cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modeling Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems in a Coastal Texas Watershed

Onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTSs) are commonly used to treat domestic wastewater in the Dickinson Bayou watershed, located between Houston and Galveston. The Dickinson Bayou is classified as “impaired” by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality due to high levels of indicator bacterium, Escherichia coli. Failing OWTSs in the watershed are possible sources for the impairment of the bayou. Nearly all of the watershed is at risk to failing OWTSs due to high water table and clay content in the soil. The HYDRUS modeling software for water and solute flow through variably saturated media was used to simulate the performance of (1) conventional OWTSs, (2) aerobic treatment units (ATUs) with spray distribution, and (3) mounded OWTSs under conditions indicative of the Dickinson Bayou watershed. The purpose of the study was to simulate system performance under existing conditions. Simulation results indicated that both the conventional and ATU systems fail due to effluent ponding and E. coli transport to the land surface due to high water tables and clay soils in the watershed. Simulations indicated that conventional and ATU systems failed when rainfall intensity was greater than 0.25 cm/h. However, the model simulations indicate mound systems did not fail under existing conditions as they did not allow E. coli to reach the surface or ponding to occur. Consequently, mound systems can be considered as better systems in this watershed to minimize bacterial loadings.
Isolation and Functional Characterization of Human Erythroid Progenitors: BFU-E and CFU-E

Abstract 1028 The two committed erythroid progenitor populations that have been functionally defined by colony assays are burst-forming unit-erythroid (BFU-E) and colony-forming unit-erythroid (CFU-E). While significant progress has been made in defining these two progenitor populations in the murine system, their characterization in the human system is incomplete. To address this issue, we have characterized the dynamic changes in surface expression levels of number of proteins including CD34, c-kit, IL-3R, CD36, CD71, GPA and CD45 during proliferation of purified human CD34+ cells from cord blood during the first phase of the two-phase in vitro erythroid culture system. In the presence of stem cell factor, IL-3 and erythropoietin during this phase, CD34+ cells differentiate first into BFU-E and then into CFU-E during 7 days of culture with peak levels of BFU-E at day 4 and of CFU-E at day 6. During this period of time, the expression levels of CD34 and IL-3R decreased, while that that of CD36 and CD71 increased. CD45 was expressed during the entire 7 day culture period while there was no expression of GPA. Based on these findings, we sorted pure populations of CD34+CD36−IL3-R+ and CD34− CD36+IL-3R− cells and characterized their behavior in colony forming assays. The sorted CD34+CD36−IL3-R+ population gave rise to BFU-E colonies while CD34− CD36+IL-3R− population gave rise CFU-E colonies, both at a purity of over 80%. The identity of the sorted BFU-E and CFU-E cells was further supported by their differential responsiveness to dexamethasone and lenalidomide (Narla A et al Blood 2011), with increased proliferation BFU-E population by dexamethasone and increased proliferation of CFU-E by lenalidomide. These findings were further validated by isolation of pure populations of BFU-E and CFU-E from primary human bone marrow based on the identified markers. The ability to isolate pure populations of human BFU-E and CFU-E progenitors should enable detailed molecular and cellular characterization of these distinct erythroid progenitor populations. Furthermore, enumeration of the number of these progenitor populations in human bone marrow may help in delineating mechanisms of disordered erythropoiesis in various disorders such as bone marrow failure syndromes. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Self-rated health among multiracial young adults in the United States: findings from the add health study.

ABSTRACTObjective: The multiracial adult population is one of the fastest growing segments of the U.S. population, yet much remains to be learned about multiracial health. Considerable research finds racial/ethnic disparities in self-rated health, however subgroups within the multiracial population have not been consistently described.Design: We use data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Adolescent Health (Add Health) and multivariate logistic regression analyses to compare self-rated health of multiracial and monoracial young adults (n = 7880).Results: Overall, there were no significant differences in poor self-rated health status of multiracial adults as a single group odds ratio 0.84 (95% CI: 0.52–1.36) compared to monoracial White adults. Analyses further revealed important variations in health-status by specific subgroups and show that some multiracial subgroups may not fit existing patterns of health disparities. For instance, Asian-White multiracial adults do not fit documented patterns of h...
How can environmental decision making be improved? Forward to a Special NCEDR Symposium Issue

Scientists who study urban ecosystems have emphasized the importance of the so-called “ecological footprints” of population centers, which extend far beyond their political or physical boundaries (Rees, 1997; Wackernagel and Rees, 1995; Walker et al., 1997). The surrounding suburban and rural areas are impacted in myriad ways and for distances well beyond the geographic location of the urban center. For decades, concerned citizens have labeled modern society as consumption oriented, with a belief in the disposability of all products and a disregard for the finite nature of resources. With an increasing awareness that the impacts of urban areas extend far beyond their boundaries, these concerns apply not only to human behavior with regard to durable goods and human waste but also to land use. The concepts of “sustainable resource use practices” and “wise land use planning,” as well as the need for recycling, have become central topics in the management of urban, suburban, and rural ecosystems. Yet despite the increasing public awareness of these problems, a public concensus as to how to achieve “reasonable growth,” “sustainable communities,” and cost-effective recycling has eluded us. Contention over land conservation and activities that “degrade the quality of life,” and disputes over how the expenditure of public funds might best be allocated to environmental cleanup activities, have become more common and more volatile. Aside from the broader problems of population growth and increasing consumer consumption, it appears that one of the barriers to achieving effective environmental decisions is the sheer complexity of many environmental problems. Many problems not only involve heterogeneous scientific issues that are beyond our complete understanding and existing data bases but also encompass social conditions, cultural values and priorities, economic forces, and political realities. The difficulty in effectively integrating this extensive melange of factors is usually overwhelming to even the most skilled decision makers. The data intricacy problem is further complicated by the incongruity of the types of information, and by the dilemma of quantifying variables like aesthetics, recreational opportunities, wildlife values, and “quality of life.” Without quantification of such intangibles, these critical variables cannot effectively be fitted into our economic equations or used to determine true land values. The decision makers’ dilemma is further complicated by the increasing need to factor into their decisions the range of public and stakeholder attitudes towards an issue and
Intravitreal bevacizumab versus laser treatment in type 1 retinopathy of prematurity: report on fluorescein angiographic findings.

Purpose To compare the structural outcome at 9 months of eyes treated with intravitreal injection of bevacizumab with fellow eyes treated with conventional laser photoablation in zone I type 1 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Design Single randomized controlled trial. Participants All inborn babies with type 1 zone I ROP at a single institution were included in the study. One eye was randomized to receive an intravitreal injection of 0.5 mg bevacizumab; the fellow eye received conventional laser photoablation. Methods Digital fundus photographs and fluorescein angiography (FA) using the RetCam (Clarity Medical Systems Inc., Pleasanton, CA) were performed before treatment and 9 months after treatment. Main Outcome Measures Presence of retinal and choroidal abnormalities on FA at 9 months. Results Thirteen infants were enrolled; 1 died 3 months after birth. One laser-treated eye progressed to stage 5 retinal detachment. The remaining 23 eyes had favorable structural results at the 9-month follow-up and provided FA results. At 9 months of age, all eyes treated with a bevacizumab injection were noted to have abnormalities at the periphery (large avascular area, abnormal branching, shunt) or the posterior pole (hyperfluorescent lesion, absence of foveal avascular zone). These posterior and peripheral lesions were not observed in the majority of the lasered eyes. Conclusions This study documents significant vascular and macular abnormalities of eyes in the bevacizumab group. Long-lasting implications of these abnormalities for visual function of the child need to be studied.
Knowledge Management, Data Mining, and Text Mining in Medical Informatics

In this chapter we provide a broad overview of selected knowledge management, data mining, and text mining techniques and their use in various emerging biomedical applications. It aims to set the context for subsequent chapters. We first introduce five major paradigms for machine learning and data analysis including: probabilistic and statistical models, symbolic learning and rule induction, neural networks, evolution-based algorithms, and analytic learning and fuzzy logic. We also discuss their relevance and potential for biomedical research. Example applications of relevant knowledge management, data mining, and text mining research are then reviewed in order including: ontologies; knowledge management for health care, biomedical literature, heterogeneous databases, information visualization, and multimedia databases; and data and text mining for health care, literature, and biological data. We conclude the paper with discussions of privacy and confidentiality issues of relevance to biomedical data mining.
JOINT CALIBRATION ESTIMATOR FOR DUAL FRAME SURVEYS

Many dual frame estimators have been proposed in the statistics literature. Some of these estimators are theoretically optimal but hard to apply in practice, whereas others are applicable but have larger variances than the first group. In this paper, a Joint Calibration Estimator (JCE) is proposed that is simple to apply in practice and meets many desirable properties for dual frame estimators. The JCE is asymptotically design unbiased conditional on the strong relationship between the estimation variable and the auxiliary variables employed in the calibration. The JCE achieves better performance when the auxiliary variables can fully explain the variability in the study variables or at least when the auxiliary variables are strong correlates of the estimation variables. As opposed to the standard dual frame estimators, the JCE does not require domain membership information. Even if included in the JCE auxiliary variables, the effect of the randomly misclassified domains does not exceed the random measurement error effect. Therefore, the JCE tends to be robust for the misclassified domains if included in the auxiliary variables. Meanwhile, the misclassified domains can significantly affect the unbiasedness of the standard dual frame estimators as proved theoretically and empirically in this paper.
Developmental timing of polyvictimization: Continuity, change, and association with adverse outcomes in adolescence.

Abstract Children who experience polyvictimization (i.e., exposure to multiple and varied traumatic stressors) are at heightened risk for psychopathology. While polyvictims generally have worse outcomes than those with fewer types of traumatic experiences, not all polyvictims experience significant, or similar, impairment suggesting that polyvictims are a heterogeneous group. This variation in outcomes among polyvictimized children, may be due to differences in how polyvictimization is operationalized and measured. The current study examines a clinically-referred sample of adolescents (N = 3754) aged 13–18 (M = 15.3, SD = 1.4) to examine whether polyvictimization in early developmental age periods predict polyvictimization in later periods and whether there are differences in severity of adolescent psychopathology based on variations in timing of polyvictimization in childhood and adolescence. Results from latent class analysis (LCA) reveal the greater the number of developmental periods in which adolescents were classified as polyvictims, the greater the severity of PTSD, externalizing problems, and internalizing problems. In addition, there was variation in the relation between developmental timing of polyvictimization and different types of adolescent psychopathology.
Becoming a Choral Music Teacher: A Field Experience Workbook

Becoming a Choral Music Teacher: A Field Experience Workbook, Second Edition is a choral methods textbook that prepares students in Music Education to become middle school and high school choral music teachers. It emphasizes important musical skills, vocal pedagogy and repertoire suitable for secondary school choirs in order to provide future teachers with the critical experiences to be effective. Focusing equally on rehearsal strategies, auditions and classroom management, the book is also a "workbook" that requires the students’ active learning through participation in fieldwork. Students learn in a sequential and practical manner, beginning with the study of the middle school voice and progressing to the high school voice, through practice of theory with adolescents, followed by class reflection on common problems and solutions, and then continued practice. NEW to this Edition Updated references to NAfME, and new national and state standards and licensing rules More on the needs of Special Learners in the choral classroom Latest resources on classroom management theories and practice Expanded vocal warm-ups that incorporate body movement and aural skills training More on gender issues (including LGBT awareness), sociological impact and meanings of choral singing, and emerging knowledge of multicultural choral music Becoming a Choral Music Teacher: A Field Experience Workbook, Second Edition fully integrates the choral field experience for hands-on learning and reflection and allows the student to observe and teach the book’s principles.
Spanish-Speaking Caregivers’ Experience with an Emergency Department Pediatric Asthma-Care Bundle Quality Initiative

Most pediatric emergency departments’ (ED) quality improvement (QI) initiatives for asthma aim to standardize care based on the priorities of healthcare providers. Perceptions and priorities of the caregiver rarely are addressed, especially in families with limited English-language proficiency. We explored Spanish-speaking caregivers’ perceptions, understandings, and barriers with the care they received for asthma, after exposure to an ED asthma-care bundle. This qualitative study was part of a larger QI initiative on Spanish-speaking caregivers of patients presenting to a children’s hospital ED with an asthma exacerbation. Patients were exposed to an asthma-care bundle, which included timely administration of medication, home dose of medications, an educational intervention, asthma action plans (AAPs), and discharge instructions. Through semi-structured interviews and qualitative analyses, we assessed the perceptions, understandings, and barriers caregivers reported during their ED experience. From January 2015 to October 2016, 492 patients received AAPs in the ED. Of 128 families that preferred Spanish, 88 (69%) received a Spanish AAP, 41 (32%) received Spanish discharge instructions, and 34 (27%) received discharge materials in both languages. Thirteen families were interviewed. Three themes emerged regarding the caregivers’ perceived barriers: (1) need for improved accessibility to medication, primary care, and insurance; (2) communication barriers, such as timeliness, availability of interpreters, and need for resources in their preferred language; and (3) uncertainty about the child’s diagnosis and acuity. Incorporating the caregivers’ perspectives into QI projects may yield valuable information when developing new interventions. In the ED, improving accessibility to interpreters and providing discharge materials in their preferred language, as well as addressing misconceptions about asthma, may enhance caregivers’ satisfaction.
CONTRACTUALIST JUSTIFICATION AND THE DIRECTION OF A DUTY

To whom is a duty owed? Contractualism answers with an interest theory of direction. As such, it faces three challenges. The Conceptual Challenge requires acknowledgment that a duty is conceptually distinct from an interest. The Extensional Challenge requires an account of cases in which one who is owed a duty does not take an interest in the duty, or does not take as much of an interest as someone who is not owed the duty. The Positivist Challenge requires explanation of the great flexibility of law and other social practices in positing duties that do not reflect the landscape of moral interests. Contractualism can be shown to meet these challenges once we acknowledge the centrality of the idea of a generic interest. Focusing on generic interests also illuminates the distinctive form of respect involved in directedness.
Temperature Dependence of Self-Diffusion in Cr 2 O 3 from First Principles

Understanding and predicting the dominant diffusion processes in Cr2O3 are essential to its optimization for anticorrosion coatings, spintronics, and other applications. Despite significant theoret...
Building Maritime Infrastructure in the Age of Augustus: The Role of Marine Concrete

By the end of the first century bc, Roman engineers had developed and begun to employ marine concrete to construct harbour installations throughout the empire wherever economic, military or politic...
Forward Reconciliation for Covert Key Generation

We propose a forward reconciliation algorithm for covert key generation based on pulse-position modulation (PPM) and multilevel coding (MLC) with multistage decoding (MSD). This multilevel scheme not only allows one to concentrate the diffuse information content of the sparse signals used for covertness but also enables the use of independent codes at each level designed for stationary channels. In particular, we show that polar codes offer a low-complexity reconciliation-capacity achieving solution.
Low incidence of true Sternberg’s canal defects among lateral sphenoid sinus encephaloceles

Spontaneous sphenoid sinus cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) encephaloceles have been postulated to arise from a persistent Sternberg’s canal. However, recent evidence has questioned this embryological etiology. We examined the anatomic location of a series of lateral sphenoid sinus encephaloceles to determine if they corresponded with the location of Sternberg’s canal. We queried a prospectively acquired database of surgically treated spontaneous CSF leaks and identified those arising from the sphenoidal sinus. Images were reviewed to characterize the leaks with respect to the foramen rotundum (FR) and the vidian canal (VC). Four leak types were classified of which Type I (medial to FR and VC entering nasopharynx) was theoretically located in the precise location of Sternberg’s canal. Type II was medial to FR; Type III was lateral to FR; Type IV passed through an enlarged FR into sphenoid sinus. Demographic data were analyzed. Of 103 repaired CSF leaks, 17 arose from the lateral sphenoid sinus. There were no true Type I leaks, 3 Type II leaks, 12 Type III leaks, and 2 Type IV leaks. No differences were found with respect to sphenoid pneumatization, BMI, age, sex, arachnoid pits, or postoperative leak between different types. No evidence was found to support the existence of a classic Sternberg canal CSF leak, supporting the hypothesis that most sphenoid spontaneous leaks likely occur secondary to chronically elevated ICP. Rare cases may be related to a weakness in the sphenoid wall in the region of Sternberg’s canal.
Are women leaders significantly better at controlling the contagion

Abstract Recent media articles have suggested that women-led countries are doing better in terms of their responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. We examine an ensemble of public health metrics to assess the control of COVID-19 epidemic in women- versus men-led countries worldwide based on data available up to June 3. The median of the distribution of median time-varying effective reproduction number for women- and men-led countries were 0.89 and 1.14 respectively with the 95% two-sample bootstrap-based confidence interval for the difference (women - men) being [- 0.34, 0.02]. In terms of scale of testing, the median percentage of population tested were 3.28% (women), 1.59% (men) [95% CI: (−1.29%, 3.60%)] with test positive rates of 2.69% (women) and 4.94% (men) respectively. It appears that though statistically not significant, countries led by women have an edge over countries led by men in terms of public health metrics for controlling the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide. One Sentence Summary We quantitatively compare countries led by women with countries led by men in terms of public health metrics for controlling the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Experimental and computational investigation of polymorphism in methyl 3-hydroxy-4-(piperidin-1-ylmethyl)-2-naphthoate

Abstract A piperidine substituted methyl 3-hydroxy-2-naphthoate was synthesized for application as a supramolecular host, which yielded colorless and light yellowish orange crystals using different solvents for crystallization. The crystals of the substituted methyl 3-hydroxy-2-naphthoate were analysed using melting point, IR, Reflectance UV–Visible, fluorescence, SEM, 1H NMR, DSC, PXRD and single crystal X-ray crystallographic techniques to reveal polymorphism. The crystal data were also analysed computationally using Gaussian 09, CLP-PIXEL, Crystal Explorer software to reveal the differences in the intermolecular interactions and optical properties. The short intermolecular interactions such as C–H … π and π … π interactions differentiated the polymorphs of the molecule studied here.
‘Pinning’ tourist photographs: analyzing the photographs shared on Pinterest of heritage tourist destinations

ABSTRACTWith more tourists researching and booking their travel entirely online, the use of social networking sites (SNSs) has gained popularity amongst both tourists and destination marketing orga...
Burnout and secondary traumatic stress in health-system pharmacists during the COVID-19 pandemic.

PURPOSE: To describe the prevalence of burnout and secondary traumatic stress (STS) in health-system pharmacists during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.Methods. A cross-sectional, professional pharmacy organization listserver-based online survey of a target group of health-system pharmacists across the United States was conducted. The survey was sent out through professional organization listservers and was anonymous and voluntary. The survey questionnaire included items regarding demographics and employment characteristics, COVID-19-related questions, a survey of respondents' perceptions of the prevalence and severity of burnout, and the Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL). The ProQOL assessed respondents for compassion satisfaction (subcategorized as burnout and STS) and compassion fatigue. Descriptive statistics was used to assess the prevalence of burnout and STS. RESULTS: Four hundred eighty-four health-system pharmacists completed the survey. Based on respondents' self-ratings of burnout, 47% were identified as having current burnout and 81% as having a history of burnout. Based on ProQOL scoring, 65.3% of respondents were identified as having a moderate or high likelihood of burnout, which was a prevalence higher than that indicated by respondents' self-ratings. Additionally, 51.4% of respondents were identified as having a moderate or high probability of STS and 99.4% as having a moderate or high probability of compassion satisfaction. CONCLUSION: The survey found that over half of health-system pharmacists were affected with burnout, half with STS, and three-fourths with compassion satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, the development of burnout and STS in these health-system pharmacists may lead to several work-related consequences (eg, increase risk of medical errors, depression); therefore, addressing burnout and STS is crucial. Further studies of the consequences of burnout and STS during the COVID-19 pandemic are needed.
2D Stacked Magnetic Pendulum Arrays for Efficient ULF Transmission

A novel mechanical antenna called 2D stacked Magnetic Pendulum Array (MPA) is proposed for efficient generation and transmission of Ultra Low Frequency (ULF) radiation. 55 magnets are stacked in 11 rows with 5 magnets in each row. The array is enclosed in a solenoid which provides the excitation. The experimental demonstration is performed at a resonance frequency of 727 Hz and a quality (Q) factor of 94 is achieved. Moreover, measured results show 18 dB improvement in the transmission efficiency of the MPA compared to the efficiency of a single solenoid of same dimensions.
Triazole antifungal use for prophylaxis and treatment of invasive fungal diseases for patients receiving gilteritinib

Gilteritinib is primarily metabolized via cytochrome P450 (CYP). Therefore, concomitant administration of strong CYP3A4 inducers or inhibitors is not recommended. We evaluated the incidence of gilteritinib-related adverse events (AEs) in 47 patients who received gilteritinib with or without antifungal triazoles which are known inhibitors of CYP3A4. Reasons for coadministration were antifungal prophylaxis or treatment of suspected or confirmed fungal diseases. Gilteritinib-related AEs were similar in the gilteritinib-triazole group compared to the gilteritinib without triazole group (75 % vs. 55.5 %, P = 0.23). Additionally, severity of AEs, gilteritinib dose reductions (15 % vs. 14.8 %) or discontinuation due to AEs (10 % vs. 22.2 %), and 90-day mortality (35 % vs. 11.1 %) were similar in both groups. Thus, concomitant gilteritinib and triazole therapy is feasible and is not associated with clinically meaningful increase in gilteritinib-related AEs.
Polymyxin B Pharmacodynamics in the Hollow-Fiber Infection Model: What You See May Not Be What You Get.

Dose-range studies for polymyxin B (PMB) regimens of 0.75 to 12 mg/kg given every 12h (Q12h) were evaluated for bacterial killing and resistance prevention against an AmpC-overexpressing Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) and a blaKPC-3-harboring Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP) in 10-day in-vitro hollow fiber models. An exposure-response was observed. But all regimens failed due to regrowth. Lower-dose regimens amplified isolates that expressed transient, lower-level adaptive resistance to PMB (MICs: ≤ 4 mg/L). Higher PMB dosages amplified isolates that expressed this resistance mechanism, a higher-MIC "moderately stable" adaptive resistance, and a higher-MIC stable resistance to PMB. Failure of the highest dose regimens was solely due to subpopulations that expressed the two higher-level resistances. Total and bioactive PMB concentrations in broth declined below targeted PK profiles within hours of treatment initiation and prior to bacterial regrowth. With treatment failure, the total PMB measured in bacteria were substantially higher than in broth. But the bioactive PMB in broth and bacteria were low to non-detectable. Together these findings suggest a sequence of events for treatment failure of the clinical regimen. First, PMB concentrations in broth are diluted as PMB binds to bacteria, resulting in total and bioactive PMB in broth that are lower than targeted. Bacterial regrowth and treatment failure follow, with emergence of subpopulations that express transient lower-level adaptive resistance to PMB and possibly higher-level adaptive and stable resistances. Higher-dose PMB regimens can prevent the emergence of transient lower-level adaptive resistance but they do not prevent treatment failure due to isolates that express higher-level resistance mechanisms.
Investing In Equity Mutual Funds

We construct optimal portfolios of equity funds by combining historical returns on funds and passive indexes with prior views about asset pricing and skill. By including both benchmark and nonbenchmark indexes, we distinguish pricing-model inaccuracy from managerial skill. Even modest confidence in a pricing model helps construct portfolios with high Sharpe ratios. Investing in active mutual funds can be optimal even for investors who believe active managers cannot outperform passive indexes. Optimal portfolios exclude hot-hand funds even for investors who believe momentum is priced. Our large universe of funds offers no close substitutes for the Fama-French and momentum benchmarks.
Movement patterns, habitat use and site fidelity of the white croaker (Genyonemus lineatus) in the Palos Verdes Superfund Site, Los Angeles, California.

White croaker (Genyonemus lineatus family: Sciaenidae) are a schooling, benthic foraging fish historically associated with soft sediment and wastewater outfalls in southern California. While they are often used as an indicator species due to their high organochlorine contaminant loads, little is known of their movements in relation to contaminated habitats. A Vemco Positioning System acoustic telemetry array was used to collect fine-scale movement data and characterize the site fidelity, area use, and dispersal of 83 white croaker on the Palos Verdes Shelf Superfund Site, California over 27 months. White croaker generally demonstrated low residency and recurrence to the Palos Verdes Shelf, and were observed to be largely nomadic. However, individual behavior was highly variable. Although the entire monitored shelf was visited by tagged white croaker, habitats in 0e200 m proximity to wastewater outfalls and between 25 and 35 m depth were used most frequently. Approximately half of white croaker migrated into Los Angeles and Long Beach Harbors; areas where they may be targeted by subsistence fishers. A model framework for incorporating fish movement data into contaminant exposure estimates was developed to better understanding organochlorine contaminant exposure for planning future remediation and monitoring.
Palynology of six middle and late Holocene peat sections, Baffin Island

Six sites localises dans le nord de la peninsule de Cumberland ont fait l’objet d’analyses polliniques. Le present article a pour objectif de combler le manque de donnees pollenanalytiques dans le haut Arctique canadien. Les auteurs presentent douze diagrammes polliniques, qui indiquent que le depot pollinique du dernier millenaire a ete domine par le groupe des Graminees. Cette situation est bien differente de celle qui prevaut dans les assemblages polliniques plus anciens qui, entre 2500 et 2000 ans et entre 5000 et 4000 ans BP, sont caracterises par une plus grande diversite et comprennent des quantites appreciables de pollen d’Ericacees et d’arbustes (saules). Un pic prononce du pollen de saule apparait sur les diagrammes vers 2500 BP.
Three dimensional aquifer deformation and flow modeling

Horizontal strain and three-dimensional aquifer deformation resulting from groundwater pumping have been shown to represent important parameters when simulating land subsidence at the basin scale. Horizontal strain is typically ignored in available programs for simulating groundwater flow and subsidence. When the strain field within an aquifer due to an applied stress is not simplified to the one-dimensional Terzaghi assumption, the resulting governing equations yield four dependent variables—three for the displacement field of solids and one for hydraulic head. Typical solution schemes for three-dimensional field-scale problems that include the displacement field and hydraulic head are not practical or possible due to the large amount of storage required by such systems of equations. An efficient one-dimensional row-indexed storage scheme that takes advantage of the sparse matrices produced by this system of equations stores only about two times the number of non-zero matrix elements. The storage scheme is used in conjunction with a preconditioned conjugate-gradient solver that involves the implementation of several row-indexed storage arrays, greatly reducing the required storage and yielding a rapid solution for even large field problems with large grids networks. The modified incomplete-Cholesky factorization scheme is used to produce the preconditioning matrix. The granular displacement model, or GDM, is written as a module for the U.S. Geological Survey's MODFLOW finite-difference flow model to provide fully three-dimensional deformation capability for subsidence prediction. The code is based on Biot's three-dimensional consolidation theory. The displacement field of solids and hydraulic head dependent variables are weakly coupled allowing for the head to be calculated with the original MODFLOW code. The head solution is then used in the solution for the displacement field. The resulting displacements result in a change in storage, which affects the heads. The heads are then recalculated during the same time step until a user specified convergence is reached. Once both the calculated head and displacement field have converged for a given time step, the model moves on to the next time step until the total simulation time is reached. The GDM program has an advantage over one-dimensional subsidence models because the one-dimensional models tend to over-predict subsidence, particularly near pumping wells. In addition one-dimensional models predict more subsidence in far-field areas from the well. In these regions the predictions using the GDM program indicate that storage released from horizontal deformation is large.
Discontinuous Galerkin for Hyperbolic Systems with Stiff Relaxation

A Discontinuous Galerkin method is applied to hyperbolic systems that contain stiff relaxation terms. We demonstrate that when the relaxation time is unresolved, the method is accurate in the sense that it accurately represents the system's Chapman-Enskog approximation. Results are presented for the hyperbolic heat equation and coupled radiation-hydrodynamics.
The role of WIPO in access to medicines

Public health matters are fundamental to the development aspirations and economic growth of developing and least-developed countries. Yet, access to medicines remains a point of significant tension and, at times, intense discord among state and non-state actors over the role and impact of the patent system on public health. This chapter briefly considers the nature of WIPO’s functions and suggests ways in which the organization could positively exercise its tremendous technical assistance capacity consistent with facilitating access to medicines. The chapter begins by reflecting on WIPO’s mandate in an international environment in which competing visions of the IP system continue to engender challenges to the norms WIPO is tasked to supply and defend. How effectively WIPO positions itself in the access to medicines arena could be significant for the organization’s long-term ability to defend its relevance to key challenges facing the global economy and which are indisputably central to the emergence of a more stable global IP social compact.
Plant Salt Stress

Plant salt stress is a condition where excessive salts in soil solution cause inhibition of plant growth or plant death. On a world scale, no toxic substance restricts plant growth more than does salt. Salt stress presents an increasing threat to plant agriculture. Among the various sources of soil salinity, irrigation combined with poor drainage is the most serious, because it represents losses of once productive agricultural land. Keywords: glycophytes and halophytes; sodium toxicity; calcium signaling; osmotic adjustment; compatible solute
Enzymatic sulfation of steroids. XVI. Very rapid effects of steroid hormones on hepatic cortisol sulfation in intact male rats.

Abstract Hepatic glucocorticoid sulfotransferase activity in male rats was elevated approximately 200,100 or 60%, respectively, by administration of 0.20 mg estradiol, 1.0 mg testosterone or 12 mg progesterone daily for 2 days. Administration of 3.0 mg corticosterone daily, for 2 days, was without effect. All observed hormone effects were due to elevation of the concentration of sulfotransferase III, the glucocorticoid-preferring steroid sulfotransferase of rat liver. The response of the enzyme activity to the estrogen was blocked by puromycin or actinomycin D. The relationship between these studies and general endocrine control of sulfotransferase production is discussed.
Cooling of the Atlantic by Saharan dust

[1] Using aerosol optical depth, sea surface temperature, top-of-the-atmosphere solar radiation flux, and oceanic mixed-layer depth from diverse data sources that include NASA satellites, NCEP reanalysis, in situ observations, as well as long-term dust records from Barbados, we examine the possible relationships between Saharan dust and Atlantic sea surface temperature. Results show that the estimated anomalous cooling pattern of the Atlantic during June 2006 relative to June 2005 due to attenuation of surface solar radiation by Saharan dust remarkably resemble observations, accounting for approximately 30–40% of the observed change in sea surface temperature. Historical data analysis show that there is a robust negative correlation between atmospheric dust loading and Atlantic SST consistent with the notion that increased (decreased) Saharan dust is associated with cooling (warming) of the Atlantic during the early hurricane season (July–August–September).
Chronic exposure to cadmium alters gut immune homeostasis and innate immunity (MUC8P.810)

Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal that can be ingested due to its presence in contaminated water and its accumulation in leafy vegetables, fish and grains. Since cadmium can compete with iron for intestinal absorption, long-term ingestion of cadmium can change composition of gut-commensal bacteria by inhibiting the growth of selected bacteria. Gut-commensal bacteria are critical to maintain intestinal homeostasis since they limit attachment of infectious agents, regulate pro-and anti-inflammatory milieu and secretory IgA levels. However, consequences of chronic exposure to cadmium for gut immune homeostasis, and mucosal innate immunity are poorly understood. To investigate the effect of cadmium on gut-homeostasis, C57BL/6 mice were treated with cadmium-contaminated water for 28 days. Mice exposed to cadmium exhibited a significant reduction of secretory IgA levels, which correlated with reduced expression of polymeric Ig receptor mRNA. These mice also showed increased intestinal permeability to macromolecules when compared to control untreated mice. The chronic exposure to cadmium also render these mice more responsive to oral administration of cholera toxin since the frequency of Paneth and goblet cells, as well as the levels of mucus production and anti-microbial mRNA responses seen 16 hours after ingestion of cholera toxin were higher than those of control mice. In summary, environmental pollutant cadmium is a major regulator of gut immune homeostasis and innate immunity.
Race and Melanocortin 1 Receptor Polymorphism R163Q Are Associated with Post-Burn Hypertrophic Scarring: A Prospective Cohort Study

The genetic determinants of post-burn hypertrophic scarring (HTS) are unknown, and melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) loss-of-function leads to fibrogenesis in experimental models. To examine the associations between self-identified race and MC1R single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with severity of post-burn HTS, we conducted a prospective cohort study of burned adults admitted to our institution over 7 years. Subjects were evaluated using the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), asked to rate their itching, and genotyped for 8 MC1R SNPs. Testing for association with severe HTS (VSS>7) and itch severity (0–10) was based on multivariate regression with adjustment for known risk factors. Of 425 subjects analyzed, 77% identified as White. The prevalence of severe HTS (VSS>7) was 49%, and the mean itch score was 3.9. In multivariate analysis, Asian (prevalence ratio (PR) 1.54; 95% CI: 1.13–2.10), Black/African American (PR 1.86; 95% CI: 1.42–2.45), and Native American (PR 1.87; 95% CI: 1.48–2.35) race were independently associated with severe HTS. MC1R SNP R163Q was also significantly ( P
The Formation of Optical CNO Emission Lines in Cataclysmic Variables

Spectroscopic observations of CNO emission lines are presented for old nova systems, and possible excitation processes for the lines are considered. The Bowen fluorescence mechanism cannot generally be responsible for the strength of N III λ4640 because of the weakness of 0 III λ3429. Other CNO lines are observed which indicate that all of the lines are excited by resonance fluorescence of UV continuum radiation. Several nonfluorescent excited lines of carbon are also present in old novae, probably formed by recombination processes. The available data for the optical CNO lines suggest that non-solar CNO enhancements exist in quiescent novae, indicating that some of the binary systems may be evolved.
A new p-channel bidirectional trench power MOSFET for battery charging and protection

A new p-channel bidirectional power MOSFET (Bi-DFET) for 15–30V battery charging applications is detailed. A specially-designed bidirectional trench MOSFET was built on chip with lateral PMOS devices that connect the trench FET body to the source/drain terminal of the highest potential. Bi-DFET prototypes had greater than 2.5X lower specific on-resistance than two back-to-back standard trench MOSFETs, which are commonly used in bidirectional sockets. Thus this device is very promising for reducing the device size in “space sensitive” applications.
Ultrasound guidance for ulnar nerve block in the forearm

Abstract Objective: The objective of this study was to establish the feasibility of ulnar nerve block under direct imaging. Case reports: Two patients undergoing surgery on the fifth digit or medial hand received ulnar nerve blocks in the mid-forearm (approximately 15 cm proximal to the styloid process of the ulna). Ultrasound imaging was used to identify the ulnar nerve in the forearm and guide local anesthetic infiltration. Both patients had successful blocks, including sensory anesthesia of the dorsomedial hand. Conclusions: Ultrasound guidance for ulnar nerve block in the forearm is a promising technique that includes block of the dorsal cutaneous branch. Anatomic and sonographic considerations are discussed.
High angular momentum resonances in 28Si + 28Si scattering

The initial expectation was that resonance behavior in heavyion systems would be limited to only a few special systems and to energies not too far above the Coulomb barrier. The past few years have shown us that this behavior has a much wider extent than was previously thought possible, although in many cases the indications of resonance behavior is at best qualitative. In this talk I will present results for the 28Si + 28Si system the heaviest in which resonance behavior has yet been observed. Initial measurements I of 28Si + 28Si elastic scattering angular distributions (Fig. i) show little evidence for the surface transparency required for resonance behavior. The angular distributions
Pharmacogenetics of SSRIs and sexual dysfunction

Sexual dysfunction (SD) is a common and disconcerting side effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that often influences a patient’s desire to continue long-term antidepressant treatment. Studies specifically assessing changes in sexual well-being over time illustrate that the incidence of sexual side effects from SSRIs ranges from 20% to 70%, depending on the characteristics of the study sample assessed. Developing strategies to predict who may be at the highest risk for adverse changes in their sexual well-being is an important step in improving the quality of life and treatment of patients who require antidepressant therapy. Pharmacogenetic studies of SSRI-associated SD have identified associations between serotonin and glutamate system genes with aspects of SD. The results of studies investigating genetic variations in drug metabolism enzymes and their relationships to antidepressant-associated adverse effects have been mixed. Continued efforts to characterize the relationships between genetic markers and antidepressant outcomes, and to translate this knowledge to patient care, have the potential to significantly improve the empiric selection of antidepressant agents and to minimize the risk for intolerable side effects.
Discrimination and reproduction of patterns: Feature measures and constraint redundancy as predictors

The statistical structure ofsamples ofpatterns [histoforms and polygons) was varied by manipulating constraint redundancy (Rc) at three levels. Both Rc and seven measures of pattern features were evaluated as predictors of reproduction errors and discrimination latency using multiple linearregression techniques. While it was possible to account for a significant proportion of performance variance from knowledge of Rc levels, feature measures accounted for more performance variance under all conditions of testing. The results were interpreted as support for the notion that patterns are processed in terms offeatures.
Hatch: The Design of a Hybrid Location Tracking Chain in Internet-Based Wireless Mesh Networks

Location management in wireless networks serves the purpose of tracking mobile nodes and locating them prior to establishing new communications. However, existing location management schemes in cellular and wireless local area networks cannot be directly applied to wireless mesh networks (WMNs) without non-trivial modifications due to the special properties of WMNs. In this paper, we propose a hybrid location tracking chain (Hatch) framework which includes a hierarchical architecture design and a hybrid location tracking scheme for location management in WMNs. Under the Hatch framework, a location update scheme is developed that takes the number of hops into consideration. Moreover, the proposed location tracking chain is formed by the routing protocol adopted by WMNs and the length of location tracking can be dynamically changed to improve the performance of packet delivery. We evaluate the proposed location management schemes in different case studies using OPNET simulations, the results of which show the efficiency of our proposed location management scheme in WMNs.
Microwave Emission from Smooth Bare Fields and Soil Moisture Sampling Depth

This paper studies the depth to which soil moisture can be directly estimated with microwave measurements over smooth bare fields. The analyses are based on both theoretical and experimental considerations at the frequencies of 1.4, 5.0, and 10.7 GHz. Radiative transfer calculations of microwave emissivities at these frequencies are performed with a number of moisture profiles measured for two soils. The calculated emissivities are compared with those derived from the Fresnel equation to deduce the microwave sampling depth in soils. The data acquired from the ground-level radiometric measurements during the summers of 1979-1981 are examined and compared with the theoretical retical analysis. Both theoretical and experimental analyses lead to the conclusion that the microwave sampling depth in soils is about one tenth of the wavelength of observation. It is shown that the moisture content at any depth near the surface of a smooth soil can be estimated, in principle, by a combination of a radiometric measurement and a curve generated by the Fresnel equation at an appropriate frequency, provided that the texture of the soil is known.