cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evidence for Pliocene–Quaternary normal faulting in the hinterland of the Bhutan Himalaya

In the central Himalaya, past researchers have identified a distinctive transition from the physiographic Lower Himalayan ranges in the south to the Higher Himalayan ranges in the north. Local relief and hillslope gradient, as well as erosion and surface uplift rates, increase abruptly across this transition to the north. In the eastern Himalaya, the same physiographic transition exists, but it is less dramatic. We describe here a previously undocumented steep, north-dipping, brittle structure that is roughly coincident with this physiographic transition in eastern Bhutan—the Lhuentse fault. Low-temperature (U-Th)/He apatite data suggest that the Lhuentse fault has been active since the Pliocene, and (U-Th)/He dates on offset hydrothermal hematite deposits from within the fault zone demonstrate a component of Quaternary slip. Although we identified no definitive evidence of fault kinematics based on field or petrographic analysis of the fault rocks, the disrupted pattern of (U-Th)/He apatite dates suggests normal-sense displacement, contrary to what was expected given previous studies of an analogous transition in the central Himalaya. We regard the existence and activity of the Lhuentse fault as evidence of (1) recent evolution in the tectonic regime of the eastern Himalaya from one of near-exclusive north-south shortening to one in which both transcurrent and normal faulting are increasingly important in the region north of the Himalayan deformation front, or (2) an active duplex south of the physiographic transition in the middle latitudes of Bhutan.
Chain Photoreduction of CCl3F Induced by TiO2 Particles

Fluorotrichloromethane (CFC 11) is dehalogenated through a reductive chain reaction upon illumination of aqueous, air-free suspensions of TiO2 particles in the presence of formate ions. The reduction takes place with large photonic efficiencies at pH ≥ 5 even at high photon fluxes, producing mainly Cl- and dichlorofluoromethane (HCFC 21), while F- is only a minor byproduct. In the proposed mechanism •CO2- and •CCl2F radicals are the chain carriers, Cl- as well as HCFC 21 result from propagation steps, and cross-termination of the chain carriers forms F-. Simple steady-state assumptions, that regard propagations as the dominant steps, yield kinetic equations consistent with the data of the initial fast Cl- formation step. The subsequent evolution of rates and postirradiation effects are consequences of the slow removal of electrons from the semiconductor.
Suits Show Products Liability Implications

This article discusses the hundreds of lawsuits that have been filed by former professional football athletes against the NFL and its official helmet maker, Riddell, because they claim that the NFL and Riddell were aware of the serious implications that head trauma could cause and did not warn players until recently. Riddell, in particular, will have to show that it did not have any idea that its products were unsafe in order to prevail.
Supply Chain Network Model for Biodiesel Production via Wastewaters from Paper and Pulp Companies

This study presents a mathematical model that aids the design and management of a biofuel supply chain network based on the treatment of wastewater sludge generated at Pulp and Paper plants. The model presented here analyzes the supply chain performance under different biomass conversion processes, different requirements for plant location and capacities. We present a case study using data from the states of Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi. The modes of transportation considered in this analysis are truck, rail and barge. The model identifies the location of biocrude plants, the amounts of glycerol and wood chip to purchase, the amounts of products to deliver, the amount of biodiesel to produce, the modes of transportation and the suppliers to use in order to minimize the system wide cost. Numerical analysis identifies Lincoln, Mississippi and Naheola, Alabama as two potential locations for biocrude plants.
Teaching Fundamental Skills in Microsoft Excel to First-Year Students in Quantitative Analysis

Despite their technological savvy, most students entering university lack the necessary computer skills to succeed in a quantitative analysis course, in which they are often expected to input, analyze, and plot results of experiments without any previous formal education in Microsoft Excel or similar programs. This lack of formal education results in increased anxiety, students spending large amounts of time using the process of “trial and error” to complete the assignments, and detracts from the students’ learning of the chemistry. Microsoft Excel tutorials that were previously introduced have either been not specific to chemistry, require multiple assignments throughout the semester to acquire the necessary skills, or are designed for deprecated versions of the software. In this work, we present an argument for implementing a chemistry-specific, version-agnostic spreadsheet interactive laboratory exercise that uses basic, general chemistry concepts to have students explore and learn the computer skills ...
Predictors of Reading Achievement: Time on Reading Instruction and Approaches to Learning

Policies increasing the amount of time allocated to reading instruction are popular initiatives to meet the demands of accountability testing. Research suggests that time on instruction and children’s approaches to learning (ATL), which generally includes measures of attention, persistence, motivation, and flexibility, are positively associated with measures of reading achievement. Using data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study–Kindergarten cohort, this study simultaneously examines the degree to which time on reading instruction and children’s ATL are related to reading growth during kindergarten and first grade, while also examining whether time on instruction contributes to reading achievement differentially for children with varying ATL. Results indicate that time on reading instruction and children’s ATL were positively associated with children’s reading achievement. Overall, time on instruction was equally beneficial for children regardless of their ATL. Findings highlight the importance of ...
ALTERED DEFAULT MODE NETWORK (DMN) RESTING STATE FUNCTIONAL CONNECTIVITY FOLLOWING A MINDFULNESS-BASED EXPOSURE THERAPY FOR POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD) IN COMBAT VETERANS OF AFGHANISTAN AND IRAQ.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies suggest that mindfulness may be an effective component for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment. Mindfulness involves practice in volitional shifting of attention from "mind wandering" to present-moment attention to sensations, and cultivating acceptance. We examined potential neural correlates of mindfulness training using a novel group therapy (mindfulness-based exposure therapy (MBET)) in combat veterans with PTSD deployed to Afghanistan (OEF) and/or Iraq (OIF). METHODS: Twenty-three male OEF/OIF combat veterans with PTSD were treated with a mindfulness-based intervention (N = 14) or an active control group therapy (present-centered group therapy (PCGT), N = 9). Pre-post therapy functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI, 3 T) examined resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) in default mode network (DMN) using posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) and ventral medial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) seeds, and salience network (SN) with anatomical amygdala seeds. PTSD symptoms were assessed at pre- and posttherapy with Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS). RESULTS: Patients treated with MBET had reduced PTSD symptoms (effect size d = 0.92) but effect was not significantly different from PCGT (d = 0.46). Increased DMN rsFC (PCC seed) with dorsolateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) regions and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) regions associated with executive control was seen following MBET. A group × time interaction found MBET showed increased connectivity with DLPFC and dorsal ACC following therapy; PCC-DLPFC connectivity was correlated with improvement in PTSD avoidant and hyperarousal symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Increased connectivity between DMN and executive control regions following mindfulness training could underlie increased capacity for volitional shifting of attention. The increased PCC-DLPFC rsFC following MBET was related to PTSD symptom improvement, pointing to a potential therapeutic mechanism of mindfulness-based therapies.© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Language: en
Twist and turn: effect of stereoconfiguration on the interfacial assembly of polyelectrolytes.

Understanding the conditions that promote the adsorption, assembly, and accumulation of charged macromolecules at the interface between aqueous and hydrophobic liquids is important to a multitude of biological, environmental, and industrial processes. Here, the oil–water interfacial behavior of stereoisomers of polymethacrylic acid (PMA), a model system for both naturally occurring and synthetic polyelectrolytes, is investigated with a combination of vibrational sum-frequency (VSF) spectroscopy, surface tension, and computations. Syndiotactic and isotactic isomers both show rapid adsorption to the oil–water interface with a net orientation indicative of a high degree of ordering. The stereoconfiguration is found to affect whether only a single layer or multiple layers assemble at the interface. Surface tension measurements show additional adsorption for syndiotactic PMA over time. The additional layers do not contribute to the VSF spectrum indicating disorder in all but the initial layer. The isotactic is...
The East African Monsoon System: Seasonal Climatologies and Recent Variations

This chapter briefly reviews the complex climatological cycle of the East African monsoon system, paying special attention to its connection to the larger Indo-Pacific-Asian monsoon cycle. We examine the seasonal monsoon cycle, and briefly explore recent circulation changes. The spatial footprint of our analysis corresponds with the “Greater Horn of Africa” (GHA) region, extending from Tanzania in the south to Yemen and Sudan in the north. During boreal winter, when northeast trade winds flow across the northwest Indian Ocean and the equatorial moisture transports over the Indian Ocean exhibit strong westerly mean flows over the equatorial Indian Ocean, East African precipitation is limited to a few highland areas. As the Indian monsoon circulation transitions during boreal spring, the trade winds over the northwest Indian Ocean reverse, and East African moisture convergence supports the “long” rains. In boreal summer, the southwesterly Somali Jet intensifies over eastern Africa. Subsidence forms along the westward flank of this jet, shutting down precipitation over eastern portions of East Africa. In boreal fall, the Jet subsides, but easterly moisture transports support rainfall in limited regions of the eastern Horn of Africa. We use regressions with the trend mode of global sea surface temperatures to explore potential changes in the seasonal monsoon circulations. Significant reductions in total precipitable water are indicated in Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Yemen, with moisture transports broadly responding in ways that reinforce the climatological moisture transports over the Indian Ocean. Over Kenya, southern Ethiopia and Somalia, regressions with velocity potential indicate increased convergence aloft. Near the surface, this convergence appears to manifest as a surface high pressure system that modifies moisture transports in these countries as well as Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi. An analysis of rainfall changes indicates significant declines in parts of Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, Kenya, Somalia, Ethiopia, and Yemen.
Political trust, civic duty and voter turnout: The Mediation argument

Abstract This study investigates whether civic duty mediates the effect of political trust on voter turnout. Specifically, this study outlines the relationship between political trust, civic duty and voter turnout by incorporating political trust into the rational choice model of turnout. Empirical evidence from Taiwan, the United States and the United Kingdom supports the mediation argument. This study consistently finds that political trust exerts a significant mediation effect on voter turnout through civic duty. Besides, this study also confirms a weak or no direct relationship between political trust and voter turnout. The findings imply that past studies have misestimated the impact of political trust on voter turnout and it is wrong if we simply assume a direct relationship between political trust and voter turnout, and do not think about other mechanisms between them. Therefore, we should treat the relationship between political trust and voter turnout more seriously and cautiously.
Construction of Comprehensive Simulation and Demo Platform for Smart Power Consumption

This paper analyses the demands and practical significances of comprehensive simulation and demo platform of smart power consumption,and introduces the construction principle,system configuration,function module,networking and application,discussed design scheme of functional modules,such as load management,monitoring of distribution transformer,automatic meter reading and monitoring of unusual power consumption.The application of the demo platform is also summarized in the paper.
Small blood-vessel anastomosis for salvage of severely injured upper extremity.

1. Four cases of devascularized upper extremities are presented. In two the extremity was nearly amputated. Vein and artery reconstitution was accomplished with successful results. 2. The factors influencing thrombosis of vessels are discussed. 3. Additional experimental studies to perfect anastomosis of vessels as small as one millimeter are indicated. Techniques learned could be applied to the treatment of devascularized or amputated digits.
Class size effects on reading achievement using PIRLS data: Evidence from greece

Background/ContextThe effects of class size on student achievement have gained considerable attention in education research and policy, especially over the last 30 years. Perhaps the best evidence ...
Specific material effects of wear-particle-induced inflammation and osteolysis at the bone–implant interface: A rat model

Summary Introduction Wear particles produced from prosthetic joints may play critical roles in periprosthetic inflammatory reactions and osteolysis. The objective of this study was to quantify and compare the response to wear debris from different biomaterials at the bone–implant interface in a rat knee model. Methods Sixty rats were divided into titanium alloy (Ti–6Al–4V), cobalt chromium (Co–Cr), ceramic (Al2O3), ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), and control (phosphate buffered saline) groups with 12 animals per group. A nonweight-bearing titanium rod was implanted into the right distal femur of each rat followed by intra-articular injections of the biomaterial particles to the surgical knees for up to 16 weeks. Micro-computed tomography scanning was performed monthly and at the time of sacrifice to determine bone densities around the bone–implant interface. Histological evaluations were executed to quantify local inflammatory reactions and osteoclastogenesis. Results Co–Cr particles resulted in the most severe reductions in bone density. UHMWPE and ceramic particles resulted in a rapid reduction in bone density followed by a recovery. Inflammatory pseudo-membranes were ubiquitously present close to the femoral condyle and pin insertion site. Ceramic particles significantly promoted periprosthetic tissue formation compared with the other groups (p Conclusion Different biomaterials in particulate form exert different forms of adverse effects in terms of the amount of osteolysis and inflammatory reactions on bone tissue at the bone–implant interface. It provides information for engineering more appropriate materials for arthroplasty components.
Rillito and Rincon Period Settlement Systems in the Middle Santa Cruz River Valley: Alternative Models

ABSTRACTSeveral different models have been proposed to account for the Rillito-Rincon period cultural development in the middle Santa Cruz Valley in southeastern Arizona. Recent research has presented the opportunity to consider existing reconstructions in light of current knowledge. Further consideration of data regarding Hohokam subsistence, settlement, and social organization has produced an alternative model for the Santa Cruz Valley.
Predictive high voltage ESD device design methodology

A — novel predictive design frame work based on physical principles to predict the ESD performance of high voltage device is reported. The device It2 is proportional to the critical current per area of the N+ diffusion resistor or the lightly doped diffusion resistor, both these diffusions constitutes the drain.
A Novel Chain-Growth CuAAC Polymerization: One-pot Synthesis of Dendritic Hyperbranched Polymers with Well-Defined Structures

This highlight presents an overview of our recent achievements on developing a chain-growth copper-catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) polymerization of multifunctional ABm (m ≥ 2) monomers to produce structurally defined hyperbranched polymers in one pot. The chain-growth mechanism is attributed to the dedicate complexation between copper(I) catalyst and triazole groups that confine the copper catalyst in the polymers and selectively favor the polymer–monomer reaction rather than the monomer–monomer reactions. The living nature of this CuAAC polymerization was extensively explored to demonstrate the intriguing features of multibatch addition of various AB2 monomers to produce hyperbranched polymers with high molar mass, low dispersity, core-shell segmented structures, and tunable solubility. 1 Background 2 Development of Living Chain-Growth CuAAC Polymerization 3 Functionalization and Segmented Structure in Hyperbranched Polymers 4 Conclusion
A Comparative Study of Tritium Breeding Performance of Lithium, Li2O, and Li7Pb2 Blankets in a Tokamak Power Reactor

A nuclear analysis of tritium breeding performance has been carried out for three candidate breeding materials of liquid lithium, solid Li2O, and solid Li7Pb2. Blanket coolants studied include heli...
Targeting FGFR in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Lung

Unlike for adenocarcinomas of the lung, no molecular targeted therapies have yet been developed for squamous cell lung cancers, because targetable oncogenic aberrations are scarce in this tumor type. Recent discoveries have established that the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling pathway plays a fundamental role in cancer development by supporting tumor angiogenesis and cancer cell proliferation via different mechanisms. Through comprehensive genomic studies, aberrations in the FGF pathway have been identified in various tumor types, including squamous cell lung cancer, making FGF receptor (FGFR) a potentially druggable target in this malignancy. Several multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors include FGFR in their target spectrum and a number of these compounds have been approved for clinical use in different cancers. Novel agents selectively targeting FGFRs have been developed and are currently under investigation in clinical trials, showing promising results. This article reviews FGFR aberrations and the clinical data involving selective and multikinase FGFR inhibitors in squamous cell lung cancer.
Diagnosis of anxiety and depression

The differential diagnosis of anxiety and depression is often difficult as symptoms of generalized anxiety, panic disorder, and depression frequently coexist.
Theory of the Crises of the State

Africa has suffered untold hardship through a series of violent encounters with other parts of the world. Despite differences in historical epochs and actors, the destitution and the inhumanity of the African states have not changed across time. These crises have raised serious questions about the definitions, origins, the nature, the functions, the capability, the capacity and the effects of African states. This chapter argues that the diverse descriptions of these crises and the competing and/or complementary possible remedies for them imply an important conclusion: that the most significant factors accounting for the origins, persistence and harrowing effects of the crises are directly related to the profound legitimation deficits of the state, its institutions and political incumbents, and the interplay of both local and international factors, past and present.
Realisms in contemporary Italian literature and cinema

Recensione di: Loredana Di Martino and Pasquale Verdicchio (eds.), Encounters with the Real in Contemporary Italian Literature and Cinema , Cambridge: Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2017. ISBN: 9781443811231, £ 57.99.
Quantum Chemical Treatment of Adsorbed Species

The purpose of this chapter is to point out the current status of the quantum chemical treatment of surfaces and surface species so that its application to electrode processes may be more readily made. There has been no attempt made to exhaustively cover the literature, particularly that before 1960, but, rather, the more important developments are sketched. A number of review articles provide access to all but the more recent literature for both surface states of clean crystals1–5 and adsorbed species.5–8
Decreased performance of live attenuated, oral rotavirus vaccines in low-income settings: causes and contributing factors.

Introduction: Numerous studies have shown that the oral rotavirus vaccines are less effective in infants born in low income countries compared to those born in developed countries. Identifying the ...
The Nature of Taste Receptor Sites

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the nature of taste receptor sites. Electrophysiological and psychophysical investigations in the chapter revealed a great phenomenological heterogeneity about the first stage of the chemoreception process. Experimental data such as the genetic variation in taste acuity of man, the species differences in the cationic series of taste receptor excitability, and the great variations in association constants for a given type of ion within an animal suggest a considerable degree of receptor-reaction variety. The chapter presents a mechanochemical receptor model that achieved a good compatibility on a qualitative level with the experimental chemoreception data. It also presents an explanation for events beyond the initial binding stage. It is hoped that the simplicity of the mechanochemical receptor model, its structural realism, and its energetic plausibility contribute to the growth of new experimental avenues of attack on the problem of chemoreception.
Cervical Cancer Incidence in Young U.S. Females After Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Introduction.

Introduction Since 2006, human papillomavirus vaccine has been recommended for young females in the U.S. This study aimed to compare cervical cancer incidence among young women before and after the human papillomavirus vaccine was introduced. Methods This cross-sectional study used data from the National Program for Cancer Registries and Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Incidence–U.S. Cancer Statistics 2001–2014 database for U.S. females aged 15–34 years. This study compared the 4-year average annual incidence of invasive cervical cancer in the 4 years before human papillomavirus vaccine was introduced (2003–2006) and the 4 most recent years in the vaccine era (2011–2014). Joinpoint regression models of cervical incidence from 2001 to 2014 were fitted to identify the discrete joints (year) that represent statistically significant changes in the direction of the trend after the introduction of human papillomavirus vaccination in 2006. Data were collected in 2001–2014, released, and analyzed in 2017. Results The 4-year average annual incidence rates for cervical cancer in 2011–2014 were 29% lower than that in 2003–2006 (6.0 vs 8.4 per 1,000,000 people, rate ratio=0.71, 95% CI=0.64, 0.80) among females aged 15–24 years, and 13.0% lower among females aged 25–34 years. Joinpoint analyses of cervical cancer incidence among females aged 15–24 years revealed a significant joint at 2009 for both squamous cell carcinoma and non–squamous cell carcinoma. Among females aged 25–34 years, there was no significant decrease in cervical cancer incidence after 2006. Conclusions A significant decrease in the incidence of cervical cancer among young females after the introduction of human papillomavirus vaccine may indicate early effects of human papillomavirus vaccination.
Inverse Vernier effect in coupled lasers

In this report we study the Vernier effect in coupled laser systems consisting of two cavities. We show that depending on the nature of their coupling, not only can the ``supermodes'' formed at overlapping resonances of these two cavities have the lowest thresholds as previously found, leading to lasing at these overlapping resonances and a manifestation of the typical Vernier effect, but also they can have increased thresholds and are hence suppressed, which can be viewed as an inverse Vernier effect. The inverse Vernier effect can also lead to an increased free spectrum range and possibly single-mode lasing, which may explain the experimental findings in several previous studies. We illustrate this effect using two coupled micro-ring cavities and a micro-ring cavity coupled to a slab cavity, and we discuss its relation to the existence of exceptional points in coupled lasers.
CD4 lymphocytopenia among injecting drug users in new york city

Recent cases of "AIDS-like" CD4 lymphocytopenia in the absence of HIV infection have generated considerable scientific and public interest. We studied CD4 cell counts and percentages from 1984 to 1992 among 1,246 HIV-seronegative injecting drug users in New York City, a population at very high risk for exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Severe CD4 lymphocytopenia was rare, and there was no evidence of an increase over time. Of 229 subjects with longitudinal data, only four met the surveillance definition for "idiopathic CD4 lymphocytopenia" (ICL). CD4 cell counts of < 500 cells/microliters were, however, associated with subsequent HIV seroconversion (12.7/100 person-years at risk, relative risk (RR) = 4.53, 95% exact binomial confidence interval (CI) 1.7-10.7, p = 0.002).
Dykstra’s Cyclic Projections Algorithm: The Rate of Convergence

Dykstra’s cyclic projections algorithm, as well as what is known about its rate-of-convergence, are described. Its applications to isotone and convex regression, and linear and quadratic programming are mentioned.
Variables governing the initial stages of the synergisms of ultrasonic treatment of biochar in water with dissolved CO2

Abstract The objectives of a series of our researches are to determine the feasibility of applying ultrasonic pretreatment prior to biochar gasification. As per the initial results, the heating value (HV) of biochar significantly increased after acoustic treatment in water with dissolved CO2 (AIChE Journal, 2014;60:1054–1065). Accordingly, emphasis of the current work is placed on the parameters governing the HV of biochar in the early stage of the treatment. Switchgrass and miscanthus biochars were treated under different conditions. The reactant ratio, biochar:water:CO2, exhibited profound impacts on the synergism. The highest (but not yet systematically optimized) ratio of HV increase (or HV Gain, HG) to ultrasound energy supplied (ES) takes place when biochar-to-water ratio, or BC:W, equals 0.06 g/ml. The observed HG/ES is about 10, suggesting that the energy consumption is only a fraction of the acoustic energy supplied. Miscanthus biochar’s HV increases by up to 4.6% after treatment at 5% amplitude for 135 s (HG = 33 cal/g). For the same run, miscanthus biochar's H content increased by 42.7%. Changes in HV can be mediated by mineral leaching, C or H fixation, or O content loss. Mineral leaching is influenced by pH and CO2 concentration. CO2 and water are the sole contributors to C and H gains, respectively. CO2 concentration in the solution during the treatment is also affected by mass transfer limitations, ultrasound power, and design of the three-phase reactor. Increasing the BC:W ratio initially enhances the cavitation nuclei on the fluid/solid surface, and therefore sonolysis. The subsequent decrease in HV with increasing BC:W may be due to the limitation in ultrasound penetration and H supply from water. Carbon and hydrogen fixation may be connected to the formation of H2, CO, formic acid, formaldehyde, and associated radicals during sonolysis of aqueous CO2.
Community structure of carrion arthropods in the Chihuahuan Desert

Species numbers, guild, and trophic structure of carrion arthropod communities were examined for 18 mammalian carcasses of varying mass in the northern Chihuahuan desert from May to September 1980. Community structure was described for five carcass weight classes using seven guilds and three trophic levels. Twenty-three carrion-associated species were collected from the carcasses. Large carcasses attracted more species and guilds than small ones. Biomass of necrophagous taxa was higher than predator biomass in all carcass sizes. Linear regression analyses revealed a significant positive relationship between arthropod species richness and carcass mass.
Analyzing the Squared Distance-to-Measure Gradient Flow System with k -Order Voronoi Diagrams

Point cloud data arises naturally from 3-dimensional scanners, LiDAR sensors, and industrial computed tomography (i.e. CT scans) among other sources. Most point clouds obtained through experimental means exhibit some level of noise, inhibiting mesh reconstruction algorithms and topological data analysis techniques. To alleviate the problems caused by noise, smoothing algorithms are often employed as a preprocessing step. Moving least squares is one such technique, however, many of these techniques are designed to work on surfaces in $$\mathbb {R}^3$$ . As interesting point clouds can naturally live in higher dimensions, we seek a method for smoothing higher dimensional point clouds. To this end, we turn to the distance to measure function. In this paper, we provide a theoretical foundation for studying the gradient flow induced by the squared distance to measure function, as introduced by Chazal, Cohen-Steiner, and Merigot. In particular, we frame the gradient flow as a Filippov system and find a method for solving the squared distance to measure gradient flow, induced by the uniform empirical measure, using higher order Voronoi diagrams. In contrast to some existing techniques, this gradient flow provides a smoothing algorithm which computationally scales with dimensionality.
Book review: Jon Wilson, India Conquered: Britain’s Raj and the Chaos of Empire:

Jon Wilson, India Conquered: Britain’s Raj and the Chaos of Empire, New Delhi: Simon & Schuster, 2016, 564 pp.
Are Rural and Urban Emergency Departments Equally Prepared to Reduce Avoidable Hospitalizations

Author(s): Greenwood-Ericksen, Margaret B.; Macy, Michelle L.; Ham, Jason; Nypaver, Michele M.; Zochowski, Melissa; Kocher, Keith | Abstract: Introduction: Attempts to reduce low-value hospital care often focus on emergency department (ED) hospitalizations. We compared rural and urban EDs in Michigan on resources designed to reduce avoidable admissions.Methods: A cross-sectional, web-based survey was emailed to medical directors and/or nurse managers of the 135 hospital-based EDs in Michigan. Questions included presence of clinical pathways, services to reduce admissions, and barriers to connecting patients to outpatient services. We performed chi-squared comparisons, regression modeling, and predictive margins.Results: Of 135 EDs, 64 (47%) responded with 33 in urban and 31 in rural counties. Clinical pathways were equally present in urban and rural EDs (67% vs 74%, p=0.5). Compared with urban EDs, rural EDs reported greater access to extended care facilities (21% vs 52%, p=0.02) but less access to observation units (52% vs 35%, p=0.04). Common barriers to connecting ED patients to outpatient services exist in both settings, including lack of social support (88% and 76%, p=0.20), and patient/family preference (68% and 68%, p=1.0). However, rural EDs were more likely to report time required for care coordination (88% vs 66%, p=0.05) and less likely to report limitations to home care (21% vs 48%, p=0.05) as barriers. In regression modeling, ED volume was predictive of the presence of clinical pathways rather than rurality.Conclusion: While rural-urban differences in resources and barriers exist, ED size rather than rurality may be a more important indicator of ability to reduce avoidable hospitalizations.
Advancing aquatic vegetation management for fish in north temperate lakes

Radomski P, Carlson K, Perleberg D. 2019. Advancing aquatic vegetation management for fish in north temperate lakes. Lake Reserv Manage. 35:355–363.Despite the known linkage between aquatic plants ...
Growing and Retaining an Expert Team

Growing an expert team is more a matter of building a culture than implementing a model. Enacting the T.E.A.M. Way of working with multiply-disadvantaged patients requires learning new behaviors on the part of every team member. This learning creates value for the practice and for the individuals involved. Professionals who learn to function using the T.E.A.M. Way will find job opportunities open in other settings and will not be easy to replace. Without a plan to maintain a team, each departing member takes with them an important piece of team culture. One approach to maintaining the expert team is to help each member take on a training role for future professionals. New professionals provide a reserve workforce to maintain the knowledge and functioning of the team as a whole, and learning to train new professionals solidifies the gains in skills of current team members. A second approach is to build a career ladder within the organization so that the increase in expertise of team members can be reflected in increases in salary and responsibility. An example of a way of creating such a career ladder has been created by the New Hampshire Primary Care Behavioral Health Initiative.
Investigating Phenylamide Insensitivity in Wisconsin Populations of Pseudoperonospora humuli

Hop downy mildew caused by the oomycete Pseudoperonospora humuli is primarily managed with fungicides because commercial varietal resistance is unavailable. Mefenoxam, a phenylamide-class fungicide...
Comparing the Potential for Irritation of a Ceramide-Based Moisturizer with a Urea-Based Moisturizer for Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis

Moisturizers are one of the mainstays of the topical treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD). One of the adverse effects of moisturizers is skin irritation, especially on excoriated AD skin. We compared the potential for irritation of two commercially available moisturizer products for the treatment of AD: a ceramide-based moisturizer (Ceradan® Cream; Hyphens Pharma Pte Ltd, Singapore) and a urea 5% moisturizer (Aqurea Lite Cream; ICA Pharma Pte Ltd, Singapore). We performed a prospective single-blind randomized controlled study recruiting AD patients aged between 8 and 16 years with symmetrical or near symmetrical scratch marks (excoriations) of at least grade 2 to 3 severity score, according to the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), over bilateral antecubital fossae. Subjects were randomized to receive the ceramide-based moisturizer to either the left or right antecubital fossa or urea 5% cream to the other antecubital fossa. Subjects were asked to grade the immediate skin irritation of both creams on a standard visual analogue scale (VAS) and which cream they would prefer to use as a daily moisturizer. Primary outcome was the mean irritant score of each cream, and secondary outcome was the subjects’ preference of either cream as their daily moisturizer. A total of 42 participants were enrolled with a mean age of 11 years 5 months. The ceramide-based cream had a significantly lower mean VAS score (mean 0.69, SD = 1.63) for irritation compared with urea 5% cream (1.43, SD = 1.64) (p = 0.035). More participants also preferred the ceramide-based cream over urea 5% cream (62% versus 38%) as their daily moisturizer, but this did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.164). A ceramide-based moisturizer may be considered as a suitable choice for children to minimize irritation from moisturizer treatment for AD.
Clergy Attitudes About Ways to Support the Mental Health of Sexual and Gender Minorities

This pilot study explored clergy members’ attitudes about ways to support the mental health needs of sexual and gender minorities (SGM; e.g., lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people). Participants (N = 86, 46% female, 26% SGMs) were US clergy members from a variety of religious faiths but mostly were leaders in Christian faith communities in the greater Chicago area. Clergy participants completed quantitative and qualitative items asking what types of resources (e.g., workshops, websites, consultations, or testimonies) and delivery format (online or in-person) they perceived as most helpful in supporting the mental health of SGM members in their faith communities. The results demonstrated that clergy members found all listed resources to be helpful to varying degrees, although suicide and homelessness prevention were prioritized above other resources. Clergy members also prioritized resources related to supporting gender minorities to be more informative, relative to resources for supporting sexual minorities. Finally, clergy member preferred information to be delivered in-person instead of online. The degree of openness to LGBTQ health promotion resources did not vary by clergy religious denomination.
Stress and Alzheimer's disease: A senescence link?

Abstract Chronic stress has been shown to promote numerous aging-related diseases, and to accelerate the aging process itself. Of particular interest is the impact of stress on Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most prevalent form of dementia. The vast majority of AD cases have no known genetic cause, making it vital to identify the environmental factors involved in the onset and progression of the disease. Age is the greatest risk factor for AD, and measures of biological aging such as shorter telomere length, significantly increase likelihood for developing AD. Stress is also considered a crucial contributor to AD, as indicated by a formidable body of research, although the mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear. Here we review human and animal literature on the impact of stress on AD and discuss the mechanisms implicated in the interaction. In particular we will focus on the burgeoning body of research demonstrating that senescent cells, which accumulate with age and actively drive a number of aging-related diseases, may be a key mechanism through which stress drives AD.
Dendritic solidification of Succinonitrile-0.24 wt% water alloy: A comparison with microgravity experiments for validating dendrite tip velocity

Abstract The Pore Formation and Mobility Investigation at the International Space Station provided information on the morphological evolution during remelting and directional solidification under microgravity conditions for Succinonitrile-0.24 wt% water binary alloys. Unlike the terrestrial experiments where the growth is affected by natural convection, constrained diffusive growth is observed in the microgravity experiments. This study aims to provide an experimental benchmark of dendritic growth applicable for validation of theoretical and numerical dendrite growth models. The results of the experiment were compared with the cellular automata and the phase field models, which are two classes of numerical methods widely used by scholars in the field of dendritic solidification, in both two and three dimensions. The resulting morphologies and tip velocities from the models were compared with the Pore Formation and Mobility Investigation experimental results. The combination of experimental and simulation results shows fair agreement and together can be used as a benchmark solution for tip velocity and evolution of dendritic microstructures.
Plant Cell Growth: Do Pectins Drive Lobe Formation in Arabidopsis Pavement Cells?

Pectins are conventionally thought to form a gel-like matrix between stress-bearing cellulose microfibrils in growing plant cell walls. A new study proposes a more active role in driving wall expansion. How does the proposal stack up against current evidence?
Low Birth Weight and Psychoeducational Outcomes: Investigation of an African American Birth Cohort:

African Americans experience more than double the prevalence of low birth weight (LBW)/premature birth compared to their Caucasian counterparts, reflecting a public health crisis and a significant ...
MITF is a driver oncogene and potential therapeutic target in kidney angiomyolipoma tumors through transcriptional regulation of CYR61

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant tumor suppressor syndrome, characterized by tumor development in multiple organs, including renal angiomyolipoma. Biallelic loss of TSC1 or TSC2 is a known genetic driver of angiomyolipoma development, however, whether an altered transcriptional repertoire contributes to TSC-associated tumorigenesis is unknown. RNA-seq analyses showed that MITF A isoform (MITF-A) was consistently highly expressed in angiomyolipoma, immunohistochemistry showed microphthalmia-associated transcription factor nuclear localization, and Chromatin immuno-Precipitation Sequencing analysis showed that the MITF-A transcriptional start site was highly enriched with H3K27ac marks. Using the angiomyolipoma cell line 621-101, MITF knockout (MITF.KO) and MITF-A overexpressing (MITF.OE) cell lines were generated. MITF.KO cells showed markedly reduced growth and invasion in vitro, and were unable to form xenografted tumors. In contrast, MITF.OE cells grew faster in vitro and as xenografted tumors compared to control cells. RNA-Seq analysis showed that both ID2 and Cysteine-rich angiogenic inducer 61 (CYR61) expression levels were increased in the MITF.OE cells and reduced in the MITF.KO cells, and luciferase assays showed this was due to transcriptional effects. Importantly, CYR61 overexpression rescued MITF.KO cell growth in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. These findings suggest that MITF-A is a transcriptional oncogenic driver of angiomyolipoma tumor development, acting through regulation of CYR61.
Satellite Image Classification Using LC-KSVD Sparse Coding

Deep learning methods achieve very high classification accuracies in many tasks, including satellite image classification. However, these methods lack the transparency and simplicity of other classification algorithms. Sparse coding has emerged as an effective tool in classifying images, and provides the user with an efficient algorithm that easily relates the classification output to the original input feature space. In this work, we explore the viability and the effectiveness of a popular sparse coding algorithm, label-consistent k-means singular value decomposition (LC-KSVD), in classifying images from the satellite data set Sat-4. This paper provides a framework for using feature extraction, sparse coding, dictionary learning, and classifier training on the Sat-4 dataset, achieving a 94.5 % accuracy.
Twice-daily versus once-daily lisinopril and losartan for hypertension: Real-world effectiveness and safety.

Background Lisinopril and losartan manufacturer labels recommend twice-daily dosing (BID) if once-daily (QDay) is insufficient to lower blood pressure (BP). Methods and results Retrospective cohort study of patients taking QDay lisinopril and losartan who experienced a dose-doubling (index date). A text-processing tool categorized BID and QDay groups at the index date based on administration instructions. We excluded: pregnant/hospice, regimens other than BID/QDay, and without BP measurements -6 months/+12 months of the index date. The most proximal BP measurements -6 months and +2 weeks to 12 months of the index date were used to evaluate BP differences. Propensity scores were generated, and differences in BP and adverse events (angioedema, acute kidney injury, hyperkalemia) between BID/QDay groups were analyzed within dosing cohorts using inverse propensity of treatment-weighted regression models. Of 11,210 and 6,051 patients who met all criteria for lisinopril and losartan, 784 (7.0%) and 453 (7.5%) were taking BID, respectively. BID patients were older and had higher comorbidity and medication burdens. There were no differences in systolic/diastolic BP between BID and QDay, with absolute differences in mean systolic BP ranging from -1.8 to 0.7 mmHg and diastolic BP ranging from -1.1 to 0.1 mmHg (all 95% confidence intervals [CI] cross 0). Lisinopril 10mg BID was associated with an increased odds of angioedema compared to lisinopril 20mg QDay (odds ratio 2.27, 95%CI 1.13-4.58). Conclusions Adjusted models do not support improved effectiveness or safety of BID lisinopril and losartan.
Moving beyond the Solvent-Tip Approximation to Determine Site-Specific Variations of Interfacial Water Structure through 3D Force Microscopy

Although interfacial solution structure impacts environmental, biological, and technological phenomena, including colloidal stability, protein assembly, heterogeneous nucleation, and water desalina...
Time to play, access to attention: Addressing one academic library’s internal culture around computing tools and skills

Library employees who try developing their skills with computing tools need to practice in order to use their learning in their work. However, time and space for practice may be elusive. Employees will meet frustration when applying emerging knowledge to problems on the fringes of their learning. Libraries can cultivate employees’ budding computing and data skills by sponsoring time to practice, holding space for peers to support each other, and normalizing the struggle inherent in learning and applying digital tools and methods.
Regiocontrolled Coupling of Alkynes and Dipolar Reagents: Iron-Mediated [3 + 2] Cycloadditions Revisited

Cyclopentadienyliron dicarbonyl based allenyliron complexes were prepared, and their formal [3 + 2] cycloaddition with a number of dipolar reagents was investigated as a means of preparing heterocy...
Contributions of Polyelectrolyte Complexes and Ionic Bonding to Performance of Barrier Films for Packaging: A Review

Barrier films that are used on packages play an important role, especially in the protection of food products. Research is being carried out at an accelerating pace to replace petroleum-based plastic films, which do not biodegrade and are difficult to recycle. This review article considers publications related to the use of polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) in barrier films as a strategy to decrease the permeation of oxygen and other substances into and out from packages. Research progress has been achieved in using combinations of positively and negatively charged polymers, sometimes together with platy mineral particles, as a way to restrict diffusion through packaging materials. In principle, the ionic bonds within PECs contribute to a relatively high cohesive energy density within such a barrier film, which can resist diffusion of various gases and greasy substances. Resistance to water vapor, as well as aqueous substances, represent important challenges for barrier concepts that depend on ionic bond contributions. Factors affecting barrier performance of PEC-based films are discussed in light of research findings.
4 – Prescriptive Fire Protection Design

Publisher Summary Prescriptive design requires little analysis, time, and knowledge to apply. Most prescriptive fire protection designs are dictated through prescriptive codes. The prescriptive codes used in fire protection are the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes and regional building codes. Prescriptive codes are both easy to apply and easy to misapply. The most familiar code that prescribes fire protection design is NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems. Understanding the risk inherent in prescriptive design paves the way for accepting performance-based design, where the level of risk is specified as a basis for the design. NFPA 101, Life Safety Code,© is referenced by the U.S. regional building codes.