cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adaptive and Evolvable Hardware - A Multifaceted Analysis

The paper explores adaptive and evolvable hardware (AEH) solutions from three essential perspectives: (a) technology, (b) economics and (c) system architecture. After setting the basis for the AEH terminology and taxonomy, the paper takes a look at the "market" and what adaptation is expected to provide to satisfy user needs and to solve real-world problems. Technologies that offer adaptation are explored, seeking common principles and techniques beneath the wide diversity of application areas. The focus here is on hardware that derives its flexibility from reconfiguration. The paper continues with an economic perspective and how adaptability offers better solutions not only for end users, but also for product providers. Finally, it explores system architecture ideas, to which biology offers continuous inspiration and may drive future architectural developments. Directions with maximal impact in advancing AEH appear to focus towards (1) reducing cost per function, (2) reducing reconfiguration overhead, (3) increasing re-programming speed, (4) improving algorithmic efficiency, (5) embedding self-reconfiguration algorithms into reconfigurable matter (or, more general, diffusing intelligence to finest HW levels), (6) ensuring that the system goes through safe states during adaptation and evolution, (7) and creating a specific development language and dedicated development tools.
Positive Linear Operators on LP and the Doeblin Condition

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on positive linear operators on L p and the Doeblin condition. A classical result in the theory of Markov processes, by Doeblin, that can be stated in operator theoretical terms is discussed in the chapter. Doeblin's proof is of probabilistic nature, and a different proof is given by Yosida and Kakutani. Under a corresponding condition, Doeblin's result holds for a very large class of Banach lattices that in addition to all AM-spaces contains all L p -spaces, 1 p ≤ ∞. If E = L p , 1 p E does not have an order unit nor is the composition of two weakly compact operators on E compact. Thus, a different approach is required. The chapter discusses the condition so that a positive linear operator T on Banach lattice E is said to satisfy a Doeblin condition.
Mixed Model Make-to-Stock Assembly

Mixed model make-to-stock assembly occurs when one line has two or more models in process at the same time. This chapter describes the planning methods that take place to control the operation of the line. The method is presented by an example or four models.
International Management of the Atlantic Bluefin: Political and Property-Rights Solutions

A single Atlantic bluefin, weighing no more than three-hundred pounds, can sell at Japanese auction for over $100,000. It is no wonder, then, that the fish is on its way to extinction. This article discusses the international failure to manage the fishing of the Atlantic bluefin, one of the largest and most profitable fish in the ocean. It then proposes a two-part remedy: First, it discusses a hybrid monopsony–property-rights-based solution, which, because of the unique features of the Atlantic bluefin and the bluefin market, may actually succeed in curtailing overfishing. Second, it looks at how such a property-rights solution can be diplomatically achieved through the existing international treaty organizations meant to safeguard the fish.
Effect of pitressin on adrenocortical activity in man.

SummaryIntravenous administration of Pitressin causes a significant increase in plasma 17-hydroxycorticosteroid concentration in human subjects.
Impliciture vs. Explicature: What's the difference?

I am often asked to explain the difference between my notion of impliciture (Bach 1994) and the relevance theorists’ notion of explicature (Sperber and Wilson 1986; Carston 2002). Despite the differences between the theoretical frameworks within which they operate, the two notions seem very similar. Relevance theorists describe explicatures as ‘developments of logical forms’, whereas I think of implicitures as ‘expansions’ or ‘completions’ of semantic contents (depending on whether or not the sentence’s semantic content amounts to a proposition). That is not much of a difference. We agree that implicitures/explicatures go beyond what is said (in a strict sense) and yet fall short of being implicatures. So, what is the difference, or is it just terminological? As we will see, the real differences emerge when the two notions are situated in their respective theoretical frameworks with their contrasting conceptions of what is involved in linguistic communication.
Built Environment Factors Influencing Walking to School Behaviors: A Comparison between a Small and Large US City

A growing body of evidence supports the association between the built environment and children walking to school (WTS), but few studies have compared WTS behaviors in cities of different sizes. This case-comparison study utilized WTS data from 4th graders in the small city of Manhattan, KS (N=171, from all 8 schools) and data from 4th graders in the large city of Austin, TX (N=671 from 19 stratified-sampled schools). The same survey instrument was used in both locations. After controlling for socioeconomic and demographic variables, built environment, neighborhood, and attitudinal differences were demonstrated by the odds ratios for WTS in the small city versus the large city. WTS in the small city was more likely to be associated with walking paths/trails and sidewalk landscape buffers en route to school despite lower perceived neighborhood social cohesion, school bus availability, and parental concerns about crime, compared to WTS in the large city. Also, the small city lacked key pedestrian infrastructure elements that were present in the large city. This study highlights important differences related to WTS behaviors and thus provides key insights for encouraging WTS in cities of different sizes.
Diagnostic value of lateral nasopharynx radiograph in children with snoring disease

Objective To evaluate diagnostic value of lateral nasopharynx in children with snoring disease.Methods The lateral nasopharynx radiograph was performed to estimate glandula colli and confirmed by operation.Results Out of 125 cases,58 cases were middle augmentation of adenoids,38 cases were severe augmentation of adenoids.Operation was performed in 18 infants and 17 cases were confirmed by pathological diagnosis,and coincidence rate was 94.4%.Conclusion The lateral nasopharynx radiograph is an effective and accurate measure for diagnostic examination of children with snoring disease.
Bivalirudin versus unfractionated heparin for percutaneous coronary intervention with radial access: A meta-analysis of randomized trials.

Abstract Background Radial access for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been shown to be associated with better outcomes compared with femoral access. However, it is unknown whether bivalirudin would offer any further benefit when compared with unfractionated heparin for PCI with radial access. Methods A systematic search of electronic databases was conducted for randomized trials comparing bivalirudin with unfractionated heparin in patients undergoing PCI with a radial access. The primary safety outcome was major bleeding, while the primary efficacy outcome was major adverse cardiac events (MACE). Random effects overall risk ratios (RR) were calculated using DerSimonian and Laird model. Results A total of 8044 patients from 5 trials were included in the final analysis. The incidence of major bleeding was 1.8% in the bivalirudin group versus 2.2% in the unfractionated heparin group (RR 0.72, 95% CI 0.44–1.17, p=0.18). Meta-regression analysis demonstrated that the risk of major bleeding was lower with bivalirudin when higher doses of unfractionated heparin were used in the control arm (p=0.02). The incidence of MACE was 8.5% in the bivalirudin group versus 7.5% in the unfractionated heparin group (RR 1.15, 95% CI 0.81–1.64, p=0.44). There were no significant differences in the incidence of all-cause mortality, and net adverse clinical events between both groups (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.70–1.36, p=0.89; and RR 0.79, 95% C I0.60–1.03, p=0.08, respectively). Conclusions Bivalirudin might not be associated with better outcomes, when compared with unfractionated heparin in patients undergoing PCI with radial access.
A Neural Basis for the Acquired Capability for Suicide.

The high rate of fatal suicidal behavior in men is an urgent issue as highlighted in the public eye via news sources and media outlets. In this study, we have attempted to address this issue and understand the neural substrates underlying the gender differences in the rate of fatal suicidal behavior. The Interpersonal-Psychological Theory of Suicide (IPTS) has proposed an explanation for the seemingly paradoxical relationship between gender and suicidal behavior, i.e. greater non-fatal suicide attempts by women but higher number of deaths by suicide in men. This theory states that possessing suicidal desire (due to conditions such as depression) alone is not sufficient for a lethal suicide attempt. It is imperative for an individual to have acquired the capability for suicide (ACS) along with suicidal desire in order to die by suicide. Therefore, higher levels of ACS in men may explain why men are more likely to die by suicide than women, despite being less likely to experience suicidal ideation or depression. In this study, we used activation likelihood estimation meta-analysis to investigate a potential ACS network that involves neural substrates underlying emotional stoicism, sensation seeking, pain tolerance, and fearlessness of death along with a potential depression network that involves neural substrates that underlie clinical depression. Brain regions commonly found in ACS and depression networks for males and females were further used as seeds to obtain regions functionally and structurally connected to them. We found that the male-specific networks were more widespread and diverse than the female-specific ones. Also, while the former involved motor regions such as the premotor cortex and cerebellum, the latter was dominated by limbic regions. This may support the fact that suicidal desire generally leads to fatal/decisive action in males while in females, it manifests as depression, ideation and generally non-fatal actions. The proposed model is a first attempt to characterize the neural networks underlying gender differences in suicidal behavior. Future studies should examine the proposed network to better characterize and refine this network using tasks specifically targeted toward constructs underlying ACS.
Multimode Semiconductor Laser Theory with Application to Sidemode Generation

In this paper we apply a recently developed many-body semiconductor theory1–4 to derive multimode laser amplitude and frequency determining equations and the corresponding propagation multiwave mixing equations of motion. Related theories for single-mode semiconductor lasers have been presented in Refs. 2, 4, and 5. Here we use a technique based on a third-order expansion in the field-mode amplitudes, which has been been developed to explain the operation of multimode gas lasers.6,7 However our present problem is significantly different from the gas laser theory mainly because of the many-body Coulomb processes and the very rapid carrier-carrier scattering. As a consequence of the intraband scattering events, the carriers assume quasi-equilibrium Fermi-Dirac distributions with little or no spectral hole burning in the regime of optical gain.8 Yamada and Suematsu9 gave a third-order perturbation theory for semiconductor laser gain that allows hole burning to occur and includes population pulsations, although it neglects combination tones and refractive index effects. The population pulsations they treat are for the individual k-dependent carrier densities, which they assume swamp the contributions from pulsations in the total carrier density. In contrast, we treat only pulsations of the total carrier density, assuming that the individiual densities are inevitably given by Fermi-Dirac distributions that adiabatically follow the total carrier density. For small intermode beat frequencies, our model is probably more accurate; for beat frequencies on the order of the carrier-carrier scattering rate, Ref. 9 is probably more accurate, although no paper has appeared that shows that the approximations they use are consistent with the many-body theories of Refs. 1 and 2.
Rethinking Democratic Accountability

(2002). Rethinking Democratic Accountability. Public Integrity: Vol. 4, No. 3, pp. 269-272.
Practicing Sustainable Art in the Arctic: Two Case Studies

The environment is a global concern, evidenced both by global warming and pollution caused by human activity. Global warming has become increasingly evident, particularly in Alaska. Art can contribute to an increased awareness of these concerns. This paper makes a case for more creative programs related to conceptualizing and creating sustainable art activities and displays. It describes a collaborative learning model by focusing on two case studies: Junk to Funk and Winter Design Project. These projects benefitted from participation in the University of the Arctic’s Arctic Sustainable Art and Design (ASAD) Thematic Network. They demonstrate how recycled materials can be used to create functional artwork and also examine “ice and snow” from a new perspective. The outcome of these efforts is to encourage further artistically inspired solutions using sustainable media.
Letter from the editor: Introducing brief reviews to Discourse Processes

Dear Readers, One of the initiatives proposed for Discourse Processes, and enacted beginning in this issue, has involved soliciting brief reviews from leaders in fields central to the study of disc...
Observation of a Possible Pause Mutant in the Synthesis and Expression of Synthetic T4-Lysozyme in E. Coli

A DNA of 495 bp coding for T4-lysozyme was chemically synthesized and cloned in Escherichia coli. On DNA sequence analysis, clones pTLY.10 and pTLY.9 were identified to contain identical and complete T4-lysozyme coding sequences except that pTLY.9 had an additional 23 bp inverted repeat DNA at the 3′-end of the coding sequence. On expression in E. coli and purification under similar conditions, T4-lysozymes from these two clones shewed different degrees of retention time on HPLC as well as in the rate of enzymatic reaction. We speculate that this difference could be due to the generation of a pause mutant of T4-lysozyme in pTLY. 9 under the influence of 3′-inverted repeat DNA that alters the rate of protein synthesis.
Pharmacogenetics in the Treatment of Schizophrenia

The goal of pharmacogenetics/pharmacogenomics research is to obtain genetic information which predicts drug efficacy and adverse effects applicable to individual patients (i.e., personalized medicine). This is of particular importance in the treatment of schizophrenia, a complex and heterogeneous disorder with multiple independent symptom dimensions (e.g., psychosis, cognitive impairment, negative symptoms) and a diversity of treatment options. Genetic markers which predict efficacy for specific types of psychopathology, cognitive impairment, or related behaviors (e.g., suicide) for specific antipsychotic drugs (APDs) would diminish the need for multiple clinical trials to find the best medication. Similarly, genetic biomarkers which identify vulnerability for particular types of adverse reactions (e.g., tardive dyskinesia, weight gain) would be of great value. Such biomarkers may also clarify the mechanism of action of APDs and facilitate new drug discovery and development. Presently, genetic biomarkers which purport to predict therapeutic response or adverse effects to specific APDs are identified. Among these are biomarkers for the enzymes which metabolize psychotropic drugs (e.g., CYP2D6, CYP1A2, CYP3A4/5); biomarkers of APD-related adverse effects (e.g., weight gain or tardive dyskinesia); and biomarkers predictive of APD response (e.g., the DRD2 gene which codes the dopamine (DA) D2 receptor; SULT4A1-1 which is reported to predict response to olanzapine; and SV2C which is reported to predict inadequate response to olanzapine and quetiapine). Their widespread adoption will follow if successful, prospective clinical trials demonstrate improvement in clinical outcome and establish convenient and cost-effective genotyping to deliver guidance to prescriber and patient.
Effect of Liquid Environment on Dynamic Constitutive Response of Reinforced Gels

Quasi-static and dynamic compressive behavior of three different types of hydrogels used for soft tissue applications are tested using a modified split Hopkinson pressure bar. Three kinds of hydrogels: (a) Epoxy hydrogels, (b) Epoxy hydrogels reinforced with definite orientation of three-dimensional polyurethane fibers and (c) fumed silica nano particles reinforced hydrogels with different weight fractions are considered in this study. Swellability of the all the hydrogels considered are studied and controlled by mixing different ratios of jeffamines and epoxides. The three dimensional pattern of the fibers are generated by a rapid robo-casting technique. Split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) was used for dynamic loading and a pulse shaping technique was used to increase the rising time of the incident pulse to obtain dynamic stress equilibrium. A novel liquid environment technique was implemented to observe the dynamic behavior of hydrogels when immersed in water. Experiments were carried out at dynamic loading conditions for different strain rates with and without water environment. Results show that the hydrogels are rate sensitive. Also the yield strength of hydrogels decreased and elongation percent increased when they were immersed in water.
Recent Advances in the use of Synchrotron Radiation for Macromolecular Crystallography

The field of protein crystallography is in exponential growth. This expansion is owed principally to these factors: easy production of pure specimens by use of modern cloning and expression methods, improved methods for crystal growth, rapid advances in the use of cryogenics to prevent radiation damage to specimens, continually improving software for every step in the crystallographic process, better computer and detector hardware, and finally improved x-ray sources. There are roughly eight synchrotron sources and twenty-four individual facilities around the world that are used by macromolecular crystallographers. The National Synchrotron Light Source (NSLS) at Brookhaven National Laboratory represents one of these powerful x-ray sources. Brookhaven’s Biology Department operates several facilities at the NSLS for measurement of diffraction data. I can survey our recent experiences and plans for the future to reveal some of the promise and achievements of these methods.
Characterization of the Role of Phenolic Compounds in the Inhibition of α-Amylase by Kombucha Tea

Kombucha is a tea blend that is fermented by a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY), and is of high interest in the United States for its health benefits. Research indicates that Kombuch...
Crystal structure stabilization, electrochemical properties, and morphology of P2-type Na0.67Mn0.625Fe0.25Ni0.125O2 for Na-ion battery cathodes

Abstract Sodium-ion batteries are potential alternatives to lithium-ion batteries due to the natural abundance, and relatively low cost, of sodium. When used as a Na-ion battery cathode material, P2-type Na0.67Mn0.65Fe0.35O2 (NMFO) displays high reversible capacity (185 mAhg−1) and undergoes structural transitions between P63/mmc, P63 (OP4) and orthorhombic Cmcm during charge-discharge cycling between 1.5 and 4.3 V. Using Rietveld crystal structure refinement, we report that these structural transitions are completely suppressed in Na0.67Mn0.625Fe0.25Ni0.125O2 (NMFNO) during cycling. Interestingly, during discharge to 1.5 V, a mixture of two separate P63/mmc phases appears. Reversible capacity and specific energy of NMFNO are superior up to 100 cycles in the 1.5–4.0 V range, and to at least 200 cycles for 2.0–4.0 V. NMFNO displays first-cycle specific energy of 335 Whg−1, compared with 275 Whg−1 for NMFO. Scanning Electron Microscopy of the cathode surfaces after 200 cycles reveals performance-eroding cracks, and a solid electrolyte interface (SEI). Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) shows that the total impedance of NMFNO between 1000 kHz and 0.1 Hz is significantly lower than NMFO after 200 cycles. We conclude that Ni substitution stabilizes the crystal structure by suppressing structural transitions in NMFO during cycling.
E-Cigarette Use, Polytobacco Use, and Longitudinal Changes in Tobacco and Substance Use Disorder Symptoms Among U.S. Adolescents.

Abstract Purpose The objective of this study was to examine the combinations of e-cigarette use, cigarette use, and other tobacco use over time and the relationship these longitudinal use patterns have with symptoms of tobacco use disorder (TUD) and substance use disorders (SUDs) among a sample of adolescents. Methods Data from U.S. adolescents (aged 12–17 years) who were surveyed for the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study at baseline, first follow-up, and second follow-up (2013–2014, 2014–2015, and 2015–2016; n = 7,595) was used to analyze symptoms of TUD and SUDs based on longitudinal combinations of tobacco/nicotine use. Results The most common combination of tobacco/nicotine use across the three waves was “no use of any tobacco/nicotine products” at baseline and first follow-up to “e-cigarette use only” at the second follow-up. Multivariable analyses found that past 30-day cigarette use and other tobacco use at the most recent follow-up was associated with an increase in both current TUD and SUD symptoms, whereas past 30-day e-cigarette use at the most recent follow-up was modestly associated with an increase in current SUD symptoms. Conclusions Individuals who transitioned to e-cigarette use were at relatively low risk for increased TUD and SUD symptoms. However, individuals who transitioned or continually used cigarettes were typically at greater risk for indicating more TUD and SUD symptoms. Given the low risk of e-cigarette only users to indicate TUD and SUD symptoms, prevention efforts need to be made to target these youth before they transition to cigarettes and other types of tobacco use.
Multi-core Fiber Fabrication in Over-Cladding Bundled Rods Method Applying Polygonal Rods

The implementation of multi-core fiber fabrication using the over-cladding bundled rods method results in large core deformation. We have achieved core deformation of approximately 1%, on average, through a method applying hexagonal rods.
Chronic intermittent ethanol exposure dysregulates a GABAergic microcircuit in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis.

Abstract Neuroadaptations in brain regions that regulate emotional and reward-seeking behaviors have been suggested to contribute to pathological behaviors associated with alcohol-use disorder. One such region is the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), which has been linked to both alcohol consumption and alcohol withdrawal-induced anxiety and depression. Recently, we identified a GABAergic microcircuit in the BNST that regulates anxiety-like behavior. In the present study, we examined how chronic alcohol exposure alters this BNST GABAergic microcircuit in mice. We selectively targeted neurons expressing corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) using a CRF-reporter mouse line and combined retrograde labeling to identify BNST projections to the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and lateral hypothalamus (LH). Following 72 h of withdrawal from four weekly cycles of chronic intermittent ethanol (CIE) vapor exposure, the excitability of a sub-population of putative local CRF neurons that did not project to either VTA or LH (CRFnon−VTA/LH neurons) was increased. Withdrawal from CIE also increased excitability of non-CRF BNST neurons that project to both LH and VTA (BNSTnon−CRF-proj neurons). Furthermore, both populations of neurons had a reduction in spontaneous EPSC amplitude while frequency was unaltered. Withdrawal from chronic alcohol was accompanied by a significant increase in spontaneous IPSC frequency selectively in the BNSTnon−CRF-proj neurons. Together, these data suggest that withdrawal from chronic ethanol dysregulates local CRF-GABAergic microcircuit to inhibit anxiolytic outputs of the BNST which may contribute to enhanced anxiety during alcohol withdrawal and drive alcohol-seeking behavior. This article is part of the special issue on ‘Neuropeptides’.
Exploring the mobility and energy implications of shared versus private autonomous vehicles

The prevailing trend toward greater automation and connectivity requires modeling and analysis tools to explore connectivity, automation, decision science and other future mobility issues at multiple scales. This paper describes various modeling efforts in order to model the mobility and energy impact of autonomous and connected technologies; design of scenarios under different technological, behavioral, and socioeconomic assumptions; and finally, key findings from the scenario runs enabled by the advanced models developed. The integrated ABM-DTA software POLARIS has been extended to include transit, intra-household vehicle sharing, transportation network company (TNC) operations along with updates to the mesoscopic traffic models and value of time adjustments due to new technologies affecting the mode, destination, and route choice. The three scenarios are summarized as high sharing – low automation, high sharing – high automation, and low sharing – high automation, with VMT changes ranging from -13% to 42%.
Basic Mechanisms for the Metabolism of Polynuclear Hydrocarbons; Early Studies of Arene Oxides and Cytotoxic, Mutagenic, and Carcinogenic Effects Attributed to these Substrates

The chapter presents early studies of arene oxides and cytotoxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic effects attributed to these substrates. To place the recent work on the carcinogenic properties of polynuclear hydrocarbons in perspective, it is necessary to summarize certain aspects of the early work on arene oxides. In any event, a case may be made that, regardless of the precise chemical interaction, polycyclic hydrocarbon residues can be expected to interfere with DNA function, perhaps by virtue of their size, and induce point mutations or potential permanent alterations of the template. This may lead to the critical events of initiation, a somatic mutation, or fixed dysregulation that confers a growth advantage on a particular target cell type. If this event then escapes repair, then the defect may be transmitted to daughter cells. Cell division may stop or continue depending on the rate of renewal of the tissue and super-imposed growth stimuli such as cocarcinogens, hormones, or wound repair. If the stimuli are removed, carcinogenesis may be interrupted. If cells continue to divide, then the initial growth advantage is expressed, fixed, and amplified.
5.07 – Dendritic Cells

Dendritic cells (DCs) are immune cells that effectively link the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system. They are considered a professional antigen-presenting cell population because of their unique capacity to induce the activation and differentiation of naive T lymphocytes. Included in this function is the ability to initiate immunogenic as well as tolerogenic responses from T cells, a fundamental step in regulating homeostasis. Numerous subpopulations of DCs have been identified to date, including interstitial DCs, dermal DCs, Langerhans cells (LCs), plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs), and inflammatory DCs. Although relatively little is known about the effects of xenobiotics on DCs, some evidence to date has demonstrated the potential of drugs and environmental chemicals to affect the fate and function of DCs. Because of their central role in the initiation of many adaptive immune responses, modulation of DCs can lead to defective or dysregulated T-cell-mediated immunity and subsequently decreased resistance to infectious disease, or conversely increased incidences of allergies or autoimmune disease. This chapter aims to describe the current knowledge of DCs and the effects of xenobiotics on them. It is certain that the field of DC biology will be an exciting and prosperous area of research in the future for both immunologists and immunotoxicologists and it should not only enhance our basic understanding of how the immune system operates but also yield new potential therapies to improve human health.
Advances in the pathogenesis, prevention and treatment in necrotizing enterocolitis of newborn

Necrotizing enterocolitis of newborn (NEC) remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in neonatal intensive care units.Although many advances have been made in the understanding of this disease,the pathophysiology remains incompletely clear,and treatment is mainly limited to supportive care.In recent years,studies have focussd on the role of the inflammatory mediators,signaling and their impacts on the disease process.Investigators also made some advances in the fields of intestinal proteome and probiotics.Early breasffeeding and probiotics are promoted to prevent and/or amehorate neonatal NEC.In this artical,we reviewed the advances in the above fields for helping to the pathogenesis and treatment of NEC. Key words: Necrotizing enterocolitis; Pathogenesis; Inflammatory mediators; Signal pathway; Infant,newborn
The Effects of Different Drivers on the Induced Martian Magnetosphere Boundary: A Case Study of September 2017

The Magnetic Pileup Boundary or Induced Magnetosphere Boundary (IMB) has been an enigma in Mars aeronomy. Previously dubbed the planetopause, magnetopause, ion-composition boundary, and protonopaus...
Uniaxial Compression of [001]-Oriented CaFe 2 As 2 Single Crystals: The Effects of Microstructure and Temperature on the Superelasticity, Part I: Experimental Observations

Micropillar compression experiments on [001]-oriented CaFe 2 As 2 single crystals have recently revealed the existence of superelasticity with a remarkably high elastic limit over 10%. The collapsed tetragonal phase transition, which is a uni-axial contraction process in which As-As bonds are formed across an intervening Ca-plane, is the main mechanism of superelasticity. Usually, superelasticity and the related structural transitions are affected strongly by both the microstructure and the temperature. In this study, therefore, we investigated how the microstructure and temperature affect the superelasticity of [001]-oriented CaFe 2 As 2 micropillars cut from solution-grown single crystals, by performing a combination of in-situ cryogenic micromechanical testing and transmission electron microscopy studies. Our results show that the microstructure of CaFe 2 As 2 is influenced strongly by the crystal growth conditions and by subsequent heat treatment. The presence of Ca and As vacancies and FeAs nanoprecipitates affect the mechanical behavior significantly. In addition, the onset stress for the collapsed tetragonal transition decreases gradually as the temperature decreases. These experimental results are discussed primarily in terms of the formation of As-As bonds, which is the essential feature of this mechanism for superelasticity. Our research outcomes provide a more fundamental understanding of the superelasticity exhibited by CaFe 2 As 2 under uni-axial compression.
Involvement of sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) in mPRα (PAQR7)-mediated progesterone induction of vascular smooth muscle relaxation

Progesterone acts directly on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) through activation of membrane progesterone receptor α (mPRα)-dependent signaling to rapidly decrease cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations and induce muscle relaxation. However, it is not known whether this progesterone action involves uptake of Ca2+ by the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum (SR) and increased sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) activity. The present results show that treatment of cultured human VSMCs with progesterone and the selective mPR agonist Org OD-02-0 (OD 02-0) but not with the nuclear PR agonist R5020 increased SERCA protein expression, which was blocked by knockdown of mPRα with siRNA. Moreover, treatments with progesterone and OD 02-0, but not with R5020, increased phospholamban (PLB) phosphorylation, which would result in disinhibition of SERCA function. Progesterone and OD 02-0 significantly increased Ca2+ levels in the SR and caused VSMC relaxation. These effects were blocked by pretreatment with cyclopiazonic acid (CPA), a SERCA inhibitor, and by knockdown of SERCA2 with siRNA, suggesting that SERCA2 plays a critical role in progesterone induction of VSMC relaxation. Treatment with inhibitors of inhibitory G proteins (Gi, NF023), MAP kinase (AZD 6244), Akt/Pi3k (wortmannin), and a Rho activator (calpeptin) blocked the progesterone- and OD 02-0-induced increase in Ca2+ levels in the SR and SERCA expressions. These results suggest that the rapid effects of progesterone on cytosolic Ca2+ levels and relaxation of VSMCs through mPRα involve regulation of the functions of SERCA2 and PLB through Gi, MAP kinase, and Akt signaling pathways and downregulation of RhoA activity.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The rapid effects of progesterone on cytosolic Ca2+ levels and relaxation of VSMCs through mPRα involve regulation of the functions of SERCA2 and PLB through Gi, MAP kinase, and Akt signaling pathways and downregulation of RhoA activity.
Hypertension in 172 Chinese Children: An 8-Year Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND We evaluated children with hypertension and compared those with essential and secondary (including renal and non-renal) hypertension. METHODS This retrospective study analyzed data from hypertensive children (age, 0-18 years) referred for treatment between January 2008 and December 2015. Demographic factors, causative factors, and medical treatments were evaluated. Treatment failure was defined as a systolic or diastolic blood pressure ≥95th percentile for age, gender, and height on three separate occasions, despite treatment. All patients not meeting the failure criteria were considered to have controlled hypertension. The control rate was defined as the proportion of patients with controlled blood pressure. RESULTS Among 172 consecutive patients, 28% had essential hypertension and 72% had secondary hypertension. As compared with children with secondary hypertension, those with essential hypertension had a higher frequency of family history of hypertension (P<0.001), a higher body mass index (BMI) (P=0.001), lower frequency of proteinuria (P=0.003), lower uric acid (P=0.04), and lower triglyceride (P=0.048). The medications used in the controlled group were similar to those used in the uncontrolled group. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) were only used in nephrogenic patients, and a higher rate of ACEI use seemed to increase control rates. Control rates did not significantly differ by age, number of drugs, or cause of hypertension. CONCLUSIONS As compared with children with secondary hypertension, those with essential hypertension were more likely to have a family history of hypertension and had a higher BMI, lower frequency of proteinuria, and lower uric acid and triglyceride concentrations. Treatment guidelines for essential and secondary hypertension should be established for children of all ages.
Characterization of Surface Properties and Hydrocarbon Adsorption of Torrefied Cardboard via Inverse Gas Chromatography and Complementary Analytical Techniques

Inverse gas chromatography (IGC), atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were employed to investigate the surface properties of torrefied cardboard samples and their hydrocarbon adsorption. Three torrefied cardboard samples, TC-200, TC-250, and TC-300, were prepared at 200, 250, and 300 °C, respectively. A series of n-alkanes, BTX (benzene, toluene, and p-xylene), and several polar probes (dichloromethane, acetone, ethyl acetate, and tetrahydrofuran) were selected as molecular probes to measure the molar adsorption enthalpies ( $${\Delta H}_{\mathrm{m}}$$ ), dispersive surface energies, and acid–base properties of torrefied cardboard samples. The $${\Delta H}_{\mathrm{m}}$$ values of hydrocarbons measured on TC-300 and TC-250 were more exothermic than those measured for TC-200 by about 19 and 13%, respectively. The $${\Delta H}_{m}$$ values of benzene, toluene, and p-xylene on three torrefied cardboard samples became more negative than those of n-hexane, n-heptane, and n-octane by approximately 17–20%. Surface free energy analysis using molecular probes found that TC-300 exhibited higher dispersive and specific surface energy than TC-250 and TC-200 did. From FTIR spectra and elemental analysis via AAS, C=C moieties in the carbonaceous substances and inorganic mineral compositions are responsible for enhanced dispersive and specific surface energy of TC-300. BTX adsorption isotherms on torrefied cardboard samples were well-fitted using the Freundlich model. Fitted parameters of adsorption isotherms also found that TC-300 had a larger adsorption capacity toward BTX than TC-250, TC-200, and non-torrefied cardboard did.
Interactive Computation and Artificial Epistemologies

What is algorithmic thought? It is not possible to address this question without first reflecting on how the Universal Turing Machine transformed symbolic logic and brought to a halt the universali...
Impact of biosolarization with almond hull and shell amendments for the control of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lactucae in a lettuce/tomato cropping system

Abstract Biosolarization is an alternative to chemical fumigation that couples solarization and organic amendments to control diseases by increasing temperature and microbial activity. A field study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of biosolarization, using almond processing residues from two varieties, to control propagules of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lactucae, the causal agent of Fusarium wilt of lettuce. Peak soil temperatures of solarized and biosolarized soils were 6–15 °C higher than control soils, and biosolarized soils experienced 1 to 3 °C higher temperatures on average and 10 to 27°C-day higher cumulative temperatures than soil solarized without amendment. Residues were high in endogenous organic acids, between 144 and 298 mM combined acetic, lactic, succinic, and butyric acids. After eight days of treatment, solarized soils only reduced the population of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lactucae by 9% compared to the average non-treated non-amended control plots; whereas soils solarized and amended with residues from pollinator varieties of almonds showed a greater pathogen reduction of 63%. In this instance, Fusarium wilt had no effect on plant health due to low pressure and moderate innate plant resistance. Soils amended with nonpareil residues had similar lettuce biomass and health scores to untreated plots, but lower health scores than the solarized treatments. This may be due to residual organic acids detected in biosolarized plots 3–4 weeks after treatments (1–57 mM), which significantly correlated to poor lettuce health score. Roughly, one year after soil treatment, solarized plots continued to out-perform pollinator-residue amended plots. Germination assays indicate biosolarization outcomes may be improved with increased aerobic remediation time.
Spectrum of rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (overlap between rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder and other parasomnias)

Parasomnia Overlap Disorder (POD) was described and named in 1997 with a series of 33 cases of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD) combined with a disorder of arousal from non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep (sleepwalking, sleep terrors) that emerged idiopathically or symptomatically with neurological and other disorders. POD is a subtype of RBD in the International Classification of Sleep Disorders Diagnostic and Coding Manual, second edition (ICSD-2). An updated classification of POD also includes subclinical RBD-NREM parasomnia, RBD-sleep-related eating disorder, RBD-sexsomnia, RBD-rhythmic movement disorder, and status dissociatus (SD), which is another subtype of RBD in the ICSD-2. Similar to POD, a core feature of SD is sleep motor-behavioral dyscontrol, with release of dream-related behaviors suggestive of RBD, but with nearly continuous ambiguous polygraphic sleep precluding the identification of NREM/REM sleep states. SD exemplifies extreme state dissociation. SD is always a symptomatic disorder, and is causally associated with a broad range of neurologic disorders, often with thalamic, limbic, striatal, and pontine involvement. The parasomnia behaviors associated with POD and SD – typical RBD behaviors – can often be controlled with bedtime clonazepam therapy, including the abnormal dreaming.
Phenylbutazone and flunixin meglumine used singly or in combination in experimental lameness in horses

Summary Reason for performing study: Using an adjustable heart bar shoe model of foot pain, the objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that the combined use of phenylbutazone (PBZ) and flunixin meglumine (FM) would prove more efficacious in alleviating lameness than either drug alone. Materials and methods: One hour after induction of lameness at weekly intervals, 8 healthy adult Thoroughbred horses randomly underwent one of 4 i.v. treatments: saline (SAL) placebo (1 ml/45 kg bwt), PBZ (4.4 mg/kg bwt), FM (1.1 mg/kg bwt) or PBZ+FM (at the same dosages as given individually). Heart rate (HR) and lameness score (LS) responses were assessed in a blinded manner every 20 min for 5 h after lameness induction and then hourly for 12 h after treatment. Jugular venous blood samples were obtained at -1, 0, 0.05, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 h and subsequently analysed for drug concentrations. Repeated measures ANOVA and post hoc Tukey's test were used to identify analgesic effects at a significance level of P<0.05. Results: Heart rate was lower in all nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-treated trials from 2 h to 10 h post treatment (P<0.05). Analgesic effects of FM and PBZ+FM, as evidenced by decreases in HR, lasted for 12 h post treatment (P<0.05). Lameness score decreased earlier in PBZ and PBZ+FM trials than in FM trials (P<0.05) and the analgesic effect on LS lasted for 12 h post treatment for all NSAID trials (P<0.05). Peak PBZ plasma concentration was 73.7 ± 6.0 and 77.9 ± 5.5 µg/ml. Peak FM concentration was 12.0 ± 0.8 and 13.7 ± 1.0 µg/ml Conclusions: It was concluded that the combination of PBZ+FM was not more effective than either PBZ or FM alone. These data do not support the hypothesis that the combination is more efficacious at these dosages than either drug alone in this model of acute foot pain.
Mesh Algorithms for Multiplication and Division

We consider the implementation of multiplication and division operations on one and two dimensional mesh of processors. We develop an O(?n) step 2-dim mesh algorithm for multiplying two n-bit numbers. The algorithm is simple and does not rely upon discrete fourier transforms. We also develop an O(n) step 1-dim mesh algorithm for dividing a 2n-bit number by an n-bit number. This algorithm appears to be quite practical.
Assessment of a Marine-Based Hydrolyzed Protein Source and Spray-Dried Plasma Protein as Supplements in the Diet of Early Weaned Pigs12

Abstract Two experiments (140 pigs in Exp. 1; 120 pigs in Exp. 2) evaluated a marine-based hydrolyzed protein source, (Peptiva Vitech Bio-Chem, San Fernando, CA) as a replacement for spray dried plasma protein (SDPP) in phase I weanling pig diets. Pigs (19 ± 4 d of age) were fed diets with protein supply based mainly on soy protein, or similar diets supplemented with SDPP or Peptiva after weaning for 7 to 10 d. The SDPP and Peptiva were supplemented at 3 and 6%, respectively, in Exp.1 and 1.5 and 3% in Exp. 2. In Exp. 1, pigs fed diets with SDPP had greater (P 0.05). A third experiment using 48 pigs investigated supplementation of SDPP or Peptiva in phase I diets on diet digestibility and N balance. Results indicated that 6% dietary inclusion of either specialty protein had no impact on N retention, digestibility, or protein biological value (P = 0.22 to 0.39) when compared with the control diet. Alteration in diet digestibility is not an important contributing factor to improved growth performance when SDPP is supplemented in phase I pig diets. The hydrolyzed protein source was acceptable as a general protein supplement, but did not elicit phase I growth stimulation typically observed with SDPP.
Chicken, or the egg, or both? The interrelationship between a firm's inventor specialization and scope of technologies

Firms with different scope of technologies experience different firm growth. Understanding such heterogeneity requires knowing not only what drives technologies' scope but also why these drivers remain different across firms. I propose inventor specialization as a driver of technologies' scope: firms with more specialized inventors create narrower scope technologies. I also propose that these narrower scope technologies themselves in turn induce these firms' inventors to remain more specialized. I empirically demonstrate this two-way interrelationship in the U.S. communication equipment industry using policy shocks as natural experiments and a new measure of scope. This interrelationship has important implications for why resources and organization appear isomorphic within a firm but heterogeneous across firms
Comparison of three-dimensional structures of macromolecules

Abstract It is frequently useful to make detailed comparisons of alternative structures of a protein, or of the structures of two supposedly similar proteins, in order to assess the degree of resemblance between the related structures. The computer program described here enables two structures to be displayed alternately or simultaneously on a cathode ray tube; it also makes provision for real-time rotations of molecules containing of the order of 1000 atoms, thus creating an impression of three-dimensionality. Additional features included in the program enable translation of the structure to be carried out, specified atoms to be enumerated, arrows to be placed at points of interest in the structure, changes of scale and intensity to be made, and splitting of the image for stereo viewing.
Production of Off‐Odor Volatiles from Liposome‐Containing Amino Acid Homopolymers by Irradiation

: Irradiation not only generated many new volatiles but also destroyed some volatiles already present in nonirradiated amino acid homopolymer-in-liposome systems. The amounts of some volatiles greatly increased, but others significantly decreased after irradiation. The majority of newly generated and increased volatiles by irradiation were sulfur compounds, indicating that sulfur amino acids are the most susceptible to changes by irradiation. More than one site in amino acid side chains was labile to free radical attack, and many volatiles were produced by the secondary chemical reactions after the primary radiolytic degradation of side chains. Although nonirradiated samples also produced some sulfury notes, irradiated samples produced much a stronger and astringent sulfury odor than nonirradiated samples.
True anting by the capuchin, Cebus capucinus

I observed capuchins (Cebus capucinus) putting ants (Camponotus sericeiventris) in their fur at Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica. The behavior was similar to “anting” in passerine birds. The literature on anting in birds is reviewed and compared with the relevant references on self-annointment behavior in mammals.