cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Extending the density functional embedding theory to finite temperature and an efficient iterative method for solving for embedding potentials

A key element in the density functional embedding theory (DFET) is the embedding potential. We discuss two major issues related to the embedding potential: (1) its non-uniqueness and (2) the numerical difficulty for solving for it, especially for the spin-polarized systems. To resolve the first issue, we extend DFET to finite temperature: all quantities, such as the subsystem densities and the total system's density, are calculated at a finite temperature. This is a physical extension since materials work at finite temperatures. We show that the embedding potential is strictly unique at T > 0. To resolve the second issue, we introduce an efficient iterative embedding potential solver. We discuss how to relax the magnetic moments in subsystems and how to equilibrate the chemical potentials across subsystems. The solver is robust and efficient for several non-trivial examples, in all of which good quality spin-polarized embedding potentials were obtained. We also demonstrate the solver on an extended periodic system: iron body-centered cubic (110) surface, which is related to the modeling of the heterogeneous catalysis involving iron, such as the Fischer-Tropsch and the Haber processes. This work would make it efficient and accurate to perform embedding simulations of some challenging material problems, such as the heterogeneous catalysis and the defects of complicated spin configurations in electronic materials.
Investigation of Different Plant Root Exit Point Vector Search Algorithms in Organic Farming

Automatic weed control is always an important issue in organic farming. To remove the weed, it is important to find the root exit point vector of the plants. This paper focuses on the use of different sensor technologies for agricultural applications in organic farming and benchmarks them to each other. Furthermore, this paper proposes different algorithms for the search of the plant root exit point. Moreover, the plant root exit point vector is determined by the algorithms. The plant root exit point vector of weed must be known to allow a proper elimination. The performance of the derived algorithm is illustrated by the experimental results.
Evaluation of Intervention Effect of TB Control Health Education on Middle School Students

[Objective]To understand the awareness of TB control knowledge among middle school students in Taian City,and provide evidence for carrying out health education.[Methods]Totally 2625 students from each grade were selected and investigated twice before and after health education by questionnaire,taking class as surveying unit.The results were analyzed.[Results]The universal existence of lower awareness of TB knowledge presented in students before health education,total awareness rate was 35.16%.No significant difference existed between different grades(P0.05).The total awareness rate of TB knowledge was 64.78% after health education.No significant difference existed between different grades(P0.05).However,the difference of awareness rate before and after health education was significant(P0.01).[Conclusion]Health education among middle school students can effectively improve their awareness of TB control knowledge.
6 Carbon, silicon, germanium, tin and lead

The chemistry of Group 14 elements is possibly the most diverse area of chemistry that can be found within a single periodic group. This year, there are reports covering the activation of diamond surfaces by perfluoro organic radicals, the synthesis of new Zintl ions and complexes of tin with biological ligands that can lower blood pressure in mammals. The growth in the number of reports covering research in M(14)–M(14) multiply bonded species and M(II) species of low coordination number is impressive, and shows clearly that there is still scope and opportunity for exciting discovery in these areas. Group 14 chemistry remains strong and innovative and is a constant source of inspiration and surprise to any and all who study it.
Strength and Strengthening Mechanisms

The strength of a material depends on various intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Although the most important is the chemical composition, the properties can be manipulated by altering the structure. Various mechanical, thermal, and surface treatments are used to create the desired balance of strength, hardness, and ductility. This chapter explains structure-property relationships and strengthening mechanisms for metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites.
Enoxaparin Produces Sustained Antithrombotic Effects in Comparison to Fondaparinux and Rivaroxaban: Clinical Implications.

Abstract 3128 Poster Board III-65 Enoxaparin (Lovenox®), fondaparinux (Arixtra®) and rivaroxaban (Xarelto®) have been shown to be effective in mediating antithrombotic effects in post-surgical indications. Because of marked differences in the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic behavior of these drugs we hypothesized that after the last dosage, the duration of the residual antithrombotic activity of the various drugs also differs. In order to compare the duration of effect of these three drugs, a rabbit stasis-thrombosis model (RSTM) utilizing FEIBA as the thrombogenic challenge and a rabbit ear bleeding model (REBM) were employed. Individual groups of rabbits (n=5) were treated with doses to mimic prophylactic, therapeutic and supratherapeutic (5x therapeutic) drug levels. Enoxaparin and fondaparinux were administered subcutaneously and rivaroxaban was administered by oral gavage. Blood samples were collected at baseline and at 16-18 hours post-administration of the last dose on day 1 or after 4 days of repeated dosing in the RSTM or at 3 hours post-administration in the REBM. At the 16-18 hour time point, circulating anti-Xa levels were not observed in any of the treatment groups. Despite this, enoxaparin treated animals exhibited a strong antithrombotic response following administration of the therapeutic dose (clot score = 1.3 ± 0.6 vs. 2.7 ± 0.6 for saline controls). Dosing once daily for four days did not enhance the antithrombotic activity of enoxaparin. In the plasmatic thrombin generation assays, a reduction in thrombin generation was noted in samples from enoxaparin-treated animals. For enoxaparin, no increase in bleeding was observed at prophylactic or therapeutic doses when compared to saline. An increase in bleeding (∼5 fold vs . saline) was observed at 3 and 6 hours post-administration of the ‘overdose’. A dose-dependent increase in anti-Xa activity was observed in blood samples collected 3 hours post-administration. For fondaparinux, no increase in bleeding was observed with any of the doses tested. There was a moderate increase in anti-Xa activity in the samples from rabbits treated with the ‘overdose’ of fondaparinux. This level was comparable to that observed with the therapeutic dose of enoxaparin. These studies suggest that enoxaparin produces a sustained antithrombotic effect in contrast to rivaroxaban and fondaparinux. These observations underscore that residual/sustained antithrombotic effects of enoxaparin may be partly responsible for the prolonged antithrombotic actions associated with the clinical use of enoxaparin. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Plattentektonik: Die alles erklärende Theorie

Die Lithosphare – die starre ausere Schale der Erde – ist in ungefahr ein Dutzend Platten zerbrochen, die, wenn sie uber die weniger starre, sich duktil verhaltende Asthenosphare driften, aneinander vorbeigleiten, miteinander kollidieren oder sich voneinander entfernen. Wo letzteres geschieht, entstehen neue Platten, die bei Kollisionen wieder vernichtet werden – in einem standigen Prozess von Werden und Vergehen. Die in die Lithosphare eingebetteten Kontinente driften zusammen mit den Platten.
Why Psychopathy as Unified Theory of Crime

The current chapter provides an overview of the research, clinical, and practitioner experiences and academic disciplinary sources of motivation for this book. Psychopathy is a useful heuristic device for understanding the expanse of criminality from normative offending to the extremity of criminal violence. Academic disciplines have differential interest in psychopathy ranging from hostility in the case of sociology to embrace in psychology. The lay public has considerable interest in the psychopathy construct but inconsistently and often incorrectly applies the construct where it is not relevant and declines to invoke it when it is appropriate. An overview of the subsequent chapters is provided.
Language and dialect in China

In the study of language learning, researchers sometimes ask how languages in contact are related. They compare the linguistic features of the languages, how the mental grammars of each language sub-system are represented, put to use in performance, and how they interact. Within a linguistic family, languages can be closely related or distantly related, an interesting factor, for example, in understanding bilingualism and second language development. Dialects, on the other hand, are considered to be variants of the same language. While there is no way to always draw a sharp line between the categories of language and dialect, it is necessary to distinguish between the two kinds of language variation by the application of uniform criteria. The distinction between dialect and language is important for designing bilingual instructional programs, both for students who already speak two languages and for beginning second language learners.
Stability of Systems with Stochastic Delays and Applications to Genetic Regulatory Networks

The dynamics of systems with stochastically varying time delays are investigated in this paper. It is shown that the mean dynamics can be used to derive necessary conditions for the stability of equilibria of the stochastic system. Moreover, the second moment dynamics can be used to derive sufficient conditions for almost sure stability of equilibria. The results are summarized using stability charts that are obtained via semidiscretization. The theoretical methods are applied to simple gene regulatory networks where it is demonstrated that stochasticity in the delay can improve the stability of steady protein production.
Adaptive Immunity Dysregulation in Acute Coronary Syndromes: From Cellular and Molecular Basis to Clinical Implications.

Although the early outcome of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) has considerably improved in the last decade, cardiovascular diseases still represent the main cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. This is mainly because recurrence of ACS eventually leads to the pandemics of heart failure and sudden cardiac death, thus calling for a reappraisal of the mechanisms responsible for coronary instability. This review discusses recent advances in our understanding of how adaptive immunity contributes to the pathogenesis of ACS and the clinical implications that arise from these new pathogenic concepts.
Towards Reducing Prediction Uncertainties in Human Spine Finite Element Response: In-Vivo Characterization of Growth and Spine Morphology

Computational modeling and simulation studies involving human spine using finite element methods typically encompass fixed geometry and material properties. The accuracy and reliability of the response obtained from these simulations are largely influenced by the input data from human spine. Input data uncertainties associated with natural variations in geometry and material characteristics of the human spine cause response to be imprecise. In addition if human is a pediatric human, growth rate uncertainties influence the predictions and their validations against experimental findings. The end result is the uncertainties in computationally predicted response. Some prediction uncertainties can be reduced by additional data collection and characterization. This paper presents a unique in-vivo noninvasive method and characterizes geometry and growth rate of human spine. The results will serve useful in reducing prediction uncertainties in finite element simulations of human spine. This study is the first extensive study of the pediatric spinal structure dimensions to include such a large variety of bony structures for this particular age group.
For the Good of the Species: Gary Francione and the Omnipresence of Eugenics in Animal Rights Rhetoric

By bringing critical animal studies into conversation with communication, this article completes 3 tasks: First, it complicates the communication discipline’s understanding of the animal rights movement by presenting its oft-ignored tensions and conflicting paradigms; second, it reveals how eugenical rhetoric has been foundational both in defending human/animal exploitation and in developing prototypical animal advocacy practices; third, using a critical public address–inspired approach, it deconstructs vegan abolitionist Gary Francione’s purportedly ultraradical rhetoric, revealing its problematic eugenical underpinnings. This revelation not only complicates Francione’s radical status but also questions the ethical legitimacies of a conventional, Western rights-based paradigm of animal rights.
Immunotherapy in Merkel cell carcinoma: role of Avelumab

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a rare skin cancer, is associated with high mortality, especially in a metastatic setting. Though conventional chemotherapy with platinum and etoposide has had high response rates, many of the patients have had early relapse without any effective therapy thereafter. Recently, immune check point inhibitors have shown very good durable responses, leading to the approval of a programmed death-ligand 1 inhibitor Avelumab for these patients. We briefly review the epidemiology and immune basis of the pathogenesis of MCC, which therefore explains the excellent response to check point inhibitors, and throw light on future directions of immunotherapy for this cancer.
PHARM - Association Rule Mining for Predictive Health.

Predictive health is a new and innovative healthcare model that focuses on maintaining health rather than treating diseases. Such a model may benefit from computer- based decision support systems, which provide more quantitative health assessment, enabling more objective advice and action plans from predictive health providers. However, data mining for predictive health is more challenging compared to that for diseases. This is a reason why there are relatively fewer predictive health decision support systems embedded with data mining. The purpose of this study is to research and develop an interactive decision support system, called PHARM, in conjunction with Emory Center for Health Discovery and Well Being (CHDWB®). PHARM adopts association rule mining to generate quantitative and objective rules for health assessment and prediction. A case study results in 12 rules that predict mental illness based on five psychological factors. This study shows the value and usability of the decision support system to prevent the development of potential illness and to prioritize advice and action plans for reducing disease risks.
Automating configuration troubleshooting with dynamic information flow analysis

Software misconfigurations are time-consuming and enormously frustrating to troubleshoot. In this paper, we show that dynamic information flow analysis helps solve these problems by pinpointing the root cause of configuration errors. We have built a tool called ConfAid that instruments application binaries to monitor the causal dependencies introduced through control and data flow as the program executes -- ConfAid uses these dependencies to link the erroneous behavior to specific tokens in configuration files. Our results using ConfAid to solve misconfigurations in OpenSSH, Apache, and Postfix show that ConfAid identifies the source of the misconfiguration as the first or second most likely root cause for 18 out of 18 real-world configuration errors and for 55 out of 60 randomly generated errors. ConfAid runs in only a few minutes, making it an attractive alternative to manual debugging.
Improved Accuracy in the 2-D/1-D Method with Anisotropic Transverse Leakage and Cross-Section Homogenization

AbstractThe Two-Dimensional (2-D)/One-Dimensional (1-D) method allows pin-resolved computational transport solutions for large, full-core light water reactor simulations at relatively low computational cost compared to a true three-dimensional (3-D) transport method. The 2-D/1-D method constructs an approximation to the 3-D transport equation with (1) a 2-D transport equation in the radial variables and , discretized on a fine radial spatial grid, and (2) a 1-D transport (or approximate PN) equation in the axial variable , discretized on a radially coarse spatial grid. The 2-D and 1-D equations are coupled through transverse leakage (TL) terms. In this paper, a new 2-D/1-D P3 method with anisotropic transverse leakages and anisotropic homogenized 1-D cross sections (XSs) is proposed to improve the accuracy of conventional 2-D/1-D with pin homogenization. It is shown that only the polar component of the anisotropic homogenized XS has a significant effect on the solution; the azimuthal component is negligib...
Parent University in alternative schools: Asset–based programming for parents of formerly–incarcerated youth

AbstractFamilial engagement is a cornerstone in comprehensive alternative education; however, implementing high-quality parental outreach is difficult. Traditional approaches to parent outreach vie...
Ankle motion in common yoga poses.

Abstract Background Motion of the ankle is essential for many yoga poses. An understanding of range of ankle motion during typical yoga poses may help the clinician to understand expected outcomes of patients when returning from ankle surgery or injury to yoga. Methods The biomechanics of twenty healthy active yogis were collected during seven yoga poses that are common within their practices. Motion capture and force plates were used to assess the range of motion and joint moments of the ankle for each pose. Results All poses resulted in plantarflexion and external rotation moments at the ankle joints. Joint loading was highest in single leg poses. The arc of motion used by the study participants in the poses was 29° of sagittal motion, 20° of frontal motion and 35° of transverse motion. Discussion Ankle motion was evaluated when healthy yogis perform standard poses. These results may help in discussion with patients regarding expected outcomes after ankle injury or surgery.
Europium and samarium separation using ion exchange between molten salts and beta“-alumina

The separation of Eu and Sm from each other is made difficult by their shared preference to be a trivalent cation as well as their similar ionic radii. A new approach to separating Eu and Sm using ...
Professional development needs, support, and barriers: TALIS US new and veteran teachers’ perspectives

ABSTRACTDrawing on 1508 US secondary teachers’ data from Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) 2013, this study examines new and veteran US teachers’ needs, support, and barriers for p...
The stigma of skin disease.

Purpose of review The effects of skin disease on stigmatization are important but understudied in the pediatric population. Given the highly visible nature of dermatologic conditions, stigmatization is a common problem that requires significant attention in patients with skin diseases. In this review, we examine the recent literature addressing stigmatization of patients suffering from common dermatologic diseases with the goal to increase clinician awareness of these issues and identify new avenues for future research. Recent findings A number of studies have examined the impact of skin disease on psychosocial well being and quality of life. Although some skin diseases are often overlooked medically and considered to be primarily cosmetic issues, the long-term consequences of skin diseases on psychosocial health, especially in pediatric patients, can be profound. Summary The precipitating factors for stigma vary widely depending on age, sex, and culture. In order to effectively reduce the impact of pediatric skin diseases on psychosocial health, physicians should be able to identify specific characteristics that may increase risks for stigmatization in chidlren. Carefully monitoring psychosocial development in pediatric patients with dermatological conditions in addition to proactively guiding patients and families to appropriate resources can benefit the child's development and overall long-term well being.
Race, APOEɛ4, and Long-Term Cognitive Trajectories in a Biracial Population Sample.

BACKGROUND The association of the APOEɛ4 allele with incident Alzheimer's dementia is higher among European Americans (EAs) than African Americans (AAs), but similar for the rate of cognitive decline. OBJECTIVE To examine the racial differences in the association of the APOEɛ4 allele with incident Alzheimer's dementia and cognitive decline. METHODS Using a population-based sample of 5,117 older adults (66% AAs and 63% females), we identified cognitive trajectory groups from a latent class mixed model and examined the association of the APOEɛ4 allele with these groups. RESULTS The frequency of the APOEɛ4 allele was higher among AAs than EAs (37% versus 26%). Four cognitive trajectories were identified: slow, mild, moderate, and rapid. Overall, AAs had a lower baseline global cognition than EAs, and a higher proportion had rapid (7% versus 5%) and moderate (20% versus 15%) decline, but similar mild (44% versus 46%), and lesser slow (29% versus 34%) decline compared to EAs. Additionally, 25% of AAs (13% of EAs) with mild and 5% (<1% of EAs) with slow decline were diagnosed with incident Alzheimer's dementia. The APOEɛ4 allele was associated with higher odds of rapid and moderate decline compared to slow decline among AAs and EAs, but not with mild decline. CONCLUSIONS AAs had lower cognitive levels and were more likely to meet the cognitive threshold for Alzheimer's dementia among mild and slow decliners, explaining the attenuated association of the ɛ4 allele with incident Alzheimer's dementia among AAs.
Inhibition of uric acid or IL-1β ameliorates respiratory syncytial virus immunopathology and development of asthma.

Background Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) affects most infants early in life and is associated with increased asthma risk. The specific mechanism remains unknown. Objective To investigate the role of uric acid (UA) and IL-1β in RSV immunopathology and asthma predisposition. Methods Tracheal aspirates from human infants with and without RSV were collected and analyzed for pro-IL-1β mRNA and protein to establish a correlation in human disease. Neonatal mouse models of RSV were employed, wherein mice infected at 6-7 days of life were analyzed at 8 days postinfection, 5 weeks postinfection, or after a chronic cockroach allergen asthma model. A xanthine oxidase inhibitor or IL-1 receptor antagonist was administered during RSV infection. Results Human tracheal aspirates from RSV-infected infants showed elevated pro-IL-1β mRNA and protein. Inhibition of UA or IL-1β during neonatal murine RSV infection decreased mucus production, reduced cellular infiltrates to the lung (especially ILC2s), and decreased type 2 immune responses. Inhibition of either UA or IL-1β during RSV infection led to chronic reductions in pulmonary immune cell composition and reduced type 2 immune responses and reduced similar responses after challenge with cockroach antigen. Conclusions Inhibiting UA and IL-1β during RSV infection ameliorates RSV immunopathology, reduces the consequences of allergen-induced asthma, and presents new therapeutic targets to reduce early-life viral-induced asthma development.
Charismatic Leadership and the Formation of Hate Groups

As of 2019, there were 940 hate groups known to be active in the United States. Previous examinations of hate groups have assumed formation. This paper uses simulation modeling to test Weber’s 1947 socio-political theory of charismatic leadership. Simulation modeling creates a computer simulation that simplifies people and their interactions to mimic a real-world event or phenomena. Three models of hate group formation were created to test this theory. These experiments test the importance of personal and societal levels of hate in group formation and the influence of charismatic leadership. These experiments also tested hypotheses regarding the number of groups that form, the speed of formation, and group size. Data were collected from 13,000 model iterations to test these hypotheses. All models successfully generated hate groups. Hate groups formed at all levels of societal hate. An in-depth understanding of how hate groups form may assist in slowing the proliferation of these groups and decreasing their appeal.
Implementation of Ururguay Round commitments : the development challenge

At the Uruguay Round, developing countries took on unprecedented obligations not only to reduce trade barriers, but to implement significant reforms both of trade procedures, e.g., import licensing procedures, customs valuation and of many areas of regulation that establish the basic business environment in the domestic economy, e.g., technical, sanitary and phytosanitary standards (SPS), intellectual property law. Implementing such reforms are investment decisions in that implementation will require purchase of equipment, training of people, establishment of systems of checks and balances, etc. This will cost money and the amounts of money involved are substantial. Based on World Bank project experience in the areas covered by the agreements, an entire year's development budget is at stake in many of the least developed countries. Least developed country institutions in these areas are weak, and would benefit from strengthening and reform. However, the authors'analysis indicates that the World Trade Organization (WTO) obligations reflect little awareness of development problems and little appreciation of the capacities of the least developed countries to carry out the functions that SPS, customs valuation, intellectual property, etc. regulations address. The content of these obligations can be characterized as the advanced countries saying to the others,"Do it my way!"The authors touch at the beginning on another important point. Because of their limited capacity to participate in the Uruguay Round negotiations, the WTO process has generated no sense of"ownership"of the reforms to which WTO membership obligates them. From their perspective, the implementation exercise has been imposed in an imperial way, with little concern for what it will cost, how it will be done, or if it will support their development efforts. (This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.)
Fretting and corrosion of metal liners from modular dual mobility constructs : a retrieval analysis.

Aims Dual mobility implants in total hip arthroplasty are designed to increase the functional head size, thus decreasing the potential for dislocation. Modular dual mobility (MDM) implants incorpor...
Kappa Opioid Receptors in the Pathology and Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder

The kappa opioid receptor (KOR) is thought to regulate neural systems associated with anhedonia and aversion and mediate negative affective states that are associated with a number of psychiatric disorders, but especially major depressive disorder (MDD). Largely because KOR antagonists mitigate the effects of stress in preclinical studies, KOR antagonists have been recommended as novel drugs for treating MDD. The purpose of this review is to examine the role of KORs and its endogenous ligand dynorphins (DYNs) in the pathology and treatment of MDD derived from different types of clinical studies. Evidence pertaining to the role of KOR and MDD will be reviewed from (1) post mortem mRNA expression patterns in MDD, (2) the utility of KOR neuroimaging agents and serum biomarkers in MDD, and (3) evidence from the recent Fast Fail clinical trial that established KOR antagonism as a potential therapeutic strategy for the alleviation of anhedonia, a core feature of MDD. These findings are compared with a focused evaluation of stress-induced alterations in OPRK and PDYN mRNA expression. Finally, the current status of the effects of KOR antagonists on behavioral phenotypes of stress in preclinical studies related to MDD is summarized.
Protecting Apartment Dwellers From Warrantless Dog Sniffs

I. THE PROBLEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1133 R II. THE RELEVANT CASE LAW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1136 R A. Reasonable Expectations of Privacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1136 R 1. REASONABLE EXPECTATIONS: THE HOME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1137 R 2. UNREASONABLE EXPECTATIONS: PUBLICLY ACCESSIBLE AREAS AND CONTRABAND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1138 R B. Dog Sniffs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1139 R 1. DOG SNIFFS CONDUCTED AT HOUSES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1140 R 2. DOG SNIFFS CONDUCTED AT APARTMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1141 R C. The Contours of the Dog Sniff Debate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1143 R III. PROTECTING THE SANCTITY OF THE HOME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1145 R A. The Jardines Court’s Misapplication of Precedent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1145 R B. Justifications for Jardines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1147 R 1. DOG SNIFFS ARE NOT SUI GENERIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1147 R 2. PRIORITIZING THE PROTECTION OF THE HOME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1150 R IV. EXTENDING JARDINES’S PROTECTION TO APARTMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1151 R A. Houses and Apartments Generate Similar Expectations of Privacy . . . . . . . 1151 R B. Negative Consequences of Retaining Different Rules for Houses and Apartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1154 R V. CONCLUSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1157 R
CLINICAL EXPERIENCE WITH A PORCINE HEPATOCYTE-BASED LIVER SUPPORT SYSTEM

UNLABELLED The only clinically proven effective treatment of fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) is orthotopic liver transplant (OLT). However, many patients die before an organ becomes available. Thus, there is a need for development of an extracorporeal liver support system to "bridge" these patients either to OLT or spontaneous recovery. We developed a bioartificial liver (BAL) based on plasma perfusion through a circuit of a hollow-fiber cartridge seeded with matrix-anchored porcine hepatocytes to treat patients with severe acute liver failure. Two groups of patients were studied. Group 1 (n = 12): patients with FHF. All patients were successfully "bridged" to OLT. "Bridge" time to OLT was 21-96 hr (mean: 39.3 hr). All patients were discharged neurologically intact. Reversal of decerebration was noted in all 11 deep stage 4 coma patients. There was reduction in intracranial pressure (ICP mmHg, 18.2 +/- 2.2 to 8.5 +/- 1.2; p < 0.004) and increase in cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP mmHg, 71.1 +/- 4.0 to 84.7 +/- 2.6; p < 0.006). Laboratory values pre- and post-BAL treatment: glucose (mg/dl) 122 +/- 11 to 183 +/- 21, p < 0.002; ammonia (mumol/l) 155.6 +/- 13.2 to 121.6 +/- 9.5, p < 0.02; total bilirubin (mg/dl) 21.6 +/- 2.8 to 18.2 +/- 2.2, p < 0.001; PT (sec) 23.2 +/- 1.7 to 21.9 +/- 1.0, p < 0.3. Group II (n = 8): patients with chronic liver failure experiencing acute exacerbation. Two patients survived and later underwent OLT. Six patients (not OLT candidates) died 1-14 days after last BAL treatment. Laboratory values pre- and post-treatment: ammonia (mumol/l) 201 +/- 47 to 143 +/- 25, p < 0.06; total bilirubin (mg/dl) 22.8 +/- 5.2 to 19.5 +/- 4.4, p < 0.01; PT (sec) 22.5 +/- 2.0 to 21.8 +/- 1.1, p < 0.6. CONCLUSION our clinical experience with the BAL suggests that it may serve as "bridge" to OLT in patients with FHF primarily by reversing intracranial hypertension, but it is not a substitute for OLT in patients with end-stage liver disease who are non-transplant candidates.
Nutritive Value of Whole Soybeans Fermented with Aspergillus oryzae or Rhizopus oligosporus as Evaluated by Neonatal Pigs

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the nutritive effects of heated whole soybeans fermented with the mold Aspergillus oryzae (AOS) or Rhizopus oligosporus (ROS) in diets fed to neonatal pigs from 1 to 22 d of age. In experiment 1, either soybean meal or heated whole soybeans fermented with ROS replaced 75% of the dried skim milk protein. The average daily gain (ADG) and gain-feed (G-F) ratio of pigs fed the diet containing 100% milk protein were greater than those of pigs fed the diets containing either soybean meal or ROS. In experiment 2, heated nonfermented whole soybeans (HUS) or heated whole soybeans fermented with either AOS or ROS replaced 50% of the milk protein in isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets. Proximate and amino acid analyses of HUS and the fermented soybean products, AOS and ROS were similar. Pigs fed a diet containing either HUS or AOS had greater (P less than 0.05) mean ADG and G-F ratios than pigs fed the diet containing ROS. Apparent biological value, apparent net protein utilization and digestible and metabolizable energy utilization were similar for all dietary treatments. In conclusion, the protein and energy values of whole soybeans were not improved by fermentation with ROS or AOS compared to nonfermented heated whole soybeans, soybean meal or dried skim milk in diets fed to neonatal pigs.
Surrogate Model-Based Optimization Framework: A Case Study in Aerospace Design

Summary. Surrogate-based optimization has proven very useful for novel or exploratory design tasks because it offers a global view of the characteristics of the design space, and it enables one to refine the design of experiments, conduct sensitivity analyses, characterize tradeoffs between multiple objectives, and, if necessary, help modify the design space. In this article, a framework is presented for design optimization on problems that involve two or more objectives which may be conflicting in nature. The applicability of the framework is demonstrated using a case study in space propulsion: a response surface-based multi-objective optimization of a radial turbine for an expander cycle-type liquid rocket engine. The surrogate model is combined with a genetic algorithm-based Pareto front construction and can be effective in supporting global sensitivity evaluations. In this case study, due to the lack of established experiences in adopting radial turbines for space propulsion, much of the original design space, generated based on intuitive ideas from the designer, violated established design constraints. Response surfaces were successfully used to define previously unknown feasible design space boundaries. Once a feasible design space was identified, the optimization framework was followed, which led to the construction of the Pareto front using genetic algorithms. The optimization framework was effectively utilized to achieve a substantial performance improvement and to reveal important physics in the design.
Development and Performance of Metal Fuel Elements for Fast Breeder Reactors

The reduction in projected sodium outlet temperatures for commercial liquid-metal fast breeder reactors has renewed the interest in metal fuels. The U-Pu-Zr or Th-Pu-U-Zr metal fuel pins, sodium bo...
Electronic Medical Record Reminder Improves Osteoporosis Management After a Fracture: A Randomized, Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVES: Osteoporosis treatment rates after a fracture are low. This study evaluated methods to increase guideline-recommended osteoporosis care postfracture. DESIGN: Participants were randomly assigned to usual care or one of two interventions. Analysis of primary outcomes used electronic data and linear regression. SETTING: A Pacific Northwest nonprofit health maintenance organization. PARTICIPANTS: Female patients aged 50 to 89 who suffered a fracture in 1999 and had not received bone mineral density (BMD) measurement or medication for osteoporosis (n=311) and their primary care providers (n=159). INTERVENTION: Patient-specific clinical guideline advice to the primary care provider delivered by electronic medical record (EMR) message or electronic reminder to the provider plus an educational letter mailed to the patient. MEASUREMENTS: BMD measurement and osteoporosis medication. RESULTS: At 6 months, provider reminder resulted in 51.5% of patients receiving BMD measurement or osteoporosis medication, provider reminder plus patient education resulted in 43.1%, and usual care resulted in 5.9% (P<.001). The effect of provider advice combined with patient education was not significantly different from provider advice alone (P=.88). Patients aged 60 to 69 were 18% (95% confidence interval=3–34) more likely to receive BMD measurement or an osteoporosis medication than those aged 80 to 89. CONCLUSION: Patient-specific postfracture advice to the provider through an EMR message significantly increased BMD measurement and osteoporosis medication. As EMRs become more widespread, this intervention could improve osteoporosis management for many postfracture patients. Future research should identify barriers to and facilitators of care for older, high-risk patients.
Characterization of atypical language activation patterns in focal epilepsy

Objective Functional magnetic resonance imaging is sensitive to the variation in language network patterns. Large populations are needed to rigorously assess atypical patterns, which, even in neurological populations, are a minority.
3-D PIC simulations of the convolute and inner MITL on the Z accelerator

Summary form only given. The Z accelerator at Sandia National Laboratories delivers current pulses rising up to /spl sim/20 MA in /spl sim/100 ns to a Z-pinch load. The accelerator is cylindrical, with power flowing radially inward through a water pulse-forming section to the insulator stack at r/spl sim/2 m. Inside the stack, power flows along four conical, vacuum, magnetically-insulated transmission lines (MITLs) to the convolute, at r/spl sim/10 cm. The convolute couples the feed MITL currents, in parallel, into the inner MITL that drives the load. The convolute is a critical area of the vacuum power flow, because it necessarily has magnetic field nulls, which could potentially result in large electron losses. We have been using the 3-D, electromagnetic particle-in-cell (PIC) code QUICKSILVER to simulate the convolute and inner MITL region of Z. The simulations are done in cylindrical coordinates and accurately model the Z geometry (to "stair-step" accuracy). The azimuthal extent of the simulation is /spl pi//N/sub p/, where N/sub p/ is the number of posts (typically 12), with mirror boundaries applied on each boundary. The fairly coarse zoning used still requires /spl sim/520,000 cells for a 12-post geometry. The complex cathode structure has /spl sim/11,400 particle-emitting cells.
Trametinib in the treatment of melanoma

Introduction: Aberrant MAPK pathway signaling is a hallmark of melanoma. Mitogen/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK) 1/2 are integral components of MAPK signaling. Several MEK inhibitors have demonstrated activity as single agents and in combination with other therapies. Trametinib was the first MEK inhibitor approved for use in treatment of advanced BRAFV600 mutant melanoma as a single agent and in combination with BRAF inhibitor, dabrafenib.Areas covered: In this article, we discuss the underlying biology of MEK inhibition and its rationale in melanoma treatment with special emphasis on the clinical development of trametinib, from initial Phase I studies to randomized Phase II and III studies, both as monotherapy and in combination with other therapeutics. Furthermore, we briefly comment on trametinib for NRAS mutant and other non-BRAF mutant subsets of melanoma.Expert opinion: Trametinib is a novel oral MEK inhibitor with clinical activity in BRAFV600 mutant metastatic melanoma alone and in com...
Differential inactivation of soluble reticulocyte transfer factors with N-ethylmaleimide

Abstract Sulfhydryl compounds have been found to be important for peptide synthesis in cell-free systems derived from several sources (Simpson, 1962) . The need for reduced glutathione (GSH) in the reticulocyte transfer system was demonstrated by Bishop et al. (1960) ; it was found to protect or activate one or more transfer enzymes (Bishop and Schweet, 1961a) . In a subsequent report Arlinghaus et al. (1964) indicated that the enzyme, “peptide synthetase”, required for peptide bond formation (related to Fraction II below) was subject to inactivation in the absence of GSH, but that their “binding enzyme” (related to Fraction I below) was not sensitive to the omission of GSH, as measured by the poly U-directed, GTP-dependent enzymatic binding of phenylalanyl-sRNA to ribosomes. Sutter and Moldave (1966) have reported a similar requirement for sulfhydryl compounds in the activation of “transferase II” from rat liver. In the present investigation, the sulfhydryl alkylating reagent, N-ethylmaleimide (NEM), was found to inactivate one or more of the reticulocyte transfer factors of Fraction II required for the synthesis of polyphenylalanine. NEM was found to have little or no effect on GTP-dependent enzymatic binding under the conditions used. NEM-inactivated Fraction II was not reactivated by excess GSH. It is suggested that NEM may be used to study GTP-dependent enzymatic binding without peptide formation in relatively crude systems of the type described below.
Thermal characterization, melting behaviors, dynamic mechanical properties, and morphology in the polymorphism of syndiotactic polystyrene and poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide)

The thermal characterization, melting behaviors, dynamic mechanical properties, and morphology of syndiotactic polystyrene and its blends with poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-diphenylene oxide) were examined by differential scanning calorimetry, dynamical mechanical analyzer, and scanning electron microscope. With differential scanning calorimetry and scanning electron microscope results, two melting endothermic peaks and blending morphology were observed. We suggest that the lower melting endothermic peak is due to the melt of syndiotactic polystyrene, however, the higher melting endothermic peak comes from the melt of recrystallized syndiotactic polystyrene crystals during the differential scanning calorimetry scan. With dynamical mechanical analyzer results, we find that addition of poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-diphenylene oxide) into syndiotactic polystyrene can increase the soft temperature and toughness. Moreover, the experimental results also reveal that crystallization of syndiotactic polystyrene in the syndiotactic polystyrene/poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-diphenylene oxide) blend is impeded in the presence of poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-diphenylene oxide) and the melting behaviors of syndiotactic polystyrene/poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-diphenylene oxide) blends are homogeneous.
Fifty years of kinetic theory

Abstract While the kinetic theory of dilute gases based on Boltzmann's 1872 equation was essentially completed by Chapman and Enskog around 1915, a concentrated effort to generalize the Boltzmann equation systematically to higher densities to obtain expansions of the transport coefficients in powers of the density was only started about 1945. Around 1965 it was realized, however, that this was impossible and that non-analytic terms in the density would occur. This ended the classical period of kinetic theory and inaugurated the modern era at about the same time as this occurred in the theory of phase transitions. New phenomena for which a kinetic, i.e., molecular, theory were given, include: the long time (tail) correlations in equilibrium time correlation functions related to the transport coefficients and later the long spatial correlations of density fluctuations in non-equilibrium stationary states. In addition a kinetic theory has been developed for the transport properties of dense gases and liquids. The theory is based on identifying the relevant collision processes as suggested by computer simulations of dense hard sphere fluids and by neutron scattering experiments of atomic liquids: ring and cage collisions. The theory has been applied to dense simple liquids as well as to concentrated colloidal suspensions. Finally, some open problems and current investigations are discussed.
A 6-month randomized pilot study of black tea and cardiovascular risk factors.

Tea consumption is highly prevalent worldwide, and has been postulated to have a variety of health benefits, thought chiefly to be related to its complex polyphenolic antioxidants, such as theaflavin and thearubigin in black tea.1, 2 Indeed, a meta-analysis of 17 observational studies found a 11% lower incidence of myocardial infarction associated with intake of three cups of tea per day compared with abstention from tea.3 Randomized trials to identify effects of tea on cardiovascular risk factors have yielded mixed results. In the few studies of markers of endothelial function, tea consumption lowered levels of soluble P-selectin but not ICAM-1 or VCAM-14 or von Willebrand factor (vWF).5 Likewise, most human studies have found no effect of short-term tea intake on oxidizability of LDL in ex vivo experiments6, 7 or on biomarkers of lipid oxidation,8 although studies that have assessed lipoprotein oxidizability without isolating lipoproteins from hydrophilic antioxidants have suggested otherwise.9, 10 The effects of tea on other cardiovascular risk factors have also been mixed. Some studies have shown that tea lowers levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) in some individuals,11 while others have not;4, 12 similar inconsistency exists for fibrinogen.4, 9, 12 Both animal models and epidemiological studies suggest that tea consumption can lower total cholesterol levels,9, 13 but feeding studies in humans have not consistently shown such an effect.6, 14, 15 A few feeding studies have also found no effect of black tea on inflammatory markers.5, 16 Finally, feeding studies suggest black tea consumption may raise homocysteine levels in some individuals,17, 18 although observational data suggest the opposite.19 Virtually all of the randomized feeding trials of tea conducted to date have been limited to four or fewer weeks of follow-up. To address the inconsistencies in previous studies of tea, and to determine the effects of intermediate-term tea consumption on cardiovascular risk factors, we conducted a six-month, randomized clinical trial of black tea consumption among older adults at increased risk for cardiovascular disease, the longest such trial conducted to our knowledge. This pilot study also sought to determine the feasibility of incorporating magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) into subsequent clinical trials of tea by having participants undergo MRI examinations of the torso six months apart.
Discriminant functions from the dummy variable space for growth curve models

Direction and collinearity factors of Wilks's ⋀ are given for goodness of fit of a hypothetical discriminant function of the dummy variables in the context of a growth curve model. The case of more than one such function is also treated.