cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Indirect Determination of Self-Exchange Electron Transfer Rate Constants

Second-order rate constants kij(obsd) measured at 25 °C in acetonitrile by stopped-flow spectrophotometry for forty-four electron transfer (ET) reactions among fourteen 0/+1 couples [three aromatic compounds (tetrathiafulvalene, tetramethyltetraselenafulvalene, and 9,10-dimethyl-9,10-dihydrophenazine), four 2,3-disubstituted 2,3-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane derivatives, six acyclic hydrazines, and the bridgehead diamine 1,5-diazabicyclo[3.3.3]undecane] and seventeen compounds and forty-seven reactions from a previous study (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1997, 119, 5900) [three p-phenylenediamine derivatives, four ferrocene derivatives, and ten tetraalkylhydrazines] are discussed. When all 91 kij(obsd) values are simultaneously fitted to Marcus's adiabatic cross rate formula kij(calcd) = (kiikjjKijfij)1/2, ln fij = (ln Kij)2/4 ln(kiikjj/Z2), best-fit self-exchange rate constants, kii(fit), are obtained that allow remarkably accurate calculation of kij(obsd); kij(obsd)/kij(calcd) is in the range 0.5−2.0 for all 91 reactions. The average difference without regard to sign, |ΔΔGij|, between observed cross reaction activation free energy and that calculated using the kii(fit) values and equilibrium constants is 0.13 kcal/mol. The ΔGii(fit) values obtained range from 2.3 kcal/mol for tetramethyltetraselenafulvalene0/+ to 21.8 kcal/mol for tetra-n-propylhydrazine0/+, corresponding to a factor of 2 × 1014 in kii(fit). The principal factor affecting kii(fit) for our data appears to be the internal vertical reorganization energy (λv), but kii(fit) values also incorportate the effects of changes in the electronic matrix coupling element (V). Significantly smaller V values for ferrocenes and for hydrazines with alkyl groups larger than methyl than for aromatics and tetramethylhydrazine are implied by the observed ΔGii(fit) values.
Team work in research and development organizations: The characteristics of successful teams

Abstract Team work has become a central issue for many corporations, and self-managing teams are often viewed as the goal of team work development programs. The increased pressure on professionals to perform their tasks with fewer employees, at faster speeds, and with more quality and customer responsiveness creates the need for team work. This is especially apparent in research and development organizations where the complexity of new products and reduced life cycle of new products makes team work a necessity. Research and development activities, however, have unique characteristics which might facilitate or inhibit the effectiveness of self-managing teams. This research project examined professional level teams in research and development facilities at three corporations. All of these corporations were attempting to introduce self-managing teams in their R & D projects. The research examined the role of management in promoting team work, the effects of organizational and human resources practices on team performance, and the effects of the transition to self-managing teams. Although these organizations were using different strategies to develop teams and create self-managing teams among their R & D professionals, they encountered similar problems in their attempts to promote team work.
Patient-centered interventions.

Patient-centered care is valued in nursing. However, until recently, nurse-researchers have focused on testing the effects of standardized rather than patient-centered interventions (PCIs). The latter are those interventions that are altered to address selected patient characteristics (e.g., beliefs, habits, or goals). PCIs have been well received, and in some studies they have been associated with improved health outcomes. In this article we describe briefly the concept patient centered, summarize the development of research on PCIs, discuss kinds of PCIs, provide examples of PCIs and how they have been derived and implemented, and raise issues for theory and future research.
Correlated random walks

We present a new approach to the calculation of first passage statistics for correlated random walks on one-dimensional discrete systems. The processes may be non-Markovian and also nonstationary. A number of examples are used to demonstrate the theory.
Evaluation of a new transport medium for the preservation of oral streptococci

Summary-The survival of pooled plaque bacteria and a mixed suspension of Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguis, Streptococcus mitis, and Streptococcus saliuarius were tested in three transport media. A new, non-nutritive, reduced transport fluid, RTF, was compared with VMG II and SBL, two recognized transport media. Specimens were stored in several vials of each medium and held at either 10°C or room temperature (25°C). At time intervals over a 21-day period, the number of viable colony-formingunits per ml in each vial was estimated by culture on mitis-salivarius agar. The survival of oral streptococci was enhanced by storage at 10°C. VMG II and RTF performed equally well at this temperature. RTF maintained the most constant populations of streptococci with storage at room temperature. SBL was the least suitable medium for oral streptococci.
The Cells and Circuitry for Itch Responses in Mice

Itch is triggered by somatosensory neurons expressing the ion channel TRPV1 (transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1), but the mechanisms underlying this nociceptive response remain poorly understood. Here, we show that the neuropeptide natriuretic polypeptide b (Nppb) is expressed in a subset of TRPV1 neurons and found that Nppb(-/-) mice selectively lose almost all behavioral responses to itch-inducing agents. Nppb triggered potent scratching when injected intrathecally in wild-type and Nppb(-/-) mice, showing that this neuropeptide evokes itch when released from somatosensory neurons. Itch responses were blocked by toxin-mediated ablation of Nppb-receptor-expressing cells, but a second neuropeptide, gastrin-releasing peptide, still induced strong responses in the toxin-treated animals. Thus, our results define the primary pruriceptive neurons, characterize Nppb as an itch-selective neuropeptide, and reveal the next two stages of this dedicated neuronal pathway.
Electron capture dissociation of tyrosine O-sulfated peptides complexed with divalent metal cations.

We compare electron capture dissociation (ECD) of doubly protonated and divalent metal-adducted tyrosine O-sulfated peptides without basic amino acid residues. ECD of doubly protonated Tyr2-sulfated cholecystokinin (CCKS) and doubly protonated Tyr12-sulfated gastrin II (GST) resulted in complete loss of SO3 from all product ions. Thus, contrary to typical ECD behavior, localization of the sulfate groups was not possible. By contrast, ECD of Ca-, Mn-, Zn-, and Fe-adducted CCKS and ECD of deprotonated GST with two calcium adducts, i.e., [GST + 2Ca − H]3+, resulted in sulfated c‘- and z•-type product ions with high sequence coverage, thereby allowing both sequencing and sulfate localization. In addition, divalent metal adduction provided improved positive mode ionization efficiency for these peptides. The drastically different fragmentation behavior observed in ECD of protonated and metal-adducted CCKS and GST, respectively, is proposed to be a consequence of the absence of basic amino acid residues, promoti...
Response to the comment by Henry Kahn and Dennis Santella on a summary of the development of a signature for detection of residual dust from the collapse of the World Trade Center buildings

We believe that the comments by Henry Kahn and Dennis Santella (K&S) are flawed because they assume a use for the signature method that was never intended. Further, the K&S comments neglect to provide an adequate history of the process that led to the development of the WTC dust signature.
Pathogenesis of steatorrhea in primary biliary cirrhosis

To investigate the pathophysiology of steatorrhea in primary biliary cirrhosis, the severity of steatorrhea, small bowel histology and function, cholestasis, exocrine pancreatic secretion and liver histology were studied. Twenty-four primary biliary cirrhotic patients had a quantitative stool fat collection, serum bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase and liver biopsies. From this group, ten had further studies: a small bowel biopsy (n = 7); a D-xylose test (n = 9); measurement of pancreatiobiliary concentrations and outputs after intravenous cholecystokinin (n = 10); essential amino acid perfusion of the duodenum (n = 9), and eating a test meal (n = 7). D-xylose absorption was normal, and only one patient had a minimal small bowel mucosal abnormality. Pancreatic lipase outputs in response to cholecystokinin were low in two primary biliary cirrhotic patients, but were greater than 10% of normal. Postprandial lipase outputs were normal except in one patient who had abnormal duodenal acidification. Mean enzyme outputs in primary biliary cirrhotic patients were normal in response to essential amino acid perfusion; but 6 had low lipase and 5 had low trypsin outputs which were associated with decreased bile acid outputs (p less than 0.03). Severity of steatorrhea was associated with reduced bile acid outputs and concentrations (r = 0.82; p less than 0.0001), degree of cholestasis (serum bilirubin; r = 0.88; p less than 0.001) and advanced histologic stages (p less than 0.005). Severe intraluminal bile acid deficiency combined with a submaximal intraluminal stimulus (essential amino acids) may be associated with decreased exocrine pancreatic secretion in primary biliary cirrhosis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Linear rank tests for homogeneity against ordered alternatives in anova and anocova

A unified method of constructing rank tests for homogeneity against ordered alternatives in unbalanced analysis of variance and analysis of covariance is considered. The relationship between these tests with some of the existing methods are studied. The normal theory likelihood ratio tests are also derived and the asymptotic relative efficiency comparisons, in Pitman sense, of the rank tests with respect to the likelihood ratio tests are carried out.
Consortia arrangements and educational telecommunication

Revolutionary and rapid changes are required in nursing programs and products to fit with the developing health care system. Many present-day nurses and nursing faculty will require changes in their areas of expertise. Nursing colleges that have faculty qualified in the areas of greatest need should explore the use of consortia for delivering distance education. In this way, quality can be controlled, and the conflict of interest involved in schools trying to change the preparation of their own faculty can be reduced or resolved. Organizing consortia is complex, with problem areas in administration, personnel, and resources. Selected television satellite networks are offered as examples of how to manage the problem areas or as possible vehicles for course delivery.
The relationship between health-care organizations and technology vendors: an overlooked factor in telemedicine success

A key aspect of telemedicine projects, the relationship between a health-care organization and an external technology vendor, was examined in a case study. The primary data came from interviews, which were corroborated by project records. Transaction Cost Economics was used to investigate two research questions - one focusing on the evolution of the partnership, the other on agency and governance issues that influenced this relationship. The telemedicine project was an unsuccessful effort to develop a videoconferencing network to serve rural nursing homes. The relationship between researchers and the vendor went through four phases: (1) pre-grant work; (2) the Request for Proposal process and vendor selection; (3) pre-installation planning; and (4) installation and troubleshooting. Throughout the project an information asymmetry caused problems, compounded by a lack of governance mechanisms to ensure vendor performance. The potential of telemedicine to improve health care is clear when projects succeed, b...
Reduced order strip Kalman filtering using singular perturbation method

Strip Kalman filtering for restoration of images degraded by linear shift invariant blur and additive white Gaussian noise is considered. The image process is modeled by a one-dimensional vector autoregressive (AR) model in each strip. It is shown that the composite dynamic model that is obtained by combining the image model and the blur model takes the form of a singularly perturbed system owing to the strong-weak correlation effects within a window. The time-scale property of the singularly perturbed system is then utilized to decompose the original system into reduced-order subsystems which closely capture the behavior of the full-order system. For these subsystems, the relevant Kalman filter equations are given, providing the suboptimal filtered estimates of the image and the one-step prediction estimates of the blur needed for the next stage. Simulation results are provided. >
Cone reconstruction and ventricular septal defect closure for neonatal Ebstein's anomaly

Neonatal presentation of Ebstein's anomaly is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. We illustrate the technical aspects of the cone procedure and the closure of a ventricular septal defect, to achieve biventricular repair in a neonate. This includes the assessment of the leaftlet apparatus, detachment, division of chordae, annular plication, leaflet rotation and reinsertion in the neoannulus.
Optically probing nanoemulsion compositions

Many types of colloids, including nanoemulsions, which contain sub-100 nm droplets, are dispersed in molecular and micellar solutions, especially surfactant solutions that confer stability. Since it would be desirable to measure the droplet volume fraction ϕ and surfactant concentration C of a nanoemulsion non-destructively, and since the droplet and surfactant structures are significantly smaller than the shortest wavelengths of visible light, optical refractometry could provide a simple and potentially useful approach. By diluting a silicone oil-in-water nanoemulsion having an unknown ϕ and C with pure water, measuring its refractive index n(ϕ,C) using an Abbe refractometer, and fitting the result using a prediction for n that treats the nanoemulsion as an effective medium, we show that ϕ and C can be deduced accurately over a relatively wide range of compositions. Moreover, we generalize this approach to other types of nanoemulsions in which a molecular constituent partitions in varying degrees between the dispersed and the continuous phases.
Keeping Metastasis at Bay

Whereas cancer is common on a population level, when one considers that our bodies are composed of ~10 trillion cells, it is actually an extremely rare event on a cellular level. The incidence of hyperplasia within tissues such as the breast and prostate are far higher than the actual incidence of these cancers, suggesting that the rarity of cancer is due to the presence of a suppressive microenvironment that prevents these lesions from forming tumors. What constitutes this suppressive microenvironment is largely unknown, but uncovering candidate factors could prove key to developing anticancer therapies. To this end, Catena et al. compared the lungs of mice that had been treated with medium conditioned by either metastatic or nonmetastatic prostate cancer cells. The authors discovered that whereas both types of medium induced recruitment of leukocytes expressing Gr1, only those cells recruited by the nonmetastatic tumor cell medium expressed thrombospondin-1 (Tsp-1). Furthermore, bone marrow–derived Gr1+ cells (BMDCs) from Tsp-1–competent mice were able to halt outgrowth of injected tumor cells. Mice without Tsp-1 were unable to prevent metastasis, but this was rescued by transplanting BMDCs from Tsp-1+ donor mice. Because of its role in inhibiting metastasis, elevating Tsp-1 expression at potential metastatic sites might be a way to translate these observations into a clinical setting. Importantly, Catena and colleagues identified a short peptide that induces Tsp-1 in bone marrow cells. Mice treated with the peptide up-regulated Tsp-1 expression, preventing injected tumor cells from forming metastatic foci as efficiently or as rapidly as mice that did not receive the peptide. Could treating asymptomatic breast or prostate cancer survivors with this peptide delay metastatic relapse? Because this is a preliminary study in mice, it is too early to say. Nevertheless, such an approach that harnesses our tissues’ natural ability to suppress tumor growth is long overdue in the clinic. R. Catena et al. , Bone marrow–derived Gr1+ cells can generate a metastasis-resistant microenvironment via secretion of thrombospondin-1. Cancer Discovery 3 , 578–589 (2013). [[ABSTRACT]][1] [1]: http://cancerdiscovery.aacrjournals.org/content/3/5/578
Boundary Revisions: the Deconstruction of Moral Personality in Rawls, Nozick, Sandel and Parfit

The boundaries between selves and within selves are notions that have been subject to constant readjustment in the debates between liberals and communitarians. Through the archetype theories of Rawls, Nozick, Sandel and Parfit this essay re-enacts the deconstruction of one of the intuitive certainties of earlier liberal thought. Counterintuitive alliances are struck across the liberal-communitarian divide in demonstrating that the impersonality required by any theory of justice puts pressure on every notion of personality within it. Parfit radicalizes the problem of identity for everyone, permitting us to view old problems from new perspectives.
Role of physical activity in the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in children and adolescents

Currently, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most frequent liver abnormality observed in obese children and adolescents. A strong body of evidence suggests that increased liver fat is significantly associated with visceral adiposity, metabolic syndrome, and insulin resistance in obese children and adolescents. Diet and exercise are generally recommended to treat obese youth with NAFLD as they do not carry side effects and confer multiple cardiometabolic benefits. Studies in adult populations report a beneficial effect of regular physical activity on reducing liver fat. In children and adolescents, available data show that weight loss induced by increasing physical activity and calorie restriction is beneficial to reduce liver fat and associated health risk factors such as insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. Currently, evidence regarding the independent effects of regular exercise alone (e.g., without calorie restriction) on NAFLD are unclear. Additionally, there is no data regarding the optimal exercise regimen (e.g., type, dose, intensity) that should be prescribed for reducing NAFLD in children and adolescents. The purpose of this review is to examine the role of physical activity on NAFLD in children and adolescents.
Modelling the sensitivity of soil mercury storage to climate-induced changes in soil carbon pools

Substantial amounts of mercury (Hg) in the terrestrial environment reside in soils and are associated with soil organic carbon (C) pools, where they accumulated due to increased atmospheric deposition resulting from anthropogenic activities. The purpose of this study was to examine potential sensitivity of surface soil Hg pools to global change variables, particularly affected by predicted changes in soil C pools, in the contiguous US. To investigate, we included a soil Hg component in the Community Land Model based on empirical statistical relationships between soil Hg / C ratios and precipitation, latitude, and clay; and subsequently explored the sensitivity of soil C and soil Hg densities (i.e., areal-mass) to climate scenarios in which we altered annual precipitation, carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) concentrations and temperature. Our model simulations showed that current sequestration of Hg in the contiguous US accounted for 15 230 metric tons of Hg in the top 0–40 cm of soils, or for over 300 000 metric tons when extrapolated globally. In the simulations, US soil Hg pools were most sensitive to changes in precipitation because of strong effects on soil C pools, plus a direct effect of precipitation on soil Hg / C ratios. Soil Hg pools were predicted to increase beyond present-day values following an increase in precipitation amounts and decrease following a reduction in precipitation. We found pronounced regional differences in sensitivity of soil Hg to precipitation, which were particularly high along high-precipitation areas along the West and East Coasts. Modelled increases in CO 2 concentrations to 700 ppm stimulated soil C and Hg accrual, while increased air temperatures had small negative effects on soil C and Hg densities. The combined effects of increased CO 2 , increased temperature and increased or decreased precipitation were strongly governed by precipitation and CO 2 showing pronounced regional patterns. Based on these results, we conclude that the combination of precipitation and CO 2 should be emphasised when assessing how climate-induced changes in soil C may affect sequestration of Hg in soils.
Evaluation of “Subject Advocate” Procedures in the Clinical Antipsychotic Trials of Intervention Effectiveness (CATIE) Schizophrenia Study

Because the decision-making capacity of individuals with schizophrenia may fluctuate, additional protections for such persons who enroll in long-term research studies may be needed. For the NIMH-sponsored Clinical Antipsychotic Trials of Intervention Effectiveness (CATIE) schizophrenia study, new procedures were developed to help ensure an objective assessment of a patient's continued participation in the study if decision-making capacity lapsed. Each research participant had a subject advocate who could recommend that the subject be withdrawn from the study if capacity lapsed and continued participation was not in the subject's best interest. The main goals of the procedures were to protect the interests of subjects and to prevent unnecessary dropouts. We surveyed research personnel regarding the effectiveness and implementation of the procedures. Responses were received from 73 personnel at 49 research sites, representing 70% of possible respondents and 91% of eligible sites. A majority of respondents were favorably disposed toward subject advocates, and though most reported that the procedures had no discernible effect on study recruitment, subject autonomy, or subject retention, for those who reported an impact, it was almost always positive. Some respondents reported that the procedures helped by engaging family members and promoting a positive view of schizophrenia research. A majority thought that similar arrangements would be useful in future longitudinal research studies. Nonspecific benefits included good public relations and engagement of family members. Improved training regarding the procedures may be needed to achieve specific goals of enhanced patient autonomy and retention in the study.
Mylar electron beam windows

Thin sheets of Mylar have been found a useful material for electron beam windows for beams in the 0.5- to 1.0- Mev energy range. The material finds special application in beam excited plasma devices where the plasma and the electron gun are to be held at different pressures. Experiments are described in which the amount of beam scatter and beam debunching caused by the Mylar are determined. Data is presented on the damage to the Mylar caused by the electron beam and the resultant decrease in pressure differential that the bombarded Mylar can withstand. The experiments were also conducted using Mylar sheets coated with 4000-5000 A coatings of aluminum.
Revisiting quantum notions of stress

An important aspect of multi-scale modelling of materials is to link continuum concepts, such as fields, to the underlying discrete microscopic behaviour in a seamless manner. With the growing importance of atomistic calculations to understand material behaviour, reconciling continuum and discrete concepts is necessary to interpret molecular and quantum-mechanical simulations. In this work, we provide a quantum-mechanical framework to a distinctly continuum quantity: mechanical stress. While the concept of the global macroscopic stress tensor in quantum mechanics has been well established, there still exist open issues when it comes to a spatially varying local quantum stress tensor. We attempt to shed some light on this topic by establishing a general quantum-mechanical operator-based approach to continuity equations and from those, introduce a local quantum-mechanical stress tensor. Further, we elucidate the analogies that exist between the (classical) molecular-dynamics-based stress definition and the quantum stress. Our derivations appear to suggest that the local quantum-mechanical stress may not be an observable in quantum mechanics and therefore traces the non-uniqueness of the atomistic stress tensor to the gauge arbitrariness of the quantum-mechanical state function. Lastly, the virial stress theorem (of empirical molecular dynamics) is re-derived in a transparent manner that elucidates the analogy between quantum-mechanical global stresses.
Java: Hercules or Godzilla

This workshop will provide an overview of Java sufficient to cover the first half semester of a beginning course. We will focus on using and defining Java objects, Java's control constructs, using it graphics capabilities, and responding to events. Each topic will incorporate, a hands-on component using graphics to reinforce ideas. It will be assumed that all participants have, experience with a programming language. The principles of object-oriented programming will be introduced, thus, knowledge of an object-oriented language is not required. However, the pace may seem quick for those with little object experience.
Thucydides and the Geographical Tradition

Since geography was one of the accepted branches of Ionian Ίστορiη, it is not surprising that geographical description and discussion should play so large a part in the work of Herodotus. Nor is it surprising that, since he covered so much ground, he should occasionally borrow information from his predecessors. Apart from particular passages where comparison with the fragments of Hecataeus shows that he borrowed from this author's Periegesis, there are numerous others which, although strictly relevant fragments are lacking, by their style and manner betray the influence of Hecataeus. The so-called ΛιβυκῸσ λΌγος for example, in Book IV is full of the conventional formulae familiar to anyone who has studied the fragments; consequently Jacoby is prepared to say that it provides even more valuable material for the method and style of Hecataeus than the treatment of Egypt in Book II, where more specific evidence of borrowing is available. There are countless other passages and isolated sentences where the style suggests, if not actual dependence on the text of Hecataeus, at least adherence to the Hecataean tradition of geographical description.
Hedge Fund Mergers

This paper examines the characteristics of merged hedge-funds. The data indicate that merged hedge-funds are larger funds that have underperformed over a two-year period prior to merger and have suffered from significantly lower money-flow prior to merger. Merged hedge-funds are also older funds. The fee structure of merged funds is similar to other hedge-funds. The paper compares these findings with recent research findings on mutual fund mergers.
Using Machine Learning to Understand and Mitigate Model Form Uncertainty in Turbulence Models

The question of how to accurately model turbulent flows is one of the most long-standing open problems in physics. Advances in high performance computing have enabled direct numerical simulations of increasingly complex flows. Nevertheless, for most flows of engineering relevance, the computational cost of these direct simulations is prohibitive, necessitating empirical model closures for the turbulent transport. These empirical models are prone to "model form uncertainty" when their underlying assumptions are violated. Understanding, quantifying, and mitigating this model form uncertainty has become a critical challenge in the turbulence modeling community. This paper will discuss strategies for using machine learning to understand the root causes of the model form error and to develop model corrections to mitigate this error. Rule extraction techniques are used to derive simple rules for when a critical model assumption is violated. The physical intuition gained from these simple rules is then used to construct a linear correction term for the turbulence model which shows improvement over naive linear fits.
Single calcium channel currents of arterial smooth muscle at physiological calcium concentrations

Entry of Ca through voltage-dependent Ca channels is an important regulator of the function of smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and neurons. Although Ca channels have been extensively studied since the first descriptions of Ca action potentials (P. Fatt and B. Katz. J. Physiol. Lond. 120: 171-204, 1953), the permeation rate of Ca through single Ca channels has not been measured directly under physiological conditions. Instead, single Ca channels have typically been examined using high concentrations (80-110 mM) of another divalent charge carrier, Ba, so as to maximize the amplitude of the single-channel currents. Calculations of unitary currents at 2 mM Ca indicated that the single-channel currents would be immeasurably small (i.e., < 0.1 pA). We provide here the first direct measurements of single Ca channel currents at a physiological Ca concentration. Contrary to earlier estimates, we have found that currents through single Ca channels in arterial smooth muscle are 0.1-0.3 pA at 2 mM Ca and physiological membrane potentials. These relatively large unitary currents permit direct measurement of Ca channel properties under conditions that do not distort their function. Our data also indicate that Ca permeates these channels at relatively high rates in physiological Ca concentrations and membrane potentials.
Molecular mechanistic origin of nanoscale contact, friction, and scratch in complex particulate systems.

Nanoscale contact mechanisms, such as friction, scratch, and wear, have a profound impact on physics of technologically important particulate systems. Determining the key underlying interparticle interactions that govern the properties of the particulate systems has been long an engineering challenge. Here, we focus on particulate calcium–silicate–hydrate (C–S–H) as a model system and use atomistic simulations to decode the interplay between crystallographic directions, structural defects, and atomic species on normal and frictional forces. By exhibiting high material inhomogeneity and low structural symmetry, C–S–H provides an excellent system to explore various contact-induced nanoscale deformation mechanisms in complex particulate systems. Our findings provide a deep fundamental understanding of the role of inherent material features, such as van der Waals versus Coulombic interactions and the role of atomic species, in controlling the nanoscale normal contact, friction, and scratch mechanisms, thereby...
Quantifying optical feedback into semiconductor lasers by thermal profiling

We present a thermal profiling technique for monitoring optical feedback into semiconductor lasers that is ideal for photonic integrated circuits. This method allows quantitative measurement of both the optical output power and the magnitude of optical feedback without the need for access to the optical output of the laser.
Epidemiology of hand foot and mouth disease in Jilin,2008-2012

Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics of hand foot and mouth disease( HFMD) in Jilin Province from 2008 to 2012. Methods Descriptive epidemiological analysis was conducted on the incidence data of HFMD in Jilin from 2008 to 2012 collected from national disease reporting information system. Results A total of95 907 HFMD cases were reported in Jilin during this period. The incidence of HFMD reached its highest rate of105. 27 /lakh in 2010,then decreased. The annual incidence peak was during June-August. The incidence rate in Tonghua was highest(108. 11 /lakh). The male to female ratio of the cases was 1. 48∶ 1. Up to 79. 72% of the cases were children under 5 years old and 60. 94% were children outside child care settings. In 2008 and 2011,EV71 positive samples accounted for 60% of the total samples detected. Conclusion HFMD had obvious seasonality in Jilin. The boys aged 5 years or outside child care settings were mostly affected. The predominant pathogen varied with year.
Drug Resistance and Clinical Characteristics of Extended Spectrum β-Lactamases Producing Bacteria in Children with Lower Respiratory Tract Infections

Objective To explore drug resistance and clinical characteristics of extended spectrum β-lactamases(ESBLs) producing bacteria in children with lower respiratory tract infections.Methods Thirty-four strains of ESBLs-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were isolated from hospitalized patients with lower respiratory tract infections from Jul. 2004 to Dec.2005.The drug resistance and clinical characteristics were analyzed.Results Anti-microbial sensitivity test showed that ESBLs-producing strains had no drug resistance to imipenem and meropenem,and the drug- resistance rates of ESBLs-producing strains against piperacillin,cefazolin,ceftriaxone,cefotaxime were 100%.Conclusions ESBLs-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae are seriously multiple drug resistant and cross drug resistant,so more attention shall be paid to monitoring the drug-resistant in ESBLs-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae at our hospital, and the antibiotics shall be rationally administrated according to drug sensitivity.
Treatment of Arterial Ischemic Stroke

Current guidelines and evidence in the treatment of childhood arterial ischemic stroke (AIS) are reviewed by researchers at The Children's Hospital, Denver, CO, and other centers.
[Investigation on status of Oncomelania hupensis in schistosomiasis transmission-interrupted areas of Huangshan City].

OBJECTIVE To explore a new monitoring method for schistosomiasis transmission interrupted areas, so as to evaluate the monitoring results in counties (districts) to improve the quality. METHODS Specialized technicians were selected as survey teams to investigate the status of Oncomelania hupensis snails with the random sampling method combined with environmental sampling method every year from 1997 to 2013. RESULTS From 1997 to 2013, 118 villages of 38 townships of 21 counties were investigated for the snail status, and there were 18 environments with snails in 10 townships of 7 counties. The snail area was 10.91 hm2. CONCLUSION There are still small snail areas. Therefore, the snail monitoring should still be strengthened by specialized technicians.
Real-time spectrum analysis reveals time domain characteristics of frequency domain signals

Many modern RF signals exhibit rapid time-variations, or transient interference. The real-time spectrum analyzer was developed to discover, trigger on, capture, and analyze such signals. This paper will discuss the differences between traditional and real-time spectrum analysis. The theory behind analysis without gaps will be presented and the types of signals revealed by an RTSA will be shown.
Multi-resolution co-design modeling: a network-on-chip model

This paper proposes a multi-resolution co-design modeling approach where hardware and software parts of systems are loosely represented and composable. This approach is shown for Network-on-Chips (NoC) where the network software directs communications among switches, links, and interfaces. The complexity of such systems can be better tamed by modeling frameworks for which multi-resolution model abstractions along system's hardware and software dimensions are separately specified. Such frameworks build on hierarchical, component-based modeling principles and methods. Hybrid model composition establishes relationships across models while multi-resolution models can be better specified by separately accounting for multiple levels of hardware and software abstractions. For Network-on-Chip, the abstraction levels are interface, capacity, flit, and hardware with resolutions defined in terms of object, temporal, process, and spatial aspects. The proposed modeling approach benefits from co-design and multi-resolution modeling in order to better manage rich dynamics of hardware and software parts of systems and their network-based interactions.
Carbonization, differential preservation, and sampling biases in domestication studies: An erect knotweed (Polygonum erectum L.) case study

Abstract Population morphometrics can be employed to explore the process of domestication, but only after accounting for biases introduced by taphonomic processes and sampling. For every cultivated plant, the challenges associated with carbonization, differential preservation, and sampling bias are different, as are the morphological characteristics of interest in domestication studies. This case study establishes correction factors and sampling parameters for assessing morphological indicators of domestication in erect knotweed (Polygonum erectum L.), an annual plant that was cultivated by Indigenous people in Eastern North America for about 2500 years. Documenting the unique domestication syndrome of erect knotweed creates three different sets of taphonomic and sampling problems that need to be addressed through experimentation and modeling: 1) Assess the morphometric effects of carbonization; 2) assess the effects of differential preservation; and 3) assess the effects of sampling error. The results of this study can be used by other analysts to identify domesticated assemblages of erect knotweed. These analyses also have implications for studies of plant domestication from the morphology of archaeological assemblages in general, especially when nominal variables are used to differentiate wild from domesticated populations (for example, the presence/absence of an abscission scar in cereals or the seed coat texture of chenopods).
Diagnosis and Treatment of Minor Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Usually the underlying cause is rupture of an intracranial aneurysm, which can be treated surgically after the period of maximum danger to prevent a recurrence that might prove fatal. Too often, ho...
From pre-dialogue to interreligious dialogue: interreligious theologization as the starting point of a reliable religious education

This essay touches upon the challenge of education in theological seminaries. It scrutinizes the relevance of theological education to practical ministry in the interreligious context of our world. It proposes that such a theoretical preparation of students for serving in such a world on the theoretical level of education is very necessary, provided that the pedagogical system in these seminaries itself transforms into a theological education that is more crudely interreligious in nature and founded on training in interreligious theologization.
The Costliest Hurricane Season in U.S. History

The 2017 hurricane season was the costliest season since records began in 1851, thanks in large part to the devastation wrought by the “terrible trio” of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. It was ...
Echinostomes in the second intermediate host

Echinostomes have a wide range of both invertebrate and vertebrate second intermediate hosts. The most studied hosts are molluskan, particularly the gastropods and bivalves; next most studied hosts are the amphibians, particularly tadpoles and frogs. The encysted metacercaria or cyst is the dominant stage in the second intermediate host of echinostomes. This cyst is usually formed in or on tissues of the involved invertebrate or vertebrate second intermediate hosts. In gastropods the preferred site for encystment is usually the kidney or pericardium. In anurans the preferred site is often the kidney or the limb buds in echinostome-like forms such as Ribieroia sp. This chapter reviews the biology, development, distinguishing morphological characteristics, site selection, behavioral changes in vertebrate and vertebrate hosts, pathology, and the effects of pesticides, herbicides, and marinades on the metacercariae of the Echinostomatidae.
Effects of β-Alanine Supplementation and Intramuscular Carnosine Content on Exercise Performance and Health

Abstract β-Alanine is a nonproteogenic amino acid that combines with histidine to form a dipeptide molecule known as carnosine. Carnosine is an H+ buffer that is especially useful in preventing the decline in muscle pH during high-intensity exercise. β-Alanine has been shown to be the rate-limiting precursor of carnosine formation, and therefore supplementation with β-alanine increases muscle carnosine. β-Alanine supplementation has ergogenic effects on exercise performance, specifically in high-intensity events for 1–4 min. However, carnosine has been suggested to have various other roles in the body, including acting as an antioxidant, antiglycating agent, and ion chelator, which may have significant effects on aging and other health benefits. Besides β-alanine supplementation, carnosine content is dependent on various other factors, such as diet, gender, and training status. This chapter aims to review the ergogenic effects of β-alanine supplementation on exercise performance and highlight the beneficial effects of carnosine content on health.
Safety of laparoscopic surgery in digestive diseases with special reference to antithrombotic therapy: A systematic review of the literature.

Safety of laparoscopic surgery in digestive diseases with special reference to antithrombotic therapy: A systematic review of the literature
Alkylphenol inverse agonists of HCN1 gating: H-bond propensity, ring saturation and adduct geometry differentially determine efficacy and potency.

Abstract Background and purpose In models of neuropathic pain, inhibition of HCN1 is anti-hyperalgesic. 2,6-di-iso-propyl phenol (propofol) and its non-anesthetic congener, 2,6-di-tert-butyl phenol, inhibit HCN1 channels by stabilizing closed state(s). Experimental approach Using in vitro electrophysiology and kinetic modeling, we systematically explore the contribution of ligand architecture to alkylphenol-channel coupling. Key results When corrected for changes in hydrophobicity (and propensity for intra-membrane partitioning), the decrease in potency upon 1-position substitution (NCO∼OH >> SH >>> F) mirrors the ligands’ H-bond acceptor (NCO > OH > SH >>> F) but not donor profile (OH > SH >>> NCO∼F). H-bond elimination (OH to F) corresponds to a ΔΔG of ∼4.5 kCal mol−1 loss of potency with little or no disruption of efficacy. Substitution of compact alkyl groups (iso-propyl, tert-butyl) with shorter (ethyl, methyl) or more extended (sec-butyl) adducts disrupts both potency and efficacy. Ring saturation (with the obligate loss of both planarity and π electrons) primarily disrupts efficacy. Conclusions and implications A hydrophobicity-independent decrement in potency at higher volumes suggests the alkylbenzene site has a volume of ≥800 A3. Within this, a relatively static (with respect to ligand) H-bond donor contributes to initial binding with little involvement in generation of coupling energy. The influence of π electrons/ring planarity and alkyl adducts on efficacy reveals these aspects of the ligand present towards a face of the channel that undergoes structural changes during opening. The site’s characteristics suggest it is “druggable”; introduction of other adducts on the ring may generate higher potency inverse agonists.
Engineering neural networks for improved defect detection and classification

Defects are ubiquitous in the semiconductor industry and detection, classification at various levels is a challenge and requires rigorous sampling. Every technology offers a new challenge in this area and requires numerous hours of setup, debug time for semiconductor integrated chip manufacturers. Intentional defects on patterns at various sizes in comparison to the critical dimension of a particular technology are used to preview their modulation and assess inspection tool performances. Figure 1 shows a few types of intentional defects as designed and their respective manifestation on a photomask. The chart also shows detection and printability limit and it varies by each defect type.1, 2 In recent years deep learning has made tremendous progress and has substantially improved the state-of-art in many applications that include object detection, speech recognition, and image classification3 The application and design of these deep learning tools in semiconductor defect recognition can be very useful, as it has the potential to reduce the setup time, cost and improving the overall (defect) detection and classification accuracy. In this work we demonstrate the application of convolution neural networks on e-beam images of intentional defects on various types of patterns. We assess various filters and their outputs at each layer of a custom convolutional neural network (Figure 2) to ultimately improve the architecture and its accuracy. We also demonstrate the relative effectiveness of transfer learning in this application with limited availability of labelled data. Using the architecture illustrated in Figure 2 we are able to achieve a classification accuracy of 95%.
Relativistic charged particle in the dipole-sphere configuration. II. General tilted surface orbits

The original version of this paper has been withdrawn by the authors and merged with the revised version of astro-ph/9702014.
Prenatal evaluation of the Sakoda complex

Sakoda complex is a rare but distinct combination of birth defects consisting of a basal cephalocele, agenesis of the corpus callosum, and midline cleft lip/palate. It has been reported in association with ophthalmologic abnormalities, cognitive deficits and severe epilepsy. Here we describe both prenatal and postnatal MRI findings of a classic case of Sakoda complex in a child with characteristic findings on fetal MRI; prenatal findings have not been described in the literature. Diagnosis of this entity has important implications for prenatal counseling and perinatal management, as is demonstrated in this case.
The Patient With Asthma in the Emergency Department

Peak expiratory flow meters aid in assessing and following the progress of acute asthma patients in conjunction with history, examination, and pulse oximetry. Mild asthma attacks should be treated with albuterol by nebulizer or metered-dose inhlaer with holding chamber. Moderate to severe asthma attacks should be treated with larger doses of albuterol, ipratropium bromide, and corticosteroids (CSs), usually by the oral route. The CS dose does not need to be supra-high range. Very severe asthma attacks should be treated with continuous high-dose albuterol, ipratropium bromide, and CSs, usually by the intravenous route, plus intravenous magnesium. Other options for difficult situations include heliox, ketamine, and noninvasive positive pressure ventilation. Determination of disposition is more feasible after the first phase of treatment than at the time of initial presentation. Discharge from the emergency department should involve appropriate discharge medications, Teaching of action plan, and follow-up arrangements.
Calculation of free turbulent mixing by interaction approach

The applicability of Bradshaw's interaction hypothesis to two-dimensional free shear flows was investigated. According to it, flows with velocity extrema may be considered to consist of several interacting layers. The hypothesis leads to a new expression for the shear stress which removes the usual restriction that shear stress vanishes at the velocity extremum. The approach is based on kinetic energy and the length scale equations. The compressible flow equations are simplified by restriction to low Mach numbers, and the range of their applicability is discussed. The empirical functions of the turbulence model are found here to be correlated with the spreading rate of the shear layer. The analysis demonstrates that the interaction hypothesis is a workable concept.