cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transfer Function for an Annular Aperture

A method of evaluating the two-dimensional Fourier transform of the point image intensity distribution for an annular aperture is presented. Since all three integrals involved are of the same basic form, it is shown that an analytic solution can be obtained by integrating the general expression with respect to a parameter. The result agrees with Steel’s expression obtained by convolving the aperture function with its complex conjugate. A family of transfer functions is then plotted with the ratio of inner to outer radius of the annulus as a parameter.
Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor γ Coactivator 1α and Small Heterodimer Partner Differentially Regulate Nuclear Receptor-Dependent Hepatitis B Virus Biosynthesis

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) biosynthesis involves the transcription of the 3.5-kb viral pregenomic RNA, followed by its reverse transcription into viral DNA. Consequently, the modulation of viral transcription influences the level of virus production. Nuclear receptors are the only transcription factors known to support viral pregenomic RNA transcription and replication. The coactivator peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1alpha (PGC1alpha) and corepressor small heterodimer partner (SHP) have central roles in regulating energy homeostasis in the liver by modulating the transcriptional activities of nuclear receptors. Therefore, the effect of PGC1alpha and SHP on HBV transcription and replication mediated by nuclear receptors was examined in the context of individual nuclear receptors in nonhepatoma cells and in hepatoma cells. This analysis indicated that viral replication mediated by hepatocyte nuclear factor 4alpha, retinoid X receptor alpha (RXRalpha) plus peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha), and estrogen-related receptor (ERR) displayed differential sensitivity to PGC1alpha activation and SHP inhibition. The effects of PGC1alpha and SHP on viral biosynthesis in the human hepatoma cell line Huh7 were similar to those observed in the nonhepatoma cells expressing ERRalpha and ERRgamma. This suggests that these nuclear receptors, potentially in combination with RXRalpha plus PPARalpha, may have a major role in governing HBV transcription and replication in this cell line. Additionally, this functional approach may help to distinguish the transcription factors in various liver cells governing viral biosynthesis under a variety of physiologically relevant conditions.
Lodging REIT Performance and Comparison with other equity REIT returns

This study investigated the performance of lodging real estate investment trusts (REITs) over a 13-year period. The study period was highlighted by economic growth, decline, geopolitical, and social events. These conditions and events affected lodging demand, and consequently the performance of the underlying REIT asset, the lodging facility. The results of the study indicated that overall, the performance of lodging REITs was inferior to the market portfolios as a whole. Lodging REITs' performance was also inferior to other equity REITs except for retail and specialty REITs. These findings suggest that the lodging REIT sector might not be as resilient as other equity REIT subsectors.
Effect of the presence of lead on the biosorption of copper, cadmium and nickel by anaerobic biomass

Heavy metals are toxic pollutants released into the environment as a result of industrial, mining and agricultural activities. The biosorption of Pb, Cu, Cd, and Ni from single and binary metal systems were studied in equilibrium systems and in a flow-through column packed with a calcium-saturated anaerobic sludge biosorbent, respectively. The single-metal sorption uptake capacity of the biomass for Pb was slightly inhibited by the presence of Cu and Cd cations (by 6%) and by the presence of nickel (by 11%). The affinity order of anaerobic biomass for the four metals was established as: Pb > Cu > Ni > Cd. Factors such as hydration effects, hydrolysis effects and covalent binding of the metal ions may contribute to this result. By studying the breakthrough curves obtained from a fixed bed column fed with an equimolar mixture of Pb, Cd, Cu, and Ni, it was determined that lead was the last metal to break through the column at the 150 bed volume mark compared to 4, 15, 30 bed volume marks for Ni, Cd, and Cu, respectively.
Interstitial oxygen in silicon under hydrostatic pressure

Using infrared spectroscopy, we have measured the vibrational spectrum of interstitial oxygen in silicon under hydrostatic pressures as high as 70 kbar at temperatures from 4 to 20 K. The application of pressure transforms the transverse motion of the oxygen from that of a harmonic oscillator to that of a rotor. As the motion becomes more rotational, the splitting between the l=0 and l={plus_minus}1 low-frequency modes decreases. In addition, the splitting between the stretch modes at 1136 and 1128cm{sup {minus}1} decreases with increasing pressure and can no longer be resolved for pressures greater than 55 kbar. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}
High Performance Liquid Chromatographic Separation of Phenylthiohydantoin Derivatives of Amino Acids

Abstract Phenylthiohydantoin derivatives of amino acids have been separated by modern liquid chromatography. The amino acid thiohydantoins were divided into three groups according to their relative polarity and three solvent systems were used to separate the groups.
The Difference Between Being and Seeing: The Relative Contribution of Self-Perception and Priming to Behavioral Changes via Digital Self-Representation

Studies in the Proteus Effect (N. Yee & J. Bailenson, 2007) have shown that the appearance of avatars (i.e., digital representations of ourselves) can lead to behavioral changes in users. For example, participants in attractive avatars became friendlier to confederate strangers than participants in unattractive avatars. While the Proteus Effect is premised on self-perception theory (D. Bem, 1972)—the notion that we infer our own attitudes by observing ourselves as if from a third party—it is also possible that the previous findings were caused by priming (i.e., behavioral assimilation; J. Bargh, M. Chen, & L. Burrows, 1996). In our study, we used immersive virtual environment technology to experimentally tease apart embodiment from perception of the same visual stimulus. Our results showed that embodiment produced significantly larger behavioral changes than mere observation of the same visual stimuli. These findings support the claim that our avatars provide a unique lever to behavioral change; however, ...
Clinical Manifestations and Treatment Considerations of Herpes Simplex Virus Infection

Herpes simplex viruses (HSV) types 1 and 2 cause infections manifesting as dermatologic, immunologic, and neurologic disorders. Some of the most important manifestations and complications of HSV infection are considered here in a neuroanatomic context. This discussion should aid in understanding the pathogenesis and, in some cases, diagnosis and management of associated HSV-related diseases. The sensory nervous system, rather than skin and mucous membranes, is the primary target of HSV infection. With the intention of extending the benefits of acyclovir, valacyclovir is now being explored in a number of HSV-related conditions. This review extends contemporary thinking about how new antiherpetic drugs might be put to greater therapeutic use in the future.
Pacemaker failure due to radiation therapy.

Pacemaker malfunction occurred after a patient was given 3000–3600 rads to an area occupied by an A-V sequential pacemaker. Analysis of the removed generator showed that there was malfunction of the large scale integrated circuit and the type of damage was consistent with radiation-induced effects. The newer muJtiprogram-mable units may be more sensitive to ionizing radiation than those previously available. (PACE, Vol. 5, March-April, 1982)
Negotiating Professionalism: The Gendered Social Capital of Flexible Time

Sociological research on the professions studies the public workplace and the ways in which task, organizational, and institutional arrangements of select occupations coalesce to secure expertise to work autonomously. The authors argue that a neat public/private divide does not, however, actually fit professional practice. Rather, the time demands of professional tasks are open-ended, and underscoring this practice, organizational policies do not compensate for extended professional hours. To ensure the viability of this task-organizational arrangement, professions require an institutional system of social capital or release from the time demands of private obligations. Using data about allocation of time from a study of self-employed professionals, the authors demonstrate the ways in which access to time is qualitatively different for men and women. In the conclusion, the authors discuss the ways in which an analysis of time provides an entry point for explaining the persistence of deeply gendered profes...
Interprofessional projects in advanced automotive power systems: an integrated education and research multidisciplinary approach

Increasing use of electrical power to drive automobile subsystems, which historically have been driven by a combination of mechanical and hydraulic power transfer systems, is seen as a dominant trend in advanced automotive power systems. This trend manifests itself through the more-electric-cars (MEC) concept, which requires highly reliable, fault-tolerant, and cost-effective electrical systems. This paper introduces the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) Interprofessional Projects (IPRO) Program and a series of multidisciplinary student team projects focused on applications of electrical systems in advanced automobiles. IIT's interprofessional course engages multidisciplinary teams of students in semester-long projects. It delivers a team-oriented project-based requirement within the undergraduate curriculum. Among its many benefits, the interprofessional course offers the opportunity to integrate the education and research environment of the university and, in this case, introduces students to the role of electrical systems in emerging automotive platforms that offer numerous research and technology application opportunities for electrical engineers.
Ketosis with enhanced GABAergic tone promotes physiological changes in transcendental meditation.

Transcendental meditation (TM) is a stylized form of physical and mental relaxation which is associated with changes in the secretion and release of several pituitary hormones. The hormonal changes induced by TM mimic the effects of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA). It is hypothesized that TM produces changes in pituitary hormone secretion by enhancing hypothalamic GABAergic tone as a result of TM associated ketosis. Ketosis enhances the entry of glutamate, the amino acid substrate of GABA into synaptosomes, making more glutamate available for conversion to GABA through the glutamate decarboxylase pathway.
Single-stage reconstruction of urinary tract after loop cutaneous ureterostomy

Three patients with four renoureteral units have undergone single-stage reconstruction involving ureteroureterostomy and ipsilateral ureteroneocystostomy following temporary loop cutaneous ureterostomy. Preliminary loop cutaneous ureterostomy diversion allowed adequate ureteral recompensation such that ureteral tapering was unnecessary in any of these cases. Rich collateral circulation as well as strict preservation of adventitial ureteral vasculature allows the performance of upper and lower ureteral procedures in a single session.
Development and validation of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for feline trypsin-like immunoreactivity.

Objective—To develop and validate an ELISA for quantitative analysis of feline trypsin-like immunoreactivity (fTLI). Sample Population—Purified feline cationic trypsin (fCT) and rabbit anti-fCT antiserum; blood samples from 63 healthy cats. Procedures—A sandwich capture ELISA was developed, using anti-fCT antiserum purified by affinity chromatography that underwent biotinylation. Purified fCT was used for standards. The assay was validated by determination of sensitivity, working range, linearity, accuracy, precision, and reproducibility. A reference range was established by assaying serum samples from the 63 healthy cats. Results—Sensitivity was 1.23 µg/L; working range was 2 to 567 µg/L. Ratios of observed versus expected results for 4 samples tested at various dilutions ranged from 90.0 to 120.7%. Ratios of observed versus expected results for 5 samples spiked with various concentrations of fCT ranged from 82.0 to 101.8%. Intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variability ranged from 9.9 to 11.1% and f...
What is the most effective strategy for managing diabetic dyslipidaemia

Abstract The dyslipidaemic profile of diabetes greatly contributes to the increased cardiovascular risk associated with the disorder, and evidence from many intervention trials using statins, fibrates, nicotinic acid or a nicotinic acid–statin combination, indicates the substantial cardiovascular risk reduction to be gained from lipid modification. Several large statin trials have demonstrated the efficacy of cholesterol-lowering in individuals with coronary heart disease and raised low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) (≥130 mg/dL; ≥3.4 mmol/L), but for the 40% of patients whose LDL-C is within recommended limits, many of whom have low high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), an alternative strategy is necessary if excess risk is to be minimized. The veterans affairs high-density lipoprotein cholesterol intervention trial (VA-HIT) proved the efficacy of the fibric acid derivative, gemfibrozil, to elevate HDL-C and reduce triglycerides, with a resulting 22% relative risk reduction for cardiovascular death or non-fatal myocardial infarction, and even greater reductions in individuals with insulin resistance and diabetes. Increased HDL-C was independently predictive of reduction in coronary heart disease. In the Coronary Drug Project, individuals with diabetes or insulin resistance derived as much as 70% cardiovascular risk reduction from the HDL-C elevations achieved with nicotinic acid therapy. The effects of lowering LDL-C and raising HDL-C are additive and predictive of total cardiovascular event reduction, and by using statin–nicotinic acid combination therapy, cardiovascular risk reductions as great as 90% are possible. Such combination strategies offer patients the greatest opportunity for improved cardiovascular health and are likely to become the treatment strategy of the future.
Inhibition of ADAMTS-13 by Doxycycline Reduces von Willebrand Factor Degradation During Supraphysiological Shear Stress: Therapeutic Implications for Left Ventricular Assist Device-Associated Bleeding

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate a potential therapy for left ventricular assist device (LVAD)–associated bleeding. Background Nonsurgical bleeding is the most frequent complication of LVAD support. Recent evidence has demonstrated that supraphysiological shear stress from continuous-flow LVADs accelerates von Willebrand factor (vWF) metabolism by the action of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with a thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13 (ADAMTS-13) (the vWF protease). An acquired vWF deficiency causes bleeding. This suggests that ADAMTS-13 is a clinical target to reduce vWF degradation. We tested the hypothesis that inhibition of ADAMTS-13 with doxycycline, an inexpensive, clinically approved drug, reduces vWF degradation during shear stress. Methods Whole blood was collected from human donors (n = 15), and purified, recombinant ADAMTS-13 protein was obtained. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to quantify the dose relationship between doxycycline and ADAMTS-13 activity prior to shear stress (n = 10). To determine the effect of shear stress, plasma and recombinant ADAMTS-13 were exposed to LVAD-like supraphysiological shear stress (approximately 175 dyne/cm2). vWF multimers and degradation fragments were characterized with electrophoresis and immunoblotting (n = 10). Forster resonance energy transfer was used to quantify plasma ADAMTS-13 activity (n = 10). An ELISA was used to quantify vWF:collagen binding activity. Platelet aggregometry was performed with adenosine 5′-diphosphate, collagen, and ristocetin (vWF-platelet pathway) agonism (n = 10). Results Doxycycline significantly decreased plasma ADAMTS-13 activity (p = 0.01) and the activity of recombinant human ADAMTS-13 protein by 21%. After plasma was exposed to shear stress, the same pattern of vWF degradation was observed as previously reported for LVAD patients, and vWF:collagen binding activity decreased significantly (p = 0.002). Doxycycline significantly decreased ADAMTS-13 activity (p = 0.04) and the activity of recombinant ADAMTS-13 by 18%, protected large vWF multimers from degradation, and significantly decreased the levels of the 5 smallest vWF fragments by 12 ± 2% (p Conclusions Inhibition of ADAMTS-13 by doxycycline decreased vWF degradation and improved vWF function during supraphysiological shear stress without hyperactivating platelets. ADAMTS-13 is a clinical target to reduce vWF degradation, improve vWF function, and potentially reduce bleeding during LVAD support.
Internal Audtiors' Role in Finding Corruption

Hewlett-Packard Co (HP) executives are accused of having engaged in corruption by paying $8 million in bribes in 2003 to win a contract with the Russian general prosecutor's office. Ironically, this is the authority whose responsibility it is to fight corruption in Russia. German and Russian authorities are looking into whether suspected bribes were funneled through a network of shell companies and bank accounts in places including Britain, Austria, Switzerland, the British Virgin Islands, Belize, New Zealand, the Baltic nations of Latvia and Lithuania, and Delaware and Wyoming in the US. This article defines corruption, reviews what happened at HP, looks at the internal auditors' responsibility for finding corruption, summarizes what some internal auditors are doing today to find corruption in their companies, and then suggests procedures that should be practiced by internal auditors in high-risk areas for corruption.
Empathy, Forgiveness, and the Morally Responsible Person in Legal Institutions

Empathy is the new coverture. President Obama’s well-known call for empathy in our Nation’s judgments would empower courts to advance the interests of certain classes over others, without waiting for legislative bodies and other policy makers to reform those areas of the law that most affect minorities and the poor, and to reform them on equally-applicable grounds, which are neutral as to class and affluence. Like the common law doctrine of coverture, this proposal demeans an entire class of people. It denies the (1) moral responsibility and (2) practical rationality of poor people, and is thus inconsistent with equal respect for all persons before the law. This article explores the implications of class-based adjudication in the specific context of real estate lending law. Though class-based adjudication proposals (grounded in empathy for a particular class) are inconsistent with the equal dignity of all persons, forgiveness has a longstanding and solid place in many aspects of law. Forgiveness, when extended on equal terms that are established in positive law ex ante, can accomplish many of the goals that Obama and his followers hope to achieve. And it can do so without demeaning a class of citizens.
The Enthalpy of Formation of MoF6(ℓ) by Solution Calorimetry.

Enthalpies of reaction of MoF6(l) in NaOH solutions, of MoO3(cr) in NaOH solutions, of NaF(cr) in MoO3-NaOH solutions, and of NaF(cr) in H2O(l) were measured to obtain the enthalpy of reaction of MoF6(l) in infinitely dilute NaOH solution: MoF6(l)+6 OH-(aq)=MoO3(cr)+6 F-(aq)+3 H2O(l)ΔH∘(298.15 K)=(-641.23+1.8, -4.0)kJmol-1 From this were calculated ΔHf°[MoF6(l)] = (-1593.3 + 5.6, -4.3) kJ mol-1, ΔHf°[F-(aq)] = (-334.05 + 0.34, -0.69) kJ mol-1. From the measurements of NaF(cr) in H2O, values for apparent molal enthalpy, ϕL , were tabulated at concentrations from 0 to 0.2 mol · kg-1. ΔH°soln (298.15 K) = (937 ± 36) J · mol-1.
Comparison of linear and nonlinear dimension reduction techniques for automated process monitoring of a decentralized wastewater treatment facility

Multivariate statistical methods for online process monitoring have been widely applied to chemical, biological, and engineered systems. While methods based on principal component analysis (PCA) are popular, more recently kernel PCA (KPCA) and locally linear embedding (LLE) have been utilized to better model nonlinear process data. Additionally, various forms of dynamic and adaptive monitoring schemes have been proposed to address time-varying features in these processes. In this analysis, we extend a common simulation study in order to account for autocorrelation and nonstationarity in process data and comprehensively compare the monitoring performances of static, dynamic, adaptive, and adaptive–dynamic versions of PCA, KPCA, and LLE. Furthermore, we evaluate a nonparametric method to set thresholds for monitoring statistics and compare results with the standard parametric approaches. We then apply these methods to real-world data collected from a decentralized wastewater treatment system during normal and abnormal operations. From the simulation study, adaptive–dynamic versions of all three methods generally improve results when the process is autocorrelated and nonstationary. In the case study, adaptive–dynamic versions of PCA, KPCA, and LLE all flag a strong system fault, but nonparametric thresholds considerably reduce the number of false alarms for all three methods under normal operating conditions.
A Comprehensive Review of Sex Disparities in Symptoms, Pathophysiology, and Epidemiology of Dry Eye Syndrome.

ABSTRACTIntroduction: The etiology, frequency, manifestation, and treatment of dry eye syndrome are commonly influenced by sex and gender. Materials and Methods: This study aims to review the differences in epidemiology, pathophysiology, and associated diseases between the sexes. The terms men and male and women and female are used interchangeably throughout the review to refer to biological sex. Results: There are numerous objective and subjective markers of dry eye syndrome but not one diagnostic criterion. There are numerous associated conditions with dry eye syndrome varying from autoimmune to allergic. Large epidemiologic studies reviewed suggest that there does indeed exist a difference between dry eye symptoms between men and women, with women having dry eye signs and reporting dry eye symptoms more often than men. The increased prevalence in women could be correlated to an increased association with certain systemic diseases, specifically autoimmune diseases, and to hormonal variations. Several st...
Incidence of Infection and Inhospital Mortality in Patients With Chronic Renal Failure After Total Joint Arthroplasty

Abstract Background Patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) may require total joint arthroplasty (TJA) to treat degenerative joint disease, fractures, osteonecrosis, or amyloid arthropathy. There have been conflicting results, however, regarding outcomes of TJA in patients with chronic renal disease. The aim of this case-controlled study was to determine the outcome of TJA in patients with CRF, with particular interest in the incidence of infections and inhospital mortality. Methods We queried our electronic database to determine which patients among the 29,389 TJAs performed at our institution between January 2000 and June 2012 had a diagnosis of CRF. A total of 359 CRF patients were identified and matched for procedure, gender, age (±4 years), date of surgery (±2 years), and body mass index (±5 kg/m 2 ) in a 2:1 ratio to 718 control patients. Results The incidence of infection and inhospital mortality was not significantly different between the nondialysis CRF patients and controls, whereas it was significantly higher in dialysis-dependent end-stage renal failure patients compared to controls. Of the 50 CRF patients receiving hemodialysis, 10 (20%) developed surgical site infection, of which 4 (8%) were periprosthetic joint infection, and 4 (8%) died during hospital stay. The odds ratio for infection in the dialysis group was 7.54 (95% confidence interval: 2.83-20.12) and 10.46 (95% confidence interval: 1.67-65.34) for the inhospital mortality. Conclusion We conclude that end-stage renal failure patients receiving hemodialysis have higher postoperative infection and inhospital mortality rates after an elective TJA procedure, whereas nondialysis CRF patients have similar outcomes compared with the general TJA population.
Lower Back Pain: An Overview of the Most Common Causes

When discussing the causes of lower back pain, it is important to make a distinction between acute, subacute, and chronic lower back pain. Acute lower back pain refers to lower back pain that lasts less than 4 weeks. Subacute lower back pain refers to lower back pain that lasts from 4 to 12 weeks. Chronic lower back pain is lower back pain lasting 12 weeks or longer.
Mispronunciation Detection without Nonnative Training Data

Conventional mispronunciation detection systems that have the capability of providing corrective feedback typically require a set of common error patterns that are known beforehand, obtained either by consulting with experts, or from a humanannotated nonnative corpus. In this paper, we propose a mispronunciation detection framework that does not rely on nonnative training data. We first discover an individual learner’s possible pronunciation error patterns by analyzing the acoustic similarities across their utterances. With the discovered error candidates, we iteratively compute forced alignments and decode learner-specific context-dependent error patterns in a greedy manner. We evaluate the framework on a Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) corpus containing both Cantonese and Mandarin speakers reading English. Experimental results show that the proposed framework effectively detects mispronunciations and also has a good ability to prioritize feedback. Index Terms: Computer-Assisted Pronunciation Training (CAPT), Gaussian mixture model (GMM), Extended Recognition Network (ERN)
Branded Store-Within-Stores: Differential Impact of “Star” vs. “Supporting Cast” Brands on Brand and Retailer Outcomes

The adoption of branded store-within-stores by retailers is an innovative approach aimed at improving customer engagement, retail store design and layout, and ultimately, value creation for both customers and retailers (Jerath and Zhang 2010; Sorescu et al. 2011). In a typical branded store-within-store format, specific brands enter a rental or profit sharing agreement with a retailer to have a standalone existence within a retail store’s layout with the brand’s vendor partly or wholly managing activities such as pricing, merchandising, staffing, and stocking in an autonomous manner (Jerath and Zhang 2010). Although there are different manifestations of the store-within-store format, the focus of this study is on formats where third-party owned product or retailer brands are presented in an independent arrangement within a retail store. The Sephora store inside JCPenney, Armani, and Gucci stores inside Neiman Marcus, the DKNY store inside Bloomingdale’s, the North Face store inside Sports Authority, and the Samsung store inside Best Buy are examples of this phenomenon.
Adjusting to global change through clonal growth and epigenetic variation

The earth is experiencing major changes in global and regional climates and changes are predicted to accelerate in the future. Many species will be under considerable pressure to evolve, to migrate, or be faced with extinction. Clonal plants would appear to be at a particular disadvantage due to their limited mobility and limited capacity for adaptation. However, they have outlived previous environmental shifts and clonal species have persisted for millenia. Clonal spread offers unique ecological advantages, such as resource sharing, risk sharing, and economies of scale among ramets within genotypes. We suggest that ecological attributes of clonal plants, in tandem with variation in gene regulation through epigenetic mechanisms that facilitate and optimize phenotype variation in response to environmental change may permit them to be well suited to projected conditions.
Polymeric Derivatives of cis-Dichlorodiammineplatinum II Analogs Based on Polyvinylamine-co-vinylsulfonate as Model Carriers in the Drug Delivery System

Structural derivations of Platinol are formed from the reaction of polyvinylamine-co-vinylsulfonate and tetrachloro-platinate. The synthesis was studied to obtain information useful in the synthesis of natural site-specific analogues. The copolymer is highly substituted over a wide variety of reaction conditions with the products mainly being directed into cis positions with some monosubstituted platinum products formed. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Formal Verification Using Don't-Care and Vanishing Polynomials

The paper describes a method of verifying sequential arithmetic circuits by adding a special type of redundancy, called &#x0022;Vanishing Polynomials&#x0022; and &#x0022;Don't Care Polynomials&#x0022;. The proof of functional correctness consists in transforming the polynomial expression at the primary outputs into a unique polynomial in the primary inputs and comparing the computed expression against the expected specification. Experimental results show that the technique is efficient and scalable, for example, a 512-bit serial squarer requiring over 2000 clock cycles was verified in just 330 seconds. The runtime complexity is linear and memory complexity is quadratic in the number of gates.
Standoff spatial heterodyne Raman spectrometer for mineralogical analysis

Raman spectroscopy is ideally suited for planetary exploration because of its ability to unambiguously identify minerals, organic compounds, and biomarkers. Traditionally, Raman spectra were acquired with grating-based dispersive spectrometers that require tens of micrometer-sized entrance slits and thus limited light throughput. Recently, we have evaluated a new type of Fourier transform Raman spectrometer, the spatial heterodyne Raman spectrometer that provides high spectral resolution in a compact system without limiting light throughput. In this work, we present time-resolved Raman spectra of carbonate, sulfate, and silicate minerals, including low Raman scattering efficiency olivine and feldspar minerals, in the 100–1260 cm−1 Raman fingerprint region with spatial heterodyne Raman spectrometer using 1.5-cm-diameter pulsed 532.078-nm Nd:YAG laser beam. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Immunohistochemical and histochemical characterization of intraosseous arteriovenous malformations of the jaws: analysis of 16 cases with emphasis on GLUT-1 immunophenotype.

Objectives Intraosseous vascular lesions of the craniofacial region are rare and may cause diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. The purpose of this study was to characterize 16 cases of intraosseous arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) affecting the jaws. Study Design Immunohistochemical evaluation was performed using antibodies against α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), desmin, CD31, D2-40, and glucose transporter 1 (GLUT-1). Staining with elastic Verhoeff-Van Gieson and Masson trichrome histochemical stains was also performed. Results No gender predilection (female:male ratio = 1:1) was observed, with patients' mean age being 50.8 years (SD of ±13.9; range 28-71 years). Predilection for the mandible was observed (12 of 16 [75%]). Immunohistochemically, diffuse endothelial CD31 staining was noted, and α-SMA strongly highlighted smooth muscle cells and pericytes. Desmin-positive vessels were identified in 9 of 16 AVMs (56.3%). D2-40 was uniformly negative in all specimens. AVMs were negative for GLUT-1 (11 of 14 [78.6%]) except for 2 cases (2 of 14 [14.3%]) exhibiting focal limited cytoplasmic GLUT-1 immunoreactivity. One case was equivocal for GLUT-1. Masson trichrome highlighted smooth muscle cells, and elastic fibers were identified in thick-walled arteries. Conclusions AVMs of the jaws generally lack expression of GLUT-1, similar to soft tissue vascular malformations. Clinicoradiographic features of intraosseous AVMs in the present study were consistent with the findings of previous studies, although mean age was higher.
Automated fault detection and diagnosis methods for supermarket equipment (RP-1615)

Many automated fault detection and diagnostics methods have been developed for application to building mechanical systems over the past 20 years because they have the potential to reduce operating costs and energy consumption by providing early warning of performance degradation faults. Supermarkets could be a very beneficial setting to deploy automated fault detection and diagnostics, particularly in the refrigeration systems, which are major energy users and are known to commonly suffer from significant refrigerant leakage problems. The current article provides an overview of the common mechanical systems deployed in supermarkets, and then describes a comprehensive review of the literature on automated fault detection and diagnostics methods from other systems that could potentially be applied in supermarket settings. A collection of supermarket field data is analyzed in the context of its potential use in automated fault detection and diagnostics methods from other systems. The review includes methods ...
Defining Dogma: Quantifying Crystalloid Hemodilution in a Prospective Randomized Control Trial with Blood Donation as a Model for Hemorrhage.

Abstract Background The concept of hemodilution after blood loss and crystalloid infusion is a surgical maxim that remains unproven in humans. We sought to quantify the effect of hemodilution after crystalloid administration in voluntary blood donors as a model for acute hemorrhage. Study Design A prospective, randomized control trial was conducted in conjunction with community blood drives. Donors were randomized to receive no IV fluid(noIVF), two liters normal saline(NS), or two liters lactated ringers(LR) after blood donation. Blood samples were taken before donation of 500 mL of blood, immediately after donation, and following IV fluid administration. Hemoglobin(Hgb) was measured at each time point. Hgb between time points were compared between groups using standard statistical tests and the Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. Statistical significance was set at p≤0.0167. Results Of 165 patients consented, 157 patients completed the study. Average pre-donation Hgb was 14.3 g/dL. There was no difference in the mean Hgb levels after blood donation between the three groups(p>0.05). Compared to the control group, there was a significant drop in Hgb in the crystalloid infused groups from the post-donation level to post-resuscitation(13.2 vs 12.1 vs 12.2 g/dL, p l ] – [(EBL/TBV)* h ] – [(VR/TBV)* r ], l = 5.111g/dL = blood loss coefficient, h =6.722 g/dL=equilibration coefficient, r = 2.617g/dL= resuscitation coefficient. Conclusion This study proves the concept of hemodilution and derived a mathematical relationship between blood loss and resuscitation. This data may help to estimate response of hemoglobin levels to blood loss and fluid resuscitation in clinical practice.
Lessons Learned from the ACSES Model

A number of potentially useful lessons emerged from our construction of the ACSES simulation. We list these, with some elaboration, below. Lessons 1-6 concern how to embed social theories. This was the most novel aspect of our simulation exercise and this is where we have the most to say about the lessons learned. Lessons 7 and 8 are about implications of the ACSES model for the technical construction of such models. Lessons 9-11 concern surprise and emergence, that is, some of the more interesting outcomes that agent-based models can produce.
Signaling pathways that regulate glial development and early migration—oligodendrocytes

Oligodendrocytes, the myelinating cells of the central nervous system, develop from well-characterized oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs). The signaling mechanisms that mediate the initial appearance of OPCs, as well as their migration, dispersal, and ultimate localization throughout the brain and spinal cord, are discussed. The current status of the signaling mechanisms mediating the critical transition from precursor cells to mature oligodendrocytes and the subsequent elaboration of the myelin sheath, though less well understood, are also reviewed.
Abstract WMP81: High-Dimensional Analysis of Immune Cell Characterization in Ischemic Postconditioning

Background: Ischemic postconditioning (IPostC), an emerging concept for stroke treatment, refers to a series of brief occlusions of the cerebral blood vessels after reperfusion. A precise understan...
Green consumerism: the influence of antioxidant parameters and socio-economic values on Tarhana consumption patterns

This study aimed to examine the production and consumption patterns of the tarhana as a green food product and its content in terms of health value in the socio-economic framework by comparing urban and rural households. To be able to assess the tarhana’s health value, the addition of antioxidative parameters was analysed. We obtained the data as a result of a two-part study. The first part of the research included a structured survey conducted between September and December 2015. In the second part, three types of tarhana samples evaluated in terms of their antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content as extractable, hydrolysable, and bioaccessible phenolics to support the claim that homemade tarhana offers higher nutritional potential and healthier content than commercially produced tarhana. Organic and additive-free homemade tarhana samples have great antioxidative potential, also depending on the content and the production pattern. The results of the antioxidant capacity, total phenolic content analyses, and their bioaccessibility revealed that non-fermented homemade tarhana and cranberry-added tarhana stand out, according to production process and content. Our findings showed that participants mostly produced the tarhana at home. In cases where they could not produce it themselves, they supplied it from their family and friends. This result showed us that participants preferred homemade tarhana over industrial tarhana sold in markets. Rural areas mostly consumed tarhana for its economic value. However, tarhana consumption did not decrease in cities. Only the consumption mode and the times have changed.
Metabolomics of Aerobic Exercise in Chronic Stroke Survivors: A Pilot Study.

Abstract Background Understanding the metabolic response to exercise may aid in optimizing stroke management. Therefore, the purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate plasma metabolomic profiles in chronic stroke survivors following aerobic exercise training. Methods Participants (age: 62 ± 1 years, body mass index: 31 ± 1 kg/m2, mean ± standard error of the mean) were randomized to 6 months of treadmill exercise (N = 17) or whole-body stretching (N = 8) with preintervention and postintervention measurement of aerobic capacity (VO2peak). Linear models for microarray data expression analysis was performed to determine metabolic changes over time, and Mummichog was used for pathway enrichment analysis following analysis of plasma samples by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to ultrahigh resolution mass spectrometry. Results VO2peak change was greater following exercise than stretching (18.9% versus −.2%; P Conclusions These preliminary data show different metabolic changes due to treadmill training and stretching in chronic stroke survivors and suggest that in addition to improved aerobic capacity, weight-bearing activity, like walking, could protect against loss of lean body mass. Future studies are needed to examine the relationship between changes in metabolomic profiles to reductions in cardiometabolic risk after treadmill rehabilitation.
Immune complex vasculitis: a rash that cannot be missed

A 43-year-old woman with a medical history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, type II diabetes mellitus, hypertension, irritable bowel syndrome, osteoarthritis, epilepsy and methamphetamine use presented to the emergency department with a diffuse erythematous maculopapular rash with palpable
Outcomes of precut sphincterotomy techniques in cases of difficult biliary access.

Goals Our study aims to define success and complication rates of precut sphincterotomy with the needle-knife and transpancreatic papillary septotomy (TPS) techniques as experienced at a single, high-volume endoscopy centre. Background Complication rates rise with increasing number of failed attempts at biliary cannulation; therefore, early precut sphincterotomy (PS) has been recommended. Selecting the ideal method for PS can be challenging and there is a paucity of data to help guide this decision. Study We performed a retrospective analysis over 37 months of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) experience at a single institution. We identified all ERCPs performed and stratified based on the presence of PS; if PS occurred, a thorough chart review was performed to identify success and complication rates. Patients received guideline-driven management for post-ERCP pancreatitis including rectal indomethacin and pancreatic duct stenting when appropriate. Results We identified 1808 ERCP procedures performed during this time. Successful biliary cannulation was achieved in 1748 cases, yielding a success rate of 96.7% (Grades I–IV ERCP difficulty/complexity). PS was required in 232 cases (12.8%); we identified 88 TPS cases and 114 needle-knife precut sphincterotomy (NKPS) cases. Complications following PS procedures occurred in 9.1% of TPS patients and 11.4% of NKPS patients. Success rates for TPS and NKPS were 97.7% and 81.6%, respectively—a statistically significant difference (p Conclusion This data supports TPS as a safe and effective option for biliary access in difficult cannulation settings when performed by experienced advanced endoscopists.
Alternative approaches for sharing machinery, labor, and other resources among small- and medium-sized agricultural producers

As the U.S. agriculture industry continues to become increasingly concentrated, the viability of small- and medium-sized farms faced with diminishing profit margins per unit of output hinges in part on their ability to expand operations. In this study, the solution to this problem of taking advantage of economies of scale through farm-level resource sharing arrangements is considered. Through a two phase data collection procedure, Midwestern farmer groups engaged in resource sharing arrangements were identified and investigated through a case study approach. Evidence from the case studies suggest that sharing of equipment and labor can yield not only financial benefits but also enable expansions in cultivated acreage, access to better technologies, greater operational efficiencies, and improved access to information. As well, a cost-benefit model is developed to explore the potential economies of scale in sharing machinery among multiple farms. The model quantifies the significant potential for equipment cost reductions through cooperation.
Visualizing Molecular Species Within Inorganics: Raman Chemical Imaging of Minerals, Meteorites and Actinides

Raman chemical imaging microscopy is a powerful technique for the characterization of a wide host of materials, including inorganic species. The technique makes use of a liquid crystal tunable filter (LCTF) imaging spectrometer that is integrated within an infinity-corrected optical microscope. The imaging system provides the performance of a dispersive Raman spectrometer at every pixel of the charge-coupled device (CCD) detector used to capture the Raman image.We are currently applying Raman microscopy to the chemical imaging analysis of mineral composition and phase chemistry found in meteorites and terrestrial minerals. Determination of the chemical composition and structure of mineral components is often useful in developing an understanding of the petrologic process that formed the minerals, including those minerals that have been exposed to water. This is of particular interest in light of recent promising evidence of past life in Martian meteorites.
Outcomes in racial and ethnic minorities after revisional robotic-assisted metabolic and bariatric surgery: an analysis of the MBSAQIP database.

Abstract Background Robotic-assisted metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is being performed with increased frequency in the United States, including for revisional MBS. However, little is known about perioperative outcomes between racial and ethnic cohorts after revisional robotic-assisted MBS. Objective The goal of our study was to determine if there are racial differences in outcomes after robotic-assisted revisional MBS. Setting University Hospital, United States. Methods Using the 2015–2017 Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program database, we identified patients undergoing revisional MBS by a robotic-assisted approach. Univariate analyses were performed of unmatched and matched racial and ethnic cohorts, comparing black versus white patients and Hispanic versus white patients. Results Of 2027 robotic-assisted revisional MBS cases in the database, 1922 were included in our analysis, including 67%, 22.6%, and 10.4% white, black, and Hispanic patients, respectively. At baseline, there were some differences in patient characteristics between racial and ethnic cohorts. After propensity matching, outcomes between black and white patients were similar, except for higher rates of superficial surgical site infection among white patients (P = .05) and higher rates of organ space surgical site infection in black patients (P = .05). Outcomes were also similar between matched white and Hispanic patients, except for a higher bleeding in white patients (2% versus 0%, P = .04). There were no mortality or morbidity differences between racial and ethnic cohorts. Conclusion Morbidity and mortality after robotic-assisted revisional MBS do not seem to be mediated by race or ethnicity.
Using authentic video clips of classroom instruction to capture teachers’ moment-to-moment perceiving as knowledge-filtered noticing

In this article, we report on the development of a novel, video-based measure of teachers’ moment-to-moment noticing as knowledge-filtered perception. We developed items to capture teachers’ perception of similarity of their own teaching to the teaching shown in three short video clips of authentic classroom instruction. We describe the item design and relate teachers’ moment-to-moment noticing to their reflective noticing as measured by judgements of similarity teachers provided after viewing each video. Consistent with theory, correlations were of moderate size and provided evidence that the measures captured somewhat different information. We suggest that the difference can be explained by different cognitive processes: the moment-to-moment measure primarily captured noticing as a function of bottom-up (nonconscious) processes, while reflective noticing engaged top-down (conscious) processes. We conclude by considering strengths and limitations of this novel approach and the usefulness of differentiating between bottom-up and top-down processes to characterize existing measures of teacher noticing.