cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vitamin E Activity of 1-Thio-α-Tocophero as Measured by the Rat Curative Myopathy Bioassay

The bioactivity of the acetate of the all-racemic, 1-thio analog of a-tocopherol (all-rac-]-thio-α-tocopheryl acetate) has been determined by measuring its ability to decrease plasma levels of pyruvate kinase in vitamin E deficient rats using the curative myopathy bioassay. The thio analog is only 0.22 times as active as RRR-α-tocopheryl acetate and is therefore approximately 0.33 times as active as all-rac-α-tocopheryl acetate, since the latter has been shown to be 1.47 times less active than RRR-α-tocopheryl acetate in the same bioassay (H. Weiser, M. Vecchi and M. Schlachter, Internal. J. Vit. Nutr. Res. 55 149-158 (1985)). The 0.33:1.0 ratio is similar to the ratio of 0.41:1.0 measured for the in vitro antioxidant activities of the corresponding free phenols. This finding lends further support to our view that the vitamin E activity in the curative myopathy bioassay of close structural analogs of α-tocopherol is determined primarily by the in vitro antioxidant activity of the analog relative to α-toco...
Expanding Course Goals beyond Disciplinary Boundaries: Physiology Education in an Undergraduate Course on Psychoactive Drugs.

The topic of psychoactive drugs is one of inherent interest to college students. We used this insight to design and implement a multidisciplinary undergraduate course with psychoactive drugs as the...
Analysis of Structure – Microscopy

We know an object is located in state space when we can interact with it. We know that the choice of observables, the method of measuring them, and the abstractions used to connect the observables to a formal-natural system model are the essence of modern biophysical science. Furthermore, we are bound to a great degree by our own innately human system for observing, which is largely visual. Few methodologies in the biophysical sciences are more satisfying than those that employ visualization of the state space under consideration. The human brain is naturally organized to extract data from visual images. Thus microscopy and its related imaging methodologies are powerful tools for extracting and mapping information about a system. A word of caution is necessary. While the psychology of image and iconographic power as a natural consequence of the neurological functioning of the human brain is beyond our scope here, as human researchers we must be skeptical of the conclusions derived from our iconoscopic powers. Readers, teachers, and marketing departments are universally aware of the power of a good pictorial representation to drive home a point. But abstraction is taken to its highest level in pictures because the human brain is naturally driven to fill in empty data sets. Having done so, however, the brain usually losses the distinction between observed and abstracted. This neurological determinism is, in part, the biological explanation for many of the paradoxes in biophysical studies. It certainly underlies the unfortunate Aristotelian dogma that the only “true” knowledge was to be gained through the observations made by the primary human senses.
The role of classroom techniques in teaching management skills

University faculty members, especially in business schools, have consistently discussed the role of teaching techniques in conveying knowledge about a set of skills that are needed by their students. This article is an attempt to discover the role that different pedagogical tools, lectures, case studies, simulations, and experiential exercises play in teaching the skill sets needed by young business school graduates. The results show that some forms of pedagogy clearly outperform others in teaching the needed skill set. However, all four of the teaching techniques studied contributed to the required skill set. The results clearly emphasized the effectiveness of using multiple teaching techniques in teaching management skills.
Creation of cold nitric oxide by extraction of the cold fraction of a thermal distribution

We describe a device using the Stark effect to extract the cold fraction of nitric oxide molecules from a warmer thermal distribution. Room temperature NO is cryogenically cooled to 72-82 K and injected into a straight, hexapole guide that uses the Stark effect. By blocking line-of-sight trajectories from the input to the output, primarily the slowest molecules are guided around the obstruction and are transferred into a new chamber. We measure the temperature distribution using a field-stabilized Rydberg time-of-flight technique. A superposition of molecular Rydberg states is excited, sufficiently increasing the lifetime of the excited state for a time-of-flight measurement for cold molecular samples. We produce a continuous source of nitric oxide with temperatures ranging from 7 to 20 K in the lowest ro-vibrational state. The output temperature is controlled by the initial temperature distribution and the guide voltage.
Seasonal and Intraseasonal Variability of Large-Scale Barotropic Modes

Abstract The barotropic instability of time-dependent observed basic states that are periodic, with a period of 1 yr covering the complete annual cycle, is analyzed using Floquet theory. The time-dependent basic state is constructed from observed monthly averaged 300-mb streamfunction fields linearly interpolated between the different months. The propagator over the 1-yr period is constructed, and its eigenvalues and some of the fastest-growing eigenvectors, termed finite-time normal modes (FTNMs), are calculated. The fast-growing FTNMs are large-scale modes with generally largest amplitudes in the Northern Hemisphere. They exhibit intraseasonal variability in their structures, as well as longer period variations, and their amplification rates vary with time. The fastest-growing FTNM has its largest growth rate in early northern winter and its amplification has maximum cumulative effect in boreal spring when the equatorward penetration of this disturbance is also the largest. The other fast-growing FTNMs ...
SELECTION OF RAPID TOOLING MATERIALS AND PROCESSES IN A DISTRIBUTED DESIGN ENVIRONMENT

Rapid prototyping has made a substantial contribution to reducing product development time. Here we discuss rapid tooling, that is, rapid prototyping of production tools, especially injection molds. The rapidly prototyped tools are then used to produce final parts. As the market demands ever more rapid production of parts, at Georgia Tech we are developing a distributed design environment in which the various stakeholders in the product development process can contribute information and expertise. We present the overall vision for the design for manufacture portion of the Rapid Tooling TestBed. The design framework for Rapid Tooling TestBed is based on an attention-directing tool, the Decision Support Problem Technique, in which we postulate that design progress is measured by the types and nature of decisions about the product which are being made. Here we study two of these decisions which must be made simultaneously, the selection of the most feasible process and material combination for the development of an injection mold. This coupled decision is formulated with the attention directing tool, coupled selection-selection Decision Support Proeblems.. Specifically, a we solve a decision problem to determine the most feasible process and material combination for the production of a simple rib to be produced using a rapidly prototyped injection mold. The resulting mold must be able to withstand the forces, stresses and strains imposed on it in the injection molding process. The emphasis of this paper in on the methods rather than on the results , per se.
Salt Effects on the Physical Properties of the Transferrins

Salts are known to have a pronounced effect on the spectroscopic, thermodynamic and kinetic properties of human serum transferrin. The present study was undertaken to examine the effect of NaCl on the related proteins ovotransferrin and lactoferrin. EPR difference spectroscopy was used to probe changes in the metal site of these proteins. Sodium chloride was found to perturb the g′ = 4.3 EPR spectra of both ovotransferrin and lactoferrin but in different ways. The spectrum of ovotransferrin is reduced in amplitude with a broad feature appearing at g′ = 4.8 whereas there is a loss of resolution of the doublet feature at the peak of the EPR derivative spectrum for lactoferrin. The increase in the amplitude of the ovotransferrin EPR difference spectrum (spectrum without NaCl minus spectrum with NaCl) as a function of NaCl concentration is suggestive of saturation binding. A Hill plot binding isotherm gave n = 1.87 ± 0.32 and log K = 1.49 ± 0.03 for ovotransferrin, where n is the number of C1- ions binding to either one or both iron containing lobes of the protein and K is the overall association constant. Preliminary measurements with lactoferrin gave n = 1.95 ± 0.34 and log K = 1.41 ± 0.06. These results are similar to those previously reported for serum transferrin and suggest that Cl- binds to all the transferrins with strong pairwise cooperativity. This binding may reflect a functional role for chloride and other physiological anions in the uptake and release of iron by the transferrins.
Fuel Assembly Bowing and Core Restraint Design in Fast Reactors

The reactivity of a fast spectrum nuclear reactor core is sensitive to changes in the fuel position. The core is formed by a hexagonal array of fuel assemblies which contain the fuel elements. The main structural components of the assemblies are thinwall hexagonal ducts. The fuel elements represent negligible stiffness in the fuel assembly compared to the ducts such that the ducts determine the location of the fuel. Thermal gradients across the fuel assembly cross sections create differential thermal expansion which causes the assemblies to bow. This bowing is proportional to the power to flow ratio such that it can become an important part of the reactivity change during reactor transients such as during reactor start-up, transient overpower (TOP), and unprotected loss of flow without scram (ULOF). In addition to these short term transients, thermal and fast neutron flux gradients within the core cause the assembly ducts to swell and bow over time due to irradiation creep and swelling. These latter effects produce permanent bowing of the ducts which change the reactivity over time and more importantly affect the mechanical forces required to refuel the core as the bowing is greater that the duct-to-duct clearance. Understanding these bowing responses is important to the understanding of both the transient behavior of a fast reactor as well as the refueling loads. Through proper design of the core restraint system, the bowing response can be engineered to provide negative feedback during the above mentioned transients such that it becomes part of the inherent safety of a fast reactor. Similarly, the opposing effects of creep and swelling can be manipulated to reduce the permanent core bowing deformations. We provide a discussion of the key features of analyzing and designing a core restraint system and provide a brief survey of the past work.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Making Corporate Environmental and Social Responsibility (CESR) Happen

The time has come for global companies to pursue aggressively their environmental and social responsibilities. This paper poses and discusses six key questions that CEOs and senior leadership teams need to be asking themselves as they begin the long and challenging journey that lies ahead. The necessary commitments to environmental and social change must be rooted in ethical considerations, be springboards for innovation, and be built upon a solid base of corporate responsibility. These commitments must acknowledge the capabilities that will be required to fulfill them, the potential barriers that may arise, and the possibility of a dramatic change in the purpose and nature of the global corporations. There is an urgent need for corporate change and this paper provides a framework for discussions leading to making that change happen.
Appendix 1. Nutrient-Composition Tables for Grains and for Grain-Based Products

The composition of grains and grain-based foods is provided with respect to protein; carbohydrate; fat; fiber; the minerals potassium, sodium, calcium, iron, phosphorus, zinc, copper, magnesium, vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, pantothenic acid, and vitamin B 6 , based on the specified serving portions. Data are provided for grains, flours, meals, and foods including breads, cookies, cakes, pasta, pies, and beverages.
Sharp bounds on formation-free sequences

An (r, s)-formation is the concatenation of s permutations over an r-letter alphabet. Formation-free sequences are a generalization of standard Davenport-Schinzel sequences (where r = 2) and can be used to obtain good bounds on the extremal function of any forbidden subsequence. More recently, formation-free sequences have been applied to bounding the size of sets of permutations with fixed VC-dimension.Improving on earlier work by Klazar, Nivasch, and Cibulka and Kyncl, we prove sharp bounds on the length of (r, s)-formation-free sequences, for every r and s, and on sequences avoiding "doubled" (r, s)-formations.There are two take-away messages from our results. The first is that formation-free sequences are qualitatively different than their Davenport-Schinzel counterparts. They behave similarly when r = 2, or when s ≤ 3, or when s ≥ 4 is even, but are different in all other cases. The second message is that sequences avoiding doubled (r, s)-formations behave just like (r, s)-formation-free sequences, though they are substantially more difficult to analyze.
Property Rules, Liability Rules and Termination Rights: A Fresh Look at the Employment At Will Debate with Applications to Franchising and Family Law

Contract formation is the keystone in the current teaching and analysis of contract law. Equally important, but less often analyzed, is contract termination. In this Article, I develop a novel theory of "termination rights" to address the problems associated with the termination of long term or relational contracts. Such problems typically arise when one of the two parties engaged in a long term contract seeks to terminate the contract unilaterally. It is in this context, when one party wishes the long term relationship to continue and one wishes it to end, that the legal question arises as to the rights the respective parties have in the twilight of a long term relationship. I propose that the answer to this question is largely one of property rights entitlement, which I develop primarily in the context of employment law. However, this analysis can be extended to many areas of the law; accordingly, I also touch briefly at the end of the Article on potential applications to franchise and family law.
Enhancers as non-coding RNA transcription units: recent insights and future perspectives

The observation that many, if not all, functional enhancers generate non-coding enhancer RNAs (eRNAs) has raised critical questions regarding the potential biological roles of the enhancer transcription process and, indeed, of eRNAs. This article reviews fundamental insights into the inter-regulation of enhancers and promoters and discusses unresolved questions regarding the functional role of enhancers as transcription units in genome regulation.
Template Routes to Non-Oxide Ceramic Nano- and Micro-Structures

Efficient routes to boron carbide, boron nitride, and silicon carbide nanostructures have been developed which employ newly developed chemical precursors in conjunction with colloidal silica and biological silica “diatom” templates. Melt infiltration of the precursor into ordered silica bead templates was followed by pyrolytic ceramic conversion. Dissolution of the silica templates with HF generated highly uniform and layered, submicron-sized ceramic structures with three-dimensional periodicity and tunable length scales. Vacuum filtration of ceramic precursor solutions through bioclastic silica diatom templates generated polymer coated replicas of their 3-D nano- and micro- structures. Subsequent pyrolysis to the ceramic followed by dissolution of the frustules yielded free-standing replicas with fine features on the nanoscale. These techniques provide facile routes to nano- and micro structured non-oxide ceramic materials.
An Analysis on Acute Flaccid Paralysis Case Surveillance Condition in Guizhou Province from 2007 to 2011

Objective: To analyze the working status of acute flaccid paralysis( AFP) surveillance system in Guizhou province during 2007- 2011,to find out possible problems in the system and prevent the import of wild polio cases. Methods: AFP surveillance data in recent 5 years was arranged,distribution features of AFP cases were analyzed,and the quality and effect of our surveillance system were evaluated. Result: The 1 068 AFP cases came from 9 cities( districts),and AFP attacking time was unseasonal; AFP mainly occurred in children aged ≤4 years,and the ratio of boy and girl was 1. 83∶ 1. Guillian berry syndrome( GBS) was the major clinical manifestation,occupying 35. 7%. The incidence of non-polio AFP was more than 1 /100 000 in children under 15 of the province per year. All timeliness indexes were beyond 80%. When the patients visited clinic for the second time,the abnormal rate of stool specimen was about 18. 0%,but,when their visiting time reached 3 or above,the rate could increase to 52. 4%. Conclusions: The quality of AFP surveillance system in Guizhou province during 2007- 2011 is good. The more times the AFP cases go to clinic,the higher abnormal rate of specimens occurred,and more attention should be payed.
Effect of Blood Cardioplegia With Glutathion on Myocardial Protection During Heart Valve Replacement Surgery

Objective:To observe the clinical effects of cardioplegia with reduced glutathion(GSH) in heart valve replacement surgery. Methods:Thirty patients with heart valve replacement surgery were randomly divided into two groups.GSH group(n=15)re- ceived GSH in cardioplegia solution,and control group(n=15)received cardioplegia alone.CK-MB,LDH,and cTnI were detec- ted at various time points during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Results:The values of CK-MB,LDH and cTnI in GSH group after CPB were significantly lower than those in control group at different time points(P0.05～0.01). Conclusion:Antegrade intermittent blood cardioplegia with GSH is effective for myocardial protection during heart valve re- placement surgery.
Endocrine surgical diseases of elderly patients

The causes, evaluation, and preoperative and postoperative care of primary hyperparathyroidism and thyroid nodules in the elderly patient population have been described. Primary hyperparathyroidism is easily diagnosed and is almost always curable by surgery. Elderly patients with asymptomatic disease are candidates for nonoperative, expectant management. If they become symptomatic, surgery should be performed. Postoperative care of the elderly patient who has undergone parathyroid exploration is potentially complicated by the patient's other medical problems, including cardiac and pulmonary difficulties, variable severity of symptoms of hypocalcemia, and sensitivity to medications. Thyroid nodules in the elderly may present later than in younger patients and are more likely to contain malignant tissue. Tissue diagnosis preoperatively, usually by FNA testing, is mandatory. Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma and thyroid lymphoma are both treated nonoperatively. Thyroid surgery in the elderly is usually well tolerated, although other medical conditions, as mentioned above, may complicate postoperative care. Thyroid carcinoma in the elderly carries a worse prognosis than in younger patients and should always be treated with postoperative adjuvant (radioablative) therapy. Although this does not affect survival (from the thyroid cancer), it does extend the disease-free interval. As the number of elderly patients increases, the frequency with which these disorders are encountered will also rise. It is important to realize that almost all elderly patients can both tolerate and benefit from surgical correction of these two disorders, if appropriate preoperative evaluation is coupled with excellent intraoperative and postoperative care.
Priors for Neural Networks

Neural networks are commonly used for classification and regression. The Bayesian approach may be employed, but choosing a prior for the parameters presents challenges. This paper reviews several priors in the literature and introduces Jeffreys priors for neural network models. The effect on the posterior is demonstrated through an example.
Income Inequality Is Associated With Stronger Social Comparison Effects: The Effect of Relative Income on Life Satisfaction.

Previous research has shown that having rich neighbors is associated with reduced levels of subjective well-being, an effect that is likely due to social comparison. The current study examined the role of income inequality as a moderator of this relative income effect. Multilevel analyses were conducted on a sample of more than 1.7 million people from 2,425 counties in the United States. Results showed that higher income inequality was associated with stronger relative income effects. In other words, people were more strongly influenced by the income of their neighbors when income inequality was high.
On multiple access for distributed dependent sources: a content-based group testing approach

In this paper we consider the multiple access problem with distributed dependent sources. We derive the optimal designs for the case of N correlated binary sources whose data is modelled as a two-state Markov chain. The solution can be classified as a group testing technique where data values at the sensors are determined through the successive refinements of the tests over smaller groups. The tests form, progressively, an accurate map of the sensor data at the central receiver. We derive the conditions on the parameters of the data model for which the group testing approach is superior to time sharing. In contrast to standard multiple access techniques, this is the first method proposed for data retrieval from distributed dependent sources which is content-based rather than user-based.
A Review of Time-Frequency Analysis Techniques for Estimation of Group Velocities

Time-frequency analysis techniques, including the classical use of zero crossings to measure period, have been widely used in seismology for the estimation of surface wave group velocities. Group velocity estimation by the short-time Fourier transform and the multiple filter techniques are equivalent. Although these techniques are used most often, their resolution is limited. The resolution is controlled by the window length in the short time Fourier transform and the filter band width in the multiple filter technique. The moving-window autoregressive spectral estimation provides the highest resolution with the shortest possible window length by predicting the properties of the signal outside the analysis window; however, high resolution is obtained at the expense of uncertainty in the amplitude. Recently, the Wigner distribution has been introduced as a tool for mapping dispersed surface waves into the time-frequency domain. Resolution of the Wigner distribution is comparable to that of the moving-window autoregressive spectral estimation. When the spectral density at a given time contains two or more dominant frequencies, their interference causes the Wigner distribution to introduce spurious spectral peaks complicating the interpretation. The Choi-Williams distribution, in which these interference effects are minimized, can be used for such dispersed signals. However, the implementation is computationally complex and the distribution offers only a medium resolution.
A detailed analysis of the variation in morphology of the gary dart point

AbstractThe Gary point is a Late Archaic dart point that contains an unusual amount of variation. Research shows a decrease in length and width from the Archaic to the Late Prehistoric period, and many archaeologists explain this variability as temporal or stylistic change. Schambach accounts for the variability by citing change from large, heavy shouldered specimens, to small, weak-shouldered specimens. Testing these ideas with Gary points from the Scott site in Oklahoma confirms the decreases in length and thickness, but shows a different trend in shape changes through time. The trend is reversed, with weak- shouldered points occurring earlier in time than those with well-defined shoulders. Further research indicates that resharpening plays a major role in the morphological variation at this site, and may be a contributor to the extreme variation in the shoulder area.
Symmetry-protected topological Hopf insulator and its generalizations

The tenfold way classification of noninteracting topological insulators represents a great success towards understanding topological states of matter. The question the authors try to address is: can all possible topological insulators be represented by the prototypes in the tenfold way classification (perhaps enriched with some extra symmetries), or are there exceptions fundamentally different from those prototypes? The Hopf insulator was considered as a special type of TI that is not obviously represented by any prototype in the tenfold way classification, but its stability and classification were never clarified. In this work, the authors identify a generalized particle-hole symmetry that gives the Hopf insulator and its higher-dimensional analog a rigorous definition and classification. Moreover, they provide a very heuristic understanding of the minimal models for the 3$d$ and 4$d$ Hopf insulators, based on which possible experimental realization of a Hopf insulator can be found.
Following the growth of Sarah's baby: An interprofessional education activity for Medical Nutrition Education and Diagnostic Medical Sonography students

Abstract This paper presents the implementation and findings of a pilot activity evaluating an educational activity which involved students from Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) and Medical Nutrition Education (MNE) programs within a College of Allied Health Professions. The activity was implemented in three parts: First, the students worked independently on library modules using a case-based scenario to focus on the use of library resources and evaluation of fetal growth. Second, a hands-on activity focused on assessing fetal growth, and the final component was group education session on nutrition during pregnancy. The student learning objectives for this activity included: 1). Develop student appreciation for the benefits of interprofessional teamwork, 2). Demonstrate an understanding of the assessment of fetal growth, and 3). Demonstrate an understanding of nutrients requirements during pregnancy. Learner outcomes were measured using pre- and post-tests of case study-related and evidence-based search skills-related knowledge, observation during the activity, and a post-activity survey and debriefing. Post-test scores showed a statistically significant increase from the pre-test scores, and the students qualitatively expressed an increased understanding of the roles of each respective discipline. The apparent success of an IPE activity involving DMS and MNE students highlights the fact that successful IPE activities can be created for students whose professional roles may not have obvious clinical overlap.
LONG-TERM BENEFITS OF REPAIR VERSUS REPLACEMENT FOR ACUTE NATIVE MITRAL VALVE ENDOCARDITIS

Background: Guidelines recommend repair over replacement for native mitral valve infective endocarditis (IE). Data is limited to small series: we therefore evaluated state-wide outcomes. Methods: From mandatory state databases we identified 3,976 adults who had mitral surgery for IE between 1998-
Rearrangement of an Intermediate Cyclopropyl Ketene in a RhII-Catalyzed Formal [4 + 1]-Cycloaddition Employing Vinyl Ketenes as 1,4-Dipoles and Donor–Acceptor Metallocarbenes

A RhII-catalyzed formal [4 + 1]-cycloaddition approach toward spirooxindole cyclopentenones is described. The diastereoselective cyclopropanation of vinyl ketenes with diazooxindoles as C1 synthons initiated a relatively mild formal [1,3]-migration of an intermediate cyclopropyl ketene to provide spirooxindoles in good to excellent yields (36–99%).
The effect of error and regularization norms on strain and damage identification via electrical impedance tomography in piezoresistive nanocomposites

Abstract Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) has recently emerged as a promising tool for the structural health monitoring (SHM) and non-destructive evaluation (NDE) of piezoresistive nanofiller-modified composites. With few exceptions in SHM and NDE, the vast majority of studies have formulated the EIT problem such that it endeavors to minimize a voltage error vector in the least-squares sense while simultaneously using an additional least-squares term for regularization. Unfortunately, the use of least-squares minimization and regularization has important limitations especially in the context of SHM and NDE. For example, the least-squares error minimization is extremely sensitive to outlier data. Such outlier data is a very real possibility in SHM applications due to damaged electrodes. Additionally, utilizing a least-squares term for regularization renders EIT incapable of resolving discontinuous conductivity changes such as would be induced by fracture events. More sophisticated minimization and regularization techniques that obviate these limitations are well known to medical and mathematical practitioners of EIT; however, these methods have not been explored in SHM and NDE applications. This is an important oversight because the needs of SHM and NDE differ considerably from the needs of medical imaging. Therefore, we herein explore the use of different minimization and regularization norms on EIT for experimental strain identification, detection of artificially induced through-hole damage, and detection of impact damage.
Vertex-minimal graphs with dihedral symmetry I

Abstract Let D 2 n denote the dihedral group of order 2 n , where n ≥ 3 . In this article, we build upon the findings of Haggard and McCarthy who, for certain values of n , produced a vertex-minimal graph with dihedral symmetry. Specifically, Haggard considered the situation when n 2 or n is a prime power, and McCarthy investigated the case when n is not divisible by 2 , 3 or 5 . In this article, we assume n is not divisible by 4 and construct a vertex-minimal graph whose automorphism group is isomorphic to D 2 n .
An All-Region I–V Model for 1-D Nanowire MOSFETs

An all-region short-channel MOSFET, model is developed for nanowire semiconductors with 1-D density of states. It is shown that in the quantum capacitance limit, the long-channel saturation current exhibits a ( Vgs − Vt )3/2 dependence on gate voltage. With the velocity saturation effect implemented in the model, the Ids – Vgs characteristics of 1-D MOSFETs are compared to those of 2-D MOSFETs at 10-nm channel length. The above threshold model is joined with a subthreshold current model derived from short-channel solutions to form an I – V model continuous in all regions.
Evaluating the effectiveness of five screening tools used to identify malnutrition risk in hospitalized elderly: A systematic review

This systematic review investigated 5 frequently used nutrition screening tools (NSTs) used in hospitals and their effectiveness at identifying malnutrition risk in the elderly. A literature review was conducted to obtain research articles focused on malnutrition screening in hospitalized elderly and effectiveness of the NST used. Twenty six articles were reviewed and evaluated, resulting in 8 that met inclusion criteria. The Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form, designed for use in the elderly, resulted in overestimation of malnutrition. Four screening tools did demonstrate more effectiveness in identifying malnutrition risk; however, several different biochemical and anthropometric parameters were used, which prevented meaningful comparisons. There is a need for a universal NST "gold standard" for use in the elderly, and further research is indicated.
Graphene Quantum Dots Electrochemistry and Sensitive Electrocatalytic Glucose Sensor Development

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs), derived from functionalized graphene precursors are graphene sheets a few nanometers in the lateral dimension having a several-layer thickness. They are zero-dimensional materials with quantum confinement and edge site effects. Intense research interest in GQDs is attributed to their unique physicochemical phenomena arising from the sp2-bonded carbon nanocore surrounded with edged plane functional moieties. In this work, GQDs are synthesized by both solvothermal and hydrothermal techniques, with the optimal size of 5 nm determined using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, with additional UV-Vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy, revealing electronic band signatures in the blue-violet region. Their potential in fundamental (direct electron transfer) and applied (enzyme-based glucose biosensor) electrochemistry has been practically realized. Glucose oxidase (GOx) was immobilized on glassy carbon (GC) electrodes modified with GQDs and functionalized graphene (graphene oxide and reduced form). The cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy are used for characterizing the direct electron transfer kinetics and electrocatalytical biosensing. The well-defined quasi-reversible redox peaks were observed under various electrochemical environment and conditions (pH, concentration, scan rate) to determine the diffusion coefficient (D) and first-order electron transfer rate (kET). The cyclic voltammetry curves showed homogeneous ion transport behavior for GQD and other graphene-based samples with D ranging between 8.45 × 10−9 m2 s−1 and 3 × 10−8 m2 s−1 following the order of GO < rGO < GQD < GQD (with FcMeOH as redox probe) < GOx/rGO < GOx/GO < HRP/GQDs < GOx/GQDs. The developed GOx-GQDs biosensor responds efficiently and linearly to the presence of glucose over concentrations ranging between 10 μM and 3 mM with a limit of detection of 1.35 μM and sensitivity of 0.00769 μA μM−1·cm−2 as compared with rGO (0.025 μA μM−1 cm−2, 4.16 μM) and GO (0.064 μA μM−1 cm−2, 4.82 μM) nanosheets. The relatively high performance and stability of GQDs is attributed to a sufficiently large surface-to-volume ratio, excellent biocompatibility, abundant hydrophilic edges, and a partially hydrophobic plane that favors GOx adsorption on the electrode surface and versatile architectures to ensure rapid charge transfer and electron/ion conduction (<10 ms). We also carried out similar studies with other enzymatic protein biomolecules on electrode surfaces prepared from GQD precursors for electrochemical comparison, thus opening up potential sensing applications in medicine as well as bio-nanotechnology.
Basaglar: A Hypersensitivity Reaction

The human insulin molecule is composed of a specific sequence of amino acids built in such a way that any change or modification will affect its primary, secondary, or tertiary structure, which in turn can affect the safety and efficacy of the therapeutic protein. As patents on currently available basal insulins begin to expire, biosimilar products will emerge and quickly replace many of these products owing to their favorable pricing profiles. However, biosimilar products are not 100% identical to their reference products because of their complex manufacturing processes from living cells or organisms (1). For that reason, the regulatory requirements for biosmiliars are more complex than for generic molecules. The Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act of 2009, passed as part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, allows biosimilar products to be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) via an abbreviated pathway (2). Biosimilars must demonstrate no clinically meaningful differences from their reference products in safety, purity, and potency, but they do not have to complete a therapeutic equivalence study. Yet, a major concern with biosimilars is the risk of immunogenicity resulting from variations in manufacturing, and thus clinical studies must be conducted before FDA approval to evaluate potential differences in the incidence and severity of immune responses (3). However, such FDA approval studies may not be sufficient, and post-marketing monitoring of biosimilars is essential for patient safety. Hypersensitivity reactions to insulin analogs are rare, with only one published case report of a reaction caused by a biosimilar product in China (4). In 2016, Basaglar was the first “follow-on” insulin glargine approved for use in the United States, with an amino acid sequence identical to that of insulin glargine (Lantus) (5). In Europe, this agent is referred to as a “biosimilar,” but because of …
A potential non-invasive approach to evaluating blastocyst quality using biodynamic imaging

Biodynamic imaging (BDI) is capable of capturing the intracellular dynamics of blastocysts within a relatively short time. Spectroscopic signatures of embryos in the 0.01 Hz - 1 Hz range display responses to external factors before morphology changes take place. Viability evaluation is consistent with results from other non-invasive methods. Biodynamic imaging is a potential tool for selecting high quality embryos in clinical IVF practices.
Introduction to the Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system is a collection of vessels, nodes, and organs including the pharyngeal lymphoid ring. Lymph, the fluid flowing through the system, is colorless (L., lympha = clear water) and the vessels normally containing it are usually collapsed and difficult to isolate. Hence, the lymphatic system is frequently perceived as being less important than other systems of the body and, in general, given short shrift in textbooks of topographic anatomy. Actually, of course, the lymphatic system is a vital cog in the homeostatic machinery of the body. One of its functions is to return to the blood vascular system fluids and plasma proteins that were filtered or forced out at the arterial end of capillaries and lost to tissue spaces. By returning extravasated plasma proteins, especially albumins, to the blood stream, the lymphatic system helps maintain plasma osmotic pressure and, thus, the fluid balance between blood and the interstitial spaces.
Relativistic Electron Beams in a Solid

Since the 1960s the military have considered high-intensity electron beams as the most advanced space weapon of the future. Later some uncommon relativistic effects of the beams on solids were discovered experimentally and explained theoretically. These effects are treated in the present Chapter based on fracture mechanics methods including the method of invariant Γ integrals, the method of singular and generalized solutions, and the method of driving forces.
Viral variation of the bovine immunodeficiency-like virus

Two new isolates of bovine lentivirus, also known as bovine immunodeficiency-like virus (BIV), were obtained from a seropositive cattle herd in Florida. This is the first report of new isolates of BIV since the original BIV strain, R29, was isolated in 1969. The two new BIV isolates were derived from blood buffy coat cells cocultivated in vitro with fetal bovine lung (FBL) cell cultures. The new isolates differed in vitro from the original R29 isolate in replication and syncytial formation in FBL cells. Both new isolates were confirmed as BIV by immunofluorescence, Western blot, and polymerase chain reaction (PGR). Sequence analyses of the PGR po/gene product showed a 92.6% and 93.6% homology to the published nucleotide sequence of BIV R291 Virology Cattle Research, National Animal Disease Center, ARS/USDA, Ames, Iowa 50010 2 Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Preventative Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50010 3 Department of Microbiology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66045 4 Corresponding Author
The crystal structure of bis­[(E)-4-bromo-2-({[2-(pyridin-2-yl)eth­yl]imino}­meth­yl)phenol]nickel(II) bis­[(E)-4-bromo-2-({[2-(pyridin-2-yl)eth­yl]imino}­meth­yl)phenolato]nickel(II) bis(perchlorate) methanol monosolvate, a structure containing strong inter-species hydrogen bonds

The title compound, [Ni(C14H12BrN2O)2][Ni(C14H13BrN2O)2](ClO4)2·CH3OH consists of two mononuclear ([Ni(HL)2]2+ and [NiL2]) complex mol­ecules linked by strong hydrogen bonding [O⋯O separations of only 2.430 (5) A], which is the shortest reported to date for such species. In one of the complexes, both the coordinated phen­oxy groups retain their protons and thus this is the cationic equivalent species of the other complex where both coordinated phen­oxy groups are deprotonated. In addition, perchlorate anions are present for charge balance, as well as methanol solvate mol­ecules. For the neutral NiL2 complex, each 2-ethyl­amine­pyridine arm is disordered over two equivalent conformations with occupancies of 0.750 (8):0.250 (8). The perchlorate anion is disordered over two equivalent conformations with occupancies of 0.602 (8):0.398 (8). The perchlorate ions also link to the H atoms on the methanol methyl and hydroxyl groups. These inter­actions link the moieties into a complex three-dimensional array. The crystal studied was refined as a two-component twin.
The Internalization Theory of Foreign Direct Investment:: Some Empirical Evidence

The internalization theory of foreign direct investment is tested by comparing gains from foreign direct investment (FDI) and non-FDI modes of expansion. The proponents of internalization theory argue that FD1 modes ofexpansion are better since the risk of dissemination of information monopoly is less when firms expand using these modes. However, critics argue that non- FDI modes of expansion are preferable because of the high agency costs of decentralization associated with FDI modes. This slightly sheds some light on the debate by comparing thegains from FDI and non-FDI modes of expansion. The results show that obnorrnal returns to the shareholders are significantly higher when firms expand using non-FDI modes of expansion (e.g., sales, contracts, ant1 licensing) relative to FDI modes of expansion (e.g., subsidiaries, acquisitions, and joint-ventures).
Mobility and its Effects on HIV Acquisition and Treatment Engagement: Recent Theoretical and Empirical Advances.

We reviewed literature across multiple disciplines to describe issues with the measurement of population mobility in HIV research and to summarize evidence of causal pathways linking mobility to HIV acquisition risks and treatment engagement, with a focus on sub-Saharan Africa. While the literature on mobility and HIV remains hampered by problems and inconsistency in measures of mobility, the recent research reveals a turn towards a greater attentiveness to measurement and gender. Theoretical and heuristic models for the study of mobility and HIV acquisition and treatment outcomes have been published, but few studies have used longitudinal designs with clear ascertainment of exposures and outcomes for measurement of causal pathways. Notwithstanding these limitations, evidence continues to accumulate that mobility is linked to higher HIV incidence, and that it challenges optimal treatment engagement. Gender continues to be important: while men are more mobile than women, women’s mobility particularly heightens their HIV acquisition risks. Recent large-scale efforts to find, test, and treat the individuals in communities who are most at risk of sustaining local HIV transmission have been severely challenged by mobility. Novel interventions, policies, and health systems improvements are urgently needed to fully engage mobile individuals in HIV care and prevention. Interventions targeting the HIV prevention and care needs of mobile populations remain few in number and urgently needed.
Relationship between Inflammatory Biomarkers and Adiposity in Obese Patients with Heart Failure and Metabolic Syndrome

Relationship between Inﬂammatory Biomarkers and Adiposity in Obese Patients with Heart Failure and Metabolic Syndrome Marjan Motie, Vincent Kennedy, Lorraine S. Evangelista; University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA Background: Little is known about the associations between inﬂammation and obe- sity in patients with heart failure (HF) and metabolic syndrome (MS). The purpose of this report is to describe and evaluate the association between C-reactive protein (CRP), leptin, and adiposity in 36 obese patients with HF and MS. Method: Height and weight were used to calculate body mass index (BMI); adiposity was further as- sessed using waist circumference (WC) and body composition measures (e.g. percent body fat, percent lean mass) obtained from total body dual-energy x-ray absorptiom- etry (DEXA) scan. High sensitivity-CRP and leptin were measured using bioassays as standardized by our core lab. Results: Our data showed signiﬁcant correlations be- tween CRP, leptin, and percent body fat (Table 1). In a post-hoc analyses, we com- pared leptin and CRP concentrations of patients with a BMI O35 (n 5 19) and patients with a BMI ! 35 (n 5 13) and found that patients who were more obese had higher CRP (4,740m vs. 2,946m, p 5 0.019) and leptin (mean 48,953m vs. 26,795m, p5 0.009) levels than their counterpart. Conclusion: Our ﬁndings show that CRP and leptin were associated with adiposity in obese patients with HF and MS. Data from the sample also demonstrated that while the relationship between and CRP and leptin is independent of obesity level (i.e., were not signiﬁcantly related to BMI or WC), there was a signiﬁcant increase in the concentration of both of these markers in patients with a BMI O35. Future research that assess the potential impact of inﬂammation and adiposity and the role of dietary interventions and weight loss on clinical outcomes in this population of chronically ill patients are warranted. Table 1. Correlation Matrix for Key Variables of Interest BMI (kg/m2) Waist Circumference Total % Fat: CRP Leptin BMI (kg/m 2 ) WC Total % Fat CRP Leptin **Correlation is signiﬁcant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed); * Correlation is signiﬁcant at the 0.05 level (2-tailed).
Stories of Users’ Experiences

This chapter introduces four specific individuals interviewed by the author and their experiences with the biometric technology to contextualize theoretical developments. Reading all four cases in entirety provides a more complete vision of the user localization strategies the author advances in this book. The individuals are carefully selected to reflect the different structures of the Electoral Commission and the different levels of authority and how each level encountered the biometric technology.
Underspecification in toddlers' and adults' lexical representations.

Abstract Recent research has shown that toddlers’ lexical representations are phonologically detailed, quantitatively much like those of adults. Studies in this article explore whether toddlers’ and adults’ lexical representations are qualitatively similar. Psycholinguistic claims (Lahiri & Marslen-Wilson, 1991; Lahiri & Reetz, 2002, 2010) based on underspecification (Kiparsky, 1982 et seq.) predict asymmetrical judgments in lexical processing tasks; these have been supported in some psycholinguistic research showing that participants are more sensitive to noncoronal-to-coronal (pop → top) than to coronal-to-noncoronal (top → pop) changes or mispronunciations. Three experiments using on-line visual world procedures showed that 19-month-olds and adults displayed sensitivities to both noncoronal-to-coronal and coronal-to-noncoronal mispronunciations of familiar words. No hints of any asymmetries were observed for either age group. There thus appears to be considerable developmental continuity in the nature of early and mature lexical representations. Discrepancies between the current findings and those of previous studies appear to be due to methodological differences that cast doubt on the validity of claims of psycholinguistic support for lexical underspecification.