cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Faster Ordered-Subset Convex Algorithm for Iterative Reconstruction

We present a faster iterative reconstruction algorithm based on the ordered-subset convex (OSC) algorithm for transmission CT. The OSC algorithm was modified such that it calculates the normalization term before the iterative process in order to save computational cost. The modified version requires only one backprojection per iteration as compared to two required for the original OSC. We applied the modified OSC algorithm to a dense linear source array X-ray CT system that we proposed previously, observed its performance and compared with the original OSC and BIT algorithms. Spatial measures of point spread functions in reconstructed images show that the new algorithm is quite similar with the original algorithm; for reconstructions with simulated Poisson noise, the standard deviation of the new algorithm is slightly lower than that of the original algorithm. We conclude that the new OSC algorithm is more efficient than the original one and provides comparable images.
Programed Vs. Teacher-Directed Instruction in Beginning Tennis for Women

Abstract This study was designed to compare the effects of a programed method for basic instruction in the tennis forehand and backhand drives with the traditional teacher-directed method. Four classes of beginning tennis, two control (total N = 45) and two experimental (total N = 46), participated in the study. Each was taught by an experienced instructor. The Broer-Miller Forehand-Backhand Drive Test and the Wall board Test were given as pre- and post-tests. Analysis of covariance showed the two instructional methods to be equally effective when the experimental and control groups were compared as intact units. Analysis by skill levels within the groups and between the groups showed differences in acquisition of the skills needed for the two skill tests. Progress through the program was related to final skill level.
Ethnic Differences in Risk of Coronary Heart Disease in a Large Contemporary Population

Introduction Racial/ethnic differences in diabetes and cardiovascular disease are well documented, but disease estimates are often confounded by differences in access to quality health care. The objective of this study was to evaluate the ethnic differences in risk of future coronary heart disease in patient populations stratified by status of diabetes mellitus and prior coronary heart disease among those with uniform access to care in an integrated healthcare delivery system in Northern California. Methods A cohort was constructed consisting of 1,344,899 members with self-reported race/ethnicity, aged 30–90 years, and followed from 2002 through 2012. Cox proportional hazard regression models were specified to estimate race/ethnicity-specific hazard ratios for coronary heart disease (with whites as the reference category) separately in four clinical risk categories: (1) no diabetes with no prior coronary heart disease; (2) no diabetes with prior coronary heart disease; (3) diabetes with no prior coronary heart disease; and (4) diabetes with prior coronary heart disease. Analyses were performed in 2015. Results The median follow-up was 10 years (10,980,800 person-years). Compared with whites, blacks, Latinos, and Asians generally had lower risk of coronary heart disease across all clinical risk categories, with the exception of blacks with prior coronary heart disease and no diabetes having higher risk than whites. Findings were not substantively altered after multivariate adjustments. Conclusions Identification of health outcomes in a system with uniform access to care reveals residual racial/ethnic differences and point to opportunities to improve health in specific subgroups and to improve health equity.
The Right to Armed Struggle

Has terrorism repudiated the right to armed struggle? One could argue that the Definition of Aggression was adopted more than thirty years ago; and therefore, it no longer embodies the current consensus on the right to armed struggle. This argument has no merit since every year various international organizations and institutions reaffirm the right of self-determination against colonial and racist regimes, and other forms of alien domination.
Relationship Between Third-Trimester Sonographic Estimate of Fetal Weight and Mode of Delivery

Objectives Some have suggested, based on limited data, that knowledge of an estimated fetal weight from a sonogram in a low-risk population, particularly in the setting of a larger fetus, is associated with increased risk of cesarean delivery. We aimed to investigate, among women delivering neonates weighing greater than 3500 g, whether having had a sonographically estimated fetal weight in temporal proximity to delivery was associated with the risk of cesarean delivery. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of term nulliparous women delivering live-born, cephalic, singleton, nonanomalous fetuses with birth weights of greater than 3500 g. The study was powered to detect a 30% change in cesarean delivery frequency with the presence of a sonographic examination after 36 weeks' gestation. Results Of the 2099 women meeting inclusion criteria, 419 (20%) had a sonographic examination after 36 weeks' gestation. Women were similar with respect to demographic and obstetric characteristics regardless of whether they underwent sonography. There were no differences in rates of cesarean delivery regardless of whether women had or did not undergo sonography after 36 weeks (33.2% versus 29.4%, respectively; P = .13). There also were no differences in rates of chorioamnionitis, postpartum hemorrhage, episiotomy, third- or fourth-degree perineal laceration, or neonatal adverse outcomes based on sonographic status. Findings were similar in a multivariable analysis, as well as when the study population was restricted to those with birth weights of greater than 4000 and 4500 g. Conclusions In this population of neonates weighing greater than 3500 g, the presence of a sonographic examination was not associated with the frequency of cesarean delivery.
The relationship of the pneumococcus to acute infections of the upper respiratory tract in ManInfluenza Studies VI

In the present study, two general groups of acute respiratory infection have been investigated. The first group included a number of simple acute respiratory infections of varied clinical type, occurring in an urban population, and broadly classified as "common colds." The second was a recurrent epidemic of influenza occurring in the early winter months of 1920 and characterized by the same general clinical picture which was manifested in the great wave of influenza pandemic in 1918. The purpose of the work was to determine, first, the frequency with which the pneumococcus could be demonstrated in cases of influenza and in waves of common colds, and then to compare the extent of its incidence in these conditions with its occurrence in the
A critical role for the cytoplasmic domain of the granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor alpha receptor in mediating cell growth

The human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) receptor is composed of an alpha subunit which binds GM-CSF and a beta subunit which allows for high affinity binding. To investigate the role of the short cytoplasmic tail (54 amino acids) of the alpha receptor in mediating signal transduction and in controlling cell growth, we placed a stop codon after the alpha receptor transmembrane domain and expressed this receptor in murine Ba/F3 cells. Unlike the complete alpha subunit, this shortened receptor was unable to stimulate protein phosphorylation or mediate entry into the cell cycle. By comparing Ba/F3 cells expressing the alpha and beta receptors with those expressing the alpha or the terminated alpha receptor, we have been able to correlate specific GM-CSF-induced events with cell cycle commitment. We find that cell growth is correlated with prolonged increases in the cell levels of c-myc, pim-1, and cyclin D2 mRNAs, but not with changes in either immediate early genes or mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation. This suggests that additional signal transduction pathways not mediated by known phosphoproteins are activated by GM-CSF. Since the beta receptor is shared by human interleukins 3 and 5, our data suggest that the specificity of response to GM-CSF is mediated in part by the short cytoplasmic tail of the alpha receptor subunit.
On-Line File Update and Maintenance

The principal reason for on-line, real-time update of a file is to serve the operational needs of those systems in which the Update transaction must be usable in the file within a very short time from its declaration. Cost comparisons between on-line versus batched updating are deceptive because of the manner in which one may choose to account for such fixed costs as the DASD, terminals, and software. Therefore, the decision should be qualitatively based upon a requirement for timely updates, unless the hardware and software accounting is so clear-cut as to enable a cost comparison. For example, if the software were supplied with the equipment, and all equipment were charged strictly on a time, type, and capacity basis (i.e., broken down by equipment type and quantity of direct access storage), then one could readily compare costs. Other than in this kind of clear-cut situation, the difficulty arises in apportioning the share of hardware cost to be carried by the update functions, because, notwithstanding on-line update, the same DASD and terminal costs would have to be sustained in support of retrieval functions. Software design and implementation costs, however, would be higher, and these should be accounted. A single update can be executed typically in terms of time from a few tens to hundreds of milliseconds of processing time, depending on equipment type.
Can Machine Learning Benefit Bandwidth Estimation at Ultra-high Speeds?

Tools for estimating end-to-end available bandwidth (AB) send out a train of packets and observe how inter-packet gaps change over a given network path. In ultra-high speed networks, the fine inter-packet gaps are fairly susceptible to noise introduced by transient queuing and bursty cross-traffic. Past work uses smoothing heuristics to alleviate the impact of noise, but at the cost of requiring large packet trains. In this paper, we consider a machine-learning approach for learning the AB from noisy inter-packet gaps. We conduct extensive experimental evaluations on a 10 Gbps testbed, and find that supervised learning can help realize ultra-high speed bandwidth estimation with more accuracy and smaller packet trains than the state of the art. Further, we find that when training is based on: (i) more bursty cross-traffic, (ii) extreme configurations of interrupt coalescence, a machine learning framework is fairly robust to the cross-traffic, NIC platform, and configuration of NIC parameters.
Plug-and-Play Capabilities

As we described earlier, the SROM cycle can be used to shape the customer needs and to exploit the innovation butterflies, thus setting the scene for successful maneuver-driven competition. In the last chapter, we described how modularizing capability risk across the innovation portfolio enables a faster tempo for the SROM cycle, which increases the chances that an innovation firm can shape the innovation system to its own benefit. We now describe how common processes and tools, such as talent management, workforce planning, shared business processes, and information management systems can also help accomplish these ambitions. We also note that implementing such “processes” can turn out to be a double-edged sword—some view this to be a straightjacket that crimps the creative process.
Testament of Simón Bolívar

At Santa Marta, Bolivar died on December 17, 1830. Immediately prior to his death, he prepared his last will. He left little in the way of an estate. It is interesting, however, to note the disposition of certain items that he prized highly.
BotCam: a baited camera system for nonextractive monitoring of bottomfish species

A stereo-video baited camera system (BotCam) has been developed as a fishery-independent tool to monitor and study deepwater fish species and their habitat. During testing, BotCam was deployed primarily in water depths between 100 and 300 m for an assessment of its use in monitoring and studying Hawaiian bottomfish species. Details of the video analyses and data from the pilot study with BotCam in Hawai`i are presented. Multibeam bathymetry and backscatter data were used to delineate bottomfish habitat strata, and a stratified random sampling design was used for BotCam deployment locations. Video data were analyzed to assess relative fish abundance and to measure f ish size composition. Results corroborate published depth ranges and zones of the target species, as well as their habitat preferences. The results indicate that BotCam is a promising tool for monitoring and studying demersal fish populations associated with deepwater habitats to a depth of 300 m, at mesohabitat scales. BotCam is a flexible, nonextractive, and economical means to better understand deepwater ecosystems and improve science-based ecosystem approaches to management.
On Being, Reality, and Chaos

Human history lends itself to the pursuit of understanding and knowledge. This pursuit has demanded of mankind the rigorous analysis of its own language and perspective. This analysis, here attributed to the nature of reality, that which mankind strives to define, is devoted to the progressive expansion of the philosophical inquiry that has plagued the mind of Man in every era of record. From the ancient writings of Simplicius, in reference to Anaximander and the to apeiron , to those of the Bishop of Cloyne, George Berkeley, to G. E. Moore in the Analytic tradition, philosophy seems founded upon an underlying goal of casting knowledge of reality into order, a medium humanity can comprehend. This analysis challenges with the incomprehensible, or perhaps the highest form of order in the cosmos – Chaos. As a return to those pre-Socratic understandings of the infinite and eternal , this inquiry develops first in a method by which to approach these difficult notions and interpret them into contemporary knowledge, more as a means rather than an end. Thus, in conducting such method, this pursuit furthers its analysis into the realm of the ontological, necessitating a discussion of being before unifying the complex notions of mankind’s language-bound understanding of reality with the nature of such pure Chaos – to apeiron.
Association of Fetal Heart Rate Baseline Change and Neonatal Outcomes.

Objective The objective of this study was to describe the incidence of baseline change within normal range during labor and its prediction of neonatal outcomes. Materials and Methods This was a prospective cohort of singleton, nonanomalous, term neonates with continuous electronic fetal monitoring and normal baseline fetal heart rate throughout the last 2 hours of labor. We determined baseline in 10-minute segments using Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development criteria. We evaluated baseline changes of ≥ 20 and ≥ 30 bpm for association with acidemia (umbilical cord arterial pH ≤ 7.10) and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission. Finally, we performed a sensitivity analysis of normal neonates, excluding those with acidemia, NICU admission, or 5-minute Apgar Results Among all neonates (n = 3,021), 1,267 (41.9%) had change ≥ 20 bpm; 272 (9.0%) had ≥ 30 bpm. Among normal neonates (n = 2,939), 1,221 (41.5%) had change ≥20 bpm. Acidemia was not associated with baseline change of any direction or magnitude. NICU admission was associated with decrease ≥ 20 bpm (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.93; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.19 – 7.21) or any direction ≥ 20 bpm (aOR: 4.06; 95% CI: 1.46–11.29). For decrease ≥ 20 bpm, sensitivity and specificity were 40.0 and 81.7%; for any direction ≥ 20 bpm, 75.0 and 58.3%. Conclusion Changes of normal baseline are common in term labor and poorly predict morbidity, regardless of direction or magnitude.
In Vitro Synthesis of Hypothalamic Neurophysin Precursors

Biochemical study of the neurophysins, hypothalamo-neurohypophyseal protein carriers of the neuropeptide hormones oxytocin and vasopressin (Breslow, 1979), has focused on fundamental questions about the biosyn-thetic and molecular events by which these species are formed and stabilized into noncovalent complexes (see Fig. 1). While interacting complexes can be formed between native protein and hormone in their isolated forms, it has become evident from several properties of these molecules that bio-synthetic assembly is more complex. For example, unlike most proteins that remain close to their intact biosynthesized states after translation, neurophysins do not themselves contain sufficient amino acid sequence information to code for spontaneous folding to functional forms. When these proteins, which are highly disulfide cross-linked (seven disulfides per protein molecule of 10,000 daltons), are treated with “catalytic” (substoichio-metric) amounts of disulfide-reducing agent, they are inactivated readily, due to scrambling of the disulfides to nonnative combinations (Chaiken et al., 1975). Further, this process is speeded up by the inclusion of microsomal disulfide interchange enzyme.
Monitoring treatment response in patient-derived orthotopic Glioblastoma xenograft models with multi-parametric Ultrasound and photoacoustic Imaging

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a disease with less than a year overall patient survival. Poor prognosis is due to local recurrence post treatment or growth of “left-over” residual disease post surgical resection. To personalize treatment strategies and reduce rate of recurrence, it is important to monitor treatment response and develop imaging based prediction markers to identify GBM recurrence. Given the role of vasculature in tumor growth and survival, here we utilize multi-parametric ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging to validate if changes in vascular structure and function could be predictive of treatment response in patient-derived orthotopic Glioblastoma xenograft models.
Het belang van sport en bewegen voor het handhaven van een gezond lichaamsgewicht

Het handhaven van een constant lichaamsgewicht is het resultaat van een balans in de energiewisseling. Veel energie en relatief veel vet wordt gebruikt tijdens matig intensieve lichamelijke activiteiten die met grote spiergroepen worden uitgevoerd en lang kunnen worden volgehouden. Personen met overgewicht kunnen het best afvallen door een combinatie van een energiebeperkt dieet en een verhoging van een zelfgekozen lichamelijk activiteitenpatroon. De soort inspanning die vooral dient te worden geadviseerd om het energiegebruik te vergroten, is inspanning die grote spiergroepen betreft. Door middel van matig intensieve activiteiten, zoals wandelen, hardlopen, fietsen en zwemmen, is het mogelijk het energiegebruik aanzienlijk te vergroten, zonder dat snel een gevoel van vermoeidheid optreedt.
On Approximations to the t-Distribution

The distribution function of the Student's-t distribution is often needed in applied statistics, e.g., in computing the significance probability (p-value) of the usual test when comparing two means, and in computing tables needed for statistical procedu..
Thermal wellbore strengthening through managed temperature drilling – Part I: Thermal model and simulation

Abstract This paper is the first part of a two-part series introducing a new and innovative managed temperature drilling technique for strengthening the wellbores of challenging oil and gas wells. This technique relies on heat generation within the borehole to increase the effective fracture gradient of near-wellbore zones in oil and gas wells. By releasing heat at exactly the right time and at the right location, the temperature in a near-wellbore zone can be raised, which in turn raises thermal stresses in this zone. This results in “thermal wellbore strengthening”, i.e. an increase in near-wellbore fracture initiation and propagation pressure that can be exploited to prevent or minimize induced mud losses during drilling, cementing and completion operations. As shown in Part II of this series, the heat-release is preferably achieved in a delayed fashion through the use of exothermic “heat-releasing” particles that are circulated to the zone(s) of interest in a dedicated carrier fluid. Part I describes a new computational thermal model for the proposed technique. Using finite volume techniques for an axisymmetric cylindrical geometry including a drillstring/workstring with internal and external fluid spaces, a casing string and a cementing layer (if present), and the rock formation, the model calculates the near-wellbore formation temperature as well as annulus and drill string temperature when a time-dependent and location-dependent heat generation source is acting. Model validation was conducted by comparing the simulation results from the model to analytical solutions as well as results obtained with a commercial software package for simplified cases (1D along the wellbore) with no heat source. Subsequently, near-wellbore temperature distributions were calculated for varying heat generation rates and fluid circulation times, and passed on to a geomechanical model to estimate the magnitude of the thermal strengthening effects on the fracture gradient. Results show that meaningful increases in near-wellbore stress can be obtained by the technique. The thermal wellbore strengthening technique, supported by the new thermal model described here, can be used to minimize lost circulation events and associated well trouble time and cost during drilling, cementing and completion operations, and may be particularly suited for wells with low drilling margins such as (ultra-)deepwater wells.
Biological Interrelationships and Water

Water is a critical concept in science and can serve as a conceptual link among various topics in biology as well as in a variety of both natural and social sciences. This paper describes analysis of the central role of water in learning and teaching about biology. The role of water in the structure of biology and ecology knowledge is analyzed through the construction of a semantic network created by the author using SemNet software. Several water-related concepts indicating significant relationships among various areas of biology and other disciplines are described. The need for continued restructuring of disciplines in order to design more effective curriculum and promote meaningful learning is discussed.
A high protein meal affects plasma insulin concentrations and amino acid metabolism in horses with equine metabolic syndrome

Equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) is characterized by an abnormal insulin response to a glycemic challenge but despite the known insulinotropic effects of certain amino acids, there is a paucity of data evaluating the impact of dietary protein on insulin dynamics in these horses. The objective was therefore to assess insulin and amino acid responses following intake of a high protein meal in healthy horses and those with EMS. Six mature horses diagnosed with EMS and six age-matched control horses without EMS were used. Horses were fed 2g/kg body mass (BM) of a high protein pellet (31% crude protein) at time 0 and 30min, for a total of 4g/kg BM, following an overnight fast. Blood samples collected during a 4h period were analysed for plasma glucose, insulin, amino acids and urea concentrations. Glucose concentrations were not different between groups (P=0.2). Horses with EMS had a 9-fold greater insulinemic response to the consumption of a high protein meal compared with controls (P=0.046). Post-prandial levels of histidine, citrulline, tyrosine, valine, methionine, isoleucine, leucine and ornithine were higher in horses with EMS (P<0.05). Baseline urea nitrogen concentrations were not significantly different between groups (P=0.1). Knowing that certain amino acids are insulin secretagogues, these results illustrate that consumption of a high protein meal caused a hyperinsulinemic response and affected amino acid dynamics in horses with EMS. These findings suggest that dietary protein content should be taken into consideration in the management of horses with insulin dysregulation.
The Association Between Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Incident Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in Older Adults: Results From the National Institutes of Health Pooled Cohorts.

Background/objectives Elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in early adulthood is associated with increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). The strength of the association between LDL-C and ASCVD among older adults, however, is less understood. Design We examined individual-level cohort data from the National Institutes of Health Pooled Cohorts (Framingham Study, Framingham Offspring Study, Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, and Cardiovascular Health Study), which prospectively measured CVD risk factors and incident disease. Setting Prospective cohort study. Participants Adults, aged 75 years or older, free of ASCVD. Measurements We evaluated the associations between LDL-C and incident ASCVD (stroke, myocardial infarction, and cardiovascular death) in unadjusted analysis and in multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards models. We assessed 5-year Kaplan-Meier ASCVD event rates in patients with and without hyperlipidemia (LDL-C ≥130 mg/dL or on lipid-lowering medications), stratified by the number of other risk factors, including smoking, diabetes, and hypertension. Results We included 2667 adults, aged 75 years or older (59% female), free of ASCVD; median age was 78 years, with median LDL-C of 117 mg/dL. In both unadjusted and adjusted analyses, there was no association between LDL-C and ASCVD (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.022; 95% confidence interval = 0.998-1.046; P = .07). Among adults without other risk factors (free of smoking, diabetes, and hypertension), event rates were similar between those with and without hyperlipidemia (Kaplan-Meier rates = 5.8% and 7.0%, respectively). Among adults with one or two or more other risk factors, the presence of hyperlipidemia was also not associated with 5-year CVD event rates (Kaplan-Meier rates = 12.8% vs 15.0% [P = .44] for one other risk factor and 21.9% vs 24.0% [P = .59] for two or more other risk factors). Conclusion Among a well-characterized cohort, LDL-C was not associated with CVD risk among adults aged 75 years or older, even in the presence of other risk factors. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:2560-2567, 2019.
Pressure distribution over the leaflets and effect of bending stiffness on fluid─structure interaction of the aortic valve

We describe a three-dimensional (3-D) fluid–structure interaction (FSI) simulation study of the aortic valve, where the flow is driven by a specified transient pressure drop along the aorta tube. The thickness of the leaflets is varied from 0.05 mm to 0.8 mm so that the normalized bending rigidity by the systolic pressure gradient covers a wide range from to 0.6. The non-uniform pressure distribution over the leaflets and the transient valve force are calculated, including the ‘water hammer’ effect during rapid closure. With low bending rigidity, the valve functions normally and produces physiological characteristics of healthy valves. However, exceedingly low rigidity leads to flapping motion of the leaflets and, in some cases (e.g. the normalized bending rigidity around 0.001), may reduce the performance index. As the leaflets become much stiffer, the valve is more difficult to open and slower to close, which leads to higher resistance and a reduced flow rate. Therefore, our results suggest that there is an optimal range of bending rigidity for the valve, roughly between 0.003 and 0.04 in normalized term. We further develop a one-dimensional unsteady flow model based on the momentum and mass conservation equations to replace the 3-D flow in the FSI simulation. The new flow model incorporates pressure loss across the valve as well as the leaflet motion. Comparison with the 3-D results shows that the reduced flow model is able to produce a reasonable 3-D deformation sequence of the leaflets, opening area and flow rate, especially in the cases of low bending rigidity.
Perspectives on donor lung allocation from both sides of the Atlantic: The United States

Donor lung allocation in the United States focuses on decreasing waitlist mortality and improving recipient outcomes. The implementation of allocation policy to match deceased donor lungs to waitlisted patients occurs through a unique partnership between government and private organizations, namely the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network under the Department of Health and Human Services and the United Network for Organ Sharing. In 2005, the donor lung allocation algorithm shifted toward the prioritization of medical urgency of waitlisted patients instead of time accrued on the waitlist. This led to the Lung Allocation Score, which weighs over a dozen clinical variables to predict a 1-year estimate of survival benefit, and is used to prioritize waitlisted patients. In 2017, the use of local allocation boundaries was eliminated in favor of a 250 nautical mile radius from the donor hospital as the first unit of distance used in allocation. The next upcoming iteration of donor allocation policy is expected to use a continuous distribution algorithm where all geographic boundaries are eliminated. There are additional opportunities to improve donor lung allocation, such as for patients with high antibody titers with access to a limited number of donors.
163 – Continuation Method

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses continuation method, which is applicable to any type of equation at all algebraic or differential, a single equation or a system. A numerical approximation to the solution is obtained. A given problem into a problem with a continuation parameter σ is embedded in it. For one value of σ, the original equations are obtained, while for a different value of σ, an easier problem is obtained. The simpler problem is numerically solved and then slowly varies the continuation parameter from 0 to 1. After setting up the problem, a metric is defined that tells how well a function satisfies the problem when the continuation parameter is between 0 and 1. Then the continuation parameter σ is increased by a small amount, and a solution is found by using Newton's method.
Active Chiral Metamaterials for Tunable Chiroptical Coupling and Valley Dynamics

We have developed moire chiral metamaterials (MCMs) with actively tunable optical chirality, which can dynamically modulate near-field chiroptical couplings and handedness-selective valley behaviors in a monolayer semiconductor.
Effect of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol on frontostriatal resting state functional connectivity and subjective euphoric response in healthy young adults.

Abstract Background Few studies have examined how Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive component of cannabis, impacts brain reward circuitry in humans. In this study, we examined if an acute dose of THC altered resting state functional connectivity between the striatum and prefrontal cortex among healthy young adults with limited cannabis use. Methods Participants received THC (n = 24) or placebo (n = 22) in a double-blind, randomized, between-subject design. Participants completed self-report measures of euphoria and drug-liking throughout the visit. Approximately 120 min after drug administration, participants completed an 8-min resting state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) scan. We utilized seed-based connectivity of the striatum (bilateral putamen, caudate, and NAcc seeds) to the frontal cortex. Results Individuals who received THC demonstrated greater rs-fMRI connectivity between the right NAcc and regions of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) (p-values Conclusions This is one of the first studies to examine rs-fMRI connectivity in healthy young non-users after THC administration. We found individuals receiving THC show greater rs-fMRI connectivity between the NAcc and mPFC, regions implicated in reward, compared to individuals receiving placebo. In addition, individuals receiving THC reported higher subjective euphoria ratings, which were positively associated with NAcc-dmPFC connectivity. Overall, our findings suggest THC may produce subjective and neural reward responses that contribute to the rewarding, reinforcing properties of cannabis.
Consequences of power law scattering from soft tissues

A recent series of theoretical and experimental results support the hypothesis that ultrasound speckle statistics and backscatter are deeply rooted in power law behaviors. The implications for the tissue characterization are direct and lead to Burr distributions for speckle analysis and the H-scan analysis for the tissue characterization.
Models of information systems habit: An exploratory meta-analysis

Abstract Habit has been modeled in different ways in information systems (IS) research. It is theorized to directly impact system use (SU), moderate the impact of behavioral intention (BI) on SU, indirectly impact SU through BI and other variables, mediate the effects of other variables on BI and SU, and moderate the effects of other variables on BI. Prior studies empirically examined models of habit in various settings such as different types of respondents and geographic regions. Unsurprisingly, empirical findings on the relationships involving habit have been inconsistent and mixed. This study proposes that the variations in empirical results may be due to the various models of habit and the study characteristics. An exploratory meta-analysis and review of habit and its relationships is conducted by synthesizing findings across 130 samples reported in 114 published studies. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Transforming to a regenerative U.S. agriculture: the role of policy, process, and education

U.S. agriculture is both a major source of global food and a key contributor to multiple interconnected crises. Climate change, biodiversity loss, and severe impacts on soil and water quality are among the challenges caused by U.S. industrial agriculture. Regenerative methods of farming are necessary to confront all these challenges simultaneously, in addition to addressing the increasing challenges to farm labor conditions. Transforming U.S. agriculture to a regenerative system will require a focus on creating traction for the values, beliefs, worldviews, and paradigms that effectively support such transformation while decreasing the friction that works against them. With a focus on creating traction for transformation, we review the factors and processes that tend to promote and maintain ecological improvements on farms. Starting from a case study that points to some of the sources of friction and traction in the current U.S. agricultural system, we use the framework of three spheres of transformation to focus discussion on how processes that form beliefs and values shape and can reshape farming. We develop a series of points of entry for engaging the systemic changes that will offer farmers traction for transformation. We review literature on agricultural networks, polycentric governance, social learning, agricultural education, and farmer characteristics that lend themselves to ecologically mindful change, thereby identifying interventions that tend to provide traction for change. These approaches, and the supports that allow rural communities and the people that work in them to survive and thrive, are necessary to create the traction needed for farms to undergo a shift to regenerative agricultural practices. We link these changes to the promise of the twentieth century New Deal agricultural programs and the potential of the Green New Deal.
International Paper: Creating Value Through Sustainably Managed Natural Resources

International Paper is the world’s largest manufacturer of packaging and paper products and is headquartered in Memphis, Tennesse, USA. It produces corrugated packaging, uncoated free sheet papers, packaging for consumer products, and the fluff pulp used in hygiene absorbent products like diapers—everyday items that rely on an ongoing supply of fiber from forests around the world. At International Paper sustainable practices are not only a company commitment, they are a way of doing business that reaches back more than a century. In many ways, sustainability was an International Paper practice before it became a buzzword; its reputation is built upon more than 100 years of doing the right things for the right reasons. At its core, International Paper is a people-focused company, including employees, customers, people that live in communities where it operates, governments, and shareholders. These stakeholders are all part of how International Paper remains committed to ethical operations that demonstrate deliberate, continuous improvements in its societal and environmental footprint.
Effects of orthosis on balance and gait in healthy adults.

[Purpose] This study evaluated the effects of an oral orthosis that can change body alignment on the balance ability and gait of healthy adults. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects of this study were 21 University students. A gait analyzer was used to analyze the subjects’ balance ability and gait quality. Two walking speeds were used: 2 km/h, a comfortable speed, and 4 km/h, a slightly faster walking speed. [Results] The step length, and base of gait at 2 km/h differed significantly after the intervention. The total step time and step length increased significantly after the intervention. Furthermore, the total base of gait decreased significantly after the intervention. The step times of the left lower limb at 4 km/h differed significantly after the intervention. [Conclusion] The oral orthosis tested positively affects the balance ability and gait of healthy adults.
Molecular analysis of the multidrug transporter, P-glycoprotein

Inherent or acquired resistance of tumor cells to cytotoxic drugs represents a major limitation to the successful chemotherapeutic treatment of cancer. During the past three decades dramatic progress has been made in the understanding of the molecular basis of this phenomenon. Analyses of drug-selected tumor cells which exhibit simultaneous resistance to structurally unrelated anti-cancer drugs have led to the discovery of the human MDR1 gene product, P-glycoprotein, as one of the mechanisms responsible for multidrug resistance. Overexpression of this 170 kDa N-glycosylated plasma membrane protein in mammalian cells has been associated with ATP-dependent reduced drug accumulation, suggesting that P-glycoprotein may act as an energy-dependent drug efflux pump. P-glycoprotein consists of two highly homologous halves each of which contains a transmembrane domain and an ATP binding fold. This overall architecture is characteristic for members of the ATP-binding cassette or ABC superfamily of transporters. Cell biological, molecular genetic and biochemical approaches have been used for structure-function studies of P-glycoprotein and analysis of its mechanism of action. This review summarizes the current status of knowledge on the domain organization, topology and higher order structure of P-glycoprotein, the location of drug- and ATP binding sites within P-glycoprotein, its ATPase and drug transport activities, its possible functions as an ion channel, ATP channel and lipid transporter, its potential role in cholesterol biosynthesis, and the effects of phosphorylation on P-glycoprotein activity.
Virtual long-range spin-spin couplings in NMR

Abstract The NMR spectrum for a proton in certain spin systems may be complicated by other protons to which it has a zero coupling constant. This effect, which is a virtual coupling, is shown to arise as a result of strong coupling between two or more nuclei in the system. Calculated spectra and detailed qualitative descriptions are presented for a three-spin system along with a general discussion relating to the more complex higher spin cases. A number of illustrations are included.
Redox Proteomics Analysis of Brains from Subjects with Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment Compared to Brains from Subjects with Preclinical Alzheimer's Disease: Insights into Memory Loss in MCI

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a central nervous system disorder pathologically characterized by senile plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, and synapse loss. A small percentage of individuals with normal antemortem psychometric scores, after adjustments for age and education, meet the neuropathological criteria for amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or AD; these individuals have been termed 'preclinical' or 'asymptomatic' AD (PCAD). In this study, we employed the immunochemical slot-blot method and two-dimensional gel-based redox proteomics to observe differences in protein levels and oxidative modifications between groups with equal levels of AD pathology who differ in regards to clinical symptoms of memory impairment. Results of global oxidative stress measurements revealed significantly higher levels of protein carbonyls in the MCI inferior parietal lobule (IPL) relative to PCAD (and controls), despite equal levels of neuropathology. Proteomics analysis of the IPL revealed differences in protein levels and specific carbonylation that are consistent with preservation of memory in PCAD and apparent memory decline in MCI. Our data suggest that marked changes occur at the protein level in MCI that may cause or reflect memory loss and other AD symptoms.
Patient–Physician Communication

Communication is a key element in the diagnostic and therapeutic process. I discuss the history of approaches to the study of communication in the context of physician–patient relationships, selected dimension of communication (instrumental versus socio-emotional communication and verbal versus non-verbal communication), factors influencing communicative processes, including race/ethnicity, age, gender, education, organizational/institutional context, and Internet/media, and finally the outcomes of communication, including patient satisfaction, compliance/adherence, health outcomes, and malpractice litigation. I conclude with the discussion of approaches and methods used to study communication in physician–patient encounters. Keywords: communication; doctor–patient interaction; health communication; non-verbal communication
A novel principal component analysis method for identifying differentially expressed gene signatures

Background: Escherichia coli(E. coli) resides inside the human body and during the course of infection is exposed to reactive nitrogen species (RNS) such as nitric oxide (NO) and S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO). NO plays an important role in the mammalian immune system and regulation of blood flow. GSNO sometimes serves as a donor of NO, but its thiol chemistry also has effects distinct from NO. This work applies the recently developed Principal Component Analysis (PCA) technique of Rollins et al. (in review) in determining NO and GSNO response genes in an E. coli network. PCA is a powerful data mining method that is able to analyze and extract critical information from large microarray data sets even though the number of genes is much greater than the number of experimental runs. Result: The application of Rollins et al. technique identified a signature of NO-specific and GSNOspecific genes, containing those that were previously identified by Hyduke et. al. (2007) and Jarboe et. al. (2008) as well as new genes which may affect NO and GSNO activity. Three genes not previously identified as affecting NO and GSNO response were selected for experimental analysis to evaluate the identification ability of
Dopant Diffusion and Segregation

In a defect-free, single-crystal of silicon, dopant impurities diffuse into the perfect lattice structure by interacting with point defects, such as silicon vacancies and interstitials. In addition to the point defects in which exist in equilibrium with the crystal lattice, the point-defect concentration can also be influenced externally (eg, by injecting interstitials into the silicon lattice as the surface of the crystal is oxidized). These additional interstitials can significantly enhance the impurity diffusion rate in perfect crystals of silicon.
Solubilities of Oxides for Inert Anodes in Cryolite‐Based Melts

The solubilities of Fe2O3, NiO, and NiFe2O4 have been measured in NaF-AlF3-CaF2-Al2O3 melts as a function of temperature and melt composition. The solubilities of Fe2O3 and NiO for melts containing 1.5 to 6.5 wt% Al2O3 and for bath ratios ranging from 0.7 to 1.5 are represented by the relationships, log wt% Fe = 4.71 − 7080/T, and log wt% Ni = 6.27 − 9740/T, respectively. The solubilities of both Fe2O3, and NiO increased with decreasing concentrations of Al2O3 in the melt, particularly at <1 wt% Al2O3. The solubility of Fe2O3 decreased moderately with decreasing bath ratio (wt NaF/wt AlF3), while no change occurred for NiO. The solubility of NiFe2O4 was less than the solubilities of Fe2O3 and NiO, and there was good agreement between the free energy of formation of NiFe2O3, calculated from the measured solubilities of Fe2O3, NiO, and NiFe2O4, and the free energy of formation reported in the literature.
Process Interconnection Structures in Dynamically Changing Topologies

This paper presents a mechanism that organizes processes in the hierarchy and efficiently maintains it in the presence of addition/removal of nodes to the system, and in the presence of node failures. This mechanism can support total order of broadcasts and does not rely on any specific system features or special hardware. In addition, it can concurrently support multiple logical structures, such as a ring, a hypercube, a mesh, and a tree.
The elusive mechanotransduction machinery of hair cells

Hair cells in the mammalian cochlea are specialized sensory cells that convert mechanical signals evoked by sound waves into electrochemical signals. Several integral membrane proteins have recently been identified that are closely linked to the mechanotransduction process. Efforts are under way to determine the extent to which they are subunits of the long thought-after mechanotransduction channel. Recent findings also suggest that mechanotransduction may have a role in fine tuning the length of the stereocilia and thus in the regulation of morphological features of hair cells that are inherently linked to the mechanotransduction process.
Long-range ledge-ledge interactions on Si(111) surfaces: I. No kinks or surface point defects

Surface ledges of the [211] and [211] type on the Si(111) surface provide a dilational contribution to the strongly compressive surface stress tensor. Computer calculations using a semiempirical potential energy function show (a) monatomic ledge-ledge interaction even at spacings of 50 A, (b) strong reconstruction on some ledge orientations and negligible changes on others leading to ledge energies in the range 0.01–0.22 eV/atom compared to a face energy of 0.38 eV/atom, and (c) that the surface stress tensor dominates the relaxation around ledges.
Current Issues in Contraception

Contraceptive management in women should take into account patient lifestyle and coexisting medical issues as well as method safety, efficacy, and noncontraceptive benefits. This review focuses on common and timely issues related to contraception encountered in clinical practice, including migraine headaches and associated risk of ischemic stroke, the use of combined hormonal contraception along with citalopram and escitalopram, contraceptive efficacy and safety in the setting of obesity, contraceptives for treatment of menorrhagia, the association of intrauterine contraception and decreased risk of cervical cancer, and the association of venous thromboembolism and combined hormonal contraception. Recent trends supporting the use of long-acting reversible contraception are also reviewed.