cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High throughput synthesis and screening of new protein resistant surfaces for membrane filtration

A novel high throughput method for synthesis and screening of customized protein-resistant surfaces was developed. This method is an inexpensive, fast, reproducible and scalable approach to synthesize and screen protein-resistance surfaces appropriate for a specific feed. The method is illustrated here by combining a high throughput platform (HTP) approach together with our patented photo-induced graft polymerization (PGP) method developed for facile modification of commercial poly(aryl sulfone) membranes. This new HTP-PGP method was validated by comparison with our previous published results obtained using a bench-scale filtration assay of six well-studied monomers. Optimally-performing surfaces for resisting a model protein, bovine serum albumin (BSA), were identified from a library of 66 monomers. Surfaces were prepared via graft polymerization onto poly(ether sulfone) (PES) membranes and were evaluated using a protein adsorption assay followed by pressure-driven filtration. Bench-scale verification was conducted for selected monomers using HTP-PGP method; a good correlation with HTP-PGP results was found.
Quantum computation beyond the circuit model

The quantum circuit model is the most widely used model of quantum computation. It provides both a framework for formulating quantum algorithms and an architecture for the physical construction of quantum computers. However, several other models of quantum computation exist which provide useful alternative frameworks for both discovering new quantum algorithms and devising new physical implementations of quantum computers. In this thesis, I first present necessary background material for a general physics audience and discuss existing models of quantum computation. Then, I present three new results relating to various models of quantum computation: a scheme for improving the intrinsic fault tolerance of adiabatic quantum computers using quantum error detecting codes, a proof that a certain problem of estimating Jones polynomials is complete for the one clean qubit complexity class, and a generalization of perturbative gadgets which allows k-body interactions to be directly simulated using 2-body interactions. Lastly, I discuss general principles regarding quantum computation that I learned in the course of my research, and using these principles I propose directions for future research. (Copies available exclusively from MIT Libraries, Rm. 14-0551, Cambridge, MA 02139-4307. Ph. 617-253-5668; Fax 617-253-1690.)
Query processing for moving objects with space-time grid storage model

With the growing popularity of mobile computing devices and wireless communications, managing dynamically changing information about moving objects is becoming feasible. In this paper we implement a system that manages such information and propose an efficient range query algorithm with a filtering step which efficiently determines if a polyline corresponding to the trajectory of a moving object intersects with a given range. We study the performance of the system, which shows that despite the filtering step, for moderately large ranges, the range query algorithm we propose outperforms the algorithm without filtering.
Women in Public Administration Extending the Metaphor of the Emperor's New Clothes

Have 30 years of concern for women's equity, together with the infusion of new feminist theories andperspectives, influenced the development of recent public administration research? The authors examine eight major public administration and policy journals to determine how many women are publishing, their patterns of publication, and the content of their research. Their results suggest that women are historically underrepresented in most, but more recently are publishing at rates commensurate with their numbers in the academy. However, a surprisingly small number of articles by women and men scholars address traditional women'spolicy concerns orapplyfeminist perspectives to research in public administration. They conclude that public administration has yet to be influenced significantly by the research and theoretical contributions of the women's movement found in the wider academic community.
Carotid endarterectomy: The financial impact of practice changes

Abstract Purpose: New techniques in the management of extracranial carotid occlusive disease have focused attention on the outcome and economics of carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Changing practice patterns for CEA must be assessed to allow accurate comparisons. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of practice modifications related to CEA on patient outcome and cost data. Methods: Data on patients undergoing CEAs at a single institution from fiscal year 1992 to 1998 were prospectively collected and entered into a computerized database. Records were reviewed for patient demographics and outcome with regard to stroke and death. Selected years that corresponded to transitions in perioperative management were audited for complete hospital financial information from. Results: We performed 960 CEAs during the study period, with a combined stroke and death rate of 1.1%. Inflation-adjusted hospital costs per patient in 1998 dollars for the years 1992, 1996, and 1998 were $5494, $4476, and $3350, respectively. In 1998, costs for patients who required arteriography were $1825 greater than those operated on during duplex scan examination alone in 1998. Statistically significant differences occurred in the year-to-year comparisons in the use of arteriography, intensive care unit monitoring, same day admissions, and length of stay. There were no statistically significant differences in the stroke and death rate between years. Conclusion: Practice changes related to CEA have resulted in significant savings without detriment in patient outcome. Comparisons between CEA and endovascular techniques will need to be evaluated within this context. Given these advances in perioperative management, it will be difficult to justify carotid stenting on the basis of current economic considerations. (J Vasc Surg 2000;32:643-8.)
Effect of no‐tillage vs. conventional tillage on soil organic matter and nitrogen contents

Abstract Four treatments (no‐tillage plus subsoiling, no‐tillage, conventional tillage plus subsoiling, and conventional tillage) were continuously in place for 6 yr and a second set of no‐tillage plus subsoiling and conventional plus subsoiling treatments were continuously in place for 3 yr to study the long‐term effects of conventional and no‐tillage corn on soil organic matter (OM) and N contents. Soil samples were taken at random between the rows and in the rows to a depth of 60 cm, in 5‐cm increments to a depth of 30 cm, and then in 15‐cm increments from the 30 to 60‐cm depth for OM and N determination. No‐tillage resulted in A3 and 20% more Kjeldahl N than conventional tillage in the 0 to 5‐cm soil depth after 6 and 3 yr, respectively. after 6 yr, the 0 to 5‐cm depth had 36% more OM in no‐tillage treatments than in conventional tillage treatments, and soil from no‐tillage treatments averaged 27% more OM than the conventional tillage plus subsoiling treatment at the 0 to 15‐cm soil depth.
Gastrointestinal blood flow in the dog.

That the radiorubidium distribution method provides good estimates of blood flow to the gastrointestinal organs was demonstrated by comparing the arterial concentration course of the isotope with the simultaneous venous concentration for the individual organs. Blood flow to stomach, intestine and colon are accurately assessed by this method. Estimates for pancreas, gall bladder, esophagus and duodenum are probably correct. Average perfusion rates in the pentobarbital anesthetized dog are, in cc/min.g of tissue: --esophagus, 0.21; stomach, 0.51; duodenum, 0.70; small intestine, 0.72; colon, 0.82; pancreas, 0.60; and gall bladder, 0.39.
Hydrogen bond interactions of G proteins with the guanine ring moiety of guanine nucleotides

We have utilized Raman difference spectroscopy to investigate hydrogen bonding interactions of the guanine moiety in guanine nucleotides with the binding site of two G proteins, EF-Tu (elongation factor Tu from Escherichia coli) and the c-Harvey ras protein, p21 (the gene product of the human c-H-ras proto-oncogene). Raman spectra of proteins complexed with GDP (guanosine 5' diphosphate), IDP (inosine 5' diphosphate), 6-thio-GDP, and 6-18O-GDP were measured, and the various difference spectra were determined. These were compared to the difference spectra obtained in solution, revealing vibrational features of the nucleotide that are altered upon binding. Specifically, we observed significant frequency shifts in the vibrational modes associated with the 6-keto and 2-amino positions of the guanine group of GDP and IDP that result from hydrogen bonding interactions between these groups and the two proteins. These shifts are interpreted as being proportional to the local energy of interaction (delta H) between the two groups and protein residues at the nucleotide binding site. Consistent with the tight binding between the nucleotides and the two proteins, the shifts indicate that the enthalpic interactions are stronger between these two polar groups and protein than with water. In general, the spectral shifts provide a rationale for the stronger binding of GDP and IDP with p21 compared to EF-Tu. Despite the structural similarity of the binding sites of EF-Tu and p21, the strengths of the observed hydrogen bonds at the 6-keto and 2-amino positions vary substantially, by up to a factor of 2.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
DOSE‐RELATED PHARMACOLOGIC EFFECTS OF HIGH DOSE ARA‐C AND ITS USE IN COMBINATION WITH ASPARAGINASE FOR THE TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH ACUTE NON‐LYHPHOCYTIC LEUKEMIA*

Clinical resistance to ara-C is dose and schedule dependent. Patients refractory to or who have relapsed on combinations of drugs which include standard doses of ara-C (100–200 mg/m2 daily for 5 to 7 days) can be induced into clinical remissions with high dose ara-C (HiDAC). The interaction between HiDAC and asparaginase is schedule-dependent; pharmacologic synergy and an improvement in the therapeutic index occurring with sequential HiDACAsparaginase. This combination has been applied in clinical trial: ara-C 3 g/m2 as a 3 hr IV infusion was given every 12 hrs for 4 doses. At the end of the 4th infusion, 6000 IU/m2 asparaginase was given IM. This therapy was given on days 1 and 8. Refractory/ relapsed patients had a 68% complete remission rate. Treatment of 49 patients with previously untreated ANLL was associated with an 80% and 40% complete remission rate in patients 60 years of age, respectively. Median time to complete remission for both age groups was 30 days. The lower complete remission rate in older patients reflects higher induction deaths (ID) (50%), not innate drug resistance. Laboratory investigations have focused on the biochemical pharmacology of HiDAC in an attempt to explain the unique therapeutic utility of this mode of drug administration. These data suggest that human leukemia cells transport ara-C across the cell membrane relatively less efficiently than experimental leukemia cells. The systemic metabolite of ara-C, ara-U, may also influence the drug's effect. In the murine leukemia L5178Y, both in vitro and in vivo, high concentrations of ara-U are cytostatic in S-phase. the phase of the cell cycle wherein ara-C cytotoxicity is increased. In vivo, high concentrations of ara-U also retard systemic deamination of ara-C as well as its renal excretion. These features increase the terminal half-life of HiDAC in the plasma and thus prolong cellular exposure to the drug. The interactions between ara-U and ara-C thus invoke selfpotentiation of HiDAC.
Sapphire photonic crystal fibers

We present a sapphire photonic crystal fiber structure. The structure consists of six holes symmetrically arranged within the outer single crystal sapphire layer surrounding the solid single crystal sapphire core. The single crystal sapphire fibers produced are approximately 200 µm in diameter with hole sizes in the range of 10 µm. This represents the first time that a photonic crystal fiber has been fabricated in single crystal sapphire.
Parameter Incremental Learning Algorithm for Neural Networks

In this paper, a novel stochastic (or online) training algorithm for neural networks, named parameter incremental learning (PIL) algorithm, is proposed and developed. The main idea of the PIL strategy is that the learning algorithm should not only adapt to the newly presented input-output training pattern by adjusting parameters, but also preserve the prior results. A general PIL algorithm for feedforward neural networks is accordingly presented as the first-order approximate solution to an optimization problem, where the performance index is the combination of proper measures of preservation and adaptation. The PIL algorithms for the multilayer perceptron (MLP) are subsequently derived. Numerical studies show that for all the three benchmark problems used in this paper the PIL algorithm for MLP is measurably superior to the standard online backpropagation (BP) algorithm and the stochastic diagonal Levenberg-Marquardt (SDLM) algorithm in terms of the convergence speed and accuracy. Other appealing features of the PIL algorithm are that it is computationally as simple as the BP algorithm, and as easy to use as the BP algorithm. It, therefore, can be applied, with better performance, to any situations where the standard online BP algorithm is applicable
Methodological Problems in Determining Fetal Loss Rates: Relevance to Chorionic Villi Sampling

Fetal wastage is known to occur commonly. However, the precise frequency of losses is still uncertain, especially by specific gestational intervals. This is unfortunate because precise information on background loss rates is crucial for assessing the safety of chorionic villi sampling (CVS).
Fall Patterns and Fall Velocities of Rimed Ice Crystals

Abstract Fall patterns of timed snow crystals between 0.02 and 0.5 cm in size were studied using a stereoscopic camera system with stroboscopic illumination. Relationships between terminal fall velocities and crystal dimensions were determined for graupel, rimed columnar crystals, rimed plate crystals, rimed capped columns, rimed broken branches, and aggregates of rimed crystals. For each crystal form the characteristic fall pattern is discussed and Reynolds numbers, drag coefficients and Best numbers are presented. Measured densities for graupel and for densely rimed columns are also reported. It is concluded that oscillatory and rotatory motions are quite common for rimed crystals although the mean fall attitude is mostly the same as for unrimed crystals of similar habit. Fall velocities of rimed crystals are on the average twice those of unrimed crystals.
Bridge Loading, Reliaility and Redundancy: Concepts and Applications

The objective of this paper is to summarize recent efforts in bridge loading, reliability and redundancy research. It is hoped that these efforts will contribute to achieve more uniform performance and reliability in bridge system-oriented design and evaluation than is possible with just the LRFD component-oriented methodology.
Measuring postural stability with an inertial sensor: validity and sensitivity.

Introduction/purpose To examine the concurrent validity, and sensitivity, of an inertial sensor for use in the assessment of postural sway. Methods This was a laboratory-based, repeated-measures design with ten healthy participants. Concurrent validity was tested between an inertial sensor, forceplate, and rigid-body kinematics across three commonly used balance tests. Further, the inertial sensor measures were compared across eight commonly used tests of balance. Variables manipulated include stance position, surface condition, and eyes-open versus eyes-closed. Results The inertial sensor was correlated to both the forceplate-derived measures (r=0.793) and rigid-body kinematics (r=0.887). Significant differences between the balance tests were observed when tested with the inertial sensor. In general, there was a three-way interactions between the three balance factors (surface, stance, and vision) leading to pairwise comparisons between each balance test. The root-mean-square showed an increase across tasks of greater difficulty ranging from an average of 0.0368 with two legs, eyes-open to 0.911 when tested during tandem stance, eyes-closed tested on a foam pad. Conclusion The new inertial sensor shows promise for use in the assessment of postural sway. Additionally, the inertial sensor appears sensitive to differences in balance tasks of varying degrees of difficulty when tested in a healthy sample of young adults. This inertial sensor may provide new opportunities for further research in the assessment of balance changes in the mild traumatic brain injury population.
Functional outcomes among sexual minority youth emancipating from the child welfare system

Abstract The heterogeneity of youth emancipating from the foster care system makes it difficult to establish the extent to which their functional outcomes are equivalent across different subgroups. In the present study, we use secondary data from the Multi Site Evaluation of Foster Youth Programs (MSEYP) to explore the challenges faced by sexual minority youths in comparison to their heterosexual peers. We focus on measurements of key independent living outcomes at age 19 to obtain a broad picture of how sexual minority youth fare during the period of transition to adulthood. Bivariate results indicate that the deficits for sexual minority youth are noteworthy across all categories of functional outcomes (i.e. education, employment, homelessness and financial stability). Furthermore, results from binary logistic regression models indicate that sexual orientation was associated with each category of functional outcomes, even when controlling for demographics and child welfare history factors. Findings suggest that sexual minority youth leaving foster care are particularly vulnerable to negative outcomes and may require more intensive supports during the period of transition to adulthood. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.
LOW BACK PAIN: Current Physiologic Concepts

It is clear that low back pain is not a simple process that can be explained on purely anatomic, biomechanical, or neurophysiologic theories. The intimate relationship of these processes have to be considered. Each of the potential biomechanical stresses influence the different spinal structures in different ways, depending on the forces applied and the structure being affected. The biomechanical response to the trauma caused by these forces may be immunologic, inflammatory, or neurochemical, depending on the structures being traumatized. Once a nociceptive process is underway, it is greatly influenced by the spinal cord and the brain. Only by following this process through its various steps can a clinician begin to formulate an understanding of the mechanisms involved in the genesis of low back pain.
Studies on the intracellular distribution and tissue binding of dihydromorphine-7,8-H3 in the rat.

SummaryDihydromorphine-7,8-H3 of high specific activity was prepared by the catalytic tritriation of the double bond of morphine and purified. Studies of the intracellular distribution of radioactivity in the brains and livers of rats injected with the labeled drug showed that most of it was in the soluble fraction. However, the brain nuclear fraction consistently contained 10-20% of the radioactivity of the homogenate. The administration of nalorphine had no effect on tissue levels or intracellular distribution. Binding of dihydromorphine to brain and liver homogenates and to serum proteins was demonstrated by equilibrium dialysis. The degree of binding was similar in the different tissues and not affected by the addition of nalorphine. Tissue homogenates from morphine-tolerant rats exhibited the same amount of binding as those from control rats.
Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) for Rubber

Abstract In this review, first, the development of atomic force microscopy as an imaging technique, as a surface force apparatus, and as a nanoindenter was illustrated using experimental studies. The experimental analysis of atomic force microscopy emphasizes the empirical methods of achieving high resolution imaging through controlled forces between tip and sample interactions. Second, mapping mechanical properties on nanometer scale by atomic force microscopy is presented with both experimental investigations and selection of elastic models. Elastomer crosslink density was mapped using atomic force microscopy combined with elastic theories. The force — penetration depth investigation of crosslink density for elastomer by AFM shows linear correction with both experimental studies using Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis (DMTA) and classic swelling method and calculation using statistical rubber elasticity theory. Last, the focus is on the understanding of atomic force microscopy for practical applicatio...
Experimental and computational evidence of metal-O2 activation and rate-limiting proton-coupled electron transfer in a copper amine oxidase.

The mechanism of O2 reduction by copper amine oxidase from Arthrobacter globiformus (AGAO) is analyzed in relation to the cobalt-substituted protein. The enzyme utilizes a tyrosine-derived topaquinone cofactor to oxidize primary amines and reduce O2 to H2O2. Steady-state kinetics indicate that amine-reduced CuAGAO is reoxidized by O2 >103 times faster than the CoAGAO analogue. Complementary spectroscopic studies reveal that the difference in the second order rate constant, kcat/KM(O2), arises from the more negative redox potential of CoIII/II in relation to CuII/I. Indistinguishable competitive oxygen-18 kinetic isotope effects are observed for the two enzymes and modeled computationally using a calibrated density functional theory method. The results are consistent with a mechanism where an end-on (η1)-metal bound superoxide is reduced to an η1-hydroperoxide in the rate-limiting step.
Application of Cre-loxP Recombination for Lineage Tracing of Adult Zebrafish Retinal Stem Cells

The Cre-loxP recombination system is widely used as a genetic tool to achieve conditional gene expression and for lineage tracing. Though extensively used in mice, this technology has only recently been applied to zebrafish. Here we describe Cre-loxP methodology for conditional expression of transgenes in zebrafish and their use in lineage tracing Muller glia as they undergo cellular reprogramming and proliferation to repair damaged retinal circuitry following mechanical injury. This methodology can be used for conditional gene expression and lineage tracing at any stage of development and in any cell type.
Effects of cellular origin on differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cell–derived endothelial cells

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be derived from various types of somatic cells by transient overexpression of 4 Yamanaka factors (OCT4, SOX2, C-MYC, and KLF4). Patient-specific iPSC derivatives (e.g., neuronal, cardiac, hepatic, muscular, and endothelial cells [ECs]) hold great promise in drug discovery and regenerative medicine. In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether the cellular origin can affect the differentiation, in vivo behavior, and single-cell gene expression signatures of human iPSC–derived ECs. We derived human iPSCs from 3 types of somatic cells of the same individuals: fibroblasts (FB-iPSCs), ECs (EC-iPSCs), and cardiac progenitor cells (CPC-iPSCs). We then differentiated them into ECs by sequential administration of Activin, BMP4, bFGF, and VEGF. EC-iPSCs at early passage (10 < P < 20) showed higher EC differentiation propensity and gene expression of EC-specific markers (PECAM1 and NOS3) than FB-iPSCs and CPC-iPSCs. In vivo transplanted EC-iPSC–ECs were recovered with a higher percentage of CD31+ population and expressed higher EC-specific gene expression markers (PECAM1, KDR, and ICAM) as revealed by microfluidic single-cell quantitative PCR (qPCR). In vitro EC-iPSC–ECs maintained a higher CD31+ population than FB-iPSC–ECs and CPC-iPSC–ECs with long-term culturing and passaging. These results indicate that cellular origin may influence lineage differentiation propensity of human iPSCs; hence, the somatic memory carried by early passage iPSCs should be carefully considered before clinical translation.
Digital design of multimaterial photonic particles

Abstract Scattering of light from dielectric particles whose size is on the order of an optical wavelength underlies a plethora of visual phenomena in nature and is a foundation for optical coatings and paints. Tailoring the internal nanoscale geometry of such “photonic particles” allows tuning their optical scattering characteristics beyond those afforded by their constitutive materials—however, flexible yet scalable processing approaches to produce such particles are lacking. Here, we show that a thermally induced in-fiber fluid instability permits the “digital design” of multimaterial photonic particles: the precise allocation of high refractive-index contrast materials at independently addressable radial and azimuthal coordinates within its 3D architecture. Exploiting this unique capability in all-dielectric systems, we tune the scattering cross-section of equisized particles via radial structuring and induce polarization-sensitive scattering from spherical particles with broken internal rotational symmetry. The scalability of this fabrication strategy promises a generation of optical coatings in which sophisticated functionality is realized at the level of the individual particles.
Simultaneous holographic imaging and light-scattering pattern measurement of individual microparticles

This work combines digital holography with spatial filtering at two wavelengths to record the hologram and light-scattering pattern for a single particle using a color sensor. Particles 30-100 μm in size and with various shapes are considered. The results demonstrate the ability to unambiguously associate a complicated scattering pattern with the particle size, shape, and orientation.
SU-F-I-76: Fluoroscopic X-Ray Beam Profiles for Spectra Incorporating Copper Filtration

Purpose: The purpose of this investigation is to characterize and quantify X-ray beam profiles for fluoroscopic x-ray beam spectra incorporating spectral (copper) filtration. Methods: A PTW (Freiburg, Germany) type 60016 silicon diode detector and PTW MP3 water tank were used to measure X-ray beam profiles for 60, 80, 100 and 120 kVp x-ray beams at five different copper filtration thicknesses ranging from 0–0.9 mm at 22 and 42 cm fields of view and depths of 1, 5, and 10 cm in both the anode-cathode axis (inplane) and cross-plane directions. All measurements were acquired on a Siemens (Erlangen, Germany) Artis ZeeGo fluoroscope inverted from the typical orientation providing an x-ray beam originating from above the water surface with the water level set at 60 cm from the focal spot. Results: X-ray beam profiles for beam spectra without copper filtration compared well to previously published data by Fetterly et al. [Med Phys, 28, 205 (2001)]. Our data collection benefited from the geometric orientation of the fluoroscope, providing a beam perpendicular to the tank water surface, rather than through a thin side wall as did the previously mentioned study. Profiles for beams with copper filtration were obtained which have not been previously investigated and published. Beam profiles in the anode-cathode axis near the surface and at lower x-ray energy exhibited substantial heel effect, which became less pronounced at greater depth. At higher energy with copper filtration in the beam, the dose falloff out-of-field became less pronounced, as would be anticipated given higher scatter photon energy. Conclusion: The x-ray beam profile data for the fluoroscopic x-ray beams incorporating copper filtration are intended for use as reference data for estimating doses to organs or soft tissue, including fetal dose, involving similar beam qualities or for comparison with mathematical models.
Missed opportunities for repeat HIV testing in pregnancy: Implications for elimination of mother-to-child transmission in the United States

HIV testing is an effective intervention that is used for reducing perinatal HIV transmission. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a second HIV test during the third trimester of pregnancy for women in settings with an elevated HIV incidence (≥17 cases per 100,000 person-years). We conducted a retrospective cohort study at a single hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, to determine whether a second HIV test was done and to compare HIV retesting with mandated syphilis retesting. Of women who delivered at this hospital, 98.8% received prenatal care. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariable analyses were performed. Among 1632 women, mean age was 27.6 years (standard deviation: 6.3), 59.6% were black, and 55.5% were single. HIV retesting was done in 28.4% of women, which was significantly less often compared with the state-mandated syphilis retesting (78.7%, p < 0.001). The odds of having an HIV retest were 15 times higher among women who received prenatal care at a teaching clinic [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 15.58; 95% confidence interval (CI): 11.12-21.81], and they were lower among women with private insurance (aOR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.34-0.86). The odds of having a syphilis retest were twice as high among women who received prenatal care at a faculty practice (aOR: 2.17; 95% CI: 1.53-3.09), and they were lower among women with private insurance (aOR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.43-0.88). Emphasizing an "opt-out" HIV retesting approach through state laws may minimize risk perception, and this is one strategy that can be considered in areas of high HIV incidence to reach the goal of eliminating perinatal HIV transmission in the United States.
Market-Reinforcing versus Market-Replacing Consumer Finance Regulation

The aftermath of the financial crisis has seen the formation of several new banking regulators and an onslaught of new financial regulation. In the area of consumer financial protection bureau these regulations have resuscitated the regulatory approach of prior eras, namely substantive regulation of the prices, terms, and products offered to consumers. But these regulations have also resulted in predictable unintended consequences — higher prices, reduced innovation, and exclusion of many consumers from mainstream financial products. This chapter drawn from the book Reframing Financial Regulation: Enhancing Stability and Protecting Consumers, distinguishes between two types of regulatory approaches, “market-reinforcing” and “market-replacing” consumer finance regulation, and argues that consumer welfare would be improved by a regulatory strategy that makes markets work better instead of displacing them with command-and-control regulation.
Teaching Computational Thinking Patterns in Rural Communities

In this chapter you will learn how a community college in rural Wyoming is implementing professional development resources in Computer Science and computational thinking skills for middle and high school teachers in their communities. The objective of the community college was to build relationships with schools to teach Computer Science concepts and computational thinking skills in the classroom. In this day and age, many people young and old are spending time on playing games or simulations. Why not teach Computer Science concepts and computational thinking skills through gaming and simulations? The project included teaching teachers about computational thinking patterns when teaching their students computer gaming and simulation creations. The creation of computer games and simulations requires algorithmic, critical thinking, problem-solving, and computational thinking skills. Teachers were taught what computational thinking patterns are, how to teach their students about computational thinking patterns, and how to create computer games and simulations stressing computational thinking skills. The teacher progress is measured by recorded observations, completed student projects, and surveys.
Anisotropy of thermal conductivity in 3D printed polymer matrix composites for space based cube satellites

Abstract Polymer extrusion three dimensional (3D) printing, such as fused deposition modeling (FDM), has recently garnered attention due to its inherent process flexibility and rapid prototyping capability. Specifically, the addition of electrical components and interconnects into a 3D printing build sequence has received heavy interest for space applications. However, the addition of these components, along with the thermal load associated with space-based applications, may prove problematic for typical thermally insulating 3D printed polymer structures. The work presented here addresses thermally conductive polymer matrix composites (specifically, graphite, carbon fiber, and silver in an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene polymer matrix) to identify the effect of composite geometry and print direction on thermal anisotropic properties. The work also examines the effect of these composites on print quality, mechanical tensile properties, fracture plane analysis, micrograph imaging, and cube satellite thermal analysis. The thermal conductivity of 3D printed material systems in this work may enable the production of thermally stable 3D printed structures, supports, and devices. Key results of this work include anisotropic thermal conductivity for 3D printed structures related to print direction and filler morphology meaning that thermal conductivity can be controlled through a combination of print raster direction and material design. When the materials analyzed in this work are incorporated with other active cooling systems, space-based 3D printed applications can then be designed to incorporate increasing thermal loads, opening a new door to producing space-ready 3D printed structures.
Sulfasalazine-Induced Crystalluria Causing Severe Acute Kidney Injury.

Sulfasalazine is an anti-inflammatory agent commonly used in the treatment of autoimmune conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Sulfasalazine is converted by gut bacteria into sulfapyridine and the clinically active metabolite 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA), and its efficacy is proportional to the 5-ASA concentration within the intestinal lumen. Renal complications are commonly reported for the chemically similar 5-ASA derivative mesalamine, but are not well-known side effects of sulfasalazine therapy. We report a 72-year-old patient with Crohn's disease managed with sulfasalazine for more than 10 years who presented with severe acute kidney injury (serum creatinine, 9.7mg/dL). Renal ultrasound revealed calculi and he subsequently spontaneously voided innumerable stones, which were composed of sulfasalazine metabolites. His renal calculi cleared and serum creatinine concentration improved to 3.1mg/dL after discontinuing sulfasalazine therapy and intravenous fluid hydration. His kidney function eventually returned to baseline. This case demonstrates that renal complications, in particular nephrolithiasis, may be an under-reported but potentially serious phenomenon in patients with inflammatory bowel disease treated with sulfasalazine and that their hydration status may play an important role in this process.
Thermophysical properties of Alloy 709

Abstract Alloy 709 (UNS S31025) has shown enhanced performance, particularly in creep strength, over current generation high temperature structural materials, specifically Type 316 stainless steel and Grade 91. Accurate knowledge of the thermal properties of the material is important to design efficient systems and to allow calculation of thermally induced stresses and stress gradients. Thermal diffusivity, thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity, and coefficients of thermal expansion have been determined for Alloy 709 as a function of temperature in the range of 20–850 °C. The results do not vary significantly for the three heats of Alloy 709 tested, and compare well with those reported for other high Cr, high Ni austenitic stainless steels. Deviations from monotonic behavior have been observed for the specific heat capacity and to a lesser degree for the thermal conductivity, while the thermal expansion and thermal diffusivity increase nearly linearly with increasing temperature.
Catena: A distributed architecture for robust service function chain instantiation with guarantees

The service function chain paradigm links ordered service functions via network virtualization, in support of applications with severe network constraints. This paradigm is particularly interesting in (federated) scenarios where is beneficial to decouple heavy processing from the core cloud and distributed it closer to end-users, such as in edge clouds. To provide such wide-area (federated) virtual network services, a distributed architecture should orchestrate processes to allow instantiation and maintenance of virtual paths hosting service function chains, while guaranteeing performance and fast convergence, even in presence of failures. To this end, we propose Catena, an architecture for resilient distributed service function chain instantiation. To instantiate a service chain, Catena uses a fully distributed asynchronous consensus mechanism that has bounds on convergence time and guarantees an optimal (1-1/e)-approximation with respect to the Pareto optimal centralized chain instantiation, even in presence of (non-byzantine) failures. We leverage stochastic optimization theory to design Catena, and we evaluate its performance and policy tradeoffs with simulations and on a (released) prototype implementation, finding surprising results and demonstrating policy programmability for the resilient distributed chain instantiation problem.
Microstructural Changes During Hot Isostatic Pressing of Sintered Lead Zirconate Titanate

The production of dense, fine-grained ceramics is dependent on the control of both powder properties and fabrication. Although considerable effort is expended to obtain these controls, it is still difficult to consistently produce ceramics with dense, homogeneous microstructures. Efforts to gain greater control over microstructure have centered around the production of highly reactive powders with consistent properties, the utilization of densification aids during sintering, and hot pressing. An alternative approach is to utilize hot isostatic pressing as a post sintering processing technique for the removal of residual porosity in sintered ceramics. It should be understood, of course, that it is necessary for the residual porosity to exist as closed pores to be affected by pressure transmission during HIP. HIPing of sintered ceramics has been shown to yield higher densities in some ceramic systems;1–4 however, there has been little effort to determine what happens to the microstructure during this process.
The Active Malformations Surveillance Program, Boston in 1972–2012: Methodology and demographic characteristics

Background Malformations surveillance programs have been carried out in consecutive populations of newborn infants at single hospitals, as well as in several hospitals in defined populations. A surveillance program begins with the review of the findings recorded by the examining pediatrician in each infant's medical record. The results of diagnostic tests, consultations, and imaging studies are obtained, also, from that infant's medical record. Some malformations surveillance programs identify additional malformations over several months, as the infants have hospitalizations and additional diagnostic testing. Methods 289,365 infants (liveborn, stillborn, and fetuses in pregnancies terminated because of anomalies) were surveyed from 1972 to 2012 at an urban maternity center in Boston to identify each infant with one or more malformations. Each mother was interviewed to obtain demographic characteristics, results of prenatal testing, family history, and information about exposures in pregnancies. Specific diagnoses were established by the study geneticists. Results 7,020 (2.4%) of the 289,365 infants surveyed had one or more malformations. The etiologies identified included chromosome abnormalities, phenotypes attributed to dominant or recessive autosomal or X-linked mutations, vascular disruption, environmental factors, and complications of twinning. Conclusion The surveillance of a large consecutive population of newborn infants, stillbirths, and aborted fetuses can identify with high reliability all infants with one or more malformations. This process of ascertainment of affected newborns can be used to improve genetic counseling, identify "new" phenotypes, and serve as a system for testing new technologies to establish more causes of congenital malformations.
Diversity management: What are the leading hospitality and tourism companies reporting?

This article analyzes what the leading hospitality and tourism companies report in terms of diversity management practices. Seven hospitality and tourism corporations are included in “The 2017 Dive...
Differentiating Single and Multiple Suicide Attempters: What Nightmares Can Tell Us That Other Predictors Cannot

Study Objectives:Although nightmares have been associated with suicidal behavior beyond well-known risk factors, the association between nightmares and multiple suicide attempts remains largely une...
Water Sampling Methods

In order to determine influent and effluent contaminant loads or concentrations and treatment practice performance, assessment efforts often include stormwater runoff sampling. Depending on the water quality parameter of interest, sampling can be done in situ, by grab samples, or by automatic sampling devices. Samples can also be collected on a time-weighted basis (equal time between samples) or on a flow-weighted basis (equal volume of flow passing the sampling site between samples). This chapter discusses available sampling methods and when and how to implement a particular method, and discusses the number of sampled events required to achieve a desired confidence interval. Also included is a discussion of sample storage and handling is also included.
Inclusion Body Myositis: A Case of Bilateral Extremity Weakness

Inflammatory myopathy is a common cause of bilateral muscular weakness in adults. Although not as common as polymyositis, inclusion body myositis (IBM) is a form of inflammatory myopathy characterized by chronic progressive muscle inflammation and often goes undiagnosed and untreated. IBM patients most commonly present with proximal lower extremity weakness and may have normal creatine kinase (CK) levels. A high level of clinical suspicion is required for prompt and accurate diagnosis of IBM, which is diagnosed definitively with a muscle biopsy. The patient described in this case report is a 68-year-old man who initially presented with both bilateral symmetric proximal lower extremity and distal upper extremity weakness. IBM was suspected through history, electromyography, and definitively diagnosed with muscle biopsy. The patient was subsequently initiated on prednisone therapy and physical therapy, with improvement in muscular strength after 2 months. In patients presenting with bilateral extremity weakness and normal CK level, the diagnosis of IBM should be included in the differential diagnosis and muscle biopsy performed for appropriate cases.
Rapid Relationality: How Peripheral Experts Build a Foundation for Influence with Line Managers:

This paper develops grounded theory to understand how and when experts in lower-power peripheral roles can develop influential relationships with higher-power line managers in core functions to reg...
The Occupational Therapy Approach to Addressing Food Insecurity among Older Adults with Chronic Disease

The older adult population is one of the fastest growing age groups in the United States. Various components influence productive aging, and current research has identified nutrition and healthy eating as key factors that impact older adults’ overall health status. While consumption of nutritious meals can help minimize the risk of health decline, the growing rate of food insecurity inhibits older adults’ abilities to access healthy food regularly. Additionally, the high prevalence of chronic disease and disability in older adults can also limit independent participation in food-related activities, such as shopping, self-feeding, and meal preparation. A lack of food access and difficulties engaging in food-related activities place older adults with chronic disease at an increased risk of malnutrition, disability, and losing independence, thereby threatening social participation, healthy aging, and quality of life. Due to their expertise in promoting health and independent living, occupational therapy practitioners may be uniquely positioned to enhance older adults’ healthy eating behaviors through the use of client-centered interventions tailored to food-related activities. This position paper reviews the scope of the occupational therapy profession, the consequences of food insecurity among older adults with chronic conditions, and strategies to enhance food-related activity participation in later life.
Establishment of a Cerebrospinal Fluid Bank

In most clinical laboratories, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is discarded within several days. Such disposal is unfortunate since the study of various compounds and their metabolites in CSF can provide clinicians and researchers with an expanded view of central nervous system (CNS) function and pathophysiology. Since CSF from patients with a variety of neurologic and medical conditions is not readily available for use in these studies, a cryorepository or “Bank” of well-characterized cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has been established by collecting and storing (-75 C) CSF samples remaining after completion of routine clinical studies. Since 1986, over 11,000 individual patient samples have been deposited in the CSF Bank and are available for retrospective research purposes. Wherever possible, corresponding plasma or serum is stored with the CSF sample. The CSF and blood are aseptically aliquoted into polypropylene or glass freezer vials. A database derived largely from information downloaded from hospital-based systems includes the results of all CSF laboratory studies, in addition to the patient age and the primary discharge diagnoses. By organizing the storage of CSF and corresponding blood within 24–48 hours of collection and following established storage techniques, uniform samples with associated patient information can be provided to investigators. The database permits rapid sample selection based on clinical or laboratory parameters as defined by the investigator.
Palladium-Catalyzed Direct α-C(sp3) Heteroarylation of Ketones under Microwave Irradiation.

Heteroaryl compounds are valuable building blocks in medicinal chemistry and chemical industry. A palladium-catalyzed direct α-C(sp3) heteroarylation of ketones under microwave irradiation is developed and reported in this study. Under optimized conditions, twenty-eight (28) heteroarylated ketones were prepared in this study to demonstrate the substrate scope of this reaction. The ground-state optimized structure of Pd(0) active catalyst with 2-dicyclohexylphosphino-2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl (XPhos) in toluene, and the products of its reaction with 3-bromopyridine and acetophenone were studied using all-atom density functional theory. This study provided insightful information for palladium catalytic system design to generate heteroaryl compounds.