cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electric field distribution of human breast tissue

Breast cancer is the one of the most leading diseases and cause of death in the world. 21% of females diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009 did not survive. Hence, cancer therapy requires a new and novel approach to treat them. Over the last two decades, electroporation, which is the process by which external electrical pulses are applied to facilitate the transport of drugs into cells, is gaining momentum as an alternative treatment for cancers. Electric field distribution and magnitude is a dominant parameter in electroporation. This paper presents the electric field distribution in normal and cancerous breast tissues and the effects of electrode positions and additional layers of fat and skin. Using Maxwell SV, a two dimensional model of the human breast tissue is created and analyzed. Size of tissue is estimated based on the average size of breast and electrical parameters such as permittivity and conductivity are set for normal and cancerous tissues from available literature. From the Finite Element Analysis of the mode, electric field distribution is obtained and field strength is compared for different cases. Cancerous tissues have higher permittivities and conductivities compared to normal tissues. Analyses of electric field distributions show that they have reduced field strength thereby signifying greater susceptibility to external influence using electrical pulses. These results will help improve electroporation and pulse mediated drug delivery techniques for cancers that are not receptive to conventional therapies.
The Varied Role of Plasticity in the Fracture of Inductile Ceramics

Even in the most brittle solids there is usually a measure of local microplasticity which influences the temperature dependence of the fracture stress. Deviations in behavior from the usual response of solids which exhibit increasing ductility with temperature have been examined for a range of nominally inductile ceramics including a LAS glass ceramic, Si3N4, SiC, and Al2O3. The temperature dependence of the fracture behavior has been evaluated using specimens in which cracks of controlled size were introduced by a hardness indentation technique. The effects on the fracture behavior of varying crack lengths by using different indentation loads, of blunting the implaced cracks, and of varying temperature at constant crack size were determined. The results are consistent with the anticipated influence of plasticity on fracture behavior in metals, polymers and more ductile non-metallics.
Declustering techniques for parallelizing temporal access structures

This paper addresses the issues of declustering temporal index and access structures for a single processor multiple independent disk architecture. The temporal index is the Monotonic B/sup +/-Tree which uses the time index temporal access structure. We devise a new algorithm, called multi-level round robin, for assigning tree nodes to multiple disks. The multi-level round robin declustering technique takes advantage of the append-only nature of temporal databases to achieve uniform load distribution, decrease response time, and increase the fanout of the tree by eliminating the need to store disk numbers within the tree nodes. We propose two declustering techniques for the time index access structures; one considers only time proximity while declustering, whereas the other considers both time proximity and data size. We investigate their performance over different types of temporal queries and show that various temporal queries have conflicting allocation criteria for the time index buckets. In addition, we devise two disk partition techniques for the time index buckets. The mutually exclusive technique partitions the disks into disjoint groups, whereas the shared disk technique allows the different types of buckets to share all disks. >
Issues on the Control of Robotic Systems Worn by Humans

Through any reasonable observation and experience, the human's ability to perform a variety of physical tasks is limited by his1 intelligence, but by his physical strength. If, in the appropriate environment, we can more closely integrate the mechanical power of a machine with the human hand under the supervisory control of the human's intellect, we will then have a system which is superior to a loosely integrated combination of a human and his fully automated robot as in the present day robotic systems. We must, therefore, develop a fundamental approach to the problem of this "extending" human mechanical power in certain environments. Extenders are defined as robot manipulators which extend (i.e., increase) the strength of the human arm in load maneuvering tasks, while the human maintains control of the task. Part of the extender motion is caused by physical power from the human; the rest of the extender motion results from force signals measured at the physical interfaces between the human and the extender, and the load an the extender. Therefore, the human wearing the extender exchanges both power and information signals with the extender. References 1-4 focus on the issues of the dynamics and control of human machine interaction in the sense of the transfer power and information signals while this paper presents a summary of the research work.
Faraday anomalous dispersion optical filter for the Cs 455 nm transition

The performance of a Faraday anomalous dispersion optical filter operating on the Cs 455-nm transition is calculated. The results show that the filter can provide high transmission (0.96), very narrow pass bandwidth (0.9 GHz), and low equivalent noise bandwidth (3.3 GHz) under optimum filter operational conditions. The optimum filter conditions also suppress the transmission of the Cs 459-nm transition. >
Iterative detection of 2-dimensional ISI channels

The performance of iterative detection methods is evaluated for the binary-input two-dimensional (2D), linear inter-symbol interference (ISI) channel with additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN). All of the proposed detection schemes involve message passing between detectors operating iteratively on the rows and columns of the 2D channel observations. Simulation results indicate that both the constituent detector performance and the loopiness of the underlying graphical model affect the iterative detector performance. Results are presented for a class of 3-tap, 2D channels defined by a single parameter. These indicate that straightforward application of turbo equalization to the 2D ISI problem performs poorly, but with ad-hoc enhancements, maximum likelihood (ML) detection is approached, to within 0.5 dB.
Redesigning symmetry-related "mini-core" regions of FGF-1 to increase primary structure symmetry: thermodynamic and functional consequences of structural symmetry.

Previous reports detailing mutational effects within the hydrophobic core of human acidic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-1) have shown that a symmetric primary structure constraint is compatible with a stably folded protein. In the present report, we investigate symmetrically related pairs of buried hydrophobic residues in FGF-1 (termed “mini-cores”) that are not part of the central core. The effect upon the stability and function of FGF-1 mutations designed to increase primary structure symmetry within these “mini-core” regions was evaluated. At symmetry-related positions 22, 64, and 108, the wild-type protein contains either Tyr or Phe side chains. The results show that either residue can be readily accommodated at these positions. At symmetry-related positions 42, 83, and 130, the wild-type protein contains either Cys or Ile side chains. While positions 42 and 130 can readily accommodate either Cys or Ile side chains, position 83 is substantially destabilized by substitution by Ile. Tertiary structure asymmetry in the vicinity of position 83 appears responsible for the inability to accommodate an Ile side chain at this position, and is known to contribute to functional half-life. A mutant form of FGF-1 with enforced primary structure symmetry at positions 22, 64, and 108 (all Tyr) and 42, 83, and 130 (all Cys) is shown to be more stable than the reference FGF-1 protein. The results support the hypothesis that a symmetric primary structure within a symmetric protein superfold represents a solution to achieving a foldable, stable polypeptide, and highlight the role that function may play in the evolution of asymmetry within symmetric superfolds.
Form, function, and embryonic migration in large gelatinous egg masses of arenicolid worms

. Attachment and gas exchange are design problems for the spheroidal egg masses that annelids and molluscs tether in sediments. At an intertidal site in Bodega Harbor, a high proportion of masses of arenicolid worms became detached, but they were not stranded higher than attached masses, and the embryos developed to advanced stages. The large masses, weighing 100–200 g, challenge predictions on limiting size for oxygen supply by diffusion. The estimated concentrations of embryos and thickness of the embryo layer exceed the limits predicted by a simple model for oxygen supply by diffusion from the surrounding water, but several features may enhance oxygen supply to embryos. (1) There is an internal cavity. Distal tears in the gel layer admit pulses of water into the center, thus adding an inner surface for gas exchange. (2) The motile embryos aggregate near the outer and sometimes inner surfaces of the gel layer. Embryos migrate in the gel toward regions of greater oxygen concentration. (3) Pennate diatoms colonize the masses, coating the surfaces and penetrating into the gelatinous matrix. Photosynthesis can exceed respiration when a mass is in the light. The pH in gel changes diurnally from a low of ∼7 to as much as 9.5, indicating an excess of respiration over photosynthesis at night and at least sometimes an excess of photosynthesis over respiration by day.
A 220 GHz reflection-type phased array concept study

The goal of this project is to enable light-weight, durable, and portable systems capable of performing standoff detection of person-borne improvised explosive devices (PB-IEDs) through the development of millimeter-wave reflection-type phased arrays. Electronic beam steering eliminates the need for complex mechanical scanners that are commonly implemented with millimeter-wave imaging systems and would reduce overall system size and weight. We present a concept study of a 220 GHz reflection-type phased array for the purpose of performing beam scanning of a confocal reflector system. Requirements for effective imaging of the desired target region are established, including spatial resolution, total scan angle, and number of image pixels achievable. We examine the effects of array architecture on beam characteristics as it is scanned off broadside, including Gaussicity and encircled energy. Benchmark requirements are determined and compared with the capabilities of several potential phase shifter technologies, including MEMS-based variable capacitor phase shifters, switches, and varactor diode-based phase shifters.
Faculty recruitment, retention, and success in dental academia * ** * ** * **

Previous reports addressing issues pertaining to faculty recruitment and retention have generally been based on structured surveys of current faculty and the opinions of senior educators. Results from those studies cannot reflect the opinions of the spectrum of persons in academia. Qualitative research, by using in-depth interviews with past, present, and future academics, was conducted to determine as broadly as possible the perceptions of those involved in, or considering, academic careers about the barriers to recruitment, retention, and success or failure in academia. Similarities and differences in the perceptions of groups at different career stages were detected.
Long-term tree ring chronologies from sympatric tropical dry-forest trees: individualistic responses to climatic variation

The influence of local precipitation and temperature on long-term growth dynamics in two species of seasonally dry tropical forest trees were investig- ated. Growth records were extracted from tree rings in Guanacaste province, Costa Rica. These chronologies provide a long-term (c. 85-y) record of tree growth for two species with contrasting phenologies. Annual growth, in both species, was dependent on annual and/or monthly variation in local precipitation but less so on temperature. For each species, however, patterns of growth reflected unique degrees of sensitivity to monthly rainfall and rainfall during previous years. It is hypothesized that such differences were due to the rooting depth of these species. A review of the literature also indicated similar diverse cambial growth responses by tropical trees to variation in annual and monthly climate. Lastly, it was shown that variation in longer term fluctuations in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, as measured by the El Nifio Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and North Atlantic Oscilla- tion (NAO), significantly influenced local precipitation in Guanacaste only during the wettest portion of the wet season. Such temporal sensitivity may have differen- tially influenced the longer-term growth of some tropical tree species but not others. Together, these results support the hypothesis that tropical tree species respond individualistically to variation in local and regional climate and that some tropical assemblages may in fact be structured by species-specific differences in soil water-use.
Path-Sensitive Inference of Function Precedence Protocols

Function precedence protocols define ordering relations among function calls in a program. In some instances, precedence protocols are well-understood (e.g., a call to pthread_mutex_init must always be present on all program paths before a call to pthread_mutex_lock). Oftentimes, however, these protocols are neither well- documented, nor easily derived. As a result, protocol violations can lead to subtle errors that are difficult to identify and correct. In this paper, we present CHRONICLER, a tool that applies scalable inter-procedural path-sensitive static analysis to automatically infer accurate function precedence protocols. Chronicler computes precedence relations based on a program's control-flow structure, integrates these relations into a repository, and analyzes them using sequence mining techniques to generate a collection of feasible precedence protocols. Deviations from these protocols found in the program are tagged as violations, and represent potential sources of bugs. We demonstrate CHRONICLER's effectiveness by deriving protocols for a collection of benchmarks ranging in size from 66 K to 2 M lines of code. Our results not only confirm the existence of bugs in these programs due to precedence protocol violations, but also highlight the importance of path sensitivity on accuracy and scalability.
Tasty Cookies, Inc.: A Master Budget Case

You are the owner of your own cookie company. Fast growth and the need to expand have made it necessary for you to seek financing from a local bank. However, you need to show the banker your plans for the coming year. Using your own, unique data, you will prepare a comprehensive budget and proforma financial statements to show the banker your projected earnings and financial position. Good luck getting that bank loan!
The Case for “Interpretive Jiggery-Pokery” in Public Ethics Research

Antonin Scalia’s biting dissent in the U.S. Supreme Court case King v. Burwell (2015), upholding federal subsidies for affordable healthcare, brings to mind a television entertainer who captivated ...
Memory yield and lifetime estimation considering aging errors

A memory is a high-density device with low cost per bit. Denser memories are likely to contain more errors. Replacing such errors requires repair schemes with good cells for the yield enhancement of a memory. The yield of a memory, therefore, should be calculated considering the repair scheme that a memory system has incorporated. In this paper, we propose a methodology that estimates the yield and the lifetime of a memory with various failure mechanisms and repair schemes of a memory. In a case study of aging errors in a 2Gb DDR3 SDRAM, we demonstrate the feasibility of our yield and lifetime estimation with various redundancy combinations.
An Application of Vorticity Confinement to Missile Aerodynamic Design

The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development, and Engineering Center (AMRDEC) has been applying a Government-developed, productivity-oriented, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) methodology to the aerodynamic design of Army missiles. This methodology, dubbed Euler Tunnel Analysis (ETA), uses automated grid generation software and a robust Euler solver to drastically reduce the time required to set up and execute flowfield computations. In addition, it has the capability to exercise the vorticity confinement technique in the field (to preserve tip vortices) and on the body surface (to mimic viscous effects). ETA was applied to a supersonic missile configuration with a high fineness ratio body, low aspect ratio tail fins, and a deflectable nose (used for aerodynamic control). In addition, an equation was derived to relate the surface confinement coefficient to physical parameters. Computations were made with and without vorticity confinement. Afterwards comparisons were made against wind tunnel data to assess ETA’s ability to produce meaningful results. It was found that the equation yielded reasonably successful values for the surface coefficient. It was also observed that the use of surface vorticity confinement improved the accuracy of normal force, pitching moment, and yawing moment calculations.
Fe-Ag Superlattices by Molecular Beam Epitaxy

We have succeeded in producing high quality (110)Fe/(111)Ag superlattices by Molecular Beam Epitaxy. Important parameters in the production of these materials were substrate temperature and effusion rates of the constituents. We have used SQUID magnetometry, Mossbauer spectroscopy and Reflection High Energy Electron Diffraction to demonstrate flatness and continuity of the films down to a thickness of approximately 2 atomic layers for the iron and 5 atomic layers for the silver. In the case of the thinnest iron layers, no large reduction of the ferromagnetic Curie temperature was observed, although this had been suggested and reported by other investigators. Furthermore, there was no indication for this particular growth system that the magnetization of the iron was out of the plane of the film. Variations of the magnetic hyperfine fields observed in the iron films were seen both as a function of iron thickness and as a function of the thickness of the intervening silver layers. For the thinnest films, the temperature dependence of the magnetization showed a linear behavior rather than the traditional T3/2 form.
Analysis method of saving energy on combustion side of boiler in power plant

A quantitative method was provided to analyze saving energy potential of gas heat energy on combustion side based on thermodynamic system.Gas heat energy of boiler should be considered as multiple energy level system.Heat exchange between boiler and thermal system should obey the principle of "equal in quantity,and match in energy level".Ideal thermodynamic process was raised to explain factors that effect on boiler efficiency.Heat specific of mixture reaction is proximately equal to that of mixture of production.Boiler efficiency should be calculated by using higher level heating value.The paper also discussed determination method of optimum exhausting gas temperature and primary wind quantity.
Non-certain Foundations: Clinical Ethics Consultation for the Rest of Us

H. Tristram Engelhardt, Jr.’s critical gaze has come to rest more than once on the practice of clinical ethics consultation; he has articulated potent arguments against the intellectual coherence of the field, labeling it a “conceptive ideology.” In this essay, I discuss Engelhardt’s critiques and explore what implications they have for the practice. I also argue that his critiques themselves rely on contestable metaethical/metaphysical assumptions about the need for certainty in moral justification. An alternative metaethical assumption, that we cannot have certainty regarding moral decisions (in the absence of stipulated metaphysical foundations such as religion), implies that we must search for what constitutes “non-certain justification.” A full articulation of such “non-certain foundations” is beyond the scope of this paper, but I do explore some implications for the practice of clinical ethics consultation of an acceptance that moral judgments in a pluralist society cannot be taken as certain.
The Intraoperative Team Approach to Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy

For the past two decades nipple-sparing mastectomy has given the oncologic and plastic surgeons the opportunity to restore the shape and surface anatomy of the breast for women undergoing therapeutic mastectomy. Nipple-sparing mastectomy through an inframammary approach, however, remains a complex and technically difficult operation with potential complications that may lead to irreversible skin damage beyond the confines of the nipple-areola. Oncologic and plastic surgeons have worked together through joint seminars and publications to strengthen their communication for a better understanding of the problems related to nipple-sparing mastectomy. The one area where oncologic/plastic collaboration has been weakest is in the operating room. This chapter discusses the importance of the oncologic and plastic surgeons’ side-by-side surgical collaboration and the advantages of their teamwork in enhancing inframammary nipple-sparing mastectomy outcomes.
ON THE ADDED MASS OF A RECTANGULAR CYLINDER MOVING IN A RECTANGULAR CHANNEL

This paper deals with the effect of restricted waters on the added mass of rectangular cylinders moving in a free surface of rectangular channels, because the rectangular forms can be regarded a a representative of the main part of an actual ship. The moving directions of the cylinder are either parallel or perpendicular to the free surface. Moreover, the frequency of motion is either infinitesimal or infinite. That is, the former is concerned with the manoeuvring motion and the latter is concerned with the ship's hull vibration. The content of this paper overlaps a part of previous articles, but also includes new results obtained after those articles were completed.
Osmotic responses in the sipunculid Dendrostomum zostericolum

1. The sipunculid Dendrostomum zostericolum demonstrates no ability to regulate osmotically. 2. Dendrostomum behaves superficially as an osmometer, but is actually more complex: ( a ) the worm shows volume control in concentrated and dilute sea water; ( b ) it is permeable to salts, mostly through the gut and/or nephridiopores; ( c ) it can release osmotically active particles from its body wall to the blood. 3. The body wall of Dendrostomum is highly permeable to water, but only slightly to salts. Permeability for both salts and water is greater inwards than outward. 4. Dendrostomum can tolerate a loss of 36% body weight by desiccation and recover when returned to sea water. The mechanism of this tolerance appears to be the removal by fixation in the tissues, of osmotically active particles from the body fluids.
Timing margin analysis and Power measurement with DDR4 memory

DIMMs built with DDR4 (Double Data Rate 4th-generation) SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory) are the current memory components used on HPC (High Performance Computing) systems. The DDR4 signal interfaces operate up to a 3200 Mbps data rate and at 1.2 V. This is a higher frequency at a lower voltage, therefore lower power, than the third generation DDR3 DIMMs. The higher frequency and lower voltage results in decreased timing margins. The characterization of the timing margins and power usage is of significantly increased importance in DDR4. In this paper, a methodology for experimentally quantifying timing margins and power is applied at bounding voltage and frequency corners to plan, design, and architect HPC systems optimized for power consumption and with timing margin.
Impact of seasonal changes in stream metabolism on nitrate concentrations in an urban stream

Nitrate (NO3 −) dynamics in urban streams differ from many natural streams due to stormwater runoff, sewage inputs, decreased groundwater discharge, often limited hyporheic exchange, increased primary productivity, and limited carbon input. We investigated NO3 − dynamics in a first-order urban stream in Syracuse, NY, which has urbanized headwaters and a geomorphologically natural downstream section. Twice-monthly water sampling, NO3 − injection tests, NO3 − isotopic analysis, filamentous algae mat density, and riparian shading were used to identify processes regulating NO3 − dynamics in the stream over a 12-month period. The urban headwater reach had low NO3 − (0.006–0.2 mg N/L) in the spring through fall, with a minimum uptake length of 900 m, no canopy cover, and high algae mat density. The downstream natural reach (100% canopy cover during the summer and low algae mat density) had nitrate concentrations between 0.6 and 1.2 mg N/L from winter to summer, which decreased during autumn leaf-off. In the urban reach, autotrophic uptake by filamentous green algae is a major NO3 − sink in summer. In the natural reach, the addition of organic matter to the stream at leaf-off led to a decrease in NO3 − concentration followed by an increase in NO3 − concentration in winter as gross primary productivity decreased. This study shows that the balance between autotrophy and heterotrophy in urban streams is variable and depends on an interplay of drivers such as temperature, light, and carbon inputs that are mediated by the riparian ecosystem.
Does Compost Selection Impact Green Roof Substrate Performance? Measuring Physical Properties, Plant Development, and Runoff Water Quality

ABSTRACTSix green roof substrate blends were created by using composts sourced from local suppliers and the Michigan State University Student Organic Farm. Bulk density, field capacity, total porosity, and saturated hydraulic conductivity were determined for each substrate and compared to an un-amended expanded shale aggregate. Significant differences were detected in all measured physical properties. A plant growth study was conducted in a greenhouse. Ocimum basilicum (basil), Sedum floriforum (sedum), and Carex eburnea (bristleleaf sedge) were grown in a depth of 10 cm of all six substrates for 6 months. The greatest dry shoot masses in bristleleaf sedge and sedum were twice those of the smallest masses. The largest wet harvest of basil was four times greater than the smallest harvest. Runoff water was collected after simulated precipitation events on regular intervals during the plant growth study and analyzed for nitrate and phosphate concentrations. Ion concentrations were greatest on the first measu...
High-Resolution Cryo-EM Maps and Models: A Crystallographer's Perspective.

The appearance of ten high-resolution cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) maps of proteins, ribosomes, and viruses was compared with the experimentally phased crystallographic electron density maps of four proteins. We found that maps calculated at a similar resolution by the two techniques are quite comparable in their appearance, although cryo-EM maps, even when sharpened, seem to be a little less detailed. An analysis of models fitted to the cryo-EM maps indicated the presence of significant problems in almost all of them, including incorrect geometry, clashes between atoms, and discrepancies between the map density and the fitted models. In particular, the treatment of the atomic displacement (B) factors was meaningless in almost all analyzed cryo-EM models. Stricter cryo-EM structure deposition standards and their better enforcement are needed.
Short-term dynamics and interactions of marine protist communities during the spring–summer transition

We examined the short-term variability, by daily to weekly sampling, of protist assemblages from March to July in surface water of the San Pedro Ocean Time-series station (eastern North Pacific), by V4 Illumina sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene. The sampling period encompassed a spring bloom followed by progression to summer conditions. Several protistan taxa displayed sharp increases and declines, with whole community Bray–Curtis dissimilarities of adjacent days being 66% in March and 40% in May. High initial abundance of parasitic Cercozoa Cryothecomonas longipes and Protaspis grandis coincided with a precipitous decline of blooming Pseudo-nitzschia diatoms, possibly suggesting their massive infection by these parasites; these cercozoans were hardly detectable afterwards. Canonical correspondence analysis indicated a limited predictability of community variability from environmental factors. This indicates that other factors are relevant in explaining changes in protist community composition at short temporal scales, such as interspecific relationships, stochastic processes, mixing with adjacent water, or advection of patches with different protist communities. Association network analysis revealed that interactions between the many parasitic OTUs and other taxa were overwhelmingly positive and suggest that although sometimes parasites may cause a crash of host populations, they may often follow their hosts and do not regularly cause enough mortality to potentially create negative correlations at the daily to weekly time scales we studied.
Numerical encoding in early visual cortex.

Abstract The ability to estimate numerosity in a visual array arose early in evolution, develops early in human development, and is correlated with mathematical ability. Previous work with visually presented arrays indicates that the intraparietal sulcus (IPS) represents number. However, it is not clear if the number signal originates in IPS or is propagated from earlier visual areas. Previous work from our group has demonstrated a rapidly instantiated representation of number in low-level regions of visual cortex using the high temporal resolution of event-related electro-encephalography (EEG). Here, we use a rapid event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) paradigm and find convergent evidence for a number signal in low-level visual cortex (areas V1, V2, and V3). Employing a stringent set of stimulus controls, we demonstrate that this signal cannot be explained by the total extent of the array, the density of the items in the array, the aggregate visual area of the items, the size of individual items, the proportion of the array covered by items, nor the overall scale of the array and items. Our findings thus provide strong support for the hypothesis that number is rapidly and directly encoded early in the visual processing stream.
Electronic Surface and Interface States

Electronic surface states have an important influence in many semiconductor devices, in which they determine or limit device performance.
Strategies to increase alcohol screening in health care settings.

Although health care settings offer an ideal opportunity for identifying people who are currently experiencing or are at risk for problems with alcohol, clinicians screen fewer than one-half of their patients for alcohol use disorders. The rate of alcohol screening may be increased, however, by applying strategies shown to promote the use of screening procedures for other medical problems, such as cancer. These strategies include group education (e.g., workshops or seminars), training given by respected colleagues (i.e., opinion leaders), performance feedback, educational outreach visits to individual physicians (i.e., academic detailing), and financial incentives or penalties. Using clinic-based system protocols (e.g., patient questionnaires) can help make the implementation of alcohol screening in clinical practice both efficient and effective. Although incorporating alcohol screening into other high-priority clinical activities and screening programs remains a challenge, routine alcohol screening as a standard of care for all patients is receiving increased acceptance.
Open Systems; Grand Canonical Ensemble

We have thus far discussed the statistical mechanics of particles in closed systems. In a closed system, the number of particles can neither increase nor decrease. This Lecture treats open systems in which particles may enter or leave the system. Open systems arise naturally in experiment. For example, if one studies a large volume of liquid by using a microscope with a narrow field of view, the small unenclosed volume under examination is an open system, because particles are free to enter or leave an unenclosed volume. Systems with ongoing chemical equilibria may usefully be said to be open, in the sense that a molecule of a species ceases to be present within the volume when it turns into a molecule of a different species.
Beyond the local: places, people, and brands in New England beer marketing

Despite decades of domination by a few large companies, the American beer market has seen a dramatic resurgence of microbreweries. Contrary to conventional oligopolistic market theories, small firm...
Light Scattering and Haze in TMOS-Co-APTES Silica Aerogels

TMOS-co-APTES wet-gels have been used as templates for polymer crosslinked aerogels, which in turn have been used as strong materials and as starting materials for ceramic aerogels. Such wet-gels are prepared in acetonitrile (CH3CN) via co-gelation of tetramethylorthosilicate (TMOS) and 3-aminopropyl silane (APTES) in a 3:1 v/v ratio. Qualitatively, native monolithic TMOS-co-APTES aerogels appear more clear than the corresponding straight TMOS-derived materials, suggesting applications in thermally insulating daylighting. For that application, it is important to understand and minimize haze. Haze from the bulk of silica aerogels may be due to scattering from particles or pores, but study of its origin may be complicated by scattering and reflections from the surface of the monolith. In this report, using wet-gels as proxy materials for aerogels, haze from TMOS-co-APTES was investigated as a function of density, which is controlled by the amount of TMOS + APTES in the sol. The wet-gel approach to the study of haze of aerogels has the advantages of eliminating surface scattering issues from aerogel monoliths, and owing to better refractive index matching between the skeletal framework and the surrounding medium (CH3CN), bulk scattering is also reduced, facilitating study of lower-density materials. Haze from the bulk was traced to Rayleigh scattering down to 0.017 g cm−3 aerogels. The opacity of even lower-density samples (down to 0.006 g cm−3) was attributed to the Mie scattering. The scatterer size was obtained via Rayleigh’s law, and matched the secondary particle sizes of silica. The size of those particles increased as the density decreased, producing higher haze. Results suggest that in order to keep haze low at lower densities, one must keep the particle size low, for example, by increasing the rate of gelation.
Medicare claims can identify post-stroke epilepsy.

Abstract Objective There have been no validated Medicare claims-based algorithms available to identify epilepsy by discrete etiology of stroke (e.g., post-stroke epilepsy, PSE) in community-dwelling elderly individuals, despite the increasing availability of large datasets. Our objective was to validate algorithms that detect which patients have true PSE. Methods We linked electronic health records (EHR) to Medicare claims from a Medicare Pioneer Accountable Care Organization (ACO) to identify PSE. A neurologist reviewed 01/2012-12/2014 EHR data from a stratified sample of Medicare patients aged 65+ years to adjudicate a reference-standard to develop an algorithm for identifying patients with PSE. Patient sampling strata included those with: A) epilepsy-related claims diagnosis (n = 534 [all]); B) no diagnosis but neurologist visit (n = 500 [randomly sampled from 4346]); C) all others (n = 500 [randomly sampled from 16,065]). We reconstructed the full sample using inverse probability sampling weights; then used half to derive algorithms and assess performance, and the remainder to confirm performance. We evaluated predictive performance across several measures, e.g., specificity, sensitivity, negative and positive predictive values (NPV, PPV). We selected our best performing algorithms based on the greatest specificity and sensitivity. Results Of 20,943 patients in the reconstructed sample, 13.6% of patients with epilepsy had reference-standard PSE diagnosis, which represents a 3-year overall prevalence of 0.28% or 28/10,000, and a prevalence within the subpopulation with stroke of 3%. The best algorithm included three conditions: (a) at least one cerebrovascular claim AND one epilepsy-specific anticonvulsant OR (b) at least one cerebrovascular claim AND one electroencephalography claim (specificity 100.0% [95% CI 99.9%–100.0%], NPV 98.8% [98.6%–99.0%], sensitivity 20.6% [95% CI 14.6%–27.9%], PPV 86.5% [95% CI 71.2%–95.5%]). Conclusion Medicare claims can identify elderly Medicare beneficiaries with PSE with high accuracy. Future epidemiological surveillance of epilepsy could incorporate similar algorithms to accurately identify epilepsy by varying etiologies.
The Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference: Contexts for Creating Change:

This special edition of Professional School Counseling presents some of the key proceedings from the sixth annual Evidence-Based School Counseling Conference (EBSCC). The EBSCC exists to provide pr...
Blockchain-enabled technology: The emerging technology set to reshape and decentralise many industries

The past few years have seen an explosion in the business use of blockchain. The technology has great potential to drive simplicity and efficiency in financial services, and it is poised to drive the next wave of financial service innovation. Interest in exploiting blockchain in other industries, such as manufacturing and healthcare, is increasing, and deployments are gaining momentum. Yet, the adoption rate is slow, and organisations are only beginning to scratch the surface in regards to the potential applications of this technology. Implemented properly, the business benefits can be substantial. This article explores the changing dimensions of blockchain, highlights the importance of this technology, reviews its timeline from inception to maturity, identifies determinants of implementation success, and covers some of the potential benefits of this technology. Finally, this study highlights the successful implementation of blockchain solutions in the manufacturing and service industries.
Social Networks of Self-care and Perceived Treatment Burden Among Patients on In-Center Hemodialysis.

Background Dialysis patients manage not only the demand of dialysis but also other complex chronic conditions. These individuals may draw upon personal and social resources to cope with the demands of self-management and care coordination. This study was designed to describe social networks for self-management and care coordination among hemodialysis patients and explore the association between network characteristics and perceived treatment burden. Study Design A cross-sectional study using social network analysis. Setting & Participants 20 patients from an outpatient dialysis center. Factors Social network characteristics (eg, size and connectivity) and perceived treatment burden. Measurements/Outcomes Participants completed a battery of questionnaires, including the Patient Experience With Treatment and Self-management Questionnaire (measuring perceived treatment burden) and a social network survey asking the respondent to name up to 5 people to whom he or she turned for help with self-care and care coordination tasks and their characteristics and relationships. Results Participants were aged 53.4 years on average, half were women, and 18 were African Americans. On average, network size was 3.1 members, most of whom were women and family members. 7 patient networks included at least 1 health care provider. The clustering coefficient (the overall connection between members) was 0.54, suggesting that not all members within the patient's network were connected with each other. Multimorbidity was not associated with treatment burden domain scores, but greater network connectivity was associated with lower treatment-related financial burden (r = −0.61). Limitations The small sample was racially homogeneous and precluded controlling for potential confounding factors. Conclusions Dialysis patients used networks of people to manage self-care and coordination tasks, but interconnectedness between members of individual patients' networks was limited, which might negatively affect their perceived treatment burden. The social context of dialysis patients could play an important role in their illness management and treatment burden and calls for future research.
Consumer Buying Behavior

The study of consumer behavior is very essential in the field of marketing as it helps firms to construct smarter marketing strategies by getting an insight about what affects the decision making of consumers. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the theoretical aspects of consumer buying behavior and the factors that influence it. This paper also reviews the relationship between consumer buying behavior and the factors that influence the consumer's purchasing process and purchase decision.
A 2.45 GHz RF Power Harvesting System Using Textile-Based Single-Diode Rectennas

In this paper, a fully-flexible, low-cost and lightweight rectenna arrays suitable for wearable applications is presented. Textile-based antenna and rectifier were optimized to operate at 2.45 GHz. The latter exhibited an RF-to-DC conversion efficiency of 70 % at 8 dBm input power. Arrays of single elements resulting from the integration of antenna and rectifiers were implemented on shirts for power transfer applications. The measurement results demonstrate up to 600 μW of DC-power that was extracted from the array, allowing powering of low-power wearable electronics devices. A validation of the proof-of-concept was realized by lighting up three LEDs connected in parallel at distances of up to 60 cm from the source.
Identification, Evaluation, And Characterization Of Populations Potentially At Increased Risk Of Air Pollution-Related Health Effects Within The Context Of The National Ambient Air Quality Standard (Naaqs) Review Process

Under the U.S. Clean Air Act, the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) are established under the premise of providing an adequate margin of safety requisite to protect public health. As a...
Improving Tactile Codes for Increased Speech Communication Rates in a Phonemic-Based Tactile Display

Previous research has shown evidence of tactile speech acquisition of up to 500 English words presented as tactile phonemic patterns using a 4-by-6 tactor array worn on the forearm. This article describes modifications to some of the tactile codes encoding the 39 English phonemes, and ten additional codes as abbreviated patterns for the ten most frequent phoneme pairs in spoken English. The re-design aimed to reduce the duration of phonemes and phoneme pairs that occur most frequently, with the goal to increase tactile speech transmission rates. Code identification experiments were conducted with ten participants over three weeks using a video game. The average identification rate of the 49 modified codes (39 phonemes plus 10 phoneme pairs) was 83.3% with an average learning time of 6.2 hours. The average identification rate of the 49 codes in a retention test with 7 of the 10 participants after more than 90 days of no exposure to the tactile codes was 75.7%. An analysis using ideal transmission rates showed a 58% increase in transmission rate with the modified tactile codes as compared to the original codes, demonstrating that the improved codes can speed up tactile speech communication.
Women in Management: Changing Organizational Cultures in Peru, Mexico and USA: An Abstract

Gender equality has received increasing attention, yet women’s limited presence at the senior management level suggests women still face lack of support in their career advancement. One of the major reasons is reduced development opportunities for women within organizations. The authors show that the organizational culture becomes more gender supportive when the number of women managers achieves a critical mass. Moreover, women managers influence their organizations to attain a higher performance-oriented culture with less power distance. Data gathered from Peru, Mexico and USA shows how a critical mass of women in management changes their organizational cultures and attains significantly higher gender egalitarianism scores.
Histochemical Fluorescence Microscopy and Micro-autoradiography Techniques Combined for Localization Studies

Publisher Summary This chapter deals with the procedures in which the histochemical fluorescence technique is combined with autoradiography in the complete absence of aqueous solutions. This criterion must be met to eliminate possible artifacts due to diffusion and dislocation of labeled water-soluble drugs and endogenous amines. Thus, liquid tissue fixation and dehydration through aqueous alcohol solutions before exposure to photographic emulsion and the use of liquid or wet photographic emulsions over the tissue sections are the steps that must be avoided when water-soluble compounds are employed. With the development of a specific formaldehyde induced histochemical fluorescence method for aromatic monoamines, the interesting possibility of combining this technique with that of autoradiography presents itself. Such studies might be of value in the localization of binding and storage of putative transmitters. The tissue distribution of a variety of drugs, for example sympathomimetics, adrenergic blockers, enzyme inhibitors, and monoamine releasers, may be correlated with monoamine structures. In addition to histochemical fluorescence and autoradiography, it is possible to demonstrate acetylcholinesterase activity in adjacent thin cryostat sections.
Methods with insect cells in suspension culture. II. Drosophila melanogaster.

Publisher Summary The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster has for many years been the subject of intensive genetic analysis and has provided much of our present understanding of the organization of the eukaryotic chromosome. The recent establishment of Drosophila cell lines in culture has increased the advantages of using Drosophila for studying gene transcription. With a cell line it is possible to inquire about detailed biochemical questions of a homogeneous population of cells and to manipulate the cells in ways that are not possible using the whole organism. This chapter describes methods to adapt the Schneider Drosophila line 2 to grow in suspension in a modified Dulbecco's medium. After the prolonged adaptation period, most of the cells were euploid and contained normal-appearing Drosophila chromosomes. The cells contain the expected amounts of DNA and RNA. The chapter also discusses the techniques developed for fractionating the cells into cytoplasm and nucleus and illustrates the size distribution of nuclear RNA, rRNA, and mRNA from the cell line. Schneider Drosophila line 2 cells, growing in a flask culture, are adapted to Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium by gradual replacement of the Schneider's medium.
Applications of radioisotopes to studies of carcinogenesis and tumor metabolism.

Publisher Summary Because the problem of cancer is a biological one, which may be described in many aspects in biochemical terms, the impact of the use of isotopes has been felt within the realm of oncology. The tracer technic has been used for a variety of researches. This chapter reviews the current state of cancer biochemistry and discusses significant trends in this domain. Tracer methodology is used in the study that involves unique applications, tracer requirements, the purity of samples, and isotope dilution and carrier technics to determine the application of radioisotopes in study of carcinogenesis and tumor metabolism. The chapter discusses several areas of oncology to which isotopes have made substantial contributions.