cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genetic and environmental parameters of milk constituents for five breeds. II. Some genetic parameters.

Abstract Estimates were made of some genetic parameters of milk yield and its components and of the breeding values of sires for yields and constituent percentages. The data consisted of 1.449 cows of the Ayrshire, Guernsey, Holstein, Jersey, and Brown Swiss breeds located in 43 herds. Based on the average of five breeds, the herd effect as a percentage of the total variance in the unadjusted data ranged from 25 to 31% for yields and 7 to 16% for constituents. The repeatability of lactation records by intraclass correlation ranged from 0.31 to 0.48 for yields and 0.56 to 0.79 for constituents. The heritability estimates by paternal half-sibs on a breed average basis were: for yields of milk, 0.35; fat, 0.27; protein, 0.30; SNF, 0.34; TS, 0.31; and for percentages of fat, 0.42; protein, 0.40; SNF, 0.36; and TS, 0.45. The expected breeding values obtained by regressing the least-squares sire constant showed large genetic differences in the transmitting abilities of the sires for the traits studied. Because of the negative relationship between most of constituent percentages and milk yield, an index is needed in a selection program to secure the optimum yield with the desired composition of milk.
Biomechanical Evaluation of a Toggle Pin Technique for Management of Coxofemoral Luxation

Toggle pin stabilization is an accepted technique for the management of coxofemoral (CF) luxation in dogs. The purpose of this study was to determine, in vitro, the respective contributions of several aspects of toggle pin repair to the overall stability of fixation. Factors evaluated were the manner and frequency with which toggle pins oriented on insertion, effect of orientation on toggle pin strength, effect of suture type on ligament prosthesis strength and load sustained by the fixation, and comparison of repair using a modified toggle design to that of capsulorrhaphy. When placed in cadavers using standard technique, conventional toggle pins were found to orient significantly more frequently in one of two possible positions. Mechanical testing of fixations performed in experimentally luxated cadaver hips demonstrated a high (12/20) incidence of toggle pin failure using the conventional implant in the most common orientation. When tested alone, toggle pins were weakest mechanically in this orientation. Rotating the implant 180 degrees increased mean load to failure by 249%. There was no significant difference in load sustained by conventional toggle fixations using No. 2 braided polyester versus 50 lb test monofilament nylon as the suture ligament prosthesis. However, the higher stiffness of the polyester suture may be more favorable for use in this application. Fixation using a toggle rod designed to allow evaluation of construct stability when failure of the toggle is eliminated resulted in an increase in maximum load sustained before luxation (47% of the intact control hips). This load was not significantly different than the resistance to luxation afforded by capsulorrhaphy. This study suggests that when implanting conventional toggle pins, consideration should be given to ensuring placement in the strongest orientation.
The SPECTRUM population model of the impact of screening and treatment on U.S. breast cancer trends from 1975 to 2000 : Principles and practice of the model methods

Objective: This stochastic simulation model was developed to estimate the impact of screening and treatment diffusion on U.S. breast cancer mortality between 1975 and 2000. Modeling Approach: We use an event-driven continuoustime state transition model. Women who are destined to develop breast cancer may be screen detected, present with symptoms, or die of other causes before cancer is diagnosed. At presentation, the cancer has a stage assigned on the basis of mode of detection. Cancers are assumed to be estrogen receptor (ER) positive or negative. Data on screening and treatment diffusion are based on national datasets; other parameters are based on a synthesis of the evidence available in the literature. Model Methods: The model is calibrated to predict incidence and stage distribution (in situ, local, regional, and distant). Other than screening or treatment, background events that affect mortality are not ex plicitly modeled but are captured in the deviation between model projections of mortality trends and actual trends. We assume that: 1) tumors progress more slowly in older age groups, 2) screen- and clinically detected disease have the same survival conditional on age and stage, 3) women do not die of breast cancer within the “ lead time ” period, 4) screening benefi ts are captured by shifts in stage at diagnosis, 4) tamoxifen benefi ts only ER-positive women, and 5) preclinical sojourn time and dwell times in each of the clinical stages are stochastically independent. Model Results: Dissemination of screening and therapeutic advances had a substantial impact on mortality trends. We estimate that, by the year 2000, diffusion of screening lowered mortality by 12.4% and treatment improvements and dissemination lowered mortality by 14.6%. Conclusions: Models such as this one can be useful to translate clinical trial fi ndings to
Induction Charging of Clouds

Abstract The physical factors governing the induction charge separation mechanism in thunderstorms are discussed. Evidence is presented indicating that rebounding collisions between hailstones and cloud droplets are not (as suggested by Moore, 1975) restricted to grazing collisions near the hailstone equator. Collisions between hailstones and cloud droplets can therefore he expected to play an important part in the charge separation process in thunderstorms.
Wavelength routing of 40 Gbit/s packets with 2.5 Gbit/s header erasure/rewriting using all-fibre wavelength converter

40 Gbit/s packet wavelength routing and 2.5 Gbit/s header replacement is demonstrated using an ultra-high-speed wavelength converter. Burst-mode bit error rate measurements are performed on both the header and payload before and after wavelength routing, with <4 dB penalty in the payload and <2.5 dB penalty in the header.
Comparative analysis of online health queries originating from personal computers and smart devices on a consumer health information portal.

Background: The number of people using the Internet and mobile/smart devices for health information seeking is increasing rapidly. Although the user experience for online health information seeking varies with the device used, for example, smart devices (SDs) like smartphones/tablets versus personal computers (PCs) like desktops/laptops, very few studies have investigated how online health information seeking behavior (OHISB) may differ by device. Objective: The objective of this study is to examine differences in OHISB between PCs and SDs through a comparative analysis of large-scale health search queries submitted through Web search engines from both types of devices. Methods: Using the Web analytics tool, IBM NetInsight OnDemand, and based on the type of devices used (PCs or SDs), we obtained the most frequent health search queries between June 2011 and May 2013 that were submitted on Web search engines and directed users to the Mayo Clinic’s consumer health information website. We performed analyses on “Queries with considering repetition counts (QwR)” and “Queries without considering repetition counts (QwoR)”. The dataset contains (1) 2.74 million and 3.94 million QwoR, respectively for PCs and SDs, and (2) more than 100 million QwR for both PCs and SDs. We analyzed structural properties of the queries (length of the search queries, usage of query operators and special characters in health queries), types of search queries (keyword-based, wh-questions, yes/no questions), categorization of the queries based on health categories and information mentioned in the queries (gender, age-groups, temporal references), misspellings in the health queries, and the linguistic structure of the health queries. Results: Query strings used for health information searching via PCs and SDs differ by almost 50%. The most searched health categories are “Symptoms” (1 in 3 search queries), “Causes”, and “Treatments & Drugs”. The distribution of search queries for different health categories differs with the device used for the search. Health queries tend to be longer and more specific than general search queries. Health queries from SDs are longer and have slightly fewer spelling mistakes than those from PCs. Users specify words related to women and children more often than that of men and any other age group. Most of the health queries are formulated using keywords; the second-most common are wh- and yes/no questions. Users ask more health questions using SDs than PCs. Almost all health queries have at least one noun and health queries from SDs are more descriptive than those from PCs. Conclusions: This study is a large-scale comparative analysis of health search queries to understand the effects of device type (PCs vs SDs) used on OHISB. The study indicates that the device used for online health information search plays an important role in shaping how health information searches by consumers and patients are executed. [J Med Internet Res 2014;16(7):e160]
Triazine-based tyrosinase inhibitors identified by chemical genetic screening.

Summary As most of the available depigmenting agents exhibit only modest activity and some exhibit toxicities that lead to adverse side effects after long-term usage, there remains a need for novel depigmenting agents. Chemical genetic screening was performed on cultured melanocytes to identify novel depigmenting compounds. By screening a tagged-triazine library, we identified four compounds, TGH11, TGD10, TGD39 and TGJ29, as potent pigmentation inhibitors with IC50 values in the range of 10 μM. These newly identified depigmenting compounds were found to function as reversible inhibitors of tyrosinase, the key enzyme involved in melanin synthesis. Tyrosinase was further confirmed as the cellular target of these compounds by affinity chromatography. Kinetic data suggest that all four compounds act as competitive inhibitors of tyrosinase, most likely competing with l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (l-DOPA) for binding to the DOPA-binding site of the enzyme. No effect on levels of tyrosinase protein, processing or trafficking was observed upon treatment of melanocytes with these compounds. Cytotoxicity was not observed with these compounds at concentrations up to 20 μM. Our data suggest that TGH11, TGD10, TGD39 and TGJ29 are novel potent tyrosinase inhibitors with potential beneficial effects in the treatment of cutaneous hyperpigmentation.
Modulation of Fat:Dachsous Binding by the Cadherin Domain Kinase Four-Jointed

In addition to quantitative differences in morphogen signaling specifying cell fates, the vector and slope of morphogen gradients influence planar cell polarity (PCP) and growth. The cadherin Fat plays a central role in this process. Fat regulates PCP and growth through distinct downstream pathways, each involving the establishment of molecular polarity within cells. Fat is regulated by the cadherin Dachsous (Ds) and the protein kinase Four-jointed (Fj), which are expressed in gradients in many tissues. Previous studies have implied that Fat is regulated by the vector and slope of these expression gradients. Here, we characterize how cells interpret the Fj gradient. We demonstrate that Fj both promotes the ability of Fat to bind to its ligand Ds and inhibits the ability of Ds to bind Fat. Consequently, the juxtaposition of cells with differing Fj expression results in asymmetric Fat:Ds binding. We also show that the influence of Fj on Fat is a direct consequence of Fat phosphorylation and identify a phosphorylation site important for the stimulation of Fat:Ds binding by Fj. Our results define a molecular mechanism by which a morphogen gradient can drive the polarization of Fat activity to influence PCP and growth.
Early Nineteenth‐Century Grasslands of the Midcontinent Plains

Abstract The abundance patterns of native grasses in the Midcontinent Plains may be examined through several lines of evidence, but the patterns are often contradictory. The journals of scientific exploration, early maps of grass cover, contemporary data, and paleobotanical materials in the form of opal phytoliths are examined to resolve the discrepancies among the various sources. The most significant discrepancy is the lack of convergence of evidence on the eastern limit of the shortgrass dominance in the Central Plains. When all data are placed in a temporal context, the emergent pattern of disagreement over the location of the eastern margin of shortgrass dominance suggests a continual westward movement of the boundary between the tall and short, warm-season grasses in the Central Plains. Since the little Ice Age, the westward movement of tall, warm-season grasses that emerges from the data suggests that climate does not determine grass patterns, and that the vegetation cover of the early nineteenth-c...
The Movement of Thallium Ions in Muscle

Measurements have been made of the fluxes of thallous ions (Tl+) across the membrane of frog sartorius muscle fibers. These show that at an external concentration of 74 µM the influx is about 270 x 10-15 moles/cm.2 sec., while the efflux from a muscle with an internal concentration equal to the above is 5 x 10-15 moles/cm.2 sec. The efflux is increased of the order of 300-fold during a muscle twitch, and Tl+ reach a steady-state distribution between fiber water and Ringer solution that is very close to the corresponding ratio for K+. High concentrations of Tl+ depolarize the membrane about 58 mv. for a tenfold increase in external concentration. The results obtained are consistent with the view that the muscle fiber membrane cannot distinguish between the toxic heavy metal Tl+ and K+, provided that the concentrations of the former ion are kept low. High concentrations of Tl+, if allowed to act for an appreciable period of time, lead to irreversible damage to muscle.
Learning and dynamics in social networks

Most individuals form their opinions about the quality of products, social trends and political issues via their interactions in social and economic networks. While the role of social networks as a conduit for information is as old as humanity, recent social and technological developments, such as Facebook, Blogs and Tweeter, have added further to the complexity of network interactions. Despite the ubiquity of social networks and their importance in communication, we know relatively little about how opinions form and information is transmitted in such networks. For example, does a large social network of individuals holding disperse information aggregate it efficiently? Can falsehoods, misinformation and rumors spread over networks? Do social networks, empowered by our modern communication means, support the wisdom of crowds or their ignorance? Systematic analysis of these questions necessitates a combination of tools and insights from game theory, the study of multiagent systems, and control theory. Game theory is central for studying both the selfish decisions and actions of individuals and the information that they reveal or communicate. Control theory is essential for a holistic study of networks and developing the tools for optimization over networks.
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome and Cerebral Infarction Following Maternal Codeine Use During Pregnancy

Neonatal withdrawal from maternal drugs and medications is common in some NICUs. Codeine-containing cough preparations given to pregnant mothers have been identified as a cause of neonatal abstinence syndrome. However, many women do not consider prescription cough syrups when asked about drug use. Maternal medication or illicit drug use has been identified as a cause of perinatal arterial stroke. Since codeine is an opiate with similar pharmacodynamic effects to morphine, it is reasonable to investigate if maternal codeine use has effects on the fetus that are similar to other opiates. The authors present 2 cases of newborn infants with perinatal arterial stroke that may have been associated with in utero exposure to codeine. Physicians should ask about maternal medication use, including codeine-containing cough preparations, when evaluating newborn infants with evidence of cerebral infarction.
Sustainability and tourism development in three Italian destinations: stakeholders' opinions and behaviours

The paper focuses on tourism sustainability and environmental policies. It presents the findings of an empirical research study on environmental awareness in three Italian areas. The aim of the research was to study local stakeholders' environmental awareness so as to verify their willingness to support environmental needs. Institutional stakeholders and local tourism entrepreneurs were interviewed at each site. The areas have been analysed as case studies in order to evaluate the local communities' commitment towards protecting the environment. In addition, the opinions of different stakeholders within each site and across sites have been compared. This work also underlines the importance of endogenous processes of a socio-cultural type, such as primary drivers of innovative eco-compatible behaviours, compared with the role played by market-driven external forces or traditional government regulation. The findings demonstrate that, in lacking shared responsibility, conflicts and tensions inside the local ...
Cost-Effectiveness of the Pneumococcal Vaccine in the United States Navy and Marine Corps

Vaccination for Streptococcus pneumoniae has been recommended for its efficacy and cost-effectiveness in elderly and immunocompromised populations. However, its use in active-duty military personnel has not been analyzed. We developed a Markov model to evaluate health and economic outcomes of vaccinating or not vaccinating all members of the active-duty cohort, measuring quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained, costs, and marginal cost-effectiveness. Pneumococcal pneumonia vaccination increased each person's life expectancy by 0. 03 days and decreased costs by $9.88 per person. The magnitude of the benefit of immunization is moderately sensitive to the rate of serious side effects caused by the vaccine, the incidence of pneumonia, the length of protection, and the efficacy of the vaccine. Vaccinating all 575,000 active-duty US Navy and Marine Corps members could save $5.7 million during the time the members are alive and on active duty and could provide a total gain of 54 QALYs. On the basis of these results, the military should consider expanding current guidelines to include pneumococcal vaccine immunization for all active-duty members of the military.
PALMITOYLATION OF THE V2 VASOPRESSIN RECEPTOR

Palmitoylation of the V2 vasopressin receptor (V2R) and its functional role were investigated in transfected cells. Palmitoylation was assessed by incubating transfected cells with [3H]palmitic acid and immunoprecipitating the receptor with an antibody raised against a portion of the third intracellular loop of V2R. Wild-type and nonglycosylated V2R yielded tritium signals at 45–55 and 40 kDa, respectively, demonstrating that the V2R is palmitoylated and that receptor palmitoylation is independent of glycosylation. Substitution of CC341/342 for serines eliminated receptor palmitoylation, whereas replacement of a single amino acid, C341S or C342S, restored partial palmitoylation. Saturation binding assays revealed decreased cell surface expression of the nonpalmitoylated receptor compared with the wild-type; this effect was more pronounced when a truncated form of V2R (G345ter) was studied. The presence of either cysteine residue (C341S or C342S) elevated receptor expression to normal levels, most likely due to the partial restoration of palmitoylation. Ligand binding affinity, hormone-induced stimulation of adenylyl cyclase activity, receptor internalization, and desensitization were not affected by the absence of palmitoylation. No increase but rather a slight decrease in the extent of receptor palmitoylation was detected after exposure to vasopressin. It was concluded that the V2R is palmitoylated in both cysteines, each cysteine is palmitoylated independently from the other, and palmitoylation enhances cell surface expression of the V2R.
Adult Sibling Bereavement Influences, Consequences, and Interventions

Adult sibling loss is a slowly growing area of bereavement research interest. The importance of the adult sibling bond is becoming more widely recognized and the consequences of this type of loss are slowly coming to light. The purpose of this article is to present a review of current literature related to adult sibling loss and then to explicate the factors that influence reactions to sibling loss and the consequences, both psychological and somatic, that befall surviving siblings. Support recommendations and avenues for future research will also be addressed.
Barriers to Reporting Child Maltreatment Do Emergency Medical Services Professionals Fully Understand Their Role as Mandatory Reporters

BACKGROUND: Child maltreatment is underreported in the United States and in North Carolina. In North Carolina and other states, mandatory reporting laws require various professionals to make reports, thereby helping to reduce underreporting of child maltreatment. This study aims to understand why emergency medical services (EMS) professionals may fail to report suspicions of maltreatment despite mandatory reporting policies. METHODS: A web-based, anonymous, voluntary survey of EMS professionals in North Carolina was used to assess knowledge of their agency's written protocols and potential reasons for underreporting suspicion of maltreatment (n=444). RESULTS were based on descriptive statistics. Responses of line staff and leadership personnel were compared using chi-square analysis. RESULTS: Thirty-eight percent of respondents were unaware of their agency's written protocols regarding reporting of child maltreatment. Additionally, 25% of EMS professionals who knew of their agency's protocol incorrectly believed that the report should be filed by someone other than the person with firsthand knowledge of the suspected maltreatment. Leadership personnel generally understood reporting requirements better than did line staff. Respondents indicated that peers may fail to report maltreatment for several reasons: they believe another authority would file the report, including the hospital (52.3%) or law enforcement (27.7%); they are uncertain whether they had witnessed abuse (47.7%); and they are uncertain about what should be reported (41.4%). LIMITATIONS: This survey may not generalize to all EMS professionals in North Carolina. CONCLUSIONS: Training opportunities for EMS professionals that address proper identification and reporting of child maltreatment, as well as cross-agency information sharing, are warranted. Language: en
64 FOUR WEEKS OF INDINAVIR DOES NOT ALTER ADIPOGENIC TRANSCRIPTION FACTORS IN HEALTHY HIV-NEGATIVE SUBJECTS.

Introduction and Purpose HIV-infected patients on antiretroviral therapy have been reported to develop a lipodystrophy syndrome. Both HIV-1 protease inhibitors, as well as nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors, have been implicated. However, it is unclear if this is a direct drug effect or a result of an interaction between the drug and the underlying HIV infection. In order to dissect out the direct role of drug alone in this process, we studied the in vivo effect of a single protease inhibitor, indinavir, on the key adipogenic transcription factors C/EBPa, SREBP1c, and PPARg. Methods We obtained abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue samples from seven HIV-negative subjects at baseline and after 4 weeks of daily oral indinavir at 800 mg three times a day. Adipocytes were obtained by collagenase digestion, and total RNA was isolated by standard methods. Expression of C/EBPa, SREBP1c, and PPARg mRNA was quantitated by real time reverse transcription normalized to expression of b-actin using the delta Ct method. Results The subjects had a mean age of 36 ± 3 years, with a mean BMI of 29.5 ± 9 kg/m 2 . There was no change in BMI or waist-to-hip ratio after 4 weeks of indinavir. Indinavir treatment had no effect on expression of C/EBPa (304.0 ± 32.3 vs 359. 2 ± 43.4), SREBP1c (82.0 ± 14.0 vs 104.9 ± 34.0), or PPARg (350.7 ± 54.0 vs 351.0 ± 48.8 relative units). Conclusions Four weeks of the protease inhibitor indinavir does not alter adipogenic transcription factors in healthy HIV-negative subjects. Our findings indicate that indinavir does not appear to have a direct role in the development of lipodystrophy, suggesting that the lipodystrophy is likely either due to an interaction between drug and disease or attributable to antiretroviral agents other than indinavir.
A similarity solution for reaction front propagation in a fracture-matrix system

We propose a new composite similarity variable, based on which a similarity solution is derived for reaction front propagation in fracture-matrix systems. The similarity solution neglects diffusion/dispersion within the fracture and assumes the existence of a sharp reaction front in the rock matrix. The reaction front location in the rock matrix is shown to follow a linear decrease with distance along the fracture. The reaction front propagation along the fracture is shown to scale like diffusion (i.e. as the square root of time). The similarity solution using the composite similarity variable appears to be applicable to a broad class of reactive transport problems involving mineral reactions in fracture-matrix systems. It also reproduces the solutions for non-reactive solute and heat transport when diffusion/dispersion/conduction are neglected in the fracture. We compared our similarity solution against numerical simulations for nonlinear reactive transport of an aqueous species with a mineral in the rock matrix. The similarity solutions agree very well with the numerical solutions, especially at later times when diffusion limitations are more pronounced.This article is part of the themed issue 'Energy and the subsurface'.
Intermittent Exotropia: Characteristics and Overview

Intermittent exotropia, an intermittent divergent misalignment, is a common form of childhood strabismus in many populations of the world. Assessing the severity of this condition is challenging du...
Enhancing the Lens

This chapter brings new ideas based on economic permaculture and social solidarity economy, to illuminate, inspire, and create practical, innovative approaches in response to needs and challenges identified through the sustainability lens.
Stochastic data acquisition for answering queries as time goes by

Data and actions are tightly coupled. On one hand, data analysis results trigger decision making and actions. On the other hand, the action of acquiring data is the very first step in the whole data processing pipeline. Data acquisition almost always has some costs, which could be either monetary costs or computing resource costs such as sensor battery power, network transfers, or I/O costs. Using out-dated data to answer queries can avoid the data acquisition costs, but there is a penalty of potentially inaccurate results. Given a sequence of incoming queries over time, we study the problem of sequential decision making on when to acquire data and when to use existing versions to answer each query. We propose two approaches to solve this problem using reinforcement learning and tailored locality-sensitive hashing. A systematic empirical study using two real-world datasets shows that our approaches are effective and efficient.
Low-Dose Azacitidine for Relapse of MDS/AML after Unrelated Donor Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation.

Background: Post-transplant relapse in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is difficult to manage. Cytogenetic relapse and decreasing donor chimerism often precedes morphological relapse. Weaning of immunosuppressive agents and donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) may induce graft versus tumor effect (GVT), but is of limited value for patients with existing GVHD. In addition, the degree of GVT in high-risk myeloid disease is suboptimal. We present our experience using low-dose azacitidine (AZA) for cytogenetic relapse post-transplantation. Methods: Six patients with high-risk myeloid malignancy with cytogenetic relapse after matched unrelated donor peripheral blood stem cell transplantation were treated with low-dose AZA at 25 mg/m2 SC or IV for 5 days. An average of 2 cycles of AZA were given (range = 1 to 3). There were 3 females and 3 males with a mean age of 48 years (range = 31 to 59 years). Four had high-grade MDS (including 2 with treatment related disease) and 2 had high-risk AML. Conditioning consisted of fludarabine and ablative doses of busulfan in all patients. Cytogenetic relapse was seen by FISH testing within 187 days post-transplant (range = 30 to 730 days). AZA was given after an initial attempt to wean immunosuppression, which was not possible in 3 patients due to existing GVHD. All patients tolerated AZA well, without major toxicity. DLI was possible in 3 patients following AZA. A reduction in cytogenetic abnormalities (by FISH) and increase in donor chimerism (by FISH or STR) was observed in 5 out of 6 patients (83%) within 21 days post-AZA (range = 7 to 71 days). Three of the 5 responders demonstrated improvement after 1 cycle. The other 2 responders improved after 2 cycles given 28 and 60 days apart, respectively. One of these patients responded to a second AZA cycle after failing DLI. AZA did not appear to induce or worsen GVHD in any patient. One patient remains in CR 4 months after 1 cycle of AZA. Another patient demonstrated ongoing improvement in chimerism until her death from previously existing GVHD 20 days after a third cycle of AZA. The remaining 3 responders relapsed within 30 days from time of first response (range = 17 to 43 days). Conclusions: Low-dose AZA appears to have activity in post-transplant relapse of MDS and AML. This low-dose regimen appears to be well tolerated, however, response to AZA is short-lived in the majority of patients. Further investigation is planned to improve the durability of response by giving AZA at regular intervals from the time of early relapse. The utility of AZA as a preparatory regimen pre-DLI should also be explored.
Online and Hybrid Water Industry Courses for Community College Students

ABSTRACTThe Water Quality Management Technology department at Red Rocks Community College in Denver, CO received a National Science Foundation grant and converted 24 courses from a face-to-face format to online and hybrid formats. The courses were converted to meet a growing employment need within the water industry. The online and hybrid options gave incumbent industry professionals, who may have a difficult schedule, the ability to keep their certifications current. In the future, the department will continue to evaluate curriculum modalities to ensure optimum student learning and cultivate more partnerships between industry and other colleges to create multiple pathways for students.
Preparation and characterization of copper-containing alumina and silica aerogels for catalytic applications

Catalytic, copper-impregnated alumina and silica aerogels were prepared. Alumina gels were prepared from a solution of aluminum chloride via an epoxide-assisted synthesis. Silica gels were fabricated from tetramethyl orthosilicate using a base-catalyzed approach to the hydrolysis and polycondensation reactions. Copper was introduced into the alumina and silica gels through exposure of the wet gel to a solution of copper(II) nitrate during a solvent-exchange step prior to aerogel formation via rapid supercritical extraction. Undoped silica and alumina aerogels were fabricated for comparison. A barrage of physical characterization methods were employed to analyze the aerogels as-prepared, following heat-treatment and following catalytic testing. These include bulk density, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area, Barrett-Joyner-Halenda pore distribution, infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. As-prepared copper-silica aerogels have density 0.11 g/cm3, surface area 780 m2/g, and 9-nm average pore diameter. As-prepared copper-alumina aerogels have density 0.09–0.11 g/cm3, surface area 430 m2/g, and 23-nm average pore diameter. Calcining to 800 °C results in 10% lower surface area and average pore size 22 nm for copper-silica aerogels, 70% lower surface area for copper–alumina aerogels and, in both types of materials, yields microcrystalline CuO. A catalytic testbed was employed to assess the suitability of the copper–alumina and copper–silica aerogels as three-way catalysts for eventual application in automotive pollution mitigation. Both copper–silica and copper–alumina aerogels performed as three-way catalysts.
Predicting Ash Behavior in Conventional Power Systems

In summary, the use of thermoequilibrium modeling and advanced fouling indices has proven to be beneficial in helping a minemouth utility to improve performance. In this case, the mine used advanced indices to derive a fouling index contour map to plan blending schemes that would provide the plant with a more consistent blend of lignite that minimizes fouling potential. The plant also benefitted from this scheme by being able to correlate operation parameters such as quantified boiler ash deposition monitoring, sootblower control, gas attemperation, flue gas recirculation, and fuel/oxygen ratios to help extend the operation of the boiler between cleaning outages. This case is more extreme than most plants encounter, since the coal is very high in sodium and ash deposition and frequent boiler cleaning is inevitable. However, by gaining even just 2–3 extra weeks between cleaning shutdowns, the plant saves in costs. The plant also gains an indirect means of forewarning by analyzing the coal at the mine level in order to plan for lower FEGTs or additional sootblowing when a known high-fouling stream of coal is coming into the boiler.
Performance of Feral and Cry1Ac-Selected Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Strains on Transgenic Cottons Expressing One or Two Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. kurstaki Proteins Under Greenhouse Conditions

Efficacy of Bollgard (DP50B) and Bollgard II (DP50BX) cottons that express either one or two Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner proteins, respectively, along with the conventional sister genotype (DP50), was determined for a feral strain of bollworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), and a Cry1Ac-selected bollworm strain in 1999. In 2000, a greenhouse study was designed to compare the efficacy of three transgenic cottons expressing either the Cry1Ac endotoxin alone (DP50B), the Cry2Ab endotoxin alone (DP50X), or both the CrylAc and Cry2Ab endotoxins (DP50BX) against a feral and a Cry1Ac-selected bollworm strain. Results from the 1999 greenhouse study evaluating both a feral and a Cry1Ac-selected bollworm strain demonstrated that when averaged across bollworm strains, the Bollgard II genotype significantly reduced larval survival and fruit penetration by bollworm compared to the Bollgard variety. Also, the Cry1Ac-selected bollworm strain displayed increased larval survival, superficial fruit damage, and fruit penetra...
The Cultural Algorithm: Culture on the Edge of Chaos

In this chapter, the author shows how Cultural Algorithms offer data-driven problem solving in complex systems.
Evaluation of SAMe-TT2R2 Score on Predicting Success With Extended-Interval Warfarin Monitoring.

Background In patients with stable international normalized ratios, 12-week extended-interval warfarin monitoring can be considered; however, predictors of success with this strategy are unknown. The previously validated SAMe-TT2R2 score (considering sex, age, medical history, treatment, tobacco, and race) predicts anticoagulation control during standard follow-up (every 4 weeks), with lower scores associated with greater time in therapeutic range. Objective To evaluate the ability of the SAMe-TT2R2 score in predicting success with extended-interval warfarin follow-up in patients with previously stable warfarin doses. Methods In this post hoc analysis of a single-arm feasibility study, baseline SAMe-TT2R2 scores were calculated for patients with ≥1 extended-interval follow-up visit. The primary analysis assessed achieved weeks of extended-interval follow-up according to baseline SAMe-TT2R2 scores. Results A total of 47 patients receiving chronic anticoagulation completed a median of 36 weeks of extended-interval follow-up. The median baseline SAMe-TT2R2 score was 1 (range 0-5). Lower SAMe-TT2R2 scores appeared to be associated with greater duration of extended-interval follow-up achieved, though the differences between scores were not statistically significant. No individual variable of the SAMe-TT2R2 score was associated with achieved weeks of extended-interval follow-up. Analysis of additional patient factors found that longer duration (≥24 weeks) of prior stable treatment was significantly associated with greater weeks of extended-interval follow-up completed ( P = 0.04). Conclusion and Relevance: This pilot study provides limited evidence that the SAMe-TT2R2 score predicts success with extended-interval warfarin follow-up but requires confirmation in a larger study. Further research is also necessary to establish additional predictors of successful extended-interval warfarin follow-up.
CTR1 as a Determinant of Platinum Drug Transport

The copper transporter 1 (CTR1) is the major copper (Cu) influx transporter and also mediates the initial uptake of cisplatin (DDP), carboplatin (CBDCA) and oxaliplatin (L-OHP). Deletion of the gene coding for CTR1 in yeast or mouse embryonic fibroblasts substantially reduces the initial influx of all three Pt-containing drugs and renders them resistant to their cytotoxic effects. Forced over-expression of human CTR1 in the human A2780 ovarian carcinoma cells increases the uptake of DDP but appears to misdirect its distribution within the cell. DDP triggers rapid degradation of CTR1, thus reducing the level of its own influx transporter. This effect is reduced by drugs that block endocytosis or the proteosome. While CTR1 transports Cu through a pore that it forms in the plasma membrane, it transports DDP via quite a different mechanism that depends on endocytosis.
Radio frequency measurements of energetic-particle-driven emission using the ion cyclotron emission diagnostic on the DIII-D tokamak.

The Ion Cyclotron Emission (ICE) diagnostic on the DIII-D tokamak consists of two outboard midplane systems. In the first system, straps of an ion cyclotron range of frequencies antenna are configured as receiving antennas. For the second system, dedicated magnetic probes incorporated into the outer wall of carbon tiles have recently been restored. These systems collected a large set of radio frequency measurements in the 2015–2018 experimental campaigns by digitizing signals at 200 MSamples/s for ∼5 s per discharge. Each shot typically yields 32 GB of data; techniques for successful handling and analysis of this challengingly large dataset are discussed. The raw voltage fluctuations (<0.2 V and <1 mW) are analyzed in frequency space via fast Fourier transforms. Signals can be analyzed between 1 and 200 MHz with appropriate filtering and aliasing; this frequency range is limited by DC breaks used to provide 5 kV DC isolation. These high-frequency signals are driven by energetic ions and electrons. In particular, energetic-ion-driven ICE occurs at harmonics of the ion cyclotron frequency, enabling the frequency to be mapped to lab space via equilibrium reconstruction. In many DIII-D plasmas, ICE is emitted from the radial center of the plasma.The Ion Cyclotron Emission (ICE) diagnostic on the DIII-D tokamak consists of two outboard midplane systems. In the first system, straps of an ion cyclotron range of frequencies antenna are configured as receiving antennas. For the second system, dedicated magnetic probes incorporated into the outer wall of carbon tiles have recently been restored. These systems collected a large set of radio frequency measurements in the 2015–2018 experimental campaigns by digitizing signals at 200 MSamples/s for ∼5 s per discharge. Each shot typically yields 32 GB of data; techniques for successful handling and analysis of this challengingly large dataset are discussed. The raw voltage fluctuations (<0.2 V and <1 mW) are analyzed in frequency space via fast Fourier transforms. Signals can be analyzed between 1 and 200 MHz with appropriate filtering and aliasing; this frequency range is limited by DC breaks used to provide 5 kV DC isolation. These high-frequency signals are driven by energetic ions and electrons. In part...
Plasma steroid-binding proteins

Two steroid-binding proteins circulate in plasma, corticosteroid-binding globulin and sex hormone-binding globulin. They both have several different but connected, physiologic functions. Each is the major determinant of the concentration of the physiologically important hormones that they bind. CBG regulates the concentration of free cortisol and progesterone, and SHBG regulates the concentration of free testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and, to a lesser extent, estradiol. It is this small free fraction of the appropriate hormone that is the active principal in affecting hormone action. In the past few years, it has been shown that both of these proteins have high affinity, specific receptors on the plasma membranes of a variety of cells. It has also been shown that when SHBG's binding sites are occupied it cannot bind to its receptor; only unliganded SHBG can. There are, as yet, no published reports on the control of CBG binding by steroids. For both SHBG and CBG, if an appropriate steroid is present when the binding protein is itself bound to its receptor, rapid induction of adenylate cyclase activity and the accumulation of intracellular cAMP occur. Finally, CBG has been shown to be a member of the superfamily of serine proteinase inhibitors. When it is exposed to a serine protease, it is cleaved and release all, or most, of its bound cortisol.
Linkage between multi-model uncertainties and the role of ocean heat content in ocean carbon uptake

Ocean heat content (OHC) plays an important role in ocean carbon uptake (OCU). However, the changes of OHC and OCU are model-dependent and have large bias compared with observations. This makes it difficult to quantify their relationship. Here, we propose a new metric to measure the uncertainty of the relationship between OHC and OCU. The new metric can link the uncertainty with different OCU processes and allow direct comparison of the impact of OHC on the OCU in different simulations. The metric is illustrated in different simulations of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 (CMIP5) in which atmospheric CO2 is increased by 1%/year. Results show that OHC in 0–500 m plays a dominant role in the OCU for the radiatively coupled (RAD) experiment because warming intensifies the carbon loss in the upper ocean. Relatively, OHC in the intermediate waters (500–2000 m) are crucial for the fully coupled and biogeochemically coupled experiment because this layer largely regulates the OCU. For different ocean basins, the intermediate Southern Ocean and deep North Atlantic are more important for the OCU in the RAD simulation. The metric also suggests the importance of global overturning circulation and the Southern Ocean in the OCU.
“I Trust I May Not Trust Thee”: Queens and Royal Women’s Visions of the World in King John

The political world of Shakespeare’s play King John is morally challenged. Except for the character of the Bastard Faulconbridge, the male characters participate but have no self-awareness about the corruption. The royal women of the play, Eleanor, mother of King John, Constance, widow of John’s brother Geoffrey and mother of rival claimant Arthur, and Blanche, John’s niece, and future wife of the French Prince, are far more insightful about the world in which they live. As the play unfolds, we see more and more the painful lessons of powerlessness that both Constance and Blanche, and even sometimes Eleanor, experience. This chapter examines both their understanding of the dangers of power politics and how little they can do about it. It also examines what it means to be mother, wife, and widow for these royal characters.
Hyperreactio luteinalis in a monochorionic twin pregnancy complicated by preeclampsia: A case report

Hyperreactio luteinalis (HL) is a rare benign complication of pregnancy that is characterized by progressive ovarian enlargement and hyperandrogenism. We present a case of a 30-year-old woman with a spontaneous monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy who presented with early-onset preeclampsia, concern about possible twin-twin transfusion syndrome, and bilateral enlarged ovarian masses. Both ovaries had multiple thin-walled unilocular cysts; one ovary measured 17.9 × 17.5 × 9.1 cm and the other 12.5 × 11 × 12.3 cm. After extensive counseling, the patient underwent an uncomplicated dilation and evacuation. Postoperative assessment indicated elevated androgen levels, which spontaneously resolved, supporting the clinical diagnosis of HL. It is important to consider HL in the differential diagnosis of adnexal masses in pregnancy. HL spontaneously regresses after delivery and is managed expectantly. HL has been associated with gestational trophoblastic disease, multiple gestations, preeclampsia, and twin-twin transfusion syndrome.
Geometric Modeling of Vasculature

Abstract From medical imaging data a variety of image processing, image segmentation, and optimization methods can be utilized to generate accurate geometric models of the vasculature. This chapter lists the most popular software packages available for geometric model construction and provides illustrative examples of image viewing, two-dimensional and three-dimensional lumen segmentation methods, and centerline extraction. In addition, techniques for modeling optimization, defining branch vessel ostium, and image coregistration are described.
An Exploratory Study of Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI) in Social Service Agencies

This exploratory survey of social service professionals investigated the use of animal-assisted interventions (AAI) within various occupations and settings. Forty one participants from social servi...
Heart Transplantation in Children with Mitochondrial Disease.

Objectives To compare the outcomes and comorbidities of children with mitochondrial disease undergoing heart transplantation with children without mitochondrial disease. Study design Using a unique linkage between the Pediatric Health Information System and Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients databases, pediatric heart transplantation recipients from 2002 to 2016 with a diagnosis of cardiomyopathy were included. Post heart transplantation survival and morbidities were compared between patients with and without mitochondrial disease. Results A total of 1330 patients were included, including 47 (3.5%) with mitochondrial disease. Survival after heart transplantation was similar between patients with and without mitochondrial disease over a median follow-up of 4 years. Patients with mitochondrial disease were more likely to have a stroke after heart transplantation (11% vs 3%; P = .009), require a longer duration of mechanical ventilation after heart transplantation (3 days vs 1 day; P Conclusions Patients with mitochondrial disease can successfully undergo heart transplantation with survival comparable with patients without mitochondrial disease. Patients with mitochondrial disease have greater risk for post-heart transplantation morbidities including stroke, prolonged mechanical ventilation, and longer intensive care unit and readmission length of stay. These results suggest that the presence of mitochondrial disease should not be an absolute contraindication to heart transplantation in the appropriate clinical setting.
Personal Names, Hitler, and the Holocaust. A Socio-Onomastic Study of Genocide and Nazi Germany.: By I. M. Nick. Lanham, Maryland: Lexington Books. 2019. Pp. xxvi + 469. US $140.00 (HB). ISBN 978-1-4985-2597-8.

Dr. I. M. Nick enjoys a well-deserved reputation for her meticulous scholarship and her ability to engage in interdisciplinary research. Her impeccable credentials are precisely what this massive a...