generous as those available to faculty, and that tenured and tenure-track librarians fare better than counterparts who are not eligible for tenure.
Surgeon perspectives on alternative nerve repair techniques

Background Over the past five decades, microsuturing has been established as the “gold standard” for nerve repair. Alternative techniques such as fibrin glue, protein “welds”, and nerve connectors have been met with variable enthusiasm. While advancements in this area continue, there is little data on surgeon attitude and acceptance of these new techniques.
Garlic Compounds Minimize Intracellular Oxidative Stress and Inhibit Nuclear Factor-κB Activation

Oxidative modification of LDL has been recognized as playing an important role in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. In this study, we determined the effects of aged garlic extract (AGE) and its major compound, S-allylcysteine (SAC), on oxidized LDL (Ox-LDL)-induced injury in endothelial cells (EC). Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release as an index of membrane damage, methylthiazol tetrazoium (MTT) assay for cell viability and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) indicating lipid peroxidation were measured. Ox-LDL caused an increase of LDH release, loss of cell viability and TBARS formation. Both AGE and SAC prevented all of these changes. To elucidate the mechanism, effects of AGE or SAC on intracellular glutathione (GSH) level in EC, and release of peroxide from EC and macrophages (M Phi) were determined. Ox-LDL depleted intracellular GSH and increased release of peroxides. Both AGE and SAC inhibited these changes. Effects of SAC on hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) or tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha-induced nuclear factor (NF)-kappa B activation were determined. Pretreatment of EC with SAC inhibited NF-kappa B activation. We demonstrated that both AGE and SAC can protect EC from Ox-LDL-induced injury by preventing intracellular GSH depletion in EC and by minimizing release of peroxides from EC and M Phi. SAC also inhibited H(2)O(2)- or TNF-alpha-induced NF-kappa B activation. Our data suggest that AGE and its main compound, SAC, may be useful for prevention of atherosclerosis.
Response to open peer commentaries on "A duty to deceive: placebos in clinical practice".

I thank all the commentators for their remarks on the target article (Foddy 2009). I will divide my remarks into those concerning autonomy and those concerning the clinical consequences of placebo ...
Support, Commitment, and Employee Outcomes in a Team Environment

This field study investigated whether perceived team support and team commitment relate to employee outcomes differently than perceived organizational support and organizational commitment. A LISREL analysis was conducted on data from 380 manufacturing plant employees and 9 supervisors. Job performance was related to team commitment; intention to quit was related to organizational commitment; and organizational citizenship behavior was related to both team and organizational commitment. Commitment mediated the relationships between support and the outcome variables.
Dynamic Modeling of Robotic Fish Caudal Fin With Electrorheological Fluid-Enabled Tunable Stiffness

In this study, we investigate the modeling framework for a robotic fish actuated by a flexible caudal fin, which is filled with electrorheological (ER) fluid and thus enables tunable stiffness. This feature can be used in optimizing the robotic fish speed or maneuverability in different operating regimes. The robotic fish is assumed to be anchored and the flexible tail undergoes undulation activated by a servomotor at the base. Lighthill’s large-amplitude elongated-body theory is used to calculate the hydrodynamic force on the caudal fin, and Hamilton’s principle is used to derive the dynamic equations of motion of the caudal fin. The dynamic equations are then discritized using the finite element method, to obtain an approximate numerical solution. In particular, simulation is conducted to understand the influence of the applied electric field on the stiffness and thrust performance of the caudal fin.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Mechanisms of modulation of cytokine release by human cord blood monocytes exposed to high concentrations of caffeine

Mechanisms of modulation of cytokine release by human cord blood monocytes exposed to high concentrations of caffeine
INFRAGENERIC NAMES APPLICABLE TO HIERACIUM SUBGENUS CHIONORACIUM (COMPOSITAE: LACTUCEAE)

Hieracium subgenus Chionoracium Schultz-Bip. is a distinct group of New World hawkweeds, different enough from other hieracia to cause Sell (1987) to suggest that the group belongs in Crepis. In the last revision of the entire subgenus, Zahn (1922) recognized 122 species (according to my circumscription of the group). Torrey and Gray (1843) first grouped together the native North American hawkweeds having involucral bracts arranged in a short outer series and a much longer inner series. Fries (1848) made this group, Stenotheca, one of his primary divisions of Hieracium, and included in it nearly all the species native to North and South America, along with a few species of Europe, Africa, and India. In 1862, Fries recognized Stenotheca as a subgenus, and Peter (1894) and Zahn (1922) followed this treatment. Schultz (1861), however, had already published his subgenus Chionoracium for six species of American hawkweeds with a white pappus. This name must therefore supersede Stenotheca.
Genetic distance, transportation costs, and trade

Genetic distance, geographic proximity, and economic variables are strongly correlated. Disentangling the effects of these factors is crucial for interpreting these correlations. We show that geographic factors that shaped genetic patterns in the past are also relevant for current transportation costs and could explain the correlation between trading flows and genetic distance. After controlling for geography, the impact of genetic distance on trade disappears. We make our point by constructing a database on geographical barriers, by introducing a novel dataset on transportation costs, and by proposing a new classification of goods according to the ease with which they can be transported.
Vascular and renal prostaglandins as counter-regulatory systems in heart failure.

Vasoconstrictors and vasodilators are both activated in patients with severe heart failure. Vasodilatory prostaglandins are increased in parallel with the degree of activation of neurohumoral vasoconstrictor systems, and may serve to offset the circulatory effects of systemic and regional vasoconstriction. Enhanced vasoconstrictive and vasodilatory activities appear to be especially important in patients with hyponatraemia. These patients may be particularly susceptible to clinical deterioration when given drugs that inhibit prostaglandin synthesis (e.g. indomethacin) and may be more likely to improve when treated with agents that enhance the production of endogenous prostaglandin (e.g. angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor). Exogenous PGE2 reduces afterload and may be a useful therapeutic agent. Research on vascular and renal prostaglandins should further our knowledge of the pathophysiology and therapy of congestive heart failure.
The Effects of Components of Guinea Pig Serum on Lymphosarcoma 6C3HED in C3H Mice

The effects of various preparations of guinea pig serum on the Gardner lymphosarcoma 6C3HED in C3H mice were studied. Complete regression of tumor as well as marked retardation of growth were noted as a result of treatment with the following sera: (1) normal; (2) depleted of complement 1 (R1); of complement 3 (R3), and of complement 4 (R4); (3) depleted of properdin (RP); (4) heated at 56 C. for 20 minutes and for 60 minutes and at 66 C. for 30 minutes; and (5) supernatant from centrifuged at 35,000 G at 2 C. for 3 hours. No tumor inhibitory effect was noted as a result of treatment with (1) serum depleted of complement 2 (R2) and (2) pellet (containing lipopolysaccharides) from serum centrifuged at 35,000 G at 2 C. for 3 hours. These results indicate that the tumor inhibitory principle (TIP) in guinea pig serum is probably not complement, properdin, or lipopolysaccharide. Properdin titers of sera from mice treated with each of the preparations listed above disclosed low properdin levels when the tumors were growing or were large, and normal or elevated properdin levels when the tumors were regressing or disappeared completely. In addition, normal nontumor-bearing mice showed as much as a threefold increase in properdin levels when treated with normal or heated guinea pig serum. While it is possible that the tumor inhibitory principle (TIP) in guinea pig serum may exert its effect through the animal’s own properdin system, such a relationship has not as yet been demonstrated.
Relationship between Hearing Loss and Noise Exposure Length of Workers in Different Industries

[Objective]To understand the hearing loss caused by occupational noise exposure,and provide the theoretical basis for drafting of the guidelines on hearing loss prevention. [Methods]The pure-tone hearing tests were performed on 1 020 noise exposed workers from textile mills and other 2 industries.The relationship between hearing loss and noise exposure length were analyzed statistically. [Results]The hearing loss detection rate in a textile mill,an automobile factory,and a power plant was 55.1%,66.3% and 41.1% respectively.The incidence rates of high frequency are much higher than those of speech frequency.The detection rate of high-frequency hearing loss was significantly higher than that of speech-frequency hearing loss.The severity of hearing loss was closely related with noise exposure length.The heating loss of speech frequency generally appeared within 5 to 10 years from the beginning of noise exposure.The hearing loss in an automobile factory and a power plant showed obvious time-dose-effect relations. [Conclusion]The changes of production conditions may probably influence the relation between hearing loss and exposure length.
Design of DC/AC motor speed regutation system of elevator door machine

The main circuit of bipolar H type PWM speed regulation system consists of IGBT modules,which uses 80C196KBSCM to control inverter.With harmonious control to frequency and duty ratio,the system employs the same circuit to accomplish speed regulation for both DC and single-phase AC motors.The method mentioned in this article can be used in rebuilding of elevator door machine.
The result analysis on drug users needle syringe comprehensive intervention activities at four counties in Yunnan

Objective To analysis needle sharing,high risk sexual.behavior and other medical service results after two and half years drug users comprehensive intervention at four counties which is to be useful for next stage further intervention.Methods To evaluate needle sharing and sexual high risk behavior at baseline,one year and two and half year intervention separately for the community and less than one month arrested detoxification center drug users with questionnaires and in depth interview at four different geological counties in Yunnan.Results 516, 412 and 421 drug users participated three times evaluations indicate rate of new needle using rises from 20.4%, 66.9 % to 82.4 % and needle sharing drops from 18.5 % to 9.5 %.Last time condom using rate rises from 15.4 %, 56.2% to 53.0 % with 1728 client times referred for VCT and other medical service.Conclusion The needle sy- ringe project can decrease the HIV spread among drug users by means of less needle sharing,safer sexual behavior and better access of drug users to other medical service.Needle syringe project shculd be promoted as one part of comprehensive drug users HIV/AIDS control strategy.
Clinical study of volume resuscitation in children with septic shock

Objective To compare the effect of crystalloid and crystalloid plus albumin in the treatment of pediatric septic shock.Methods Data of 63 pediatric patients with septic shock admitted to Department of Critical Care Medicine of Hebei Provincial Children's Hospital were collected and retrospectively analyzed.The patients were divided into two groups according to whether they received albumin for volume resuscitation within 1 day after admission or not.The patients in observation group (crystalloid + albumin group,n =33) received normal saline (20 mL/kg) followed by 1 g/kg albumin 30 minutes after admission,and those in control group (crystalloid group,n =30) received only normal saline (20 mL/kg) 30 minutes after admission,and normal saline resuscitation was continued according to the effect of fluid therapy.Anti-infection and vasoactive drugs strategies were the same in both groups.The first-hour infusion volume,time showing stable hemodynamics,the incidence of pulmonary edema,and blood lactate levels at 0,6,12 hours after achieving the goals were compared,and blood lactate clearance rates were calculated.Results The first-hour infusion volume time in the observation group was lower than that in control group (mL:41.56 ± 10.50 vs.57.24 ± 7.54,t=4.596,P=0.000),and time showing stable hemodynamics was shorter than that in control group but without statistically significant difference (minutes:219.87 ±70.23 vs.287.10 ± 67.00,t=2.047,P=0.360).The incidence of pulmonary edema in observation group was slightly lower than that in control group [6.1％ (2/33) vs.10.0％ (3/30),x2±2.272,P=0.259].The lactic acid levels were decreased gradually along with rehabilitation time,while lactate clearance rate was increased in both groups.At 0 hour and 6 hours after resuscitation,the lactate level (mmol/L) in the observation group was significantly lower than that in control group [0 hour:3.65 ± 2.84 vs.5.72 ± 2.11,t＝ 1.940,P=0.046; 6 hours:2.12 ± 1.21 vs.4.09 ± 1.45,t=2.892,P=0.005],while the lactate clearance rate was significantly increased compared with control group [0 hour:(0.38 ± 0.15)％ vs.(0.18 ± 0.09)％,t=1.447,P=0.018; 6 hours:(0.62 ± 0.14)％ vs.(0.51 ± 0.11)％,t=1.920,P=0.047].However,at 12 hours after resuscitation,there were no statistically significant differences in the lactic acid level (mmol/L:1.46 ± 0.39 vs.1.54 ± 1.90,t=0.450,P=0.072) and the lactate clearance rate [(0.78 ± 0.19) ％ vs.(0.77 ± 0.18) ％,t =0.091,P=0.928] between observation group and control group.Conclusion Albumin resuscitation in children with septic shock can stabilize hemodynamics earlier,reduce the incidence of pulmonary edema,and improve the successful rescue rate of refractory septic shock. Key words: Septic shock; Volume resuscitation; Lactate; Child
Psychological factors in breast cancer; a preliminary study of some personality trends in patients with cancer of the breast.

SummaryFifty women attending a breast tumor clinic for the first time were given, individually and prior to medical diagnosis, a personal history questionnaire and several projective personality tests. These clinical techniques were essentially for the purpose of investigating the patient's maternal
Ductile fracture prediction for metal sheets using all-strain-based anisotropic eMMC model

Abstract In order to predict ductile fracture of metal sheets, the stress invariants based Modified-Mohr-Coulomb (MMC) fracture model was transferred into an all-strain based MMC (eMMC) model under plane stress condition, predicting the fracture strain dependent on strain ratio or Φ angle, instead of stress triaxiality and Lode angle parameter. The strain ratio or Φ angle could be directly measured by digital image correlation (DIC), while the latter required finite element analysis to be determined. This method makes it possible to study material fracture behavior while bypassing plasticity. The eMMC fracture locus can be fully calibrated by fracture strains directly measured from DIC. The fracture strain was also extended by a linear transformation operating to the plastic strain tensor to incorporate the fracture anisotropy. Extensive experimental results of TRIP780 advanced high strength steel and AZ31B-H24 magnesium alloy sheets were used to verify the proposed model. The model was implemented into Abaqus/Explicit as a user material subroutine (VUMAT). Good prediction capability has been demonstrated for these two materials by FE simulation using shell elements.
Abstract 3456: Polychlorinated biphenyls and relative telomere length in the Anniston Community Health Survey: A cross-sectional study

Background: Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) exposure is associated with increased risk of melanoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma in some, but not all, epidemiologic studies. Although the carcinogenic mechanisms of specific PCB congeners remain to be fully explained, PCBs have been demonstrated to induce oxidative stress and inflammation and therefore may have deleterious impacts on telomere length. We investigated the association between serum concentrations of PCBs and telomere length in a highly exposed population. Methods: The Anniston Community Health Survey (ACHS) is a cross-sectional study of 766 residents of Anniston, Alabama conducted between 2005 and 2007. We measured relative telomere length (RTL) with telomere/single copy gene ratio, in DNA extracted from peripheral blood samples in a subset of 57 African-American and 46 white participants, using monochrome multiplex quantitative polymerase chain reaction. We used multiple linear regression to estimate the association between 27 individual PCB congeners, and sum PCBs, adjusting for age, plate, and total lipids. All analyses were stratified by race. PCBs and RTL were log-transformed. Results: ACHS participants had high serum concentrations of PCBs (mean sum PCBs among African-Americans = 14,687.69 ppt whole weight, SD = 23,515.46; mean sum PCBs white participants 6,088.32 ppt whole weight, SD = 8,750.57). RTL did not differ by race (mean RTL African-Americans = 0.94 SD = 0.08; mean RTL whites = 0.94, SD = 0.09). Among African-American participants, sum serum PCBs was not associated with RTL (0.70% per 100 ppt; 95% confidence interval = -9.43, 19.70). However, PCB 167 was weakly associated with higher RTL (2.35%, 95%CI = -8.56, 14.55), while PCB 157 was associated with shorter RTL (-4.36%; 95%CI = -15.63, 8.40). Among white participants, a 100 ppt increase in sum serum PCBs was associated with a 10.20% increase in RTL (95% CI = -7.10, 30.72). PCB 138, in particular, was associated with increased RTL among white participants (16.29%; 95% CI = 1.34, 33.46). Conversely, PCB 189 was associated with shorter RTL among white participants (-10.48%; 95%CI = -29.82, 14.19). Conclusions: We did not observe consistent associations between serum concentrations of PCBs and RTL, suggesting that the association may vary by race and be congener specific. Our results are necessarily preliminary and are limited by the small number of participants. Additional measurements of RTL among ACHS participants are on-going. Citation Format: Catherine Callahan, Marian Pavuk, Xuefeng Ren, James R. Olson, Matthew R. Bonner. Polychlorinated biphenyls and relative telomere length in the Anniston Community Health Survey: A cross-sectional study. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 3456.
Volar Plate/Hook Pin for Volar Lunate Facet Fragment

Intra-articular fractures of the distal radius that include a separate coronal plane fragment at the volar lunate facet represent a difficult subset of fractures. They are often challenging to identify on initial radiographs. Furthermore, gaining adequate fixation in an often small, unstable lunate facet fragment is deceivingly difficult to achieve with standard volar plating techniques. Loss of fixation in the volar lunate facet fragment can result in volar subluxation of the carpus, resulting in malunion and carpal instability. Recognition of this fracture pattern and performing adequate fixation is imperative for a good outcome. This chapter describes this fracture with tips for recognition and fixation based on a case example.
Review: The Issue of Dystocia Expressed when Sires Varying in Percent Bos indicus Inheritance Are Mated to Bos taurus Females1

ABSTRACT This review reveals that dystocia, with associated increased mortality and(or) reduced survival rate, can be a problem when sires varying in percent Bos indicus inheritance are mated to Bos taurus females. The fact that male calves resulting from these matings are gestated longer and have considerably heavier birth BW than heifer calves is a major contributor to this increased dystocia. A small number of studies involving Brahman sires have indicated larger birth BW for late-born calves in spring calving programs. Furthermore, several studies have documented poor reproductive performance of Brahman bulls, which contributes to subsequent delayed birth of their calves. When combined with the longer gestation length as well as the positive direct additive and heterotic effects of the Brahman breed for birth BW, these factors appear to be major contributors to the increased dystocia observed when Brahman bulls are mated to Bos taurus females, especially in situations involving late-born, male calves.
Smart power technology: an elephantine opportunity

The author provides a review of the evolution of smart power technology from bipolar discrete devices, through MOS-gated power devices, to the complex power integrated circuits that combine high-voltage, high-current devices with analog and digital circuits. It is pointed out that the advent of smart power technology is expected to have a major impact on society via its application to computer power supplies, automotive electronics, appliance controls, and transportation systems. >
Discovering Tutorial Dialogue Strategies with Hidden Markov Models

Identifying effective tutorial strategies is a key problem for tutorial dialogue systems research. Ongoing work in human-human tutorial dialogue continues to reveal the complex phenomena that characterize these interactions, but we have not yet seen the emergence of an automated approach to discovering tutorial dialogue strategies. This paper presents a first step toward establishing a methodology for such an approach. In this methodology, a corpus is first annotated with dialogue acts that are grounded in theories of tutoring and natural language dialogue. Hidden Markov modeling is then applied to discover tutorial strategies inherent in the structure of the sequenced dialogue acts. The methodology is illustrated by demonstrating how hidden Markov models can be learned from a corpus of human-human tutoring in the domain of introductory computer science.
Characterization of the polarity of subcritical water

The polarity of subcritical water was studied solvatochromically with betaine dye (33) across a temperature range of 30°C-180°C and a pressure range of 13.8bar (200psi) to 124bar (1800psi). It was observed that temperature has a greater effect than pressure on the polarity of subcritical water. In addition, subcritical water was compared with traditional hydro-organic mobile phases and the polarity of subcritical water was found to be comparable to a range of 30%-50% methanol/water and a range of 20%-30% acetonitrile/water mobile phases. It was concluded that subcritical water is more suited to separations involving slightly polar and polar compounds than more nonpolar analytes.
Single-cell, single-mRNA analysis of Ccnb1 promoter regulation

Promoter activation drives gene transcriptional output. Here we report generating site-specifically integrated single-copy promoter transgenes and measuring their expression to indicate promoter activities at single-mRNA level. mRNA counts, Pol II density and Pol II firing rates of the Ccnb1 promoter transgene resembled those of the native Ccnb1 gene both among asynchronous cells and during the cell cycle. We observed distinct activation states of the Ccnb1 promoter among G1 and G2/M cells, suggesting cell cycle-independent origin of cell-to-cell variation in Ccnb1 promoter activation. Expressing a dominant-negative mutant of NF-YA, a key transcriptional activator of the Ccnb1 promoter, increased its “OFF”/“ON” time ratios but did not alter Pol II firing rates during the “ON” period. Furthermore, comparing H3K4me2 and H3K79me2 levels at the Ccnb1 promoter transgene and the native Ccnb1 gene indicated that the enrichment of these two active histone marks did not predispose higher transcriptional activities. In summary, this experimental system enables bridging transcription imaging with molecular analysis to provide novel insights into eukaryotic transcriptional regulation.
Autumn of the Patriarchs: Stapp and Freeman on Quantum Theory and Consciousness

Review of: Stapp, Henry, Quantum Theory and Free Will: How Mental Intent Translates into Bodily Action (Springer, 2017) and (passim) Freeman, Walter and R Quian Quiroga, Imaging Brain Function With EEG: Advanced Temporal and Spatial Analysis of Electroencephalographic Signals (Springer, 2013) Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language:EN-US; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;} Normal 0 false false false EN-AU X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;} Normal 0 false false false EN-AU X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;}
Climate Change and Energy Technologies in Undergraduate Introductory Science Textbooks

ABSTRACTGlobal climate change and the implementation of energy technologies are among the most pressing issues facing society and the environment today. Related educational content spans the science disciplines. Through an analysis of introductory-level university textbooks from four major US publishers in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, this study presents trends in terminology and content. As the defining terms, “global warming” and “climate change” are used nearly equally. However, the first location of a working definition for climate change appears earlier. Energy technologies, climate change, and related environmental issues are found, on average, on ≤4% of textbook pages, and variation is large among individual textbooks. Discipline-based trends exist, especially for the energy technologies presented. Addressed separately as a non-renewable, non-fossil fuel, nuclear energy is found on ≤1% of textbook pages and unfavorably represented. The discussion within these science disciplines has implication...
Can Strategic Ignorance Explain the Evolution of Love

People's devotion to, and love for, their romantic partners poses an evolutionary puzzle: Why is it better to stop your search for other partners once you enter a serious relationship when you could continue to search for somebody better? A recent formal model based on "strategic ignorance" suggests that such behavior can be adaptive and favored by natural selection, so long as you can signal your unwillingness to "look" for other potential mates to your current partner. Here, we re-examine this conclusion with a more detailed model designed to capture specific features of romantic relationships. We find, surprisingly, that devotion does not typically evolve in our model: Selection favors agents who choose to "look" while in relationships and who allow their partners to do the same. Non-looking is only expected to evolve if there is an extremely large cost associated with being left by your partner. Our results therefore raise questions about the role of strategic ignorance in explaining the evolution of love.
Social Incentives for Policy Commitment: International Reputation and the Arms Trade Treaty

Historically, major arms supplier states have strongly opposed external restrictions on their arms exports as too costly to their security and economic interests. Yet in 2006, UN members voted to begin a formal process to create an Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), regulating the transfer of small and major conventional arms to human rights violators and conflict zones. In 2013, the ATT was passed by overwhelming margins and opened for signature. This paper argues that social incentives may push states to commit to popular international initiatives, like the ATT, even in the absence of material or normative interests. More specifically, states’ social concern for their international reputation can motivate costly commitments. Using case studies of France and the United States, I investigate the incentives behind powerful states’ ATT positions. I find that states deeply embedded in and reliant on international institutions may support popular policies in search of social benefits from a good reputation and to avoid social costs from a bad one. As a result, states may choose policies strategically to signal their reputations as “good international citizens.” As humanitarian arms control has become a prominent issue on the international agenda, promoted by NGOs, “affected” states, and many major powers, reputational concerns have functioned as a social incentive to push some states toward public support, even if they are skeptical in private about the value of the new norms.
Linkage of VA and State Prescription Drug Monitoring Program Data to Examine Concurrent Opioid and Sedative-Hypnotic Prescriptions among Veterans.

Objective To examine the prevalence of concurrent Veterans Health Administration (VA) and non-VA prescriptions for opioids and sedative-hypnotic medications among post-9/11 veterans in Oregon. Data sources VA health care and prescription data were probabilistically linked with Oregon Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) data. Study design This retrospective cohort study examined concurrent prescriptions among n = 19,959 post-9/11 veterans, by year (2014-2016) and by patient demographic and clinical characteristics. Veterans were included in the cohort for years in which they received VA outpatient care; those receiving hospice or palliative care were excluded. Concurrent prescriptions were defined as ≥1 days of overlap between outpatient prescriptions for opioids and/or sedative-hypnotics (categorized as benzodiazepines vs. non-benzodiazepines). Principal findings Among 5,882 veterans who filled opioid or sedative-hypnotic prescriptions at VA pharmacies, 1,036 (17.6 percent) filled concurrent prescriptions from non-VA pharmacies. Within drug class, 15.1, 8.8, and 4.6 percent received concurrent VA and non-VA opioids, benzodiazepines, and non-benzodiazepines, respectively. Veteran demographics and clinical diagnoses were associated with the likelihood of concurrent prescriptions, as was enrollment in the Veterans Choice Program. Conclusions A considerable proportion of post-9/11 veterans receiving VA care in Oregon filled concurrent prescriptions for opioids and sedative-hypnotics. Fragmentation of care may contribute to prescription drug overdose risk among veterans.
Nonmarket Strategy in the UK

With deep roots in free enterprise and its status as the world’s leading economy, the USA represents an intriguing starting point for a cross-national assessment on nonmarket strategy. To facilitate comparisons, NMS in the USA is presented in the greatest detail of the ten nations addressed in this book. Indeed, many of the firms discussed in this book have substantial operations in multiple countries, so the selection of an appropriate chapter for discussion can be arbitrary. To be clear, NMS may be viewed differently across borders, but it is not a US-centric phenomenon. The presentation of findings beginning with the USA should not be interpreted as such.
Reining in the CD8+ T cell: Respiratory virus infection and PD-1-mediated T-cell impairment.

Viral acute respiratory infections (ARIs) are associated with cluster of differentiation (CD)8+ T cells that exhibit diminished production of cytokines and cytotoxic molecules. Though these cells recognize major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-I–restricted viral epitopes, ex vivo stimulation of these cells with these same viral peptides fails to elicit production of interferon (IFN)γ, interleukin (IL)-2, or tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α; degranulation as measured by CD107a staining; or other features of functional CD8+ T cells. This is a unique feature of viral ARI because T-cell dysfunction occurs in chronic rather than acute infections of many other organs. Although CD4+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) contribute to CD8+ T-cell dysfunction, recent work on a variety of viruses has identified inhibitory receptors as a key mediator of this phenotype. Programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) is the most well-studied inhibitory receptor in T-cell impairment, but there is growing evidence that other inhibitory receptors also play a role. The tendency of CD8+ T cells to have significantly reduced functionality in the context of respiratory virus infection has been termed "T cell impairment".
Quantification of U-47700 and its metabolites in plasma by LC-MS/MS.

Abstract Novel Synthetic Opioids (NSO) have caused a recent epidemic both nationally and globally. NSO have gained popularity in the illicit drug market and have brought about an increase in fentanyl and its derivatives, as well as other chemically unrelated opioid agonists. U-47700, a non-fentanyl analog analgesic opioid, was first developed by The Upjohn Company and has a reported potency of 7.5 times that of morphine. Like many NSO, U-47700 is usually sold as a research chemical that can be purchased online but can also be found in “Gray Death” which is a mixture of fentanyl(s), heroin, and U-47700. With the emergence of these NSO, there is a need for laboratories to be able to detect these drugs in various matrices. In this study, a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was optimized and validated to detect and quantify U-47700 and its metabolites, N-desmethyl-U-47700 and N,N-didesmethyl-U-47700, in 100 μL human plasma using an optimized solid phase extraction procedure. A small sample size (100 μL) was utilized for a future pharmacokinetic study in rats. The method was validated according to SWGTOX guidelines, including: precision and bias, linearity, carryover, interferences, matrix effects, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), dilution integrity, and stability. The LOD were 0.05 ng/mL for U-47700 and N-desmethyl-U-47700 and 0.1 ng/mL for N,N-didesmethyl-U-47700. Linear ranges for U-47700 and N-desmethyl-U-47700 were 0.1–100 ng/mL and 0.5–100 ng/mL for N,N-didesmethyl-U-47700. Matrix effects were analyzed following the post-extraction addition approach and were 79%. Analytes were stable in all conditions and no endogenous or exogenous interferences were detected. This method was cross-validated in rat plasma with acceptable bias (2.1–6.2%) and precision (−14.7–15.7%) within acceptable limits. Matrix effects and extraction efficiency was comparable to human plasma validation. Postmortem whole blood samples (n = 15) were analyzed with the validated method. U-47700, N-desmethyl-U-47700 and N,N-didesmethyl-U-47700 concentration ranges were 1.1–1367 ng/mL, 4.0–1400 ng/mL and 0.7–658 ng/mL, respectively.
INTRACORONARY THROMBOLYTIC THERAPY IN A PATIENT WITH ST ELEVATION MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION IN THE SETTING OF CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a chemical asphyxiant that causes tissue hypoxia resulting in manifestations in multiple major organs including the heart. We report a case of ST elevation myocardial infarction due to a left anterior descending artery thrombus as a rare complication from acute CO poisoning
Introduction: The 2017–2018 Term at the Supreme Court

The opening chapter discusses the significance of the last term of the Court, which included rulings on free speech, digital privacy, gerrymandering, Internet taxation, religious rights, the Trump travel ban, and voting rights. Major themes include dignity, rights in commerce, coerced speech, reliance interests, the third party doctrine, social facts, and the four corners doctrine. The rulings foreshadow a substantial shift in the Court’s understanding of rights as a result of the emerging conservative majority.
Central values of degree six L-functions

Abstract We prove a rationality result of the central critical value of a degree six L-function, improving previous result of A. Ichino.
Development of generalized empirical models for comparing effectiveness of wastewater nutrient removal technologies

The effectiveness of nutrient removal approaches was quantified at four wastewater treatment facilities (WWTFs) using mechanistic models. Generalized empirical models were developed applying statistical methods on the predicted values characterizing nutrient removal as a function of influent wastewater quality. The empirical models provide a framework to estimate nutrient removal effectiveness and inform system-level decisions on technology adoption. When carbon limited, more sophisticated approaches like five-stage Bardenpho and nitrite shunt provide the most notable benefit in removal efficiency (67% ± 3.3% and 89% ± 2.8%, respectively for total nitrogen (TN)), but little benefit is estimated under non-carbon-limited conditions between traditional solutions like anaerobic, anoxic, oxic (A2O), and advanced process configurations like five-stage Bardenpho (82% ± 2.8% and 85% ± 3.3%, respectively for TN). Sidestream physical/chemical processes can provide improvement in removal efficiency particularly at carbon-limited WWTFs, but negligible benefit is estimated with adoption of sidestream biological processes.
Mutual Learning: Part I - Learning Automata

Learning theory has been studied for a long time by philosophers, and in the last century by psychologists and engineers. Yet, all learning is carried out in a general deterministic or stochastic environment, mostly by one isolated learner. This paper discusses the concept of mutual learning, where two or more entities attempt to learn from each other. The question posed is: “If two or more entities are learning in the same or similar environments trying to solve the same or similar tasks, how can they share their learning to improve themselves?” The authors believe that this is a central question that will keep researchers busy for many years. The paper merely introduces this question for discussion, and suggests some preliminary answers using the well known stochastic learning automaton framework for reinforcement learning.
Broadband lightweight flat lenses for long-wave infrared imaging

We experimentally demonstrate imaging in the long-wave infrared (LWIR) spectral band (8 μm to 12 μm) using a single polymer flat lens based upon multilevel diffractive optics. The device thickness is only 10 μm, and chromatic aberrations are corrected over the entire LWIR band with one surface. Due to the drastic reduction in device thickness, we are able to utilize polymers with absorption in the LWIR, allowing for inexpensive manufacturing via imprint lithography. The weight of our lens is less than 100 times those of comparable refractive lenses. We fabricated and characterized 2 different flat lenses. Even with about 25% absorption losses, experiments show that our flat polymer lenses obtain good imaging with field of view of 35° and angular resolution less than 0.013°. The flat lenses were characterized with 2 different commercial LWIR image sensors. Finally, we show that, by using lossless, higher-refractive-index materials like silicon, focusing efficiencies in excess of 70% can be achieved over the entire LWIR band. Our results firmly establish the potential for lightweight, ultrathin, broadband lenses for high-quality imaging in the LWIR band.
Mission-Driven Public Service and Outreach

Both land grant, research institutions and small private colleges, particularly church-related schools, may identify public service and outreach as critical components of their missions. Five challenges exist for institutions that wish to encourage faculty involvement in public service and outreach: (1) focus on areasof strength within the institution; (2) respond to high priority needs in the region of concern; (3) assure that the activities are assessed for impact; (4) develop reward structures for faculty beyond the intrinsic rewards; and (5) manage the logistics of public service and outreach.
EFFECT OF FORMATIVE CLASSROOM ASSESSMENT IN SAUDI ARABIAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

Purpose : This study investigates the effect of formative classroom assessment (FCA) on elementary school pupils in Saudi Arabia. Methodology: The duration of the study covered one entire academic year. The work was based on an experimental design of two tests: pre- and post-test. The number of participants was 120 pupils of mixed gender. The participants were purposively sampled for this study. The study’s two tests were based on the Basic Science Achievement Test (BSAT). The pupil’s test feedback was validated by experienced teachers in the field. Results: The results demonstrated that FCA had a significant effect on elementary school pupils by improving academic test scores. This research further showed that FCA had an increased positive effect on female pupils’ academic exam scores when compared to male pupils. Contribution to Theory Policy and Practice : The study recommends enforcing regular and continuous FCA for elementary-level school pupils with appropriate and adequate FCA training for teachers in order to improve pupils’ academic achievements.
Iterative Refinement of Cellular Identity from Single-Cell Data Using Online Learning

Recent experimental advances have enabled high-throughput single-cell measurement of gene expression, chromatin accessibility and DNA methylation. We previously employed integrative non-negative matrix factorization (iNMF) to jointly align multiple single-cell datasets (\(X_i\)) and learn interpretable low-dimensional representations using dataset-specific (\(V_i)\) and shared metagene factors (W) and cell factor loadings (\(H_i\)). We developed an alternating nonnegative least squares (ANLS) algorithm to solve the iNMF optimization problem [2]:
Short-term outcome of routine use of EndoFLIP during hiatal hernia repair

Endoluminal functional lumen imaging probe (EndoFLIP) technology is a tool that can be used to provide intraoperative objective real-time feedback during hiatal hernia repair. We wanted to determine the implication of initial distensibility index (DI) after mobilization of hiatus and final DI after creation of barrier in short-term clinical outcomes. We performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data on the intraoperative use of EndoFLIP during hiatal hernia repair at a single institution from 2017 to 2019. We analyzed the initial DI and final DI with the short-term clinical outcomes. There were 163 patients who had Nissen (n = 16), Toupet (n = 79) or magnetic sphincter augmentation (n = 68) with (n = 158) or without (n = 5) hiatal hernia repair with median initial DI was 3.2 mm2/mmHg. We used 3 mm2/mmHg as the cutoff for low (n = 84) vs. high (n = 79) initial DI group. There was no difference in DeMeester score (p = 0.76), the peristalsis on manometry (p = 0.13), type of hiatal hernia (p = 0.98), and GERD-HRQL score prior to surgery (p = 0.73) between the groups. There was significantly higher final DI in the high initial DI group compared to low initial DI group; however, there was no significant difference in the GERD-HRQL score at 1–3 months (p = 0.28). All of the patients had a final DI > 0.5 mm2/mmHg at the end of the case with median final DI of 1.6 mm2/mmHg. None of these patients required steroids (0%) and only one patient (0.6%) required EGD and dilatation as well as re-operation for dysphagia within 3 months. The initial DI was associated with final DI, but it did not correlate with improvement in short-term GERD-HRQL score. Final DI maintained above the cutoff value led to most of the patients not to require intervention for dysphagia. Use of the EndoFLIP can provide objective data during the operation and prevent severe dysphagia after repair.