cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Accounting for model structure, parameter and input forcing uncertainty in flood inundation modeling using Bayesian model averaging

Abstract Reliability of flood stage and inundation extent predictions are affected by the performance of a hydraulic model. However, uncertainties at all times exist in the model setup process. Therefore, prediction from a single hydraulic model implementation may be subject to huge uncertainty. Bayesian model averaging (BMA) is applied in this study to combine ensemble predictions from different hydraulic model implementations and to develop a robust deterministic water stage prediction as well as the prediction distribution. The BMA approach is tested over the Black River watershed in Missouri and Arkansas based on water stage predictions from 81 LISFLOOD-FP model configurations that integrate four sources of uncertainty including channel shape, channel width, channel roughness and flow input. Model ensemble simulation outputs are trained with observed water stage data during one flood event to obtain the weight and variance for each model member, and BMA prediction ability is then validated for another flood event. The results indicate that the BMA approach is able to provide consistently good and reliable deterministic flood stage prediction across the basin, though it does not always outperform the best model in the ensemble. The BMA water stage prediction has better performance than the ensemble mean prediction. Additionally, high-chance flood inundation extent derived from a BMA probabilistic flood map is more accurate than the probabilistic flood inundation extent based on the equal model weights in the Black River watershed.
Appearances can be deceiving

I began by claiming that I simply wanted to undermine the plausibility of the appeal to appearances in matters of perceptual belief. Most of the arguments I have offered, however, have been more strongly stated, viz., I have apparently tried to eliminate them rather than simply render them less credible. But the notion of appearances is deeply entrenched, so much so that simply undermining their credibility may require overstating the case somewhat. The central theme of the above arguments is that appealing to appearances misleads us. The appeal misleads us into giving the wrong sorts of explanation, both with respect to the psychology of perceptual belief formation and the justification of perceptual beliefs. In short, appearances can be deceiving. And they probably are.
The Instantaneous Spectrum: A General Framework for Time-Frequency Analysis

This paper is a contribution to the old problem of representing a signal in the coordinates of time and frequency. We review the fundamental Hilbert transform relationship in systems analysis and argue that the dual relationship assumed in signal analysis, i.e. spectral single-sidedness is not necessarily justifiable. Therefore, we abandon the analytic signal and utilize a carefully parameterized signal model composed of a superposition of complex, AM–FM components that enables rigorous definition of instantaneous amplitude and instantaneous frequency. We then propose the instantaneous spectrum (IS) and prove that it exactly localizes signal components in an instantaneous bandwidth sense. The relation of the IS to traditional time-frequency distributions is discussed and comparative examples are provided. It is shown that under certain conditions the IS specializes to the Fourier spectrum and properties of the IS, similar to standard Fourier transform properties, are given.
Arabinose substitution effect on xylan rigidity and self-aggregation

Substituted xylans play an important role in the structure and mechanics of the primary cell wall of plants. Arabinoxylans (AX) consist of a xylose backbone substituted with arabinose, while glucuronoarabinoxylans (GAX) also contain glucuronic acid substitutions and ferulic acid esters on some of the arabinoses. We provide a molecular-level description on the dependence of xylan conformational, self-aggregation properties and binding to cellulose on the degree of arabinose substitution. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal fully solubilized xylans with a low degree of arabinose substitution (lsAX) to be stiffer than their highly substituted (hsAX) counterparts. Small-angle neutron scattering experiments indicate that both wild-type hsAX and debranched lsAX form macromolecular networks that are penetrated by water. In those networks, lsAX are more folded and entangled than hsAX chains. Increased conformational entropy upon network formation for hsAX contributes to AX loss of solubility upon debranching. Furthermore, simulations show the intermolecular contacts to cellulose are not affected by arabinose substitution (within the margin of error). Ferulic acid is the GAX moiety found here to bind to cellulose most strongly, suggesting it may play an anchoring role to strengthen GAX-cellulose interactions. The above results suggest highly substituted GAX acts as a spacer, keeping cellulose microfibrils apart, whereas low substitution GAX is more localized in plant cell walls and promotes cellulose bundling.
Synchronous and asynchronous video observed therapy (VOT) for tuberculosis treatment adherence monitoring and support

Directly observed therapy (DOT) for monitoring tuberculosis (TB) treatment is intended to reduce disease transmission, mortality and acquired drug resistance by facilitating treatment adherence and support. Synchronous (S-VOT) and asynchronous (A-VOT) video observed therapy are mHealth solutions for remotely monitoring medication ingestion. This paper synthesizes literature through December 2018 to describe existing VOT approaches, summarize evidence, identify knowledge gaps, evaluate VOT strengths and weaknesses, and examine patient and provider factors influencing VOT feasibility and acceptability. High rates of adherence and patient acceptance were obtained using both VOT methods. VOT reduced travel time for TB program staff and/or patients, improving program efficiency compared to in-person DOT while maintaining high patient satisfaction. The impact of VOT on TB treatment outcomes, such as cure and relapse, require further study with longer follow-up. Individual patient, provider and program factors should be considered in selecting either or both VOT approaches for provision of patient-centered care.
HIV care provider perceptions and approaches to managing unhealthy alcohol use in primary HIV care settings: a qualitative study

HIV care providers often serve as the specialist and the primary care point-of-contact for persons living with HIV (PLWH) and unhealthy alcohol use. The purpose of the present qualitative study was to understand HIV care provider perceptions and approaches to managing unhealthy alcohol use in HIV primary care settings. Using a semi-structured interview guide, in-depth interviews were conducted among 14 HIV care providers (5 medical doctors, 5 nurse practitioners/physician assistants, 2 medical assistants, 2 clinical administrative staff) in private and public HIV clinics, across urban and rural areas of Florida. Interviews were coded using a grounded theory approach with inter-rater consensus. Six themes were identified. In summary, providers reported (1) inconsistent assessment of alcohol consumption, as well as (2) varying levels of confidence in self-report of alcohol use which may be affected by patient provider rapport and trust. While providers (3) acknowledge potential negative impacts of alcohol use on health outcomes and HIV treatment, providers reported (4) inconsistent recommendations regarding alcohol use among their patients. Lastly, providers reported (5) limited resources for patients with unhealthy alcohol use and (6) low confidence in their ability to help patients reduce use. Results from our study suggest salient differences in provider approaches to the assessment and management of unhealthy alcohol use in HIV primary care settings. Implementation of care for unhealthy alcohol use in these settings may be facilitated through use of clinically useful, validated alcohol use assessments and use of evidence-based recommendations of alcohol use/non-use among PLWH. Training in brief intervention techniques for alcohol reduction may increase provider confidence and support in the management of unhealthy alcohol use among PLWH.
Stem Cell Transplant (SCT) for Patients (pts) with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) Resistant to Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKI) with BCR-ABL Kinase Domain (KD) Mutation T315I.

Abstract Background: Resistance to TKI therapy is associated with development of KD mutations in approximately 50–60% of pts. Although many imatinib-resistant mutations respond well to second generation TKI, T315I is insensitive to all currently available TKI (imatinib, dasatinib, nilotinib) in vitro and in the clinic. SCT is frequently recommended for these pts but there is no available data about the efficacy of SCT in such pts. Aims: To investigate the efficacy and safety of SCT for patients with TKI-resistant CML with a T315I mutation. Methods: We reviewed the outcome of all pts with T315I that have received a SCT at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Results: Seven pts received 8 transplants. Their median age was 44 years (yrs) (range, 26 to 64 yrs). The median time from diagnosis to SCT was 42 months (mo) (range, 9–160 mo). All pts had become resistant to with imatinib; 5 received dasatinib and 1 nilotinib after imatinib failure, and 6 pts received other additional therapy prior to SCT. At the time of SCT 2 pts were in chronic phase (CP), both in partial cytogenetic response; 2 in accelerated (AP) with active disease; and 3 in second or greater CP from lymphoid blast phase (BP) (1 in minor cytogenetic response, 2 major molecular response, 1 complete molecular response –CMR-). Six transplants were from matched unrelated donors and 2 from cord blood. Best response after SCT was CCyR in 3 (2 AP, 1 BP), CMR in 4 (2 CP, 2 BP), and 1 unknown (died early). After a median follow-up of 11 months from SCT, 4 pts are alive; the 2 transplanted in CP are alive after 11 and 42 months after SCT and in CMR; 1 pt transplanted in AP has a sustained CCyR 20 mo after SCT with persistent T315I representing 94% of transcripts by pyrosequencing; and 1 in BP has a CMR sustained 6 mo after a second SCT (relapsed 5 months after first SCT) 3 pts have died: 1 AP and 2 BP, all with relapse. Conclusion: SCT appears to be an effective strategy for pts with CML with T315I, although longer follow up is needed. Results are significantly better when pts are transplanted in CP. Thus, SCT should be considered in pts with resistance to TKI once T315I is identified, ideally in CP.
Properties of rapidly solidified Nd-Fe-Co-B alloys

Rapid solidification of Nd-Fe-B alloy produces highly stable, isotropic powder which can be processed directly into bonded magnets or by hot deformation, formed into fully dense anisotropic magnets with energy product exceeding 40 MGOe. The properties of isotropic and anisotropic magnets made using Nd-Fe-Co-B alloys are discussed in this article.
Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy: Application to Slurry Analysis.

An experiment setup for slurry circulation system was used to record the laser-induced plasma emssion spectra.
Clinical Decision Making and Visual Outcomes in Endophthalmitis Treated with Systemic Corticosteroids.

Purpose To characterize practice patterns and compare visual outcomes in patients with endophthalmitis who did or did not receive systemic corticosteroid therapy. Design Retrospective, nonrandomized comparative trial. Participants Eyes diagnosed with endophthalmitis at the Duke Eye Center between January 1, 2009, and January 1, 2018, with at least 6 months of follow-up from the time of initial diagnosis. Methods Retrospective chart review identified 133 eyes of 130 consecutive patients meeting inclusion criteria. Clinical presentation, initial management decisions, and subsequent outcomes and complications were assessed. Visual acuity (VA) at presentation with endophthalmitis and at 6 months were assessed for each patient. Eyes treated with systemic corticosteroid therapy were identified for further analysis. Main Outcome Measures Factors associated with oral steroid use on binary logistic regression analysis and improvement in VA 6 months after endophthalmitis. Results Of 133 eyes with endophthalmitis, 33 (25%) received oral steroids. Oral steroid use was associated with culture-positive endophthalmitis (odds ratio [OR] 2.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2–6.2), hypotony (OR, 4.2; 95% CI, 1.3–13.6), conjunctival hyperemia (OR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.02–6.5), and anterior chamber fibrin on examination (OR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.1–6.3). Eyes with endogenous endophthalmitis were less likely to receive oral steroids (OR, 0.2; 95% CI, 0.05–0.92). Eyes treated with oral steroids were more likely to show VA improvement of 3 lines or more after endophthalmitis (OR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.1–6.7) and to exhibit greater improvement from presentation to month 6 (–1.102 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR] vs. –0.655 logMAR; P = 0.024). Conclusions Systemic corticosteroid therapy was associated with improved visual outcomes in endophthalmitis. The decision to administer oral steroids was significantly associated with hypotony, conjunctival hyperemia, and fibrinous reaction on presentation. Culture-positive cases were more likely to receive oral steroids, whereas patients with endogenous endophthalmitis were less likely to receive oral steroids. A prospective, randomized trial of systemic corticosteroid use in endophthalmitis may be warranted.
Market returns and risk factors for the emerging economies

This paper creates daily factors (much like Fama and French) and monthly aggregate idiosyncratic volatility measures for 15 emerging economies. Data deficiencies, including firm balance sheet data,...
Mobilizing an Organizational Field: Network Activism for Expanding Cross-Sectoral Climate Action

Climate change poses a severe challenge to business and society. Organizational reforms face resource challenges and the limits of tradeoffs with organizations’ primary missions. Consequently, win-...
Naltrexone + Bupropion Combination for the Treatment of Binge-eating Disorder with Obesity: A Randomized, Controlled Pilot Study.

Abstract Purpose Binge-eating disorder (BED), the most prevalent eating disorder, is associated strongly with obesity and functional impairments. Few evidence-based treatments for BED exist; a pharmacotherapy effective in reducing both binge eating and weight needs to be identified. This placebo-controlled double-blind pilot RCT evaluated the acute effects of naltrexone + bupropion (NB) on BED with obesity and examined the longer-term effects through 6-month follow-up after the discontinuation of medication. Methods Twenty-two adult patients with BED were randomized to receive 12 weeks of double-blind treatment with fixed-dose NB (naltrexone + bupropion XL 50/300 mg) or placebo. Independent (blinded) researcher–clinicians evaluated patients at major outcome time points (baseline, posttreatment, and 6-month follow-up after the treatment period); patients were also evaluated for the tracking of course/tolerability throughout treatments and at 3-month follow-up. Primary outcomes were changes from baseline in binge-eating frequency and percentage weight. Secondary outcomes were changes in eating-disorder psychopathology and depression. Findings A total of 22 patients were enrolled (86.4% women; mean age, 50.4 years), with 77.3% of patients completing treatments; completion rates (NB, 83.3%; placebo, 70.0%) and adverse events did not differ significantly between NB and placebo. Analyses revealed significant reductions from baseline in binge-eating, eating-disorder psychopathology, depression, and weight during treatment, but these changes with NB did not differ significantly from those with placebo. The percentage of patients who attained 3% weight loss was significantly greater with NB than with placebo (45.5% vs 0%); weight-loss and binge-eating reductions were significantly correlated in the group that received NB. At 6-month follow-up, outcomes remained improved relative to baseline, with no significant differences between NB and placebo. Implications The findings from this pilot RCT suggest that NB was well-tolerated in these patients with BED and comorbid obesity. Most outcomes were not statistically different between NB and placebo. A larger-scale, adequately powered RCT is needed for determining the efficacy of NB in the treatment of BED. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02317744.
Abstract 15110: Atherospectrum Identified Novel Foaming Programs and Monocyte Predictor Genes for Residual Cardiovascular Risk

Despite lipid-control therapies, substantial risk of major cardiovascular event remains. New approaches are needed to define and mitigate residual risks in a patient specific manner. Monocytes, cri...
Current trends and therapies in orchialgia management

The management of pain is a complex condition that will be encountered by most practicing clinicians. In the genitourinary community, testicular pain may be classified as acute or chronic. Initial ...
Green at source: an empirical examination of the effectiveness and sustainability of operational-level environmental management practices in U.S. industry

In this study, we examine the effectiveness of operational-level environmental management (EM) practices and their long-term impacts. Using data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’...
Subcutaneous Panniculitis-Like T-Cell Lymphoma

Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (SPTCL) is a cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma with an excellent prognosis. Patients present with recurrent, generally painless, erythematous subcutaneous tumors on the trunk and extremities, often followed by lipoatrophy. Of note, this diagnosis previously encompassed two different diseases: lymphomas composed of alpha/beta-type T cells and lymphomas of gamma/delta T cells [1]. In the most recent WHO-EORTC guidelines, these have now been separated into SPTCL and primary cutaneous gamma/delta T-cell lymphoma (pcGDTCL), respectively [2]. Older studies, which lumped together both the alpha/beta and gamma/delta lymphomas, may report lower 5-year survival rates and poorer prognosis, reflecting the more aggressive course of pcGDTCL. This chapter discusses the clinical presentation, prognosis, and treatment of SPTCL, as well as its histopathology and immunohistochemistry. The chapter closes with a differential diagnosis and a clinical case.
7T MRI RF Head Coil with metamaterial elements

A 7T Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) RF Head Coil metamaterial element has been investigated. The element has high uniform current density, operating at 298 MHz has a three-section Stepped Impedance Resonant (SIR) structure. The high impedance section is designed with a Composite Right/Left handed (CRLH) microstrip line topology for continuous and uniform current distribution. The measurement of the proposed design shows the element resonant at 298 MHz. This is a fast wave structure and should radiate very well and this is confirmed by simulations.
Election in Bonhoeffer's Ethics: Discerning a Late Revision

Evidence that Bonhoeffer incorporates and responds to portions of Barth's Church Dogmatics II/2 in chapters thought to have been produced without access to Barth's fresh treatment of election mandate a revaluation of Bonhoeffer's controversial ethic and a reconsideration of the hermeneutic proper to his Ethics. Bonhoeffer's conception of election underwent a development from his public academic genesis in Sanctorum Communio to his posthumously published Ethics. His treatment of election in ‘God's Love and the Disintegration of the World’ demonstrates the doctrine's prominent role in his final attempts at reforming Christian ethics and his critique of all previous ethics. Attending to the influence of election illuminates developments in Bonhoeffer's thinking about two of the primary concepts associated with his Ethics–Stellvertretung and Schuldubernahme.
The Effects of Fe-Ni-Co-V Structural Alloys on Fusion Reactor Neutronic Performance

Calculations have been carried out to determine the effect of Fe-Ni-Co-V alloys on fusion reactor neutronic performance. The radiation damage in the first structural wall and the tritium breeding ratio were calculated as a function of alloy composition using the tritium breeding blanket module of the Experimental Power Reactor as the reference design. The atomic displacement rate was found to be approximately constant for all alloy combinations. However, the gas production and tritium breeding exhibit reasonably large variations (approx. 20%) as the cobalt concentration is increased in the alloy.
Understanding English Grammar: Actions, states, and processes

They've a temper, some of them – particularly verbs: they're the proudest – adjectives you can do anything with, but not verbs – however, I can manage the whole lot of them! Lewis Carroll (1872) In Chapter 5 we looked at the various ways that speakers of English refer to or mention participants that are “on stage” in the metaphorical play that constitutes any communicative act. In addition to mentioning participants, speakers also need to say what those participants do, what conditions they are in, and what happens to them. These communicative functions are usually associated with verbs, although, as we will see in this chapter, the frames or constructions within which verbs, nouns, and other elements are arranged also deeply affect the meanings expressed by particular verbs. Certainly verbs are crucial to expressing actions, states, and processes but, like all form–function composites, their functions are significantly affected by their contexts. Verbs are not strait jackets that dictate exactly what kind of scene a speaker may express. Rather, they are tools that speakers may use in any number of ways to create rich and nuanced discourse scenes. Semantic roles In order to understand how the verbs of any language work it is very helpful to understand the notion of semantic roles . Semantic roles are conceptual roles and relationships on the discourse stage. In any play, there are various actors with particular roles to play.
On character groups arising from dimension groups

Character groups associated with certain dimension groups are considered. It is shown how these character groups can be used to construct an AF groupoid whose dimension group is isomorphic to the original dimension group.
The Transonic Flow Field of an Axial Compressor Blade Row

The general three-dimensional theory for compressible flow through axial compressor blade rows' 2 is applied to transonic cases. Because of the occurrence in the transonic range of acoustic resonance, the theory is modified to include first-order viscous and heat-conduction effects. This approach is adequate to bring most transonic compressor problems within the realm of linear treatment. Numerical examples of the behavior of a transonic blade row are presented and discussed. The results indicate a smooth transition from the subsonic to the transonic, or mixed-flow, regimes— i.e., the degeneracy encountered in two-dimensional transonic applications of the small-perturbation theory is completely absent. At the same time, the results emphasize the failure of any strip theory, or "blade-element," approximation in the transonic range and thereby cast serious doubt upon the usefulness of transonic cascade studies.
Inhibition of T-type voltage-gated calcium channels by a new scorpion toxin.

The biophysical properties of T-type voltage-gated calcium channels are well suited to pacemaking and to supporting calcium flux near the resting membrane potential in both excitable and non-excitable cells. We have identified a new scorpion toxin (kurtoxin) that binds to the α 1G T-type calcium channel with high affinity and inhibits the channel by modifying voltage-dependent gating. This toxin distinguishes between α 1G T-type calcium channels and other types of voltage-gated calcium channels, including α 1A , α 1B , α 1C and α 1E . Like the other α-scorpion toxins to which it is related, kurtoxin also interacts with voltage-gated sodium channels and slows their inactivation. Kurtoxin will facilitate characterization of the subunit composition of T-type calcium channels and help determine their involvement in electrical and biochemical signaling.
Stevens, S S

First page of article Keywords: scale type; measurement; operationism; positivism; psychophysics; psychoacoustics
Through the Looking Glass: Real-Time Video Using 'Smart' Technology Provides Enhanced Intraoperative Logistics.

In the setting of increasingly complex medical therapies and limited physician resources, the recent emergence of ‘smart’ technology offers tremendous potential for improved logistics, efficiency, and communication between medical team members. In an effort to harness these capabilities, we sought to evaluate the utility of this technology in surgical practice through the employment of a wearable camera device during cardiothoracic organ recovery. A single procurement surgeon was trained for use of an Explorer Edition Google Glass™ (Google Inc., Mountain View, CA) during the recovery process. Live video feed of each procedure was securely broadcast to allow for members of the home transplant team to remotely participate in organ assessment. Primary outcomes involved demonstration of technological feasibility and validation of quality assurance through group assessment. The device was employed for the recovery of four organs: a right single lung, a left single lung, and two bilateral lung harvests. Live video of the visualization process was remotely accessed by the home transplant team, and supplemented final verification of organ quality. In each case, the organs were accepted for transplant without disruption of standard procurement protocols. Media files generated during the procedures were stored in a secure drive for future documentation, evaluation, and education purposes without preservation of patient identifiers. Live video streaming can improve quality assurance measures by allowing off-site members of the transplant team to participate in the final assessment of donor organ quality. While further studies are needed, this project suggests that the application of mobile ‘smart’ technology offers not just immediate value, but the potential to transform our approach to the practice of medicine.
Comparative anatomy of the myenteric plexus of the distal colon in eight mammals.

The behavior of the most distal part of the colon in a variety of species suggests that the innervation of this part may differ from that of more proximal parts. Silver impregnation was used to demonstrate the arrangement of the myenteric plexus of the distal colon in eight species (rat, guinea pig, rabbit, Australian possum, American opossum, cat, dog, and monkey). A distal zone, ~5%-20% of the total length of the colon above the anal verge in the nonrodents, was characterized by a plexus of very irregularly disposed intersecting nerve bundles of highly variable size with few and small ganglia; this zone was absent in the three rodent species. A next most distal zone, ~10%-65% of the total colonic length, contained a stellate plexus of large, regularly disposed ganglia interconnected by small nerve fiber bundles upon which were superimposed large dark-staining nerve bundles; these bundles began to be seen at the level of the irregular rectal plexus and ran cephalad, bypassing some ganglia but giving off branches to others. These, called shunt fascicles, contained many myelinated nerve fibers. Above this zone, the plexus was a stellate plexus throughout the remainder of the colon.
Assessing Impact of Community Health Nurses on Improving Primary Care Use by Homeless/Marginally Housed Persons

This study invited a cross-sectional sample of 112 homeless/marginally housed adults in New Haven, CT to respond to a structured survey questionnaire. Seventy-six individuals responded. Among them, 39 (51%) had utilized primary care services during the preceding 2 years. Multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusting for age, sex, ethnicity, housing status, health insurance status, and self-reported health status found that having utilized primary care services was significantly associated with having regular contact with a community health nurse. This finding indicates that community health nurses may have a significant influence in increasing primary care service utilization by homeless and marginally housed individuals.
On the calculation of laser-generated ultrasound pulses

The generation of ultrasound pulses with pulsed lasers has received considerable attention in recent years. Promising applications are to nondestructive evaluation and to materials characterization, where it is convenient to have a broad-band source requiring no contact with the sample. Quantitative applications in nondestructive evaluation require theoretical calculations incorporating realistic sample and source properties. This has, until recently, dictated approaches which were very computation-intensive. After the results obtained through these approaches are reviewed, we will describe and illustrate a very recent formulation which enables such calculations to be accomplished more easily. Numerical results will be presented to demonstrate the advantages of this approach, with emphasis on the effects of finite source dimensions, and on the initial waveform. We also show that this approach may be used to investigate surface-wave generation.
Society and Politics in the Early Niebuhr

This address was delivered at the inaugural meeting of the Reinhold Niebuhr Society. The theological and ethical contributions of the early Niebuhr from his book, Moral Man and Immoral Society, are summarized and then contrasted with adjustments that Niebuhr would make in his thinking in light of the rise of National Socialism and the events of World War II. Then the author turns to contemporary times, reading Niebuhr as a guide to the present situation's moral complexities.
Effect of 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole on ethanol-induced narcosis, lethality and hypothermia in rats

It has been proposed that ethanol can be oxidized in brain via the peroxidatic activity of catalase and that centrally formed acetaldehyde may mediate several of the psychopharmacological actions of ethanol. The present study was designed to investigate the role of brain catalase in the mediation of ethanol-induced narcosis, hypothermia and lethality in rats. Rats were pretreated with the catalase inhibitor 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole (AT) or saline. Five hours later, animals in each pretreatment group received IP injections of ethanol (3 or 4 g/kg). Ethanol-induced narcosis was significantly attenuated in AT-pretreated rats compared to the saline control group. As well, AT pretreatments reduced significantly the lethal effect of these ethanol doses. However, AT-pretreated ethanol-injected animals significantly reduce their body temperature as compared to the saline-ethanol animals. Blood ethanol determinations revealed that AT did interfere with ethanol metabolism. AT inhibits significantly brain catalase activity at all doses used in this study. The results indicate a role for brain catalase in ethanol effects. Furthermore, they suggest that catalase may be involved in the oxidation of ethanol in brain and that centrally formed acetaldehyde may play a role in ethanol-induced narcosis and lethality, but not hypothermia.
The α1-adrenoceptor is inactivated by alterations in membrane phospholipids

Abstract The influence of the membrane environment on the α1-adrenoceptor has been investigated by examining the effect of phospholipase digestion on the binding of [3H]prazosin to aortic and hepatic membranes. Membrane digestion by phospholipase A2 and phospholipase C was found to markedly reduce prazosin binding to the α1-adrenoceptor whereas phospholipase D had comparatively little effect. In addition, there were differences between membrane preparations since the aortic α1-adrenoceptor was less sensitive to phospholipase A2 and phospholipase C than the hepatic receptor. The results support a major role for hydrophobic groups and the negatively charged, hydrophilic phosphate moiety of phospholipids in the interaction between prazosin and the α1-adrenoceptor.
Geographies and strategies of caregiving among skilled Ghanaian migrant women

Synopsis Research on migrant women tends to address the experiences of women located in low skilled, low-paid work like domestic care work in receiving countries. Less attention has been directed towards the mobility and experiences of skilled and elite professional women who, while pursuing their professional careers and livelihood strategies, must also attend to social reproductive roles. Drawing on research with two groups of skilled Ghanaian women – nurses in England and professionals who have returned to Ghana – this paper analyzes how they navigate multiple caregiving responsibilities. The women's movements produced family separations that engendered a myriad of multiscalar strategies to negotiate and reconfigure care relationships and obligations. Among nurses who are not from elite backgrounds, their formal care work and competing caring roles are shaped beyond, but in constant reference to, demands placed on them in multiple local and transnational settings. Among highly skilled migrants, their class status, access to resources and mobility mitigate the challenges of caregiving and the impacts of familial separation. In conclusion, the paper contributes to the literature on skilled migration and care by presenting the gender and class tensions that the combination of professional and personal caregiving create for skilled and mobile African women.
Serf studies of mass motions arising in flares

It is believed that radio type IVs, co-spatial with dense hot plasmoids, may be the result of a plasma radiation emission mechanism. The injection of mass into the corona was recently observed in chromospheric and coronal lines with magnetic field changes and also at very high speeds into loops. The start time of coronal loop transients, if extrapolated to the chromosphere, in most cases precedes flare H-alpha or X-ray emission. Observational inferences from polarization and other studies are seen as favoring the three-dimensional bubble over the planar loop as a description of coronal mass motions.
Methods for determination of breakage distribution parameters

Abstract The distribution of primary breakage products in laboratory mills can be estimated by batch grinding for short times. Three methods are given for manipulating the data, the second and third methods correcting for secondary breakage. Method III is the most accurate, but since it uses the specific rates of breakage of the various sizes in the correction procedure it is necessary to have experimental or theoretical estimates of these values. A general computer program is given for the computations.
The Pressure-Viscosity Coefficient for Newtonian EHL Film Thickness With General Piezoviscous Response

There has been a long-standing need for a piezoviscous parameter, αfilm , that together with the ambient viscosity, μ0 , will completely quantify the Newtonian rheology so that the film thickness for liquids that do not shear-thin in the inlet may be calculated as h = h(μ0 , αfilm , ...) regardless of the details of the pressure-viscosity response. It seems that Blok’s reciprocal asymptotic isoviscous pressure, α*, has certain advantages over the conventional pressure-viscosity coefficient that is poorly suited for this purpose. The first detailed review of piezoviscous models for low pressures is provided. A simulation code that is apparently stable for all realistic pressure-viscosity response was utilized with diverse piezoviscous models and model liquids to develop a satisfactory definition of αfilm that reads αfilm = [1 − exp(−3)]/03/α*μ (0) dpμ (p);1/α* = 0∞ μ (0) dp / μ (p). In the case of μ = μ0 exp(αp), αfilm = α and formulas are provided for other models.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Bank Runs and the Accounting for Illiquid Assets in Financial Institutions.

AbstractFinancial services are an increasingly important sector in modern economies, yet many accounting and auditing texts focus on manufacturing and retailing. This teaching note describes the role of financial institutions in transforming long-term, difficult-to-sell assets into short-term bank accounts. This is referred to as liquidity transformation. The social benefits and risks of liquidity transformation are described. The social benefit occurs due to the increased liquidity provided by the bank to depositors. The risk comes in the form of a bank run, wherein difficult-to-sell assets cannot be redeemed in time to cover the rapid and unexpected withdrawals of depositors. The financial statements of a financial institution are presented and the issue of valuation is discussed. Finally, practical relevance for accounting students is enhanced by including discussions of historical precedents and of implications for financial reporting and auditing.
Monitoring of enoxaparin level using citrated clotting time during percutaneous coronary intervention.

Objectives: To evaluate the use of citrated clotting time (CCT) during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in both emergent and elective scenarios and using intravenous (IV) or subcutaneous (SC) dosing. Background: Monitoring of enoxaparin during PCI had limitations in the past due to lack of point-of-care testing. Introduction of the CCT enables the determination of the degree of anticoagulation by enoxaparin. Methods and Results: An analysis on 51 consecutive patients revealed that after three SC doses (1 mg/kg twice a day) or a single IV bolus (1 mg/kg) of enoxaparin, the CCT was consistently in the therapeutic range of ≥260 seconds (475 ± 105 and 565 ± 151 sec, respectively). Patients who received <3 SC doses of enoxaparin were subtherapeutic for PCI. A supplemental IV bolus of 0.3 mg/kg was found always to raise the CCT to therapeutic level (499 ± 178 sec). Conclusions: Enoxaparin was found to be effective and safe during PCI with low vascular complication rate (9.3%). Patients who received <3 SC doses of enoxaparin benefit most from using CCT monitoring. IV dosing consistently achieved adequate anticoagulation.
Vibrational relaxation models for dilute shock heated gases

Abstract This work presents a computational examination of two models of vibrational relaxation for coupled vibration-dissociation-recombination processes. These models are commonly used in state-of-the-art non-equilibrium flow codes. A shock heated gaseous mixture of a single diatomic species highly dilute in a rare gas heat bath is considered. The master equation is linearized about final equilibrium and provides remarkable accuracy to early simulation times. The computations show a two-step relaxation of the vibrational energy. This behavior is not predicted by a linear relaxation rate equation. An exact expression for the rate of change of vibrational energy is presented and it is observed that both the linear relaxation rate equation and the Park diffusion model do not accurately reproduce the computed results.
Modeling the structure of the hard domains in HMDI-based polyurethane elastomers

The structure of the hard domains of polyurethanes based on 4,4′-trans,trans-dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate (HMDI), with 1,4-butandiol (BDO) as the chain extender, has been derived by X-ray diffraction and molecular modeling. X-ray diffraction patterns of drawn annealed films of HMDI/BDO/poly(tetramethylene adipate) elastomers contain crystalline hard domains: the unit cell is triclinic and contains two chains, each of which has two monomers repeating in c=37.5 A. A number of chain conformations are compatible with this repeat, but these are reduced to two by the requirement that all the urethane groups should form hydrogen bonds. We have compared packing models for these two options in terms of the agreement between the simulated diffraction patterns for arrays of chain segments. The best agreement is obtained for a model in which the chain extender region has the gaucheplus-trans-gaucheminus conformation. Identical chains are linked in sheets by C=O···H−N hydrogen bonds along the α axis of the unit cell. The second chain is rotated by 180° about c relative to the first and positioned at 0,b/2. The crystallographic R-values for this model are 0.196 (observed data only) and 0.240 (observed plus unobserved data), which were much lower than those for the alternative models, and represent excellent agreement for a structure that is not fully refined. The hydrogen bonds have very similar geometry to those for diphenylmethane (MDI)/diol hard segments. Thus the higher melting point and other improved properties for HMDI-based polyurethanes are most likely due to stronger interactions between the stacked cyclohexane rings as compared to those between the phenylenes in MDI-based elastomers.
The Association Between Glaucoma and Immunoglobulin E Antibody Response to Indoor Allergens

Purpose To evaluate the association between sensitization to indoor allergens and glaucoma in participants of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Design Retrospective cross-sectional study. Methods This study examined the association between serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels for a panel of common indoor allergens and glaucoma for 2005–2006 NHANES participants. The exposures of interest were serum IgE levels to a panel of common indoor allergens. The outcome of interest was a clinical diagnosis of glaucoma based on the Rotterdam criteria. Logistic regression modeling was performed to assess the association between each type of IgE and glaucoma, while controlling for age, ethnicity, and steroid use. All estimates were weighted based on the multistage NHANES sampling design. Results Among a weighted total of 83 308 318 participants, the overall prevalence of glaucoma was 3.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.8%, 3.6%). The majority of patients were non-Hispanic white (n = 10 547 654; 77.1%). The American dust mite antigen had the highest proportion of participants with positive IgE values (n = 12 093 038; 14.5%). In the full model including all allergen-specific IgE subtypes as predictors, there were statistically significant associations between IgE subtypes and glaucoma for the cockroach (odds ratio [OR] = 2.78; 95% CI = 1.34, 5.76), cat (OR = 3.42; 95% CI = 1.10, 10.67), and dog (OR = 0.24; 95% CI = 0.06, 0.96) antigens. Conclusions In NHANES, participants with glaucoma had significantly higher odds of sensitization to the cockroach and cat allergens compared to those without glaucoma. These findings indicate the need for further research to elucidate the role of chronic indoor allergen exposure in the development of glaucomatous optic neuropathy.
28 GeV proton and 16.2 GeV negative pion interactions with hydrogen

An experimental study has been made of the elastic and the inelastic interactions produced by 28 GeV proton and 16.2 GeV negative pion beams with free hydrogen nuclei in nuclear emulsions. In the proton and the pion beams, 862 and 503 events were found respectively by following “along the track” scanning technique. Out of these, 10 proton and 4 pion events were classified as p-p and π-p (free hydrogen nuclei) elastic interactions. The elastic cross section values are 9.31 ± 2.94 mb and 5.4 ±2.7 mb respectively. While the total inelastic cross sections for both types of interactions (i.e. pp and πp) vary slowly with energy, the partial inelastic cross sections were found to be strongly energy dependent. Finally, the correlation indicated (by our experimental data) between the elastic cross section, total cross section and the transverse momentum of the secondary particles produced in the interactions is discussed and is compared with the theory.
Rehabilitating Terrorists Through Counter-Indoctrination: Lessons Learned From The Saudi Arabian Program

For years, experts have agreed that Saudi Arabia runs the best terrorist rehabilitation program around the world. However, recent events, including Al Qaeda’s December 25, 2009, attempt to blow up Northwest Flight 253, which put 289 innocent lives in danger and was apparently planned by a program graduate, have raised serious doubts. This study reexamines the leading social—psychological explanations for terrorist indoctrination to determine whether Saudi Arabia’s rehabilitation program seems properly designed to reverse the indoctrination process. By identifying both the elements of indoctrination that the Saudi Arabian program appears to counter and the elements which it fails to address, this study provides new recommendations for how terrorist rehabilitation programs can be significantly improved around the world.
Limitations on the growth of computer-communication services

Abstract The author examines current and potential limitations to the growth of computer communications in the USA in relation to user learning costs; regulatory restrictions on rate of return and regulatory policy concerning depreciation allowances; the structure of computer-communication networks; and regulatory limitations on the provision of services.
Dynamics of single and twin circular jets in cross flow

2D-PIV is used to investigate the near field jet dynamics of a single and a tandem twin jet in cross flow at a blowing ratio of 3. The flow characteristics that were studied included jet trajectory and penetration, windward and leeward jet spread, and the size, location and magnitude of the reverse flow region. The tandem jet setup resulted in configuration where the rear jet was shielded by the front jet that allowed the rear jet to penetrate deeper into the cross stream. The penetration of front jet was found to be comparable to that of the single jet in the near field. Asymmetric jet spread was observed both in the windward and leeward side with higher jet spread in the leeward side for both the single and tandem jet configuration. Furthermore, for the tandem jet condition, the presence of rear jet was found to affect the windward spread of the front jet minimally. The windward and leeward spreads of the rear jet were observed to be decreased by the presence of the front jet. Reverse flow zones confined between the front and rear jets in tandem setup was also observed to be stronger than that of a single jet. A turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) analysis indicates that the behavior of a jet in tandem setup follows the same trend as that of an axisymmetric turbulent jet with low turbulence in the jet core and higher turbulence in the jet shear layer that subsequently transitions to high turbulence production in the jet core as the jet shear layers on windward and leeward side of the jet coalesce.
Impact of Die Geometry on Microhardness and Grain Size of Cold-Drawn Steel Wire

Abstract Two different heats of heading quality 302 stainless steel wire were drawn through three different conical die geometries. The microstructural response of the material was investigated via measurement of microhardness and grain size. The measurements across the transverse and longitudinal axes of the wires were then compared with strain measurements predicted through finite element modeling. Accuracy of the different measurements are compared, and an optimum “watch-dog” parameter for the verification of the modeling results is proposed.