cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Social Impact: A Theory of the Origins and Evolution of Culture

Dynamic social impact theory suggests that culture is created and shaped by local social influence as defined by four phenomena: (i) clustering, or regional differences in cultural elements; (ii) correlation, or emergent associations between elements; (iii) consolidation, or a reduction in variance; and (iv) continuing diversity. This article describes dynamic social impact theory and its propositions and reviews research supporting its predictions using a variety of methodologies and several types of cultural elements. This research suggests that cultures can be created and changed from the bottom-up through everyday communication with neighbors, friends, and coworkers. Attributes that are more important, observable, and demonstrable and less heritable may be more likely to spread and differentiate cultures than others.
Signal folding in A/D converters

Signal folding appears in A/D converters (ADCs) in various ways. In this paper, the evolution of this technique is derived from the fundamentals of quantization to obtain systematic insights. We look upon folding as an automatic multiplexing of zero crossings, which simplifies hardware while preserving the high speed and low latency of a flash ADC. By appreciating similarities between the well-known pipeline ADCs, folding ADCs, and ripple through ADCs, this enables the circuit designer to more freely choose the best architecture to meet the specified performance goals.
Multidimensionality and Gravity in Global Trade, 1950–2000

The expansion of global trade in the post-war period is subject to various interpretations. Some stress the trade-promoting role of the novel features in the world economy; some insist on the role of traditional factors, such as geographic distance, political difference and cultural dissimilarity, in continuously depressing trade flows; others even argue that the importance of these traditional factors has been on the rise. To adjudicate the divergence, this article applies the gravity model to a large data set on global bilateral trade from 1950 through 2000. Although the global institutional factor does promote bilateral trade and global economic activity indeed becomes more trade-generating, the trade-depressing effects of geographic distance, political difference and cultural dissimilarity remain strong. Moreover, geographic and cultural proximity actually generates greater gravity over time that draws countries together, which may trigger fragmentation in global trade along geo-cultural lines.
Grammar Transfer in a Second Order Recurrent Neural Network

It has been known that people, after being exposed to sentences generated by an artificial grammar, acquire implicit grammatical knowledge and are able to transfer the knowledge to inputs that are generated by a modified grammar. We show that a second order recurrent neural network is able to transfer grammatical knowledge from one language (generated by a Finite State Machine) to another language which differ both in vocabularies and syntax. Representation of the grammatical knowledge in the network is analyzed using linear discriminant analysis.
Solubility of hydroxyl in natural quartz annealed in water at 900°C and 1.5 GPa

We have measured the infrared spectra of a natural quartz after annealing it for up to 37 hours in water at 900°-1000°C and 1.0-1.5 GPa under chemical conditions buffered through a hydrogen membrane with an assemblage of water, nickel metal, and nickel oxide. From integral absorbances in the 3400 and 2500 cm−1 regions we calculated the concentration of hydrogen and deuterium present in the samples as hydroxyl. Concentrations reported in this work are calibrated to the deuterium content of a sample annealed 37 hours in D2O18 as determined by nuclear reaction analysis. Hydrothermal annealing increased the hydroxyl content of natural quartz (A-1) from 26 to 75 ± 11 H/106Si. Absorption increased by growth of O-H bands it 3318, 3483, and 3432 cm−1 associated with A13+. Samples annealed in D2O18 showed an increase in bands near 2500 cm−1 associated with O-D and A13+. An O-H band in the starting material at 3485 cm−1, associated with Li+, was absent from the spectra of annealed samples. Fractured samples were characterized by the appearance of a sharp band at 3580 cm−1 and absorption several times larger than unfractured samples. Microscopic examination of fractured samples showed that they contained water inclusions and healed fractures. Previous hydroxyl solubility measurements made on fractured samples may be too large due to hydroxyl contamination along fractures. At 900°C, experiments equilibrated in times consistent with a diffusivity for hydrogen impurity in quartz of 10−7 cm²/s.
The Teaching Alliance in Multicultural Counseling Course Education: A Framework for Examining and Strengthening the Student-Instructor Relationship.

This article explores the idea of the teaching alliance as a framework to help instructors of multicultural counseling courses advance student learning by attending to and strengthening the student-instructor relationship. To this end, and drawing on extant literature, two questions are conceptually addressed: (1) what relational qualities comprise the teaching alliance in a graduate-level multicultural class? and (2) what instructional strategies might help strengthen that alliance? The article concludes with a discussion of teaching considerations and directions for future research.
Adenoviral clostridial light chain gene-based synaptic inhibition through neuronal synaptobrevin elimination

Clostridial neurotoxins have assumed increasing importance in clinical application. The toxin's light chain component (LC) inhibits synaptic transmission by digesting vesicle-docking proteins without directly altering neuronal health. To study the properties of LC gene expression in the nervous system, an adenoviral vector containing the LC of tetanus toxin (AdLC) was constructed. LC expressed in differentiated neuronal PC12 cells was shown to induce time- and concentration-dependent digestion of mouse brain synaptobrevin in vitro as compared to control transgene products. LC gene expression in the rat lumbar spinal cord disrupted hindlimb sensorimotor function in comparison to control vectors as measured by the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) scale (P<0.001) and rotarod assay (P<0.003). Evoked electromyography (EMG) showed increased stimulus threshold and decreased response current amplitude in LC gene-transferred rats. At the peak of functional impairment, neither neuronal TUNEL staining nor reduced motor neuron density could be detected. Spontaneous functional recovery was observed to parallel the cessation of LC gene expression. These results suggest that light chain gene delivery within the nervous system may provide a nondestructive means for focused neural inhibition to treat a variety of disorders related to excessive synaptic activity, and prove useful for the study of neural circuitry.
Inhibition of p53 Tumor Suppressor by Viral Interferon Regulatory Factor

The irreversible cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induced by p53 are part of the host surveillance mechanisms for viral infection and tumor induction. Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), the most recently discovered human tumor virus, is associated with the pathogenesis of Kaposi's sarcoma, primary effusion lymphoma, and multicentric Castleman's disease. The K9 open reading frame of KSHV encodes a viral interferon (IFN) regulatory factor (vIRF) which functions as a repressor for cellular IFN-mediated signal transduction and as an oncoprotein to induce cell growth transformation. Here, we demonstrate that KSHV vIRF interacts with the cellular p53 tumor suppressor through the putative DNA binding region of vIRF and the central region of p53. This interaction suppresses the level of phosphorylation and acetylation of p53 and inhibits transcriptional activation of p53. As a consequence, vIRF efficiently prevents p53-mediated apoptosis. These results suggest that KSHV vIRF interacts with and inhibits the p53 tumor suppressor to circumvent host growth surveillance and to facilitate uncontrolled cell proliferation.
Using a pacifier to decrease sudden infant death syndrome: an emergency department educational intervention

Background. Pacifier use decreases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). An emergency department (ED) visit may provide an opportunistic 'teachable moment' for parents. Objectives. To test the hypotheses (1) that caregivers were less familiar with the role of pacifiers in sudden infant death (SIDS) prevention than other recommendations, and (2) that an ED educational intervention would increase pacifier use in infants younger than six months, and (3) that otitis media would not occur more frequently in pacifier users. Methods. We did an intervention-group-only longitudinal study in a county hospital ED. We measured pacifier use infants and baseline knowledge of SIDs prevention recommendations in caregivers. We followed up three months later to determine pacifier use, and 12 months later to determine episodes of otitis media. Results. We analyzed data for 780 infants. Parents knew of advice against co-sleeping in 469/780 (60%), smoking in 660/776 (85%), and prone sleeping in 613/780 (79%). Only 268/777 (35%) knew the recommendation to offer a pacifier at bedtime. At enrollment 449/780 (58%) did not use a pacifier. Of 210/338 infants aged less than 6 months followed up 41/112 (37%) non-users had started using a pacifier at bedtime (NNT 3). Over the same period, 37/98 (38%) users had discontinued their pacifier. Otitis media did not differ between users and non-users at 12 months. Conclusion. Caregiver knowledge of the role of pacifiers in SIDS prevention was less than for other recommendations. Our educational intervention appeared to increase pacifier use. Pacifier use was not associated with increased otitis media.
Early metazoan life: divergence, environment and ecology

Recent molecular clock studies date the origin of Metazoa to 750-800 million years ago (Ma), roughly coinciding with evidence from geochemical proxies that oxygen levels rose from less than 0.1% present atmospheric level (PAL) to perhaps 1-3% PAL O2. A younger origin of Metazoa would require greatly increased substitution rates across many clades and many genes; while not impossible, this is less parsimonious. Yet the first fossil evidence for metazoans (the Doushantuo embryos) about 600 Ma is followed by the Ediacaran fossils after 580 Ma, the earliest undisputed bilaterians at 555 Ma, and an increase in the size and morphologic complexity of bilaterians around 542 Ma. This temporal framework suggests a missing 150-200 Myr of early metazoan history that encompasses many apparent novelties in the early evolution of the nervous system. This span includes two major glaciations, and complex marine geochemical changes including major changes in redox and other environmental changes. One possible resolution is that animals of these still unknown Cryogenian and early Ediacaran ecosystems were relatively simple, with highly conserved developmental genes involved in cell-type specification and simple patterning. In this model, complex nervous systems are a convergent phenomenon in bilaterian clades which occurred close to the time that larger metazoans appeared in the fossil record.
Seeking Information About Sexual Health: Applying the Theory of Motivated Information Management

Although considerable research attention has been devoted to studying the spread of HIV, recent attention to general sexual health has refocused attention to the far greater prevalence of other sexually transmitted infections. One way we might help control the spread of these infections is by better understanding the information management process as it relates to sexual health. Toward that effort, this investigation offers an empirical test of the Theory of Motivated Information Management (W. A. Afifi & Weiner, 2004), applying it to college students’ search for target-related sexual health information. The results contribute to our understanding of information-seeking processes, offer mixed results regarding the theory’s utility in this context, and show an association between information seeking and safer-sex behavior.
Synthesis of [3α-3H]cholesta-5,8-dien-3β-ol and tritium-labeled forms of other sterols of potential importance in the Smith-Lemli-Optiz syndrome☆ ☆

Five unsaturated sterols relevant to the Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome have been prepared in high radiochemical purity with a tritium label at the 3alpha position. Swern oxidation of cholesta-5,8-dien-3beta-ol and other unlabeled C27 sterols afforded the corresponding 3-ketosteroids, and reduction with tritiated NaBH4 gave the desired 3alpha-3H sterols, with double bonds at the delta(5,8), delta(5,8(14)), delta(6,8), delta(6,8(14)), and delta8 positions. High radiochemical purity of the tritiated sterols was demonstrated by normal phase, reversed phase, and silver-ion (Ag+) high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In the course of this work, we developed a medium-pressure variant of Ag+-HPLC for purifying radiolabeled samples, documented significant isotopic fractionation of the 3alpha-tritiated sterols and their acetates on Ag+-HPLC, and discovered unexpected effects of a delta(8(14)) bond on the conformation of 3-keto-delta5-steroids. The synthetic and analytical methodologies described herein should provide a sound basis for investigating the origin and metabolism of sterols involved in the Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome and in late stages of cholesterol biosynthesis.
Hidden Genes Genetic Algorithm for Multi-Gravity-Assist Trajectories Optimization

The problem of optimal design of a multi-gravity-assist space trajectory, with a free number of deep space maneuvers, poses a multimodal cost function. In the general form of the problem, the number of design variables is solution dependent. This paper presents a genetic-based method developed to handle global optimization problems where the number of design variables vary from one solution to another. A fixed length for the design variables is assigned for all solutions. Independent variables of each solution are divided into effective and ineffective segments. Ineffectivesegments(hiddengenes)areexcludedincostfunctionevaluations.Full-lengthsolutionsundergostandard geneticoperations.Thisnewmethodisappliedtoseveralinterplanetarytrajectorydesignproblems.Thismethodhas the capability to determine the number of swing-bys, the planets to swing by, launch and arrival dates, and the number of deep space maneuvers, as well as their locations, magnitudes, and directions, in an optimal sense. The results presented in this paper show that solutions obtained using this tool match known solutions for complex case studies. Nomenclature A = continuous design variable B = discrete design variable C = transformation matrix F = fitness (cost function) f = flight direction h = pericenter altitude, km
Why Qualitative and Ethnographic Methods Are Essential for Understanding Family Life

Qualitative and ethnographic methods for measuring and understanding family daily life are essential to family research. These methods offer depth, breadth, veridicality, holism, and understanding of the meanings and experiences of family life. The cultural and social context is bracketed in, not bracketed out by using these methods. Family activities and how they matter are described using the narrative of those involved. The moral directions for life valued by family members are better understood. The value of such methods is even greater when we can combine them with quantitative and other assessment measures to provide an integrated suite of evidence. Qualitative interviews and observations of families, including photos and video, can be reliably coded for quantitative analyses or indexed for thematic and pattern analysis. Interventions also benefit from a richer understanding of what goes on inside the program when qualitative methods are applied. Qualitative methods and analyses are particularly strong for gaining trust and rapport, unpacking conventional analytic categories, understanding family processes over time, describing everyday scripts and narratives that drive family behavior and family routines, and discovering the diverse and pluralistic family forms and beliefs in cultures around the world.
Rethinking the network stack for rack-scale computers

The rack is increasingly replacing individual servers as the basic building block of modern data centers. Future rack-scale computers will comprise a large number of tightly integrated systems-on-chip, interconnected by a switch-less internal fabric. This design enables thousands of cores per rack and provides high bandwidth for rack-scale applications. Most of the benefits promised by these new architectures, however, can only be achieved with adequate support from the software stack. In this paper, we take a step in this direction by focusing on the network stack for rack-scale computers. Using routing and rate control as examples, we show how the peculiarities of rack architectures allow for new approaches that are attuned to the underlying hardware. We also discuss other exciting research challenges posed by rack-scale computers.
Calorimetric study of stage-I self-interstitial-atom interaction energies in platinum

The release of stored energy and the change in resistivity in platinum irradiated below 12 K with 16-MeV deuterons were measured continuously during anneals to the end of Stage I at 35 K. The ratio of the rate of energy release to the rate of resistivity recovery was found to increase markedly toward the end of the anneals. This increase is attributed to interactions between self-interstitial atoms which prevent the reactants from reaching vacancies below 35 K. An interaction energy of 0.75 eV/event was derived from the data. This energy may be interpreted as either the pair binding energy or the difference in energy between the interstitial configurations present before and after the interaction.
Environmental analysis of the life cycle emissions of 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran solvent manufactured from renewable resources

An environmental analysis has been conducted to determine the cradle to gate life cycle emissions to manufacture the green solvent, 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran. The solvent is considered a greener chemical since it can be manufactured from renewable resources with a lower life cycle footprint. Analyses have been performed using different methods to show greenness in both its production and industrial use. This solvent can potentially be substituted for other ether and chlorinated solvents commonly used in organometallic and biphasic reactions steps in pharmaceutical and fine chemical syntheses. The 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran made from renewable agricultural by-products is marketed by Penn A Kem under the name ecoMeTHF™. The starting material, 2-furfuraldehyde (furfural), is produced from corn cob waste by converting the available pentosans by acid hydrolysis. An evaluation of each step in the process was necessary to determine the overall life cycle and specific CO2 emissions for each raw material/intermediate produced. Allocation of credits for CO2 from the incineration of solvents made from renewable feedstocks significantly reduced the overall carbon footprint. Using this approach, the overall life cycle emissions for production of 1 kg of ecoMeTHF™ were determined to be 0.191 kg, including 0.150 kg of CO2. Life cycle emissions generated from raw material manufacture represents the majority of the overall environmental impact. Our evaluation shows that using 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran in an industrial scenario results in a 97% reduction in emissions, when compared to typically used solvents such as tetrahydrofuran, made through a conventional chemical route.
Computation of the Inverse of a Matrix

(1951). Computation of the Inverse of a Matrix. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 58, No. 2, pp. 87-92.
Assessing the Classification Accuracy of Early Numeracy Curriculum-Based Measures Using Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve Analysis:

Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was used to investigate the ability of early numeracy curriculum-based measures (EN-CBM) administered in preschool to predict performance belo...
Relationship analysis of length of body surface measurement and ideal depth of tube detaining in very low birth weight infant with PICC

Objective To study the relationship of length of body surface(LBSM) measurement and ideal depth of tube detaining(IDTD) in very low birth weight infant(VLBWI) with PICC. Methods From May 2012 to January 2014, in NICU of the Children's Hospital of Xuzhou City, 40 VLBWI with upper PICC and 24 VLBWI with cephalic vein and cubital vein PICC were selected. The relationship of LBSM and IDTD at PICC was analyzed. Results The results of 40 VLBWI with upper PICC showed that the highest was IDTD acquired, for 67.50%, the next was followed placed too deep, the lowest was too shallow into the lowest percentage, only 12.50%. The result of Pearson correlation analysis showed except the left cephalic vein of LBSM had no correlation with IDTD(r = 0.397, P = 0.512), the rest were correlated throughout the vein. By regression analysis, LBSM and IDTD regression equation was as follows, the right side of the vein: Y =-6.23±1.01X; the right of the cephalic vein: Y =-14.36±1.15X; the right of the median cubital vein; Y =4.12±0.82X; the left side of your vein; Y = 2.86±0.84X; the left of the cubital vein: Y =-19.52±1.23 X. Conclusion When the right side of VLBWI vein catheterization to have a good correlation with IDTD LBSM, the clinical treatment should be valued.
Long-term seasonality of rainfall in the southwest Florida Gulf coastal zone

In addition to supporting fisheries and wildlife, coastal water resources provide a variety of ecosystem services including water purification and storm surge protection, and the intangible such as educational, spiritual, and inspirational benefits. The integrity of these resources is, however, threatened by the inherent impacts of climate variability and change. Sea- sonality of climate is particularly important as it influences ecosystem diversity and other sensitive ecosystem components that are important to water resource integrity. For example, rainfall sea- sonality affects water availability, timing of inputs, seasonal water balance, ecological responses, and inter-annual responses of water resource systems. This study examines long-term seasonality of rainfall in the coastal zone with particular focus on the southwest Florida Gulf coastal zone. Analyses show marked inter-annual variations in rainfall seasonality, although trends are not sig- nificant. Decadal patterns show a primarily seasonal regime (0.6 ≤ Decadal Seasonality Index ≤ 0.79) with one markedly wet season and 2 drier periods. A cyclic pattern in seasonality is dis- cernible on a regional basis, although there seems to have been a shift in cycle spans from 20 yr in the earlier decades to 30 yr in more recent decades, which could render water resource systems more vulnerable to climate change effects. The analyses showed a tendency towards long drier periods along with increases in rainy season (JuneSeptember) rainfall and progressive decreases in OctoberDecember rainfall. Results provide information useful for management decision-mak- ing and a basis for further assessments in the region. Approaches and methodologies are applica- ble to other coastal areas.
Ruin Probability and Asymptotic Estimate When Claims Obey a Mixed Exponential Distribution Model

The classical probability theory is used to derive solution of the ultimate ruin probability in a mixed exponential distribution model,and its asymptotic estimation is obtained.The related results in literatures are improved in this conclusion.
General Concepts of Population Modeling

In section 1.18 we concluded that we could achieve considerable simplification of our models if we were willing to sacrifice detailed probabilistic deductions concerning population dynamics, accepting in their place deductions of expected, or average behavior (i.e., expected state occupancies). By doing so, we would be able to base our models on the relatively simple primitive Markovian state space of the individual member of a population, rather than on the extremely extensive primitive Markovian state space of the entire population.
Making Biodiversity Stewardship Tangible Using a Place-Based Approach

Environmental stewardship is a concept heralded by Aldo Leopold (1949) as the responsible use and conservation of natural resources in a way that protects and sustains these resources. It is a management concept that responds to the impacts that human activities have on ecological systems, and biodiversity in particular. Chapin et al. (2011) call for stewardship approaches that recognize the integral relationships between humans and the environment within social-ecological systems (see Box 17.1). Humans rely on biodiversity to provide food, fibers, and other materials that support our basic needs and well-being. Therefore, to maintain healthy human communities we must take actions to conserve the biodiversity on which we depend (Frumkin 2005). For example, agricultural practices that favor large-scale monoculture crops could lead to human starvation if the crops are decimated by a natural disaster (drought, pest outbreak, etc.) to which they have no resistance. In contrast, a more biodiverse agricultural system could be more resilient to such disasters, thus better supporting human well-being. Recent research on the relationship between biodiversity and agricultural pest outbreaks highlights the importance of such interconnections (Lundgren and Fausti 2015).
Non-malignant brain tumors

Non-malignant brain tumors occur at an incidence of 17.9 per 100,000 people in the United States. Low-grade gliomas and benign meningiomas are the most common non-malignant brain tumors in adults. Low-grade gliomas are slow-growing tumors originating from supporting glial cells, while meningiomas grow attached to dural surfaces outside of the brain. Prior radiation exposure is the only known modifiable risk factor. Treatment is focused on decreasing tumor burden, controlling seizures, and decreasing the rate of malignant transformation while preserving neurological function. This is particularly important because patients with non-malignant brain tumors can live for decades with this diagnosis. Surgical resection plays a critical role. Maximal safe resection using techniques such as neuronavigation, functional MRI, diffusion tensor imaging, and direct stimulation mapping allow for preservation of neurological function while reducing tumor burden. Subsequent radiotherapy can improve progression-free survival, particularly for recurrent tumors or residual disease. Targeted chemotherapeutic agents against specific pathways necessary for tumor growth are currently being investigated.
Does String Theory Posit Extended Simples

It is sometimes claimed that string theory posits a fundamental ontology including extended mereological simples, either in the form of minimum-sized regions of space or of the strings themselves. But there is very little in the actual theory to support this claim, and much that suggests it is false. Extant string theories treat space as a continuum, and strings do not behave like simples.
Mitoxantrone and Melphalan Conditioning Regimen for Autologous Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation in Adults with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia.

Abstract High dose mitoxantrone and melphalan (Mito/Mel) has been reported as an effective and well tolerated conditioning regimen for autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (APBSCT) in patients with lymphoma. We review our experience with Mito/Mel as a conditioning regimen in 18 adults with intermediate or high risk acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) who underwent APBSCT. Median age at time of APBSCT was 51 years (range 19–70). Sixteen patients were transplanted in first complete remission (CR); two in second CR. All patients received mitoxantrone 60mg/m2 IV on day −4 and melphalan 180mg/m2 IV on day −1 followed by infusion of autologous peripheral blood stem cells on day 0. The 100 day survival was 94%. One patient died in CR of suspected pulmonary embolism 3 months post transplant. With a median follow-up of 24 months, 10 patients are alive. The median disease free and overall survival is 40 months and 47 months, respectively. All 18 patients received anthracycline based induction therapy prior to APBSCT. Cardiac toxicity was monitored by echocardiogram. A significant decline in left ventricular function developed in only one patient who had underlying diabetes and hypertension. We conclude that high dose mitoxantrone and melphalan is an easily administered conditioning regimen with a low risk of significant cardiac toxicity despite prior treatment with anthracycline based chemotherapy. This regimen when used for APBSCT in adults with AML results in favorable disease free and overall survival.
Equity Redemption Plans Used by Cooperatives

Our concern in the preceding chapters was with capital accumulation or formation in amounts to meet the requirements of our cooperative for operations and for longer-term capital needs. Plans were considered such as retained patronage earnings and member capital retains. All were considered in relation to the unique features of the cooperative corporation, especially from the standpoint of the implications of the member-user-owner trio in this unique institutional arrangement. A definite concern stemming from this uniqueness is with keeping investments by members in their cooperative in line with their use of the cooperative—the so-called rule of proportionality.
The Latino Physician Shortage: How the Affordable Care Act Increases the Value of Latino Spanish-Speaking Physicians and What Efforts Can Increase Their Supply

The United States Latino population is growing at a rapid pace and is set to reach nearly 30% by 2050. The demand for culturally and linguistically competent health care is increasing in lockstep with this growth; however, the supply of doctors with skills and experience suited for this care is lagging. In particular, there is a major shortage of Latino Spanish-speaking physicians, and the gap between demand and supply is widening. The implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has increased the capacity of the US healthcare system to care for the growing Latino Spanish-speaking population, through health insurance exchanges, increased funding for safety net institutions, and efforts to improve efficiency and coordination of care, particularly with Accountable Care Organizations and the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program. With these policies in mind, the authors discuss how the value of Latino Spanish-speaking physicians to the healthcare system has increased under the environment of the ACA. In addition, the authors highlight key efforts to increase the supply of this physician population, including the implementation of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Act, premedical pipeline programs, and academic medicine and medical school education initiatives to increase Latino representation among physicians.
Investigation of Coal Hydrogenation Using Deuterium as an Isotopic Tracer

Mechanisms of coal hydrogenation were investigated by using a deuterium tracer method. This method makes it possible to determine which structural positions in the coal react with hydrogen during liquefaction. A hydrogenation index (HI) and exchange index (EI) were formulated to measure the amount of deuterium incorporated due to hydrogenation and exchange reactions, respectively. In the coal-deuterium system, deuterium incorporation was found to vary both with product fraction and with structural position. In contrast, the deuterium contents of the fractions from donor solvent experiments were essentially uniform. The donor solvent experiments did, however, show preferential deuterium incorporation with respect to structural position. Important information with regard to the reaction mechanisms in the donor solvent system was obtained by analyzing the spent solvent mixture that was recovered from the reaction products. The results indicate that not only hydrogen donation but also hydrogen exchange involving the α-positions of tetralin can have a significant role in stabilizing the fragments that form during the thermal decomposition of the coal. In addition, evidence was obtained that there is also a direct route for deuterium incorporation into the coal products from the gas phase without the participation of tetralin.
CT coronary imaging-a fast evolving world

Computed tomography (CT) has become an important modality in the evaluation of coronary artery disease (CAD). The tremendous technological advances in CT in the last two decades has made it possible to obtain high quality images of coronary arteries with high spatial and temporal resolutions. Multiple trials have confirmed the accuracy of CT compared to invasive catheter angiography. CT is also able to evaluate beyond the lumen in characterizing and quantifying atherosclerotic plaques, including evaluation of high risk features. Although CTA has low specificity in identification of lesion-specific ischemia, functional techniques are now possible such as CT myocardial perfusion and CT-fractional flow reserve (FFR) which evaluate the hemodynamic significance of stenosis and help with revascularization strategies. Multi-energy CT provides additional information beyond what is possible with a conventional CT and is useful in variety of clinical applications, including myocardial perfusion imaging, lesion characterization and low contrast studies. Large trials have confirmed the ability of CT to predict major adverse cardiovascular events and recent trials have even demonstrated improved clinical outcomes by using CT for the evaluation of CAD. CT is also useful in structural heart disease and 3 D printing is now increasingly used for surgical/interventional planning. Machine learning is evolving rapidly and is likely to impact diagnosis and management.
Inflammatory Cyclooxygenase Activity and PGE 2 Signaling in Models of Alzheimer’s Disease

The inflammatory response is a fundamental driving force in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In the setting of accumulating immunogenic As peptide assemblies, microglia, the innate immune cells of the brain, generate a non-resolving immune response and fail to adequately clear accumulating As peptides, accelerating neuronal and synaptic injury. Pathological, biomarker, and imaging studies point to a prominent role of the innate immune response in AD development, and the molecular components of this response are beginning to be unraveled. The inflammatory cyclooxygenase-PGE2 pathway is implicated in pre-clinical development of AD, both in epidemiology of normal aging populations and in transgenic mouse models of Familial AD. The cyclooxygenase-PGE2 pathway modulates the inflammatory response to accumulating As peptides through actions of specific E-prostanoid G-protein coupled receptors.
Spillover Effects of Adult Medicaid Expansions on Children’s Use of Preventive Services

BACKGROUND: Since the passage of the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid enrollment has increased by ∼17 million adults, including many low-income parents. One potentially important, but little studied, consequence of expanding health insurance for parents is its effect on children’s receipt of preventive services. METHODS: By using state Medicaid eligibility thresholds linked to the 2001–2013 Medical Expenditure Panel Surveys, we assessed the relationship between changes in adult Medicaid eligibility and children’s likelihood of receiving annual well-child visits (WCVs). In instrumental variable analyses, we used these changes in Medicaid eligibility to estimate the relationship between parental enrollment in Medicaid and children’s receipt of WCVs. RESULTS: Our analytic sample consisted of 50 622 parent-child dyads in families with incomes CONCLUSIONS: In our study, we demonstrate that Medicaid expansions targeted at low-income adults are associated with increased receipt of recommended pediatric preventive care for their children. This finding reveals an important spillover effect of parental insurance coverage that should be considered in future policy decisions surrounding adult Medicaid eligibility.
“Free College:” A New and Improved State Approach to Increasing Educational Attainment?:

“Free college” has emerged in some states as a new approach for increasing educational attainment. But, these and other states have long had initiatives designed to improve college affordability. T...
Development of single-phase silver-doped antibacterial CDHA coatings on Ti6Al4V with sustained release

Abstract The main theme of this study is to report the development and characterization of single-phase silver-doped calcium deficient hydroxyapatite (Ag-CDHA) coatings on titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) substrates. Physical evaluations on such coatings like X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), water contact angle and also determining the release profile of Ag+ ions by inductive coupled plasma (ICP) technique are analyzed in this paper. In-vitro test assays such as zone of inhibition test, counting of colony forming units and adherent bacteria assay are used to confirm the antibacterial effectiveness of the coatings against gram negative Escherichia coli and gram positive Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. MC3T3 pre-osteoblasts are used to appraise the cytocompatibility of the as-fabricated coatings. XRD analysis states that in spite of Ag doping, single-phase compositions of CDHA can be retained by combining the modified low-temperature biomimetic coating technology with microwave irradiation. Whole pattern fitting (WPF) and Rietveld refinement of XRD patterns confirm that microwaves helps in successful incorporation and homogeneous distribution of dopant (Ag+ ions) within the CDHA lattice. This results in a controlled and sustained release of Ag+ ions over a period of 14 days. In comparison, Ag-CDHA composite coatings have been reported till date and they do not have a controlled release of Ag+. Antibacterial results confirm good bactericidal effect of Ag-CDHA coatings against both bacteria strains thus suggesting that the need for systemic delivery of antibiotics to treat bacterial infections at implantation sites could be eliminated. Cytocompatibility test indicates that the released amount of Ag+ ions do not hinder pre-osteoblast cell proliferation and SEM images confirm the successful attachment and spreading of MC3T3 cells all over the coatings.
A Preparatory Neuroethical Approach to Assessing Developments in Neurotechnology

The unknowns of the brain-mind relationship and the novelty of neurologic techniques and technologies give rise to ethical questions that can be described, analyzed, and answered using a preparatory neuroethical framework to mitigate potential problems.
Genetic recombination in RNA viruses.

Recombination in RNA viruses involves the exchange of genetic information between two nonsegmented RNA genomes, as distinct from the reassortment of RNA seen in viruses containing segmented genomes. The mechanism of RNA recombination appears to be similar to the generation of defective interfering (DI) RNA, since they both involve polymerase jumping during RNA synthesis. However, unlike the production of DI RNA, which is a relatively common phenomenon among RNA viruses, RNA recombination has so far only been demonstrated in a few RNA viruses. Homologous RNA recombination, which is defined as the exchange of two comparable RNA regions at precise locations, was first detected in poliovirus by Hirst (1962) and Ledinko (1963) in the early 1960s. Soon after, another member of the pircornavirus family, foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), an aphthovirus, also was shown to undergo recombination (Pringle 1965). Subsequently, a series of temperature-sensitive (ts) mutants was used to determine recombination frequencies and do obtain a linear genetic recombination map (Cooper 1968, 1977). The definitive evidence for the occurrence of RNA recombination eventually came from the biochemical analysis of protein and RNA structure of the recombinant viruses (King et al. 1982). The second virus family to be shown to undergo RNA recombination is coronavirus (Lai et al. 1985). And more recently, several plant viruses, including brome mosaic virus and cowpea chlorotic mottle virus, also have been shown to undergo RNA recombination in rare situations (Bujarski and Kaesberg 1986; Allison et al. 1990). Thus, RNA recombination is being recognized increasingly as a general biological phenomenon among RNA viruses and probably plays an important role in viral biology and virus evolution. This chapter will deal mainly with homologous RNA recombination and will not discuss DI RNA, which is one form of nonhomologous RNA recombination.
Reach-Out: A Family-Based Diabetes Prevention Program for African American Youth

Abstract Objective : To pilot test and assess the feasibility of a culturally grounded approach to adolescent overweight and diabetes prevention. Study Design: Reach-Out, a family-based nutrition and exercise program for overweight African American youth aged 9 to 12 years and their families, is led by lay health leaders and conducted in a community setting on Chicago's south side (Illinois). Age-appropriate interactive sessions focus on skills building, problem solving, and setting goals during 14 weekly sessions, with monthly meetings thereafter. Pre-post comparisons were made for 29 families (62 subjects) using physical (body mass index [BMI], blood pressure, waist circumference), biochemical (glucose, insulin, lipid levels) and behavioral data. Statistical analyses included mixed-effects linear models and logistic regression. Results Children's mean BMI z score fell from 2.46 at baseline to 2.38 at 14 weeks and 2.39 at 1 year (p =.02), while parents' BMI remained stable. Children reported increased walking (p = 0.07) and exhibited a corresponding rise in mean serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol from 49.4 to 54.2 (p Conclusion : A community-based program for overweight minority youth and families can successfully address overweight, with the potential to decrease diabetes risk in youth.
A Magnetic Manipulator Cooled With Liquid Nitrogen

Miniature robots manipulated by external magnetic fields could enable less invasive surgeries. Magnetic tools, capsules, or medication can be controlled inside a human body using electromagnets. However, resistive magnetic devices able to produce strong magnetic fields in a large volume inefficiently use space and energy. This letter presents the design and testing of a magnetic manipulator cooled with liquid nitrogen. This technique reduces the electrical resistance of copper wires. It, therefore, reduces the amount of heat generated to produce a given magnetic field. Liquid nitrogen-cooled electromagnets are smaller than air-cooled ones and use less power. This letter examines how both effects scale with the size of the workspace. The system presented possesses six electromagnets and its ability to control a robot is demonstrated experimentally.
The Association Between C-Reactive Protein and Postoperative Delirium Differs by Catechol-O-Methyltransferase Genotype.

Objective Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), a key enzyme in degrading catecholamines associated with the stress response, may influence susceptibility to delirium. Individuals with the COMT (rs4680) Val/Val genotype (designated “warriors”) withstand the onset of neuropsychiatric disorders and cognitive decline, whereas individuals with Met/Met and Val/Met genotypes (“nonwarriors”) are more susceptible to these conditions. We evaluated whether COMT genotype modifies the established association between acute phase reactant (stress marker) C-reactive protein (CRP) and postoperative delirium. Methods This was a prospective cohort study conducted at two academic medical centers. The study involved 547 patients aged 70 or older undergoing major noncardiac surgery. We collected blood, extracted DNA, and performed COMT genotyping using allele-specific polymerase chain reaction assays, considering warriors versus nonwarriors. High plasma CRP, measured on postoperative day 2 using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, was defined by the highest sample-based quartile (≥234.12 mg/L). Delirium was determined using the Confusion Assessment Method, augmented by a validated chart review. We used generalized linear models adjusted for age, sex, surgery type, and race/ethnicity, stratified by COMT genotype, to determine whether the association between CRP and delirium differed by COMT. Results Prevalence of COMT warriors was 26%, and postoperative delirium occurred in 23%. Among COMT warriors, high CRP was not associated with delirium (relative risk [RR] 1.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.4–2.6). In contrast, among nonwarriors, we found the expected relationship of high CRP and delirium (RR 1.5, 95% CI 1.1–2.2). Conclusion COMT warriors may be protected against the increased risk of delirium associated with high CRP on postoperative day 2. With further confirmation, COMT genotype may help target interventions for delirium prevention in the vulnerable nonwarrior group.
INNOVATION IN CHINA

Innovation has been increasingly recognized as a critical force in national economic growth not only in developed countries, but also in emerging countries such as China and India. This paper provides a critical review of the literature related to China's innovation capability. First, I evaluate the current status of China's innovation capability as measured not only by the level of human capital and output of academic research but also by patents, products, and services that directly benefit economic growth. I then review the development pathway of China's national innovation system since the economic reforms, including policies, the role of the government, and the engagement of different actors in the national innovation system. Following that, I examine theories and empirical evidence that help to explain the evolution of China's innovation capability. Finally, using China's experience, I analyze the relationship between innovation capability and economic development and highlight how the uneven spatial distribution of innovation capability may affect China's regional economic development.
Gastrointestinal Neuroendocrine Tumors: Clinical and Pathological Correlates

Gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors (GI-NETs), previously classified as carcinoid tumors, are rare cancers that arise from cells of the diffuse endocrine system of the gastrointestinal tract. These tumors most commonly arise from the bronchus, jejunoileum, or colon/rectum. They produce peptide products that can lead to identifiable clinical syndromes such as carcinoid syndrome, which is classically associated with diarrhea, flushing, and heart disease. The latest classifications of GI-NETs include pancreatic NETs, which can produce a wide range of pancreatic hormones leading to syndromes such as Zollinger–Ellison's syndrome. The prognosis for patients with GI-NETs varies widely depending on the size, location, and presence of metastatic disease, with 5-year survival rates ranging from 0 to 15% for poorly differentiated NETs and 10-year survival rates of up to 100% for patients with insulinomas smaller than 2 cm. A wide range of treatment modalities is commonly used to treat GI-NETs, including surgical and endoscopic resection, locoregional therapies, cytotoxic chemotherapy, and somatostatin receptor targeted therapy. The goal of this review is to detail the classification, epidemiology, clinical syndromes, diagnosis, and staging of these tumors and to provide an overview of management strategies.
Optimal Corner Frequency in High-Pass Filtering of Strong Ground Motions and Its Effect on Seismic Intensity

In this paper, an analytical scheme for the selection of the corner frequency of high-pass filters is proposed based on the minimization of the variations of three characteristic frequencies, which...