cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modeling Particulate Matter Resuspension and Washout from Urban Drainage Hydrodynamic Separators

Given the spatial complexity of urban drainage systems, the numerous system appurtenances and unit operations are a maintenance challenge. Maintenance can be the Achilles heel for best management practices (BMPs), and washout is of crucial importance for hydrodynamic separators (HS) that commonly function as preliminary unit operations to separate coarse particulate matter (PM) in urban systems. This study combines physical and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models to quantify washout from two common HS types; screened (SHS) and baffled (BHS). Washout of particle size distributions (PSDs) for a range of flows is examined. Trajectory analysis of PM illustrates entrainment and washout as a function of PSDs and PM deposit depth. Velocity distributions identify washout-critical PM sizes and areas. Bed profiles are modeled by integrating velocity distributions across washout areas. A Shields washout criterion contradicts physical and CFD results, illustrating the portability challenges of open-channel appr...
Incubation of ethanol reinstatement depends on test conditions and how ethanol consumption is reduced

In reinstatement studies (a common preclinical procedure for studying relapse), incubation occurs (longer abstinence periods result in more responding). This finding is discordant with the clinical literature. Identifying determinants of incubation could aid in interpreting reinstatement and identifying processes involved in relapse. Reinstated responding was examined in rats trained to respond for ethanol and food under a multiple concurrent schedule (Component 1: ethanol FR5, food FR150; Component 2: ethanol FR5, food FR5–alternating across the 30-min session). Ethanol consumption was then reduced for 1 or 16 sessions either by suspending training (rats remained in home cage) or by providing alternative reinforcement (only Component 2 stimuli and contingencies were presented throughout the session). In the next session, stimuli associated with Component 1 were presented and responses recorded but ethanol and food were never delivered. Two test conditions were studied: fixed-ratio completion either produced ethanol- or food-associated stimuli (signaled) or had no programmed consequence (unsignaled). Incubation of ethanol responding was observed only after suspended training during signaled test sessions. Incubation of food responding was also observed after suspended training. These results are most consistent with incubation resulting from a degradation of feedback functions limiting extinction responding, rather than from increased motivation.
Terahertz Applications to Biomolecular Sensing

THz time domain spectroscopy of biomolecules was performed to determine applicability of the technique for chemical and conformational identification of biomolecules. Measurements were performed on samples of DNA, bovine serum albumin, collagen, hen egg white lysozyme, myoglobin, and bacteriorhodopsin as a function of temperature, hydration and photoexcitation. The results are compared to normal mode calculations. We demonstrate a clear resemblance of the observed broad and near featureless THz absorbance spectrum to the calculated density of normal modes. While the magnitude of the absorbance and the center of the broad response depends on biomolecular species, unique chemical identification would appear challenging. The observed dependence on hydration is in agreement with mass and dielectric loading, and the dependence on temperature is in agreement with decreasing conformational flexibility with reduced temperature. Finally THz absorbance dependence on the biomolecular conformation and mutation is demonstrated for bacteriorhodopsin.
Consumption and expenditure on food prepared away from home among Mexican adults in 2006

Objective. To describe food expenditure and consumption of foods prepared away from home among Mexican adults. Materials and methods. Data were from 45 241 adult participants in the National Health and Nutrition Survey 2006, a nationally-representative, cross-sectional survey of Mexican households. Descriptive statistics and multivariable linear and logistic regression were used to assess the relationship between location of residence, educational attainment, socioeconomic status and the following: 1) expenditure on all food and at restaurants, and 2) frequency of consumption of comida corrida or restaurant food and street food. Results. Food expenditure and consumption of food prepared away from home were positively associated with socioeconomic status, educational attainment, and urban vs. rural residence (p<0.001 for all relationships in bivariate analyses). Conclusions. Consumption of food prepared outside home may be an important part of the diet among urban Mexican adults and those with high socioeconomic status and educational attainment.
A rare case of invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma of fallopian tube fimbria with metastasis to ipsilateral ovary, uterine serosa, myometrium and pelvis: Case report and review of literature

Mucinous adenocarcinoma of the fallopian tube is exceptionally rare and the detailed clinicopathologic features of these tumors have not yet been reported in English literature. Here we reportamoderatelydifferentiatedmucinousadenocarcinomaarisinginthetubalfimbriaina70-year-old woman.Patient hadahistoryof cholecystectomyfor gallstones andgastricbandingwhopresentedwith gastrointestinal discomfort and was found tohave a large adnexal masson imaging studies.Serum CA- 125 was moderately elevated. Recent mammography, upper endoscopy and colonoscopy were completely normal. She underwent surgical staging for the adnexal mass. Frozen section and final pathology diagnosis revealed moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma arising in the left fimbria. Carcinomahadspreadtotheipsilateralovaryandpelvicsofttissueatthetimeofherpresentation.Tumor was strongly immunoreactive to CK7 and CEA, and was negative for CK20, CDX-2, PAX-8, WT-1, p16, ER, and vimentin. TP53 showed wild-type phenotype by immunohistochemistry. Molecular studies showed no mutation in codon 12 and 13 of the k-ras gene, and no mutation was detected in the BRAF and EGFR genes. In addition, the non-tumorous fimbria epithelium showed a spectrum of mucinous alterations with variable nuclear atypia: cytologically bland areas that were reminiscent of
The molecular basis of rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory disease targeting the synovial membrane and extra-articular tissues. The most feared consequences are significant levels of pain, functional disability, and rheumatoid organ involvement. Molecular investigations of RA have markedly changed the understanding of the pathogenesis although the etiology remains unresolved. Despite the failure of intense efforts to confirm the presence of an infectious micro-organism in rheumatoid synovium, the concept that RA is infectious in origin has continued to be attractive. Theories on the autoimmune nature of RA have benefited from the enormous progress made in understanding the cellular and molecular components of normal immune responses. However, convincing experimental evidence of a joint-specific endogenous antigen in the synovial lesions is still lacking. The viewpoint that RA represents the sequelae of systemic lymphoproliferation has recently been supported by the finding of autoreactive T cells with atypical growth and differentiation behavior. Significant cross-fertilization for the understanding of RA can be expected by studies elucidating cell cycle control and the role of proto-oncogenes. The realization that RA is a genetic disease has had and will have a major impact on investigating pathological events. As in other common genetic disorders, multiple genetic determinants contribute to the risk of an individual developing chronic inflammatory rheumatoid synovitis. Individual genetic elements are seldom mutated or abnormal, but a risk threshold is reached by their accumulation and combination. Genes encoded in the HLA region are recognized as RA risk genes. Recent studies have emphasized that a gene dosing effect for RA-associated HLA alleles is functional, and that HLA polymorphisms act as progression factors rather than as initiation factors in the disease process. These data have challenged the traditional paradigm that disease-associated HLA molecules function solely through their capability to select, bind, and present an arthritogenic antigen. Current efforts focus on identifying the spectrum and nature of genes associated with various RA phenotypes. The future will likely see a broadening of biological systems involved in the pathogenesis of RA with anomalies other than immunoresponsiveness contributing to mechanisms driving articular and extra-articular RA.
Generalized load modeling in the presence of harmonics and distortion

The importance of using better load models in power system analyses is addressed. A new time-domain load modeling technique that is based on actual recorded steady state power system measurements is presented, and the incorporation of the load model developed into a harmonic load flow program that is based on the bus admittance matrix method is shown. The load model is perfectly general and can be used to model linear or nonlinear loads in the presence or absence of harmonic distortion. Since the model is based on physically realizable network elements, several harmonic-related problems can be addressed using the suggested approach. The problem of power factor correction in the presence of harmonics and distortion is used as an example to show the efficacy of the method.
Constructing nearly orthogonal latin hypercubes for any nonsaturated run-variable combination

We present a new method for constructing nearly orthogonal Latin hypercubes that greatly expands their availability to experimenters. Latin hypercube designs have proven useful for exploring complex, high-dimensional computational models, but can be plagued with unacceptable correlations among input variables. To improve upon their effectiveness, many researchers have developed algorithms that generate orthogonal and nearly orthogonal Latin hypercubes. Unfortunately, these methodologies can have strict limitations on the feasible number of experimental runs and variables. To overcome these restrictions, we develop a mixed integer programming algorithm that generates Latin hypercubes with little or no correlation among their columns for most any determinate run-variable combination—including fully saturated designs. Moreover, many designs can be constructed for a specified number of runs and factors—thereby providing experimenters with a choice of several designs. In addition, our algorithm can be used to quickly adapt to changing experimental conditions by augmenting existing designs by adding new variables or generating new designs to accommodate a change in runs.
A critical reappraisal of dietary practices in methylmalonic acidemia raises concerns about the safety of medical foods. Part 2: cobalamin C deficiency.

Cobalamin C (cblC) deficiency impairs the biosynthesis of 5′-deoxyadenosyl-adenosyl- and methyl-cobalamin, resulting in methylmalonic acidemia combined with hyperhomocysteinemia and hypomethioninemia. However, some patients with cblC deficiency are treated with medical foods, devoid of methionine and high in leucine content, that are formulated for patients with isolated propionate oxidative defects. We examined the effects of imbalanced branched-chain amino acid intake on growth outcomes in cblC-deficient patients. Dietary intake was correlated with biochemical, anthropometric, and body composition measurements and other disease parameters in a cohort of 28 patients with early-onset cblC deficiency. Protein-restricted diets were followed by 21% of the patients, whereas 32% received medical foods. Patients on protein-restricted diets had lower height-for-age z-score (P = 0.034), whereas patients consuming medical foods had lower head circumference Z-scores (P = 0.037), plasma methionine concentrations (P = 0.001), and predicted methionine influx through the blood–brain barrier Z-score (−1.29 vs. −0.0617; P = 0.007). The combination of age at diagnosis, a history of seizures, and the leucine-to-valine dietary intake ratio best predicted head circumference Z-score based on multiple regression modeling (R2 = 0.945). Patients with cblC deficiency treated with medical foods designed for isolated methylmalonic acidemia are at risk for iatrogenic methionine deficiency that could adversely affect brain growth and development. Genet Med 18 4, 396–404.
An Elementary School Swimming Program

(1971). An Elementary School Swimming Program. Journal of Health, Physical Education, Recreation: Vol. 42, No. 2, pp. 87-89.
Relationships among supply chain strategies, organizational performance, and technological and market turbulences

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose a relational view of supply chain management strategy (RSCMS) and its impact on organizational performance and examine the moderating role of technological and market turbulences on these relationships. Design/methodology/approach – The authors propose a conceptual model that links supply chain (SC) strategies to operational and relational outcomes of organizational performance. The authors follow an interdisciplinary approach by integrating insights from domains such as supply chain management (SCM), operations, marketing, management, management information systems, and technology management. Findings – The proposed RSCMS framework presents 15 propositions that examine SCM strategies and their interrelationships, and examine how these strategies result in superior organizational performance. Research limitations/implications – Through the RSCMS framework, the authors conceptualize transformation as a higher order SC strategy resulting from collaborative a...
Optimization of inductor's quality factor Q by GP method

In order to improve Q factor of inductor and optimize efficiently by synthetically considering multi-variables,a method called GP(Geometric Programming)optimization was used to get the best quality factor of spiral inductor.By analyzing the physical model of inductor through matlab,several variables which may affect the quality factor of inductor were found.With these variables and identified design requirements,GP modeling and optimization can begin.Simulation results show that compared with genetic method and image method,GP method can improve the quality factor of 14.5%and 20.2%.
Residents’ perceived impacts of all-inclusive resorts in Antalya

ABSTRACTThis study examined Antalya residents’ perceptions of the impacts of all-inclusive resorts (AIRs) in the Turkish coastal destination. Perceptions were examined to determine if they significantly differed across residential demographics. All told, 660 residents completed the on-site, self-administered survey instrument. Exploratory factor analysis of the Perceptions of All-Inclusive Resorts (PAIR) Scale revealed four unique factors (e.g. three focused on negative impacts and one on positive impacts). In four of the five multiple analysis of variance models, significant differences in PAIR factors were found among residents. Results revealed that residents who were male, older, employed in the tourism industry and less educated perceived AIR impacts more negatively. Results are explained through the social exchange theory and practical implications, along with future research opportunities, are offered.
Comparison of visual and turbidimetric methods for determining short-term compatibility of intravenous critical-care drugs.

Visual and turbidimetric methods for determining the short-term compatibility of critical-care i.v. drugs were compared. In phase 1, serial dilutions of calcium chloride and magnesium sulfate were examined visually and turbidimetrically to test the sensitivity of the spectrophotometric method used. In phase 2, i.v. solutions of dobutamine, dopamine, lidocaine, nitroglycerin, and nitroprusside were prepared and studied in all possible combinations of two, three, four and five drugs, for a total of 26 different combinations. In phase 3, 45 two-drug combinations previously reported as physically incompatible were studied. Visual inspection was conducted against a dark and a light background; changes were graded as slight, moderate, or gross. Absorbance was determined at 650 nm; an absorbance value of greater than 0.010 was considered to be evidence of turbidity. Visual, turbidimetric, and pH measurements were done at zero, one, and three hours after mixing. Samples of the calcium chloride-magnesium sulfate mixture that were graded visually as having a slight precipitate had absorbance readings less than 0.010. No physical evidence of incompatibility was observed by either method for dobutamine, dopamine, lidocaine, nitroglycerin, and nitroprusside in any combination. In phase 3, 19 drug combinations were shown to be incompatible; however, only 6 of these (31%) had absorbance readings greater than 0.010 when the visual incompatibility was first observed. There was no physical evidence of incompatibility for several drug combinations that have been listed as incompatible in commonly used references. Turbidimetry does not appear to be as reliable a method for determining the compatibility of drugs as is visual inspection against a dark and a light background.
Children: extremism and online radicalization

There can be few greater fears for a parent than their child being contacted by a stranger, indoctrinated with an extreme ideology, and encouraged to join a violent movement, all while accessing th...
Mutations in Tumor Suppressor Genes: Links between Cancers and Autism Spectrum Disorders?

Copyright: © 2013 Liu DZ. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. Tumor suppressors play critical roles not only to prevent cells in a G0 quiescent state from re-entering the cell cycle for division and proliferation [1,2], but precisely promote the detachment of differentiating neurons from the neuroepithelium and regulate neural differentiation [3]. However, the functional losses in tumor suppressors result in uncontrolled cell proliferation in cancers, and as well as neural differentiation in neurodevelopment disorders, such as autism spectrum disorders (ASDs).
Preoperative Drug Induced Sleep Endoscopy Improves the Surgical Approach to Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Objective:Drug induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) allows for preoperative evaluation of the specific site and character of upper airway obstruction in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). We aim to assess th...
Energy contribution of sugar-sweetened beverage refills at fast-food restaurants.

Objective To identify demographic and consumer characteristics associated with refilling a soft drink at fast-food restaurants and the estimated energy content and volume of those refills. Design Logistic and linear regression with cross-sectional survey data. Setting Data include fast-food restaurant receipts and consumer surveys collected from restaurants in New York City (all boroughs except Staten Island), and Newark and Jersey City, New Jersey, during 2013 and 2014. Subjects Fast-food restaurant customers (n 11795) from ninety-eight restaurants. Results Thirty per cent of fast-food customers ordered a refillable soft drink. Nine per cent of fast-food customers with a refillable soft drink reported refilling their beverage (3 % of entire sample). Odds of having a beverage refill were higher among respondents with a refillable soft drink at restaurants with a self-serve refill kiosk (adjusted OR (aOR)=7·37, P<0·001) or who ate in the restaurant (aOR=4·45, P<0·001). KFC (aOR=2·18, P<0·001) and Wendy’s (aOR=0·41, P<0·001) customers had higher and lower odds, respectively, of obtaining a refill, compared with Burger King customers. Respondents from New Jersey (aOR=1·47, P<0·001) also had higher odds of refilling their beverage than New York City customers. Customers who got a refill obtained on average 29 more ‘beverage ounces’ (858 ml) and 250 more ‘beverage calories’ (1046 kJ) than customers who did not get a refill. Conclusions Refilling a beverage was associated with having obtained more beverage calories and beverage ounces. Environmental cues, such as the placement and availability of self-serve beverage refills, may influence consumer beverage choice.
Blunted stress reactivity in chronic cannabis users.

One of the most commonly cited reasons for chronic cannabis use is to cope with stress. Consistent with this, cannabis users have shown reduced emotional arousal and dampened stress reactivity in response to negative imagery. To our knowledge, the present study represents the first to examine the effects of an acute stress manipulation on subjective stress and salivary cortisol in chronic cannabis users compared to non-users. Forty cannabis users and 42 non-users were randomly assigned to complete either the stress or no stress conditions of the Maastricht Acute Stress Test (MAST). The stress condition of the MAST manipulates both physiological (placing hand in ice bath) and psychosocial stress (performing math under conditions of social evaluation). Participants gave baseline subjective stress ratings before, during, and after the stress manipulation. Cortisol was measured from saliva samples obtained before and after the stress manipulation. Further, cannabis cravings and symptoms of withdrawal were measured. Subjective stress ratings and cortisol levels were significantly higher in non-users in the stress condition relative to non-users in the no stress condition. In contrast, cannabis users demonstrated blunted stress reactivity; specifically, they showed no increase in cortisol and a significantly smaller increase in subjective stress ratings. The stress manipulation had no impact on cannabis users’ self-reported cravings or withdrawal symptoms. Chronic cannabis use is associated with blunted stress reactivity. Future research is needed to determine whether this helps to confer resiliency or vulnerability to stress-related psychopathology as well as the mechanisms underlying this effect.
Finite and Infinite Dialogues

We consider dialogues over both specific and general Kripke structures where individuals convey and acquire knowledge through statements. We show that conventional ‘proofs’ of the existence of knowledge actually correspond to optimal strategies (which may not occur when real individuals talk). Sometimes these optimal, (and hence all) strategies need to be transfinite in that knowledge can only be acquired at some infinite ordinal. However, the situation changes sharply when we consider dialogues geared not to acquiring knowledge but to taking a justified risk.
Modeling and Control of a Nonsquare Drug Infusion System

Abstract A model predictive control strategy is developed and tested on an nonlinear canine circulatory model for the regulation of hemodynamic variables under critical care conditions. Several cases are studied, including congestive heart failure, post-operative hypertension and a patient that moves from hypertensive to hypotensive conditions. The “nonsquare” (more process inputs than outputs) control system allows the independent management of the hemodynamic and venous circulation. The model predictive controller, which uses a different linear model depending on the patient condition, allows constraints to be explicitly enforced. The controller is initially tuned based on linear plant responses, then tested on the nonlinear plant model; the simulations verify the robustness of the control strategy
Incorporation of macrophages into engineered skeletal muscle enables enhanced muscle regeneration.

Adult skeletal muscle has a robust capacity for self-repair, owing to synergies between muscle satellite cells and the immune system. In vitro models of muscle self-repair would facilitate the basic understanding of muscle regeneration and the screening of therapies for muscle disease. Here, we show that the incorporation of macrophages into muscle tissues engineered from adult-rat myogenic cells enables near-complete structural and functional repair after cardiotoxic injury in vitro. First, we show that—in contrast with injured neonatal-derived engineered muscle—adult-derived engineered muscle fails to properly self-repair after injury, even when treated with pro-regenerative cytokines. We then show that rat bone-marrow-derived macrophages or human blood-derived macrophages resident within the in vitro engineered tissues stimulate muscle satellite cell-mediated myogenesis while significantly limiting myofibre apoptosis and degeneration. Moreover, bone-marrow-derived macrophages within engineered tissues implanted in a mouse dorsal window-chamber model augmented blood vessel ingrowth, cell survival, muscle regeneration and contractile function.
Evolution of Rpp8 genes in Arabidopsis heynh: in Holl & heynh

Rpp is present in Arabidopsis chromosomes in two different configurations either as a tandem duplication with the loci separated by approximately kb or as a single ndash copy gene Polymorphism in gene copy numbers is common in clusters and is also present in single ndash copy loci as the presence or absence of a locus Copy number dynamics intergenic exchange and allelic diversity are all likely to be evolutionary responses to the same selective pressures for disease resistance R ndash gene evolution therefore has both a vertical component across generations and a horizontal component throughout the genome and each is likely to be shaped by natural selection for resistance The presence of ancient and many segregating alleles at R ndash gene loci is interesting because disease resistance is thought to involve an evolutionary arms race between host and pathogen Because of the lack of research on the polymorphism this paper will investigate the polymorphism in each of the three loci and determine how much of it is shared between the loci From this we can determine whether there is evidence for interlocus exchange and if so whether intergenic exchange is more common between the two members on the same chromosome intra ndash chromosomal exchange or whether exchange occurs more often between chromosomes This paper also investigates whether these loci harbor more nucleotide polymorphism than that at another locus which for the purpose of this lab can be considered to have quot typical quot levels of polymorphism for the species From the neighbor ndash joined phylogeny there is a significant amount of evidence for interlocus exchange Around of the segregated DNA polymorphism is shared between loci and is distinct to each locus There is evidence for interlocus exchange Intergenic exchange is more common between B and C loci than it is between any other loci combination There is elevated polymorphism at Rpp All of these observations are coming from the hypothesis that the polymorphism demonstrated in this paper is coming from a continuously maintained balance of variation created by new mutations and natural selection This seems to fit with the context of the gene sequences as they are coming from Arabidopsis which is self ndash fertilizing Some future directions of research include looking for the cause of the increased polymorphism in Rpp More work should be done to clarify this relationship and compare it to similar relationships with other genes Also more work should be done to find molecular evidence for this relationship
Impact of Staged Vascular Management on Limb Outcomes in Wartime Femoropopliteal Arterial Injury.

Abstract Introduction By necessity, wartime arterial injuries undergo staged management. Initial procedures may occur at a Forward Surgical Team (Role 2) where temporary shunts can be placed before transfer to a larger field hospital (Role 3) for definitive reconstruction. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of staging femoropopliteal injury care on limb outcomes. Methods A military vascular injury database was queried for Iraq/Afghanistan casualties with femoropopliteal arterial injuries undergoing attempted reconstruction (2004-2012). Cases were grouped by initial arterial management: shunt placed at Role 2 (R2SHUNT), reconstruction at Role 2 (R2RECON), and initial management at Role 3 (R3MGT). The primary outcome was limb salvage; secondary outcomes were limb-specific complications. Descriptive and intergroup comparative statistics were performed with significance defined at P≤0.05. Results Of 257 cases, all but 4 had definitive reconstruction prior to evacuation to Germany (median 2 days). 46 R2SHUNT, 84 R2RECON, and 127 R3MGT, median MESS was 6 for all groups. R2SHUNT had median extremity AIS-vascular of 4, (other groups 3, P 48h) thrombosis rates were similar while 60% of R2SHUNT thromboses occurred on day of injury (P=.003 vs 25% and 0%). Conclusions Staged femoropopliteal injury care is associated with similar limb salvage to initial Role 3 management. Early thrombosis is likely due to shunt failure but does not lead to limb loss. Current military practice guidelines are appropriate and may inform civilian vascular injury management protocols.
Gas independence of Miscanthus × giganteus torrefied in nitrogen (N2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) using calibrated thermogravimetric analysis

Abstract Effects of torrefaction in N2 versus CO2 environments are not well understood despite their industrial significance. Previous torrefaction studies observed increased mass loss and enhanced biomass properties in CO2, but the underlying mechanisms for these differences have not been thoroughly explored. This study critically examined the commonly used thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) technique to highlight the effects of calibration and environment gas properties on torrefaction in N2 and CO2 at extended residence times using Miscanthus x giganteus. The impacts of environment conditions on mass loss, heating value, grindability and combustion were investigated using TGA and a batch reactor. Results show that rates and extents of changes in these properties are independent of gas environment but dependent on time when respective TGA calibrations are used for N2 and CO2. This study provides new insights into conclusions drawn by previous studies investigating gas environment impacts, and elucidation of calibration impacts on TGA data.
Quantifying Oxide Layer Growth at Low Pressures and Temperatures for Aluminum Alloy 6061

Aluminum alloy 6061 is commonly used as fuel cladding in nuclear research and test reactors. Over time, this cladding will oxidize and reduce heat transfer from the fuel to the reactor pool, which is a safety concern. Previous oxide growth predictions for these reactors are based on correlations developed from data taken at higher temperatures and pressures and may be overly conservative. This work assesses the validity of three existing oxide growth rate correlations at lower temperatures and pressures by measuring the oxide thickness formed over six months of exposure to water. In addition, we compare the corrosion rate of the as-received samples to the prefilmed samples that have a thin boehmite layer in order to assess the benefit of this surface modification. Samples were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction to characterize the oxide thickness, chemistry, and crystal structure, respectively. Open-circuit potential monitoring, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, linear polarization resistance, and cyclic voltammetry were used to study corrosion resistance. Results show that the boehmite on the prefilmed samples is a stable, protective phase under the conditions tested. The non-prefilmed samples produced a partially crystalline unprotective oxide, with a linear rate of oxide growth. The prefilming process is deemed necessary for fuel cladding applications, and two of the three correlations considered herein conservatively predicted the oxide thickness of the prefilmed samples.
Preschool[-aged] children's use of perceptual features to identify spoken languages

One major question in language development is when and how young language learners identify what language(s) they are hearing. Infants can discriminate languages when at least one is familiar. We have previously demonstrated that regardless of language background, 3- to 5-year-olds accurately associate two languages with two individuals (cartoons), but how they accomplish this is unclear. Here, we test whether bilingual (n = 32) and monolingual (n = 32) children associate perceptual features versus comprehensibility with individuals. During learning, children are familiarized with two cartoon characters: one speaks Spanish sentences; the other, English. At test, children see both characters and hear four trial types: English sentences; Spanish sentences; English-like nonsense; Spanish-like nonsense. Sense and nonsense sentences are acoustically matched via bidirectional cross-splicing. On each test trial, the child points to the character who they thought spoke, while eye-movements are being recorded. If children associate language-specific phonetic cues with talkers, they will choose English-speaking characters for English-like nonsense, and Spanish-speaking characters for Spanish-like nonsense. However, English monolinguals may associate characters with (non)comprehensibility. If so, they will choose the Spanish-speaking character for all nonsense utterances. Findings will reveal how much children use low-level perceptual features in language recognition, and whether this differs between bilinguals and monolinguals.One major question in language development is when and how young language learners identify what language(s) they are hearing. Infants can discriminate languages when at least one is familiar. We have previously demonstrated that regardless of language background, 3- to 5-year-olds accurately associate two languages with two individuals (cartoons), but how they accomplish this is unclear. Here, we test whether bilingual (n = 32) and monolingual (n = 32) children associate perceptual features versus comprehensibility with individuals. During learning, children are familiarized with two cartoon characters: one speaks Spanish sentences; the other, English. At test, children see both characters and hear four trial types: English sentences; Spanish sentences; English-like nonsense; Spanish-like nonsense. Sense and nonsense sentences are acoustically matched via bidirectional cross-splicing. On each tes...
The relationship between the number of available therapeutic options and government payer (medicare part D) spending on topical drug products

The cost of prescription drugs has increased at rates far exceeding general inflation in recent history, with topical drugs increasing at a disproportionate rate compared to other routes of administration. We assessed the relationship between net changes in the number of therapeutic options, defined as any approved drug or therapeutic equivalent on the market, and prescription topical drug spending. Drugs were divided based on the category of use through pairing of Medicare Part D Prescriber Public Use and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved drug products databases. Across drug classes, we modeled the log of the ratio of total spending per unit in 2015 to total spending per unit in 2011 as a linear function of net number of topical therapeutic options over this time period. Primary outcomes include total Medicaid Part D spending on topical drugs and net change in the number of available therapeutic options within each category of use. Total spending on topical drugs increased by 61%, while the number of units dispensed increased by only 18% from 2011–2015. The greatest total spending increases were in categories with few new therapeutic options, such as topical corticosteroid and antifungal medications. Each net additional therapeutic option during 2011–2015 was associated with an reduction in how much relative spending per unit increased (95% CI 2.5%–14.4%, p = 0.013). Stimulating greater competition through increasing the net number of therapeutic options within each major topical category of use may place downward pressure on topical prescription drug spending under medicare Part D.
Evaluation of a multidisciplinary approach to reduce internal medicine readmissions using a readmission prediction index.

PURPOSE Readmission prediction indices are used to stratify patients by the risk of hospital readmission. We describe the integration of a 30-day hospital readmission prediction index into the electronic medical record (EMR) and its impact on pharmacist interventions during transitions of care (TOC). METHODS A retrospective cohort study was conducted to compare 30-day readmission rates between adult internal medicine inpatients admitted by a multidisciplinary team providing TOC services (the TOC group) and those who received usual care (the control group). Interventions by a pharmacist serving on the TOC team were guided by an EMR-integrated readmission index, with patients at the highest risk for readmission receiving targeted pharmacist interventions. Inpatient encounters (n = 374) during the 5-month study period were retrospectively identified. Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests were performed to analyze differences in nominal and nonparametric continuous variables, respectively. Logistic regression was performed to identify variables associated with 30-day readmissions. The log-rank test was used to analyze hazard ratios for readmission outcomes in the 2 cohorts. RESULTS Thirty-day readmission rates did not differ significantly in the TOC group and the control group (20.9% vs 18.3%, P = 0.52). However, patients who received additional direct pharmacist interventions, as guided by use of a hospital readmission index, had a lower 30-day readmission rate than patients who did not (11.4% vs 21.7%, P = 0.04). The readmission index score was significantly associated with the likelihood of 30-day readmission (odds ratio for readmission, 1.25; 95% confidence interval, 1.16-1.34; P < 0.01). The difference in unadjusted log-rank scores at 30 days with and without pharmacist intervention was not significant (P = 0.05). A mean of 4.5 medication changes were identified per medication reconciliation performed by the TOC pharmacist. CONCLUSION A multidisciplinary TOC team approach did not reduce the 30-day readmission rate on an internal medicine service. However, patients who received additional direct pharmacist interventions guided by a readmission prediction index had a reduced readmission rate.
Clinical features of 80 severe cases of hand-foot-mouth disease of Shenzhen in 2008

Objective To summarize clinical features of severe cases of hand-foot-mouth disease and thereby to identify the severe cases in early stage and improve clinical outcome.Methods Eighty children with severe hand-foot-mouth disease were divided into four groups according their severity.The features of clinical manifestations were summarized and analyzed to determine the signs,symptoms and laboratory test which can identify severe cases in early stage.Results In the eighty hand-foot-mouth cases,seventy-five cases (94%)were within five years old.Seventy cases(87.5%)were complicated with central nervous system (CNS) involvement,showing twenty-one cases (26.3%) with aseptic meningitis,thirty-two cases (40%) with encephalitis,nine cases(8.9%)with brain stem encephalitis,four cases (5%) with myelitis,and six cases(7.5%)with neurogenic pulmonary edema.Fifty-one cases (64%)were infected by enterovirus 71(EV71),and seven cases (9%)were infected with coxsackieviruses A16(CxA16).CNS involvement was highly associated with EV71 infection.Seyenty-nine cases (99%)had fever.Seventy-eight cases (97.5%) had rashes over hands,feet,buttocks or knees.It was indicated that severe cascs usually had fewer rashes.The group with CNS involvement had somewhat malaise or irritability.Sixty-seven cases had myoclonic jerk(95.7%).Hyperglycemia incidence showed significant difference among different groups(P＜0.05).The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) white cell counting increased in the group with CNS involvement but the difference between each group was not significant.Bedside continuous electroencephalograph (EEG) monitor indicated background activity was slow.Eight cases had abnormal head magnetic resonance imging (MRI) findings.Two cases died of neurogertic pulmonary edema.Conclusion The majority of severe handfoot-mouth disease cases are complicated with CNS involvement,and are highly associated with EV71 infection.The paitients under serious condition showed less skin rashes.Malaise,irritability and myoclonic jerk are the early clinical features of severe cases.Hyperglycemia is a worthy biomarker for early identification of severe case.Neurogenic pulmonary edema is the most common cause of mortality. Key words: Hand-foot-mouth disease; CNS involvement; Enterovirus 71
Relationships Between Race, Gender, and Spot Urine Levels of Biomarkers of Tobacco Exposure Vary Based on How Creatinine Is Handled in Analyses.

INTRODUCTION We illustrate the differential impact of common analysis approaches to handling urinary creatinine, a measure for urine dilution, on relationships between race, gender, and biomarkers of exposure measured in spot urine. METHODS In smokers, spot urine levels of total nicotine equivalents (TNE, sum of total nicotine, total cotinine, and total 3'-hydroxycotinine) and total 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL) overall and per cigarette were examined. Relationships between race (African Americans [AA] n = 373, Whites n = 758) or gender (males n = 629, females n = 502) and TNE or NNAL were examined using the following approaches to handling creatinine: (1) unadjusted/unstandardized; (2) standardization; (3) adjustment as a covariate. Significance was considered at p < .05. RESULTS Creatinine was higher in AA versus Whites (1.19 vs. 0.96 mg/mL; p < .0001) and in males versus females (1.21 vs. 0.84 mg/mL; p < .0001). Independent of how creatinine was handled, TNE was lower among AA than Whites (TNE ratios AA vs. Whites: 0.67-0.84; p's < .05). Unadjusted TNE per cigarette was higher among AA versus Whites (ratio 1.12; p = .0411); however, the relationship flipped with standardization (ratio 0.90; p = .0360) and adjustment (ratio 0.95; p = .3165). Regarding gender, unadjusted TNE was higher among males versus females (ratio 1.13; p = .0063), but the relationship flipped with standardization (ratio 0.79; p < .0001) or adjustment (ratio 0.89; p = .0018). Unadjusted TNE per cigarette did not differ across gender (ratio 0.98; p = .6591), but lower levels were found in males versus females with standardization (ratio 0.68; p < .0001) and adjustment (ratio 0.74; p < .0001). NNAL displayed similar patterns. CONCLUSIONS Relationships between race, gender, and spot urine levels of biomarkers of exposure can vary greatly based on how creatinine is handled in analyses. IMPLICATIONS Lack of appropriate methods can lead to discrepancies across reports on variability of urinary biomarkers by race and gender. We recommend that for any analyses of biomarkers of exposure measure in spot urine samples across race, gender, or other population subgroups that differ in urinary creatinine levels, sensitivity analyses comparing the different methods for handling urinary creatinine should be conducted. If methods result in discrepant findings, this should be clearly noted and discussed.
KEGG2Net: Deducing gene interaction networks and acyclic graphs from KEGG pathways

The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway database provides a manual curation of biological pathways that involve genes (or gene products), metabolites, chemical compounds, maps, and other entries. However, most applications and datasets involved in omics are gene or protein-centric requiring pathway representations that include direct and indirect interactions only between genes. Furthermore, special methodologies, such as Bayesian networks, require acyclic representations of graphs. We developed KEGG2Net, a web resource that generates a network involving only the genes represented on a KEGG pathway with all of the direct and indirect gene-gene interactions deduced from the pathway. KEGG2Net offers four different methods to remove cycles from the resulting gene interaction network, converting them into directed acyclic graphs (DAGs). We generated synthetic gene expression data using the gene interaction networks deduced from the KEGG pathways and performed a comparative analysis of different cycle removal methods by testing the fitness of their DAGs to the data and by the number of edges they eliminate. Our results indicate that an ensemble method for cycle removal performs as the best approach to convert the gene interaction networks into DAGs. Resulting gene interaction networks and DAGs are represented in multiple user-friendly formats that can be used in other applications, and as images for quick and easy visualisation. The KEGG2Net web portal converts KEGG maps for any organism into gene-gene interaction networks and corresponding DAGs representing all of the direct and indirect interactions among the genes. Availability: KEGG2Net is freely available at http://otulab.unl.edu/KEGG2Net
A Robust Analysis of the Impacts of the Stay-at-home Policy on Taxi and Citi Bike Usage: A Case Study of Manhattan

Abstract On March 22, 2020, the State of New York issued a “stay-at-home” policy, wherein all non-essential businesses were on pause until June 8, 2020. The bike-sharing system (BSS) and yellow taxi system (YTS) in Manhattan were substantially affected. This sudden drop in demand can impact not only short and long-term mobility but also the sustainability of transport network. Given that few empirical studies are focusing on the impacts of the “stay-at-home” policy on the BSS and YTS, this further substantiates the importance of analyzing how the policy affects the overall transportation system in New York City (NYC). This paper aims to fill this gap by quantifying the impacts of the “stay-at-home” policy on the two aforementioned transportation systems. Specifically, the following three research gaps are summarized in this study: I) The hidden biases in current “stay-at-home” policy estimation methods were not properly addressed; II) The policy impacts on BSS and YTS during different periods of the effective day were unclear; III) The sensitivity of uncontrolled confounders in long-term policy impact estimations was poorly discussed. We addressed these important research gaps by introducing robust statistical approaches like regression discontinuity design (RDD) and propensity score matching (PSM) methods, which can overcome methodological challenges such as counterfactual restoration, spatiotemporal heterogeneities, and unmeasured confounders. The BSS and YTS were studied at the aggregated neighborhood levels. Results demonstrate that the impacts on BSS have higher variations than YTS usage. The monthly average treatment effects on the treated (ATT) for BSS ranged from −72% to −28% respectively in March and June, while YTS ranged from −96% to −94%. Evidence suggests that demand for BSS surged on weekends in May and June. Understanding the impact of this short-term yet significant policy change on travel behavior will help optimize supply and demand management strategies, thereby improving the long-term sustainability should similar situations arise in the future.
Interpersonal/Professional Concerns

Physical and psychological problems frequently occur at the same time, and a closer working relationship between physicians and therapists is needed to improve clinical care. Many physicians assume that the patients’ emotional turmoil, though painful, is simply part of the process. This attitude was illustrated by one surgeon who, when commenting on his work with facially disfigured patients, sighed: “God help them. They somehow manage.” It apparently did not occur to him that someone other than God could help ease their psychological pain.