cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Congenital hypothyroidism with delayed thyroid-stimulating hormone elevation in premature infants born at less than 30 weeks gestation

Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) with delayed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) elevation is a common form of thyroid dysfunction among premature infants. Routine newborn screening (NBS) may miss infants with CH with delayed TSH elevation. The objective of the study is to determine the prevalence of CH with delayed TSH elevation in premature infants and to identify associated risk factors. Retrospective analysis of serum thyroid function screening (TFS) at day of life 30 in premature infants <30 weeks gestation, admitted to University of Iowa Neonatal Intensive Care Unit between 1 July 2012 to 30 June 2015. Serum free thyroxine and TSH levels were obtained in premature infants <30 weeks gestation on day of life 30. Follow-up testing and pediatric endocrinology consultation were done according to the institutional protocol. In total, 286 infants were included. All infants underwent routine NBS and 280 patients underwent TFS. Twenty-six patients (9.1%) were diagnosed with thyroid dysfunction. NBS identified only three patients. CH with delayed TSH elevation was diagnosed in 20 patients (6.9%) and was significantly associated with multiple gestation, lower birth weight, higher gestational age and lower 5 min APGAR score. Thyroid dysfunction is common among premature infants born before 30 weeks gestation. The majority of cases with thyroid dysfunction had CH with delayed TSH elevation, which was not detected by NBS. We recommend measurement of serum TSH and free T4 levels on day of life 30 in premature infants born at <30 weeks gestation to identify patients with CH with delayed TSH elevation.
Ocular Manifestations Associated With Diabetes

Abstract Diabetes mellitus (DM) has detrimental effects on every ocular tissue but most greatly impacts the retina. These effects can be moderated with glycemic control and blood pressure regulation, but complications such as diabetic retinopathy (DR) may still occur. DR can result in vision loss due to several mechanisms, such as retinal detachment and macular ischemia. This chapter explains the current classification and treatment of DR as well as other ocular complications of DM, such as neurotrophic keratitis, neovascular glaucoma, and cataract.
V̇o2 kinetics associated with moderate-intensity exercise in heart failure: impact of intrathecal fentanyl inhibition of group III/IV locomotor muscle afferents.

Heart failure (HF) patients demonstrate impaired pulmonary, circulatory, and nervous system responses to exercise. While HF demonstrates prolonged [time constant (τ)] pulmonary O2 uptake (Vo2) on-kinetics, contributing to exercise intolerance, it is unknown whether abnormal Vo2 kinetics couple with ventilatory and circulatory dysfunction secondary to impaired group III/IV afferents in HF. Because lower lumbar intrathecal fentanyl inhibits locomotor muscle afferents, resulting in improved exercise ventilation and hemodynamics, we tested these hypotheses: HF will demonstrate 1) rapid Vo2 on-kinetics and 2) attenuated steady-state Vo2 amplitude and O2 deficit (O2def) during exercise with fentanyl versus placebo. On separate visits (randomized), breath-by-breath Vo2 was measured in HF (ejection fraction: 27 ± 6%, New York Heart Association class I-III) and age- and sex-matched controls (both n = 9, ages: 60 ± 6 vs. 63 ± 8 yr, P = 0.37) during cycling transitions at 65% peak workload (78 ± 24 vs. 115 ± 39 W, P 0.05). Without differences in steady-state Vo2, reduced O2def in fentanyl versus placebo within HF (13 ± 4 vs. 22 ± 15 ml/W, P = 0.04) was accounted for by a rapid phase II τ of Vo2 in fentanyl versus placebo within HF (45 ± 11 vs. 57 ± 14 s, P = 0.04), respectively. In an integrative manner, these data demonstrate important effects of abnormal locomotor muscle afferents coupled to pulmonary and circulatory dysfunction in determining impaired exercise Vo2 in HF. Effects of abnormal muscle afferents on impaired exercise Vo2 and hence exercise intolerance may not be discernable by independently assessing steady-state Vo2 in HF.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Inhibition of locomotor muscle afferents results in rapid primary-component O2 uptake (Vo2) on-kinetics accounting for the decreased O2 deficit in heart failure (HF). This study revealed that abnormal musculoskeletal-neural afferents couple with pulmonary and circulatory dysfunction to provoke impaired exercise Vo2 in HF. Steady-state Vo2 cannot properly phenotype abnormal muscle afferent contributions to impaired exercise Vo2 in HF.
Benign nodules in post-Fontan livers can show imaging features considered diagnostic for hepatocellular carcinoma

To describe the imaging appearance of hyperenhancing nodules arising in post-Fontan patients and to identify specific features best correlated with malignancy. Hyperenhancing hepatic nodules visible on CT and/or MRI in post-Fontan patients were identified retrospectively and reviewed by subspecialty radiologists. Nodules with characteristic imaging findings of focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) were defined as typical, the remainder were defined as atypical, described in detail according to LIRADS criteria, and length of stability over time was recorded. Clinical data, alpha fetoprotein levels (AFP), central venous pressures (CVP), and histopathology were recorded. 245 hyperenhancing nodules (215 typical, 30 atypical) were evaluated in 30 patients. Twenty-nine atypical nodules showed washout (portal phase in 6, delayed phase in 29), 0 showed pseudocapsule, 1 showed threshold growth, 1 showed tumor in vein, and 5 showed ancillary features favoring malignancy. Pathology confirmed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in 3 atypical nodules and FNH-like histology in 3 atypical and 4 typical nodules. 2 atypical nodules were present in a patient with clinical diagnosis of HCC. 20 nodules (7 typical, 13 atypical due to washout) were studied with hepatobiliary contrast agent and all showed homogenous hepatobiliary phase retention. Atypical nodules were significantly more likely to be HCC than biopsy-proven FNH-like or stable ≥24 months when showing portal phase washout (P < 0.001), mosaic architecture (P = 0.020) or in the presence of cirrhosis (P = 0.004) or elevated AFP (P = 0.004). Atypical nodules that were HCC had higher median CVP than those that were FNH-like (19, range 16–27 vs. 13, range 12–16 mmHg, P = 0.0003), there was not a significant difference based on median patient age (HCC 30, range 10–41 vs. FNH-like 40 range 10–41, P = 0.244). Benign hyperenhancing masses in Fontan patients may demonstrate washout and be mistaken for HCC by imaging criteria. Portal phase washout, mosaic architecture, elevated AFP and higher CVP were associated with HCC in the atypical nodules found in this population.
Generational Differences and Resident Selection

Generational differences and their impact on the relationships between currently practicing physicians and incoming residents are a topic of great importance. Baby boomers and Generation X are our faculty members tasked with educating the incoming millennial residents. A proper understanding of our different values and motivations can lead to improved resident training practices and overall improved preparedness for the next generation of physicians. The resident selection process is also affected by generational differences. Evaluating the quality of the data available to aid in resident selection as well as incorporating our knowledge of the millennial generation is key to building a strong residency program. USMLE performance, letters of recommendation, and the interview process can be improved upon to maximize accurate resident selection. The purpose of this chapter is to explore what is known about the three generations currently in the workforce and how we can apply our understanding of the youngest generation to the resident interview and selection process.
A Meta-Analysis of the Association Between Birth Weight and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

A large body of work has investigated the association between birth weight and ADHD and has resulted in mixed findings with regard to the direction and magnitude of this association. Despite the vast amount of research on this topic, a comprehensive and systematic quantification of the association between birth weight and ADHD has yet to be undertaken. A meta-analysis of 88 unique studies (N = 4,645,482) was conducted to quantify the overall effect size of birth weight on ADHD symptoms. Several variables were examined as moderators that may contribute to systematic variation in effect sizes. Overall, birth weight was found to have a small, but significant, association with ADHD symptoms such that individuals born at lower birth weights manifested greater symptoms of ADHD (r = −0.15). Sample type, mean birth weight of the sample, geographic region, the informant of ADHD symptoms, ADHD symptom measurement method, and race were all found to contribute significantly to heterogeneity in effect sizes. Notably, several early life risk factors previously found to be associated with both ADHD and birth weight, gestational age and prenatal smoking exposure, were not found to contribute to heterogeneity in effect sizes. The findings of the current analyses align with the growing recognition that early life adversity contributes to neurodevelopmental difficulties, and the findings highlight the importance of a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the association between early life risk factors and adverse neurodevelopmental sequela, such as that observed in ADHD.
Ru(II) polypyridyl complexes as photocages for bioactive compounds containing nitriles and aromatic heterocycles

Photocaging allows for precise spatiotemporal control over the release of biologically active compounds with light. Most photocaged molecules employ organic photolabile protecting groups; however, biologically active compounds often contain functionalities such as nitriles and aromatic heterocycles that cannot be caged with organic groups. Despite their prevalence, only a few studies have reported successful caging of nitriles and aromatic heterocycles. Recently, Ru(II)-based photocaging has emerged as a powerful method for the release of bioactive molecules containing these functional groups, in many cases providing high levels of spatial and temporal control over biological activity. This Feature Article discusses recent developments in applying Ru(II)-based photocaging towards biological problems. Our groups designed and synthesized Ru(II)-based platforms for the photoinduced delivery of cysteine protease and cytochrome P450 inhibitors in order to achieve selective control over enzyme inhibition. We also reported Ru(II) photocaging groups derived from higher-denticity ancillary ligands that possess photophysical and photochemical properties distinct from more traditional Ru(II)-based caging groups. In addition, for the first time, we are able to rapidly synthesize and screen Ru(II) polypyridyl complexes that elicit desired properties by solid-phase synthesis. Finally, our work also defined steric and orbital mixing effects that are important factors in controlling photoinduced ligand exchange.
Fatigability and functional performance among older adults with low-normal ankle-brachial index: Cross-sectional findings from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging.

Abstract Background and aims Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is associated with poor mobility and fatigue, but the relationship between preclinical ankle-brachial index (ABI) and early markers of fatigue and functional decline has not been defined. Methods 570 adults, 50 and older, from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (N = 570), with normal values of ABI (1–1.39), were classified into ABI tertiles. Perceived fatigability was assessed after a 5-min, treadmill walk (1.5 mph) using the Borg rating of perceived exertion (RPE, range 6–20). Functional evaluation included the Health, Aging and Body Composition Physical Performance Battery (HABC PPB), time to complete a 400-m corridor walk (LDCW), and VO2 peak (ml/kg/min). High RPE and poor walking endurance (PWE) were defined as RPE≥10 and taking >5 min for the LDCW, respectively. Differences between tertiles in fatigability and functional measures were tested adjusting for demographics, behavioral characteristics, self-reported fatigue, and medical history. Results Mean LDCW time and RPE were greater for participants in the lowest tertile compared to those in the highest; mean VO2 peak and HABC PPB scores were lower, suggesting hierarchical associations between fatigability, functional performance, and ABI (p Conclusions Lower ABI is associated with poorer physical function and increased fatigability, suggesting that early changes in ABI may infer greater risk of functional decline, even among those who may not progress to PAD.
Review: Adjunctive corticosteroids do not reduce mortality or clinical failure in adult inpatients with CAP.

Source Citation Briel M, Spoorenberg SMC, Snijders D, et al; STEP Study Group. Corticosteroids in patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia: systematic review and individual patient d...
How comparative effectiveness research feeds into cost-benefit analyses.

Despite exclusion of cost from the definition of comparative effectiveness research from the recent health care reform legislation, it will feed into cost-benefit analyses.z
EFFECTS OF EXTERNAL APPLICATIONS OF FUEL OIL ON HATCHABILITY OF MALLARD EGGS

Abstract An experiment was performed to determine the toxicity of oil to incubating eggs. Number 2 fuel oil, a mixture of 9 paraffin compounds, and propylene glycol were applied to the surface of artificially incubated mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) eggs. Seven groups of 50 eggs each were treated with 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 μl of fuel oil, 50 μ1 of the paraffin mixture, and 50 μl of propylene glycol. Fifty untreated eggs served as a control. Microliter syringes were used to apply the liquid around the air cell end of the egg on the 8th day of incubation. Embryonic mortality was significantly greater (P ≤ 0.01) in all oil treated groups and the paraffin mixture group than in the control group. Most of the embryonic mortality for the oiled eggs occurred within 72 hours of treatment. Hatching and post-hatching (4 weeks) weights of the ducklings in all treatment groups were not significantly different (P > 0.01) from the control. Thus, the transfer of even small quantities of oil to the egg surface is sufficient to reduce hatchability.
Monte Carlo Simulation in Analytical Electron Microscopy

Spatial resolution in Analytical Electron Microscopy (AEM) is ultimately limited by electron scattering within the foil target. The degree of electron scattering is determined by experimental variables such as incident beam voltage, foil thickness, foil density, and tilt angle of the foil with respect to the incident electron beam. In order to predict the optimum experimental conditions to achieve a desired resolution, we must have a reliable theoretical model for calculating the effects of these experimental parameters on spatial resolution. One model, based on a single scattering event at the middle of the foil, has been proposed by GOLDSTEIN et al. (1977) and some typical results are given in Chapter 3 of this book. Another model, based on Monte Carlo simulation of electron scattering throughout the foil, has been proposed by KYSER and GEISS (1977). Additional results obtained with a sophisticated Monte Carlo model have been given by GEISS and KYSER (1979) and NEWBURY and MYKLEBUST (1979). Finally, FAULKNER et al. (1977) and FAULKNER and NORRGARD (1978) have used a simplified Monte Carlo model to estimate electron scattering and spatial resolution on AEM.
Switching of the folding-energy landscape governs the allosteric activation of protein kinase A

Protein kinases are dynamic molecular switches that sample multiple conformational states. The regulatory subunit of PKA harbors two cAMP-binding domains [cyclic nucleotide-binding (CNB) domains] that oscillate between inactive and active conformations dependent on cAMP binding. The cooperative binding of cAMP to the CNB domains activates an allosteric interaction network that enables PKA to progress from the inactive to active conformation, unleashing the activity of the catalytic subunit. Despite its importance in the regulation of many biological processes, the molecular mechanism responsible for the observed cooperativity during the activation of PKA remains unclear. Here, we use optical tweezers to probe the folding cooperativity and energetics of domain communication between the cAMP-binding domains in the apo state and bound to the catalytic subunit. Our study provides direct evidence of a switch in the folding-energy landscape of the two CNB domains from energetically independent in the apo state to highly cooperative and energetically coupled in the presence of the catalytic subunit. Moreover, we show that destabilizing mutational effects in one CNB domain efficiently propagate to the other and decrease the folding cooperativity between them. Taken together, our results provide a thermodynamic foundation for the conformational plasticity that enables protein kinases to adapt and respond to signaling molecules.
Psychological distress in adults with congenital heart disease: focus beyond depression.

BackgroundAdults with congenital heart disease face psychological challenges although an understanding of depression vs. anxiety symptoms is unclear. We analyzed the prevalence of elevated symptoms of anxiety and depression and explored associations with demographic and medical factors as well as quality of life.MethodsAdults with congenital heart disease enrolled from an outpatient clinic completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and two measures of quality of life: the Linear Analogue Scale and the Satisfaction with Life Scale. Medical data were obtained by chart review.ResultsOf 130 patients (median age = 32 years; 55% female), 55 (42%) had elevated anxiety symptoms and 16 (12%) had elevated depression symptoms on subscales of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Most patients with elevated depression symptoms also had elevated anxiety symptoms (15/16; 94%). Of 56 patients with at least one elevated subscale, 37 (66%) were not receiving mental health treatment. Compared to patients with 0 or 1 elevated subscales, patients with elevations in both (n=15) were less likely to be studying or working (47% vs. 81%; p=0.016) and reported lower scores on the Linear Analogue Scale (60 vs. 81, p<0.001) and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (14 vs. 28, p<0.001).ConclusionsAmong adults with congenital heart disease, elevated anxiety symptoms are common and typically accompany elevated depressive symptoms. The combination is associated with unemployment and lower quality of life. Improved strategies to provide psychosocial care and support appropriate engagement in employment are required.
Effect of curing regimes on hardened performance of concrete containing slag cement

Abstract This paper is focused on evaluating the impact of curing on concrete performance, and correlating hardened performance to salt-scaling resistance of concrete. The performance of the mixtures was determined through air-void system, sorptivity, and abrasion tests. A total of seven different curing regimes were applied to mixtures made with different binary systems containing 0%, 20%, 40%, and 60% slag cement. The results obtained showed that curing affects salt-scaling potential by changing sorptivity and abrasion resistance of the mixtures. While slag-cement replacement reduced the scaling resistance of the mixtures, a replacement of up to 40% improved the mechanical and transport properties. In addition, no correlation was observed between salt scaling and the air-void system.
Other Cancers: Small-Bowel Cancers, Cholangiocarcinoma, Urinary Tract, and Anal Cancer Risk and Screening in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at increased risk for developing extra-colonic cancer at both sites of inflammation (small intestine, biliary tree) and in noninvolved organs (skin, urinary tract). This is due to the neoplastic effects of chronic inflammation or as a risk of chronic immunosuppressive therapies. These cancers are mostly rare, and early detection can be a challenge; therefore, universal screening is of uncertain value.
Wideband Autocorrelation Radiometry for Lake Icepack Thickness Measurement With Dry Snow Cover

Wideband autocorrelation radiometry (WiBAR) is a recently developed microwave radiometric technique to measure the lake icepack or snowpack thickness. This technique offers a direct method to remotely measure the microwave propagation time difference of multipath microwave emission from low-loss layered surfaces such as dry snowpack and freshwater lake icepack. The microwave propagation time difference through the pack yields a measure of its vertical extent. However, the lake icepack thickness measurement can be affected by the presence of a dry snowpack, which introduces another multipath interference. We present a simple geophysical forward model considering this effect and derive the WiBAR system requirements needed to correctly measure the icepack thickness. An X-band instrument fabricated from commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) components is used to measure the thickness of fresh water lake ice at the University of Michigan Biological Station. The WiBAR was able to directly measure the icepack of about 36 cm with a snowpack of about 4 cm on top at incidence angle of 69.4° with an accuracy of 2 cm.
Answers to Written Questions for the Record of David O. Taylor before the United States Senate Judiciary Committee, Subcommittee on Intellectual Property: The State of Patent Eligibility in America

Here I provide answers to written questions received from Senators Tillis, Blumenthal, and Hirono as part of their consideration of proposed amendments to the patent statute to address current problems with patent eligibility law. I explain why patent eligibility law is in a state of crisis, and in particular how my research has demonstrated risks of under investment in research and development as a result of the Supreme Court's changes to patent eligibility law. I analyze the impact of returning patent eligibility law to its historical scope, focusing on the impact on industry, consumers, and prices. I explain why congressional intervention is necessary, but why the proposed "field of technology" test is suboptimal. I highlight the role of Congress in addressing moral and ethical concerns with patenting some technologies. I discuss how the proposed change to the disclosure requirement is unnecessary, over-broad, and problematic. I also discuss the lack of a need to codify the double-patenting doctrine. Finally, I analyze potential due process and takings arguments related to the proposed amendments.
Analysis of the Thermal Distribution Generated by a Thermal Patch to Evaluate Its Feasibility to Treat Patient’s Pain Relief

Pain is considered a world problem; several options to release pain have been used. Although thermal patches are commonly used to release pain, there are not enough information to validate if they produce a real therapeutic effect. The present study was done in order to evaluate the effectiveness of a patch designed to keep a constant and uniform temperature through the treatment. 3D human models were generated to evaluate the thermal distribution generated by the patch located over different regions. The effect over fat, muscle and bones was analyzed. Temperature patch from 40 °C to 48 °C and treatment times from 900 s to 1800 s were included in this study. Results show that the thickness of fatty tissue is strongly related with the penetration depth of heat and the effectiveness of the pain therapy. Patch temperatures over 44 °C are the best option to treat regions even with a thick layer of fatty tissue.
De)Racializing Refugee Medicine

Based on ethnographic research within refugee-serving institutions in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (USA), this paper examines the relationship between physicians and the knowledge they produce and co...
Correlates of Dementia-related Anxiety: Self-Perceived Dementia Risk and Ageism.

As public awareness of and exposure to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) have increased worldwide, the fear of developing ADRD, or dementia-related anxiety (DRA), is expected to incr...
What is environmental racism for? Place-based harm and relational development

This paper argues that observed environmental racisms are instrumental to the development of white places. Rather than limiting the view of environmental harms to Black communities as spatial viole...
An anchoring molecule increases intravitreal retention of antibody-based therapeutics used in the treatment of ocular diseases.

Abstract Intravitreal delivery of antibody-based therapeutics has revolutionized the treatment of intraocular vascular diseases involving the retina and choroid. Unfortunately, limited durability requires frequent retreatment placing an enormous burden on patients. We sought to solve this problem with a novel approach that uses an anchoring molecule characterized by two key molecular properties: (1) non-covalent binding to an antibody-based therapeutic, and (2) retention in the vitreous cavity. As an initial proof-of-principle, we chose an anchoring molecule composed of agarose microbeads functionalized with an Fc-binding domain. Bevacizumab was chosen as the antibody-based therapeutic. In vitro experiments demonstrated that bevacizumab was maximally bound to this anchoring molecule within 1 h, and was competitively released upon exposure to either polyclonal human (p
The Influence of the Language of Courts on Educational Opportunities for Students with Disabilities

The article explores the discourse of federal court rulings related to disability and education. The aim is to understand how the language of federal courts influences the quality of educational opportunities afforded students with disabilities. Viewing the purpose of schooling as egalitarian and using Gee’s (2014) activities building tool, selected lines from opinions delivered in five federal court cases are analyzed to explore how they affect students and the structures of educational institutions. The language of the decisions impacts the perspectives of students, level of expectations, and quality of educational opportunities for students with disabilities.
A Review of Faith-Based Holistic Health Models: Mapping Similarities and Differences

This review identified and determined core aspects of holistic health models often used in faith-based global development to integrate the spiritual determinant of health into a multiple determinants framework. Understanding such models and their similarities and differences is essential when planning development opportunities. Seven holistic health models were identified for review. A similar feature among the models was the importance of understanding the impacts of a community’s worldview and beliefs on health to discussing the spiritual aspects of health and behavior change. Community engagement and cultivating relationships were two common themes motivating the models. A primary difference among the models was the direction of engagement. Some models intentionally focus on individual-level relationships and move toward larger community-level impact while others start at the community level and move toward individual-level engagement. Both approaches are helpful depending on the context, community readiness and available local leadership. Based on the review, two diagrams or maps were created to help organizations determine which models or parts of models may be applicable to their situation.
Stochastic Model of Randomly End-Linked Polymer Network Microregions

Polymerization and formation of cross-linked polymer networks are important processes in manufacturing, materials fabrication, and in the case of hydrated polymer networks, synthesis of biomedical ...
Does Improving School Quality Reduce the Probability of Unemployment

The authors investigate the relationship between high school quality and the probability of extended unemployment among noncollege-bound men during three periods: the first two years, two to four years, and seven to nine years after high school. They find that larger high schools and schools with lower pupil-teacher ratios tend to decrease the probability of being unemployed for noncollege-bound men in the period shortly after high school graduation. However, no effect is found of high school quality on unemployment probabilities approximately a decade after high school completion.
Praxis of Writing-to-Learn: A Model for the Design and Propagation of Writing-to-Learn in STEM

Writing is a key disciplinary practice in STEM used to construct scientific knowledge and communicate research findings. With its role in the scientific process, writing is often incorporated into STEM classrooms to train students in scientific writing. The importance of incorporating writing in STEM classrooms is heightened by the role it can play in supporting student learning of disciplinary knowledge and thinking. However, the characteristics of a writing assignment can shape how and what students are learning. Although faculty recognize the value of writing in instruction, they often face barriers that constrain the amount and types of writing they incorporate into their classes. This article describes the design and propagation of Writing-to-Learn assignments in introductory STEM courses at the University of Michigan through the MWrite program. Our aim is to present a framework that could inform similar efforts from the classroom to institutional levels. The Writing-to-Learn assignment design described herein incorporates a context-driven prompt followed by content-focused peer review and revision. We also describe the structures incorporated into the MWrite program to support the large-scale implementation of writing in high-enrollment introductory STEM courses.
Shale oil production and groundwater: What can we learn from produced water data?

As oil production in the Permian Basin surges, the impact of shale production on groundwater resources has become a growing concern. Most existing studies focus on the impact of shale production on shallow freshwater aquifers. There is little understanding of the shale development’s impact on other groundwater resources (e.g., deep carbonate aquifers and deep basin meteoric aquifers). The possible natural hydraulic connections between shallow aquifers and formation water suggest such an impact can be consequential. This study explores the relationship between shale production and groundwater using produced water (PW) samples from active unconventional oil wells. Focusing on the most productive portion of the Permian Basin—the four-county region in Southeast New Mexico between 2007 and 2016, a large produced water dataset allows us to analyze the conditional correlations between shale oil production and PW constituents. The results suggest that (1) expanding from primarily conventional wells to unconventional wells during the recent shale boom has led to dramatic increases of the TDS, chloride, sodium, and calcium levels in groundwater (i.e., producing formation). (2) Nearby oil well density positively correlates with the TDS, chloride, and sodium levels in the PW samples.
Developing Suicide Safety Protocols for Qualitative Research as a Universal Equity Practice.

Qualitative research offers a range of approaches to elucidate the health and social experiences of populations and communities that are historically oppressed and repressed, yet is not without eth...
On Keynes’s November 9th,1936 Decision to Qualify His December 12,1935 Acknowledgement to J. Robinson of Her Help Contained in the Preface to the General Theory in Correspondence: Robinson’s Extraordinary Mathematical Illiteracy Meant that It Was Simply Impossible for Her to Understand Keynes’s Theory

Keynes discovered in correspondence with Joan Robinson in the September-October-November, 1936 time period that she did not have the technical knowledge of economics or mathematics that was needed in order to be able to grasp and understand his General Theory, which revolved around his Liquidity Preference theory of the rate of interest. Joan Robinson could understand simple constructs like q = f(p), M=L(r) , I=f(r) or if Y=C +I and Y= C+S, then I=S. However, she could not follow Keynes’s liquidity preference equation on page 199, that M=M1+M2=L1 (r)+L2 (Y)=L, the logical theory of the multiplier on pages 122-123 or the preliminary mathematical presentations on pages 114-115, 137, the definition of uncertainty as an inverse function of the weight of the argument from chapter 6 of the A Treatise on Probability, or the Appendix to chapter 19, chapter 20, or chapter 21 of the General Theory. Joan Robinson repeatedly claimed that because she knew no mathematics, she had to think for herself. However, this claim simply ignores the fact that mathematics or logic is an aid that helps one to think for oneself. In order to avoid questions about Keynes’s D-Z or IS-LM models, she created an “interpretation“ of Keynes that involved a complete misinterpretation of Keynes’s views on uncertainty, so that uncertainty became a state of complete and total uncertainty of the future that meant that no mathematical or statistical modeling was possible. Since it was impossible to mathematically define equations, equilibrium was impossible so that no quantitative, determinate, numerical, equilibrium answer was possible for any system of simultaneous equations concerning the macro economy.The best one could do was to do a ceteris paribus, partial equilibrium, Marshallian approach. G L S Shackle used these ideas from Joan Robinson to create his own approach to decision making based on a Knowledge, Unknowledge-Certainty, Uncertainty dual ,binary concept that was an all or nothing approach. Either there was a situation of complete certainty, which was knowledge or there was a situation of no knowledge or complete uncertainty. This completely rejects Keynes’s logical construct of the weight of the argument and the existence of probable knowledge, so that both Robinson and Shackle, as well as all heterodox schools of thought, completely rejected Keynes’s own definition of uncertainty that he provided on page 148 in footnote 1 in chapter 12 of the General Theory. Contrary to Keynes ,probability was not the guide to life for Robinson simply because no probabilities existed because there was no probable knowledge of the future.
Art and Action

Most of what we call great art is associated with disaster after the fact. The artists respond to the passing of The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (Revelation, chapter 6, verses 1–8) and speculate directly or metaphorically about how things could or should be different to avoid similar events or situations in the future. Consider, for example, the motivations behind Homer’s The Iliad, 8th century BC, Gericault’s The Raft of the Medusa, 1818–1819, Stephen Crane’s The Red Badge of Courage, 1895, Lewis Milestone’s film All Quiet on the Western Front, 1930 and Ernest Hemingway’s semi autobiographical novel A Farewell to Arms, 1929. Mike Kelly’s installation Pay for Your Pleasure, 1988, at The Renaissance Society, The University of Chicago, contains imagery and quotes from a large group of writers and plastic artists attesting to the fact that art usually follows and refers to horrific events: conquest, war, famine, death.
Emerging techniques in process control: a critique

The complexity of effectively controlling chemical processes, both individual units and entire plants, has been widely recognized in the process systems and control communities in industry and academy. This paper presents an overview of the more recent developments in process identification and control, with particular emphasis on exploratory techniques which are still at a conceptual stage. The impact of some of the recent theoretical developments on practical applications are summarized. We hope this critique and the contributions in this session will provide numerous starting points for a broad range of research efforts in process control.
Perceptions of presidential candidates' personalities in twitter

Political sentiment analysis using social media, especially Twitter, has attracted wide interest in recent years. In such research, opinions about politicians are typically divided into positive, negative, or neutral. In our research, the goal is to mine political opinion from social media at a higher resolution by assessing statements of opinion related to the personality traits of politicians; this is an angle that has not yet been considered in social media research. A second goal is to contribute a novel retrieval-based approach for tracking public perception of personality using Gough and Heilbrun's Adjective Check List ACL of 110 terms describing key traits. This is in contrast to the typical lexical and machine-learning approaches used in sentiment analysis. High-precision search templates developed from the ACL were run on an 18-month span of Twitter posts mentioning Obama and Romney and these retrieved more than half a million tweets. For example, the results indicated that Romney was perceived as more of an achiever and Obama was perceived as somewhat more friendly. The traits were also aggregated into 14 broad personality dimensions. For example, Obama rated far higher than Romney on the Moderation dimension and lower on the Machiavellianism dimension. The temporal variability of such perceptions was explored.
Airflow Distribution in the Longitudinal Plan of a Boeing 767 Mockup Cabin

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics [5] indicates that the number of passengers using commercial aircrafts has doubled over the last two decades reaching to approximately 813 million passengers in 2012. Biological and chemical incidents have been detected on flights such as SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and H1N1 (swine flu). Chemical incidents that were reported can be related to smoke and fumes detected inside passengers’ cabins. The smoke and fumes are thought to be a result of oil pyrolysis inside the jet propulsion engines of the aircraft that can leak into the passengers’ fresh air supply duct system. Such odors, fumes, viruses, and bacteria can result in serious health hazards. Consequently, considerable research have been and continues to be conducted to understand fluid dynamics characteristics of airborne gaseous and particulate transport and their distribution inside passenger cabins to develop means for detecting, controlling, and removing such contaminants from cabins.The objective of the present study was to understand the airflow distribution and gaseous transport phenomena inside a mockup aircraft cabin. A testing chamber that mimics a Boeing 767 passenger cabin was used for this study. The mockup cabin includes 11 rows in the longitudinal direction with each row consisting of 7 seats. The mockup cabin seats, the air supply duct, and linear diffusers are original parts from a salvaged Boeing 767 aircraft. Each seat in the cabin is occupied by an inflatable manikin which was instrumented with a 10 m long wire heater element to generate approximately 100 Watts of distributing heat, representing heat load from a sedentary human being.Smoke visualizing technique was used to visualize the airflow inside the cabin. Tracer gas, composed mainly of carbon-dioxide, was then used to track the airflow distribution inside the cabin. Carbon dioxide was released in several locations inside the cabin and was then sampled at various locations throughout the mockup cabin. Results showed that the flow inside the cabin was chaotic and difficult to quantify. However, using visualized smoke in conjunction with quantitative results from sampling the tracer gas showed that there exist several swirling and circulations inside the cabin. Two clockwise, large size, circulations dominated over the front and middle sections of the cabin. Each circulation controlled the flow over approximately four consecutive rows in the longitudinal direction and over the entire cross section. The results from the aft section of the cabin were less definitive. The west-back side was controlled by a clockwise directed circulation having the same longitudinal strength as in the front and middle sections, but dominated over half the width of the cabin cross section. On the other side, the east-back region was rather controlled by smaller circulations flowing in the counter clockwise direction.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Experimental Methods of Rock Magnetism and Paleomagnetism

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an overview of the experimental methods of rock magnetism and paleomagnetism, with an emphasis on the physical principles behind the experimental methods and their broad problem-solving capabilities. Rock magnetism means the magnetic properties of both minerals and rocks, measured in the either presence or absence of a magnetic field. The chapter also describes the magnetic properties of compounds synthesized to simulate minerals. The basic instruments used in the study of rock magnetism, such as, a spinner magnetometer and an alternating-field (AF) demagnetizer, are discussed. These instruments are not very cheap, but are within the reaches of earth scientists. Importance of static samples and rotating samples for natural remanent magnetization is outlined. An overview of ballistic and resonance magnetometers is presented. Selective demagnetization or “cleaning” methods are explained. Concepts related to viscous remanent magnetization, isothermal remanent magnetization, anhysteretic remanent magnetization, and thermoremanent magnetization are explained. Details of magnetic susceptibility, hysteresis parameters, magnetocrystalline anisotropy and Magnetostriction are provided. Future trends for studies of single grains, comprehensive instruments, and continuous measurement of long cores are discussed as well.
Characterization of DNA end joining in a mammalian cell nuclear extract : junction formation is accompanied by nucleotide loss, which is limited and uniform but not site specific

Abstract Mammalian cells have a marked capacity to repair double-strand breaks in DNA, but the molecular and biochemical mechanisms underlying this process are largely unknown. A previous report has described an activity from mammalian cell nuclei that is capable of multimerizing blunt-ended DNA substrates (R. Fishel, M.K. Derbyshire, S.P. Moore, and C.S.H. Young, Biochimie 73:257-267, 1991). In this report, we show that nuclear extracts from HeLa cells contain activities which preferentially join linear plasmid substrates in either a head-to-head or tail-to-tail configuration, that the joining reaction is covalent, and that the joining is accompanied by loss of sequence at the junction. Sequencing revealed that there was a loss of a uniform number of nucleotides from junctions formed from any one type of substrate. The loss was not determined by any simple site-specific mechanism, but the number of nucleotides lost was affected by the precise terminal sequence. There was no major effect on the efficiency or outcome of the joining reaction with substrates containing blunt ends or 3' or 5' protruding ends. Using a pair of plasmid molecules with distinguishable restriction enzyme sites, we also observed that blunt-ended DNA substrates could join with those containing protruding 3' ends. As with the junctions formed between molecules with identical ends, there was uniform loss of nucleotides. Taken together, the data are consistent with two models for the joining reaction in which molecules are aligned either throughout most of their length or by using small sequence homologies located toward their ends. Although either model can explain the preferential formation of head-to-head and tail-to-tail products, the latter predicts the precise lossof nucleotides observed. These activities are found in all cell lines examined so far and most likely represent an important repair activity of the mammalian cell.
Regulation of Fetal Amino Acid Metabolism: Substrate or Hormonal Regulation?

Insulin is regarded as the primary fetal growth-promoting hormone, but direct in vivo experimental data supporting this conjecture are sparse. Data obtained from studies in in vivo, chronically catheterized fetal lambs under a variety of experimental circumstances demonstrate that glucose availability is the primary modulator of fetal protein accretion, via its ability to diminish amino acid catabolism. The ovine fetus is shown to be resistant to insulin-induced suppression of proteolysis, relative to the adult. Data from studies in the human premature infant show that the findings in the ovine fetus are similar to those in the ex utero premature human.
THE VIGNETTE IN A SCENARIO-BASED ROLE-PLAYING EXPERIMENT

A scenario-based role-playing experiment is well suited for research seeking to understand how and why operations and supply chain managers, when dealing with complex issues, form their judgments and preferences or make the decisions that they do. As a method for data collection, a scenario-based role-playing experiment deploys varying versions of a descriptive vignette to convey scripted information about specific levels of factors of interest that are hypothesized, upfront, to influence judgments, preferences or decisions. Human subjects are recruited to assume an a priori defined role and, in this role, to then form their judgments and preferences or make their decisions in response to the scripted information conveyed in at least one version of the vignette. For these judgments, preferences or decisions to be useful for subsequent statistical analyses, the vignette and its varying versions to be deployed in a scenario-based role-playing experiment must be appropriately designed (i.e., written and presented) and validated. This commentary speaks to this “vignette design and validation” issue and prescribes a three-stage process to create a vignette with its derivative versions that is clear, realistic, complete (in that it contains all information necessary for human subjects to assume their role and to consequently provide their reactions and responses), and is effective (in that it cues human subjects to perceive the desired levels of the factors of interest).
TGF-β1 Suppresses Myeloid Fcγ Receptor Function by Regulating the Expression and Function of the Common γ-Subunit

We have previously reported that FcγR-mediated function in myeloid cells is a tightly regulated event that is influenced by the cytokines present in the milieu. TGF-β1 is an immunosuppressive cytokine with pleiotropic effects on immune responses; however, the molecular mechanism by which TGF-β suppresses immune responses is poorly understood. In this study, we have analyzed the effect of TGF-β on FcγR-mediated activation of myeloid cells. We report that TGF-β1-treated THP-1 human myeloid cells displayed reduced ability to phagocytose IgG-coated particles. Because FcγR expression is modulated by cytokines, we analyzed expression levels of FcγRI, FcγRIIa, FcγRIIb, and FcγRIIIa in cells cultured with or without TGF-β1 and found while total protein levels of the FcγR were not reduced, surface expression of FcγRI and FcγRIII was lower in cells cultured with TGF-β1. Concomitantly, there was a dose-dependent reduction in the expression of the FcγR-associated γ-subunit. This suppressive effect of TGF-β was likewise observed in bone marrow-derived murine myeloid cells and human monocytes. Importantly, TGF-β1 also significantly reduced the production of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 induced by immobilized IgG, which would further reduce monocyte recruitment to the site of inflammation. In contrast, human alveolar macrophages were refractory to this effect, expressing low levels of TGF-β type II receptors compared with peripheral blood monocytes from the same donor. These data provide insight into the regulation of immune responses by TGF-β1 and demonstrate the selectivity of these effects.