cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lactic acid secretion by human neutrophils. Evidence for an H+ + lactate- cotransport system.

The pathway by which L-lactate (Lac) crosses the plasma membrane of isolated human neutrophils was investigated. The influx of [14C]Lac from a 2 mM Lac, 145 mM Cl-, 5.6 mM glucose medium was approximately 1.5 meq/liter of cell water.min and was sensitive to the organomercurial agent mersalyl (apparent Ki approximately 20 microM), to alpha-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamate (CHC), the classical inhibitor of monocarboxylate transport in mitochondria, and to UK-5099 (apparent Ki approximately 40 microM), a more potent analogue of CHC. Transport was also strongly blocked (greater than 80%) by 1 mM of either 3,5-diiodosalicylic acid, MK-473 (an indanyloxyacetate derivative), or diphenyl-amine-2-carboxylate, and by 0.4 mM pentachlorophenol, but not by 1 mM ethacrynic acid, furosemide, or the disulfonic stilbenes SITS or H2DIDS. One-way [14C]Lac efflux from steady-state cells amounted to approximately 6 meq/liter.min and was likewise affected by the agents listed above. Influx, which was membrane potential insensitive and Na+ independent, displayed a strong pH dependence: extracellular acidification enhanced uptake while alkalinization inhibited the process (pK' approximately 5.7 at 2 mM external Lac). The rate of [14C]Lac influx was a saturable function of external Lac, the Km being approximately 7 mM. Steady-state cells exhibited an intracellular Lac content of approximately 5 mM and secreted lactic acid into the bathing medium a a rate of approximately 4 meq/liter.min. Secretion was completely suppressed by 1 mM mersalyl which inactivates the carrier, leading to an internal accumulation of Lac. That the Lac carrier truly mediates an H+ + Lac- cotransport (or formally equivalent Lac-/OH- exchange) was documented by pH-stat techniques wherein an alkalinization of poorly buffered medium could be detected upon the addition of Lac; these pH changes were sensitive to mersalyl. Thus, the Lac carrier of neutrophils possesses several features in common with other monocarboxylate transport systems in erythrocytes and epithelia.
Accuracy of ultrasound-guided versus palpation-guided acromioclavicular joint injections: a cadaveric study.

Objective To describe a technique for sonographically guided acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) injections and compare its accuracy to palpation-guided injections in a cadaveric model. Design Prospective laboratory investigation. Setting Procedural skills laboratory at a tertiary medical center. Methods A single experienced operator completed 10 sonographically guided and 10 palpation-guided ACJ injections in unembalmed cadavers. Injection order was randomized and all injections were completed with diluted colored latex. Co-investigators blinded to the injection technique dissected each specimen and graded colored latex location as accurate (in the ACJ), partially accurate (within and outside the ACJ), or inaccurate (no latex in the ACJ). Main Outcome Measurements Direct assessment of injected dye within the ACJ via dissection. Results All 10 sonographically guided ACJ injections accurately placed latex into the ACJ (100% accuracy), whereas only 4 of 10 (40%) palpation-guided injections accurately placed latex within the ACJ ( P = .0054). Conclusions This cadaveric investigation suggests that sonographic guidance can be used to inject the ACJ with a high degree of accuracy, and should be considered superior to palpation guidance. Clinicians should consider using sonographic guidance to inject the ACJ when diagnostic specificity is paramount or when otherwise clinically indicated.
Characterization of Two New Matrices for Matrix-assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry

Three structurally related compounds, 4-hydroxy-33-methoxyphenylpyruvic acid (HMPPA), indole-3 pyruvic acid (IPA), and indole-3-glyoxylic acid have been evaluated as matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) matrices. HMPPA and IPA were found to be effective matrices for MALDI-MS analysis of proteins and peptides and have been characterized in this work. HMPPA was found to be a particularly good matrix for the analysis of proteins and peptides because of its tolerance towards impurities and the resulting sensitivity in MALDI-MS experiments. Analysis of model proteins and peptides, including those in biological fluid, are demonstrated.
Performance of multimedia rate control protocols in InterPlaNetary Internet

The communication requirements of the next generation space missions necessitate to address the challenges for the realization of the InterPlaNetary (IPN) Internet. The multimedia flows carrying audio and visual information, including planet images and scientific observations, will constitute significant portion of the traffic in the IPN Internet. In this letter, the effects of propagation delay, link errors, and blackouts on the throughput performance of multimedia rate control protocols are investigated in IPN Internet. The analytical observations and experimental results show that the existing multimedia rate control protocols are far from satisfying the IPN Internet communication requirements.
Mineralogy of the La Posta pluton: Implications for the origin of zoned plutons in the eastern Peninsular Ranges batholith, southern and Baja California

The 94 Ma La. Posta pluton is located in the eastern zone of the Peninsular Ranges batholith and is exposed over an area of approximately 1400 km2. It is zoned from a sphene-hornblende-biotite tonalite rim inward to a core of muscovite-biotite granodiorite with internal contacts gradational over distances of several tens to hundreds of meters. This pluton is texturally distinct from the older synkinematic plutons of the western zone of the batholith in that it is undeformed and contains sharply euhedral mafic minerals. Microprobe analyses indicate that hornblendes from the eastern side of the pluton have higher AIT and lower Si than those from the western side. This variation in composition yields geologically unreasonable differences in hornblende geobarometry and reflects hornblende equilibratipn under different thermochemical conditions on either side of the pluton. Compositional variations within individual mineral suites are consistent with a general model involving inward crystallization of a static magma chamber. However, biotites in the interior facies are more oxidized and have abruptly higher Fe/(Fe + Mg) than those in the marginal fabes. These data suggest that the muscovite-bearing core facies represents the tail of a diapir that intruded a ballooned magma chamber prior to its complete solidification. A longer residence time for the tail adjacent to a cratonal source resulted in its enrichment in, at least, Fe3+ and Fe/(Fe + Mg).
Rh(III)-catalyzed diastereoselective C–H bond addition/cyclization cascade of enone tethered aldehydes

The Rh(III)-catalyzed cascade addition of a C–H bond across alkene and carbonyl π-bonds is reported. The reaction proceeds under mild reaction conditions with low catalyst loading. A range of directing groups were shown to be effective as was the functionalization of alkenyl in addition to aromatic C(sp2)–H bonds. When the enone and aldehyde electrophile were tethered together, cyclic β-hydroxy ketones with three contiguous stereocenters were obtained with high diastereoselectivity. The intermolecular three-component cascade reaction was demonstrated for both aldehyde and imine electrophiles. Moreover, the first X-ray structure of a cationic Cp*Rh(III) enolate with interatomic distances consistent with an η3-bound enolate is reported.
Large-network travel time distribution estimation for ambulances

Abstract We propose a regression approach for estimating the distribution of ambulance travel times between any two locations in a road network. Our method uses ambulance location data that can be sparse in both time and network coverage, such as Global Positioning System data. Estimates depend on the path traveled and on explanatory variables such as the time of day and day of week. By modeling at the trip level, we account for dependence between travel times on individual road segments. Our method is parsimonious and computationally tractable for large road networks. We apply our method to estimate ambulance travel time distributions in Toronto, providing improved estimates compared to a recently published method and a commercial software package. We also demonstrate our method’s impact on ambulance fleet management decisions, showing substantial differences between our method and the recently published method in the predicted probability that an ambulance arrives within a time threshold.
Regularities in data from factorial experiments: Research Articles

This article documents a meta-analysis of 113 data sets from published factorial experiments. The study quantifies regularities observed among factor effects and multifactor interactions. Such regularities are known to be critical to efficient planning and analysis of experiments and to robust design of engineering systems. Three previously observed properties are analyzed: effect sparsity, hierarchy, and heredity. A new regularity is introduced and shown to be statistically significant. It is shown that a preponderance of active two-factor interaction effects are synergistic, meaning that when main effects are used to increase the system response, the interaction provides an additional increase and that when main effects are used to decrease the response, the interactions generally counteract the main effects. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 11: 32–45, 2006This paper was submitted as an invited paper resulting from the “Understanding Complex Systems” conference held at the University of Illinois–Urbana Champaign, May 2005
Development and Validation of the Strengths Self-Efficacy Scale (SSES):

The Strengths Self-Efficacy scale (SSES) was developed to allow career counselors, educators, and researchers to assess individuals’ perceived abilities to build their personal strengths and apply them in their daily life. An exploratory factor analysis was conducted with 275 adults and resulted in one factor: general strengths self-efficacy. The internal consistency was .96 and SSES was weakly related to social desirability. A confirmatory factor analysis was performed using another sample of 302 adults, and results verified the one-factor structure. The results suggested that the 11-item SSES demonstrated strong internal consistency (α = .95) and that SSES scores were moderately related to self-esteem and life satisfaction and weakly related to social desirability. Finally, a test–retest reliability analysis on a sample of 36 adults indicated that SSES scores were stable over a 3-week period. Implications for career counseling and mental health practices as well as research applications of this new meas...
Similarities in the Suppression of the Immune Response by Interferon and by a Thiol-Oxidizing Agent

AbstractInterferon and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) induced suppression of the C57B1/6 mouse spleen cell in vitro plaque-forming cell response. Both suppressions were reversible by 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME), even when 2-ME was added to cultures up to 48 hr after inhibitors. Other sulfhydryl (SH) reducing agents had a similar effect. p-Hydroxymercuribenzene sulfonic acid (PHMB) is strictly a cell surface SH-binding agent, whose suppressive effects were not reversed by delayed addition of 2-ME to cultures. This suggested that 2-ME restored critical free SH groups on the surface of interferon- and GSSG-treated cells, while PHMB-altered SH groups were not restored to the original state. The data are consistent with a model of interferon induction of immunosuppression by binding to SH surface groups of the cell or by functioning as a surface thiol-oxidizing agent. This results in induction of a ribosome-associated protein kinase that blocks initiation of protein synthesis in both interferon- and GSSG-treated cel...
Supercritical Fluid Deposition of Ruthenium Thin Films: A Kinetic Study

The kinetics of the deposition of ruthenium thin films from the hydrogen assisted reduction of bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedionato)(1,5-cyclooctadiene)ruthenium(II), [Ru(tmhd)2cod], in supercritical carbon dioxide was studied in order to develop a rate expression for the growth rate as well as to determine a mechanism for the process. The deposition temperature was varied from 240°C to 280°C and the apparent activation energy was 45.3 kJ/mol. Deposition rates up to 30 nm/min were attained. The deposition rate dependence on precursor concentrations between 0 and 0.2 wt. % was studied at 260°C with excess hydrogen and revealed first order deposition kinetics with respect to precursor at concentrations lower then 0.06 wt. % and zero order dependence at concentrations above 0.06 wt. %. The effect of reaction pressure on the growth rate was studied at a constant reaction temperature of 260°C and pressures between 159 bar to 200 bar and found to have no measurable effect on the growth rate.
Structural, vibrational, and dielectric properties of Ruddlesden-Popper Ba 2 ZrO 4 from first principles

Using first-principles computational techniques, we have investigated the structural, vibrational, and dielectric properties of a Ruddlesden-Popper-type layered oxide ${\mathrm{Ba}}_{2}{\mathrm{ZrO}}_{4}$ subjected to a wide range of biaxial strains emulating epitaxial thin-film environment. Under compressive strains, this compound experiences an incommensurate distortion characterized by planar displacements of individual perovskite slabs away from their high symmetry positions. On the other hand, under increasing epitaxial tension, the original centrosymmetric structure becomes unstable---first, with respect to antiferrodistortive oxygen cage rotations and then also with respect to in-plane polar distortions. Both the incommensurate-to-commensurate and the nonpolar-to-polar phase transformations are accompanied by anomalies of the static dielectric response, however, only in the latter case a divergence of the in-plane dielectric constant is observed. Remarkably, even after the transition into the ferroelectric state (with polarization of up to 0.12 ${\mathrm{C}/\mathrm{m}}^{2}$ at 3.5% tension) dielectric permittivity of ${\mathrm{Ba}}_{2}{\mathrm{ZrO}}_{4}$ remains unusually high, which is explained by an emergence of a Goldstone-like excitation in the system manifested through an in-plane libration of the polarization vector. Since ${\mathrm{Ba}}_{2}{\mathrm{ZrO}}_{4}$ displays a yet poorly understood tendency to absorb small molecules, such as water and ${\mathrm{CO}}_{2}$, acquiring better insights into the physical underpinnings of its behavior can produce more efficient functional materials for applications in advanced technologies for carbon sequestration.
Designing modularity architecture for multithread programming

Multithreaded Object-Oriented Programming in concurrency environment using object-oriented technology is a complex activity. Programmers need to be aware of issues unrelated to their domain of problem, and are often unprepared for the challenges of the concurrent object-oriented programming brings. The interaction of their components becomes more complex, and makes it difficult to validate the design and correctness of the implemented program. Supporting separation of concerns in the design and implementation of the multithreaded object-oriented programming can provide a number of benefits such as comprehension, reusability, extensibility and adaptability in both design and implementation. We have tackled this problem by adopting the technique of separation of concerns in multithreaded object-oriented programming. In this paper we demonstrate an Aspect-Oriented approach that can be used for multithreaded object-oriented programming. We also show how better the separation of concerns in components. Readers/Writers problem is demonstrated using an aspect-oriented approach. Our methodology, which is based on aspect-oriented techniques as well as language and architecture independence, is an aspect-oriented framework.
378 CURRICULUM FOR PREVENTING DISORDERED EATING AND BODY-SHAPING DRUG USE

Purpose No effective curriculum to prevent eating disorders is currently available. Our purpose was to identify necessary components for a team-centered curriculum to prevent female high school athletes9 disordered eating behaviors and body-shaping drug use, and prospectively evaluate the curriculum and relate its proximal and primary outcomes to curriculum design. Methods Initial cross-sectional survey of 2090 female middle and high school (HS) students (mean [± SD] age, 14.6 ± 1.4 years). Prospective randomized intervention trial participants were 928 (457 intervention, 471 control) female HS athletes (mean [± SD] age, 15.4 ± 1.2 years). Factor analysis (FA) to identify constructs from survey items; discriminant function analysis (DFA) to determine those constructs9 ability to correctly classify students with a higher risk of future disordered eating. Use constructs with greatest contribution to that distinction to design a curriculum and assess its outcomes with a prospective randomized, controlled intervention trial. Results Ten robust and meaningful factors were identified, which by DFA could correctly classify higher and lower risk students (Wilks9 Lambda 0.748, p≤0.001), with constructs9 relative contributions ranked by DFA coefficients. The identified priorities were combined with sports nutrition and strength training to construct a curriculum, formatted to be eight 45-minute team-based, peer-facilitated sessions incorporated into a team9s usual activities. When prospectively assessed, the program significantly altered targeted components (controlling mood [p≤0.005], refusal skills [p=0.05], belief in the media [p≤0.005] and perceptions of peers9 behaviors [p≤0.001]) and reduced ongoing and new use of diet pills and body-shaping substances (amphetamines, anabolic steroids and sport supplements) (p≤0.05 for each). Conclusion The program9s positive outcomes illustrate the utility of a structured process targeting the antecedents of disordered eating, rather than those specific behaviors, to define curriculum content. The derived program, which is scripted, peer-led and sport team-centered, effectively promoted healthy lifestyles and deterred disordered eating and body-shaping drug use.
Copy Number Estimation and Quantitative Analysis of Transgenic Rice Kefeng 6 Through Real-time PCR Strategies

Establishment of a sensitive and accurate quantitative labeling system for transgenic components of Genetically Modified Organisms(GMOs) is a crucial step to employ the biosafety management.Real-time quantitative PCR methods have been applied to quantitatively detect the transgenic components as a commonly used technique.By using this method,three inserted copies were detected in Kefeng-6,an insecticidal transgenic rice(Oryza sativa) harboring bivalent gene(cry1Ac+CpTi).Via using absolute quantitative and relative quantitative method to detect the inserted cry1Ac genes and its event-specific sequence in Kefeng 6,we found out that the detection both inserted genes and its event-specific sequence could meet the needs for the quantitative detection.As for 100 ng of genomic DNA,In relative quantitative PCR,the detection threshold of relative amount of cry1Ac gene and its specific flanking sequence was 0.1% and 0.5%,respectively;In absolute quantitative PCR,the detection threshold of the event-specific for Kefeng 6 was approximately five copies.We validated the accuracy of above methods by detecting four mixed samples with known GM contents.To quantitate the GM ratio of a product,the relative quantitation results were not affected either by multi-copy gene or single-copy gene.This study could provide a reliable reference to set up the threshold in quantitative detection of transgenic product.
A Qualitative Study of Vape Shop Operators' Perceptions of Risks and Benefits of E-Cigarette Use and Attitude Toward Their Potential Regulation by the US Food and Drug Administration, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, or North Carolina, 2015

INTRODUCTION Approximately 8,500 vape shops in the United States sell a variety of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). This study examined vape shop operators' perceptions of benefits and risk of ENDS use, what they perceive to be the reasons for ENDS use, their source of product information, what information they shared with customers, and the impact of existing and future regulation of ENDS on its use and on their business. METHODS We conducted qualitative interviews with 20 vape shop operators located in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina in spring 2015. A semi-structured interview guide was used, and interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. The transcripts were analyzed using NVIVO software. RESULT Vape shop owners perceived ENDS to be less harmful and more economical than conventional cigarettes and indicated that most of their customers used ENDS as a smoking cessation tool. Most owners were former smokers and used ENDS to quit. Shop owners relied on their personal experiences and the Internet for information, and shared information with customers at point of sale by using the shop's website and social media. Most expressed concern that complying with potential regulations, including banning flavors or tax increases, would jeopardize their business. Some felt that ENDS should not be regulated as tobacco products and felt that big tobacco was behind these proposed regulations. Most owners supported age restrictions and quality controls for e-liquid. CONCLUSION Vape shop owners are in a unique position to serve as frontline consumer educators. Interventions should focus on providing them with current information on benefits and risks of ENDS and information on national, state, and local regulations and compliance requirements.
Cardiovascular disease. A group of four related articles. Introduction.

AMA Category 1 credit (2 hr), AAFP Prescribed credit (2 hr), and AOA Category 28 credit (1 hr) may be obtained by reading the article beginning on page 54 and submitting the related quiz. The other articles in this group are followed by self-assessment questions.
Parental happiness and strain among young adult parents diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

This study used data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health) to examine whether young adult parents diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder experience less parental happiness and/or more parental strain than their counterparts not diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Results from logistic regression models indicated that young adult parents ever diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder have significantly greater odds of feeling overwhelmed as parents and significantly lower odds of feeling close to their children or happy in their role as parents compared to those never diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Potential implications of these results for scholars as well as health professionals treating adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder patients with children are discussed.
Maternal cigarette smoking during pregnancy and offspring DNA methylation in midlife.

AbstractMaternal smoking in pregnancy (MSP) has been associated with DNA methylation in specific CpG sites in infants and children. We investigated whether MSP, independent of own personal active smoking, was associated with midlife DNA methylation in CpGs that were previously identified in studies of MSP-DNA methylation in children. We used data on MSP collected from pregnant mothers of 89 adult women born in 1959–1964 and measured DNA methylation measured in blood (granulocytes) collected in 2001–2007 (mean age: 43 years). Seventeen CpGs were differentially methylated in MSP-exposed women, with multiple CpGs mapping to CYP1A1, MYO1G, AHRR, and GFI1. These associations were consistent in direction with prior studies (e.g., MSP associated with more and less methylation in AHRR and CYP1A1, respectively) and, with the exception of AHRR CpGs, were not substantially altered by adjustment for active smoking. These preliminary results confirm prior reports that MSP influences the offspring DNA methylation, and ...
Modeling the thermodynamic behavior and shock response of Ti systems at the atomic scales and the mesoscales

The ‘quasi-coarse-grained dynamics’ (QCGD) method is extended to model the thermodynamic behavior and the shock response of HCP Ti systems at the mesoscales by coarse-graining the atomistic microstructure using representative atoms (R-atoms) and scaled interatomic potentials. To demonstrate the capability of the QCGD method, the melting behavior of a single-crystal slab of HCP Ti and the dynamic failure (spallation) behavior of nanocrystalline systems under shock loading conditions are first investigated using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations using an embedded atom method interatomic potential for Ti. The melting simulation suggests an interplay between the nucleation and propagation of the surface-induced heterogeneous melting and the nucleation and propagation of bulk homogeneous melting of the system. In addition, the spall strengths calculated using MD at strain rates of 1010 s−1 allow the development of improved models for the strain rate dependence of the spall strength determined experimentally at 105 s−1. The QCGD method is observed to be capable of reproducing the MD-predicted kinetics of melting and the shock response and spall failure of nanocrystalline Ti systems using a coarse-grained microstructure comprising of representative atoms (R-atoms). The QCGD simulations demonstrate the ability to model the mesoscale behavior of Ti systems by modeling the shock deformation and failure due to spallation of a 1 µm × 1 µm × 2 µm sized system at strain rates of 108 s−1 to bridge the gap between MD simulations and experiments.
Kinetic Studies on the Green and Practical Iodide-mediated Dealkylation of Tributylphosphate (TBP) using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

AbstractThe rapid degradation of the highly persistent chemical tributylphosphate (TBP) using the ecofriendly and inexpensive salt potassium iodide is described. The process involves the dealkylati...
Peptides and Drug Delivery

Peptides have been used as drugs to treat various health conditions, and they are also being developed as diagnostic agents. Due to their receptor selectivity, peptides have recently been utilized for drug delivery to target drug molecules to specific types of cells (i.e. cancer cells, immune cells) to lower the side effects of the drugs. In this case, the drug is conjugated to the carrier peptide for directing the drug to the target cells (e.g. cancer cells) with higher expression of a specific receptor that recognizes the carrier peptide. As a result, the drug is directed to the target diseased cells without affecting the normal cells. Peptides are also being developed for improving drug delivery through the intestinal mucosa barrier (IMB) and the blood-brain barrier (BBB). These peptides were derived from intercellular junction proteins such as occludins, claudins, and cadherins and improve drug delivery through the IMB and BBB via the paracellular pathways. It is hypothesized that the peptides modulate protein-protein interactions in the intercellular junctions of the IMB and BBB to increase the porosity of paracellular pathways of the barriers. These modulator peptides have been shown to enhance brain delivery of small molecules and medium-sized peptides as well as a large protein such as 65 kDa albumin. In the future, this method has the potential to improve oral and brain delivery of therapeutic and diagnostic peptides and proteins.
Tyrosine availability: a presynaptic factor controlling catecholamine release.

Considerable evidence has been available for many years that low doses of exogenous tryptophan, which elevate brain tryptophan but keep its levels within their normal range, can increase brain serotonin and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid concentrations (Wurtman and Fernstrom, 1976; Fernstrom and Wurtman, 1971). Moreover, food consumption had been shown some years ago to influence brain tryptophan, and thereby brain serotonin levels, with carbohydrate-rich meals increasing (Fernstrom and Wurtman, 1971) and protein meals decreasing (Fernstrom and Wurtman, 1972) serotonin synthesis, and it has been proposed that this coupling of food composition to serotonin synthesis allows serotonin-dependent behaviors to be affected by eating (Fernstrom and Wurtman, 1974; Young, 1983).
Noemata Senses, and Meanings

Previous chapters have argued for an interpretation of the concrete noema of an act as the object intended in that act just as it is intended. It was further argued that (i) this object is an identical objectivity presenting itself in a manifold of noematic phases, including the correlates of the momentary impressional phase and the phases horizonally (retentively and protentively, i.e. associatively) intended in the momentary phase. The horizonally intended phases can be brought to actual presence in the reproduction of prior phases and the generation of new phases through the temporal extension of the act As such, the object is intended both (concretely) in and (horizonally) through the noema. Consequently, (ii) the noema is neither ontologically distinct from the object nor simply identical with it. The noema is the object abstractly considered in its presentation to a conscious experience, i.e. as the objective correlate of that experience, as the object’s significance for a knowing subject. Therefore, (iii) the noema is both the intended object just as intended and the objective sense of the experience.
Physiology of Acid-Base Balance

The high protein diet consumed by most Western people generates about 60–100 meq of non-volatile acid daily. For homeostasis to be preserved, this acid must be excreted by the kidney. When acid from metabolism (HR) is added to the circulation, it is buffered according to the following reaction: $$HR + \,NaHCO_3 \to \,NaR + H_2 O + CO_2 $$ .
Gesture Development, Caregiver Responsiveness, and Language and Diagnostic Outcomes in Infants at High and Low Risk for Autism

We investigated gesture production in infants at high and low risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and caregiver responsiveness between 12 and 24 months of age and assessed the extent to which early gesture predicts later language and ASD outcomes. Participants included 55 high-risk infants, 21 of whom later met criteria for ASD, 34 low-risk infants, and their caregivers. Results indicated that (a) infants with ASD outcomes used fewer gestures and a lower proportion of developmentally advanced gesture–speech combinations; (b) caregivers of all the infants provided similar rates of contingent responses to their infants’ gestures; and (c) gesture production at 12 months predicted subsequent receptive language and ASD outcomes within the high-risk group.
Review of Soft & Cuddly by Jarett Kobek

Kobek, Jarett. Soft & Cuddly. Los Angeles, CA: Boss Fight Books, 2017. ISBN 13: 978-1-940535-15-9. Pre-print first published online 03/09/2019
Peritoneal Catheter Placement and Management

The peritoneal catheter is a lifeline for the peritoneal dialysis patient. The double-cuff Tenckhoff catheter, developed in 1968 for treatment of patients with intermittent peritoneal dialysis (1), is also widely used for continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD); however, catheter-related complications are increased in CAPD due to higher intra-abdominal pressure and numerous daily manipulations. Such complications as catheter-tip migration, dialysate leaks, and exit-site infections are not uncommon. An in-depth review of the peritoneal catheter history, theoretical background of catheter design, implantation, complications, and care was recently published (2). This chapter will present practical aspects of design, implantation, and care of the rigid and most commonly used soft catheters.
Why Physicians Prescribe Prophylactic Seizure Medications after Intracerebral Hemorrhage: An Adaptive Conjoint Analysis.

Abstract Background: Seizures are a morbid complication of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and increase the risk for herniation, status epilepticus, and worse patient outcomes. Prophylactic levetiracetam is administered to approximately 40% of patients with ICH. It is unclear which patients are consciously selected for treatment by physicians. We sought to determine how patients are selected for treatment with prophylactic levetiracetam after ICH. Methods: We administered an adaptive conjoint analysis using decision making software to an NIH Stroke Trials Network Working Group. The adaptive conjoint analysis determines the most influential attributes for making a decision in an iterative, algorithm-driven process. We asked respondents which would most influence a decision to administer prophylactic levetiracetam. The attributes and their levels were taken from published phenotypes associated with prophylactic seizure medications and the likelihood of seizures after ICH: hematoma location (lobar or basal ganglia), hematoma volume ( 10 mL), level of consciousness (Glasgow Coma Scale 5-12 or Glasgow Coma Scale 13-15), age (
Exploring the Relationship Between Non-Cognitive and Affective (NCA) Factors and First-Year Retention of Undergraduates in Engineering

In this work in progress research paper, we investigated whether non-cognitive and affective (NCA) factors that predict academic success through GPA may relate to other forms of success such as student retention in engineering programs. Studies show that most students leave engineering within the first two years, making national retention rates in engineering less than 50%. Furthermore, the students who leave engineering are often academically talented, indicating a need to examine other success measures beyond GPA such as non-cognitive and affective (NCA) factors. Using data from a single institution (n = 540), we explore the NCA differences between students who remained in engineering after their first year and those who are no longer enrolled in engineering, or even in college at all. Results show that only one demographic and five NCA measures are statistically significant predictors of continued enrollment. Overall, a better understanding of student success as measured by retention using NCA profiles might assist researchers and practitioners with developing interventions and supportive environments that promote students’ academic success and thriving in engineering.
Gene Regulatory Network Homoplasy Underlies Recurrent Sexually Dimorphic Fruit Fly Pigmentation

Traits that appear discontinuously along phylogenies may be explained by independent origins (homoplasy) or repeated loss (homology). While discriminating between these models is difficult, the dissection of gene regulatory networks (GRNs) which drive the development of such repeatedly occurring traits can offer a mechanistic window on this fundamental problem. The GRN responsible for the male-specific pattern of Drosophila (D.) melanogaster melanic tergite pigmentation has received considerable attention. In this system, a metabolic pathway of pigmentation enzyme genes is expressed in spatial and sex-specific (i.e. dimorphic) patterns. The dimorphic expression of several genes is regulated by the Bab transcription factors, which suppress pigmentation enzyme expression in females, by virtue of their high expression in this sex. Here, we analyzed the phylogenetic distribution of species with male-specific pigmentation and show that this dimorphism is phylogenetically widespread among fruit flies. The analysis of pigmentation enzyme gene expression in distantly related dimorphic and monomorphic species shows that dimorphism is driven by the similar deployment of a conserved metabolic pathway. However, sexually dimorphic Bab expression was found only in D. melanogaster and its close relatives. These results suggest that dimorphism evolved by parallel deployment of differentiation genes, but was derived through distinct architectures at the level of regulatory genes. This work demonstrates the interplay of constraint and flexibility within evolving GRNs, findings that may foretell the mechanisms of homoplasy more broadly.
Reducing Email Load and Increasing Student Interactions through Course Question Discussion Boards

Most faculty, whether in online or face-to-face classes, dedicate the bulk of their time to student-oriented tasks such as grading, course preparations, and communicating with students, and this co...
EPIC simulations of Neptune’s dark spots using an active cloud microphysical model

The Great Dark Spot (GDS-89) observed by Voyager 2 was the first of several large-scale vortices observed on Neptune, the most recent of which was observed in 2018 in the northern hemisphere (NDS-2018). Ongoing observations of these features are constraining cloud formation, drift, shape oscillations, and other dynamic properties. In order to effectively model these characteristics, an explicit calculation of methane cloud microphysics is needed. Using an updated version of the Explicit Planetary Isentropic Coordinate General Circulation Model (EPIC GCM) and its active cloud microphysics module to account for the condensation of methane, we investigate the evolution of large scale vortices on Neptune. We model the effect of methane deep abundance and cloud formation on vortex stability and dynamics. In our simulations, the vortex shows a sharp contrast in methane vapor density inside compared to outside the vortex. Methane vapor column density is analogous to optical depth and provides a more consistent tracer to track the vortex, so we use that variable over potential vorticity. We match the meridional drift rate of the GDS and gain an initial insight into the evolution of vortices in the northern hemisphere, such as the NDS-2018.
An Evaluation of Mechanisms of Change in Multisystemic Therapy for Juvenile Justice-Involved Youths A Decade Following Treatment.

Although researchers have identified the more immediate mechanisms of change in family-based treatments for juvenile justice-involved youths, it is not known whether these same mechanisms continue to prevent criminal offending into adulthood. The present study evaluated whether caregiver-directed improvements in family relations, youth prosocial peer relations, and youth academic performance during multisystemic therapy (MST) for serious and violent juvenile offenders had an impact on young adult involvement in criminal activity and sentencing 10.2 years following treatment. The results showed that improvements in family relations were associated with reduced odds of criminal outcomes a decade later for former MST participants. Furthermore, improvements in youth prosocial peer relations and academic performance were also related to lower odds of long-term criminal activity. These results are consistent with the underlying theory of change in family-based treatments and demonstrate that caregivers are critical to achieving and sustaining decreased antisocial behavior for youths with serious and violent criminal histories.
Olive oil and risk of breast cancer: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of observational studies.

Olive oil consumption has been suggested to be inversely associated with breast cancer risk, probably due to its high MUFA and polyphenol content. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to assess the association between olive oil and breast cancer risk, including assessing the potential for a dose–response association. We performed a systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials through June 2020, identifying ten observational studies (two prospective studies and eight case–control studies) for meta-analysis. We estimated summary OR and 95 % CI for the highest v. lowest olive oil intake category across studies using random effect models and assessed the dose–response relationship between olive oil and breast cancer risk using restricted cubic splines. The summary OR comparing women with the highest intake to those with the lowest category of olive oil intake was 0·48 (95 % CI 0·09, 2·70) in prospective studies and 0·76 (95 % CI 0·54, 1·06) in case–control studies, with evidence of substantial study heterogeneity (prospective I 2 = 89 %, case–control I 2 = 82 %). There was no significant dose–response relationship for olive oil and breast cancer risk; the OR for a 14 g/d increment was 0·93 (95 % CI 0·83, 1·04). There may be a potential inverse association between olive oil intake and breast cancer; however, since the estimates are non-significant and the certainty level is very low, additional prospective studies with better assessment of olive oil intake are needed.
Justification for a taxonomic conservation update of the rodent genus Tamiasciurus: addressing marginalization and mis-prioritization of research efforts and conservation laissez-faire for a sustainability outlook

Taxonomy presents itself as the critical basis of any modern scientific decision-making approach in the living world, and therefore accurate classifications have to be sought. Due to ongoing specie...
Covert Cognizance: A Novel Predictive Modeling Paradigm

Can predictive models develop cognizance or awareness of how they have been used? Can models detect if they are being manipulated or executed in nonauthorized manners? Can a software track informat...
“I Almost Pulled Her to My Heart, but…” Competing Masculinities in Karl May’s Wild West Fictions and Their Modern Theatrical Adaptations

On a beautiful summer afternoon, on an outdoor theatre stage somewhere in Germany, a Mescalero Apache and a white frontiersman fall into each other’s arms exclaiming: “My brother!”— “My brother!” Winnetou, the Apache, and Old Shatterhand, the frontiersman, who speak these words, are blood brothers and one of the best-known pairs of male friends in German culture since the turn of the twentieth century. One can often see the two characters greet like this in the plays performed at over a dozen contemporary Karl May festivals in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland every summer.
Distance in Latin Squares

A Latin square of order $n$ is an $n\times n$ array which contains $n$ distinct symbols exactly once in each row and column. We define the adjacent distance between two adjacent cells (containing integers) to be their difference modulo $n$, and inner distance of a Latin square to be the minimum of adjacent distances in the Latin square. By first establishing upper bounds and then constructing squares with said inner distance, we found the maximum inner distance of an $n \times n$ Latin square to be $\left\lfloor\frac{n-1}{2}\right\rfloor$. We then studied special kinds of Latin squares such as pandiagonals (also known as Knut-Vik designs), as well as Sudoku Latin squares. This research was conducted at the REU at Moravian College on Research Challenges of Computational and Experimental Mathematics, with support from the National Science Foundation.
Adoption of perennial energy crops in the US Midwest: Causal and heterogeneous determinants

Abstract The success of a bioenergy policy relies largely on the wide adoption of perennial energy crops at the farm-scale. This study uses survey data to examine potential adoption decisions by farmers in the US Midwest and the causal effects of various direct and indirect influencing factors, especially heterogeneous preferences of farmers. A Bayesian network (BN) model is developed to delineate the causal-relationship between farmers adoption decisions and the influencing factors. We find a dominating role of economic factors and a non-negligible impact of non-economic factors, such as the perceived environmental benefits and the extent of familiarity with perennial energy crops. To examine the effect of heterogeneity in farmer preferences, we classify the surveyed farmers into four categories based on their attitudes toward the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of perennial energy crops. We identify statistically significant between-group differences in the responses of the four types of farmers to the various influencing factors. Our findings contribute to disentangling the complicated motivations that will influence perennial energy crop adoption decisions and provide implications for more targeted policy development that need to consider the heterogeneous drivers of farmer decisions about land use.
Photoacoustic tomography imaging and estimation of oxygen saturation of hemoglobin in ocular tissue of rabbits.

This study evaluated in vivo imaging capabilities and safety of qualitative monitoring of oxygen saturation of hemoglobin (sO_2) of rabbit ciliary body tissues obtained with acoustic resolution (AR) photoacoustic tomography (PAT). AR PAT was used to collect trans-scleral images from ciliary body vasculature of seven New Zealand White rabbits. The PAT sO_2 measurements were obtained under the following conditions: when systemic sO_2 as measured by pulse oximetry was between 100% and 99% (level 1); systemic sO_2 as measured by pulse oximetry was between 98% and 90% (level 2); and systemic sO_2 as measured by pulse oximetry was less than 90% (level 3). Following imaging, histological analysis of ocular tissue was conducted to evaluate for possible structural damage caused by the AR PAT imaging. AR PAT was able to resolve anatomical structures of the anterior segment of the eye, viewed through the cornea or anterior sclera. Histological studies revealed no ocular damage. On average, sO_2 values (%) obtained with AR PAT were lower than sO_2 values obtained with pulse oximetry (all p < 0.001): 86.28 ± 4.16 versus 99.25 ± 0.28, 84.09 ± 1.81 vs. 95.3 ± 2.6, and 64.49 ± 7.27 vs. 71.15 ± 10.21 for levels 1, 2 and 3 respectively. AR PAT imaging modality is capable of qualitative monitoring for deep tissue sO_2 in rabbits. Further studies are needed to validate and modify the AR PAT modality specifically for use in human eyes. Having a safe, non-invasive method of in vivo imaging of sO_2 in the anterior segment is important to studies evaluating the role of oxidative damage, hypoxia and ischemia in pathogenesis of ocular diseases.
Enhancing Microburst Pedagogy: Visual Clues for Aviators

A particularly uncompromising type of wind shear results from the meteorological phenomenon known as the microburst. This paper addresses the preliminary phase of an ongoing longitudinal study designed to enhance microburst pedagogy. An initial survey has been distributed to aviation faculty members at universities across the United States to collect data on the length of time they allot to teaching microburst recognition skills. These educators have been introduced to graphics that, it is hypothesized, will make their treatment of the topic more enduring. Subsequent data will reveal whether the use of these graphics significantly increased the time spent teaching microburst recognition and avoidance.
A Comparison of Neural Networks and Classical Discriminant Analysis in Predicting Students' Mathematics Placement Examination Scores

Implementing a technique that is efficient yet accurate for college student placement into the appropriat e mathematics course is important. Coastal Carolina University currently groups students into entry-level mathematics courses based upon their scores on a mathematics placement examination given to incoming freshmen. This paper examines alternative placement strategies. Using multiple regression analysis, the accumulative high school grade point average, mathematics SAT, and the final grade in Algebra II were found to be the best predictors of success on a mathematics placement examination. Entry-level mathematics placement based on neural networks and discriminant analysis is contrasted with placement results from the mathematics placement test. It is found that a neural network can outperform classical discriminant analysis in correctly predicting the recommended mathematics placement. Consequently, a trained neural network can be an effective alternative to a written mathematics placement test.