cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transformation of social and ecological systems DOI:10.5007/2175-7984.2011v10n19p11

The evolution of social ecological systems is characterized by a lengthy process of steady of slow population growth, appropriation of natural resources, and ever growing complexity. From hunter gatherers first, to extensive and then intensive farmers, to urban industrial aggregations has taken place worldwide in episodic and highly differentiated geographical distribution. It is in the last 50 years that this process has begun to go exponential and to have planetary significance. What used to be episodic periods of regional growth and expansion in the use of resources has grown into a cumulative process that now threatens the planet through the emission of global warming gases, climatic change, and the loss of cultural and biological diversity. The paper identifies some of the changes needed to begin to address this conundrum.
Ciguatera fish poisoning: impact for the military health care provider.

ABSTRACT Ciguatera toxin is a marine neurotoxin produced by microorganisms that becomes concentrated in predatory fish. Toxicity in humans results from the ingestion of contaminated fish harvested in tropical waters. Clinical manifestations of illness include the rapid onset of gastrointestinal symptoms and neurological abnormalities. Because of the rapid onset of symptoms and the potential for case clusters from a common source ingestion of contaminated fish, there is the potential that ciguatera poisoning may initially mimic illnesses caused by antipersonnel biological and chemical agents. We present data on an active duty soldier who presented to sick call for evaluation of new onset paresthesias and was diagnosed with ciguatera toxin poisoning. We also present a review of ciguatera poisoning literature with emphasis on the distinguishing features between ciguatoxin and other neurotoxins of military significance.
Effects of topical perineural capsaicin in a reversible model of equine foot lameness.

Capsaicin is a local substance P depleter with dramatic analgesic effects. We tested the hypothesis that the topical application of capsaicin ointment over the palmar digital nerves would attenuate the clinical effects of a reversible model of equine foot lameness. Seven healthy adult horses shod unilaterally with adjustable heart bar shoes were studied in a crossover design for 2 weeks. Grade 5.0/5.0 lameness (nonweight bearing) was induced by tightening the adjustable heart bar shoe. One hour later, capsaicin ointment was applied over the medial and lateral palmar digital nerves 3 cm proximal to the coronary band, or horses were left untreated. One week later, treatment assignments were reversed, and the experiment was repeated. The heart rate was markedly lower in treated than in untreated trials at 20 and 40 minutes after capsaicin and between 1.6 and 3.6 hours after capsaicin (P < .05). The lameness score was markedly decreased in capsaicin-treated horses at 40 minutes and from 1.3 to 4 hours after treatment (P< 05). We conclude that the topical application of capsaicin ointment over the palmar digital nerves provided measurable pain relief for up to 4 hours after treatment (P <.05). The clinical application of this analgesic technique in horses with spontaneous clinical or induced laminitis or other sources of foot pain remains to be shown.
Absorption, translocation, and fate of propyzamide in witloof chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) and common amaranth (Amaranthus retroflexus L.)

Witloof chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) is tolerant to propyzamide and common amaranth (Amaranthus retroflexus L.) is sensitive. The absorption, translocation, and metabolism of propyzamide was studied in seedlings of witloof chicory and common amaranth to determine if differences in these processes cause the differential sensitivity. At 24, 48, and 72 h after root treatment, there was no difference in the concentration of 14 C (g -1 plant dry wt) in common amaranth and witloof chicory. Approximately 50% of the absorbed 14 C was translocated out of the roots to shoots of both species at 24 and 48 h after treatment. After 72 h about 55 and 74% of the absorbed 14 C was translocated to shoots of witloof chicory and common amaranth, respectively. Distribution of 14 C (g -1 plant dry wt) in plant parts of witloof chicory and common amaranth seedlings was similar. Roots of both species accumulated the highest concentration of total 14 C, whereas shoots contained the lowest. Thin-layer chromatography revealed that the herbicide was metabolized in neither species 48 h after treatment. No differences were found in absorption, translocation, or metabolism between witloof chicory and common amaranth with regard to propyzamide.
Experiments in musical intelligence (EMI): Non‐linear linguistic‐based composition

Abstract EMI was founded in 1983 as a project for understanding musical style. The motive for establishing it was purely selfish: the author's desire to have help in finishing a commission. He focused on how to imitate musical styles, since nothing useful could be accomplished if the computer did not understand how to produce viable music in his style. One of the components of emulating style discovered during the years of research since EMI's inception includes non‐linear composition, the focal point of this article. Results of research have been presented at the International Computer Music Conference (1987, Champaign, IL) and its resultant proceedings, at the International Symposium: Charles Ives and the American Music Tradition up to the Present (Cologne, Germany, February, 1988), the American Association of Artificial Intelligence (St. Paul, August, 1988), AIM, First International Workshop on Al and Music (Bonn, Germany, September, 1988), as well as articles in the Computer Music Journal (Winter, 198...
Interference in the Unitarity Relation in Few-Body Dynamics

The various terms present in the unitarity relation for elastic and inelastic nucleon-nucleon scattering are studied in a three-body model. Because of the three-body dynamics one can determine a special interference term contributing to the total cross section. This interference term can be positive or negative. The explicit calculation of this term may serve as a check on three-body calculations. It also provides a measure of the actual importance of three-body dynamics in a particular model.
Adsorption isobars for CO on Pd/Ta( 110) at elevated pressures and temperatures using infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopy

Infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopy (IRAS) has been used to study the adsorption of carbon monoxide on a Pd/Ta(llO) surface. IRAS spectra were collected at pressures from 1 X 10e9 to 1.0 Torr and at temperatures from 90 to 500 K. Adsorption isobars were constructed from the IRAS spectra that allowed the determination of isosteric heats of adsorption as a function of CO coverage. The heats of adsorption (AH) for CO on Pd/Ta(llO) were determined to be - 15 kcal/mol lower than for CO adsorbed on a Pd(ll1) surface while the differential surface entropies (S,) were comparable. The high coverage adsorption isosteres have a pronounced break that indicates that at high CO coverages and low substrate temperatures, the CO surface structures are not fully equilibrated.
Views of experienced electronic cigarette users

AbstractBackground: Awareness and use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) has increased significantly in the past five years, but little is known about the experiences, satisfaction, opinions and preferences of e-cigs users. Method: 1177 participants completed an online survey about their electronic cigarette preferences, of which 200 were randomly selected for analysis. The data were analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Results: Participants found the design, the ability to customize, and the quality of vapour to be the most important characteristics of the device. Participants thought the most positive aspects of e-cig use were help to quit smoking, improved overall health, and reduced cost. The negative aspects associated with its use were mainly related to side effects, such as dry mouth. When asked to explain how e-cigs were used differently than cigarettes, participants reported puffing more regularly, but taking fewer puffs per session. Conclusions: Experienced e-cig users stated...
The ‘new vocationalism’ in the United States: Returning to John Dewey

(1996). The ‘new vocationalism’ in the United States: Returning to John Dewey. Educational Philosophy and Theory: Vol. 28, No. 1, pp. 1-23.
Agile methods applied to embedded firmware development

This paper describes the experience of applying agile approaches to the development of firmware for the Intel/spl reg/ Itanium/spl reg/ processor family. Embedded development (i.e. firmware) projects are quite different from object-oriented and pure software endeavors, yet they face many of the same challenges that agile software development practices address. Several unique challenges are described, including team members' specialized domain knowledge, technical backgrounds and attitudes toward change, and the impact hardware plays in firmware design. We found agile approaches to be well-suited for our project, despite the fact that most agile methodologists come from very different backgrounds.
Why Terrorism Does Not Work

This is the first article to analyze a large sample of terrorist groups in terms of their policy effectiveness. It includes every foreign terrorist organization (FTO) designated by the U.S. Department of State since 2001. The key variable for FTO success is a tactical one: target selection. Terrorist groups whose attacks on civilian targets outnumber attacks on military targets do not tend to achieve their policy objectives, regardless of their nature. Contrary to the prevailing view that terrorism is an effective means of political coercion, the universe of cases suggests that, first, contemporary terrorist groups rarely achieve their policy objectives and, second, the poor success rate is inherent to the tactic of terrorism itself. The bulk of the article develops a theory for why countries are reluctant to make policy concessions when their civilian populations are the primary target.
The importance of breaking set Socialized cognitive strategies and the gender discrepancy in mathematics

Theories that explain the gender discrepancy in mathematics almost universally explain why boys are `better at math' than girls while failing to adequately account for girls' higher grades in math classes or better performances on tests of computational ability.This article develops a new, more comprehensive theoretical model that explains girls' advantages in some areas of math, while also showing how these advantages are a liability in the mathematical realms dominated by boys. Specifically, it argues that `strategy socialization' in risk-taking and rule-following disproportionately supports girls in the development of an `algorithmic strategy' and boys in a `problemsolving strategy'. As the algorithmic strategy leads to success in elementary school mathematics, girls' strategy socialization is rewarded and uncontested. However, the over-rewarding of this single strategy also leads to difficulties in switching strategies as demanded by higher mathematics. Boys' strategy socialization, by contrast, is at...
The effect of periodontal treatment on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Abstract Background, aims: This study was designed to explore the effect of periodontal therapy on glycemic control in persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods: 36 patients with type 2 DM (treatment group) received therapy for adult periodontitis during an 18-month period. A 36-person control group was randomly selected from the same population of persons with type 2 DM who did not receive periodontal treatment. Results: These groups were well matched for most of the parameters investigated. During the nine-month observation period, there was a 6.7% improvement in glycemic control in the control group when compared to a 17.1% improvement in the treatment group, a statistically significant difference. Several parameters that could confound or moderate this glycemic control were explored. These included the treatment of non-dental infections, weight and medication changes. No moderating effect was associated with any of these variables. However, there were too few subjects in the study to have the statistical power necessary to assess these possible moderators of glycemic control. Conclusions: We interpret the data in the study to suggest that periodontal therapy was associated with improved glycemic control in persons with type 2 DM.
Planktonic foraminiferal response to the 1997–1998 El Niño: A sediment-trap record from the Santa Barbara Basin

Here we report results on a sediment-trap study from the Santa Barbara Basin in which we examine the response of planktonic foraminifera to El Nino conditions. Planktonic foraminifera census counts were performed on biweekly sediment-trap samples collected over the interval spanning late summer 1995 through early spring 1998, a period that captured the transition from “normal” conditions in 1996 to full El Nino conditions during early 1997 through early 1998. Intra-annual variations in the foraminifera assemblage reflect changes in seasonal climate variability, significant differences occurring in both foraminiferal relative abundance and flux values between non–El Nino and El Nino years. Warmer waters in the basin during late 1997 were reflected by a significantly increased presence of warmer-water species generally absent under normal conditions. Surprisingly, despite greatly reduced upwelling conditions, foraminiferal flux values during the spring 1997 upwelling season were more than four times greater than the year before. The contrast between normal and El Nino foraminifer populations has important implications for reconstructing the past history of both El Nino events and more general climate histories from the Santa Barbara Basin varved sediment record.
The chilling tale of copyright law in online creative communities

Online content creators are making decisions every day based on copyright laws that even judges have trouble interpreting. What impact does this confusion over the law have on our technology use and our creativity online?
Combined Systems Engineering and Management in the Evolution of Complex Adaptive Systems

Many modern systems consist of a dynamic network of interconnected people, processes and technologies. The evolution of such complex adaptive systems is governed by multiple stakeholders with varying value propositions and equities. Enlightened systems engineering and management must deal holistically with these systems using interacting processes from both disciplines. Linking fundamentals from cognitive science, organizational theory, networks, systems engineering and technology development, we identify the patterns and deep structures in their evolution. This results in a framework of innovation, integration and governance processes for combined systems engineering and management of complex adaptive systems.
Evaluating the safety of interventions for prevention of perinatal transmission of HIV.

: Efficient approaches are needed for obtaining reliable insights into the safety, in developing and developed country settings, of interventions for prevention of mother-to-child transmission (MCT) of HIV. A randomized trial designed with an appropriate sample size and adequate duration of follow-up provides a powerful tool for obtaining causal evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of MTC prevention interventions. Such trials are ideal for detecting adverse effects (AEs) that occur in the short or moderate term and with moderate to high frequency. Passive and active surveillance procedures, where practical, can provide valuable insights regarding long-term or rare AEs. Ideally, surveillance procedures should be carefully planned sufficiently early to allow prospective definition and uniform collection of important classes of AEs, enhancing the sensitivity and specificity of these surveillance data.
Functional Genomic Analysis of C. elegans Molting

Although the molting cycle is a hallmark of insects and nematodes, neither the endocrine control of molting via size, stage, and nutritional inputs nor the enzymatic mechanism for synthesis and release of the exoskeleton is well understood. Here, we identify endocrine and enzymatic regulators of molting in C. elegans through a genome-wide RNA-interference screen. Products of the 159 genes discovered include annotated transcription factors, secreted peptides, transmembrane proteins, and extracellular matrix enzymes essential for molting. Fusions between several genes and green fluorescent protein show a pulse of expression before each molt in epithelial cells that synthesize the exoskeleton, indicating that the corresponding proteins are made in the correct time and place to regulate molting. We show further that inactivation of particular genes abrogates expression of the green fluorescent protein reporter genes, revealing regulatory networks that might couple the expression of genes essential for molting to endocrine cues. Many molting genes are conserved in parasitic nematodes responsible for human disease, and thus represent attractive targets for pesticide and pharmaceutical development.
Differential expression of CD146 in tissues and endothelial cells derived from infantile haemangioma and normal human skin

Haemangioma is the most common tumour of endothelial origin, occurring in 4-10% of Caucasian infants. It is characterized by rapid growth during the first year of postnatal life, followed by spontaneous regression from 1 to 7 years of age. The cell surface adhesion molecule CD146 has been identified as an endothelial cell marker. Despite advances in understanding the functional role of CD146 in normal endothelial cells and tumour progression, its expression and a possible role in an endothelial tumour have not been studied. As part of an investigation of endothelial cell alterations in infantile haemangioma, differential expression studies were performed with several known antigens and endothelial cell markers. Using immunohistochemical and flow cytometric analyses, cultured human dermal microvascular endothelial cells isolated from newborn foreskin (HDMEC) were compared with endothelial cells derived from haemangioma tissue (HemECs). In addition, immunohistochemistry was used to compare haemangioma tissues with normal human skin. Unexpectedly, cultured HemECs showed a significantly lower level of CD146 than HDMECs by both flow cytometric analysis and immunofluorescence staining. Using immunohistochemical studies, it was further demonstrated that endothelia in all haemangioma tissues, regardless of the tumour phase, showed negative immunoreactivity for CD146. In contrast, strong positive staining for CD146 was observed in the pericyte-like cells that surround the endothelial layers. These findings are believed to be relevant to the molecular basis of haemangioma. Furthermore, it is possible that antibodies against CD146 may be useful for separating haemangioma-derived endothelial cells from normal endothelial cells and pericytes.
Central Serotonergic Responsiveness in Neurocardiogenic Syncope A Clomipramine Test Challenge

Background—Central serotonergic mechanisms appear to participate in the pathogenesis of recurrent neurally mediated syncope. The aim of the study was to investigate the responsiveness of the central serotonergic system by measuring the prolactin and cortisol responses to intravenous administration of the serotonin reuptake inhibitor clomipramine. Methods and Results—Twenty subjects free of any medical treatment were tested. Twelve had a history of recurrent syncopal attacks and positive tilt test (patient group, mean age 47±18 years, 8 men); 8 subjects without syncope and a negative tilt test result served as control subjects (mean age 49±10 years, 5 men). Twenty-five milligrams of clomipramine was administered intravenously within 15 minutes, and blood samples were taken at 0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes. Two days later, a tilt test was performed at 60 degrees for 30 minutes and blood samples were taken at 0, 10, 20, and 30 minutes. During the clomipramine challenge, plasma prolactin levels increased in b...
A depth recovery algorithm using defocus information

Pentland (1987) proposed an algorithm for sensing scene depth by measuring the amount of defocus of an image. The algorithm is interesting in the sense that no correspondence problems are involved. The authors discuss the difference between shape from defocus and shape from focus and then present a two-phase algorithm where the defocus process is modeled as a two-dimensional Gaussian point-spread function. During the first phase (calibration phase), a camera system parameter is determined off-line. In the next phase (depth-recovery phase), this parameter is used to recover on-line the scene depth by taking two images of the same scene, but with a different amount of defocus. Some implementation issues are addressed, and test results on real images are provided. >
Computer security by redefining what a computer is

The security of modern networked computers is very low and must be dramatically improved. Integrity of data and programs is an essential aspect of computers. We propose approaches towards computer security in which the main trust is a cryptographically authenticated “keyboard”. The achievability follows from the current trend towards personal computers, workstations and notebooks. We discuss how this could increase computer security and which problems remain to be solved in such an environment.
An 18 b 5 MS/s SAR ADC with 100.2 dB dynamic range

This paper presents an 18 bit 5 MS/s SAR ADC. It has a dynamic range of 100.2 dB, SNR of 99 dB, INL of ±2 ppm and DNL of ±0.4 ppm. It has currently the lowest noise floor of any monolithic Nyquist converter relative to the full scale input (21.9 nV/√Hz, ±5V full scale) known to the author, all of this is achieved with an ADC core power of 30.52 mW giving a Schreier figure of merit of 179.3 dB [1]. Architectural choices such as the use of a residue amplifier are outlined that enable the high sample rate, low noise and power efficiency. The design is implemented on 0.18 μm CMOS with MIM capacitors and both 1.8 V and 5 V MOS devices. An LVDS interface is used to transfer the ADC result off chip.
Leukocyte interferon-induced myeloid cytoreduction in chronic myelogenous leukemia

We investigated the antiproliferative effect of partially purified human leukocyte interferon (HuIFN-alpha) given in a dose of 9-15 X 10(6) U daily by intramuscular injection to 7 patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). Hematologic remission of the disease was obtained in 5 patients. Among the responding patients, the mean white blood cell count decreased from 97.4 X 10(3)/cu mm (range from 35 X 10(3)/cu mm to 239 X 10(3)/cu mm) to 4.2 X 10(2)/cu mm (range from 3.0 X 10(3) to 7.9 X 10(3) cu/mm). Parallel reduction occurred in serum B12, from a mean of 1,435 pg/ml to a mean of 726 pg/ml, and lactate dehydrogenase levels, from a mean of 325 mU/ml to 112 mU/ml. Enlarged spleens decreased in 3 of 3 patients. The 5 responding patients have been maintained on HuIFN-alpha, 3 X 10(6) U daily or every other day, for 6+-35+ wk.
Association of maternal fractures with adverse perinatal outcomes

Objective We sought to assess the effects of fracture injuries on maternal and fetal/neonatal outcomes in a large obstetric population. Study design We performed a retrospective cohort study using a database in which maternal and neonatal hospital discharge summaries were linked with birth and death certificates to identify any relation between maternal fractures and maternal and perinatal morbidity. Fracture injuries and perinatal outcomes were identified with the use of the International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision, Clinical Modification codes. Outcomes were further subdivided on the basis of anatomic site of fracture. Results A total of 3292 women with ≥1 fractures were identified. Maternal mortality (odds ratio, 169 [95% CI, 83.2,346.4]) and morbidity (abruption and blood transfusion) rates were increased significantly in women who were delivered during hospitalization for their injury. Women who were discharged undelivered continued to have delayed morbidity, which included a 46% increased risk of low birth weight infants (odds ratio, 1.5 [95% CI, 1.3,1.7]) and a 9-fold increased risk of thrombotic events (odds ratio, 9.2 [95% CI, 1.3,65.7]) Pelvic fractures had the worst outcomes. Conclusion Fractures during pregnancy are an important marker for poor perinatal outcomes.
Inferring Method Effect Summaries for Nested Heap Regions

Effect systems are important for reasoning about the side effects of a program. Although effect systems have been around for decades, they have not been widely adopted in practice because of the large number of annotations that they require. A tool that infers effects automatically can make effect systems practical. We present an effect inference algorithm and an Eclipse plug-in, DPJizer, which alleviate the burden of writing effect annotations for a language called Deterministic Parallel Java (DPJ). The key novel feature of the algorithm is the ability to infer effects on nested heap regions. Besides DPJ, we also illustrate how the algorithm can be used for a different effect system based on object ownership. Our experience shows that DPJizer is both useful and effective: (i) inferring effect annotations automatically saves significant programming burden; and (ii) inferred effects are more precise than those written manually, and are fine-grained enough to enable the compiler to prove determinism of the program.
Inactivation of bacteria by the application of spark plasma in produced water

Abstract The objective of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of spark plasma discharges on the inactivation of acid-producing bacteria (APB) and sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) in produced water. Tests were conducted in both static batch mode and once-through flow mode. The residual effect of plasma treatment was assessed by two different protocols: immediate incubation after plasma treatment and incubation after 24-h storage in a tank post-treatment. In the batch test, 10-min plasma treatment of water showed a total 3-log reduction of APB and 2-log reduction of SRB based on cfu/mL data in the case of clear produced water. In the once-through flow test, 2-log reduction of APB was observed in the case of clear produced water, whereas 1-log to 1.5-log reductions were observed in the case of darkly opaque produced water. The energy efficiency for the once-through flow test with APB for the opaque produced water was 1.7 kJ/L per 1-log reduction. UV radiation together with active plasma species produced by the spark discharge was instrumental in the inactivation of APB and SRB in both clear and dark produced water.
Rediscovering the Lawyer School: Curriculum Reform in Wisconsin

From America's inception through the Civil War, legal education was entirely practice-oriented; it was based not on academic study at a university, but consisted almost exclusively of apprenticeship with a practicing lawyer. As the study of law moved from apprenticeships in law firms to university-based law schools, the method of study became more theoretical. After the 1870s, Langdell's case method became the dominant model of studying and teaching the law. Gradually, law schools became more abstract and theoretical, and less grounded in the practice of law. Increasingly, practicing lawyers and judges complained that law schools were not preparing law students who were ready for the practice of law in terms of either the skills or the values necessary for effective practice. This article explores the history of legal education, the calls for greater relevance, and the ways law schools such as the University of Wisconsin can reform their curricula to respond to these concerns.
Understanding motivation to implement smoking bans among mothers with a hospitalized infant.

Objective Secondhand smoke exposure (SHSe) poses risks to hospitalized children upon discharge and no uniformly effective interventions have been identified. Understanding change-related processes and social-contextual factors related to motivation for implementing home and car smoking bans may inform interventions to reduce infant SHSe among mothers with a hospitalized infant.
Multiscale modeling of vibration damping response of shape memory polymer fibers

Abstract Health of a structure under vibration loads is highly related to the damping characteristics of the system. This work explores an engineered smart Shape Memory Polymer Fiber (SMPF) system that is capable of adjusting its damping capabilities based on applied load frequency and temperatures. A SMPF based structure with smart vibration/damping capability is of interest to many industries including aerospace, automotive and biomedical sectors. SMPFs enable structure engineers to incorporate smart functionality into their design through programming or training of SMPFs. While SMPF structural applications in the case of static loadings have been studied, the application of SMPFs in mitigating vibration responses of a structure has not been fully addressed in the research arena. The vibration damping response of a SMPF material system is studied with a goal to design damping response of smart structures that can mitigate severe vibrations. In this work vibration damping response of a SMPF bundle is experimentally studied through Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer (DMA) machine, and a numerical model is developed to correlate the loss/storage moduli to the damping/stiffness characteristics of the SMPF system. The model is then applied to study forced vibration responses of SMPFs. DMA data are utilized to verify the performance of the proposed model. The presented experimental data and the numerical model provide insight into vibration damping application of SMPFs in smart structures.
An Assessment of State Board of Pharmacy Legal Documents for Public Health Emergency Preparedness

Objective. To estimate pharmaceutical emergency preparedness of US states and commonwealth territories.Methods. A quantitative content analysis was performed to evaluate board of pharmacy legal documents (ie, statutes, rules, and regulations) for the presence of the 2006 Rules for Public Health Emergencies (RPHE) from the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy’s (NABP) Model Pharmacy Practice Act.Results. The median number of state-adopted RPHE was one, which was significantly less than the hypothesized value of four. Rule Two, which recommended policies and procedures for reporting disasters, was adopted significantly more than other RPHE. Ten states incorporated language specific to public health emergency refill dispensing, and among these, only six allowed 30-day refill quantities.Conclusion. Based on the 2006 NABP model rules, it does not appear that states are prepared to expedite an effective pharmaceutical response during a public health emergency. Boards of pharmacy should consider adding the...
Atomistic simulations of the interactions of hydrogen with dislocations in fcc metals

The interactions of hydrogen with both edge and screw dislocations in face-centered-cubic (fcc) metals are investigated using molecular statics simulations of nickel-hydrogen as a model system. It is shown that the most energetically favorable sites for H occupation are octahedral sites in the perfect fcc lattice, tetrahedral sites in the stacking fault, and both octahedral and tetrahedral sites in the Shockley partial cores of dislocations. Moreover, the diffusion barrier for H is relatively high except for pipe diffusion near the Shockley partial cores. It is also shown that partial dislocation cores have the strongest interactions with hydrogen. The hydrogen-dislocation interactions (attractive or repulsive) and the change in stacking width (increase or decrease) depend on the hydrogen-occupying sites (octahedral or tetrahedral) and the positions of the hydrogen atoms relative to the strongest binding energy sites. In particular, on the dislocation glide plane, only hydrogen atoms in both of the Shockley partial core regions can result in increasing the stacking fault width, while those in the stacking fault region or in the perfect fcc lattice region have no observable effects. On the other hand, uniformly distributed hydrogen in the tension region near the center of a dislocation can result in decreasing the stacking fault width. The stable stacking fault energy also decreases with increasing hydrogen concentration due to the resulting negative binding energy of hydrogen to the stacking fault, while the unstable stacking fault energy increases with increasing hydrogen concentration. This may result in pinning the dislocation due to the nature of short-range interaction between interstitial hydrogen atoms and their neighboring Ni atoms.
The expression of serum PINP and β-CTX in elderly hypertension complicated with AECOPD

Objective To study expression of serum collagen type I N-terminal propeptide(PINP) and procollagen type I carboxy terminal peptide beta special sequence( β- CTX) in elderly hypertension complicated with COPD. Methods Between 2011 January and 2013 December 124 cases of elderly patients with hypertension complicated with AECOPD were selected for the study. 124 patients in accordance with the severity of(chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)COPD were divided into acute exacerbation of COPD group with 64 cases,and COPD in remission stage group with 60 cases. 72 cases of healthy people were selected as control group. Serum PINP and β-CTX levels were tested and the relations between the various indexes and age, smoking, pulmonary function,body mass index(BMI) correlation were analyzed.Results Acute group serum PINP and beta CTX levels were significantly lower than those of the ease group and the control group(P0.01). In the alleviating group, the serum PINP level was significantly lower than that of the control group, but the serum beta CTX level was significantly higher than that of the control group( P 0. 01). In AECOPD patients after treatment the levels of serum PINP and beta CTX were significantly increased( P 0. 01). In the elderly hypertension complicated with AECOPD group, the serum PINP level was negatively correlated with smoking(P 0.05),and were positively correlated with FEV1 % expected value, FEV1 / FVC(%)(P0.05); Serum beta CTX expression was negatively correlated with smoking(P0.05), and was positively correlated with FEV1 % expected value and FEV1 / FVC( %)( P 0. 05). The serum PINP level was positively correlated with beta CTX expression( P 0. 05). Conclusion In elderly patients with hypertension complicated with AECOPD the serum levels of PINP and beta CTX were significantly low and could increase the risk of osteoporosis.
Electrons in Metals

This chapter discusses electrons in metals. It discusses contrasts in electron states, when an atom is isolated and when in a solid in the isolated atom, the states are well known. Electrons occupy orbits whose energies differ in steps that are indicated by the levels K, L, M. Normally two electrons of opposite spin occupy each orbit or energy level from the low K up, until all are used, and the average radius of an orbit increases also in the general order K, L, M …, by the horizontal extension of the K, L, M … lines. The lower lines correspond to inner or bound electrons and the upper to outer valence or free electrons. Atoms in a solid are so close that at least the valence orbits can overlap. The energy of one sublevel was slightly higher than the original and that of the other slightly less and the molecule was stable because both its electrons could go into the depressed one. Inner orbits or levels, remaining far enough apart, are virtually unchanged. However, outer or valence levels become bands. The new feature is that in effect such bands at present belong to the solid as a whole and the basic problem reduces to one concerned with how valence electrons from individual atoms behave in a common band.
Encore! Oral therapy for type 1 Gaucher disease

In this issue of Blood, Cox et al show that 157 adult patients with type 1 (nonneuronopathic) Gaucher disease (GD), whose initial signs and symptoms improved with biweekly IV infusions of pharmacologic recombinant glucocerebrosidase (enzyme replacement therapy [ERT]), remained stable for up to 4 years after switching to eliglustat tartrate, an oral inhibitor of glucocerebroside synthase (substrate reduction therapy [SRT]).1 The study also demonstrated sustained normal values for validated patient-reported outcomes, including the Fatigue Severity Scale, the Brief Pain Inventory, and the 36-item short-form health-related quality of life instrument. This is important because wide discrepancies between GD response outcomes that are significant for patients and those most valued by physicians have been described.2
Gene transfer in plants

With the specter of dwindling biotic diversity, need is increased for preservation of available germplasm. Plant germplasm may be preserved in a variety of ways including seed storage, cryopreservation, and tissue culture. A new method of germplasm preservation may be through the storage of DNA libraries, which maintain in test tubes the genes that encode life’s diversity. This new area of plant research germinated more than a decade ago and is beginning to bear fruit today. To be a viable alternative to traditional methods, however, ways must be devised to return cryopreserved genes to living cells, where they can be expressed and utilized to man’s benefit. DNA libraries also can be used to increase genetic diversity greatly through methods involving molecular biology and gene transfer.
Understanding and addressing the gaps: Generational perspectives on public relations leadership development in the United States:

This qualitative study is the first known effort to define the differing perceptions of public relations leadership at three distinct career points, and explore the leadership development gaps and ...
Masters Program Hernia Pathway: Robotic Inguinal Hernia Repair

Since the introduction of laparoscopy, there has been increasing interest and advancement in the minimally invasive approach to repairing inguinal hernias. In the case of bilateral and recurrent hernias, it has become the operation of choice and in many practices, for primary, unilateral hernias as well. The introduction of the robotic platform has allowed for improved visualization and dexterity when performing these operations, improving the ease of the operation and potentially allowing for minimally invasive repair of more difficult hernias. This chapter reviews the indications, perioperative considerations, and complications associated with robotic-assisted inguinal hernia repair.
Sequence-to-sequence language grounding of non-Markovian task specifications

A method includes enabling a robot to learn a mapping between English language commands and Linear Temporal Logic (LTL) expressions, wherein neural sequence-to-sequence learning models are employed to infer a LTL sequence corresponding to a given natural language command.
Mild Cognitive Impairment and Normal Aging

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) represents an intermediate zone of ­neurocognitive functioning that falls between normal age-appropriate functioning and dementia. During the past decade, research and clinical interest in MCI has burgeoned. Delineating the cusp between normal aging and MCI is of critical importance not only for accurate diagnosis but also for determining the earliest appropriate time-point to implement early interventions. This chapter will focus on a pragmatic approach to differentiating MCI from normal aging.
Techniques in the Design of Micro-Machined Electrostatic Torsion Micro-Mirrors and Their Applications

The past two decades has evidenced the tremendous research and development of micro-machined electrostatic torsion micro-mirrors for a wide range of applications. Design techniques for these devices are of significant importance to meet various performance requirements, reduce trial-and-error cycles and prototyping time and cost. This chapter presents the design techniques for developing electrostatic torsion micro-mirrors and their applications.
A Comparison of Tenofovir-Associated Renal Function Changes in HIV-infected African Americans vs Caucasians

Background The effects of tenofovir on renal function have been measured in multiple studies. Although African Americans are at a higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease, there are limited data examining the influence of race on tenofovir-related nephrotoxicity. Methods This was a retrospective study of human immunodeficiency virus (HlV)-infected patients at a university-affiliated HIV clinic who were prescribed tenofovir between July 1, 2001, and January 31, 2009. The primary outcome was mean change in creatinine clearance. Secondary end-points assessed the odds of tenofovir discontinuation secondary to nephrotoxicity, and prevalence of grade 2 to 4 serum creatinine elevation and hypophosphatemia during treatment. Main Findings A total of 65 African American and 186 Caucasian patients were included. There were no statistically significant differences in mean change in creatinine clearance, as estimated by the Cockcroft-Gault (− 14.2 mL/min vs − 15.9 mL/min [P = .525]) and modification of diet in renal disease formulas (− 17.2 mL/min/1.73m 2 vs − 15.6 mL/min/1.73 m 2 [P = .585]) between African Americans and Caucasians. Rates of tenofovir discontinuation secondary to nephrotoxicity were 6.2% and 1.6%, respectively (P = .076). Elevated baseline serum creatinine and female gender may be potential predictors for tenofovir discontinuation. Conclusion There were no statistically significant differences in tenofovir-related renal function changes by race as observed in our HIV patient population.
CONTROL OF LUTEINIZING HORMONE IN POSTPUBERTAL BOARS WITH LARGE TESTES

The objective of the present study was to investigate endocrine control of LH in postpubertal boars with large testes. Eight boars with the highest estimated paired testis weights from a line selected for large testes and nine boars from a line selected at random were used. Blood samples were collected over a 13-h period at weekly intervals for 4 wk. Samples were collected at 12-min intervals for 12 h before and 1 h after exogenous LHRH. Boars were bled when they were intact during the initial week. The second and third blood collections were 7 and 14 d after castration. The fourth bleeding occurred 7 d after exogenous 17 beta-estradiol (E2) replacement. In intact boars, mean LH was similar between boars from the two groups, but amplitude of pulses of LH was lower in intact boars with large testes than in boars from the control line. Maximum concentration of LH after administration of LHRH was less in boars with large testes than in boars from the control group. Seven days after castration, characteristics of LH measured did not differ between males from the two groups. However, 14 d after castration, amplitude of pulses of LH and maximum concentrations of LH after LHRH were less in males from the group with large testes than in males from the control group. After E2 administration, amplitude of pulses of LH tended to be lower in males from the group with large testes than in males from the control group.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Hybrid Systems & Games

This chapter begins the study of an entirely new model of cyber-physical systems: that of hybrid games, which combine discrete, continuous, and adversarial dynamics. While hybrid systems with their discrete and continuous dynamics have served us well in the analysis of cyber-physical systems so far, other cyber-physical systems crucially require an understanding of additional dynamical effects. Adversarial dynamics is relevant whenever choices in the system can be resolved by different players. This happens frequently in CPSs with multiple agents who may or may not agree on a common goal or who, even if they share a common goal, may act differently based on a different perception of the world. This chapter discusses the far-reaching consequences of this insight and advances hybrid programs to a programming language for hybrid games.
Dynamic Modeling of a Hybrid Switched-Capacitor-Based Converter with Phase-Shift Control

This paper is focused on modeling of dynamic responses in a hybrid switched-capacitor based dc-dc converter with a nominal 2:1 conversion ratio. Operating the converter well above resonance minimizes current stresses, and allows zero voltage switching and simple phase-shift control. A discrete-time small-signal model is developed, which accurately captures high frequency dynamics including effects of $L_{r}-C_{r}$ resonance, and sampling associated with the phase-shift modulator. The model shows how the conversion ratio and the choice of the resonant frequency affect the location of high frequency zeros, which may be utilized to simplify control and compensation requirements, especially when operating well above resonance around the nominal 2:1 conversion ratio. The discrete-time model facilitates direct $Z$ -domain compensator design using digital phase-shift control. Simulation and experimental results are provided to validate the model.
Data of unhealthy food availability in hospitals

Abstract In our manuscript, we present the food choices available at vending machines in government-run Veterans Affairs Hospitals. The data in this article includes both a quantification of the beverages and packages foods available, along with a comparison of recommendations and sugar content to the government-issued USDA Dietary Guidelines 2015–2020. For further discussion on the results of this study, refer to the full manuscript “Lead by Poor Example: An Assessment of Snacks, Soda, and Junk Food Availability in Veterans Affairs Hospitals” (Champ et al., 2018) [1] .
Application of Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling to Predict the Effects of FcRn Inhibitors in Mice, Rats, and Monkeys.

Abstract There is a growing interest in developing inhibitors of the neonatal Fc-receptor, FcRn, for use in the treatment for humoral autoimmune conditions. We have developed a new physiologically based pharmacokinetic model that is capable of characterizing the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of anti-FcRn monoclonal antibodies (mAb) in mice, rats, and monkeys. The model includes incorporation of FcRn recycling of immune gamma globulin (IgG) in hematopoietic cells in addition to FcRn recycling of IgG in vascular endothelial cells and considers FcRn turnover and intracellular cycling. The model captured antibody disposition in wild-type and FcRn-knockout mice and rats, and also predicted the effects of intravenous immune globulin and anti-FcRn mAb on IgG disposition. Simulations predicted the change in IgG clearance in response to intravenous immune globulin with good accuracy in rats (mean prediction error of 7.15% ± 7.67%). In monkeys, prediction windows for simulated IgG concentration versus time data, as generated through Monte Carlo simulation, were able to capture the effects of anti-FcRn mAb on endogenous IgG. The model may have utility in guiding preclinical evaluations of anti-FcRn therapies in development, potentially assisting in the identification of optimal dosing strategies for this emerging class of immunosuppressive drugs.
Systematic Review of Real-World Studies Evaluating Characteristics Associated With or Programs Designed to Facilitate Outpatient Management of Deep Vein Thrombosis.

Select patients with acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can be managed as outpatients. We sought to conduct a systematic review of real-world studies describing either (1) the clinical characteristic...
Collaborative Instruction over Interactive Television: The Agony and the Ecstasy

A variety of instructional and technological advances have increased the availability of graduate education to students living in remote rural areas. This article describes three innovative practic...