cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stationary state multiplicities in diffusive-reactive systems - Hydrogen versus heated air

This study investigates the existence of multiple stationary states in a system of nonpremixed, counterflowing hydrogen against heated air. Raman spectroscopy measurements of the water concentration show that up to three stable stationary states can exist for identical boundary conditions. The system is simulated using detailed kinetics and transport properties, and S-curve sensitivity is employed to identify the dominant chemistry. The response of the multiplicity regime to changes in the fuel concentration and system pressure is investigated by measuring the air temperatures corresponding to ignition and extinction for concentrations between 6-38 percent H2 in N2 (vol) and pressures between 0.3-8 atm. The triple-solution multiplicity is found between about 7-25 percent H2 in N2 at 4 atm, and between about 1.5-7 atm at 9 percent H2 in N2 and a constant pressure-weighted strain rate of 300/s. In addition, the response to changes in the strain rate is studied computationally for strain rates between 10 and 40,000/s and for air boundary temperatures ranging between 950 and 1100 K. The experimental results are found to agree well with the computational results. (Author)
Effect of Long Chain Fatty Acids on Bacterial Growth

We have shown elsewhere that certain water soluble lipids promote diffuse growth of tubercle bacilli in synthetic media, especially in the presence of serum albumin.1-2 These same substances have now been found to enhance the growth of other microbial species, in particular of an unidentified micrococcus (strain C), recently isolated in our laboratory. Some understanding has also been gained of the conditions under which long chain fatty acids can stimulate bacterial growth.It is known that the soaps of fatty acids exert a bacteriostatic and bactericidal effect on certain micro-organisms, particularly on the Gram-positive and acid-fast species, and that unsaturated acids are more toxic than the corresponding saturated compounds.3-9 For example, concentrations of oleic acid as low as 0.000001-0.00001% are sufficient to cause inhibition or retardation of growth of small inocula of human tubercle bacilli in synthetic liquid media. On the other hand, fatty acid esters (methyl oleate, triethan-olamine oleate, ...
Novel Target Fabrication Using 3D Printing Developed at University of Michigan

The University of Michigan has been fabricating targets for high-energy-density experiments for the past decade. We utilize the technique of machined acrylic bodies and mating components acting as constraints to build repeatable targets. Combining 3D printing with traditional machining, we are able to take advantage of the very best part of both aspects of manufacturing. Here we present several recent campaigns to act as showcase and introduction of our techniques and our experience with 3D printing, effecting how we utilize 3D printing in our target builds.
Carbon dioxide laser surgery in treatment of condyloma

During the past few years there has been a marked increase in the occurrence of condyloma. A variety of treatment methods, including mental suggestion, local 5-fluorouracil, podophyllum, electrosurgery, and cryotherapy, has been used with varying success. An experience in 47 patients, some of whom were pregnant, treated with the carbon dioxide laser is presented. The possible relationship to malignancy and tracheobronchial papillomatosis in children is discussed.
SU‐F‐T‐504: Non‐Divergent Planning Method for Craniospinal Irradiation

Purpose: Traditional Craniospinal Irradiation (CSI) planning techniques require careful field placement to allow optimal divergence and field overlap at depth, and measurement of skin gap. The result of this is a necessary field overlap resulting in dose heterogeneity in the spinal canal. A novel, nondivergent field matching method has been developed to allow simple treatment planning and delivery without the need to measure skin gap. Methods: The CSI patient was simulated in the prone, and a plan was developed. Bilateral cranial fields were designed with couch and collimator rotation to eliminate divergence with the upper spine field and minimize anterior divergence into the lenses. Spinal posterior-to-anterior fields were designed with the couch rotated to 90 degrees to allow gantry rotation to eliminate divergence at the match line, and the collimator rotated to 90 degrees to allow appropriate field blocking with the MLCs. A match line for the two spinal fields was placed and the gantry rotated to equal angles in opposite directions about the match line. Jaw positions were then defined to allow 1mm overlap at the match line to avoid cold spots. A traditional CSI plan was generated using diverging spinal fields, and a comparison between the two techniques was generated. Results: The non-divergent treatment plan was able to deliver a highly uniform dose to the spinal cord with a cold spot of only 95% and maximum point dose of 115.8%, as compared to traditional plan cold spots of 87% and hot spots of 132% of the prescription dose. Conclusion: A non-divergent method for planning CSI patients has been developed and clinically implemented. Planning requires some geometric manipulation in order to achieve an adequate dose distribution, however, it can help to manage cold spots and simplify the shifts needed between spinal fields.
Influence of Nitric Oxide on Neuroendocrine Function and Behavior

Publisher Summary Nitric oxide (NO) functions as a neurotransmitter and neuromodulator in the central and peripheral nervous systems. This chapter describes how the use of pharmacological agents that block synthesis of NO, the use of knockout mice that lack one of the various isoforms of nitric oxide synthase, and neuroanatomical studies have revealed that NO appears to play an important role in the control of several neuroendocrine pathways and behaviors. The effects of NO on blood vessel tone and neuronal function form the basis for an important role of NO on neuroendocrine function and behavior. NO mediates hypothalamic-portal blood flow, and thus, affects neuropeptide secretion, as well as mediates neuroendocrine function in the hypothalamuspituitary-adrenal and the hypothalamuspituitary-gonadal axes. NO influences several motivated behaviors including sexual, aggressive, and ingestive. Learning and memory functions are also influenced by NO. Taken together, NO is emerging as an important chemical mediator of neuroendocrine function and behavior.
Remarks about bifurcation and stability of quasi-periodic solutions which bifurcate from periodic solutions of the Navier Stokes equations

L. D. Landau (1944) and E. Hopf (1948) have conjectured that the transition to turbulence may be described as repeated branching of quasi-periodic solutions into quasi-periodic solutions with more frequencies. The simplest case is the bifurcation of periodic solutions from steady solutions. The next hardest problem is the bifurcation of quasi-periodic solutions from basic time periodic solutions of fixed frequency. This problem is treated in the lecture by a generalization of the Poincare-Lindstedt perturbation which is successful in the simplest case. It is assumed that the Floquet exponents are simple eigenvalues of the spectral problem for the basic flow.
Urban Land use Affects Resident Fish Communities and Associated Salt Marsh Habitat in Alabama and West Florida, USA

Urban land-use has been shown to impact aquatic environments however not much is known about the effects of low to medium density residential development. Fish and associated habitat were sampled along 23 salt marshes (dominated by Juncus roemerianus) across three urban and three reference tidal creeks of Alabama and west-Florida. Reference creeks had very little surrounding development while urban creeks were surrounded by residential neighborhoods typical for the region. Fish were sampled seasonally for one year along the marsh-water edge using baited minnow traps. Tidal creeks and marsh edges were also surveyed for various environmental attributes including: marsh species composition, stem density and biomass, sediment contaminants, marsh slope, salinity, and water temperature. Urban creeks showed evidence of longer freshwater conditions and greater salinity fluctuation. Total fish abundance and biomass were significantly lower in urban marshes (10.1 ± 1.3 fish trap−1 and 34.8 ± 5.1 g trap−1) compared to reference marshes (14.3 ± 1.8 fish trap−1 and 77.4 ± 10.0 g trap−1). Based on nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMDS), urban and reference fish assemblages were clearly clustered and correlated with salinity, marsh slope and sediment Cd concentration. These results suggest that marshes in urban-residential tidal creeks may support modified habitats compared to undeveloped creeks.
A Strong Convergence Theorem for the Split Common Null Point Problem in Banach Spaces

In this paper, we study the split common null point problem. Then, using the hybrid projection method and the metric resolvent of monotone operators, we prove a strong convergence theorem for an iterative method for finding a solution of this problem in Banach spaces.
The June 28, 1991 Sierra Madre California earthquake

Although not a major event compared with the 1989 Loma Prieta one, the Sierra Madre earthquake of June 28, 1991 served to remind Californians that seismic hazard mitigation programs require constant monitoring to ensure their effectiveness and that the stock of precode, high risk buildings continues to prove difficult to eliminate. In this paper aspects of damage suffered by constructed facilities are summarized, specific examples of the behaviour of selected structures are reported and ongoing problems with earthquake insurance and the enforcement of state law requiring cities to identify buildings particularly prone to earthquake damage are described.
Aberrant Transforming Growth Factor-β Signaling in Human Pancreatic Cancer: Translational Implications

The most deadly form of pancreatic cancer in humans is pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a malignancy that exhibits multiple molecular alterations, including a high frequency of K-ras, p53, p16, and Smad4 mutations. PDACs express many mitogenic growth factors and their tyrosine kinase receptors, resulting in excessive activation of mitogenic pathways. These cancers also express high levels of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) isoforms. This review focuses on the potential role of TGF-βs in PDAC, delineating the evidence for their paracrine growth-promoting properties that enhance tumor angiogenesis, and metastasis, and underscoring the important role of Smad7 in conferring a growth and survival advantage to pancreatic cancer cells by blocking autocrine growth-inhibitory pathways while promoting the expression of genes implicated in metastasis and apoptosis resistance.
Meeting Physical Need and Satisfying Human Wants

Individuality, materialism, and limited government are deeply-rooted values in contemporary Western culture reinforced of late by the collapse of the collectivist regimes of Eastern and Central Europe and the Soviet Union. The conventional wisdom asserts that communism is dead, the cold war is a thing of the past, and all human beings are more secure. Homo economicus has engaged homo sovieticus and emerged victorious.
Enhanced ERK1/2 activity, a central feature of cystogenesis in ARPKD : implications for ion transport phenotype.

By Ilir Elias Veizis The purpose of this work was to identify the abnormalities of ion transport in ARPKD cystic cells and to determine the mechanisms that might be responsible for functional abnormalities that lead to fluid accumulation inside cysts. We examined and compared the ion transport phenotype of primary collecting duct cystic and non-cystic monolayers. To that end, a transgenic mouse (Hoxb7/GFP) in which enhanced green fluorescent protein (GFP) is specifically expressed in collecting ducts was bred with an ARPKD mouse (BPK), and GFP-positive cells from non-cystic and cystic mice were selected by fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS). We evaluated the bioelectrical properties of cystic and non-cystic monolayers and found that Cl-secretory responses elicited by elevation of cAMP or calcium were not significantly different between normal and cystic monolayers. In contrast, the amiloride-sensitive short-circuit current was significantly reduced in cystic cell monolayers. These studies suggest that cystic cells have an abnormal phenotype reflected by the decrease in ENaC-mediated sodium absorption.
Risk, Reliability, Resilience (R3) and beyond in dam engineering: A state-of-the-art review

Abstract Dams are critical infra-structures whose their failure could leads to high economic and social consequences. For this reason, application of quantitative risk analysis has gained extensive attention in recent years. Dam safety management has become an indispensable part of all dam engineering projects worldwide. The concept of risk is heavily tied to probabilistic methods. From an engineering point of view, a clear definition of the terminologies involved in dam safety, and a comprehensive state-of-the-art review of the current literature are the starting points towards an effective risk-based approach. The first part of this paper provides a systematic review on the fundamental elements in uncertainty quantification. Then, different terminologies in risk-based dam safety are explored and their inter-connections are discussed. More than 350 papers are summarized, and several tables and conceptual plots are used for extra clarification. Since no such a paper is ever published, hopefully this can unify all the future activities and improves our understanding from probabilistic risk analysis.
Coordinating cancer care: What organizations do to deliver high-quality breast cancer care.

6628 Background: Hospitals are reorganizing how they coordinate care. Little is known about how cancer care is effectively coordinated particularly for patients at high risk of underuse. Methods: W...
INCIDENCE, TIMING, AND PREDICTORS OF PERMANENT PACEMAKER PLACEMENT FOLLOWING ALCOHOL SEPTAL ABLATION FOR HYPERTROPHIC CARDIOMYOPATHY

The incidence, timing and predictors of permanent pacemaker (PPM) placement after alcohol septal ablation (ASA) for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) have not been well characterized in a large US population. Patients with HCM who underwent ASA and were discharged alive between 2010-2015 were
Tensor algebra compilation with workspaces

This paper shows how to extend sparse tensor algebra compilers to introduce temporary tensors called workspaces to avoid inefficient sparse data structures accesses. We develop an intermediate representation (IR) for tensor operations called concrete index notation that specifies when sub-computations occur and where they are stored. We then describe the workspace transformation in this IR, how to programmatically invoke it, and how the IR is compiled to sparse code. Finally, we show how the transformation can be used to optimize sparse tensor kernels, including sparse matrix multiplication, sparse tensor addition, and the matricized tensor times Khatri-Rao product (MTTKRP). Our results show that the workspace transformation brings the performance of these kernels on par with hand-optimized implementations. For example, we improve the performance of MTTKRP with dense output by up to 35%, and enable generating sparse matrix multiplication and MTTKRP with sparse output, neither of which were supported by prior tensor algebra compilers.
An Advanced Coupled Rock–Fluid Computational Model for Dynamic–Radial Mud Filtration with Experimental Validation

Drilling mud filtration occurs during an overbalanced drilling activity and concurrently with mud loss through pore throats and fractures. Mud loss and filtration are increased when the wellbore fluid condition is in a dynamic mode (pipe rotation and/or fluid circulation), rather than static. Formation damage is a critical industry challenge that results from mud loss and filtration. There is a considerable amount of experimental studies with only a few modeling approaches for characterizing dynamic mud filtration. Most of these studies have not accounted for factors that can exacerbate mud filtration which includes but not limited to: temperature, pipe rotation, pip/wellbore geometry/eccentricity, and porous media complexity. In this study, two mathematical and computational modeling approaches that can be used to predict dynamic drilling mud filtration in a radial coordinate system are presented. In the first modeling approach, a mechanistic model that is based on a material balance of filter cake evolution is presented. Critical factors that impact dynamic–radial mud filtration (temperature, rotary speed, rock permeability, and rock porosity) and other factors (wellbore/reservoir dimensions, filter cake properties, and mud/filtrate rheological properties at reservoir temperature) were accounted for. The model was solved with a numerical approach and commercial software. In the second approach, a scanning electron microscopy image of selected dry core samples, combined with image processing, was used to estimate the pore size and porosity of the internal filter cake. The pore structure of the rock samples and filter cake was modeled using the bundle of curved tubes approach. The deposition probability of mud particles was considered through filtration theories. The modeling results were validated with dynamic–radial filtration experiments. The results from both models closely matched the experimental results. On average, the models revealed no more than 4% relative error in predicting dynamic mud filtration. The novelty in both approaches is the incorporation of critical parameters in the models over a wide range and their responses to cumulative filtrate invasion in different rock types.
Positive pressure ventilation coaching during neonatal bag-mask ventilation: A simulation-based pilot study.

BACKGROUND Positive pressure ventilation (PPV) is the most important procedure during neonatal resuscitation. Providing effective PPV seems easy. However, performing the procedure correctly is extremely challenging. Airway obstruction and face mask large leaks are common. It is estimated that two-thirds of continued neonatal respiratory depression after the time of birth is caused by ineffective or improperly provided PPV. Finding methods to improve PPV performance are critically needed. Performance coaching is a simple and easy method of improving performing in procedural skills, and has been used previously to optimize compression technique. We performed the simulation-based pilot study to evaluate the impact of PPV coaching during neonatal bag-mask ventilation. METHODS Randomized cross-over study of nurses performing PPV on a SMART Newborn Resuscitation Training System with, and without, coaching. The PPV coach provided real-time feedback on chest rise, mask hold, and ventilation rate. The SMART system captured data on peak inspiratory pressure (PIP), tidal volume (Vt), mask leak, and ventilation rate. Data were analyzed by a blinded reviewer. RESULTS PPV coaching resulted in more appropriate PIPs (34 cmH2O, IQR 32-38 vs. 36 cmH2O, IQR 28-37; P < 0.001), lower Vt (4.7 ml/kg, IQR 4-8 vs. 5.5 ml/kg, IQR 4-13; P < 0.001), and less mask leak (39% leak, IQR 21-70 vs. 45%, IQR 22-98; P = 0.005). There was no difference in respiratory rate (P = 0.93). CONCLUSIONS Coaching improved PPV performance in this simulation-based pilot study. Further research on PPV coaching during neonatal resuscitation is warranted.
Identification of the cDNA for Some of the Polymeric Globins of Glycera dibranchiata

The polymeric fraction of the intracellular Hb of the marine polychaete Glycera dibranchiata consists of at least six components which are different in their amino acid sequences (1,2). Among these sequence differences, two major heterogeneous sequences AMEEKVP and AMNSKVP have been found in residues 117 to 123. To distinguish these two kinds of transcripts, two 17-base oligonucleotide probes (one 32-fold degenerate (MEEKVP) and the other 96-fold degenerate (AMNSKV)) were used to screen the cDNA library. Since the cDNA library was constructed from poly(A+) mRNA of Glycera erythrocytes in pBR322, this screening provided the necessary information to determine if the heterogeneity exists at the mRNA level, and, if it does, what would be its distribution ratio.
Development and Implementation of a Surgical Quality Improvement Pathway for Pediatric Intussusception Patients.

Children with intussusception can be admitted or discharged from the emergency department (ED) following enema reduction, but little is known about best practices for surgical follow-up and the need for a return to care. Methods We developed a standardized clinical assessment and management plan (SCAMP) for ileocolic intussusception to enable the discharge from the ED of successfully reduced patients meeting certain criteria with 2 planned follow-up phone calls by surgical personnel after discharge. Outcomes included incidence of complications in discharged patients, bacteremia, the success of follow-up phone calls, rates of recurrent intussusception, and return to care. Results Of the 118 patient encounters treated through the SCAMP in 2 pilot studies from February 2013 to December 2017, 76% met discharge criteria, of whom 88% underwent outpatient management. There were no instances of bowel perforation, necrosis, or death in the discharged group. No patients developed bacteremia despite withholding antibiotics for the indication of intussusception. Sixty-two percent and 59% of patients received 24-hour follow-up phone calls, and 28% and 55% of patients received second follow-up phone calls in pilots 1 and 2, respectively. Of those successfully discharged, 74% did not return to care, 19% returned for recurrent intussusception, and 7% returned for unrelated symptoms. Nearly all patients who returned to care did so through the ED and not the clinic. Conclusions Implementation of the SCAMP demonstrated that patients meeting certain criteria could be safely discharged from the ED, avoid antibiotics, and safely undergo phone-based follow-up for concerns of recurrent intussusception.
How does reentry get under the skin? Cumulative reintegration barriers and health in a sample of recently incarcerated men

Abstract Rationale Research demonstrates a significant link between incarceration history and poorer physical and mental health. Yet, few studies have examined how a formerly incarcerated person’s barriers to reintegration in the months upon release influence health outcomes. Method We use data on recently incarcerated men from the Serious and Violent Offender Reentry Initiative (SVORI) to examine how multiple barriers to reintegration related to employment, housing, childcare, and service needs accumulate to influence physical and mental health three, nine, and 15 months after release. Results A series of cross-lagged panel models indicate that a greater number of barriers to reintegration after release from prison (1) decreases self-rated health at all three waves and (2) increases symptoms of depression three and nine months after release. Moreover, both lower self-rated physical health and increased symptoms of depression are found to increase reintegration barriers. Conclusions Enhanced policy to ease the burden of reintegration and provide comprehensive services upon release may not only bolster chances for successful community reintegration but also improve the health of those formerly incarcerated at a critical juncture in their lives.
What Is the Nature of Space and Time? (The Physics of Space Travel and Time Travel)

The most successful science fiction television series in the history of the medium is undoubtedly Doctor Who. The lead character, whom one refers to as “the Doctor”, is a Time Lord, who travels through space and time in a sentient device called the TARDIS (Time And Relative Dimension In Space). From the outside, the TARDIS looks like a 1950s British police box (Fig. 2.1). Painted blue and slightly larger than the classic red telephone booths, which can still be found in England, the police public call boxes could be used by anyone at no charge to phone the police in case of emergency. But from the inside, the TARDIS is more like the size of a small house. Evidently, the door to the TARDIS connects the exterior of a relatively small object (the police box) to the interior of a large object (the space/time machine). Hence, the phrase that is frequently used to describe the TARDIS: “It’s bigger on the inside.” A device such as the TARDIS is possible only in the realm of the imagination. But from a scientific perspective, what is the nature of space and time? Is time travel possible? The answers to these questions have changed considerably over the last few centuries.
Real-world evidence on impact of a pharmacist-led transitional care program on 30- and 90-day readmissions after acute care episodes.

Purpose Recent evidence suggests that improving the transitional care process may reduce 30-day readmissions and hospital length of stay (LOS). The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of a pharmacist-led transitions-of-care (TOC) program on 30- and 90-day all-cause readmissions and LOS for patients discharged from the hospital acute care setting. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted using a difference-in-difference (DID) approach. Patients who were at least 18 years old with any of the following primary diagnoses were included: acute myocardial infarction, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure (CHF), and pneumonia. Outcome measures were all-cause 30- and 90-day readmission and LOS for the index admission. Results From October 2013 through September 2017, 1,776 patients were discharged from the intervention site, and 2,969 patients were discharged from 3 control sites. Only 33.3% of eligible patients at the intervention site actually received the intervention. The DID analysis showed that the odds ratio (OR) for 30-day readmission was 0.65 [P = 0.035] at the intervention site following TOC program initiation. The OR for 90-day readmission was 0.75 [P = 0.070]. Among all diagnosis groups, the CHF subgroup had the highest proportion of patients who actually received the TOC intervention (57.2%). Within that CHF subgroup, the ORs for 30- and 90-day readmissions were 0.52 [P = 0.056] and 0.47 [P = 0.005], respectively. The mean LOS did not change significantly in either analysis. Conclusion This pharmacist-led transitional care intervention was associated with significantly decreased inpatient readmissions. The analysis indicates that pharmacist interventions can significantly reduce 30-day readmissions for high-risk populations and 90-day readmissions in patients with CHF.
Supervised Graph Representation Learning for Modeling the Relationship between Structural and Functional Brain Connectivity

In this paper, we propose a supervised graph representation learning method to model the relationship between brain functional connectivity (FC) and structural connectivity (SC) through a graph encoderdecoder system. The graph convolutional network (GCN) model is leveraged in the encoder to learn lower-dimensional node representations (i.e. node embeddings) integrating information from both node attributes and network topology. In doing so, the encoder manages to capture both direct and indirect interactions between brain regions in the node embeddings which later help reconstruct empirical FC networks. From node embeddings, graph representations are learnt to embed the entire graphs into a vector space. Our end-to-end model utilizes a multi-objective loss function to simultaneously learn node representations for FC network reconstruction and graph representations for subject classification. The experiment on a large population of non-drinkers and heavy drinkers shows that our model can provide a characterization of the population pattern in the SC-FC relationship, while also learning features that capture individual uniqueness for subject classification. The identified key brain subnetworks show significant between-group difference and support the promising prospect of GCN-based graph representation learning on brain networks to model human brain activity and function.
Thrombo-inflammation response to Tocilizumab in COVID-19.

Background: Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) spans a wide spectrum of illness. Severe cases of COVID-19 can manifest inflammation in organs other than the lung, in tissues not known to support viral replication, and also in a hypercoagulable state. These observations have suggested that SARS-CoV-2 can provoke a hyperimmune response in some cases that could lead to secondary organ damage. Methods: With evidence of elevated levels of interleuking-6 (IL-6) in patients with severe COVID-19, we conducted a small pilot off-label compassionate care study of the IL-6 receptor inhibitor tocilizumab patients with severe COVID-19. Results: Following a single infusion of tocilizumab in patients with severe manifested rapid declines in C-reactive protein (CRP), D-Dimer, and gradual rises in lymphocyte and platelet counts. Conclusions: These findings suggest both pathophysiological mechanisms as well as clinical benefit that might be seen with IL-6 inhibition in severe COVID-19.
Formation of cobaltic complexes by oxidation with potassium peroxymonosulfate in spectrophotometric determination of cobalt

The oxidation of cobaltous complexes of amino-polycarboxylic acids to their corresponding cobaltic complexes with potassium peroxymonosulfate has been studied for simple spectrophotometric determination of 10–100 ppm of cobalt. The color reactions for cobalt are highly selective. Their molar absorptivities (200–300) and reduction potentials (about 0.45 v.) have been determined. The reactions are similar to that with hydrogen peroxide as an oxidant reported previously, but the peroxymonosulfate method has advantages over hydrogen peroxide because of no disturbance of gas bubbles, better stable color reactions, and elimination of ferric ion interference. The use of peroxymonosulfate as an oxidant for cobalt complexes of other ligands is also discussed.
Who's Looking Out For The Banks?

When the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act authorized financial conglomeration in 1999, Professor Arthur Wilmarth, Jr. presciently predicted that diversified financial holding companies would try to exploit their bank subsidiaries by transferring government subsidies to their nonbank affiliates. To prevent financial conglomerates from taking advantage of their insured depository subsidiaries in this way, policymakers instructed a bank’s board of directors to act in the best interests of the bank, rather than the bank’s holding company. This symposium Article, written in honor of Professor Wilmarth’s retirement, contends that this legal safeguard ignores a critical conflict of interest: the vast majority of large-bank directors also serve as board members of their parent holding companies. These dual directors are therefore poorly situated to exercise the independent judgment necessary to protect a bank from exploitation by its nonbank affiliates. This Article proposes to strengthen bank governance — and better insulate banks from their nonbank affiliates — by mandating that some of a bank’s directors must be unaffiliated with its holding company. As long as banks are permitted to affiliate with nonbanks, this reform is essential to ensure that someone is looking out for the well-being of insured depository institutions.
A Daoist Pedagogy Encountering New Materialism in Art Education

In this article, we explore three Daoist concepts in East Asian historical and cultural contexts, addressing Daoism and its educational significance in connecting with new materialism theory. We ar...
Is the Affordable Care Act Medicaid Expansion Associated with Receipt of Heart Failure Guideline-Directed Medical Therapy By Race and Ethnicity?

BACKGROUND Uninsurance is a known contributor to racial/ethnic health inequities. Insurance is often needed for prescriptions and follow-up appointments. Therefore, we determined whether the Affordable Care Act(ACA) Medicaid Expansion was associated with increased receipt of guideline-directed medical treatment(GDMT) at discharge among patients hospitalized with heart failure(HF) by race/ethnicity. METHODS Using Get With The Guidelines-HF registry, logistic regression was used to assess odds of receiving GDMT(HF medications; education; follow-up appointment) in early versus non-adopter states before(2012-2013) and after ACA Medicaid Expansion(2014-2019) within each race/ethnicity, accounting for patient-level covariates and within-hospital clustering. We tested for an interaction(p-int) between GDMT and pre/post Medicaid Expansion time periods. RESULTS Among 271,606 patients(57.5% early adopter, 42.5% non-adopter), 65.5% were White, 22.8% African American, 8.9% Hispanic, and 2.9% Asian race/ethnicity. Independent of ACA timing, Hispanic patients were more likely to receive all GDMT for residing in early adopter states compared to non-adopter states (p<0.0001). In fully-adjusted analyses, ACA Medicaid Expansion was associated with higher odds of receipt of ACEI/ARB/ARNI in Hispanic patients [before ACA:OR 0.40(95%CI:0.13,1.23); after ACA:OR 2.46(1.10,5.51); p-int=0.0002], but this occurred in the setting of an immediate decline in prescribing patterns, particularly among non-adopter states, followed by an increase that remained lowest in non-adopter states. The ACA was not associated with receipt of GDMT for other racial/ethnic groups. CONCLUSIONS Among GWTG-HF hospitals, Hispanic patients were more likely to receive all GDMT if they resided in early adopter states rather than non-adopter states, independent of ACA Medicaid Expansion timing. ACA implementation was only associated with higher odds of receipt of ACEI/ARB/ARNI in Hispanic patients. Additional steps are needed for improved GDMT delivery for all.
Judicial Reform and Reorganization in 20th Century Iran: State-Building, Modernization and Islamicization

1. Introduction 2. Socio-Historical Background 3. First Period: Post Constitutional Revolution Era 4. Second Period: Modernization Era 5. Third Period: Post Islamic Revolution Era 6. Forth Period: Post Khomeini Era 7. Overviews and Comparisons. Conclusion. Appendix 1: Chronological Outline. Appendix 2: Comparing Four Sociological Theories of Legal Change. Appendix 3: Main Characteristics of Three Legal Traditions: Civil, Common and Socialist Law. Appendix 4: Taxonomy of World's Legal Systems (Mattei, 1997). Appendix 5: Iranian Highest Judiciary Officials, Ministers of Justice, Members of the Supreme Judicial Councils, and Heads of the Judiciary, 1906-2006. Appendix 6: Historical Documents and Photos. Appendix 7: Trend of Urban Population, Literacy, Enrollment in Institution of Higher Education, Internal Migration and the Court Structure in 1927, 1968, and 1984 in Iran
Plasma instabilities in plasma thrusters

Summary form only given, as follows. The nature and effects of plasma oscillations and instabilities in plasma thrusters will be reviewed in the context of the Hall thruster and the magnetoplasmadynamic thruster (MPDT). We will review the relevant experimental data and related analytical and numerical work. We will focus on the role of plasma instabilities and the associated turbulence in regulating and enhancing transport in the plasmas of these devices. In particular, the anomalous resistivity effect in MPDTs and the anomalous cross-field electron mobility in Hall thrusters will be illustrated.
Kinetic Studies of Dogfish Liver Glutamate Dehydrogenase with Diphosphopyridine Nucleotide and the Effect of Added Salts

Abstract Kinetic studies have been performed with crystalline dogfish liver glutamate dehydrogenase with the diphosphopyridine nucleotides as cofactors. The kinetic constants for the various substrates have been determined. In its sensitivity to guanosine 5'-triphosphate, adenosine 5'-diphosphate, and excess reduced diphosphopyridine nucleotide the enzyme is similar to that derived from other vertebrates. The extent of inhibition of the initial rate of the aminating reaction by excess reduced diphosphopyridine nucleotide was reduced by the presence of increased ammonium chloride in the reaction mixture. The effect is attributable to the chloride ion. A number of anions have been tested, and the order of their effectiveness in preventing inhibition by excess reduced coenzyme followed the Hofmeister series: ClO4- g SCN- g I- g Br- g Cl- g F-. Peak effectiveness was observed at comparatively low concentrations of salts, varying from 0.045 m ClO4- to 0.25 m Cl-. Further increase in salt concentration caused a progressive decrease in the rate of reaction. Concentrations of salts that were effective in preventing inhibition by excess reduced diphosphopyridine nucleotide were observed to depress activity at noninhibitory levels of coenzyme. Added salt does not affect the calculated maximum velocity of the reaction but does increase the apparent Km for the diphosphopyridine nucleotide and effectively prevents inhibition at high concentrations of the cofactor. The presence of added salt minimized the regulatory influence of the nucleotides guanosine 5'-triphosphate and adenosine 5'-diphosphate.
The design of a high-performance cache controller: a case study in asynchronous synthesis

The authors integrated two distinct approaches in asynchronous system design: the design of controllers and the design of processor architectures. In earlier work, S.M. Nowick and D.L. Dill (1991) presented a new method for the synthesis of locally clocked asynchronous controllers, and the STRiP architecture was shown by M.E. Dean (1992) to provide an attractive alternative to comparable synchronous and asynchronous implementations. However, to support this asynchronous paradigm, an efficient asynchronous memory subsystem is critical. Here, the locally clocked synthesis method is applied to the design of an asynchronous second-level cache controller. The authors demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed locally clocked method for the design of a substantial real-world controller, show how such a controller can support the asynchronous external interface of an asynchronous RISC architecture, and present a cache controller which is significantly faster than a comparable synchronous design. Cache-access latency in the design is 50% less than for an equivalent synchronous implementation. >
Assembly of bacteriophage T4 tail fibers: IV. Subunit composition of tail fibers and fiber precursors

Abstract Using a novel purification procedure, the protein composition of the tail fibers of bacteriophage T4 has been determined. Fibers contain four proteins whose molecular weights, as estimated by sodium dodecyl sulfate/acrylamide gel electrophoresis, are 150,000, 125,000, 40,000 and 24,000. The two largest proteins have been previously identified as the products of genes 34 (P34) and 37 (P37), respectively (King and Laemmli, 1971; Ward and Dickson, 1971). The two smaller proteins have now been identified as the products of genes 35 (P35) and 36 (P36), respectively. The products of the two other known phage genes required for fiber assembly, 38 and 57 , have been identified as non-structural phage proteins with molecular weights of 26,000 and 10,000, respectively.
VLSI Architecture for solving covariance eigen system

In this paper, we shall first develop parallel architectures for covariance matrix operations. Then we shall discuss how to make use of them to develop parallel covariance eigen system solvers for real time Pisarenko spectrum estimation.
Mining the treasure of technical information: a research project for all disciplines

Engineers and technology practitioners often find themselves required to locate technical and nontechnical information from a variety of sources. They may be called upon to generate quotes, research equipment specifications, research market shares, delineate proposed manufacturing process, find company profiles, retrieve demographics data, determine compliance with engineering standards; or research any one of countless other pieces of information. The research may involve books, CDs, periodicals, newspapers, corresponding via email, fax, letters or the worldwide web. Accreditation agencies, such as ABET, have long recognized the need for 'library' and 'computer' usage in engineering and technology programs. This paper details strategies for an innovative student research project which leads to direct and useful experience applicable to engineering and engineering technology practitioners in any discipline. It is called the 'Treasure Hunt' because of the value added nature of the process rather than just the results. With minimal effort, a customized version of the project could be instituted in virtually any class at any level. It is readily adaptable to changing technology, any textbooks, and has now been in continuous use each semester since 1982. As implemented, it has been cited by two ABET visiting teams for innovation and as an excellent example of continuously improved instruction. Over the years it has grown to become one of the more noted experiences cited in both student exit interviews and in graduate surveys.
Ultra-high speed composition graded InGaAsSb/GaAsSb DHBTs with f/sub T/ = 500 GHz grown by gas-source molecular beam epitaxy

Graded InGaAsSb:C base double heterojunction bipolar transistors (DHBT) were grown on InP to enhance the electron transit time through the base region. A record high unity current gain frequency f/sub T/ of 500 GHz is achieved in the DHBT with a 250 /spl Aring/ thick InGaAsSb:C linear graded base.
Megakaryocytopoiesis in Rats With Special Reference to Polyploidy

The morphologic stage of maturation, ploidy level, and cell size of individual megakaryocytes from the marrow of normal rats were determined; the initial labeling index of this population of megakaryocytes 30 minutes after injection of 3HTdr was also determined. The results suggested some inferences about the flow of cells through the various ploidy and differentiation compartments during the maturation of megakaryocytes. Most 8N Type-I megakaryocytes endoreduplicate and become 16N Type-I cells, while a few mature to 8N Type-II megakaryocytes. Most 16N I cells mature to 16N II although a few endoreduplicate to become 32N I cells; the 32N I cells mature only to 32N II. The Type-I morphologic stage contains two subcompartments that we have not distinguished morphologically, an endoreduplicating subcompartment and a post-DNA-synthesis subcompartment. The time parameter of the latter ranges from about nine to 19 hours. The time parameter of the former depends on the number of endoreduplications undergone by an individual megakaryocyte. The size of megakaryocytes increases both with increases in ploidy level and with cell differentiation.
Global asymptotic stability for quadratic fractional difference equation

Consider the difference equation $$x_{n+1} = \frac{\alpha+ \sum_{i=0}^{k} a_{i} x_{n-i} + \sum_{i=0}^{k} \sum_{j=i}^{k} a_{i j} x_{n-i} x_{n-j} }{\beta+ \sum_{i=0}^{k} b_{i} x_{n-i} + \sum_{i=0}^{k} \sum_{j=i}^{k} b_{ij} x_{n-i} x_{n-j}}, \quad n=0,1, \ldots, $$ where all parameters α, β, $a_{i}$ , $b_{i}$ , $a_{ij}$ , $b_{ij}$ , $i,j=0,1,\ldots, k$ , and the initial conditions $x_{i}$ , $i \in\{-k, \ldots, 0 \}$ , are nonnegative. We investigate the asymptotic behavior of the solutions of the considered equation. We give simple explicit conditions for the global stability and global asymptotic stability of the zero or positive equilibrium of this equation.
Pyrophthalones as Blue Wavelength Absorbers in Thermoplastic Media

We have explored the utility of pyrophthalones as violet-blue light filtering dyes in polymer matrices for wavelengths below 450 nm. Further, we have investigated the photodegradation of these molecules in thermoplastic media and the mechanisms behind their degradation. Finally, a range of additives have been explored to improve the photostability of these molecules to achieve the desired performance.
Operationally significant weather: Convective forecasts prompting reroute operations

The interconnectedness of departure and arrival operations serving multiple top tier airports in the New York area limits departure path possibilities when weather impacts the airspace. As a result, significant convective impacts requires traffic flows to be shifted between pre-established routes to safely depart traffic. This technique, called rerouting, enables continuous departure throughput even during extended, severe impacts in this complex airspace. Implementing a Reroute Operation, however, is a significant effort requiring time for coordination and implementation making it inefficient for managing light traffic or minor impacts where less structured convective avoidance tactics suffice. Therefore, accurate, extended forecasts, and knowledge of which forecasted impacts are beneficially addressed by Reroute Operations are necessary to identify and implement the procedure successfully and efficiently. This paper quantitatively examines Reroute Operations in the NY Metro area during May through September for the years 2012–2014 to assess the severity and duration of impacts with departure rates to identify important factors for initiating a Reroute Operations. Route Availability Planning Tool (RAPT) [1] blockage information was used to provide weather impact metrics (in 5-minute increments along each route) and Aircraft Situation Display to Industry (ASDI) data were used to supply traffic rerouting and throughput information. The paper ends with recommendations for improved Reroute Operation decision making.
A new poly(propylene imine) dendron as potential convenient building-block in the construction of multifunctional systems

Abstract The synthesis of a novel third generation poly(propylene imine) dendron (PPI dendron) is described herein. The dendritic focal point was attached to a tetraethylene glycol spacer that was terminated with a Tmob-protected thiol in order to both avoid any side-reaction during functionalization of dendritic branches as well as enable convenient integration of the dendron into diverse complex systems. The protonation of the final PPI dendron at pH 4–5 is predicted to induce lysosomal degradation through the proton-sponge effect, and therefore enable cytosolic release. These features make the prepared dendron a very convenient building-block for use in the construction of larger systems, such as multifunctional drug delivery vehicles.
Phenotypic evidence that the function of the [Fe]-hydrogenase Hmd in Methanococcus maripaludis requires seven hcg (hmd co-occurring genes) but not hmdII.

The H2-dependent methylene-tetrahydromethanopterin dehydrogenase (Hmd), also known as the [Fe]-hydrogenase, is found only in methanogens without cytochromes. In contrast to the binuclear metal centers of the [NiFe]- and [FeFe]-hydrogenases, the [Fe]-hydrogenase contains only a single Fe atom, which is coordinated by a novel guanylylpyridinol cofactor in the active site. The biosynthesis of the cofactor is not well understood and the responsible genes are unknown. However, seven genes ( hmd co-occurring genes, hcg ) encoding proteins of unknown function are always associated with the hmd gene. In the model methanogen Methanococcus maripaludis , we used a genetic background in which a deletion of hmd had a distinct growth phenotype, and made null-mutations in each hcg gene as well as in a gene encoding the Hmd paralog HmdII, which is hypothesized to function as a scaffold for cofactor synthesis. Deletions in all seven hcg genes resulted in the same growth phenotype as a deletion in hmd , suggesting they are required for Hmd function. In all cases, genetic complementation of the mutation restored the wild-type phenotype. A deletion in hmdII had no effect.