cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A virtual nursing honor society: Recognition for online academic excellence

The growth of online education has created a challenge to academic institutions, faculty, and professional honor societies with the desire to capture those students who excel in their field and retain institutional affiliation from a distance. A private university nursing program decided to meet this challenge by creating a virtual Nursing Honor Society (vNHS) for academically superior students from their RN-BSN, MSN, and DNP online programs. The process began with a task force of faculty members to develop an infrastructure that would support a student organization within a larger university academic system. This article presents the pre-planning process, the website design, the process of conducting virtual induction ceremonies, and committee structure for virtual events that established the vNHS. Challenges and lessons learned are presented to promote replication in other academic institutions that offer online programming. The vNHS has been beneficial for students and the larger University.
Mechanical behavior of cellulose in relation to cell wall theories

One of the goals of research in wood and fiber mechanics is to provide evidence on the microfibrillar constitution of the cell wall. The mechanical evidence must be reconciled with the spectroscopic, radiological, and chemical evidence; and with the results of microscopic observations at all levels, to arrive at an understanding of molecular and supermolecular organization in plant cells. Certain mechanical criteria (e.g., strength and elastic properties) must be satisfied for any theory of cellulose structure to be compatible. In this paper, the current theories of molecular organization in the cell wall are considered, with particular emphasis given to the question of elastic moduli for the composite fiber wall.
Response of Dairy Cattle Given a Free Choice of Free Stall Location and Three Bedding Materials

Abstract Dewatered manure solids (29% dry matter), dehydrated manure solids (90% dry matter), and sawdust (81% dry matter) were compared as bedding materials for dairy cattle allowed free choice of the bedding materials in free stalls. The three bedding materials were placed in three free stall sections of nine stalls each and were rotated at the beginning of three consecutive week-long periods. Nine lactating dairy cows were placed in the 27 free stall barn and observed for 48h during each of the three periods via a TV camera-video tape recording system. A trial during late winter was repeated during midsummer. Cows spent 13.3 h/day lying in free stalls during the winter trial and 5.9 h/day during the summer trial. Cows spent an average of .5, 6.6, and 6.2 h/day lying on dewatered manure solids, dehydrated manure solids, and sawdust during the winter trial and .5, 3.4, and 2.0 h/day during the summer trial. The relative cost of producing an amount of the above respective bedding materials to fill one 122 × 213cm free stall to a depth of 10cm was $2.63, $11.46, and $1.27.
Radial Velocity Variability of K Giants

At McDonald Observatory we have been monitoring the relative radial velocities of a sample of K giants. The technique employed uses the telluric O2 lines near 6300 A as a reference for measuring the stellar line shifts. We demonstrate that precisions of 10 m s−1 are possible with this technique. We present radial velocity data covering a 2 year time span for α Boo, α Tau, and β Gem. All of these stars show both long term variations (∼ several hundred days) with a peak-to-peak amplitude of about 400 m s−1 and short term variations (∼ few days) with a peak-to-peak amplitude of about 100 m s−1. The long term variations may be due to the rotational modulation of surface active regions whereas the short term variations may be indicative of pulsations.
Building and testing optimized keyboards for specific text entry.

Objective: We explore how to optimally design systems for information input. Background: As computers are introduced into ever more devices with new methods of inputting information, there is a need for specialized systems that are optimally designed for their particular use. Method: The study demonstrates how to use a model of text entry times to build optimized keyboards for specific sets of text. The technique is demonstrated by using Fitts' law to model text entry times. Alphabet letters are assigned to keys in a way that minimizes predicted entry time for the specified set of text. The predicted entry times are validated by an experiment in which two keyboards are optimized for different sets of text. Results: Text entry is faster for the keyboard optimized for that text compared with the keyboard optimized for the other text. Learning to use the keyboards is fairly quick, with significant learning being observed after only one half-hour session. Conclusion: There is a need and an ability to design specialized keyboards for some situations. The study demonstrates that optimization of keyboards can decrease text entry times. Application: This research shows how to design optimized keyboards for many different situations. The approach should be useful for aviation, medical, industrial, and other specialized situations in which normal keyboard designs cannot be used.
Triple Diuretics and Aquaretic Strategy for Acute Decompensated Heart Failure due to Volume Overload

Diuretics, including furosemide, metolazone, and spironolactone, have historically been the mainstay of therapy for acute decompensated heart failure patients. The addition of an aquaretic-like vasopressin antagonist may enhance diuresis further. However, clinical experience with this quadruple combination is lacking in the acute setting. We present two hospitalized patients with acute decompensated heart failure due to massive fluid overload treated with a combination strategy of triple diuretics in conjunction with the aquaretic tolvaptan. The first patient lost 72.1 lbs. (32.7 kg) with an average urine output of 3.5 to 7.5 L/day over eight days on combined therapy with furosemide, metolazone, spironolactone, and tolvaptan. The second patient similarly achieved a weight loss of 28.2 lbs. (12.8 kg) over 4 days on the same treatment. Both patients maintained stable serum sodium, potassium, and creatinine over this period and remained out of the hospital for more than 30 days. Thus, patients hospitalized with acute decompensated heart failure due to volume overload can achieve euvolemia rapidly and without electrolytes disturbances using this regimen, while being under the close supervision of a team of cardiologists and nephrologists. Additionally, this therapy can potentially decrease the need for ultrafiltration and the length of hospital stay.
The Contribution of the Protestant Churches to Religious Liberty in Colonial America

While endeavouring to formulate these remarks I have come to suspect that there may possibly lurk in the title of my paper a misleading implication. The word “contribution” would seem to connote on the part of the Protestant churches a deliberate and concerted effort toward the triumph of religious liberty. Those of us who today prize ecclesiastical freedom would like to feel that our colonial ancestors of their own free will and choice undertook the march to liberty. Liberal-minded historians in particular are prone to sing the praises of this individual or that church for furthering this advance; they are inclined to gloss over or to apologize for the men and the institutions that hindered it.
Regional tomographic inversion of the amplitude and phase of Rayleigh waves with 2-D sensitivity kernels

SUMMARY In this study, we test the adequacy of 2-D sensitivity kernels for fundamental-mode Rayleigh waves based on the single-scattering (Born) approximation to account for the effects of heterogeneous structure on the wavefield in a regional surface wave study. The calculated phase and amplitude data using the 2-D sensitivity kernels are compared to phase and amplitude data obtained from seismic waveforms synthesized by the pseudo-spectral method for plane Rayleigh waves propagating through heterogeneous structure. We find that the kernels can accurately predict the perturbation of the wavefield even when the size of anomaly is larger than one wavelength. The only exception is a systematic bias in the amplitude within the anomaly itself due to a site response. An inversion method of surface wave tomography based on the sensitivity kernels is developed and applied to synthesized data obtained from a numerical simulation modelling Rayleigh wave propagation over checkerboard structure. By comparing recovered images to input structure, we illustrate that the method can almost completely recover anomalies within an array of stations when the size of the anomalies is larger than or close to one wavelength of the surface waves. Surface wave amplitude contains important information about Earth structure and should be inverted together with phase data in surface wave tomography.
A framework for active vision-based robot control using neural networks

Assembly robots that use an active camera system for visual feedback can achieve greater flexibility, including the ability to operate in an uncertain and changing environment. Incorporating active vision into a robot control loop involves some inherent difficulties, including calibration, and the need for redefining the servoing goal as the camera configuration changes. In this paper, we propose a novel self-organizing neural network that learns a calibration-free spatial representation of 3D point targets in a manner that is invariant to changing camera configurations. This representation is used to develop a new framework for robot control with active vision. The salient feature of this framework is that it decouples active camera control from robot control. The feasibility of this approach is established with the help of computer simulations and experiments with the University of Illinois Active Vision System (UIAVS).
Is clinical tolerance possible after allergen immunotherapy

There is a growing evidence that allergen immunotherapy (AIT) can provide significant and long-lasting clinical benefit for a number of allergic individuals. However, it is less clear if AIT results in clinical tolerance, which is characterized by a persistent state of clinical non-reactivity to allergens after therapy is finished. Addressing this knowledge gap is particularly relevant for patients undergoing AIT for food allergies, as anything less than complete tolerance could have potentially devastating consequences. An increasing number of studies, in particular those involving oral immunotherapy, are attempting to assess tolerance induction following AIT. Clinical tolerance does appear to be achievable in a subset of patients undergoing AIT, but whether this is equivalent to the type of tolerance observed in nonallergic individuals remains unknown. Developing established criteria for assessing tolerance induction, as well as the use of consistent terminology when describing clinical tolerance, will be important for determining the disease-modifying potential of AIT.
Fluctuating Gram-Negative Microflora in Developing Anurans

Abstract Enteric bacterial communities from Southern Toads (Bufo terrestris) and Spring Peepers (Pseudacris crucifer) were quantified during larval development and metamorphosis to examine relationships between development and enteric microflora. Higher levels of enteric Gram-negative bacteria were observed during metamorphosis in each species' intestines. Gut content had no effect on bacterial levels in B. terrestris. Much higher bacterial levels were recorded in smaller metamorphs. The results of this research suggest that enteric microflora may play an ecological role in anuran development and metamorphosis.
Simian Neonatology: II. Neonatal Pathology

Spontaneous gross and microscopic lesions were studied in 82 perinatal and neonatal monkeys of various species. Ninety-seven lesions were found in the body systems examined. The system at greatest risk was the respiratory system (33 lesions), at the least risk, the cardiovascular system (four lesions). Lesions were inflammatory, degenerative, vascular, and of other types, such as intrauterine aspiration and congenital anomalies. Differences in the type and distribution of lesions in the various systems were found between premature and mature infants.
Determination of atmospheric parameters from measurement of polarization of upward radiation by satellite or space probe.

Atmospheric radiation polarization characteristics, determining concentration and distribution of atmospheric scatterers
Nutrient regulation of oligopeptide transport in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Small peptides (2–5 amino acid residues) are transported into Saccharomyces cerevisiae via two transport systems: PTR (Peptide TRansport) for di-/tripeptides and OPT (OligoPeptide Transport) for oligopeptides of 4–5 amino acids in length. Although regulation of the PTR system has been studied in some detail, neither the regulation of the OPT family nor the environmental conditions under which family members are normally expressed have been well studied in S. cerevisiae. Using a lacZ reporter gene construct fused to 1 kb DNA from upstream of the genes OPT1 and OPT2, which encode the two S. cerevisiae oligopeptide transporters, the relative expression levels of these genes were measured in a variety of environmental conditions. Uptake assays were also conducted to measure functional protein levels at the plasma membrane. It was found that OPT1 was up-regulated in sulfur-free medium, and that Ptr3p and Ssy1p, proteins involved in regulating the di-/tripeptide transporter encoding gene PTR2 via amino acid sensing, were required for OPT1 expression in a sulfur-free environment. In contrast, as measured by response to toxic tetrapeptide and by real-time PCR, OPT1 was not regulated through Cup9p, which is a repressor for PTR2 expression, although Cup9p did repress OPT2 expression. In addition, all of the 20 naturally occurring amino acids, except the sulfur-containing amino acids methionine and cysteine, up-regulated OPT1, with the greatest change in expression observed when cells were grown in sulfur-free medium. These data demonstrate that regulation of the OPT system has both similarities and differences to regulation of the PTR system, allowing the yeast cell to adapt its utilization of small peptides to various environmental conditions.
Levels of number knowledge during early childhood

Researchers have long disagreed about whether number concepts are essentially continuous (unchanging) or discontinuous over development. Among those who take the discontinuity position, there is disagreement about how development proceeds. The current study addressed these questions with new quantitative analyses of children's incorrect responses on the Give-N task. Using data from 280 children, ages 2 to 4 years, this study showed that most wrong answers were simply guesses, not counting or estimation errors. Their mean was unrelated to the target number, and they were lower-bounded by the numbers children actually knew. In addition, children learned the number-word meanings one at a time and in order; they treated the number words as mutually exclusive; and once they figured out the cardinal principle of counting, they generalized this principle to the rest of their count list. Findings support the 'discontinuity' account of number development in general and the 'knower-levels' account in particular.
Economic Sociology in the Next Decade and Beyond

This article assesses “Economic Sociology in the Next Decade and Beyond.” In addressing this broad thematic, as it relates to what some have called the new economic sociology , the article notes the “legacy effect” that a polemic with conventional economic conceptualizations has had on the recent reemergence and shape of this field, the relationship that the predominate schools of thought have to one another and the centrifugal tendencies they currently exhibit in this field, and the relationship this field of study currently has to general sociological theories and research streams. The article expressly argues that it is essential to the current and future relevance of the new economic sociology that it seek to bridge key concepts and ideas across methodologically and substantively distinct subfoci within its purview; enhance the theoretical continuity between its findings and theoretical insights and those that explain more generic sociological processes; and more explicitly theorize the role of agency...
Counterexamples to the modified Weyl-Berry conjecture on fractal drums

Let Ω be a non-empty open set in ℝn with finite ‘volume’ (n-dimensional Lebesgue measure). Let be the Laplacian operator. Consider the eigenvalue problem (with Dirichlet boundary conditions):where λ ∈ ℝ and u is a non-zero member of (the closure in the Sobolev space H1(Ω) of the set of smooth functions with compact support contained in Ω). It is well known that the values of λ∈ℝ for which (1·1) has a non-zero solution are positive and form a discrete set. Moreover, for each λ, the associated eigenspace is finite dimensional. Let the spectrum of (1·1) be denoted where 0 < λ1 ≤ λ2 ≤ … and where the multiplicity of each λ in the sequence is the dimension of the associated eigenspace. Let
History of Photography

This is a book of mathematical models related to photographic science and engineering. More specifically, it is book of mathematical models of several of the chemical aspects of traditional photography. We say traditional photography to contrast our subject matter from digital photography, in which images are captured by arrays of CCDs, charge coupled devices — computer chips. We note that we are concerned with the chemical aspects of traditional photography, because we will not cover the other important aspect of traditional photography, namely, optics.
Tailoring Seasonal Time Series Models to Forecast Short-Term Water Demand

AbstractThis paper presents a methodology to forecast short-term water demands either offline or online by combining seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA) models with data assimilation. In offline mode, the method frequently reestimates the models using the latest historical data. In online mode, the method applies a Kalman filter to optimally and efficiently update the models using a real-time feed of data. The tailoring process consists of identifying, estimating, and validating the models, along with exploring how the length of demand history used in fitting can improve forecast performance. A suite of models are obtained that are adequate for 15-min, hourly, and daily demands having daily and weekly periodicities. The model output is analyzed across temporal resolutions, periodicities, and forecasting modes. The study finds that the normalized forecast deviations range from approximately 4.2 to 1.3%, in correspondence to a decrease in temporal granularity. Models of the weekly-sea...
IL-7, the thymus, and naïve T cells.

It has been reported that T cell numbers are maintained in adults predominantly through the expansion of post-thymic, memory T cells, whereas in infants, T cells are predominantly maintained through the production of new naive T cells by the thymus t. However, we and others have recently demonstrated that the adult thymus is still capable of thymopoiesis and can contribute to T cell reconstitution in adults 2, 3. Several methods have been used to measure thymopoietic capacity. Thymic size as measured by radiographic imaging t or volumetric computerized tomograph measurements 4’ 5 has been correlated with numbers of CD4+CD45RA+ naive T cells and the number of phenotypically naive T cells after transplantation has been shown to correlate with antigen-specific function 6. However, there are concerns about limitations of estimating thymic function based on naive T cell phenotype alone. T cells expressing a naive phenotype are not necessarily accurate surrogate markers of thymic function. Following thymic emigration, CD45RA+ naive T cells can have a long quiescent lifespan 7, may proliferate in an antigen-independent manner 8, or may rapidly convert to CD45RO+ memory/effector phenotype T cells 9. Furthermore, naive T cell markers may be acquired by memory T cells (especially CDS+ T cells) 9, further compounding the difficulty in accurate enumeration of naive T cells 10,1 t
Combustible cigarettes cost less to use than e-cigarettes: global evidence and tax policy implications

Background Some scholars suggest that price differences between combustible cigarettes and e-cigarettes could be effective in moving current combustible smokers to e-cigarettes, which could reduce tobacco-related death and disease. Currently, in most jurisdictions, e-cigarettes are not subject to the same excise taxes as combustible cigarettes, potentially providing the category with a price advantage over combustible cigarettes. This paper tests whether e-cigarettes tax advantage has translated into a price advantage. Methods In a sample of 45 countries, the price of combustible cigarettes, disposable e-cigarettes and rechargeable cigarettes were compared. Results Comparable units of combustible cigarettes cost less than disposable e-cigarettes in almost every country in the sample. While the e-liquids consumed in rechargeable e-cigarettes might cost less per comparable unit than combustible cigarettes, the initial cost to purchase a rechargeable e-cigarette presents a significant cost barrier to switching from smoking to vaping. Discussion Existing prices of e-cigarettes are generally much higher than of combustible cigarettes. If policymakers wish to tax e-cigarettes less than combustibles, forceful policy action—almost certainly through excise taxation—must raise the price of combustible cigarettes beyond the price of using e-cigarettes.
Geometry of Zn(II) complexes with dissolved organic matter: X-ray studies at variable pH

The structure of Zn(II) complexes with dissolved organic matter (DOM) is an important consideration in developing molecular-level models of Zn(II) speciation, but recent reports favoring the tetrahedral geometry differ from earlier findings that geometry was largely octahedral. In general, the presence of thiolate ligands favors the tetrahedral geometry, while O and N ligands favor the octahedral geometry. This work presents extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) and X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopic results, indicating an octahedral geometry over the pH range of 5–9 for a freshwater DOM isolate. Changes in XANES derivatives as a function of pH can be explained in terms of ligand protonation and/or changing ligand groups. Tetrahedral Zn(II)–DOM geometry may be restricted to binding environments containing thiol groups.
The Development of Practical Synthetic Routes to a CB2 Agonist: Efficient Construction of a Densely Substituted Purine Core

An efficient and scalable process for the preparation of a purine-based CB2 agonist was developed. The production route to the requisite purine core relies on N-acylation and sequential substitution of a 5-amino-4,6-dichloropyrimidine with two amine building blocks followed by a cyclocondensation reaction. The chemistry was successfully employed to rapidly prepare over 5 kg of the active pharmaceutical ingredient. To further improve efficiencies, postproduction development resulted in a rearranged synthesis which reduced the need for pressure reactors and introduced the most costly reagent in the final step.
Differential antibacterial response of chicken granulosa cells to invasion by Salmonella serovars.

In the United States, Salmonella enterica ser. Enteritidis (SE) is among the leading bacterial cause of foodborne illness via consumption of raw or undercooked eggs. The top Salmonella serovars implicated in U.S. foodborne outbreaks associated with chicken consumption include SE, Typhimurium (ST), Heidelberg (SH), Montevideo, Mbandka, Braenderup, and Newport. While enforcement actions target the eradication of SE from layer hens, there is a growing concern that other serovars could occupy this niche and be a cause of egg-transmitted human salmonellosis. Therefore, we tested the invasion and survival of SE, SH, ST, and Salmonella enterica ser. Hadar (S. Hadar) at 4 and 20 h post infection (hpi) in chicken ovarian granulosa cells (cGC); a cellular layer which surrounds the previtelline layer and central yolk in egg-forming follicles. We also evaluated cGC transcriptional changes, using an antibacterial response PCR array, to assess host response to intracellular SalmonellaWe observed that invasion of cGC by SE, SH, and ST was significantly higher than invasion by S. Hadar, with ST showing the highest level of invasion. The Bacterial Survival Index, defined as the ratio of intracellular bacteria at 20 and 4 h, were 18.94, 7.35, and 15.27 for SE, SH, and ST, respectively, with no significant difference in survival between SE or ST compared to SH. Evaluation of cGC anti-Salmonella gene responses indicated that at 4 hpi there was a significant decrease in Toll-like receptor (TLR)-4 mRNA in cGC infected with SE, whereas TLR5 and myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 were significantly down regulated across all serovars. At 4 hpi, invasion by Salmonella serovars resulted in significant upregulation of several antimicrobial genes, and proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines (PICs). At 20 hpi, all the serovars induced PICs with SH being the strongest inducer. Additionally, SE, SH and ST differentially induced signal transduction pathways. Although only a single strain from each serovar was tested, cGC presents a useful ex vivo cell culture model to assess the virulence potential of Salmonella serovars.
The effects of noise on speech movements in young, middle-aged, and older adults

People often talk in noisy environments, which can influence the effectiveness of communication. This study examined the impact of several types of noise on speech production by measuring lip movements during a sentence repetition task. Sixty participants in three age groups ranging from 20 to 70 repeated a sentence under five noise conditions (silence, one person reading aloud, two readers, six readers, and pink noise). A head-mounted strain gauge system tracked vertical lip movements. With the presentation of noise during a speaking task, the intensity increased due to the Lombard effect in all of the noise conditions. The utterance duration for the 1-talker condition was significantly shorter when compared to the silent condition. The peak velocity of a selected lip-closing gesture increased in all of the noise conditions compared to silence. Speech movement variability in the pink noise and 6-talker conditions was lower than in the silent condition. The repetitive nature of the sentence repetition tas...
Synthesis of Substituted Morpholines Using Stereodivergent Aza-Michael Reactions Catalyzed by Brønsted Acids

A diastereoselective intramolecular aza-Michael reaction between N-Cbz carbamates and enones was studied. The investigation revealed that Bronsted acids with different strengths produce different diastereomers. The catalysts TfOH and TFA were used to generate differential outcomes in the aza-Michael reaction.
Chapter 98 – Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Remodeling in Atherosclerosis and Restenosis

Vascular remodeling is a complex pathophysiological process that plays a major role in the clinical manifestations of cardiovascular diseases. An important concept for remodeling, termed Glagov’s law, is that vessels remodel to maintain constant flow. Recent experimental and clinical observations suggest that Glagov’s law is most important for vascular remodeling associated with intima-media thickening (IMT) and atherosclerotic plaque formation. The physiological demand on the vessel wall to maintain a homeostatic environment is significantly increased in response to atherosclerosis. In response to the growing plaque the vessel wall remodels to compensate for alterations in blood flow. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) play an important role in regulating vessel wall remodeling during atherosclerosis development. VSMC are heterogeneous and are expressed in either a contractile (differentiated) or synthetic (dedifferentiated) state. A balance of heterogeneity is essential to vascular wall homeostasis. Since VSMC can phenotypically modulate between these two states they are considered one of the most dynamic cell types. Under physiological conditions VSMC are primarily expressed in the contractile phenotype. In response to atherogenic stimuli this balance is perturbed and VSMC exhibit a more synthetic phenotype. This morphological change promotes synthesis of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, followed by VSMC migration, proliferation, and apoptosis contributing to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and restenosis.
Factor Structure of the Brief Comprehensive Effects of Alcohol Scale in Adolescents.

Alcohol use among adolescents is a public health concern; therefore, it is important that studies that examine factors associated with adolescent drinking behaviors utilize measures that are well-v...
Pharmacology of Inhalants

The recreational use of gaseous and volatile substances is not a new phenomenon. In early western civilization Greeks inhaled gases for religious purposes (Brecher, 1972). The synthesis of nitrous oxide in 1776 by Priestly could be marked as the beginning of the modern era of inhalant abuse. In fact, its abuse preceded the announcement of a legitimate medical use as an anesthetic 20 years later by Priestly and Davy (Nagle, 1968). The misuse of nitrous oxide and the other early anesthetic agents, chloroform and ether (“ether frolics”), was fashionable in the 19th century. Not surprisingly, the modern, nonflammable, inhalational anesthetic halothane has been abused by medical personnel, and there have been reports of deaths (Spencer, Raasch, & Trefny, 1976).
From New Deal to No Deal: No Child Left Behind and the Devolution of Responsibility for Equal Opportunity

In this article, Harvey Kantor and Robert Lowe explore the progression of American social policy and its relation to educational reform from President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal to President George W. Bush's No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). The authors assert that this progression has been marked by the federal government's gradual divestment in public social provisions, and that the potential for NCLB to deliver on its promise of improved achievement of all students is limited by the erosion of the social and economic supports that are key components of educational success. Kantor and Lowe conclude that while NCLB intensifies the importance placed on education at the federal level, it contributes at the same time to the diminution of political support for a more expansive view of public social provision.
Creating a Babel Fish for Rights & Religion: Defining 'Rights' Through Sacred Texts

Is there a way to reconcile the seemingly competing claims of human rights and religious faith? Or must religion modify itself to comply with and support secular universal human rights regimes? Using the scripture of the Baha'i Faith as a case study, this Article takes up these questions to define the religious conception of rights. It argues that the answers require the recognition that the rights regimes promulgated within religions operate under a distinct paradigm that does not conform to popular conceptions of rights. The problem is not that rights are inconsonant with religion, but that the language of rights, as understood in modern political, legal, and moral discourse, is inapplicable within a religious paradigm. The languages of secular and nonsecular rights are incommensurable. To support its incommensurability thesis, this Article outlines a broad framework under which human rights may be conceived in one religious paradigm, the Baha'i Faith. The distinct definition of rights distilled makes possible the translation of "rights talk" within religion into a form commensurate with secular rights talk. This provides a foundation on which challenges to the critique of religion's role in the promotion of human rights can be grounded. The Article also offers suggestions as to the nature of the challenges that are possible once the language of the religious conception of rights is understood. This Article concludes: Religion can be as deeply committed to rights as any liberal western human rights mechanism, but the very conception of rights in religion is different. The religious conception of rights may not reconcile the entire catalog of liberal rights, unmodified, within its framework, but it offers a solution to many difficult tensions among competing rights and provides a tenable reconciliation of the claims of the individual and the community.
OPTIMAL CONFIDENCE INTERVALS FOR THE LARGEST LOCATION PARAMETER

Summary. Suppose that Π 1 , Π 2 , …, Π k are k given populations (k ≥ 1) with location parameters θ 1 , θ 2 , …, θ k , respectively, T is an appropriate statistic with density g(y, θ) = g(y−θ), and t 1 , t 2 , …, t k is the set of observed T values from Π 1 , Π 2 , …, Π k respectively. In this paper we consider an optimal confidence interval of the form I = (t*−(L−d), t*+d) for the largest location parameter θ* = . based on t* = . Under certain assumptions on g we have obtained a general least favorable (LF) configuration for I. For a given L (the length of I), we have proved that the d value which maximizes the coverage probability of I under the LF configuration is equal to L/2 for k = 1, 2 and less than L/2 for k > 2. Tables are given, for normal populations, of this optimal value of d and the corresponding coverage probabilities.
“We’re a walking picket sign”: Management of a Stigmatized Religious Identity

This study analyzes qualitative data from interviews with 18 members of the Westboro Baptist Church (WBC) focusing on the group’s religious identity and relationships with “mainstream” society. Two...
計数抜取り検査規準ANSI/ASQC Z1.4(1981)について

The United States National Standard ANSI/ASQC Z1.4(1981) is a revised version of the military attributes sampling system MIL-STD-105D. This standard has undergone revisions to modernize terminology...
Small Fish, Big Questions: Inquiry Kits for Teaching Evolution

Evolution education poses unique challenges because students can have preconceptions that bias their learning. Hands-on, inquiry approaches can help overcome preset beliefs held by students, but few such programs exist and teachers typically lack access to these resources. Experiential learning in the form of self-guided kits can allow evolution education programs to maximize their reach while still maintaining a high-quality resource. We created an inquiry-based kit that uses live Trinidadian guppies to teach evolution by natural selection using the VIST (Variation, Inheritance, Selection, Time) framework. Our collaborative team included evolutionary biologists and education specialists, and we were able to combine expertise in evolution research and inquiry-based kit design in the development of this program. By constructing the kits with grant funds slated for broader impacts and maintaining them at our university9s Education and Outreach Center, we made these kits freely available to local schools over the long term. Students and teachers have praised how clearly the kits teach evolution by natural selection, and we are excited to share this resource with readers of The American Biology Teacher.
The Two Walmarts

Walmart has gained a significant reputation as both a sustainable business and a proponent of, and leader in, sustainability. But Walmart seems to be two companies: one which can embrace sustainability outside itself, in its supply chain, and one which does not embrace CSR inside itself, towards employees and the communities where it does business. Walmart’s culture of cost containment creates the two Walmarts, one which can do outward facing sustainability activities and the other which is incapable of doing inward facing sustainability.
ENERGY GAP OF MOLECULAR HYDROGEN FROM ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY MEASUREMENTS

Electrical conductivities were measured for liquid D2 and H2 shock-compressed to pressures of 10-20 GPa (100-200 kbar), molar volumes of 9.0-7.2 cm3/mol, and calculated temperatures of 2900-4600 K. The semiconducting energy gap derived from the conductivities is in good agreement with recent quasiparticle calculations and with oscillator frequencies measured in diamond-anvil cells.
Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the sinonasal tract: a review of the national cancer database.

BACKGROUND Sinonasal adenoid cystic carcinoma (SNACC) is a rare malignancy with a propensity for distant metastasis. In this study we describe the incidence and determinants of survival among patients with SNACC between the years 2004 and 2012 using the National Cancer Database (NCDB). METHODS This was a retrospective, population-based cohort study performed at a tertiary academic medical center. All participants were diagnosed with SNACC between 2004 and 2012 within the NCDB. The main outcome was overall survival (OS). RESULTS A total of 793 patients were identified. The cohort was composed of 46.9% males. Mean age at diagnosis was 59.6 years. The maxillary sinus was the most common primary site (49.7%). Nodal disease was seen in 3.6% of the patients, whereas 3.7% had distant metastases. Stage IV disease was seen in 49.1% of cases. In total, 77.4% of patients underwent surgery, 68.2% received radiation therapy, and 16.4% had chemotherapy. Median OS was 78.5 months; OS at 1, 2, and 5 years was 91%, 83%, and 61%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, advanced age (p = 0.001), frontal sinus primary site (p 0 (p = 0.01), residing in an urban setting (p = 0.04), poorly differentiated or undifferentiated tumor grade (p = 0.003), and advanced tumor stage (p = 0.01) were associated with worse OS, whereas surgery (p < 0.001), but not radiation therapy (p = 0.52) or chemotherapy (p = 0.57), predicted improved OS. CONCLUSION Predictors of survival in SNACC include age, comorbidity status, grade, and stage. Surgery is associated with improved survival and remains the mainstay of therapy, whereas the roles of radiation therapy and chemotherapy require future investigation.
Genome-Based Multi-targeting of Cancer: Hype or Hope?

Cancer is primarily an “old-age disease” that has an “age-old” history. The overall incidence of cancer is much higher in Western countries than in Eastern countries for reasons that are not understood. Almost three million studies published to date indicate that cancer is a hyperproliferative disorder that arises from dysregulation of multiple cell signaling pathways. The cancer genome landscape indicates that approximately 140 genes and 12 cell signaling pathways drive almost all types of cancers. “Targeted therapy,” a buzz word in cancer treatment for the past two decades, has provided antibodies as well as small-molecule inhibitors of ligands, receptors, kinases, proteasomes, and transcription factors. In most cases, such drugs have been highly ineffective, with overall increases in survival of only few days; furthermore, in most cases, those who need these drugs cannot afford them. Natural products, in contrast, are often more effective against cancer and are very affordable; these untargeted or multitargeted products have been used from the very beginning of human history and are the roots for almost 70 % of modern drugs. The past, present, and future of preventing and treating cancer, usually a disease of lifestyle, is discussed in this mini review.
Aerodynamic Analysis of Total Temperature Probe Thermal Performance Using Conjugate Heat Transfer

Understanding the behavior and design of total temperature probes used in gas turbine engines and other hot high-speed flows remains an active area of work, given the demands set by extreme operati...
Beyond the Learning Curve: Comparison of Microscopic and Endoscopic Incidences of Internal Carotid Injury in a Series of Highly Experienced Operators.

Background As the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) has gained popularity as an alternative to microsurgery (MS) for transsphenoidal resection (TSR), numerous studies have attempted to assess the differential risk of internal carotid artery (ICA) injury between the techniques, yet results have been equivocal and contradictory. The aim of this study was to evaluate ICA injury in MS versus EEA among highly experienced neurosurgeons. Methods We performed a systematic literature review of publications from 2002–2017 reporting ICA injury outcomes in ≥250 cases using MS or EEA. Results Seventeen series reporting 11,149 patients were included: 3 MS series, 13 EEA series, and 1 series with adequate samples for each. ICA injury incidences were 0.0%–1.6% in cohorts of 275–3000. MS series documented 5 ICA injuries in 2672 operations, for an overall incidence of 0.2% (range, 0.0%–0.4%), and EEA series reported 30 ICA injuries in 8477 operations, for a 0.4% injury rate (range, 0.0%–1.6%); the difference was nonsignificant (P = 0.25). Increased operative experience was associated with decreased incidence of ICA injury, a finding preserved in the overall study cohort and within discretely examined MS and EEA subgroups (overall r2 = 0.08, MS r2 = 0.23, EEA r2 = 0.07). Conclusions ICA injury is the most serious complication of TSR of pituitary neoplasms. Operator inexperience may be a more important risk factor than choice of surgical technique, given the comparably low rates of injury obtained by highly experienced surgeons independent of technique. This emphasizes the need for consolidated care in pituitary centers of excellence, improvement of high-fidelity simulators, and skull base mentorship between senior and junior staff.
Qualitative survey assessment of bike share programs on college campuses.

Background: Many college campuses have implemented bike share programs. These programs may be important to reduce vehicle traffic and increase physical activity. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify issues and possible solutions for a successful campus bike share program. Methods: Study design: Qualitative. An online survey link was sent to 111 campus bike share coordinators in the Spring 2014. Twenty-five (22.5%) completed the survey. Answers to multiple choice questions were summarized using descriptive statistics. Answers to open-ended questions were reviewed and a list of themes was developed. Results: The majority of respondents represented large universities (56%) in urban areas (76%) with high vehicle traffic (72%). Although 84% considered their campus safe for biking, only 40% reported designated bike lanes. Most programs allowed people to sign out a bike for 24 hours or less (56%). The main problems were damage to bikes and on-time returns. Recommendations included designated mechanics for quick repairs, high quality bikes, user accountability, and user and staff training. Conclusion: Major issues and solutions were identified for campus bike share programs. Additional research needs to examine how these can be used to create successful bike share programs and how these programs might increase physical activity.
Temporal trends, predictors, and outcomes of acute kidney injury and hemodialysis use in acute myocardial infarction-related cardiogenic shock

Background There are limited data on acute kidney injury (AKI) complicating acute myocardial infarction with cardiogenic shock (AMI-CS). This study sought to evaluate 15-year national prevalence, temporal trends and outcomes of AKI with no need for hemodialysis (AKI-ND) and requiring hemodialysis (AKI-D) following AMI-CS. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study from 2000–2014 from the National Inpatient Sample (20% stratified sample of all community hospitals in the United States). Adult patients (>18 years) admitted with a primary diagnosis of AMI and secondary diagnosis of CS were included. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality in cohorts with no AKI, AKI-ND, and AKI-D. Secondary outcomes included predictors, resource utilization and disposition. Results During this 15-year period, 440,257 admissions for AMI-CS were included, with AKI in 155,610 (35.3%) and hemodialysis use in 14,950 (3.4%). Older age, black race, non-private insurance, higher comorbidity, organ failure, and use of cardiac and non-cardiac organ support were associated with the AKI development and hemodialysis use. There was a 2.6-fold higher adjusted risk of developing AKI in 2014 compared to 2000. Presence of AKI-ND and AKI-D was associated with a 1.3 and 1.7-fold higher adjusted risk of mortality. Compared to the cohort without AKI, AKI-ND and AKI-D were associated with longer length of stay (9±10, 12±13, and 18±19 days respectively; p<0.001) and higher hospitalization costs ($101,859±116,204, $159,804±190,766, and $265,875 ± 254,919 respectively; p<0.001). Conclusion AKI-ND and AKI-D are associated with higher in-hospital mortality and resource utilization in AMI-CS.
The Connection and Disconnection Between Microbiome and Metabolome: A Critical Appraisal in Clinical Research:

Big data-driven omics research has led to a steep rise in investigations involving two of the most functional omes, the metabolome and microbiome. The former is touted as the closest to the phenotype, and the latter is implicated in general well-being and a plethora of human diseases. Although some research publications have integrated the concepts of the two domains, most focus their analyses on evidence solely originating from one or the other. With a growing interest in connecting the microbiome and metabolome in the context of disease, researchers must also appreciate the disconnect between the two domains. In the present review, drawing examples from the current literature, tools, and resources, I discuss the connections between the microbiome and metabolome and highlight challenges and opportunities in linking them together for the basic, translational, clinical, and nursing research communities.
Hepatocyte-specific ablation in zebrafish to study biliary-driven liver regeneration

The liver has a great capacity to regenerate. Hepatocytes, the parenchymal cells of the liver, can regenerate in one of two ways: hepatocyte- or biliary-driven liver regeneration. In hepatocyte-driven liver regeneration, regenerating hepatocytes are derived from preexisting hepatocytes, whereas, in biliary-driven regeneration, regenerating hepatocytes are derived from biliary epithelial cells (BECs). For hepatocyte-driven liver regeneration, there are excellent rodent models that have significantly contributed to the current understanding of liver regeneration. However, no such rodent model exists for biliary-driven liver regeneration. We recently reported on a zebrafish liver injury model in which BECs extensively give rise to hepatocytes upon severe hepatocyte loss. In this model, hepatocytes are specifically ablated by a pharmacogenetic means. Here we present in detail the methods to ablate hepatocytes and to analyze the BEC-driven liver regeneration process. This hepatocyte-specific ablation model can be further used to discover the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms of biliary-driven liver regeneration. Moreover, these methods can be applied to chemical screens to identify small molecules that augment or suppress liver regeneration.