cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Heating patterns induced by a 13.56 MHz radiofrequency generator in large phantoms and pig abdomen and thorax

Abstract Heating patterns generated by a commercially available 13.5 MHz radiofrequency generator and induction coil hyperthermia system in human size phantoms and a 230 pound pig were studied using a multichannel computermonitored thermometry system that is noninteractive in electromagnetic fields. The phantom studies were composed of synthetic muscle equivalent material and fresh tissue. The pig was heated in the regions of the upper abdomen and the midthorax, both under anesthesia and dead. The temperature was measured along fine penetrating catheters at 1 cm intervals in all experiments. In a homogeneous cylindrical phantom, under our measurement conditions, the temperature profile across the diameter is parabolic with marked superficial heating and essentially no central heating. In nonhomogeneous phantoms and in the pig, the symmetry of this profile was distorted but the basic pattern of marked superficial heating and nearly absent deep central heating remained. Blood flow in the living animal produced some thermal smoothing. It is considered probable that substantial radial temperature gradients will exist within eccentrically located human tumors heated with this device and that certain deep central tumors will be difficult or impossible to heat. Determination of its ultimate value for investigational clinical hyperthermia studies will require accurate temperature mapping of tumors and normal tissues in various anatomic sites in comparison with other approaches to deep heating.
On the steady states of distributed parameter systems with chemical reactions, heat, and mass transfer

The number of steady states for a distributed system with chemical reactions, heat, and mass transfer is investigated by means of fixed point methods. The main step in the analysis is the establishment of a priori bounds for the steady state concentrations and temperature. Such bounds can be derived from the conservation of atomic species and energy, independently of the reaction rates and the size of the medium. It is shown in great generality that steady states exist and they are odd in number. Improved bounds obtained by considering the reaction rates and the size of the medium are used in developing criteria for the uniqueness of the steady state. It is shown that if the medium is sufficiently small there is one only steady state. An example of two second order simultaneous exothermic chemical reactions in a catalyst particle is treated in detail and numerical results are obtained.
Genome wide identification of chilling responsive microRNAs in Prunus persica

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNAs (sRNAs) approximately 21 nucleotides in length that negatively control gene expression by cleaving or inhibiting the translation of target gene transcripts. Within this context, miRNAs and siRNAs are coming to the forefront as molecular mediators of gene regulation in plant responses to annual temperature cycling and cold stress. For this reason, we chose to identify and characterize the conserved and non-conserved miRNA component of peach (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch) focusing our efforts on both the recently released whole genome sequence of peach and sRNA transcriptome sequences from two tissues representing non-dormant leaves and dormant leaf buds. Conserved and non-conserved miRNAs, and their targets were identified. These sRNA resources were used to identify cold-responsive miRNAs whose gene targets co-localize with previously described QTLs for chilling requirement (CR). Analysis of 21 million peach sRNA reads allowed us to identify 157 and 230 conserved and non-conserved miRNA sequences. Among the non-conserved miRNAs, we identified 205 that seem to be specific to peach. Comparative genome analysis between peach and Arabidopsis showed that conserved miRNA families, with the exception of miR5021, are similar in size. Sixteen of these conserved miRNA families are deeply rooted in land plant phylogeny as they are present in mosses and/or lycophytes. Within the other conserved miRNA families, five families (miR1446, miR473, miR479, miR3629, and miR3627) were reported only in tree species (Populus trichocarpa, Citrus trifolia, and Prunus persica). Expression analysis identified several up-regulated or down-regulated miRNAs in winter buds versus young leaves. A search of the peach proteome allowed the prediction of target genes for most of the conserved miRNAs and a large fraction of non-conserved miRNAs. A fraction of predicted targets in peach have not been previously reported in other species. Several conserved and non-conserved miRNAs and miRNA-regulated genes co-localize with Quantitative Trait Loci (QTLs) for chilling requirement (CR-QTL) and bloom date (BD-QTL). In this work, we identified a large set of conserved and non-conserved miRNAs and describe their evolutionary footprint in angiosperm lineages. Several of these miRNAs were induced in winter buds and co-localized with QTLs for chilling requirement and bloom date thus making their gene targets potential candidates for mediating plant responses to cold stress. Several peach homologs of genes participating in the regulation of vernalization in Arabidopsis were identified as differentially expressed miRNAs targets, potentially linking these gene activities to cold responses in peach dormant buds. The non-conserved miRNAs may regulate cellular, physiological or developmental processes specific to peach and/or other tree species.
Keratinocyte growth factor promotes goblet cell differentiation through regulation of goblet cell silencer inhibitor.

Abstract Background & Aims: Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) is an epithelial cell–specific growth factor. Previous reports demonstrated that KGF induces differentiation of epithelial cells of gastrointestinal tract in vivo, especially goblet cell–specific lineage stimulation. Intestinal trefoil factor (ITF) is selectively expressed in intestinal goblet cells and its expression correlates with intestinal goblet cell differentiation. In this study, we analyzed the mechanism of KGF modulation of goblet cell differentiation through characterization of its effects on ITF gene expression. Methods: Subclone H2 of the human colonic epithelial cell line HT-29, which can be induced to intestinal goblet cells, was treated with KGF and characterized by Northern and Western blot analyses, transient transfection assays, and electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs). Results: KGF promoted differentiation of H2 cells to goblet cells as reflected by induced ITF expression. Transient transfection assays revealed that KGF regulates mouse ITF transcription through the goblet cell silencer inhibitor (GCSI) element, which is essential for goblet cell–specific expression of ITF. EMSAs showed that KGF induces GCSI binding protein (GCSI-BP). Conclusions: KGF promotes goblet cell differentiation through the induction of GCSI-BP, a goblet cell–specific transcription factor. GCSI-BP may play a central role in intestinal goblet cell differentiation. GASTROENTEROLOGY 2001;120:1372-1380
Crystallization of A15 Nb 3 Ge from the amorphous state

The critical current density J{sub {ital c}} of superconductors is strongly dependent on microstructure. The microstructure and crystallization of amorphous Nb{sub 75}Ge{sub 24.5}B{sub 0.5} melt spun ribbons were studied as a function of 24-h anneals between 680 and 860 {degree}C. Metastable A15 was formed with a composition close to that of the starting amorphous material. As the temperature increased from 680 to 720 {degree}C, crystallization remained nonuniform and the average grain size decreased from 130 nm to 60 nm. Between 740 and 800 {degree}C crystallization was uniform and the average grain size was constant at 30 nm. Above 820 {degree}C grain growth occurred. In order to have high J{sub {ital c}}'s a uniformly crystallized small-grained material is desirable.
Effect of goldenseal, black cohosh, kava kava, and valerian on human cytochrome p450 1A2, 2D6, 2E1, and 3A4 phenotypes

Background Phytochemical-mediated modulation of cytochrome P450 activity may underlie many herb-drug interactions. Single time-point, phenotypic metabolic ratios were used to determine whether supplementation of goldenseal, black cohosh, kava, or valerian extracts affected CYP1A2, CYP2D6, CYP2E1, or CYP3A4 activity. Methods Twelve healthy volunteers were randomly assigned to receive each supplement for 28 days followed by a 30-day washout period. Probe drug cocktails of midazolam, caffeine, chlorzoxazone, and debrisoquine were administered before and at the end of supplementation. Pre- and post-supplementation phenotypic ratios were determined for CYP3A4, CYP1A2, CYP2E1, and CYP2D6 using 1-hydroxymidazolam/midazolam serum ratios (1-hr), paraxanthine/caffeine serum ratios (6-hr), 6-hydroxychlorzoxazone/chlorzoxazone serum ratios (2-hr), and debrisoquine urinary recovery ratios (8-hr), respectively. Results Comparisons of pre- and post-goldenseal phenotypic ratios revealed significant inhibition (~40%) of CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 activity. Black cohosh also inhibited CYP2D6, but the magnitude (~7%) did not appear clinically relevant. No significant changes were observed for kava or valerian. Conclusions Goldenseal strongly inhibited CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 activity. Accordingly, serious adverse interactions may result if goldenseal is ingested with drugs that are CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 substrates. Kava, black cohosh and valerian appear less likely to produce such interactions. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2005) 77, P36–P36; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2004.12.030
A novel method for stochastic nonlinearity analysis of a CMOS pipeline ADC

An analytic appraoch is presented for estimating the nonlinearity of an analog to digital converter (ADC) as a function of the variations in the circuit devices. The approach is demonstrated for the case of a pipeline ADC with digital error correction. Under some mild assumptions on the expected variations, the error probability is expressed as a simple explicit function of the standard deviations in the components' parameters: gain errors, comparator offset errors and resistor errors. The analytical expression is verified for Integral Non Linearity (INL), and its limits are studied using Monte-Carlo simulations of a 10 bit pipeline ADC structure.
Nonlinear channel models for digital magnetic recording

Methods for identifying the digital magnetic recording channel in which data dependent nonlinear effects are present are described. The models used include the finite state machine (FSM), Volterra series, and channel state dependent transition shifting. Procedures to compute the model parameters are described, and the models are compared with a view to their accuracy and use for studying receiver performance. Results are included from prototype channels with various recording densities with significant nonlinear distortion. >
Ontogeny of β-endorphin and cortisol in the plasma of children and adolescents

The ontogeny of plasma β-endorphin (B-E) and cortisol concentrations was studied in normal children (3–11 yr old) and adolescents (12–18 yr old) of several ethnic backgrounds. The morning plasma concentrations did not significantly differ as a function of sex or age for either B-E [males (n = 88), 7.19 ± 0.39 (±se) pmol/L; females (n = 73), 6.80 ± 0.50 pmol/L] or cortisol [males (n = 87), 383 ± 14 nmol/L; females (n = 69), 359 ± 20 nmol/L]. There was a small but significant positive correlation between plasma B-E and cortisol concentrations. When sampled immediately after venipuncture, there were no significant differences in the plasma B-E or cortisol concentrations of children who cried during venipuncture compared with those who did not. These data suggest that morning plasma B-E and cortisol concentrations are constant throughout childhood, adolescence, and into early adulthood.
Epididymitis in Rams and Lambs

This article reviews lamb epididymitis and epididymitis caused by Brucella ovis. Pathogenesis, occurrence, signs and lesions, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment are discussed.
A single-centre experience with tumour tract seeding associated with needle manipulation of renal cell carcinomas

With the rise in detection of incidental renal masses on imaging, there has been a commensurate rise in the use of percutaneous biopsies for evaluation of these tumours. Tumour tract seeding had previously been one of the most feared complications of percutaneous biopsy of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Recently, less emphasis has been placed on this complication, with the assertion that it has only been reported eight times in literature, and thus must be exceedingly rare. However, we report two cases of tumour tract seeding associated with percutaneous biopsy and treatment of RCC over a short time period at a single institution. This report challenges the current extremely low estimates of the frequency of this complication and calls for a more realistic assessment.
GHz Heterogeneous Phononic Crystal Slab Resonators

In this paper, we present a new design for waveguide-based phononic crystal (PnC) resonators in pillar-based piezoelectric membranes at the GHz frequency range based on mode-gap waveguide termination. The mode confinement in these resonators is achieved by a smooth transition from a phononic waveguide to another phononic waveguide that does not support (and therefore reflects) the guided modes of the first waveguide over a certain frequency range. These resonators can be utilized for applications including wireless communications and sensing [1, 2] where high-Q and high-frequency resonators are highly desirable.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
The (Re)Turn to History in Religion Clause Law and Scholarship

In this Introduction, I offer a brief review of and explanation for the role history has played in the Supreme Court's religion clause jurisprudence and scholarly efforts. History's role is powerful in the Establishment Clause context, which I will discuss first. In stark contrast, history played almost no role in the Free Exercise Clause context until 1990, in response to the (in)famous Employment Division v. Smith. Thereafter, I will discuss the contributions of the Symposium participants which better our understanding of the proper role of history in, and the historical background of, the religion clauses.
“Experimental Philosophy”: Invention and Rebirth of a Seventeenth-Century Concept

This essay offers a more dynamic, and historically grounded, context to explain how and why various individuals and groups in England adopted the term “experimental philosophy.” Before the foundation of the Royal Society, I contend, the term had been utilized promiscuously, its modern signification conspicuously absent. Building on this insight, I examine the seemingly deliberate decision by future members of the Royal Society to avoid using the term – and the subsequent shift in their attitude c. 1660. My aim is to demonstrate that while only in England did the fixed conceptual and polemical term “experimental philosophy” become popularized and its (supposed) practice institutionalized, English natural philosophers did not view themselves as engaged in a practice that was fundamentally different than that pursued by their counterparts on the Continent.
Differential diagnosis of hypersensitivity vasculitis.

The usual cause of hypersensitivity vasculitis is exposure to a drug or toxin, but infection, Henoch Schonlein purpura, and connective tissue diseases also are possible.
Thermodynamic properties of the spin-chain compound Pr3RuO7

We have measured the magnetic susceptibility (X) and specific heat (cp) of single crystals of Pr 3 RuO 7 . The susceptibility indicates a Neel transition at T N = 54 K, with an unusually mean-field specific heat anomaly. While X indicates that all intrinsic moments order at T N , a Schottky-like anomaly in cp suggests that there remains a small crystal-field splitting between a magnetic and non-magnetic state of the rare earth ions.
Deletional remodeling of c- myc -deregulating chromosomal translocations

Evidence is presented for the existence of a novel remodeling-by-deletion mechanism that alters the fine structure of c-myc-deregulating chromosomal translocations in t(12;15)-positive BALB/c plasmacytomas. DNA sequence analysis of the t(12;15) in five primary tumors revealed the co-existence of precursor cells harboring genetic recombinations between the immunoglobulin heavy-chain mu locus (Igh mu) and c-myc with clonally related progenitors containing rearrangements between the immunoglobulin heavy-chain alpha locus (Igh alpha) and c-myc. Clonal relatedness was based upon unique junction fragments between the switch region of Igh mu and c-myc. S mu/c-myc junctions are thus useful clonotypic markers for monitoring the conversion of Igh mu/c-myc-positive tumor precursor clones into Igh alpha/c-myc-positive plasmacytomas. Aberrant isotype switch recombination appears to be the most likely mechanism effecting this conversion event (other possibilities are discussed) which may help to explain the preferred usage of the Igh alpha locus in recombinations with c-myc in t(12;15)-positive plasma cell tumors in BALB/c mice.
Nitrous oxide pneumoperitoneum revisited. Is there a risk of combustion

Nitrous oxide has been effectively banned from use in therapeutic laparoscopy because of fear of combustion. These fears rest on two case reports, a misunderstanding of the physical chemistry of nitrous oxide, and lack of information on the presence of flammable colonic gases in the pneumoperitoneum mixture. This study aims to identify the presence and quantify the amount of hydrogen and methane found in the peritoneal cavity during laparoscopic GI procedures, and then to compare the gas concentrations detected with known limits of combustion. Gas standards with known concentrations of hydrogen and methane were placed in polypropylene syringes and analyzed on a mass spectrometer after 1, 2, 3, and 4 h. This established the rate at which these gases would be leached through a polypropylene syringe—the amount of gas lost during transport from the patient to the laboratory. Twenty gas samples were drawn, randomly, 30 min to 2 h following the start of laparoscopic gastrointestinal procedures. The samples were analyzed for hydrogen and methane within 30 min of their aspiration from the abdominal cavity. An inconsequential amount of methane was lost from the polypropylene syringe in 4 h. After 1 h, one-half the hydrogen had leached from the polypropylene syringe. Hydrogen was detected in the pneumoperitoneum of four patients at a concentration ranging from 0.016 to 0.075%. No methane was detected in any sample. For combustion to occur in a nitrous oxide environment, hydrogen or methane must occupy 5.5% of the gas volume. The maximum amount of hydrogen we detected was less than 1/50 of the combustion threshold. After considering these data, and a large clinical experience of gynecologic laparoscopy using electrosurgery in a nitrous oxide pneumoperitoneum, we conclude that nitrous oxide can be safely used for creating a pneumoperitoneum during laparoscopic surgery.
Interannual Variation in Timing and Synchrony of Parturition in Dall's Sheep

Timing and synchrony of parturition in Dall's sheep ( Ovis dalli ) were studied in Igloo Mountain, Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska, from April through July 1988 and 1989. Median ± SD dates of birth were 18 May (±5.1 days) in 1988 and 27 May (±8.8 days) in 1989. Ninety percent of births occurred in a 27-day period in 1988 and in a 36-day period in 1989; interannual variation in timing and synchrony of parturition was pronounced. Mortality of young in this predator-rich environment, however, did not differ between years, suggesting climatic variability may contribute more than predation in constraining timing and synchrony of parturition in Dall's sheep.
Study on the Mortality of Injuries among Population in Urban and Rural Areas of Liaoning Province from 1973 to 2005

Objective To analyze the characteristics and change of injuries among urban and rural population in Liaoning province.Methods The mortality data of urban and rural residents in two periods(1973-1975 and 2004-2005) respectively were obtained from the first Chinese national death retrospective survey(1973-1975) and Liaoning province annual death registry(2004-2005).The mortality levels and change ranges by age,sex and areas were analyzed.Results During the past 30 years,the standardized death rate of injury declined in the urban(from 51.03/106 to 28.36/106) while increased in the rural areas(from 44.55/106 to 55.43/106).The death rate of men was higher than that of women and rural was higher than that of urban.The rates of drowning,suicide,traffic accident and fire in rural areas were 4.03,3.66,2.90 and 2.75 times of that in urban areas.Conclusion Effective intervention measures on road security should be taken to prevent and control injury as soon as possible,especially in rural areas.
376 TEENS TELL US THE RISKS AND BENEFITS OF HAVING SEX

Purpose Researchers to date have primarily used investigator-generated lists of health concerns to elicit teens9 perceptions of sexual risk, thereby limiting our understanding of what teens consider the most important risks and benefits of sexual behavior. The goal of this study was to determine what teens identify as the risks and benefits of sexual activity from their own perspective. Methods Participants included a large sample of 418 ethnically diverse 9th graders (mean age 14.1 years, SD = 0.45; 45.7% males) in two suburban high schools participating in a longitudinal study of teens9 perceptions about sex. Using open-ended questions, teens were asked to list good and bad things about having sex. The questions were placed in context through a scenario describing two similar-aged, non-virginal teens in a three-month heterosexual relationship who have vaginal sex once with each other. Responses were thematically coded. Results In addition to listing well-known health risks of sex such as pregnancy (74.4%) and sexually transmitted diseases (45.7%), teens generated a number of social risks of sexual activity including having a negative impact on the relationship (15.8%); getting caught or parental disapproval (13.6%); negative impact on social status (e.g., damaged reputation, the girl being called a slut; 7.9%); and negative emotions (e.g., regret, feeling guilty, loss of self-esteem; 5.0%). Girls were more likely than boys to generate responses about risk to the relationship and to social status (χ2 = 21.35, df = 1, p ≤ .001 and χ2 = 6.64, df = 1, p ≤ .01 respectively), whereas boys were more likely to comment on getting caught (χ2 = 5.18, df = 1, p ≤ .05). The teens also mentioned a number of benefits to having sex, with most responses focused on social benefits including improving the relationship (38.3%); having fun or getting pleasure (26.3%); gaining sexual experience (7.2%); and improving social status (e.g., bragging rights, being better liked by guys; 3.6%). Gender differences were noted, with girls more likely to comment that sex will improve the relationship (χ2 = 5.04, df = 1, p ≤ .05), and boys more likely to indicate that having sex is fun or pleasurable (χ2 = 3.80, df = 1, p ≤ .05) and that it increases one9s social status (χ2 = 4.79, df = 1, p ≤ .05). Conclusions Strong evidence now exists that social aspects of sex, both risky and beneficial, are salient to teens. Gender differences in perceived social risks and benefits warrant consideration in counseling efforts.
Comparison of Green Function Method and Numerical Inverse Laplace Transform for Analyzing Transient Response of Transmission Line

A Green Function method is proposed to analyze the terminal response of simple transmission lines by solving network node admittance equation of transmission lines to reflect terminal response more factually.In order to prove its correctness and priority,the comparison of Green Function method with NILT method is carried out.By using the two methods,the transient voltage response for lossless terminal matching and the lossy terminal un-matching transmission line are simulated.The results obtained by using of Green Function method have good degree of coincidence with real terminal response,the error is smaller,and the waveform is stable.But the simulation by NILT method has agreat impulse and oscillation near zero point.The error during middle process seems like a sine wave,but it will increase dramatically that is hard to reflect the practical situation during later process.So the Green Function Method is very suitable to be applied to study the terminal response of the transmission line,which has more advantage than NILT method.
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba).

Ginkgo biloba, one of the oldest living tree species, is cultivated worldwide for its medicinal properties and aesthetic appeal. The leaves and seeds are used in traditional medicine to treat respiratory diseases, circulatory disorders, sexual dysfunction, and loss of hearing.
Bacteremic acinetobacter (herellea) pneumonia with survival. Case report

A case of community-acquired pneumonia with Acinetobacter calcoacetium var. anitratus (Herellea vaginicola) is presented. Initial leukopenia and spare leukocytes in the sputum, followed by prolonged leukocytosis and fever, were unusual features of this case. The clinical significance and current antimicrobial drug therapy of acinetobacter infections are discussed.
Implementation and evaluation of a “works-in-progress” session to promote scholarship in an academic hospitalist group

BACKGROUND Hospitalists frequently work on diverse projects, but often do not have the training and experience necessary to translate projects into peer-reviewed publications and grants. OBJECTIVE Describe implementation and effect of a works-in-progress (WIP) series on progress and training in scholarly work. DESIGN Cross-sectional survey. SETTING Urban academic medical center. INTERVENTION A weekly WIP session, named Incubator, serving as a forum where researchers, clinicians, and educators meet to review and provide feedback on projects underway across the Division of Hospital Medicine. MEASUREMENTS We surveyed presenters at Incubator to evaluate the impact of Incubator on scholarly activities. Responses were based on Kirkpatrick's 4-level training hierarchy: (1) Reaction: participants' satisfaction; (2) Learning: knowledge acquisition; (3) Behavior: application of skills; and (4) Results of projects. We compared responses between researchers and nonresearchers using χ2 tests. RESULTS Of 51 surveys completed (response rate 70%), 35 (69%) projects were nonresearcher led. Reaction, behavior change, and results were all positive, with >90% respondents reporting a positive outcome in each category, a high rate of publication/funding, and 35% reporting learning as a result of Incubator. Comparison of researchers and nonresearchers revealed no significant differences, except nonresearchers reported significantly more favorable results in behavior and mentoring (P < 0.05). DISCUSSION A regularly scheduled, researcher-led WIP session within a largely clinically oriented hospital medicine division can provide a venue for feedback that may promote progress and practical training in scholarly projects. In addition to robust career mentorship programs and protected time, a WIP can be an adjunct to improve scholarly output among academic hospitalists. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2016. © 2016 Society of Hospital Medicine
Distichlis palmeri: An Endemic Grass in the Coastal Sabkhas of the Northern Gulf of California and a Potential New Grain Crop for Saltwater Agriculture

Extensive coastal sabkhas in the northern Gulf of California in North America are colonized by Distichlis palmeri, an endemic grass that produces a grain that was harvested as a staple food by native Cocopah people. It has been considered as a potential perennial grain crop for salt water agriculture. Previous short-term trials have shown good vegetative growth but low percentage of flowering stems resulted in low grain yields. In these trials, we grew D. palmeri outdoors in paddy-style (flooded) conditions in 26–34 g L−1 sea salt solutions. Reproductive maturity was reached 4 years after initial establishment of plants from seed, with nearly all stems producing male or female flowers. Mixtures of male and female plants (1:3) produced 231–310 g m−2 of grain, with nutritional content similar to domesticated grains. These yields are within the range of other grain crops and demonstrate the potential for further developing D. palmeri as a global crop for salinized soils and water supplies.
A Synopsis of General Characteristics of National Fiscal Doctrines

This section briefly presents the essential characteristics of national bodies of fiscal thought according to the following plan. Each section opens with a list of the names of the most important representatives and a brief description of the general characteristics of the given national school of fiscal thought. This is ensued by a five-part analysis. The first concerns each theory’s treatment of the two sides of the fiscal account. Some theories simultaneously determine both the tax and the expenditure side of the budget while some others determine one side independently of the other. Again, in some national schools of fiscal thought both sides comply with the principle of equimarginality while in some others marginal valuation is reserved only for the tax side. The second analysis concerns the treatment of the problem of economic efficiency. How is the efficient level of output thought to be attained in each theory in face of conflicting individual demands of public goods? How, in each theory, are the votes of individuals translated into the demand for public sector output? The next area of analysis, concerning the handling of the problem of coercion, is closely linked to the preceding one; namely, considering that the majority rule is adopted as the basis of collective choice, what protects the minority in whose valuation the public good appears unproductive?
Laser Based Chemical Sensor Technology: Recent Advances and Applications

There is an increasing need in many chemical sensing applications ranging from environmental science to industrial process control as well as medical diagnostics for fast, sensitive, and selective trace gas detection based on laser spectroscopy. The recent availability of continuous wave (cw) near infrared diode lasers-, mid-infrared quantum cascade and interband cascade distributed feedback (QC and IC DFB) lasers as mid-infrared spectroscopic sources addresses this need. A number of spectroscopic techniques have been demonstrated. For example, the authors have employed infrared DFB QC and IC lasers for the detection and quantification of trace gases and isotopic species in ambient air by means of direct absorption, cavity-enhanced, and photoacoustic spectroscopy. These spectroscopic techniques offer an alternative to non-spectroscopic techniques such as mass spectrometry (MS), gas chromatography (GC) and electrochemical sensors. The sensitivity and selectivity that can be achieved by both techniques (excluding electrochemical sensors) are similar, but the sensor response time, instrumentation size and cost of ownership for spectroscopic techniques can be advantageous as compared to MS-GC spectrometry.
Closing the Gap: First Year Success in College Mathematics at an HBCU

At our Historically-Black University, about 89% of first-year students place into developmental mathematics, negatively impacting retention and degree completion. In 2012, an NSF-funded learning enrichment project began offering the introductory and developmental mathematics courses on-line over the summer to incoming science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) majors at no cost. Passing rates for the summer on-line classes were around 80%, and students in the on-line classes scored equivalently on the common departmental final exams as students taking the classes in the traditional format. For students who passed the on-line classes, their performance in the following classes (College Algebra and Trigonometry) exceeded that of students who progressed to those courses by taking the traditional series of in-person courses. Three years of data show that students who started college with an on-line mathematics course in a summer bridge program had a higher first year GPA, a better first year retention rate and earned significantly more credits in their first year than the overall population of STEM students. These results suggest that offering introductory mathematics courses on-line as part of a freshman bridge program is an effective, scalable intervention to increase the academic success of students who enter college under-prepared in mathematics. The positive results are particularly exciting since the students in our project were 87% minority.
Financial Knowledge and Behaviors of Chinese Migrant Workers: An International Perspective on a Financially Vulnerable Population

ABSTRACTMaking informed financial decisions is crucial to the wellbeing of Chinese migrant workers. Using interview survey data (N = 329), this study examined financial knowledge and behaviors of migrant workers in China. Results showed that participants demonstrated low levels of financial knowledge (51.4%) and beneficial financial behaviors (51.0%). Multivariate results indicated that a modest proportion of the variance in financial behaviors was explained by financial knowledge, attitudes, and socio-demographic characteristics (e.g., marital status and income). Findings underscore the importance of disseminating culturally-relevant educational interventions to financially at-risk, low-paid migrant workers in China.
What can replace metals in plasmonics and metamaterials?(Conference Presentation)

Large ohmic losses in metal is the main factor impeding the progress in plasmonics and metamaterials. An extensive effort to replace metals as materials of choice, especially in the infrared region of the spectrum with alternative materials, such as high-doped semiconductors, nitrides, or “Phononic” materials is currently under way. In this talk I will offer a critical assessment of how the alternative plasmonic materials stack up against noble metals in the infrared region and show that they face an uphill battle in the quest to replace metals.
Models solely using claims-based administrative data are poor predictors of rheumatoid arthritis disease activity.

This study developed and validated a claims-based statistical model to predict rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease activity, measured by the 28-joint count Disease Activity Score (DAS28). Veterans enrolled in the Veterans Affairs Rheumatoid Arthritis (VARA) registry with one year of data available for review before being assessed by the DAS28, were studied. Three models were developed based on initial selection of variables for analyses. The first model was based on clinically defined variables, the second leveraged grouping systems for high dimensional data and the third approach prescreened all possible predictors based on a significant bivariate association with the DAS28. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) with fivefold cross-validation was used for variable selection and model development. Models were also compared for patients with 5.1) activity. There were 1582 Veterans who fulfilled inclusion criteria. The adjusted r-square for the three models tested ranged from 0.221 to 0.223. The models performed slightly better for patients with <5 years of RA disease than for patients with ≥5 years of RA disease. Correct classification of DAS28 categories ranged from 39.9% to 40.5% for the three models. The multiple models tested showed weak overall predictive accuracy in measuring DAS28. The models performed poorly at predicting patients with remission and high disease activity. Future research should investigate components of disease activity measures directly from medical records and incorporate additional laboratory and other clinical data.
Maternal Tdap vaccination and risk of infant morbidity

Abstract Introduction An increased risk of diagnosed chorioamnionitis in women vaccinated with Tdap during pregnancy was previously detected at two Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD) sites. The clinical significance of this finding related to infant outcomes remains uncertain. Methods Retrospective cohort study of singleton live births born to women who were continuously insured from 6 months prior to their last menstrual period through 6 weeks postpartum, with ≥1 outpatient visit during pregnancy from January 1, 2010 to November 15, 2013 at seven integrated United States health care systems part of the VSD. We re-evaluated the association between maternal Tdap and chorioamnionitis and evaluated whether specific infant morbidities differ among infants born to mothers who did and did not receive Tdap during pregnancy. We focused on 2 Tdap exposure windows: the recommended 27–36 weeks gestation or anytime during pregnancy. We identified inpatient diagnostic codes for transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN), neonatal sepsis, neonatal pneumonia, respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), and newborn convulsions associated with an infant's first hospitalization. A generalized linear model with Poisson distribution and log-link was used to estimate propensity score adjusted rate ratios (ARR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results The analyses included 197,564 pregnancies. Chorioamnionitis was recorded in 6.4% of women who received Tdap vaccination any time during pregnancy and 5.2% of women who did not (ARR [95% CI]: 1.23 [1.17, 1.28]). Compared with unvaccinated women, there were no significant increased risks (ARR [95% CI]) for TTN (1.04 [0.98, 1.11]), neonatal sepsis (1.06 [0.91, 1.23]), neonatal pneumonia (0.94 [0.72, 1.22]), RDS (0.91 [0.66, 1.26]), or newborn convulsions (1.16 [0.87, 1.53]) in infants born to Tdap-vaccinated women. Conclusions and Relevance Despite an observed association between maternal Tdap vaccination and maternal chorioamnionitis, we did not find increased risk for clinically significant infant outcomes associated with maternal chorioamnionitis.
Effect of a K72A Mutation on the Structure, Stability, Dynamics, and Peroxidase Activity of Human Cytochrome c

We test the hypothesis that Lys72 suppresses the intrinsic peroxidase activity of human cytochrome c, as observed previously for yeast iso-1-cytochrome c [McClelland, L. J., et al. (2014) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 111, 6648–6653]. A 1.25 A X-ray structure of K72A human cytochrome c shows that the mutation minimally affects structure. Guanidine hydrochloride denaturation demonstrates that the K72A mutation increases global stability by 0.5 kcal/mol. The K72A mutation also increases the apparent pKa of the alkaline transition, a measure of the stability of the heme crevice, by 0.5 unit. Consistent with the increase in the apparent pKa, the rate of formation of the dominant alkaline conformer decreases, and this conformer is no longer stabilized by proline isomerization. Peroxidase activity measurements show that the K72A mutation increases kcat by 1.6–4-fold at pH 7–10, an effect larger than that seen for the yeast protein. X-ray structures of wild type and K72A human cytochrome c indicate that direct...
Aspirin and Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Hypersensitivity and Management

Aspirin and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used in the United States and throughout the world for a variety of indications. Several unique hypersensitivity syndromes exist to this class of medications, making them one of the common reasons for consultation to the allergist. The lack of any laboratory-based diagnostic studies to assist in identifying the culprits in these reactions make evaluation of aspirin and NSAID hypersensitivity challenging. Identifying patients appropriate for oral challenge and/or desensitization protocols is the standard pragmatic approach to this issue when it arises.
Identifying Fetal Growth Disorders Using Ultrasonography in Women With Diabetes.

OBJECTIVES We evaluated the ability of third-trimester ultrasonography (US) to diagnose disorders of fetal growth among women with diabetes mellitus. METHODS This work was a retrospective cohort study of women with diabetes who delivered term singleton neonates at a single academic medical center and who had a US examination within 5 weeks of delivery. We characterized the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of US to detect large-for-gestational age (LGA) and small-for-gestational age (SGA) infants. Large and small for gestational age were defined as a US estimated fetal weight of greater than 90% and less than 10%, respectively, based on the Hadlock formula (Radiology 1991; 181:129-133); US estimates of LGA or SGA were compared with postnatal findings of LGA or SGA based on gestational age-based weight percentiles. Test characteristics were analyzed for the total cohort and by the type of diabetes. We compared the areas under the curve for receiver operating characteristic curves for different types of diabetes. RESULTS Of 521 women, 3 (0.6%) screened positive for SGA, and 64 (12.3%) delivered an SGA neonate. In contrast, 129 (24.8%) screened positive for LGA, and 61 (11.7%) delivered an LGA neonate. The receiver operating characteristic curves did not differ significantly for different types of diabetes (P = .68). CONCLUSIONS Ultrasonography in women with diabetes and term or late preterm pregnancies has high specificity but poor sensitivity for SGA and a low positive predictive value for LGA. The diagnostic capability of US to detect fetal growth abnormalities did not differ significantly by the type of diabetes.
Modeling Temporal-Spatial Correlations for Crime Prediction

Crime prediction plays a crucial role in improving public security and reducing the financial loss of crimes. The vast majority of traditional algorithms performed the prediction by leveraging demographic data, which could fail to capture the dynamics of crimes in urban. In the era of big data, we have witnessed advanced ways to collect and integrate fine-grained urban, mobile, and public service data that contains various crime-related sources and rich temporal-spatial information. Such information provides better understandings about the dynamics of crimes and has potentials to advance crime prediction. In this paper, we exploit temporal-spatial correlations in urban data for crime prediction. In particular, we validate the existence of temporal-spatial correlations in crime and develop a principled approach to model these correlations into the coherent framework TCP for crime prediction. The experimental results on real-world data demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed framework. Further experiments have been conducted to understand the importance of temporal-spatial correlations in crime prediction.
A Q factor analysis approach to understanding female college students’ attitudes toward multiple STEM disciplines:

Research on gender disparities in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) has paid little attention to the fact that not all STEM disciplines experience the same degree of gender i...
Scalable Window Generation for the Intel Broadwell+Arria 10 and High-Bandwidth FPGA Systems

Emerging FPGA systems are providing higher external memory bandwidth to compete with GPU performance. However, because FPGAs often achieve parallelism through deep pipelines, traditional FPGA design strategies do not necessarily scale well to large amounts of replicated pipelines that can take advantage of higher bandwidth. We show that sliding-window applications, an important subset of digital signal processing, demonstrate this scalability problem. We introduce a window generator architecture that enables replication to over 330 GB/s, which is an 8.7x improvement over previous work. We evaluate the window generator on the Intel Broadwell+Arria10 system for 2D convolution and show that for traditional convolution (one filter per image), our approach outperforms a 12-core Xeon Broadwell E5 by 81x and a high-end Nvidia P6000 GPU by an order of magnitude for most input sizes, while improving energy by 15.7x. For convolutional neural nets (CNNs), we show that although the GPU and Xeon typically outperform existing FPGA systems, projected performances of the window generator running on FPGAs with sufficient bandwidth can outperform high-end GPUs for many common CNN parameters.
Inflation and Investment in the United States

Se examina la relacion empirica entre la inflacion y el gasto de inversion usando los datos trimestrales de Estados Unidos. Los hallazgos indican una relacion positiva de cointegracion entre la inflacion y el gasto de inversion; sin embargo, no apoyan el punto de vista de que la inflacion impide la inversion. Los resultados sugieren que, en el largo plazo, una inflacion mas baja puede conducir a una pequena disminucion en la inversion real en Estados Unidos. Estos resultados levantan dudas sobre los argumentos de la politica para la meta de baja inflacion para Estados Unidos basados en una relacion negativa entre la inflacion y la inversion real.
Exploiting Semantics in Subject-Based Searching of DSpace

Subjects are grouped in a classification system according to their established natural relationship. Subject-based searching (SS) in institutional repositories (IR) searches objects on the basis of subjects. The existing SS technique in the IR system: DSpace, partially exploits the semantics inherent in subject-based classification and misses out objects that are relevant to a user query. Ontology describes the semantic relationships that exist among different subjects of classification. Our proposed system employs ontology for SS in order to exploit the semantic relationships that exist among subjects. We figure out the family of a user given subject, assign different weights to semantic relationships and rank the retrieved objects according to weights. The proposed system was compared with the existing DSpace SS system. The results shows that the system returns more relevant objects than the existing SS system.
Kyphosis and Lordosis

Kyphosis is an increasingly important condition which has interested spinal surgeons for many decades. As scoliosis has become better understood, more difficult spinal deformities in the form of kyphosis have become apparent. Kyphosis is the major deformity that can produce paraplegia if it progresses to a significant degree and is untreated. In contradistinction to scoliosis, in which bracing and posterior fusion are usually quite sufficient, kyphosis sometimes responds well to bracing and in certain instances does not. When surgical treatment is necessary, in early cases it can require posterior fusion, but in some cases it requires both an anterior and a posterior approach. The purpose of this chapter is to give a review of the various etiologies of kyphosis and the current status of management of the problems encountered by the kyphotic patient and his surgeon.
Distinguishing the ‘Legitimate’ from the ‘Illegitimate’ in US Business Education

In this paper, we discuss the legitimacy of the emerging for-profit sector “career” business model versus the traditional business school model in the US. Following the conference theme, we argue that online education is challenging the institutional environment of traditional colleges and universities to the extent that business schools will need to revisit its competitive positioning. We conclude with implications for the future of postsecondary business education and recommendations for future research.