cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
To Measure the Content of Acetylene and Other Hydrocarbon in Liquid Oxygen by Gas Chromatogram

The content of acetylene and other hydrocarbon in liquid oxygen measured by gas chromatogram has gas chromatogram concentrate method and direct method. Through comparing the direct chromatogram is a simple, accurate and fast.
Determination of the Severity Level of Dispute Policy Based on Safe Configuration Guidance

A method to determine the severity level of dispute policy based on safe configuration guidance is presented.When route oscillations occur,the approach to seek the dispute routing policies identifies the dispute policy set inducing route oscillations.Then according to the safe configuration guidance,the severity level of dispute policy is determined.Finally,a simulation instance is given in order to explain the results of this method.
Preservation and rapid purification of DNA from decomposing human tissue samples

One of the key features to be considered in a mass disaster is victim identification. However, the recovery and identification of human remains are sometimes complicated by harsh environmental conditions, limited facilities, loss of electricity and lack of refrigeration. If human remains cannot be collected, stored, or identified immediately, bodies decompose and DNA degrades making genotyping more difficult and ultimately decreasing DNA profiling success. In order to prevent further DNA damage and degradation after collection, tissue preservatives may be used. The goal of this study was to evaluate three customized (modified TENT, DESS, LST) and two commercial DNA preservatives (RNAlater and DNAgard®) on fresh and decomposed human skin and muscle samples stored in hot (35°C) and humid (60-70% relative humidity) conditions for up to three months. Skin and muscle samples were harvested from the thigh of three human cadavers placed outdoors for up to two weeks. In addition, the possibility of purifying DNA directly from the preservative solutions ("free DNA") was investigated in order to eliminate lengthy tissue digestion processes and increase throughput. The efficiency of each preservative was evaluated based on the quantity of DNA recovered from both the "free DNA" in solution and the tissue sample itself in conjunction with the quality and completeness of downstream STR profiles. As expected, DNA quantity and STR success decreased with time of decomposition. However, a marked decrease in DNA quantity and STR quality was observed in all samples after the bodies entered the bloat stage (approximately six days of decomposition in this study). Similar amounts of DNA were retrieved from skin and muscle samples over time, but slightly more complete STR profiles were obtained from muscle tissue. Although higher amounts of DNA were recovered from tissue samples than from the surrounding preservative, the average number of reportable alleles from the "free DNA" was comparable. Overall, DNAgard® and the modified TENT buffer were the most successful tissue preservatives tested in this study based on STR profile success from "free DNA" in solution when decomposing tissues were stored for up to three months in hot, humid conditions.
The PRC, Taiwan, and the overseas Chinese

The rapid growth of China’s economy and its opening to the outside world have attracted a large volume of trade and investment from Hong Kong and Taiwan, creating an economic grouping with a total foreign trade in 1992 almost equal to that of Japan. The economic linkage of this “Greater China” with Southeast Asia’s overseas Chinese communities is steadily growing and will continue to do so for the rest of the decade, barring a sharp drop in the PRC’s growth rate, which seems unlikely.
NK Cell Responses in Immunotherapy: Novel Targets and Applications

The aim of cancer immunotherapy is to favorably alter the immune response to tumors, with the goal of inducing tumor regression and ultimately durable clinical responses. Amongst immune cells, natural killer (NK) cells possess unique capabilities that make them of great interest as key effectors of immunotherapy. Initially described over 30 years ago with the ability to spontaneously kill tumor cells, NK cells were later shown to recognize and eliminate tumor cells with low or absent major histocompatibility class I (MHC I) expression, otherwise known as the “missing self” hypothesis (Karre et al. (Nature 319:675–678, 1986); Ljunggren and Karre, (Immunol. Today 11:237–44., 1990)). Because of such properties, NK cells have been vigorously studied in the context of cancer immunotherapy. In more recent years, increasing evidence has shown that NK cells have more adaptive immune features than previously thought (O’Leary et al. (Nat. Immunol. 7:507–16, 2006); Nabekura and Lanier (J. Exp. Med. 211:2455–65, 2014), Sun et al. (Eur. J. Immunol. 39:2059–64., 2009)), perhaps making them even more attractive as tools to optimize the antitumor immune response. Herein, we review some of the basic biology of human NK cells and explore their ongoing therapeutic development and application in cancer immunotherapy.
Adoptive cellular therapy for chronic lymphocytic leukemia and B cell malignancies. CARs and more

Abstract Treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and other B cell malignancies is evolving very rapidly. We have observed the quick transition during the last couple of years, from chemo-immunotherapy based treatments to oral targeted therapies based on B cell receptor signaling and Bcl-2 inhibitors, as well as the increasing use of second generation glyco-engineered antibodies. The next wave of revolution in the treatment for this conditions is approaching and it will be based on strategies that harness the power of the immune system to fight cancer. In the center of this biotechnological revolution is cellular engineering, the field that had made possible to redirect the immune system effector cells to achieve a more effective and targeted adoptive cellular therapy. In this chapter, we will review the historical context of these scientific developments, the most recent basic and clinical research in the field and some opinions regarding the future of adoptive cellular therapy in CLL and other B cell malignancies.
The Cost of a Commute: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Osteoarthritis in New Kingdom Egypt

This article evaluates rates of osteoarthritis of the lower limb in human remains from Deir el-Medina in order to compare the health of the residents of Deir el-Medina with previous studies on other ancient Egyptian and Nubian populations. This study focuses on osteological observations from the commingled New Kingdom human remains documented during the 2012-14 field seasons of the Institut Francais d'Archeologie Orientale. This is the first publication of osteoarthritis for the human remains at Deir el-Medina, a dataset which complements comparable populations at sites such as Amarna, Giza, and Tombos. It demonstrates that men in the village of Deir el-Medina experienced significantly higher rates of osteoarthritis in the ankle and knee in comparison to women at Deir el-Medina. Rates of osteoarthritis in the lower limb at Deir el-Medina generally fall between workers’ cemeteries and middle-class or elite cemeteries. This study also includes data from Deir el-Medina's detailed textual record and intact landscape in order to determine how occupation influenced these higher rates of osteoarthritis. The duration, intensity, and frequency of the workmen's hikes are reconstructed based on the surrounding landscape and 42 texts recording work days. This study compares rates of osteoarthritis with these datasets in order to document how the strain, duration, and frequency of the workmen's hikes may have impacted overall rates of osteoarthritis. Consequently, data from the texts and landscape surrounding Deir el-Medina not only corroborate osteoarthritis patterns, but offer detailed daily life activity which can be used as a comparison for broader studies on osteoarthritis in ancient and modern populations. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Performance analysis of a “Green” building photovoltaic system

The Golisano Institute for Sustainability (GIS) building at Rochester Institute of Technology, is equipped with multicrystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) modules with an annual capacity of 45,241 kilowatts-hour. In this study, yearly power output of the GIS PV system is investigated using a mathematical model and comparing with real data collected from the monitoring system. The model used was developed using Matlab code. The objective is to predict PV modules performance with respect to changes in environmental parameters such as temperature, irradiance and cloud coverage. The results have been compared with the actual PV output data for the year 2014 and show a very good correlation.
Survival of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in Various Diluents

Survival of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in various diluents was investigated. 100 mM potassium phosphate buffers (pH 6, 7, and 8) without added NaCl were extremely deleterious to V. parahaemolyticus 04:Kll in comparison to the same diluent with either 0.5, 3, or 6% NaCl. Maximum counts were obtained when phosphate buffers containing 3% NaCl were used as diluents. There were no significant differences among survivor counts of cells exposed for 20 min to 100 mM potassium phosphate 3% NaCl buffer at either pH 6, 7, or 8. Greater than 99.9% of the cell population was destroyed within 20 min in 0.1% peptone diluent without NaCl when compared to 0.1% peptone with either 0, 5, 3, or 6% NaCl. Cell counts using 0.1% peptone diluents containing 3 and 6% NaCl were not significantly different; however, both were superior to 0.1% peptone containing 0.5% NaCl. Survival data for V. parahaemolyticus 04: Kll in distilled water containing 0, 0.5, 3. and 6% added salt were similar to data for the 0.1% peptone diluents. Culture ...
The Baltimore HEARS Pilot Study: An Affordable, Accessible, Community-Delivered Hearing Care Intervention.

Purpose of the study Age-related hearing loss negatively affects health outcomes, yet disparities in hearing care, such as hearing aid use, exist based on race/ethnicity and socioeconomic position. Recent national efforts highlight reduction of hearing care disparities as a public health imperative. This study a) describes a community engagement approach to addressing disparities, b) reports preliminary outcomes of a novel intervention, and c) discusses implementation processes and potential for wide-scale testing and use. Design and methods This was a prospective, randomized control pilot, with a 3-month delayed treatment group as a waitlist control, that assessed feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a community-delivered, affordable, and accessible intervention for older adults with hearing loss. Outcomes were assessed at 3 months, comparing immediate and delayed groups, and pooled to compare the cohort's pre- and 3-month post-intervention results. Results All participants completed the study (n = 15). The program was highly acceptable: 93% benefited, 100% would recommend the program, and 67% wanted to serve as future program trainers. At 3 months, the treated group (n = 8) experienced fewer social and emotional effects of hearing loss and fewer depressive symptoms as compared to the delayed treatment group (n = 7). Pooling 3-month post-intervention scores (n = 15), participants reported fewer negative hearing-related effects (effect size = -0.96) and reduced depressive symptoms (effect size = -0.43). Implications The HEARS (Hearing Equality through Accessible Research & Solutions) intervention is feasible, acceptable, low risk, and demonstrates preliminary efficacy. HEARS offers a novel, low-cost, and readily scalable solution to reduce hearing care disparities and highlights how a community-engaged approach to intervention development can address disparities.
Utilization of genetic tests: analysis of gene-specific billing in Medicare claims data.

We examined the utilization of precision medicine tests among Medicare beneficiaries through analysis of gene-specific tier 1 and 2 billing codes developed by the American Medical Association in 2012. We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study. The primary source of data was 2013 Medicare 100% fee-for-service claims. We identified claims billed for each laboratory test, the number of patients tested, expenditures, and the diagnostic codes indicated for testing. We analyzed variations in testing by patient demographics and region of the country. Pharmacogenetic tests were billed most frequently, accounting for 48% of the expenditures for new codes. The most common indications for testing were breast cancer, long-term use of medications, and disorders of lipid metabolism. There was underutilization of guideline-recommended tumor mutation tests (e.g., epidermal growth factor receptor) and substantial overutilization of a test discouraged by guidelines (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase). Methodology-based tier 2 codes represented 15% of all claims billed with the new codes. The highest rate of testing per beneficiary was in Mississippi and the lowest rate was in Alaska. Gene-specific billing codes significantly improved our ability to conduct population-level research of precision medicine. Analysis of these data in conjunction with clinical records should be conducted to validate findings. Genet Med advance online publication 26 January 2017
The Shared Cultural Experience: A Comparison of Religious Memes Created by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Religious Media, and Church Members

ABSTRACTPrevious research suggests that Internet memes give voice to and unite otherwise silent and scattered social groups, making them popular in the most contemporary forms of practiced religion (Burroughs & Feller, 2015). This article aims to understand how religious institutions are utilizing memes to create a religious cultural experience compared to independent entities catering to the same audience. Researchers conducted a quantitative content analysis of 826 memes published by three distinct, interconnected entities affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including official Church organizations, unofficial Church organizations, and users with ties to the faith. Memes were examined for their content, form, and stance (Shifman, 2013). An analysis revealed that the LDS Church used its memes to present more serious, inspirational content, while users created memes that were more light-hearted and mixed LDS culture with pop culture. However, unofficial sources created more mem...
Correlation of Solubility with the Metastable Limit of Nucleation Using Gauge-Cell Monte Carlo Simulations

We present a novel simulation-based investigation of the nucleation of nanodroplets from solution and from vapor. Nucleation is difficult to measure or model accurately, and predicting when nucleation should occur remains an open problem. Of specific interest is the “metastable limit”, the observed concentration at which nucleation occurs spontaneously, which cannot currently be estimated a priori. To investigate the nucleation process, we employ gauge-cell Monte Carlo simulations to target spontaneous nucleation and measure thermodynamic properties of the system at nucleation. Our results reveal a widespread correlation over 5 orders of magnitude of solubilities, in which the metastable limit depends exclusively on solubility and the number density of generated nuclei. This three-way correlation is independent of other parameters, including intermolecular interactions, temperature, molecular structure, system composition, and the structure of the formed nuclei. Our results have great potential to further...
Peritoneal dialysis catheter function and survival are not adversely affected by obesity regardless of the operative technique used.

Obesity has been considered a relative contraindication to peritoneal dialysis (PD). Surprisingly, PD catheter dysfunction rates and longevity have not been studied in the growing obese ESRD population. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of patient weight on PD catheter survival in the three insertion technique categories of advanced laparoscopy (AL), basic laparoscopy (BL), and open. We examine retrospectively collected data on 231 consecutive PD catheter insertions at the NorthShore University HealthSystem between 2004 and 2014. Three cohorts were created based on the catheter insertion technique: open, BL using selective adhesiolysis, and AL using rectus sheath tunnel, selective omentopexy, and adhesiolysis. Primary outcomes included catheter dysfunction and catheter dysfunction-free survival for each cohort by BMI: normal weight (18.5–24.9), overweight (25–29.9), obese (≥30). Nominal variables were compared using Chi-square test, continuous variables using ANOVA or Kruskal–Wallis tests, and catheter survival was assessed using the Kaplan–Meier method with log-rank test. Statistical significance was established at 0.05. For the three BMI categories, there were no statistically significant differences in patient demographics. There were no statistically significant differences in catheter dysfunction or peri-operative complications by BMI category among all patients. This was also true in the AL cohort. Among all patients, similar 2-year dysfunction-free catheter survival was noted for normal weight, overweight, and obese patients (log-rank p = 0.79). This was also true across all insertion techniques: open (log-rank p = 0.87), BL (log-rank p = 0.41), AL (log-rank p = 0.43). In the obese cohort, the 2-year dysfunction-free catheter survival was 91.1% in AL, 83.5% in BL, and 65.7% in open (log-rank p = 0.58). Obesity does not increase complications or shorten dysfunction-free PD catheter survival regardless of the operative technique used. Obesity should not be considered as a relative contraindication to PD catheter placement as it confers similar technique success to normal- and overweight individuals.
The AIDS Pandemic is New, but is HIVNotNew?☆☆☆

Abstract The determinations made by Mindell, Shultz and Ewald regarding the ancestral host for immunodeficiency retroviruses, and their conclusion that monkeys acquired their infections as a result of a host-switch from humans, do not withstand rigorous scrutiny. Their hypothesis requires the complete uniformativeness of third position transitions and of gapped regions in the alignment. When all of the data are permitted to corroborate or refute relationships, optimizing hosts on the viral phylogeny renders either equivocal statements or an unequivocal simian ancestry. However, merely optimizing hosts as characters on the viral phylogeny is illogical. Not only does this treat hosts as dependent on the viruses (instead of the reverse) but it ignores 15 years of methodological developments specifically designed to answer questions regarding cospeciation or host-switching.
Divide and Conquer Machine Learning for a Genomics Analogy Problem (Progress Report)

Genomic strings are not of fixed length, but provide one-dimensional spatial data that do not divide for conquering by machine learning into manageable fixed size chunks obeying Dietterich's independent and identically distributed assumption. We nonetheless need to divide genomic strings for conquering by machine learning -- in this case for genomic prediction.Orthologs are genomic strings derived from a common ancestor and having the same biological function. Ortholog detection is biologically interesting since it informs us about protein divergence through evolution, and, in the present context, also has important agricultural applications. In the present paper is indicated means to obtain an associated (fixed size) attribute vector for genomic string data and for dividing and conquering the machine learning problem of ortholog detection herein seen as an analogy problem. The attributes are based on both the typical string similarity measures of bioinformatics and on a large number of differential metrics, many new to bioinformatics. Many of the differential metrics are based on evolutionary considerations, both theoretical and empirically observed, in some cases observed by the authors.C5.0 with AdaBoosting activated was employed and the preliminary results reported herein re complete cDNA strings are very encouraging for eventually and usefully employing the techniques described for ortholog detection on the more readily available EST (incomplete) genomic data.
Self-testing of embedded RAMs

A design-for-testability method for embedded RAMs is presented. This method combines both selftest and scan techniques. A simple march test pattern is used in self-test to detect all hard failures in the RAMs. A scan technique is used to detect stuck-at and bridging faults in the comparator and data lines, and to diagnose single stuck-at faults in the RAMs. To obtain better fault coverage, a modified pseudo-random pattern generator is used as an address generator. The overhead is very low and the test time is short.
Financial Reorganization in Japan Can Japanese Banks Survive

After realizing almost 20 years of prosperity,the Japanese economy started to stagnate in the mid-1970s. Especially, a phenomonal bubble economy was created by the end of the 1980s. After the bubble period, enormous bad debts were created in Japanese banks. As of 1999, a sum of 7.3 trillion yen of taxpapers’ money was infused into the major banks in Japan. But they are only at the start of the problem settlement. It is a big question whether they can survive in the worldwide financial severe competition or not. Now Japanese banks are seeking the possibilities of partial, overall and total consolidations. Some of their integrations is going to be achieved through a formation of a holding company, which is really the direction indicated in the reform plan for the financial system under the Japanese Big Bang. These efforts should be grand experiments and whether they can survive or not depends upon the results of these experiments.
Failure of Urinary Drainage: Upper Urinary

Failure of upper urinary drainage represents a relatively common urologic emergency. Obstruction of the upper urinary tract can be related to a variety of underlying clinical scenarios. In the current era, technologic advances have facilitated an accurate diagnosis and streamlined treatment. Nonetheless, correct management involves attention to presenting clinical signs and symptoms and an awareness of subtle nuances related to the underlying etiology. In this chapter, we describe the presenting signs and symptoms, differential diagnosis, radiographic testing, laboratory evaluation, acute management, follow-up, and pitfalls associated with failure of upper urinary tract drainage.
Weighted Norm Inequalities for Classical Operators

The principle problem to be discussed here is the determination of all pairs of non-negative functions U(x), V(x) such that $$\int_{ - \infty }^\infty {\left| {{\text{Sf}}\left( {\text{x}} \right)} \right|^{\text{P}} {\text{U}}\left( {\text{x}} \right){\text{dx}} \leqslant {\text{C}}\int_{ - \infty }^\infty {\left| {{\text{Tf}}\left( {\text{x}} \right)} \right|^{\text{P}} {\text{V}}\left( {\text{x}} \right){\text{dx}}} } $$ (1.1) where 1≤p<∞ S and T are two given operators and C is a constant independent of f. Results described here will be primarily on the real line; there are periodic analogues of most and almost all have been or can be generalized to Rn. There are also closely related Hp results valid for all positive p.
Statistical Tolerance Analysis Using GapSpace

This paper describes a new method for statistical tolerance analysis using the GapSpace model. We show how, after modeling the distribution of manufactured dimensions with a joint probability density function, assembly analysis is performed by integrating the density function over a tolerance region or assembly region described in GapSpace. Through an example, this paper addresses how statistical tolerance analysis should mimic the “manufacturing scheme” of the parts and how the GapSpace model can be used to identify optimal results.
Dynamic crack propagation behaviors of calcium carbonate: aragonite

Molecular dynamics simulations are carried out in this report to study the dynamic fracture behaviors of single crystal aragonite. Two typical edge and central model I cracks that along [010] and [100] directions, respectively, are introduced to the aragonite plates. Our simulation results reveal that (110) and (010) planes are the preferable cleavage planes for crack propagation in aragonite, which is in good agreement with the experimental observations. Brittle and ductile fracture behaviors are identified when the applied tensile loadings are along [010] and [100] directions, respectively. Zigzag crack propagation path, i.e., crack deflections, is observed in the uniaxial tension simulation of the models with [010]-oriented cracks. Overall, the cracks prefer to propagate along (110) plane. Stable nonlinear crack growth and the following unstable crack propagation are identified through analyzing the crack growth resistance. For the case with [100]-oriented crack, straight propagation path and flat (010) crack surfaces are revealed after the fracture of aragonite.
Secondhand smoke exposure is associated with autism spectrum disorder in US males but not in females: Results from the National Survey on Children's Health

Background: Secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure is linked with neurobehavioral disorders in children. This study evaluated the SHS exposure and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in children in the United States. Materials and Methods: Parent-reported postnatal SHS exposure and ASD diagnosis were examined in children age 2 to 12 years using the 2011–2012 National Survey on Children's Health. The physician diagnosis of current ASD as reported by the parents was used as the outcome. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association of ASD with SHS after adjusting for risk factors. Results: Of the 56,710 children, 24% had SHS exposure, 2% had ASD, and the mean age was 7 years. SHS exposure was associated with 47% greater odds of ASD in male children (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.47; 95% confidence interval [CI] =1.05, 2.07; P = 0.025). In contrast, SHS was not significantly associated with ASD in female children (adjusted OR = 0.72; 95% CI = 0.40, 1.29; P = 0.266). Other significant factors associated with ASD diagnosis in male children were age, income, mother's education, and mental health status. Conclusions: SHS is significantly associated with ASD in male children. Sociodemographic factors, natal and prenatal characteristics are important etiologic influences for ASD. Targeted efforts to change the smoking behavior of parents and caregivers of children could reduce ASD.
Stereochemical Control of Hairpin Formation in β-Peptides Containing Dinipecotic Acid Reverse Turn Segments

We examine the relationship between covalent structure and conformational propensity among a series of β-amino acid tetramers. These experiments focus on the hairpin folding motif. Among conventional peptides, the minimum increment of β-sheet secondary structure is a “β-hairpin,” in which two strands are connected via a short loop. The present studies are aimed at optimizing hairpin stability among β-peptides. Previous work from our laboratory has identified optimal substitution patterns for residues that form strands in an antiparallel β-peptide sheet (Krauthauser et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1997, 119, 11719), and we have shown that a dinipecotic acid segment can promote sheet-type interactions between attached strand residues (Chung et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1998, 120, 10555). Here we compare all four possible configurations of the dinipecotic acid segment, (R,S), (S,R), (R,R) and (S,S), for the ability to induce sheet formation with a constant set of enantiomerically pure strand residues. We show that both...
Fewer workers' compensation claims and lower claim costs if employers with high injury rates achieved the rates of their safer peers.

Abstract Introduction: Employers engaged in similar business activities demonstrate a range of workers' compensation claim rates. Workplace injuries and illnesses could be prevented if employers with high claim rates achieved the claim rates of their safer peers. Methods: We used Washington workers' compensation claims data for years 2013–2015 to calculate rates of compensable claims (eligible for disability or time loss benefits, if unable to work four days after injury) and total accepted claims (compensable plus medical-aid only claims) for each employer. We estimated the number and cost of claims to occur if employers with high claim rates reduced them to the rates of employers at the 25th percentile, adjusted for insurance risk class, employer size, and injury type. To evaluate the impact of setting more or less ambitious goals, we also estimated reductions based on claim rates at the 10th and 50th percentiles. Results: Over 43% of claims and claim costs would be prevented if employers with higher claim rates lowered them to the 25th percentile using either total accepted or compensable claim rates as the benchmark outcome. The estimated claim cost savings from benchmarking to compensable claims was nearly as great as the estimate based on benchmarking to total accepted claims ($308.5 mil annually based on compensable claims vs. $332.4 mil based on total accepted claims). Restaurants and Taverns had the greatest number of potentially prevented compensable claims. Colleges and Universities and Wood Frame and Building Construction had the greatest potential reduction in compensable claim costs among larger and smaller employers, respectively. Conclusion: Substantial reductions in workers' compensation claims and costs are possible if employers achieve the injury rates experienced by their safer peers. Practical application: Evaluating the range of workplace injury rates among employers within industry groups identifies opportunities for injury prevention and offers another approach to resource allocation.
Economic Impacts of a Developing Wine Tourism Industry in Iowa

The wealth of research suggests positive tangible outcomes of food and beverage tourism on a community level, upon proper development. Not only does it enable the development of a sense of place, but also has the potential to generate economic benefits and support sustainable community and tourism development. This study examines the economic impacts of wine tourism in Northeast Iowa, USA. Until now, most of wine tourism research has focused on well-established wine regions/appellations, and less is known about the emerging wine culture in rural areas embracing opportunities of wine and tourism development en route to diversification from traditional agriculture. For many of these developing regions, the wine industry not only provides a value-added product but also offers agri-, wine, and food tourism opportunities.
Leading Indicators of Currency Crises

This paper examines the empirical evidence on currency crises and proposes a specific early warning system. This system involves monitoring the evolution of several indicators that tend to exhibit an unusual behavior in the periods preceding a crisis. When an indicator exceeds a certain threshold value, this is interpreted as a warning “signal” that a currency crisis may take place within the following 24 months. The variables that have the best track record within this approach include exports, deviations of the real exchange rate from trend, the ratio of broad money to gross international reserves, output, and equity prices.
The Optimum Way to a CPA

The accounting profession has established the 150 semester hours of education requirement for Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) in all jurisdictions of the United States (except the US Virgin Islands. However, the requirement does not specify how the extra education should be earned. The purpose of this study is to recommend a course of action in the accounting curriculum to address the extra 30 semester hours above the typical 120 semester hours baccalaureate degree to meet the education requirements for the CPA, based on the quality of new accounting professionals as perceived by hiring CPAs. A survey using a Likert-type scale was administered to measure hiring CPAs perceptions of new accounting professionals’ quality. The findings suggest the desire for new hires to have more study in general business and financial accounting, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels. This research provides insight into how the accounting student can best prepare themselves for a successful career in accounting and how the profession can draw effective new entrants.
Sexual assault, sense of belonging, depression and suicidality among LGBQ and heterosexual college students.

AbstractObjective: To compare the effect of sexual orientation, history of sexual assault and sense of belonging on depression and suicidality among lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer and questioning (L...
Technology Independent Security Aware OFDM (SA-OFDM)

Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) is currently the most prominent modulation technique, mainly due to it’s spectral efficiency. To improve the security performance of OFDM based systems, multiple security approaches are proposed in literature, including physical-layer (PHY) approaches. However, these techniques are technology specific, i.e. mostly designed for radio frequency (RF) transmission and cannot be directly deployed in other technologies such as optical wireless communications (OWC). In this paper, security aware OFDM (SA-OFDM) is presented as a technology independent PHY security approach designed to suppress eavesdropping. The novelty of SA-OFDM is not only its versatility in deployment, but also in its perception in combining PHY encryption and the receiver’s architecture to improve security performance. SA-OFDM is tested under additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) and Rayleigh channel models, indicating negligible impact on system performance for both RF and OWC links. Results show that the eavesdropper becomes oblivious to the transmitted information, i.e. has a bit-error-rate (BER) of 0.5, which is equivalent to random guessing. Even if the key is seized, the eavesdropper’s BER does not exceed 10−2.
Structural Optimization of the Diarylurea PSNCBAM-1, an Allosteric Modulator of Cannabinoid Receptor 1.

Abstract Background Structure-activity relationship studies improve the pharmacological and pharmacokinetic properties of a lead compound such as PSNCBAM-1, an allosteric modulator of the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1). Objectives Here, several derivatives of PSNCBAM-1 were synthesized with the aim of reducing the number of rings within its structure and enhancing the solubility of the compounds. The derivatives studied contain substituents previously shown to enhance binding of agonists (i.e. a cyano group, and a pyrimidine ring), with a reduced number of rings compared to the parent compound, PSNCBAM-1. Methods The synthesized compounds were tested for the enhancement of the binding of orthosteric CB1 agonist CP55,940 in the presence of varying concentrations of each test compound. Select compounds were also tested for their effects on CB1 inverse agonist SR141716A binding. The compounds are also subjected to computational analysis of drug-like properties and solubility. Results Consistent with a positive allosteric modulator for orthosteric ligand binding, compounds LDK1317 (12a), LDK1320 (12b), LDK1321 (6a), LDK1323 (8a), and LDK1324 (6b) all enhanced the binding of agonist CP55,940 to some degree. Reduction in the number of rings did not abolish the activity. The new lead compounds LDK1317 (12a) and LDK1321 (6a) showed improved drug-like properties and enhanced solubility in silico. Conclusions In contrast to PSNCBAM-1, the synthesized compounds are analogs with fewer rings. The compounds LDK1317 (12a) and LDK1321 (6a) contained only 2 or 3 rings, respectively, and showed the binding parameters (KB = 110 nM, α = 2.3, and KB = 85 nM, α = 5.9). Further, the computationally predicted drug-like properties and solubility suggest these compounds are acceptable new lead compounds for further development of CB1 allosteric modulators.
Ferrier Carbocyclization-Mediated Synthesis of Enantiopure Azido Inositol Analogues

Azide-modified inositol (InoAz) analogues are valuable as inhibitors and have shown promise as metabolic chemical reporters (MCRs) for labeling inositol-containing glycoconjugates in eukaryotic cells and potentially in mycobacteria, but the synthesis of enantiomerically pure InoAz analogues via traditional approaches is challenging. As a complementary route, here we investigated the application of the Ferrier carbocyclization reaction to the synthesis of enantiopure InoAz analogues starting from readily available azido glucosides. Using this approach combined with a para-methoxybenzyl protecting group strategy, 3-azido-3-deoxy- and 4-azido-4-deoxy-d-myo-inositol were efficiently synthesized. 5-Azido-5-deoxy-d-myo-inositol was inaccessible due to an unusual β-elimination reaction, wherein the azide anion acted as the leaving group. The reported strategy is expected to facilitate continued development of synthetic InoAz analogues as inhibitors or MCRs of inositol-containing glycoconjugates in eukaryotic and mycobacterial systems.
Respirable nano-particulate generations and their pathogenesis in mining workplaces: a review

There is a growing concern in mining community about the contribution of nano-particulates to miner’s health. Despite the health influence of respirable dusts and associated lung diseases have been recognized for decades in the mining industry, the nano-scale particulates accompanying with complicated physiochemical properties and their enormous contribution in quantity have been drawing attentions only in recent a few years because of the advancement of nano-science discipline. In this review, we examine the current regulations of dusts exposure and the dominant mass-based monitoring methods to point out the ignorance of nano-particulates in mining industry. The recognized mining-related nano-particulates sources are summarized to identify the mechanically generated finer particulates including particles and aerosols. In addition, the mechanism of adverse health impact on miner with exposure to nano-scale particulates is discussed in a detail to emphasize their substantial detriment as a potential respiratory hazard. Characterization of the complex physiochemical properties of nano-particulates are then summarized and discussed because these properties could be different from regular respirable dusts due to their dramatically increased surface area and particulate counts. The intent of this review is to demonstrate the potential of adverse health effect of nano-particulate on the mine personals throughout the mining cycle and to identify the research gaps of the mine nano-particulate characterization and quantification. We suggest that further understanding of the mining induced nano-particulate properties and their pathogenesis are critical for the future engineering control measure to mitigate the potential health threat for future miners.
A Personalized Computational Model for Human-Like Automated Decision-Making

We propose a computational model for enabling robots to automatically make decisions under risk in a human-like way. Human decision-making (DM) under risk is influenced by psychological effects, including regret effects, probability weighting effects, and range effects. On the basis of regret theory, we devise a mathematical DM model to encompass these psychological effects. To further quantify the model, we cast the model into a state-space representation and design a fuzzy logic controller to obtain desired preference data from individual decision makers. The data from each individual were used to train a personalized instance of the model. The resulting model is quantitative. It sheds light on the psychological mechanism of risk-attitudes in human DM. The prediction accuracy of the model was statistically tested. On average, the accuracy of our model is 74.7%, which is significantly close to the average accuracy of the subjects when they repeated their own previously made decisions (73.3%). Furthermore, when only the decisions that were repeated consistently by the subjects are examined, the average accuracy of our model is 86.6%.
Air Quality in a Cleaner Energy World

Two major environmental issues, air quality and climate change, are interlinked because of their large dependence on atmospheric emissions from human activities, especially from the burning of fossil fuels. Emission of air pollutants and heat trapping gases have greatly increased over the last five decades from our dependence throughout the world on conventional fossil fuel sources in production of electricity and in transportation systems, resulting in significant environmental issues with air quality and climate change throughout our planet. Future emissions of pollutants will depend on the choices made about our use of energy and transportation. The purpose of this study is to examine for now and into the future the relationship between energy production, the associated use of fossil fuels, and resulting effects on air pollution. In the process, we examine a clean energy future, imagined in this case for 2050, and then consider the resulting potential effects on air quality.
Neuronal--glial interactions during development and aging.

Integration of the central nervous system is an expression of cerebral homeostasis that is essential for the internal ability of the organism to adapt to its changing environment throughout life. It is generally accepted that neurons undergo no further division after differentiation, whereas glial cells continue to proliferate throughout life. The increase in glial cells with advanced age may reflect a compensatory process of the brain to overcome neuronal loss or neuronal functional changes that may occur with age. Therefore, these neuronal-glial interactions during development and aging may play a key role in the integrative capacity of the brain. One of the mechanisms contributing to brain stability is the blood-brain barrier, which regulates the neuronal-glial microenvironment in the mature organism. Neuronal intercommunication is mediated via neurotransmitter substances and a shift may occur from excitation to inhibition and vice versa in some CNS areas with aging. Studies of some aspects of cholinergic, monoaminergic and amino acid neurotransmission show that their maturational patterns are CNS-area specific and that some neurotransmitter processes decline with advanced age. Glial cells, besides participating in the regulation of extraneuronal environment, are also proposed to be involved in neurotransmission mechanisms in the adult and aging CNS and since they are the major CNS cellular compartment that changes with age they may thus contribute significantly to the maintenance of CNS integrative ability and adaptation with age.—Vernadakis, A. Neuronal-glial interactions during development and aging. Federation Proc. 34: 89–95, 1975.
Kick and Thrust Foot Movements in the Righting and Escape Behavior of Marine Prosobranch Gastropods (Mollusca: Gastropoda)

This is a comparative study of the righting behavior of 59 species of marine prosobranch gastropods. All but a few species examined are able to right by pulling on the substrate with their foot. Some gastropods also are capable of kicking (with the operculum) or thrusting (without the use of the operculum) the metapodium against the substrate to right. Kick and thrust righting appear to be restricted to those gastropods which exhibit similar or identical movements in escape from molluscivorous asteroids and/or gastropods. It is inferred, therefore, that these movements arose primarily in the context of escape. This is supported by more refined comparisons where some closely related, ecologically similar gastropods which differ with respect to escape and righting behaviors are examined.
Will therapeutic peptides be kryptonite for superantigens

Toxic shock syndrome is caused by bacterial production of exotoxins called superantigens. New therapeutic peptides reduce superantigen toxicity by interfering with the ability of superantigens to induce a cellular immune response, and also serve as potent adjuvants to increase the neutralizing antibody response (pages 414–421 ).
Development and Application of Coastal and Inlet Processes Modeling System

Recently, a system of numerical models called Coastal and Inlet Processes (CIP) Modeling System has been developed at the U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station to consider coastal processes near open coasts as well as tidal inlets. The system consists of models for tides and storm surge, waves, wave-induced currents, and noncohesive sediment transport. This paper describes the system and the component models briefly. As an illustration, an application to Oregon Inlet, North Carolina is described, wherein the system was used to study the effect of a single south jetty on shoaling and lateral movement of the entrance channel in an average year, simulating a construction sequence in which the south jetty was built prior to the construction of the north jetty.
New Withdrawals, New Impairments as Pennsylvania Develops the Marcellus Shale

Each production well in the Marcellus Shale states use 4-7 million gallons of water for hydraulic fracturing. In Pennsylvania, 195 Marcellus wells were drilled in 2008; in 2009, 768 Marcellus wells were drilled. In January of 2010, drilling operators in Pennsylvania used somewhere between 356 million and 623 million gallons of water to fracture 71 Marcellus Shale wells. In Washington County, Pennsylvania alone, 15 Marcellus wells were drilled in January of 2010, using 60-105 million gallons in a month. At the same time that drillers are withdrawing large amounts of water to fracture the shale, water quality standard exceedances for signature pollutants from gas drilling operations have consistently occurred in several Pennsylvania waterways during low-flow conditions. The water quality and quantity impacts of the development of the Marcellus Shale are exemplified by the relatively quick development of innovative treatment facilities and wastewater recycling plants. While the recycling processing plants have the potential to produce no discharge and send treated and diluted wastewater back to the drilling pads for use as fracturing fluid, plant engineers anticipate the need for up to 3 million gallons per day of water to dilute the chloride content to levels appropriate for fracturing. While the plants may solve some of the issues associated with the discharge of high chloride and heavy metals, the proposals for recycling plants suggest that similar (if not greater) amounts of water will be used in the reuse treatment and dilution process as were being withdrawn for fracing. This paper will explore the inter-relationship between water use requirements of Marcellus Shale hydraulic fracturing operations and surface water quality.
Security and Quality of Service in Ad Hoc Wireless Networks

Ensuring secure transmission and good quality of service (QoS) in ad hoc wireless networks are key commercial concerns. Focusing on practical potential solutions, this text covers security and QoS in these networks. Starting with a review of the basic principles of ad hoc wireless networking, coverage progresses to vulnerabilities, and the requirements and solutions necessary to tackle them. QoS in relation to ad hoc networks is covered in detail, with specific attention to routing, QoS support in unicast communication, and recent developments in the area. Secure routing, intrusion detection, security in WiMax networks and trust management are also covered, the latter being based on principles and practice of key management and authentication in distributed networks. Representing the state-of-the-art in ad hoc wireless network security, this book is a valuable resource for researchers in electrical and computer engineering, as well as practitioners in the wireless communications industry.
A New Tri-Polar World Order?

Since the end of the Cold War, political scientists and geographers have been grasping for new ways to characterise the international system. Grand geopolitical visions of earlier eras, such as the...