cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Contents of Total Phenolic Compounds and Total Flavones and DPPH Radical Scavenging Activity during Overmature Vinegar Production

The changes in contents of total phenolic compounds and total flavones and DPPH radical scavenging activity during Shanxi overmature vinegar production were investigated and the correlation among them was analyzed. Both the contents of total phenolic compounds and total flavones at smoking solid-substrate fermentation stage went up notably and were positively correlated with the DPPH radical scavenging activity and the correlation coefficients were 0.9340 and 0.9005, respectively. The multiple linear regression equation for the DPPH radical scavenging activity as a function of the contents of total phenolic compounds and total flavones was Y = 29.061 + 50.472X1 + 13.138X2 (production line 2), and the correlation coefficients 0.954. In addition, a high positive correlation was also found between the contents of total phenolic compounds and total flavones with the correlation coefficient of 0.881 (production line 3).
Fluorinated antimony(V) derivatives: strong Lewis acidic properties and application to the complexation of formaldehyde in aqueous solutions

As part of our ongoing studies of water tolerant Lewis acids, we have synthesized and investigated the properties of Sb(C6F5)3(O2C6Cl4), a fluorinated stiborane whose Lewis acidity approaches that of B(C6F5)3. While chloroform solutions of this Lewis acid can be kept open to air or exposed to water for extended periods of time, this new Lewis acid reacts with PtBu3 and paraformaldehyde to form the corresponding formaldehyde adduct tBu3P–CH2–O–Sb(C6F5)3(O2C6Cl4). To test if this reactivity can also be observed with systems that combine the phosphine and the stiborane within the same molecule, we have also prepared o-C6H4(PPh2)(SbAr2(O2C6Cl4)) (Ar = Ph, C6F5). These yellow compounds, which possess an intramolecular P→Sb interaction, are remarkably inert to water but do, nonetheless, react with and accomodate formaldehyde into the P/Sb pocket. In the case of the fluorinated derivative o-C6H4(PPh2)(Sb(C6F5)2(O2C6Cl4)), formaldehyde complexation, which occurs in water/dichloromethane biphasic mixtures, is accompanied by a colourimetric turn-off response thus highlighting the potential that this chemistry holds in the domain of molecular sensing.
Electron-Induced Fragmentation of Methylated Formamides

Abstract At an electron ionization of 70 eV, all cationic fragments for N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) and N-methylformamide (NMF) were detected with a quadrupole mass spectrometer and confirmed using isotopically-labelled molecules. Ion efficiency curves near the threshold region (5–20 eV) for all of the major cationic fragments were measured and fit with a Wannier-type function to determine their appearance energies (AEs). Possible reaction pathways for the formation of each observed cation were proposed, and the corresponding enthalpies (ΔH⁰s) of reaction were evaluated from quantum chemical calculations using the Gaussian09 computational quantum chemistry package. Our results suggest that hydrogen loss for both molecules occurs primarily from the carbonyl carbon. We confirm that hydrogen transfer from the carbonyl site to the nitrogen site occurs during amide bond cleavage. The resultant cations, C2H6N+ and CH4N+, and their further fragments, formed by losing an H atom, H2, or C2H2, were first identified in mass spectra and were further probed by comparing the AEs with calculated ΔH⁰s of all possible formation pathways. Additionally, we suggest that hydrogen transfer also occurs when the N-CH3 bond breaks in DMF. This detailed study of the simplest molecule with the peptide linkage contributes to our understanding of electron impact on peptide-like molecules.
Low complexity opportunistic decoder for network coding

In this paper, we propose a novel opportunistic decoding scheme for network coding decoder which significantly reduces the decoder complexity and increases the throughput. Network coding was proposed to improve the network throughput and reliability, especially for multicast transmissions. Although network coding increases the network performance, the complexity of the network coding decoder algorithm is still high, especially for higher dimensional finite fields or larger network codes. Different software and hardware approaches were proposed to accelerate the decoding algorithm, but the decoder remains to be the bottleneck for high speed data transmission. We propose a novel decoding scheme which exploits the structure of the network coding matrix to reduce the network decoder complexity and improve throughput. We also implemented the proposed scheme on Virtex 7 FPGA and compared our implementation to the widely used Gaussian elimination.
Standards and Guidelines Prepared by the Rare Books and Manuscripts Section of the Association of College and Research Libraries

The following annotated bibliography contains only published standards and guidelines prepared by the section. All but the last two have received final approval. For a brief list of standards and guidelines now being prepared (or under consideration) by the section please write to: The Secretary, Rare Books and Manuscripts Section, Association of College and Research Libraries, 50 East Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60611-2795. All items listed here are available from ACRL at the address given above: offprints of articles are free; separately published items have their costs given following their citation. Association of College and Research Libraries. Rare Books and . . .
Looking at faces in a vehicle: A deep CNN based approach and evaluation

The driver's face is key to a less intrusive method to monitoring the driver to derive information such as distraction, drowsiness, intent, and where they are looking. A vital step in extracting these higher level information is to find the driver's face and individual components such as eyes, nose and mouth, along with the direction they are facing towards. In the context of safety critical situation like driving, it is important that this vital step be robust otherwise the higher level information is not available or unreliable. The lighting condition of a driver's cabin varies greatly from dark due to driving under a bridge or in a parking structure to extremely bright on a sunny day. Various occlusions on the face may also occur due to hand activities such as drinking water or different gestures. This work introduces a system based on existing CNN structures with slight modifications to implement face detection, landmark localization, and landmark-based head pose estimation method which addresses the challenges found in the driver cabin. To handle these challenges, training samples are artificially augmented for the purpose of developing a system robust in the environment of a vehicle.
Medical Words with Mythological Origins

Many of the medical terms we use have their origins in Greek or Roman mythology. We use words every day without thinking how psychiatry comes from Psyche, goddess of the human soul; why the element we call mercury was named for a Roman god; and the relationship of the goddess Aphrodite to the word aphrodisiac. Many more words—erotic, panic, atropine, sphincter, and syphilis—all have their origins in the legends traced to ancient Greeks and Romans.
Neuromodulatory Effects of Auditory Training and Hearing Aid Use on Audiovisual Speech Perception in Elderly Individuals.

Although audiovisual (AV) training has been shown to improve overall speech perception in hearing-impaired listeners, there has been a lack of direct brain imaging data to help elucidate the neural networks and neural plasticity associated with hearing aid use and auditory training targeting speechreading. For this purpose, the current clinical case study reports functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data from two hearing-impaired patients who were first-time HA users. During the study period, both patients used hearing aids for 8 weeks; only one received a training program named ReadMyQuips™ (RMQ) targeting speechreading during the second half of the study period for 4 weeks. Identical fMRI tests were administered at pre-fitting and at the end of the 8 weeks. Regions of interest (ROI) including auditory cortex and visual cortex for uni-sensory processing, and superior temporal sulcus (STS) for audiovisual integration, were identified for each person through independent functional localizer task. The results showed experience-dependent changes involving ROIs of auditory cortex, STS, and functional connectivity between uni-sensory ROIs and STS from pretest to posttest in both cases. These data provide initial evidence for the malleable experience-driven cortical functionality for audiovisual speech perception in elderly hearing-impaired people and call for further studies with a much larger subject sample and systematic control to fill in the knowledge gap to understand brain plasticity associated with auditory rehabilitation in the aging population.
The Effects of Fixed-Ratio Size in Multiple and Mixed Fixed-Ratio Schedules

In compound fixed-ratio schedules, the factors controlling intercomponent pausing are not clear. One group of pigeons was trained on a multiple schedule in which ratio size of one of the two components was varied. Comparable manipulations were made for a second group trained on a mixed schedule. As the ratio was increased, the pause preceding that ratio also increased, while the pause before the other ratio decreased. Stimulus control was greater in the multiple schedule.
Spatial Information Gain-Based Spatial Decision Tree

This chapter introduces one specific technique of earth imagery classification called spatial information gain-based spatial decision tree. The corresponding spatial decision tree learning algorithm incorporates spatial autocorrelation effect by a new spatial information gain (SIG) measure.
Cancer Survivorship Care in Advanced Primary Care Practices: A Qualitative Study of Challenges and Opportunities.

Importance Despite a decade of effort by national stakeholders to bring cancer survivorship to the forefront of primary care, there is little evidence to suggest that primary care has begun to integrate comprehensive services to manage the care of long-term cancer survivors. Objective To explain why primary care has not begun to integrate comprehensive cancer survivorship services. Design, Setting, and Participants Comparative case study of 12 advanced primary care practices in the United States recruited from March 2015 to February 2017. Practices were selected from a national registry of 151 workforce innovators compiled for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Practices were recruited to include diversity in policy context and organizational structure. Researchers conducted 10 to 12 days of ethnographic data collection in each practice, including interviews with practice personnel and patient pathways with cancer survivors. Fieldnotes, transcripts, and practice documents were analyzed within and across cases to identify salient themes. Main Outcomes and Measures Description of cancer survivorship care delivery in advanced patient-centered medical homes, including identification of barriers and promotional factors related to that care. Results The 12 practices came from multiple states and policy contexts and had a mix of clinicians trained in family or internal medicine. All but 3 were recognized as National Committee on Quality Assurance level 3 patient-centered medical homes. None of the practices provided any type of comprehensive cancer survivorship services. Three interdependent explanatory factors emerged: the absence of a recognized, distinct clinical category of survivorship in primary care; a lack of actionable information to treat this patient population; and current information systems unable to support survivorship care. Conclusions and Relevance To increase the potential for primary care transformation efforts to integrate survivorship services into routine care, survivorship must become a recognized clinical category with actionable care plans supported by a functional information system infrastructure.
Modular network function virtualization

Network functions like load balancers and stateful firewalls which traditionally have been packaged in a single proprietary device are now being virtuahzed in software across multiple physical devices networked together to achieve greater flexibility and scale. A virtualization can become very complex. Separating its definition from the software that implements it allows this complexity to be managed more easily. This paper describes some elementary behaviors that can be rigorously combined to produce modular definitions of new virtualizations. Behaviors are expressed using a new type of symbolic finite automaton called a λ-SFA. These automata can be formally analyzed and serve as a guide for synthesizing efficient code. As behaviors are combined, proofs of invariants for the result can leverage proofs of invariants for the elementary behaviors.
Effect of extraction conditions on citrate-mediated phosphorus removal and recovery from intercepted particulate runoff

Abstract Phosphorus (P) is a nonrenewable mineral resource that is critical to achieving food security for the growing world population. However, nearly half of total annual mined P is lost through nonpoint particulate runoff streams. Previously, we demonstrated inorganic phosphate extraction from runoff particulate mineral phases using P-solubilizing fungi (PSF) generating the organic acids citrate and oxalate. The objective of the current study was to investigate the effect of extraction process conditions on P extraction efficiency and kinetics from impounded urban storm water runoff sediments using citrate as the sole P solubilization agent. Abiotic extraction experiments were conducted according to a one-factor-at-a-time approach. High P removal and solubilization were favored at low sediment loading (5 g/100 mL), low initial pH (3), and high initial organic acid loading (75 mM), with P recovery efficiencies of 75% to 100% and 240 ppm solubilized phosphate levels achieved under these conditions. Initial and equilibrium extractant pH levels between citrate pK a1 (3.08) and pK a2 (4.74) appeared conducive for citrate ligand-induced particulate P release, possibly due to optimal balance of protonated and dissociated carboxylic groups. The results suggest that operating the extraction under fed-batch or semi-continuous modes with pH control can help maximize runoff particulate P recovery efficiency in PSF-mediated bioextractions wherein citric acid is the major fungal organic acid product.
Pigouvian Market Failure

Nobel Prizes create a non-hereditary nobility—should the 1974 Nobel Prize for Economic Science have been awarded to a secular-religion-promoting fraud whose ‘children’s’ academic entitlements are assisting the process of re-feudalisation? Should the oil-, coal- and tobacco-funded Professors and think tank ‘Fellows’ who promote this religion be accorded policy ‘expert’ status? Should this religion be taught in economics departments? Markets—and the framework and full-cost pricing (Pigouvian externality taxes) within which they can provide the socially optimal result—require a more thorough and dispassionate examination than ‘free’ market advocates are either willing or able to provide.
Reduction of Perchlorate Ion by Titanous Ions in Ethanolic Solution

It may seem odd that a chapter dealing with the mechanism of an inorganic reaction—a rather academic subject—is a part of a volume concerned with the environmental challenge raised by the detection of perchlorate ion in ground water. One reason that this chapter is included is to call attention to a second perchlorate problem—a purely scientific puzzle, quite unlike the practical difficulty posed by the presence of perchlorate ion in water supplies. Perchlorates are manufactured for their oxidizing power, useful in rocket propellants, pyrotechnics, and munitions. Since perchlorate ion is a strong oxidant, why do common strong reducing agents fail to react with that ion in aqueous media—while some weaker reductants do, in fact, reduce perchlorate? This is an certainly an interesting question in the area of inorganic reaction mechanism studies,1 but, in addition, it is at least possible that the environmental threat of perchlorate contamination may not be fully contained until that scientific problem is resolved—until adequate understanding of the molecular-level basis of the unusual reactivity pattern exhibited by perchlorate ion is gained. The research reported here aims to clarify the mechanism of reduction of perchlorate by trivalent titanium ions, in order to contribute to understanding of the reasons why perchlorate ion displays the unusual reactivity pattern that it does. As a useful byproduct, this investigation may perhaps help identify a practical chemical means of destroying perchlorate ion in aqueous media.
Machine learning approaches for predicting disposition of asthma and COPD exacerbations in the ED.

Abstract Objective The prediction of emergency department (ED) disposition at triage remains challenging. Machine learning approaches may enhance prediction. We compared the performance of several machine learning approaches for predicting two clinical outcomes (critical care and hospitalization) among ED patients with asthma or COPD exacerbation. Methods Using the 2007–2015 National Hospital and Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS) ED data, we identified adults with asthma or COPD exacerbation. In the training set (70% random sample), using routinely-available triage data as predictors (e.g., demographics, arrival mode, vital signs, chief complaint, comorbidities), we derived four machine learning-based models: Lasso regression, random forest, boosting, and deep neural network. In the test set (the remaining 30% of sample), we compared their prediction ability against traditional logistic regression with Emergency Severity Index (ESI, reference model). Results Of 3206 eligible ED visits, corresponding to weighted estimates of 13.9 million visits, 4% had critical care outcome and 26% had hospitalization outcome. For the critical care prediction, the best performing approach– boosting – achieved the highest discriminative ability (C-statistics 0.80 vs. 0.68), reclassification improvement (net reclassification improvement [NRI] 53%, P = 0.002), and sensitivity (0.79 vs. 0.53) over the reference model. For the hospitalization prediction, random forest provided the highest discriminative ability (C-statistics 0.83 vs. 0.64) reclassification improvement (NRI 92%, P Conclusions Based on nationally-representative ED data, machine learning approaches improved the ability to predict disposition of patients with asthma or COPD exacerbation.
Classical and monocyte-derived DCs require distinct transcriptional programs for cross-presentation.

Classical DCs (cDCs) and monocyte-derived DCs (Mo-DCs) cross-present cell associated antigens, but whether these cells use a universal program for this process is unknown. In examining the requirements for cross-presentation by Mo-DCs, we discovered that TremL4 identifies two Ly-6C hi monocyte populations, of which only Ly-6C hi TremL4 − monocytes can differentiate into Zbtb46 + Mo-DCs in response to GM-CSF and IL-4 in vitro . By contrast, Ly-6C hi TremL4 + monocytes lost Mo-DC potential and instead were committed to development of Ly-6C lo TremL4 + monocytes. Further, we found that differentiation of monocytes with GM-CSF required addition of IL-4 to generate Zbtb46 + Mo-DCs that cross-presented as efficiently as CD8α + cDCs in vitro. However, unlike CD8α + cDCs, Mo-DCs required only IRF4, and not Batf3, to cross-present cell-associated antigens. Further, Irf4 − / − monocytes treated with GM-CSF and IL-4 could not differentiate into Zbtb46 + Mo-DCs, and instead developed into macrophages. Thus, distinct transcriptional programs are used by CD8α + cDCs and Mo-DCs for cross-presentation which may drive different antigen-processing pathways.
Education for Sustainability and Environmental Education

I was sitting in a conference room at the President Hotel in Gaborone, Botswana at a circle of conference tables with about 40 environmental education representatives of 12 Southern African countries. We were in day two of a workshop to critique a report proposing environmental education policy guidelines to the countries belonging to the Southern African Development Community (SADC). We had been moving nicely through the agenda when someone suggested that we replace “Environmental Education” in the title and throughout the report with “Education for Sustainability.”
Inference on Mean Residual Life-Overview

Statistical inference based on the remaining lifetimes would be intuitively more appealing than the popular hazard function defined as the risk of immediate failure, whose interpretation could be sometimes difficult to be grasped. For example, when an efficacy of a new drug is concerned, it would be more straightforward to explain it as “if one with the similar genetic and environmental background like you takes this drug, it is expected, on average, that it will prolong your remaining life years by 10 years” rather than simply saying “the average hazard reduction in the treatment group will be 25\%". Common summary measures for the remaining lifetimes have been the mean and median residual lifetimes. This chapter presents a brief overview of statistical inference on the mean residual life.
Geochemistry of the Long Island Sound Estuary

The complexity of Long Island Sound’s physical oceanography, coupled with its natural geology, and its history of anthropogenic inputs exerts strong controls on the chemistry of both the water column and sediments of Long Island Sound (LIS). These, in turn, affect and are further affected by the organisms that live in these environments.
The Organic Metallic State: Some Chemical Aspects

Most crystalline organic compounds are insulators or semi-conductors with roan temperature conductivities in the range of 10-9 to 10-14Ω-1 cm-1 and exhibit exponentially decreasing conductivity profiles as the temperature is decreased.10 However in the 1960’s Melby and the duPont group made the startling discovery that a few of the many TCNQ (fig. 2) radical ion salts they prepared and studied11–17 had conductivities as high as 102Ω-1 cm-1. While this is low compared with metals like copper (σRT=5xl06 Ω-1 cm-1), it is remarkably high for an organic compound. Why do some of the TCNQ salts exhibit this high conductivity and can the conductivity of organic compounds be increased above 102Ω-1cm-1?
The gene knockout technology for the analysis of learning and memory, and neural development.

Publisher Summary Using the gene knockout technology, this chapter presents an analysis of learning and memory, and neural development. It investigates the molecular substrates of synaptic plasticity by producing mice that lack the γ isoform of Ca 2+ /phospholipid-dependent-protein kinase (PKCγ) using the embryonic stem (ES) cell gene targeting technology. PKC constitutes a family of isoenzymes involved in signal transduction pathways in diverse systems. This enzyme was chosen for the study reviewed in the chapter because pharmacological studies have repeatedly implicated PKC as playing a role in long-term potentiation (LTP). To re-examine the role of N -methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor (NMDAR)-mediated activity in the establishment of neural patterns in the whisker-to-barrel system, reverse genetics is used to selectively “knock out” the NMDAR1 subunit of the NMDA receptor. The results from this examination show that in the knockout animals, although central targeting and topographic projection of trigeminal afferent appear to be normal and postsynaptic neurons are responsive to the stimulation of primary trigeminal afferent, whisker-specific neural patterns fail to develop in the absence of the NMDA receptor.
STATE ESTIMATION FOR COMPUTER CONTROL OF BIOCHEMICAL REACTORS

ABSTRACT The objective of this work is to present proper estimation theories especially applicable to the problem of state estimation of biochemical reactors from real time measurements corrupted with random noise. Results on the estimation of the specific growth rate and biomass concentration of a pure culture growing in a continuous fermentor are presented. The algorithms have been examined for both constant and time-varying specific growth rates and under a variety of operating conditions, and they have performed satisfactorily in all cases. Furthermore, the variance of the estimates is shown to approach a very small and constant value in contrast to other proposed methods for which the variance (and, therefore, the uncertainty) of the estimates either increases continuously with time or approaches a very high value. Highly reliable estimates can thus be obtained which can subsequently be utilized for control purposes or for the determination of growth parameters presently poorly estimated from batch growth data. A new method is proposed for this purpose, and the potential extensions of the method to the state estimation of mixed cultures are discussed.
Introduction to Session: Possible Mechanisms of Action of the Essential Metals

Since the intial demonstration by Elvehjem and coworkers (1) that copper has an essential element for higher animals, our understanding of copper and its physiological functions has come a long way. It is remarkable the number and variety of physiological processes which have been found to utilize copper. Stemming from the earlier observation by Gubler et al. (2) that copper deficiency led to a marked decrease in cellular cytochrome oxidase levels, it has been demonstrated that copper is an integral component of cytochrome oxidase complex and hence plays a key role in electron transport and energetics of all cells. This affects heme biosynthesis as well as other energy-dependent systems, such as the production of myelin in the CNS (3). Copper serves an additional function in heme biosynthesis in the form of plasma ceruloplasmin, the plasma copper protein which has been found to possess ferroxidase activity. This explains the role copper plays in iron absorption and mobilization from tissue stores for heme syntheis, in that the ferroxidase oxidizes the Fe2+ to Fe3+ so that it can bind with transferrin and be transferred to the sites of utilization.
Dr. InfoSec: How to Teach Your Community to Stop Worrying and Love 2-Factor Authentication

Implementing a new system and training your user base can be a harrowing experience for any IT professional - especially if you must convince your users that you need a new system (and that, yes, they must use it, too). Information security has become increasingly, exponentially important and implementing 2-Factor Authentication (2FA) is just one way institutions help keep their users secure. To show users how to keep the institution secure, design interactive documentation that answers questions and feels personalized without losing them in the details. The more they get to interact with the information you provide them, the more questions they may have. That's perfect! Use this as a stepping off point to teach them even more about information security! The more secure they become with their own information, the more likely they are to feel like a rock star.
Do Hospitals with a Higher Level of Maternal Care Designation Have Better Maternal Outcomes

BACKGROUND A recent document by the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine introduced the concept of uniform levels of maternal care (LMCs). OBJECTIVE We assessed LMC across hospitals and measured their association with maternal morbidity, focusing on women with high-risk conditions. STUDY DESIGN We collected data from hospitals from May to November 2015 and linked survey responses to Statewide Inpatient Databases (SID) hospital discharge data in a retrospective cross-sectional study of 247,383 births admitted to 236 hospitals. Generalized logistic regression models were used to examine the associations between hospitals' LMC and the risk of severe maternal morbidity. Stratified analyses were conducted among women with high-risk conditions. RESULTS High-risk pregnancies were more likely to be managed in hospitals with higher LMC (p < 0.001). Women with cardiac conditions had lower odds of maternal morbidity when delivered in level I compared with level IV units (adjusted odds ratio: 0.29; 95% confidence interval: 0.08-0.99; p = 0.049). There were no other significant associations between the LMC and severe maternal morbidity. CONCLUSION A higher proportion of high-risk pregnancies were managed within level IV units, although there was no overall evidence that these births had superior outcomes. Further prospective evaluation of LMC designation with patient outcomes is necessary to determine the impact of regionalization on maternal outcomes.
A Multi-state Evaluation of Oral Health Students' Knowledge of Human Papillomavirus-Related Oropharyngeal Cancer and HPV Vaccination.

Human papillomavirus-related oropharyngeal cancers (HPV-OPCs) are on the rise, yet HPV knowledge among dental professionals remains low. The purpose of this multi-state study was to examine sociodemographic factors associated with final year dental hygiene (DH), third year dental (DS3), and fourth year dental (DS4) students’ knowledge regarding HPV, HPV-OPC, and HPV vaccination. Twenty dental programs in the USA were approached in the implementation phase to complete an online, 153-item, self-administered questionnaire that was developed and tested in a previous study. Descriptive statistics and chi-square analyses were conducted in SAS version 9.4 to examine the relationship between sociodemographic variables with HPV, HPV-OPC, and HPV vaccination knowledge levels. This study included the participation of students from 15 dental programs (n = 380) with an overall response rate of 28%. Although the results cannot be generalized to the entire population of dental students in the USA, most students had inadequate overall HPV knowledge (65%), HPV-OPC knowledge (80%), and HPV vaccination knowledge (55%). While all student groups displayed adequate general HPV knowledge levels (≥ 70% correct responses), gender, racial, religious, age, and regional differences were observed. Future dental professionals need to have adequate levels of HPV knowledge to aid in reducing the HPV-OPC burden. This study identified sociodemographic factors related to lower knowledge of HPV, HPV-OPC, and HPV vaccination, and highlights groups of students with greater needs for HPV education. This study provides a foundation for future research and interventions to be developed. Dental institutions can use findings to strengthen curricula development.
Obesity Paradox in TAVR: Nationwide Study from 2011-14 Comparing Outcomes of Patients with versus without Obesity Undergoing TAVR

Purpose Obesity is associated with several cardiovascular diseases including aortic valve stenosis. Studies have demonstrated a beneficial effect of obesity on patients with cardiovascular disease, deemed the “obesity paradox.” This paradox is also present in obese patients undergoing total aortic valve replacement (TAVR) when examining both short and long-term mortality rates, although the data is conflicting. We aim to investigate the effects of obesity on mortality, length of hospital stay, and rates of stroke and cardiogenic shock in patients undergoing TAVR. Methods We examined National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from years 2011-14 for all hospital admissions, for TAVR with and without obesity. ICD-9 codes were utilized for selecting the study group. We compared baseline characteristics of the two groups using parametric and non-parametric tests for continuous variables and Chi-Squares test for dichotomous variables. Multivariate logistic regression was used to draw comparisons between incidence of cardiogenic shock, stroke,in-hospital mortality and length of stay(LOS). Our analysis adjusted for age, sex, race, payer, income quartiles, hospital location, region, size and teaching status. Multiple co-morbidities were also accounted for during our analysis (e.g. DM, CKD,HTN, history of CABG and PCI etc.). Results From 2007-2014, a total of 42268 patients were included in the aforementioned study group. 13.2% (5,572) of the study population had concomitant diagnosis of obesity. Study population with obesity was significantly younger (mean age 76.1yrs (TAVR w obesity)vs 81.9 yrs. (TAVR) p 0.05) was not statistically significant. Interestingly in-hospital mortality (OR 0.67, CI (0.20,0.44); p Conclusion This nation-wide study indicates that obese patients undergoing TAVR are at significantly higher risk for cardiogenic shock and longer LOS. Interestingly, our study also found the ‘obesity paradox’ to be valid in this study.
Dimensional changes during shear without normal tractions (the Poynting effect) in nonlinear viscoelastic fiber-reinforced solids:

When a rectangular block of a nonlinear material is subjected to a simple shearing deformation, specific normal tractions are required to ensure that the distances between the faces of the block, i...
Seeding and the non-hydrolytic sol-gel synthesis of ZrW2O8 and ZrMo2O8

The unseeded non-hydrolytic sol-gel synthesis of ZrW2O8 and ZrMo2O8 produces trigonal ZrM2O8 (M = W, Mo) at ∼740 and 300–400°C, respectively. Cubic ZrW2O8 can be prepared using non-hydrolytic sol-gel methods by seeding with small amounts of preprepared cubic material, and the formation of the trigonal polymorph can be suppressed completely. Seeds with a small particle size are necessary for the preparation of cubic ZrW2O8. In contrast, seeding of ZrMo2O8 gels with either cubic ZrMo2O8 or cubic ZrW2O8 only lowers the temperature at which the trigonal phase crystallizes.
Catalytic Reduction of Aqueous Chlorate With MoOx Immobilized on Pd/C

Chlorate (ClO3–) is an undesirable byproduct in the chlor-alkali process. It is also a heavily used chemical in various industrial and agricultural applications, making it a toxic water pollutant w...
Nuclear Femtography on the Web with X3D

Deep inside the atomic nucleus there are strange and colorful things afoot. This paper provides the first integrated views into the new Reference Model of the proton physics and the instrumentation needed for its measurement. Our unique interdisciplinary team has developed a processing pipeline for producing a set of scientific visualizations that provide interactive 3D views into high-dimensional particle physics information. In this paper, we describe the data and the pipeline, reflecting on the key design issues and choices we made along the way. We consider lessons learned in creating visualization for scientists and citizens across installed applications, Web3D, and Virtual Reality.
Event-Triggered Formation Control and Leader Tracking With Resilience to Byzantine Adversaries: A Reputation-Based Approach

A distributed event-triggered controller is developed for formation control and leader tracking (FCLT) with robustness to adversarial Byzantine agents for a class of heterogeneous multi-agent systems (MASs). Assuming each agent can accurately measure the state of a neighbor whenever the neighbor broadcasts its state, a reputation-based strategy is developed for each agent to detect Byzantine agent behaviors within their neighbor set and then selectively disregard Byzantine state information. Selectively ignoring Byzantine agents results in a time-varying graph topology. Nonsmooth dynamics also result from intermittent communication due to an event-triggered strategy, which facilitates the efficient use of resources. Nonsmooth Lyapunov methods are used to prove stability and FCLT of the MAS consisting of the remaining cooperative agents.
TXN, a Xanthohumol Derivative, Attenuates High-Fat Diet Induced Hepatic Steatosis by Antagonizing PPARγ

We previously reported xanthohumol (XN), and its synthetic derivative tetrahydro-XN (TXN) attenuates high-fat diet (HFD) induced obesity and metabolic syndrome in C57BL/6J mice. The objective of the current study was to determine the effect of XN and TXN on lipid accumulation in the liver. Non-supplemented mice were unable to adapt their caloric intake to 60% HFD, resulting in obesity and hepatic steatosis; however, TXN reduced weight gain and decreased hepatic steatosis. Liver transcriptomics indicated TXN might antagonize lipogenic PPARγ actions in vivo. XN and TXN inhibited rosiglitazone-induced 3T3-L1 cell differentiation concomitant with decreased expression of lipogenesis-related genes. A PPARγ competitive binding assay showed XN and TXN bind to PPARγ with an IC50 similar to pioglitazone and 8-10 times stronger than oleate. Molecular docking simulations demonstrated XN and TXN bind in the PPARγ ligand-binding domain pocket. Our findings are consistent with XN and TXN acting as antagonists of PPARγ.
Performance-Enhancement of Platform-Based, HF Direction-Finding Systems Using Dynamic Mode Selection

We present a method to enhance the accuracy of platform-based, high-frequency (HF) direction-finding (DF) systems using dynamic mode selection. To improve bandwidth and efficiency, the metallic platform supporting the DF array is used as the primary radiator by employing electrically small antennas to excite linearly independent combinations of its characteristic modes (CMs). However, the radiation characteristics of these modes vary dramatically over the HF band, making it difficult to achieve consistently good DF accuracy with a fixed system. To alleviate this, we propose a dynamic mode selection strategy to achieve enhanced DF accuracy. This strategy is based on the assumption that the number of available CMs of the platform is greater than the number of available coherent receive channels. Thus, dynamic mode selection allows for choosing the optimal antenna combination to obtain the best DF accuracy at each frequency. This strategy is demonstrated for an airborne DF system employing five electrically small antennas and up to four coherent receive channels. We demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed approach using computer simulations and scaled-model experiments. Simulation and measurement results show that dynamic mode selection can significantly enhance the DF accuracy of platform-based HF DF systems using a limited number of coherent receive channels.
How are pornography and sexual sensation seeking related

Sexual sensation seeking (SSS) describes an individual’s tendency to seek novel and risky sexual stimulation. In research, SSS has been measured through the Sexual Sensation Seeking scale or by exa...
Central limit theorems for combinatorial optimization problems on sparse Erdős–Rényi graphs

For random combinatorial optimization problems, there has been much progress in establishing laws of large numbers and computing limiting constants for the optimal values of various problems. However, there has not been as much success in proving central limit theorems. This paper introduces a method for establishing central limit theorems in the sparse graph setting. It works for problems that display a key property which has been variously called “endogeny,” “long-range independence” and “replica symmetry” in the literature. Examples of such problems are maximum weight matching, λ-diluted minimum matching, and optimal edge cover.
Penrose photoproduction processes: A high efficiency energy mechanism for active galactic nuclei and quasars

Recent observations of NGC 4151 and 3C273 suggest that the nuclei of active galaxies have very high gamma ray efficiencies. In addition, optical studies of M87 have indicated the possibility of a massive M∠5×109 M⊙ black holes being present in its central region. The above facts have led us to study a new physical mechanism, Penrose Photoproduction Processes in the ergospheres of massive Kerr black holes, as a way to account for the fluctuating, high efficiency, energy production associated with active galaxies and quasars. Observational signatures, associated with this mechanism, occur in the form of ∠2 MeV and ∠2 GeV gamma ray cutoffs which might be corroborated by the observed spectra of NGC 4151 and 3C273, respectively.
Combined Versus Sequential Reconstructive Surgeries

Patients seem to benefit significantly from combined surgical procedures. Morbidity is not increased, and outcomes are not jeopardized. Traditional barriers to this innovative approach can be overcome by a cooperative spirit between surgical teams in order to facilitate procedure scheduling and pre- and postoperative care.
Periodic Formation of Magma Fractures and Generation of Layered Gabbros in the Lower Crust Beneath Oceanic Spreading Ridges

There must be a transition from continuous porous flow to transient formation of melt-filled fractures in the region of magma transport below oceanic spreading centers. This transition may occur at permeability barriers that impede porous flow of melt, at the base of the oceanic crust and within the lower crust. We summarize evidence for formation of melt-filled lenses at the base of the crust in the Oman ophiolite, and evidence indicating that melt is very efficiently extracted from these lenses, probably in fractures. We also discuss the possible formation of melt lenses elsewhere in the oceanic lower crust. We then present a simple physical model for the periodic formation of melt-filled fractures originating in a melt lens beneath a permeability barrier. Finally, quantitative models show how modal layering in lower crustal gabbros can form as a result of the periodic pressure changes associated with fracture formation. An ancillary result of chemical modeling is the quantification of a thermal gradient in the lower crust of the Oman ophiolite during igneous accretion beneath a spreading center, from 1165 to 1195°C near the dike/gabbro transition to ∼1240°C near the crust/mantle transition. This and other data for the Oman gabbros support models in which much of the lower crust forms by crystallization in sills at a variety of depths, from the dike/gabbro transition to the base of the crust.
Alkylation studies of 5,5-disubstituted hydantoins : Application to the gas chromatographic analysis of phenytoin, mephenytoin and nirvanol

Abstract The rate of alkylation of 3-ethyl-5,5-diphenylhydantoin in aqueous acetone at room temperature was found to decrease in the order methyl > ethyl > n -propyl, consistent with an S N 2 mechanism. The reactivity of the N 1 nitrogen atom is influenced by the substituent at C 5 , and it was observed that 5-ethyl-5-phenylhydantoin (Nirvanol) reacts more slowly than 5,5-diphenylhydantoin (phenytoin). Derivatization conditions were optimized for the perethylation of 5,5-disubstituted hydantoins, as ethylation is sufficient to separate 3-methyl-5-ethyl-5-phenylhydantoin (mephenytoin) from its N-demethylated metabolite (Nirvanol) on an SE-30 column.
WSI systolic networks: an active silicon circuit board function for ULSI-based parallel computing

The evolution of silicon to 0.25- mu m technologies will yield very powerful, single-chip ULSI arrays of high-performance processors and high-capacity wafer-scale memories. The very compact, distributed computing systems which result will require very-high-performance communication networks, scaled to the much smaller size and more monolithic realization of future distributed systems. Multichip systems, using such ULSI processor arrays, suggest wafer-level, monolithic versions of their communication networks, extending current passive 'silicon circuit boards' to silicon wafer area networks. Since VLSI constraints are similar to those of systolic computational arrays, the wafer-level networks might be called systolic communication networks. The author discusses some of the basic design issues facing these communication networks, emphasizing the importance of very high information transfer rates and the objective of achieving virtual, point-to-point interconnections through a switched network. >
Nonequilibrium discharges in atmospheric pressure air

Summary form only given, as follows. There is considerable interest in finding methods to efficiently generate large volumes of atmospheric pressure air plasmas at temperatures below 2000 K with electron number densities of the order of 10/sup 13/ cm/sup -3/. Such plasmas can be produced by electrical discharges in which energy is applied to the free-electrons in a targeted fashion. Under appropriate conditions, the energized electrons can increase ionization through collisions without significantly heating the gas. This approach was successfully demonstrated in DC discharge experiments with low temperature atmospheric pressure air. Stable diffuse glow discharges were produced with electron number densities in excess of 10/sup 12/ cm, more than six orders of magnitude higher than in thermally heated 2000 K air. The measured discharge characteristics compare well with the predictions of a two-temperature kinetic model. The experimental and modeling results provide insight into the mechanisms of ionization of two-temperature air plasmas and show that the steady-state electron number density exhibits an S-shaped dependence on the electron temperature, a behavior resulting from competition between ionization and charge transfer reactions. DC discharges are not always practical because of their large power requirements. We recently showed that the power budget can be reduced by several orders of magnitude using short repetitive high-voltage pulses. Because inelastic energy losses, per electron created, are orders of magnitude smaller at Te=3-5 eV than at 1 eV, short pulses producing electron temperatures of 3-5 eV have much higher ionization efficiencies than typical 1 eV DC discharges. Between consecutive pulses, the plasma is sustained owing to the finite rate of electron recombination. A repetitively-pulsed discharge scheme was devised using these ideas and experiments are in progress in our laboratory with a 100 kHz, 12 kV, 10 ns pulse generator. Experimental and modeling results of these repetitively pulsed discharges will be presented.
Root colonization by indigenous and introduced microorganisms

Root colonization is defined as the proliferation of microorganisms in, on, or around roots. It includes dispersal of microorganisms from a source of inoculum to the actively growing root, and multiplication or growth in the rhizosphere. Soil physical, chemical, and biological factors have been shown to affect root colonization, but few phenotypic attributes of plants and microorganisms which contribute to successful root colonization have been identified. Quantitative studies on the distributon of root colonists in time and space are needed to develop mathematical models that describe and predict the root colonization process. This would enable more effective management of rhizosphere populations to achieve biological control of soilborne disease or to enhance plant growth.
Firenzina: Porting a Chess Engine to Android

We have ported an open-source chess engine to Android using the Native Development Kit (NDK), tested it against other engines, and played against it ourselves. The porting process revealed a number of challenges and insights, some of which may be similar across other mobile application ports, while others are likely unique to chess. We found that few changes were needed to have a working engine, and that the architecture of chess engines based on the universal chess interface (UCI) protocol enabled quick adoption of an advanced user interface. We also found that the native development experience made it difficult to find the path to a complete solution requiring relatively minor changes. In this paper, we present our solutions, along with observations about the porting process in the context of the UCI-based chess engine architecture. We believe that these observations will be of interest to developers of other applications as well.
Ecology and physiology of infectious bacteria--implications for biotechnology

Escalating incidents of life-threatening infections by antibiotic-resistant bacteria in recent years have provided strong impetus to discover new antibiotics and alternative treatment modalities. The need to couple information about bacterial physiology and ecology with innovative technologies will become ever more critical in the search for new antibiotics and for other therapies, including probiotics, improved vaccines, alternative antimicrobials and antitoxins.