cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms of nitrous oxide production in the subtropical North Pacific based on determinations of the isotopic abundances of nitrous oxide and di-oxygen

Abstract In this study, we compare stable isotopic compositions of di-oxygen (O 2 ) and nitrous oxide (N 2 O) in two depth profiles at the well-characterized deep water station ALOHA (A Long-term Oligotrophic Habitat Assessment) in the subtropical North Pacific gyre to attain an understanding of the mechanisms of N 2 O production. The δ 18 O of O 2 varied from values indicative of an atmospheric origin near the surface ( 24.7‰ ), to minimum values reflective of a predominance of photosynthesis over respiration between the surface and 200 m (as low as 22.2 ‰ ), to maximum values as high as 36.6‰ in association with the O 2 minimum near 800 m. A similar pattern of isotopic variation was evident in the δ 18 O of N 2 O, however, values were enriched by approximately 20‰ . The similar pattern of variation in δ 18 O with depth is consistent with an origin of O in N 2 O from dissolved O 2 via the nitrification of intermediate compounds NH 2 OH or NO. Between the depths of 350 and 500 m, however, the distinction in the isotopic composition of N 2 O and O 2 was reduced to as little as 12‰ . This decrease in the difference between the δ 18 O of N 2 O and that of O 2 with depth indicates either a reduction in the magnitude of isotopic discrimination during nitrification or a contribution of O in N 2 O from water via the reduction of NO 2 − . Two mechanisms of N 2 O production via nitrification may, therefore, occur in the subtropical Pacific; release from the nitrification of NH 2 OH or NO at most depths and reduction of NO 2 − between 350 and 500 m. In that, the carbon flux decreases markedly over a similar depth interval at this locale (Karl, D.M., Knauer, G.A., Martin, J.H., 1988. Downward flux of particulate organic matter in the ocean: A particle decomposition paradox. Nature 332, 438–441), this distinct mechanism of N 2 O production between 350 and 500 m may be associated with the mineralization of organic matter from sinking particles. Low O 2 or anoxic micro-environments within particles within this depth interval may be maintained by lower ambient O 2 than at the surface and high rates of microbial activity supported by the mineralization of organic matter. Such conditions may facilitate an environment conducive to N 2 O production via NO 2 − reduction.
Pile-up model for dispersed spectra

The observation of a bright X-ray source by the Chandra X-ray Observatory's High Energy Transmission Grating Spectrometer (HETGS) can be compromised by photon pile-up in the CCD leading to false absorption features in the observed spectrum. A method for removing the effects of pile-up in a dispersed grating spectrum is presented. The effectiveness of the technique is demonstrated through its application to the HETGS observation of 4U 1636-53, a bright X-ray binary system.
Ifosfamide toxicity in cultured proximal renal tubule cells

Renal injury is a common side effect of the chemotherapeutic agent ifosfamide. Current evidence suggests that ifosfamide metabolites, particularly chloroacetaldehyde, produced within the kidney contribute to nephrotoxicity. The present study examined the effects of ifosfamide and its metabolites, chloroacetaldehyde and acrolein, on rabbit proximal renal tubule cells in primary culture, using a transwell culture system that allows separate access to apical and basolateral cell surfaces. The ability of the uroprotectant medications sodium 2-mercaptoethanesulfonate (mesna) and amifostine to prevent chloroacetaldehyde-and acrolein-induced renal cell injury was also assessed. Ifosfamide (2,000–4,000 μM) did not affect transcellular inulin diffusion but caused a modest but significant impairment in organic ion transport; this impairment was greater when ifosfamide was added to the basolateral compartment of the transwell. Chloroacetaldehyde and acrolein (6.25–100 μM) produced dose-dependent impairments in transcellular inulin diffusion and organic ion transport. Chloroacetaldehyde was a more potent toxin than acrolein. Co-administration of mesna or amifostine prevented metabolite toxicity. Amifostine was only protective when added to the apical compartment of transwells. These results show that ifosfamide is taken up by renal tubule cells preferentially through their basolateral surfaces, and supports the hypothesis that chloroacetaldehyde is primarily responsible for ifosfamide-induced nephrotoxicity. The protective effect of mesna and amifostine in vitro contrasts with clinical experience showing that these medications do not eliminate ifosfamide nephrotoxicity in vivo.
One protein, two enzymes revisited: a structural entropy switch interconverts the two isoforms of acireductone dioxygenase.

Abstract Acireductone dioxygenase (ARD) catalyzes different reactions between O 2 and 1,2-dihydroxy-3-oxo-5-(methylthio)pent-1-ene (acireductone) depending upon the metal bound in the active site. Ni 2+ –ARD cleaves acireductone to formate, CO and methylthiopropionate. If Fe 2+ is bound (ARD′), the same substrates yield methylthioketobutyrate and formate. The two forms differ in structure, and are chromatographically separable. Paramagnetism of Fe 2+ renders the active site of ARD′ inaccessible to standard NMR methods. The structure of ARD′ has been determined using Fe 2+ binding parameters determined by X-ray absorption spectroscopy and NMR restraints from H98S ARD, a metal-free diamagnetic protein that is isostructural with ARD′. ARD′ retains the β-sandwich fold of ARD, but a structural entropy switch increases order at one end of a two-helix system that bisects the β-sandwich and decreases order at the other upon interconversion of ARD and ARD′, causing loss of the C-terminal helix in ARD′ and rearrangements of residues involved in substrate orientation in the active site.
The evolutionary relationships of North American Diplous Motschulsky (Coleoptera:Carabidae:Patrobini) inferred from morphological and molecular evidence

Individuals of the ground beetle genus Diplous Motschulsky, 1850 occur in riparian areas predominately throughout boreal North America and Asia. In order to infer the species phylogeny of the North American Diplous, we examined 97 morphological characters (56 quantitative characters and 41 qualitative characters) and 458 bp of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I region. We used the four North American species, four Palearctic species, and one undescribed species of a closely related genus to test the monophyly and the direction of character state change in North American Diplous. Overall, we found that North American Diplous appear to represent a monophyletic group, but that the morphological and molecular evidence did not support the same relationships in the placement of one of the species. We found that the total evidence trees agreed most with biogeography and considerations of accelerated morphological evolution. In this paper, we present a morphological phylogenetic tree, a molecular phylogenetic tree, a total evidence phylogenetic tree, a species key, species diagnoses, and a distribution map of Nearctic Diplous. Additional keywords: COI, cytochrome oxidase subunit I, Diplous, glacier, ground beetle, Platidius, Pleistocene, refugia, riparian, total evidence, vicariance.
What's on the path? Path dependence, organizational diversity and the problem of institutional change in the US economy, 1900-1950

Institutionalists commonly invoke exogenous shocks or the transposition of logics across national systems to explain institutional change and new path creation. Using organizational data on American infrastructure industries, this paper shows instead how established institutional paths contain within them possibilities and resources for transformation and off-path organization. Even settled paths are typically littered with flotsam and jetsam - with elements of alternative economic orders and abandoned or partly realized institutional projects. These elements of 'paths not taken' are legacies of constitutional struggles and movements for alternative forms of order whose settlement or defeat help fix the path that triumphed. Moreover, they represent resources for endogenous institutional change, including the revival, reassembly, redeployment and subsequent elaboration of alternative logics within national capitalisms. As the analysis of the US case shows, such legacies underwrote the construction of an entirely different, cooperatively organized path alongside the dominant path of impersonal markets and for-profit corporations. Taken together, these findings generate new leverage for explaining institutional change. They also highlight features of the US case that have been ignored by institutionalist and 'varieties of capitalism' research, including internal structural variety, endogenous change processes, and the co-evolution of cooperative or coordinated and liberal market economies within American capitalism.
The marine sponge metabolite mycothiazole: a novel prototype mitochondrial complex I inhibitor.

A natural product chemistry-based approach was applied to discover small-molecule inhibitors of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1). A Petrosaspongia mycofijiensis marine sponge extract yielded mycothiazole (1), a solid tumor selective compound with no known mechanism for its cell line-dependent cytotoxic activity. Compound 1 inhibited hypoxic HIF-1 signaling in tumor cells (IC50 1 nM) that correlated with the suppression of hypoxia-stimulated tumor angiogenesis in vitro. However, 1 exhibited pronounced neurotoxicity in vitro. Mechanistic studies revealed that 1 selectively suppresses mitochondrial respiration at complex I (NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase). Unlike rotenone, MPP + , annonaceous acetogenins, piericidin A, and other complex I inhibitors, mycothiazole is a mixed polyketide/peptidederived compound with a central thiazole moiety. The exquisite potency and structural novelty of 1 suggest that it may serve as a valuable molecular probe for mitochondrial biology and HIF-mediated hypoxic signaling.
Theory and Numerical Simulation of Thermochemical Ablation

The goal of this investigation is to develop and implement a numerical simulation model to predict the outcome of the thermochemical ablation therapy of tumors and other dysfunctional tissue. The simulation model formulated here includes a reaction zone whose volume is defined by the volume of the chemical reagents and a surrounding volume of tissue to be necrosed. Account is taken of the relevant macroscopic thermal processes of conduction, perfusion, metabolism, and internal energy storage/depletion. The zone of necrosed tissue is quantified by means of the Henriques-Moritz thermal damage integral. The simulation model was confirmed by comparisons with available experimental data. The main results extracted from the simulations are the temporal and spatial temperature variations throughout the tissue bed and the resulting distributions of necrosed and non-necrosed tissue. The radius of the zone of necrosis was algebraically correlated with the heat of reaction of the participating reagents. It was demon...
ACANTHAPTINUS TRIPLEHORNI, A NEW GENUS AND SPECIES OF SPIDER BEETLE (COLEOPTERA: PTINIDAE) FROM MADAGASCAR

A new genus and species of flightless spider beetle from southwestern Madagascar, is described. The most notable morphological features are lateral spines on the pronotum and elytral epiplura and a diverse array of setal vestiture. Characteristics dif - ferentiating this new genus and species from all others are discussed and illustrated and the probable biology hypothesized.
Symbolic Capital, Consumption, and Health Inequality

Research on economic inequalities in health has been largely polarized between psychosocial and neomaterial approaches. Examination of symbolic capital—the material display of social status and how it is structurally constrained—is an underutilized way of exploring economic disparities in health and may help to resolve the existing theoretical polarization. In contemporary society, what people do with money and how they consume and display symbols of wealth may be as important as income itself. After tracing the historical rise of consumption in capitalist society and its interrelationship with economic inequality, I discuss evidence for the role of symbolic capital in health inequalities and suggest directions for future research.
A Practical Guide to the Technology and Adoption of Software Process Automation

Process automation provides a means to integrate people in a software development organization with the development process and the tools supporting that development. For many reasons, this new technology has the potential to significantly improve software quality and software development productivity. As yet, however, there is little practical experience in its day-to-day use. The main goal of this report is thus to provide information for organizations that are considering its adoption. For these reasons, the report aims to identify how process automation relates to both process improvement and CASE tools, to review in some detail two of the major commercial process automation products, and to address relevant organizational adoption issues. It is hoped that the report will help bridge the gap between those whose focus is software process improvement and those whose focus is software technology.
Meniscal allograft size can be predicted by height, weight, and gender.

Purpose Our purpose was to determine if height, weight, and gender can be used to accurately predict proper meniscal allograft dimensions. Methods Data were obtained from the Joint Restoration Foundation (AlloSource, Centennial, CO) regarding meniscal size and patient characteristics from meniscal donors. Donor height, weight, sex, age, and anatomic meniscal dimensions were recorded for 930 donor menisci in 664 patients. Multivariate regressions were completed using gender, height, and weight as independent variables and lateral meniscus length, lateral meniscus width, medial meniscus length, and medial meniscus width as dependent variables. The regression formulas were then reapplied to the data in order to produce estimated meniscus dimensions based on donor height, weight, and gender. A 90:10 split of the data was used to validate the regression models. Predicted meniscal size was then compared to actual meniscal size and the results compared to current measurement techniques. Results Regression formulas showed the ability to predict meniscal size based on gender, height, and weight with standard deviations (SDs) equal to or less than current radiographic techniques (SD, 6.4% to 8.2%). Average differences between predicted size and actual size ranged from 5.2% to 6.5% for length and 5.2% to 6.0% for width. Patient height was found to be a much more powerful predictor of meniscal size than patient weight. Data from the 90:10 split of data validated the model on an independent sample. These validated outputs were then compared to contemporary techniques and found to have lower SDs and average error rates in the majority of cases. Conclusions We have proposed a validated regression model that uses height, weight, and gender variables to accurately predict required allograft meniscal size. We compared it against previously published data for radiographic and magnetic resonance imaging sizing techniques and found it to produce results that were, overall, slightly more accurate. Clinical Relevance This model provides a novel method for sizing meniscal allografts.
Connectionism, Controllers, and a Brain Theory

This paper proposes a new theory for the internal mechanisms of the brain. It postulates that there are controllers in the brain and that there are parts of the brain that control other parts. Thus, the theory refutes the connectionist theory that there are no separate controllers in the brain for higher level functions and that all control is ldquolocal and distributedrdquo at the level of the cells. Connectionist algorithms themselves are used to prove this theory. Moreover, there is evidence in the neuroscience literature to support this theory. Thus, this paper proposes a control theoretic approach for understanding how the brain works and learns. That means that control theoretic principles should be applicable to developing systems similar to the brain.
Value of Information and Averting Behavior: The Case of Toxic Water Contamination

Little theoretical work has been done previously on the welfare valuation of changes in price and quality when consumers are imperfectly informed. The presence of imperfect information is particularly important in the analysis of averting behaviors. We develop a theoretical welfare measure, called quasi-compensating variation, as a natural extension of compensating variation (CV). We show that this welfare measure offers not only a money metric of the "value of information", but also a means to appropriately evaluate the welfare effects of various policies when consumers are imperfectly informed of water contamination. With a numerical example and our decomposition results (Propositions 2 and 3), we demonstrate that (i) the value of information could potentially account for a large portion of the total welfare gains when regulators simultaneously disseminate accurate information and improve drinking water quality, (ii) the willingness to pay to avoid toxic contamination is strictly larger for imperfectly informed than perfectly informed consumers, and (iii) the distribution of imperfect information among consumers affects the relative performance of the two compelling policy alternatives, "self-protection" and "pollution control".
Misdiagnosis of epilepsy due to errors in EEG interpretation

A 33-year-old woman was evaluated for episodes of generalised weakness, fatigue, diffuse pain, and dizziness. Her EEG revealed “temporal sharp waves” (fig 1, arrow). Despite the history, she was diagnosed with seizures and started on antiepileptic drugs. Figure 1 These sharp transients arise from an ongoing rhythm of the same frequency. They do not clearly stand out or disrupt the background activity. Contrast this with the sharp waves shown in figure 3. A 46-year-old woman was evaluated for a single episode of loss of consciousness after stepping out of her car. She recalled feeling unwell and weak, and then came to 1–2 minutes later with people around her. Witnesses said that she slumped down …
Radiation-induced polymerization at high pressure of 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene in bulk and with tetrafluoroethylene

The radiation-induced polymerization of 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene was studied as a function of temperature (22–100°C) and pressure (autogenous to 104 atm). Rates have varied 100-fold for the same reaction conditions probably because of trace impurities. The most rapidly polymerizing material has a rate of 4.5%/hr at 6000 atm, 22°C, and 1500 rad/hr. The activation enthalpy and volume are 4 kcal/mole and −13 cc/mole, respectively. Rates are proportional to the square root of the radiation intensity. Degrees of polymerization varied between 2 × 103 and 2 × 106. In copolymerization with tetrafluoroethylene the reactivity ratios at 22°C and 5000 atm are 0.37 (the ratio for addition to the tetrafluoroethylene-ended radical) and 5.4 (the ratio for addition to the tetrafluoropropene-ended radical). Comparison of ratios for the copolymerization of other fluorinej-containing monomers with tetrafluoroethylene shows that they generally disfavor incorporation of the latter.
Mapping Proximity Within Proteins Using Fluorescence Spectroscopy: New Advances In Distance-dependent Tryptophan-induced Fluorescence Quenching

We previously showed that the dramatic quenching of bimane fluorescence by Trp can be exploited to study protein structure, dynamics and protein-protein interactions. Here we report our efforts to extend this approach to four other probes: monobromotrimethylammoniobimane (qBBr), lucifer yellow (LY), BODIPY 507/535 (BDPY), and Atto-655 (Atto). We attached each probe to a unique reactive cysteine at four different sites on T4 lysozyme, and measured the effect of a nearby Trp on the fluorescence intensity and lifetime. We also used a relatively novel yet simple approach to calculate the relative fraction of each probe forming a static, non-fluorescent complex with the Trp.The different probes show markedly different sensitivities to quenching by the Trp, most likely due to their differences in size, rotational flexibility, length of attachment linker, and efficiencies of quenching photochemistry. Together, our data can be used to approximate the distance-dependent “sphere of quenching” for each probe. The smaller probes (bimanes and BODIPY) show substantial quenching and static-complex formation only when they are very close to the Trp (< 10A away). Thus, these probes are best suited for measuring short-range intramolecular distances or conformational changes in proteins. In contrast, the larger probes (lucifer yellow and Atto-655) show substantial quenching and static-complex formation with the Trp over longer distances. Thus, these latter probes are less selective for monitoring local changes, but are useful for monitoring longer-range distances within a protein, or inter-molecular distances between proteins. We anticipate the broad excitation and emission range covered by these four probes (380 nm - 650 nm), combined with the ability to determine the amount of static complex formation with Trp, should expand the use of Trp-induced fluorescence quenching as a method for studying protein structure and dynamics.
Oscillator Devices Using Thick-Film Technology

The Electrical Engineering Department of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University has developed a microelectronics laboratory as a result of research involving microelectronics and metallic oxide studies over the past five years. Work on characterization and applications of metallic oxide devices is currently being conducted. This paper reports on the fabrication of eight oscillator devices on a l-in square alumina substrate using metallic oxide materials developed at NC A&T State University as a result of the research program. Significant technological capabilities of the laboratory relative to the microelectronics industry in the area of microelectronic component evaluation is also discussed.
OYSTER, a 3D structural simulator for microelectromechanical design

OYSTER simulated the geometric effects of sequential IC (integrated circuit) process stages, including patterning of photoresists with planar masks, in order to produce three-dimensional polyhedral representations of all material structures in a design cell after each process stage. It has been developed for IC simulation but is applicable to microelectromechanical systems manufactured using similar processes. The polyhedral models may be used with various analytic procedures as sources of geometric data for finite-element calculations, or they may be subjected to interference calculations, or inspected to detect structural anomalies. As used in IC simulations, OYSTER provides the ability to introduce worst-case or stochastic manufacturing variations in mask alignment, etch depth, or deposition thickness. The author presents examples of variations in mask alignment and calculates resultant variations in center of gravity and moments of inertia for simple micromechanical objects. >
Vitamin B12 Content and Binding Capacity of Cow's Milk Proteins

The vitamin Bis content and binding capacity of cow's milk protein fractions after equilibration with excess '"Co-labeled vitamin Â?12 in borate buffer, pH 9.0, were determined by microbiological assay using Lactobacillus leichmannii and by assay for radioactivity. The distribution of vitamin B12between the various proteins of milk was ubiquitous but a higher concentration was demonstrated in the whey proteins. The isoelectrically prepared casein fraction contained 98 /Â?/Â?g of vitamin Bi2/mg of protein; /3-lactoglobulin,870; a-lactalbumin, 90; blood serum albumin, 80; proteose-peptone, 370; fat-globule membrane proteins, 82; and non-protein nitrogen â€"converted to an equivalent amount of protein, 2,200. The vitamin BÂ« content of the casein complex was distributed between a- and /3-caseins: 41 and 20 /mg/mg of protein, respectively. Further fractionation of a-casein into a,- and k-caseins yielded values for vitamin Bi2 of 5 and 10 /Â?/Â?g/mg of protein, respectively. Apparently, the vitamin was released during the subfractionation of the casein complex. The amount of '"Co-labeled vitamin 812adsorbed by various milk proteins upon equilibration with excess '"Co-labeled vitamin BÂ« was 850 /Â?/*g/mg for /3-lactoglobulin,690 for a-lactal bumin, 773 for casein, 1580 for a-casein, 915 for a.-casein and 2490 for the proteose- peptone fraction. In 8 M urea, Â?Mactoglobulin bound vitamin Ba at a higher level (e.g., > 20% ). A previous report from this laboratory indicated that milk protein fractions con tained no unique or predominate quanti ties of bound vitamin B!2 and that about 95% of the total vitamin Bi2in cow's milk
Spiking patterns and their functional implications in the antennal lobe of the tobacco hornworm Manduca sexta.

Bursting as well as tonic firing patterns have been described in various sensory systems. In the olfactory system, spontaneous bursts have been observed in neurons distributed across several synaptic levels, from the periphery, to the olfactory bulb (OB) and to the olfactory cortex. Several in vitro studies indicate that spontaneous firing patterns may be viewed as “fingerprints” of different types of neurons that exhibit distinct functions in the OB. It is still not known, however, if and how neuronal burstiness is correlated with the coding of natural olfactory stimuli. We thus conducted an in vivo study to probe this question in the OB equivalent structure of insects, the antennal lobe (AL) of the tobacco hornworm Manduca sexta. We found that in the moth's AL, both projection (output) neurons (PNs) and local interneurons (LNs) are spontaneously active, but PNs tend to produce spike bursts while LNs fire more regularly. In addition, we found that the burstiness of PNs is correlated with the strength of their responses to odor stimulation – the more bursting the stronger their responses to odors. Moreover, the burstiness of PNs was also positively correlated with the spontaneous firing rate of these neurons, and pharmacological reduction of bursting resulted in a decrease of the neurons' responsiveness. These results suggest that neuronal burstiness reflects a physiological state of these neurons that is directly linked to their response characteristics.
Finding a History for Software Engineering

Historians and software engineers are both looking for a history for software engineering. For historians, it is a matter of finding a point of perspective from which to view an enterprise that is still in the process of defining itself. For software engineers, it is the question of finding a usable past, as they have sought to ground their vision of the enterprise on historical models taken from science, engineering, industry, and the professions. The article examines some of those models and their application to software engineering.
A Role for Brain Angiotensin II in Experimental Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension in Laboratory Rats

The Sprague-Dawley laboratory rat served as an experimental model for pregnancy-induced hypertension. Generation of systemic hypertension depended upon a surgical reduction of blood pressure by 30–...
User perception and experience of the introduction of a novel critical care patient viewer in the ICU setting.

Abstract Objective Failure to rapidly identify high-value information due to inappropriate output may alter user acceptance and satisfaction. The information needs for different intensive care unit (ICU) providers are not the same. This can obstruct successful implementation of electronic medical record (EMR) systems. We evaluated the implementation experience and satisfaction of providers using a novel EMR interface—based on the information needs of ICU providers—in the context of an existing EMR system. Methods This before–after study was performed in the ICU setting at two tertiary care hospitals from October 2013 through November 2014. Surveys were delivered to ICU providers before and after implementation of the novel EMR interface. Overall satisfaction and acceptance was reported for both interfaces. Results A total of 246 before (existing EMR) and 115 after (existing EMR + novel EMR interface) surveys were analyzed. 14% of respondents were prescribers and 86% were non-prescribers. Non-prescribers were more satisfied with the existing EMR, whereas prescribers were more satisfied with the novel EMR interface. Both groups reported easier data gathering, routine tasks & rounding, and fostering of team work with the novel EMR interface. This interface was the primary tool for 18% of respondents after implementation and 73% of respondents intended to use it further. Non-prescribers reported an intention to use this novel interface as their primary tool for information gathering. Conclusion Compliance and acceptance of new system is not related to previous duration of work in ICU, but ameliorates with the length of EMR interface usage. Task-specific and role-specific considerations are necessary for design and successful implementation of a EMR interface. The difference in user workflows causes disparity of the way of EMR data usage.
Trade Policy Priority One: Averting a U.S.-China "Trade War"

An emerging narrative in 2012 is that a proliferation of protectionist, treaty-violating, or otherwise illiberal Chinese policies is to blame for worsening U.S.-China relations. China trade experts from across the ideological and political spectra have lent credibility to that story. Business groups that once counseled against U.S. government actions that might be perceived by the Chinese as provocative have changed their tunes. The term “trade war” is no longer taboo.The media have portrayed the United States as a victim of underhanded Chinese practices, including currency manipulation, dumping, subsidization, intellectual property theft, forced technology transfer, discriminatory “indigenous innovation” policies, export restrictions, industrial espionage, and other ad hoc impediments to U.S. investment and exports.Indeed, it is beyond doubt that certain Chinese policies have been provocative, discriminatory, protectionist, and, in some cases, violative of the agreed rules of international trade. But there is more to the story than that. U.S. policies, politics, and attitudes have contributed to rising tensions, as have rabble-rousing politicians and a confrontation-thirsty media. If the public’s passions are going to be inflamed with talk of a trade war, prudence demands that the war’s nature be properly characterized and its causes identified and accurately depicted.Those agitating for tough policy actions should put down their battle bugles and consider that trade wars are never won. Instead, such wars claim victims indiscriminately and leave significant damage in their wake. Even if one concludes that China’s list of offenses is collectively more egregious than that of the United States, the most sensible course of action — for the American public (if not campaigning politicians) — is one that avoids mutually destructive actions and finds measures to reduce frictions with China.
Using density functional theory to calculate the anomeric effect in hydroxylamine and hydrazide derivatives of tetrahydropyran

ABSTRACTLittle is known about the magnitude of the anomeric effect in N-glycosylated oxyamines and hydrazides, limiting efforts toward the design of chemoselective acceptors that impose a stereochemical preference on glycosylation reactions. Thus, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were conducted to estimate the magnitude of the anomeric effect in N,O-dimethyl-N-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)hydroxylamine (1) and N'-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)acetohydrazide (3). The results show that N,O-dimethyl-N-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)hydroxylamine (1) displays a significant anomeric effect (AEcorr = 1.38 kcal/mol) and that N'-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)acetohydrazide (3) displays a modest anomeric effect (AEcorr = 0.54 kcal/mol).
BOUNDARY CONTROL OF A CLASS OF UNSTABLE PARABOLIC PDESVIA BACKSTEPPING

Abstract In this paper a family of stabilizing boundary feedback control laws for a class of linear parabolic PDEs motivated by engineering applications is presented. The design procedure presented here can handle systems with an arbitrary finite number of open-loop unstable eigenvalues and is not restricted to a particular type of boundary actuation. The stabilization is achieved through the design of coordinate transformations that have the form of recursive relationships. The fundamental difficulty of such transformations is that the recursion has an infinite number of iterations. The problem of feedback gains growing unbounded as grid becomes infinitely fine is resolved by a proper choice of the target system to which the original system is transformed. We show how to design coordinate transformations such that they are sufficiently regular (not continuous but L ∞ ). We then establish closed-loop stability, regularity of control, and regularity of solutions of the PDE. The result is accompanied by a simulation study for a linearization of a tubular chemical reactor around an unstable steady state.
Further Studies on Delivery of Hydroelectricity in Ankang Power Grid

Based on the twelfth five-year plan of Ankang power grid,the paper discusses the problems existed in the delivery of hydroeleclricity in Ankang power grid,statistical analyzes the capacity of power source,determines the scale of power sources yearly during the twelfth five-year,analyzes studies the three prominent problems in hydroelectricity,which are the weakness of 330 kV network frame,the huge delivery pressure on 110 kV transmission line from Guanmiao to Langao and the unfavorable delivery in Pingli Zhenping,and proposes some suggestions on how to solve these problems.
Trametinib-induced Left Ventricular Dysfunction in a Child With Relapsed Neuroblastoma

The MEK inhibitor trametinib is globally approved for metastatic melanoma harboring BRAF mutations. There are no reports thus far on its use in children. Exome sequencing on a relapsed tumor sample from an 11-year-old male with progressive, multiply relapsed stage 4 neuroblastoma revealed NRASQ61K mutation. After demonstration of normal cardiac function, he was started on oral trametinib. On day 13 of treatment, echocardiogram showed moderate left ventricular dysfunction. Trametinib was discontinued on day 15 and oral lisinopril was started. Left ventricular function recovered to baseline 37 days after discontinuing trametinib. However, neuroblastoma showed further progression.
Nutrient transport in runoff from feedlots as affected by wet distiller's grain diet

Distiller's byproducts can serve as valuable sources of protein and energy for beef cattle. When the characteristics of materials entering and exiting the plant are compared, the nutrients in distiller's byproducts are concentrated about three times. The objectives of this study were to: a) measure soil properties and nutrient transport in runoff from feedlot surfaces as affected by corn-based and wet distillers grain diets, b) compare the effects of unconsolidated surface materials (USM) (loose manure pack) and consolidated subsurface materials (CSM) (compacted manure and underlying layers) on soil characteristics and nutrient transport, c) determine if runoff nutrient transport from corn-based or wet distillers grain diets is correlated to selected feedlot soil properties, and d) identify the effects of varying runoff rate on nutrient transport. Simulated rainfall events were applied to 0.75-m wide by 2-m long plots. Measurements of calcium, copper, loss on ignition, magnesium, organic-N, potassium, sulfur, total N (TN), and zinc were significantly greater within the pens where cattle were fed a corn-based diet. The pens where distiller's grains were fed contained significantly greater amounts of Bray 1-P. Surface condition (USM or CSM) did not significantly affect any of the feedlot properties except potassium content. Use of a wet distillers grain diet did not significantly affect any of the measured runoff water quality parameters. Runoff measurements of NH4-N, TN, NO3-N, total dissolved solids, and EC were each significantly correlated to six or more feedlot parameters. Each of the measured water quality parameters was significantly influenced by runoff rate.
Priapism in an 8-year-old boy treated by spongiocavernosum shunt.

Abstract The spongiocavernosum shunt described by Sacher and associates was helpful in treating an 8-year-old boy with priapism that occurred following a straddle injury.
Metal ion control of dimensionality and self-penetration in coordination polymers containing furandicarboxylate and dipyridylamide ligands

Abstract Hydrothermal reaction of metal nitrates, 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (H2fdc) and the conformationally flexible dipyridylamide ligand 3-pyridylnicotinamide (3-pna) afforded three new coordination polymers which were structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. {[Cd2(fdc)2(3-pna)(H2O)4]·6H2O}n (1) exhibits a 1D ladder structural motif with tethering anti-conformation 3-pna ligands acting as the rungs. {[Ni(fdc)(3-pna)2(H2O)]·2.5H2O}n (2) displays a (4,4) rhomboid grid structure that resembles a rarer (3,6) triangular grid if supramolecular interactions provided by pendant syn-conformation 3-pna ligands are considered. [Co(fdc)(3-pna)(H2O)]n (3) manifests {Co2(OCO)2} anti-syn dimer-based 3-connected 4.82 layers pillared into a novel 3D 3,5-connected self-penetrated (4.6.8)(4.658310) topology network by anti-conformation 3-pna ligands. The specific metal coordination environments, fdc binding mode, and 3-pna conformation act synergistically to enforce structure direction in this system. Thermal decomposition properties of these three new materials are also discussed.
Absence of post-extrasystolic potentiation in takotsubo cardiomyopathy: Another piece of the puzzle?

Abstract Background Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM) is an intriguing phenomenon characterized by transient and reversible left ventricular (LV) dysfunction despite angiographically unobstructed coronary arteries. The detailed pathophysiology of stunned, viable myocardium in TCM remains to be determined. Post-extrasystolic potentiation (PESP), the phenomenon of enhanced LV contractility following extrasystole, has been used to assess myocardial viability. Methods Utilizing a local database, we identified 74 cases that met the modified Mayo Clinic criteria for TCM between October 2004 and March 2016. The patients undergoing left ventriculography were assessed for the presence of fortuitously provoked extrasystoles and the presence or absence of PESP. Results The baseline characteristics of TCM were 93.2% female patients with median age of 69 and majority cases were apical type (77%). In-hospital mortality was observed in 3 cases (4.1%), all of which were apical type. We observed improved ejection fraction after extrasystole compared to baseline, however stunned myocardium had minimal PESP whereas unaffected myocardium showed marked potentiation. Conclusion Extrasystoles in TCM failed to elicit PESP in affected LV segments despite viability in those segments, in turn implicating a calcium handling abnormality in TCM. Potential explanations of our results may be that catecholamine excess caused maximum calcium release so that an extrasystole could not enhance contractility any further, or that there is a regional insensitivity to calcium release due to a disturbance of the calcium regulatory system at the molecular level despite the bolus of calcium availability provided by the extrasystole.
Using stable isotopes of hydrogen to quantify biogenic and thermogenic atmospheric methane sources: A case study from the Colorado Front Range†

Global atmospheric concentrations of methane (CH4), a powerful greenhouse gas, are increasing, but because there are many natural and anthropogenic sources of CH4, it is difficult to assess which sources may be increasing in magnitude. Here we present a dataset of δ2H-CH4 measurements of individual sources and air in the Colorado Front Range, USA. We show that δ2H-CH4, but not δ13C, signatures are consistent in air sampled downwind of landfills, cattle feedlots, and oil and gas wells in the region. Applying these source signatures to air in ground and aircraft samples indicates that at least 50% of CH4 emitted in the region is biogenic, perhaps because regulatory restrictions on leaking oil and natural gas wells are helping to reduce this source of CH4. Source apportionment tracers such as δ2H may help close the gap between CH4 observations and inventories, which may underestimate biogenic as well as thermogenic sources.
Open-path cavity ring-down spectroscopy sensors for atmospheric measurements

Open-path cavity ring-down spectroscopy provides a potential means for sensitive detection of trace gas species in compact, lightweight packages. This contribution presents studies of attainable sensitivity along with details of methane and ammonia sensors.
Creating Memories and Bonding through Competitive Shopping: Evidence of Co-creating Experiential Retail Value

While researchers have identified personality traits and situational circumstances as drivers of general competitive consumer behaviors (e.g., Mowen 2000), competitive shopping itself has not garnered significant attention. As such, the purpose of this research was to better understand the motives, nature, and nuances of competitive shopping. Drawing from a sample of twenty-three informants who were engaged in a competitive shopping event, we sought to enrich our understanding of the phenomenon. The Grounded Theory (Glaser & Straus 1967) method was employed for data collection and analysis. Our findings indicate that although the primary phenomenon incorporates aspects of competing, participants were predominantly engaged in a process of creating memories. At the heart of creating memories was interpersonal bonding manifested through competitive shopping. Creating memories through bonding and competing highlights how consumers can take part in creating experiential value during a retail shopping experience.
Changes in relative work of the lower extremity joints and distal foot with walking speed

The modulation of walking speed results in adaptations to the lower limbs which can be quantified using mechanical work. A 6 degree-of-freedom (DOF) power analysis, which includes additional translations as compared to the 3 DOF (all rotational) approach, is a comprehensive approach for quantifying lower limb work during gait. The purpose of this study was to quantify the speed-related 6 DOF joint and distal foot work adaptations of all the lower extremity limb constituents (hip, knee, ankle, and distal foot) in healthy individuals. Relative constituent 6 DOF work, the amount of constituent work relative to absolute limb work, was calculated during the stance and swing phases of gait. Eight unimpaired adults walked on an instrumented split-belt treadmill at slow, moderate, and typical walking speeds (0.4, 0.6, and 0.8 statures/s, respectively). Using motion capture and force data, 6 DOF powers were calculated for each constituent. Contrary to previously published results, 6 DOF positive relative ankle work and negative relative distal foot work increased significantly with increased speed during stance phase (p<0.05). Similar to previous rotational DOF results in the sagittal plane, negative relative ankle work decreased significantly with increased speed during stance phase (p<0.05). Scientifically, these findings provide new insight into how healthy individuals adapt to increased walking speed and suggest limitations of the rotational DOF approach for quantifying limb work. Clinically, the data presented here for unimpaired limbs can be used to compare with speed-matched data from limbs with impairments.
Learning supervised binary hashing: Optimization vs diversity

Binary hashing is a practical approach for fast, approximate retrieval in large image databases. The goal is to learn a hash function that maps high-dimensional images onto a binary vector such that Hamming distances approximate semantic similarities. The search is then fast by using hardware support for binary operations. Most hashing papers define a complicated objective function that couples the single-bit hash functions. A recent work has shown the surprising result that by learning the single-bit functions independently and making them diverse using ensemble learning techniques, one can achieve simpler optimization, faster training, and better retrieval results. In this paper, we study the interplay between optimization and diversity in learning good hash functions. We show that to achieve good hash functions, no matter how we optimize the objective, the diversity among the single-bit hash functions is a crucial element.
THE ELECTROPHYSIOLOGICAL BASIS FOR THE VENTRICULAR FIBRILLATION THRESHOLD AND FACTORS THAT AFFECT IT

ABSTRACT Ventricular fibrillation may result from electrical shock. This state of random chaotic depolarization of myofibrils is in sharp contrast to the orderly depolarization of normal myocardium. Laboratory techniques have been developed to quantitate the vulnerability of myocardium to electrically induced fibrillation. The most commonly used approach employs brief trains of stimuli during the relative refraction period of the cardiac cycle. Various physiologic and pharmacologic interventions such as ischemia, autonomic tone, endogenous compounds such as catecholamines and cardiac drugs have been found to have significant effects on these laboratory measurements. Laboratory assessment of fibrillation threshold has in turn coorelated well with clinical observations in man.
Best Management Practices From the “Responsible Shale Energy Extraction” Conference: Guiding Industry in Environmental Stewardship

Abstract The First Annual Responsible Shale Energy Extraction Symposium (RSEE), held in conjunction with Earth Day Texas 2017 (April), brought together multiple perspectives from scientists, concerned citizens, operators, regulators, and technology companies for a series of honest conversations concerning the importance of environmental stewardship at each stage of shale energy extraction. Unconventional oil and gas development is a complex process that requires safeguards and best management practices for all surface and subsurface activities. Surface and subsurface activities provide potential pathways for environmental contamination, a phenomenon that has garnered more notoriety since the inception of the shale energy extraction. In this chapter, we will discuss available best management practices that industry is and can be utilizing to mitigate environmental impacts in air quality, groundwater and surface water quality, water and waste management, induced seismicity, and light pollution.