cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Reconstruction of Beirut: Local Responses to Globalization

COMMUNITY RESPONSES TO post-civil war reconstruction efforts articulate the local and the global in Beirut, Lebanon. This paper discusses the nature of, and discourse surrounding, large-scale redevelopment of the central business district and the ways in which community groups respond to it. Despite the fact that local residents positively identify with international aspects of pre-civil war life, they object to new forms of global investments. Constructions of local heritage produced by residents are largely responses to the exclusionary practices of the new investors. [Global-local, urban space, post-war reconstruction, Beirut, Lebanon]
The integrated molecular transform as a correlation parameter

The molecular transform is an alternate means of considering numerical representations of molecules in a manner designed to generate indices that can be related to structural and physiochemical parameters. The literature has shown that the transform, actually the Fourier transform, is operable on representations such as Cartesian coordinates or graphically derived depictious reflected by adjacency or distance matrices. The resulting curve may be used to give a binary index of the molecule or integrated to give an area-related index; either of these indices may be used as a correlation parameter in structure-activity studies. In this instance the individual bond distance matrices of a series of structurally diverse compounds served as input for a transform program. The derived index was then used to correlate both physical property and pharmacological activity indices for the series; correlation coefficients were comparable to those reported for the valence molecular connectivity parameter of Kier and Hall. The study also showed that lower correlation coefficients resulted when the index was based on the transform of hydrogen-suppressed structures.
The influence of prior industry experience and multidisciplinary teamwork on student design learning in a capstone design course

This study compares the design process knowledge of students before and after a capstone design course. The influence of having prior industrial experience or being on a multidisciplinary capstone project on design process knowledge is also investigated. To assess design process knowledge, students critiqued a proposed design process; their responses were evaluated with a rubric that focuses on seven traits of design process knowledge. Results indicate that a capstone experience increases students' understanding of needs identification, the overall layout of a design process, and relative time allotments of different design activities. A capstone course also reduced the differences seen before this study between students with and without prior industrial experience. Students in multidisciplinary and single disciplinary capstone courses performed similarly.
The influence of elevated temperature, elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration and water stress on net photosynthesis of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) at northern, central and southern sites in its native range

We investigated the effect of elevated [CO2] (700 μmol mol−1), elevated temperature (+2 °C above ambient) and decreased soil water availability on net photosynthesis (Anet) and water relations of one-year old potted loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) seedlings grown in treatment chambers with high fertility at three sites along a north-south transect covering a large portion of the species native range. At each location (Blairsville, Athens and Tifton, GA) we constructed four treatment chambers and randomly assigned each chamber one of four treatments: ambient [CO2] and ambient temperature, elevated [CO2] and ambient temperature, ambient [CO2] and elevated temperature, or elevated [CO2] and elevated temperature. Within each chamber half of the seedlings were well watered and half received much less water (1/4 that of the well watered). Measurements of net photosynthesis (Anet), stomatal conductance (gs), leaf water potential and leaf fluorescence were made in June and September, 2008. We observed a significant increase in Anet in response to elevated [CO2] regardless of site or temperature treatment in June and September. An increase in air temperature of over 2 °C had no significant effect on Anet at any of the sites in June or September despite over a 6 °C difference in mean annual temperature between the sites. Decreased water availability significantly reduced Anet in all treatments at each site in June. The effects of elevated [CO2] and temperature on gs followed a similar trend. The temperature, [CO2] and water treatments did not significantly affect leaf water potential or chlorophyll fluorescence. Our findings suggest that predicted increases in [CO2] will significantly increase Anet, while predicted increases in air temperature will have little effect on Anet across the native range of loblolly pine. Potential decreases in precipitation will likely cause a significant reduction in Anet, though this may be mitigated by increased [CO2].
A Slow Outward Current Activated by FMRFamide in Heart Interneurons of the Medicinal Leech

The endogenous neuropeptide FMRFamide (Phe-Met-Arg-Phe-NH2) can accelerate the oscillation of reciprocally inhibitory pairs of interneurons that pace heartbeat in the medicinal leech. A model based on all available biophysical data of a two-cell heart interneuron oscillator provides a theoretical basis for understanding this modulation. Previously observed modulation of K+ currents by FMRFamide cannot account for this acceleratory effect in the model. This observation prompted the present reexamination of K+ currents in heart interneurons. We devised better methods for separation of the various components of K+ current and more accurately measured their activation and deactivation kinetics. Moreover, we demonstrated that FMRFamide activates a previously undetected K+ current ( I KF), which has very slow activation and deactivation kinetics. Addition of physiologically measured amounts of I KF to the model two-cell oscillator can account for the acceleratory effect of FMRFamide.
Dynamic model for electrode melting rate in gas metal arc welding process

AbstractA model has been developed that correlates the anode temperature profile with the dynamic melting rate in gas metal arc welding. The components of this model are the electrode melting rate, the temperature dependent resistivity of the electrode, and the arc voltage. The differential equations describing the dynamic behaviour of the electrode extension were derived from the mass continuity and energy relations. The temperature of the electrode extension was determined by analysing conductive heat transfer and Joule heating effects. One­dimensional solutions for the temperature and heat content were used to obtain the dynamic melting rate equation. The purpose of the present paper is to provide quantitative analyses, concentrating on the thermal behaviour and the electrical characteristics of the arc welding system, to aid in achieving a fundamental understanding of the process, and to develop a dynamic model that can be used in adaptive control. The model is tested by comparison with experimental r...
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor therapy at the time of coronary artery bypass surgery: when a friend turns mean-spirited.

Therapy with an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) reduces cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) ([1][1]) and in patients with CAD and left ventricular systolic dysfunction ([2][2]) or early after acute myocardial infarction ([3][3
Pond production of Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, fed grain distillers dried yeast

The objective of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of four diets formulated to contain increasing levels (0, 50, 100 and 150 g kg−1 of diet) of grain distillers dried yeast (GDDY) in production diets for Litopenaeus vannamei, reared in outdoor tanks or production ponds. The production pond trial was carried out in 16, 0.1-ha ponds using four replicates per diet. Juvenile shrimp (38.1 ± 4.26 mg, initial weight) were stocked at 30 shrimp m−2 for a 16-week period. The same four diets and a commercial reference diet were offered to shrimp maintained in outdoor tanks over a 12-week period. A total of 20 tanks were stocked with juvenile shrimp (3.05 ± 0.22 g, initial weight) obtained from production ponds at a density of 30 shrimp per tank (40 shrimp m−2). At the conclusion of these trials, mean final weight ranged from 19.77 to 23.05 g, yield ranged between 4760 and 5606 kg ha−1, survival ranged from 69.6% to 89.4%, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) was between 1.02 and 1.23. Shrimp reared in the outdoor tanks confirmed the results of the pond trial. Mean final weight ranged between 18.12 and 18.97 g, survival ranged from 93.3% to 98.3%, and FCR was between 1.25 and 1.29. In both trials, there were no significant differences regarding mean final weight, FCR and survival among dietary treatments. Based on this study, GDDY up to 150 g kg−1 of diet can be used in L. vannamei commercial feed formulation.
3D Geometric Modeling

This chapter summarizes the concept of 3D modeling. In more detail, it covers coordinate transformation for translation and rotation between frames. In addition, several 3D modeling schemes are discussed.
The Significance of Target Fibers: A Clinicopathologic Review of 100 Patients with Neurogenic Atrophy

Target fibers were found in the muscle biopsies from 47 of 100 patients with histopathologic evidence of neurogenic muscular atrophy. Three biopsy specimens with abundant target fibers were also studied by electron microscopy. The duration of clinical symptoms prior to biopsy, electromyographic findings, and serum muscle enzyme levels (serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine phosphokinase, and aldolase) were correlated with the presence of target fiber formation. Target fibers are thought to be a manifestation of early denervation, but are only a crude indication of the clinical duration of the underlying disease. Trichrome and particularly the phosphotungstic acid hematoxylin stains are adequate for demonstrating target fibers in paraffin-embedded muscle biopsy specimens.
Accurate automated apnea analysis in preterm infants.

Objective In 2006 the apnea of prematurity (AOP) consensus group identified inaccurate counting of apnea episodes as a major barrier to progress in AOP research. We compare nursing records of AOP to events detected by a clinically validated computer algorithm that detects apnea from standard bedside monitors. Study Design Waveform, vital sign, and alarm data were collected continuously from all very low-birth-weight infants admitted over a 25-month period, analyzed for central apnea, bradycardia, and desaturation (ABD) events, and compared with nursing documentation collected from charts. Our algorithm defined apnea as > 10 seconds if accompanied by bradycardia and desaturation. Results Of the 3,019 nurse-recorded events, only 68% had any algorithm-detected ABD event. Of the 5,275 algorithm-detected prolonged apnea events > 30 seconds, only 26% had nurse-recorded documentation within 1 hour. Monitor alarms sounded in only 74% of events of algorithm-detected prolonged apnea events > 10 seconds. There were 8,190,418 monitor alarms of any description throughout the neonatal intensive care unit during the 747 days analyzed, or one alarm every 2 to 3 minutes per nurse. Conclusion An automated computer algorithm for continuous ABD quantitation is a far more reliable tool than the medical record to address the important research questions identified by the 2006 AOP consensus group.
Application of Belt Protection and Control System in Shanmushu Coal Mine

In view of problems of no protection,no pre-warning signal and low automation in main transport system of Shanmushu Coal Mine,the paper proposed a reform scheme of belt protection and control system.It introduced design of HMI of monitoring computer,PLC control system,configuration of belt protection sensor,monitoring function of integrated motor protector in details.The actual application showed that the system runs stably and reliably,which realizes centralized monitoring and protection functions of raw coal transportation.
Research on Inter-Access Between Online and Offline Simulation During Real-Time Dynamic Security Assessment of Power System

Utilizing actual operational data and network model parameters of power system, the real-time dynamic security assessment traces and analyzes power flow, stability, short-circuit current and transmission limit of power system, and evaluates transient and dynamic stability of power system. Offline simulation researches congeneric problems, however, in respect of unit output and load distribution typical operation modes are utilized. Due to the differences among administration sections, which utilize model parameters, there are a certain differences among model parameters for them. It is very valuable and necessary for offline simulation to perform data exchange with real-time dynamic simulation. Taking real-time dynamic (transient) security analysis and early warning system of North China Power Grid for example, in this paper the key problems in interception and modification of dynamic system data as well as in uploading, calculus and result restoring of offline data during the inter-access between online and offline simulation are researched, and corresponding solutions for these problems are given and applied in engineering project, thus the inter-access and data exchange between real-time dynamic security assessment system and offline simulation system are implemented.
Design of Computer Monitoring System for Longkou Hydropower Station

Longkou hydropower station is one of domestic hydropower stations under construction that applies domestic PLC.The station has special regulation and communication methods,selects NC2000 computer monitoring system with full-open,distributed modularized redundant structure.The paper elaborates design principle of the monitoring system,structure and functions,analyses the realization of system technologies.Design of the monitoring system will make the whole system play a great role in Longkou hydropower station operation.
High-powermedical CTH∶YAG Pulse Laser

In order to increase Cr∶Tm∶Ho∶YAG laser power,the cavity length and radius of high reflectivity concave mirror are optimized through analysis of energy transfer among the quasi-three-level nature.The ceramic pumping cavity with high diffuse reflectivity of 95% for effective pump band is used.The maximum laser pulse energy of 5.11J at 1Hz repetition frequency with a maximum slope efficiency of 5.6% during the cooling water temperature is 19℃ and the input pump energy is 159J.
Telomerase and Cancer: Kirk A. Landon--AACR prize for basic cancer research lecture.

Telomerase is commonly expressed in human cancer cells. Increased telomerase expression produces vulnerability of cancer cells, distinguishing them from normal cells in the body, although normal cells do also have some active telomerase. Recent studies also suggest that telomerase is implicated in
A Needlessly Complicated and Unhelpful Solution to Ben Ames Williams’ Famous Coconuts Problem

The American novelist Ben Ames Williams frequently contributed short stories, serials, and articles to the periodical The Saturday Evening Post. While themes in mathematics were seldom featured in Williams’ writings, a remarkably difficult word problem was presented within the short story Coconuts (Williams, 1926). The consequences of burdening an unsuspecting American middle class with a problem they were ill-equipped to handle were borne out over the 20 years following its publication. During this time Williams was inundated with angry letters and, worse, the occasional tedious solution to the problem he wrote into the pages of The Post (Gardner, 2001).
Practical aspects of the two FIGO systems for management of abnormal uterine bleeding in the reproductive years

The FIGO systems defining the nomenclature and symptoms of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) in the reproductive years (System 1) and the PALM-COEIN classification of causes of AUB (System 2) are designed to facilitate research, education, and the provision of optimum clinical care for affected women. Development of these systems has been the result of a collaborative effort of experts in bench and translational and clinical research from six continents aided by a spectrum of representatives from relevant medical societies, journals, and regulatory bodies. Integral to this development has been a decision to cease the use of poorly defined and inconsistently used terms such as menorrhagia, metrorrhagia, and dysfunctional uterine bleeding, to name a few, and replace them with a set of terms and definitions that are relatively easily understood and translated into the spectrum of languages used by medical providers and patients globally. The utilization of these systems requires a disciplined approach to obtaining a menstrual history, relatively simple laboratory investigations, and the appropriate use of imaging techniques accessible to most clinicians worldwide. This section describes the two systems, their crucial role in guiding investigation, and an approach to implementation, all designed to facilitate the creation of a menu of therapeutic options, considering the identified factors contributing to the problem of nongestational AUB.
Cervical facet dislocations in the adolescent population: a report of 21 cases at a Level 1 trauma center from 2004 to 2014

The purpose of this study was to present a series of adolescent patients with cervical facet dislocations to identify the mechanism of injury, severity of neurological injury and rate of neurological recovery. Between 2004 and 2014, a retrospective review at a level I trauma center identified patients with unilateral or bilateral dislocated facet(s). Demographic data, initial neurological exams, surgical data, radiographic findings, and follow-up records were reviewed. Of the 21 adolescent facet dislocations, 7 were unilateral and 14 bilateral. Mean age was 14.9 years; (range 12–17). Male:female ratio was 15:6. All patients presented as a result of a high-energy injury. C6–7 was the most common level of dislocation. 1 of 18 (5.5%) patients had a cervical disc herniation on MRI. Nine (43%) patients had an associated facet fracture (8 unilateral, 1 bilateral). None of the 12 patients who presented as a complete spinal cord injury (SCI) (AISA A) had any neurological recovery. Only one of the three patients who presented as an incomplete SCI (ASIA B, C, D) had an ASIA grade improvement at final follow-up. Six patients who presented were neurologically intact (ASIA E). Over half of children with this injury in our study had a complete SCI with no recovery. We believe that the adolescent spine is more resilient to injury, thus requiring a high-energy injury to cause a dislocation, but resulting in a high rate of SCI with a low rate of neurological recovery, and a low rate of cervical disc herniation.
An E 6 Orbifold GUT in 5D

In this section we construct a novel 5D orbifold GUT with an E6 gauge symmetry. We take the 5D gauge field, given by (V, Σ), in the adjoint representation (78) of E6. In addition to this we add a matter hypermultiplet \((\mathbf{27} + \mathbf{\overline{27}})\).
Interaction of Fibrin with the Very Low-Density Lipoprotein (VLDL) Receptor: Further Characterization and Localization of the VLDL Receptor-Binding Site in Fibrin βN-Domains

Our recent study revealed that fibrin and the very low-density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR) interact with each other through a pair of fibrin βN-domains and CR domains of the receptor and this interaction promotes transendothelial migration of leukocytes and thereby inflammation. The major objectives of this study were to further clarify the molecular mechanism of fibrin–VLDLR interaction and to identify amino acid residues in the βN-domains involved in this interaction. Our binding experiments with the (β15–66)2 fragment, which corresponds to a pair of fibrin βN-domains, and the VLDLR(1–8) fragment, consisting of eight CR domains of VLDLR, revealed that interaction between them strongly depends on ionic strength and chemical modification of all Lys or Arg residues in (β15–66)2 results in abrogation of this interaction. To identify which of these residues are involved in the interaction, we mutated all Lys or Arg residues in each of the three positively charged Lys/Arg clusters of the (β15–66)2 fragment, ...
Philadelphia Stories: America’s Literature of Race and Freedom. By Samuel Otter.

The central theme of Samuel Otter’s Philadelphia Stories is the idea that the one-time capital city of the United States was conceptualized from the outset as a social laboratory, the site of a large-scale social experiment. The idea of an experiment, which of course suffused much of the way early Americans thought about their new government and evolving social structure, drives an analysis that repeatedly emphasizes the self-consciousness that informed Philadelphians’ willingness to try new approaches to old problems, or, in some cases, their appetite to tackle the new problems that had been created and were emerging out of the new circumstances of race and democracy in the early United States. Although literary history forms the central axis of Otter’s analysis, he weaves together a diverse range of materials, including novels, social theory, politics, art and architecture, and social history to offer a fascinating account of the cultural, social, and intellectual history of Philadelphia from the American Revolution through the Civil War.
Integrated Petrologic and Sedimentologic Studies of a Late Neoproterozoic Rift Basin within the Grenvillian Basement of Virginia

Integrated studies of late Neoproterozoic clastic sediments and anorogenic granitoids exposed within 1.0 Ga basement rocks of the Blue Ridge anticlinorium of central Virginia enabled us to: 1.) determine the spatial relationship of rift-related plutonism, volcanism, and sedimentation; 2.) place relatively tight age constraints on the temporal relationship between magmatic and depositional processes in this extensional setting; and 3.) use both the sedimentary and igneous rocks as a probe of the basement.
Dynamics of necklace beams in nonlinear colloidal suspensions

Recently, we have predicted that the modulation instability of optical vortex solitons propagating in nonlinear colloidal suspensions with exponential saturable nonlinearity leads to formation of necklace beams (NBs). Here, we investigate the dynamics of NB formation and propagation, and demonstrate a variety of optical beam structures emerging upon vortex beam propagation in engineered nonlinear colloidal medium. In particular, we show that the distance at which the NB is formed depends on the input power of the vortex beam. Moreover, we show that the NB trajectories are not necessarily tangent to the initial vortex ring, and that their velocities have components stemming both from the beam diffraction and from the beam orbital angular momentum. We also demonstrate the generation of elliptical rotating solitons and analyze the influence of losses on their propagation. Finally, we investigate the conservation of the orbital angular momentum in necklace and elliptical rotating beams. Our studies, performed in ideal lossless media and in realistic colloidal suspensions with losses, provide a detailed description of NB dynamics, and may be useful in analysis of light propagation in highly scattering colloids and biological samples.
P13 Gender differences during jump landing/cutting in lower extremity kinetic and energetic patterns in chronic ankle instability

Study Design Single cohort, descriptive. Objectives To identify how movement kinetics and energetics alterations in chronic ankle instability (CAI) differ between genders. Background The chronic nature of ankle instability has been reported across genders, however, it is unclear how/if gender affects lower extremity landing/cutting biomechanics in CAI. Methods and Measures 100 CAI (M=54, F=46; 22±2 years, 174±9 cm, 72±14 kg, 82%±9% FAAM-ADL, 62%±13% FAAM-Sport, 3.6±1.2 MAII, 4.3±3 ankle sprains) and 100 matched controls (M=54, F=46; 22±3 years, 172±13 cm, 72±18 kg, 100% FAAM-ADL, 100% FAAM-Sport, 0 MAII, 0 ankle sprain) performed five trials of jump landing/cutting (maximum vertical forward jump, landing on the test leg only, and immediate 90° side-cutting). A functional data analysis (α=0.05) was used to detect a group ×gender interaction for joint moment (Nm/kg) and power (W/kg) across the entire ground contact time (0%=initial contact, 50%=peak flexion, 100%=toe off) during jump landing/cutting. If 95% confidence intervals did not cross the zero, significant differences existed. Results No maximum vertical jump height differences were observed within genders, between groups (p>0.05). Several group ×gender interactions were observed: males in the CAI group had reduced plantarflexion moment (46%–84% of stance), increased knee extension moment (0%–17% of stance), reduced hip extension moment (0%–6% of stance) and increased hip extension moment (9%–15% of stance). Males in the CAI group also showed reduced eccentric ankle power (12%–16% of stance), reduced concentric ankle power (77%–90% of stance), and increased knee (3%–16% of stance) and hip eccentric power (4%–12% of stance). Conclusions Both males and females in the CAI group demonstrated altered kinetic and energetic patterns relative to the control group, and more between-group alterations were observed in males relative to females. Males with CAI appeared to use an interlimb reweighting strategy from distal to proximal joints, which may be due to greater sensorimotor dysfunction.
Donation, Not Disease! A Multiple-Hit Hypothesis on Development of Post-Donation Kidney Disease

The risks following living kidney donation has been the subject of rigorous investigation in the past several decades. How to utilize the burgeoning new knowledge base to better the risk assessment, education, and health maintenance of donors is unclear. We review the physiologic and epidemiologic evidences on the post-donation state and submit a multiple-hit hypothesis to reconcile the finite elevation in risk of kidney disease after donation with the benign course of most kidney donors. The risk of end-stage kidney disease is higher in kidney donors compared to similarly healthy non-kidney donors. Nonetheless, post-donation kidney disease is uncommon and arises mostly in the setting of other “hits”—either a “first hit” present at birth or a “second hit” acquired later in life. The transplant community’s focus should be directed toward (1) personalized risk assessment to inform consent before donation and (2) preventing and treating development of “second hits” following kidney donation.
Subterranean Scydmaeninae of Southeast Asia (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae)

Subterranean (endogean) Scydmaeninae are recorded for the first time from Southeast Asia, based on specimens collected from the mineral soil layer in Cambodia and Vietnam. All reported species show morphological adaptations to life within soil, as microor anophthalmy, miniaturization and light pigmentation. The following new taxa are described: Siamites deharvengi sp. nov. (Glandulariini; Vietnam) is the first Siamites species known outside Thailand and the only species of the genus with microphthalmous males; Blefuscudia gen. nov. (Scydmaenini) is morphologically similar to Liliputella known to occur in the Bismarck Archipelago; both genera are blind and wingless; Blefuscudia khmer sp. nov. (type species of Blefuscudia; Cambodia); Blefuscudia bilineata sp. nov. (Vietnam); and Blefuscudia monolineata sp. nov. (Vietnam). Moreover, three species of Cephennomicrus (Cephenniini; Vietnam) are illustrated, representing the first microphthalmous members of this large genus. All these scydmaenines come from karst hills with a limestone ground.
Russian Capital Markets and Shareholder Litigation: Quo Vadis?

This Article examines Russian securities law, case law, and market data. To an international observer, Russian capital markets and securities law may appear ostensibly ordinary, albeit placed within an unstable socioeconomic milieu. Securities law and disclosure rules seem somewhat similar to those in the U.S., whereas corporate law provisions are an amalgam of U.S.-U.K.-West European principles. At the same time, a number of hidden trends affect capital markets, the heart of any economy. Those trends upend this fluid Westernized amalgam and may even be linked to the communist past of the country. The capital market portico is typically propped up by robust market infrastructure, public enforcement, private actions, and disclosure rules. Reporting rules enable investors and regulators to act upon the information and improve market monitoring. Out of the four elements, it appears that only the Russian reporting requirements are of adequate quality. Does this single pillar provide sufficient support to the Russian capital markets? It is unlikely that without better shareholder monitoring and more efficient market infrastructure, the mandatory disclosure regime will single-handedly prop up the capital market machinery. The Article urges Russian policymakers to take, first, a more pro-shareholder and pro-plaintiff view on private litigation, public enforcement, and corporate governance, and, second, a more pro-private-exchange policy stance.
Exposure to Bisphenol A, Bisphenol F, and Bisphenol S in U.S. Adults and Children: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013-2014.

Bisphenol F (BPF) and bisphenol S (BPS) are replacing bisphenol A (BPA) in the manufacturing of products containing polycarbonates and epoxy resins. Data on current human exposure levels of these substitutes are needed to aid in the assessment of their human health risks. This study analyzed urinary bisphenol levels in adults (N = 1808) and children (N = 868) participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013–2014 and investigated demographic and lifestyle factors associated with urinary levels of bisphenols. BPA, BPS, and BPF were detected in 95.7, 89.4, and 66.5% of randomly selected urine samples analyzed as part of NHANES 2013–2014, respectively. Median levels of BPA in U.S. adult were higher (1.24 μg/L) than BPF and BPS levels (0.35 and 0.37 μg/L, respectively). For children, median BPA levels were also higher (1.25 μg/L) than BPF and BPS levels (0.32 and 0.29 μg/L, respectively). The limits of detection for BPA, BPF, and BPS were 0.2, 0.2, and 0.1 μg/L, respectively....
PLASMA CATECHOLAMINES AND DIRECT STIMULATION OF RAT HYPOTHALAMUS

ABSTRACT Direct electrical stimulation (STIM) of different areas of the rat hypothalamus produced different effects on B.P., H.R., and plasma catecholamines (CA). Low intensity STIM of the anterior area (AH) evoked a slight depressor response with increased H.R. and increased plasma EPI. Higher intensity STIM of AH or low intensity STIM of the posterior area (PH) resulted in a pressor response and increased plasma EPI. Levels of NE were not greatly increased even when B.P. was markedly increased. STIM of lateral or medial areas evoked only small responses. The responses evoked by STIM of the PH were markedly attenuated by chlorisondamine, clonidine or α-CH 3 -DOPA.
The Prevalence of Disabling Musculoskeletal Conditions and the Demand for Orthopedic Surgery in the Twenty-First Century

The majority of hospitalizations and indications for surgery for musculoskeletal conditions result from degenerative diseases of the spine and major lower extremity joints. Spinal surgery, which follows careful selection criteria, typically results in pain relief, improved function, and improved quality of life which is maintained over long term periods of observation. Complications following spinal surgery are affected by age of the patient, anatomic location of disease and the surgical approach. Older patients with preexisting comorbidities, posterior approaches to the cervical spine and anterior approaches to the thoracolumbar spine are associated with higher risks of postoperative complications. Rapid growth in the demand for total hip and total knee arthroplasty has occurred over the past decade reflecting aging of the population as well as the success and safety of these procedures. Morbidity and mortality following total hip replacement (THR) and total knee replacement (TKR) are rare and the incidence of complications and death has decreased over time. Thromboembolic events have been reduced with adoption of routine prophylaxis protocols. Myocardial infarction occurs in approximately 3 % of patients and stroke in 0.5 %, and patients over 70 years of age appear to be at greater risk.
Comparing Spark with MapReduce: Glowworm Swarm Optimization Applied to Multimodal Functions

Glowworm swarm optimization GSO is one of the optimization techniques, which need to be parallelized in order to evaluate large problems with high-dimensional function spaces. There are various iss...
Comparison of the Transport Characteristics of D- and L-Methionine in a Human Intestinal Epithelial Model (Caco-2) and in a Perfused Rat Intestinal Model

Absorption mechanisms of L- and D-methionine (MET) in an in vitro cultured human intestinal epithelial cell model (Caco-2) and an in situ perfused rat intestinal model were investigated to determine if the kinetic characteristics of absorption are comparable in these two popular absorption models. The results indicate that the transport of L- and D-MET were concentration-dependent in both model systems, and displayed comparable Km values. The Km value for L-MET is 1.34 mM in the Caco-2 model and 3.6 mM in the perfused rat intestinal model, while the Km value for D-MET is 1.79 mM in the Caco-2 model and 2.87 mM in the perfused rat intestinal model. Although the Jmax values were not comparable because of significant methodology differences, the Jmax values for L-MET were always higher than that for D-MET. In addition, transport of L- and D-MET across the Caco-2 cell monolayers were also inhibited by 10 mM Phe and Lys while MeAIB, Pro and Glu were generally ineffective. Similar results were also observed with these inhibitors in the perfused rat intestinal model with the exception that a combination of Pro and Glu stimulated the uptake of L-MET. In conclusion, the transport characteristics of L- and D-MET are comparable in both model systems.
Mechanisms of Stage-Transcending Protection Following Immunization of Mice with Late Liver Stage-Arresting Genetically Attenuated Malaria Parasites

Malaria, caused by Plasmodium parasite infection, continues to be one of the leading causes of worldwide morbidity and mortality. Development of an effective vaccine has been encumbered by the complex life cycle of the parasite that has distinct pre-erythrocytic and erythrocytic stages of infection in the mammalian host. Historically, malaria vaccine development efforts have targeted each stage in isolation. An ideal vaccine, however, would target multiple life cycle stages with multiple arms of the immune system and be capable of eliminating initial infection in the liver, the subsequent blood stage infection, and would prevent further parasite transmission. We have previously shown that immunization of mice with Plasmodium yoelii genetically attenuated parasites (GAP) that arrest late in liver stage development elicits stage-transcending protection against both a sporozoite challenge and a direct blood stage challenge. Here, we show that this immunization strategy engenders both T- and B-cell responses that are essential for stage-transcending protection, but the relative importance of each is determined by the host genetic background. Furthermore, potent anti-blood stage antibodies elicited after GAP immunization rely heavily on FC-mediated functions including complement fixation and FC receptor binding. These protective antibodies recognize the merozoite surface but do not appear to recognize the immunodominant merozoite surface protein-1. The antigen(s) targeted by stage-transcending immunity are present in both the late liver stages and blood stage parasites. The data clearly show that GAP-engendered protective immune responses can target shared antigens of pre-erythrocytic and erythrocytic parasite life cycle stages. As such, this model constitutes a powerful tool to identify novel, protective and stage-transcending T and B cell targets for incorporation into a multi-stage subunit vaccine.
Judith N Shklar as theorist of political obligation

The useful publication of Judith N Shklar's final undergraduate lectures at Harvard provides an opportunity to take a careful look at her reflections on political obligation, a matter always of gre...
What We Know about How to Mobilize College Students to Vote

This paper introduces readers to the political science literature on voter mobilization, highlighting what we know (and what we wish we knew) about getting college students to vote in the United States. The purpose of the paper is to provide advice to those wishing to mobilize student voters and to help set a research agenda for the future. We focus on experiments designed to test the effectiveness of specific techniques to register and engage young voters, documenting practical steps that have proven effective across campuses. While only 40% of 18-24 year olds are enrolled in college, and turnout is lower for non-college youth, college students represent a population that academics should be best positioned to mobilize and turn into voters.
Hypoganglionosis in the gastric antrum causes delayed gastric emptying

Background Enteric nervous system (ENS) abnormalities have been implicated in delayed gastric emptying but studies exploring potential treatment options are limited by the lack of an experimental animal model. We examined the ENS abnormalities in the mouse stomach associated with aging, developed a novel model of gastroparesis, and established a new approach to measure gastric emptying. Methods A modified gastric emptying assay was developed, validated in nNOS -/- mice, and tested in mice at multiple ages. Age-related changes in ENS structure were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Gastric aganglionosis was generated in Wnt1-iDTR mice using focal administration of diphtheria toxin (DT) into the anterior antral wall. Key results Older mice (>5 months) exhibit hypoganglionosis in the gastric antrum and a decreased proportion of nNOS neurons as compared to younger mice (age 5-7 weeks). This was associated with a significant age-dependent decrease in liquid and solid gastric emptying. A novel model of gastric antrum hypoganglionosis was established using neural crest-specific expression of diphtheria toxin receptor. In this model, a significant reduction in liquid and solid gastric emptying is observed. Conclusions & inferences Older mice exhibit delayed gastric emptying associated with hypoganglionosis and a reduction in nNOS-expressing neurons in the antrum. The causal relationship between antral hypoganglionosis and delayed gastric emptying was verified using a novel experimental model of ENS ablation. This study provides new information regarding the pathogenesis of delayed gastric emptying and provides a robust model system to study this disease and develop novel treatments.
Minority Stress Theory and Internalized Homophobia among LGB Sexual Assault Survivors: Implications for Posttraumatic Adjustment

Prevalence estimates of sexual violence within the queer community indicate equivalent or significantly higher rates of victimization when compared to the heterosexual community. Despite the high p...
US agricultural exports and labor market adjustments

This study empirically investigates the impact of US agricultural exports on farm and nonfarm employment and tests how individuals adjust to agricultural export shocks. Based on the data from 1991 to 2017 and a Bartik‐style instrument that exploits cross‐regional variation in agricultural export exposure stemming from initial differences in agricultural specialization and temporal variation in predicted US exports from exogenous tariff reductions, we find that a 1% increase in agricultural exports increases farm employment by 0.302% and has no statistically significant impact on nonfarm employment. The individual‐level analysis shows that, in response to positive agricultural export demand shocks, natives with a college degree are more likely to become self‐employed and start farm activities and while non‐natives without a college degree are more likely to become hired farmworkers. A back‐of‐the‐envelope calculation based on the estimates of agricultural trade elasticities of employment shows that on balance, job gains due to US agricultural exports are slightly larger than job loss due to agricultural imports, resulting in a net gain of around 0.24 million farm jobs over 1991–2017.
Chapter 9 – Antiepileptic Drugs

Epilepsy is defined as a neurological condition that is characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures. The International League Against Epilepsy and the International Bureau for Epilepsy have come to consensus definitions for the term epilepsy: “Epilepsy is a disorder of the brain characterized by an enduring predisposition to generate epileptic seizures and by the neurobiologic, cognitive, psychological, and social consequences of this condition.” Pharmacological treatment of epileptic seizures started with barbiturates followed by imidazolidine-2,4-dione and pyrrolidine-2,5-dione derivatives. Later valproic acid became the drug of choice in primary generalized epilepsies. After that carbamazepine and some benzodiazepines were proposed for the treatment of epileptic seizures. The listed medications were the mainstays of seizure treatment until the 1990s when a newer, second generation of antiepileptic drugs appeared: felbamate, gabapentin, lamotrigine, topiramate, tiagabine, levetiracetam, oxcarbazepine, zonisamide and pregabalin appeared in doctor’s armory. There is a group of compounds, formally named the third generation, that offer the potential advantages of fewer drug interactions, unique mechanisms of action, and a broader spectrum of activity. This chapter describes the syntheses of antiepileptic drugs included in the list of Top 200 Drugs by sales for the 2010s.
Reinforcement Learning-Based Active Distribution Management for Reducing the Risk of Cascading Failure

In this paper, a controller for reducing the risk of cascading line outages in an active distribution network (ADN), has been developed. The controller is based on adaptive critic design (ACD), which receives inputs from a distribution management system regarding the states of the distribution network. These states are then evaluated by the controller for critical contingencies in the network. Accordingly, the controller takes coordinated control actions by giving recommendations for adjusting the optimal power flow (OPF) set points for voltage and active power of the distributed energy resources (DERs) in the network. These control actions avoid considerable deviation from the optimal set points for generation cost and line losses. The effectiveness of the developed ACD controller is demonstrated with a test case of IEEE 30 bus system. The technique for formulation of this ACD algorithm, so as to attain a faster but accurate convergence, has been elaborately described in this work.
Truth and Reconciliation of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities: A Case Study of COVID-19.

“Structural racism in the COVID-19 pandemic: moving forward” (Sabatello et al. 2021) offers a nuanced and important critique of racial and ethnic health disparities starkly illuminated by COVID-19....
Snowpack Remote Sensing using Wideband Long-Wavelength Microwave Radiometry

This paper presents a study of snowpack thermal emissions at long wavelengths and over a wide frequency band. Brightness temperature measurements of a snow layer are reported and used to estimate the travel time through the layer. The Ultra-Wideband Software-Defined Radiometer (UWBRAD) and the Wideband Autocorrelation Radiometer (WiBAR) were deployed at the Keweenaw Research Center (KRC) from February to April 2020 to demonstrate these techniques. Results on snowpack brightness temperature and thickness measurements are presented and discussed.
Endoscopic Gallbladder Drainage in Medically Inoperable Patients with Symptomatic Cholelithiasis: A Tube to Avoid “Going Down the Tubes”?

Gastrointestinal (GI) practitioners and trainees are often faced with an elderly curmudgeon sitting in the front row of GI grand rounds with the primary aim of putting a ‘‘hole’’ into the interventional endoscopist’s data promoting the latest endoscopic innovation. The comments made by these ‘‘elder statesmen’’ are at times appropriate regarding the importance of ‘‘evidenced-based’’ research, i.e., data obtained from prospective, randomized controlled trials. However, if this standard was needed prior to adoption of procedures, there would have been little for interventional gastroenterologists to offer to patients with pancreaticobiliary diseases over the last 20 years other than to remove bile duct stones or to sample pancreatic masses. The lack of prospective, randomized trials to support new endoscopic therapies should thus not temper enthusiasm for novel therapies that may improve patients’ lives. Such a non-‘‘evidence based’’ approach has been applied to stenting the gallbladder, a far-from-simple procedure indicated for biliary drainage and gallbladder decompression in patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis who are medically inoperable. The formerly prevailing procedure, placement of percutaneous cholecystostomy tubes, is fraught with complications (e.g., drain dislodgement and occlusion, leak, infection, bleeding, and discomfort) although placement can be lifesaving in the medically unfit patient [1, 2]. In one study of 68 patients, success was noted in 85 % although complications occurred in 16 % [2]. Furthermore, a high percentage (41 %) of patients who did not subsequently undergo cholecystectomy developed recurrent gallbladder-related symptoms. Although endoscopic cystic duct stenting is a simplesounding procedure, it can be technically challenging. For example, the cystic duct takeoff may be acute and difficult to identify or selectively cannulate, further complicated by a tortuous course, narrow caliber, and the valves of Heister. Therefore, as with any therapeutic endoscopic intervention, informed patient selection is essential to avoid undue harm, identifying those who are most likely to gain long-term benefit.
Observations of the Superfluid Circulation around a Wire in a Rotating Vessel Containing Liquid He II

Several years ago observations in our laboratory of the superfluid circulation around a fine wire stretched along the axis of a cylindrical container filled With liquid He II gave rather clear evidence of preferential metastability at quantum levels in the range from − 3 to + 3 quantum units.1 The quantum unit of circulation is h/m, where h is Planck’s constant and m is the mass of the 4He atom. Thus those observations strengthened the evidence presented by Vinen a few years earlier for the existence of quantization of circulation in superfluid helium flow around a solid obstacle.2 Our measurements at that time were all conducted with the wire and container at rest.