cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Novel Point Mutation in the Ligand-Binding Domain (LBD) of the Human Glucocorticoid Receptor (hGR) Causing Generalized Glucocorticoid Resistance: The Importance of the C Terminus of hGR LBD in Conferring Transactivational Activity

Glucocorticoid resistance is a rare, familial or sporadic condition characterized by partial end-organ insensitivity to glucocorticoids. The clinical spectrum of the condition is broad, ranging from completely asymptomatic to severe hyperandrogenism and/or mineralocorticoid excess. The molecular basis of glucocorticoid resistance has been ascribed to mutations in the human glucocorticoid receptor-alpha (hGRalpha) gene, which impair one or more of the molecular mechanisms of GR action, thus altering tissue sensitivity to glucocorticoids. We identified a new case of generalized glucocorticoid resistance in a young woman who presented with a long-standing history of fatigue, anxiety, hyperandrogenism, and hypertension. The disease was caused by a novel, heterozygous mutation (T-->C) at nucleotide position 2318 (exon 9) of the hGRalpha gene, which resulted in substitution of leucine by proline at amino acid position 773 in the ligand-binding domain of the receptor. We systematically investigated the molecular mechanisms through which the natural hGRalphaL773P mutant impaired glucocorticoid signal transduction. Compared with the wild-type hGRalpha, hGRalphaL773P demonstrated a 2-fold reduction in the ability to transactivate the glucocorticoid-inducible mouse mammary tumor virus promoter, exerted a dominant negative effect on the wild-type receptor, had a 2.6-fold reduction in the affinity for ligand, showed delayed nuclear translocation (30 vs. 12 min), and, although it preserved its ability to bind to DNA, displayed an abnormal interaction with the GR-interacting protein 1 coactivator in vitro. We conclude that the carboxyl terminus of the ligand-binding domain of hGRalpha is extremely important in conferring transactivational activity by altering multiple functions of this composite transcription factor.
Gradients for Retinotectal Mapping

The initial activity-independent formation of a topographic map in the retinotectal system has long been thought to rely on the matching of molecular cues expressed in gradients in the retina and the tectum. However, direct experimental evidence for the existence of such gradients has only emerged since 1995. The new data has provoked the discussion of a new set of models in the experimental literature. Here, the capabilities of these models are analyzed, and the gradient shapes they predict in vivo are derived.
Diversity and genome dynamics of marine cyanophages using metagenomic analyses

Cyanophages are abundant in the oceanic environment and directly impact cyanobacterial distributions, physiological processes and evolution. Two samples collected from coastal Maine in July and September 2009 were enriched for Synechococcus cells using flow cytometry and examined through metagenomic sequencing. Homology-based sequence prediction indicated cyanophages, largely myoviruses, accounted for almost half the reads and provided insights into environmental infection events. T4-phage core-gene phylogenetic reconstruction revealed unique diversity among uncultured cyanophages and reference isolates resulting in identification of a new phylogenetic cluster. Genomic comparison of reference cyanophage strains S-SM2 and Syn1 with putative homologous contigs recovered from metagenomes provided evidence that gene insertion, deletion and recombination have occurred among, and are likely important for diversification of, natural populations. Identification of putative genetic exchange between cyanophage and non-cyanophage viruses, i.e. Micromonas virus and Pelagibacter phage, supports hypotheses related to a significant role for viruses in mediating transfer of genetic material between taxonomically diverse organisms with overlapping ecological niches.
Results with a Selective Revascularization Strategy for Left Subclavian Artery Coverage During Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair

Background The need for routine left subclavian artery (LSCA) revascularization when this vessel is covered during thoracic endovascular aortic repair remains controversial. We report our results with a selective LSCA revascularization strategy during thoracic endovascular aortic repair. Methods Between May 2002 and March 2010, 287 thoracic endovascular aortic repair procedures were performed at our institution. LSCA coverage occurred in 145 (51%), which form the basis of this report. Results Left subclavian artery revascularization was performed in 32 patients (22%) through a left common carotid-LSCA bypass. Indications for selective LSCA revascularization included spinal cord protection in 10, patent pedicled left internal mammary artery graft in 9, left arm ischemia after LSCA coverage in 5, origin of the left vertebral artery from the arch in 4, dialysis access in the left arm in 2, and vertebrobasilar insufficiency in 2. There were no instances of dominant left vertebral artery. The revascularized and non-revascularized groups had similar rates of death (6.3% vs 1.8%; p = 0.21), stroke (3.1% vs 3.5%; p > 0.99), permanent paraplegia or paraparesis (3.1% vs 0%; p = 0.22), and type II endoleak (4.3% vs 6.5%; p > 0.99). There were no instances of ischemic stroke related to left posterior circulation hypoperfusion. Four complications of carotid–subclavian bypass occurred in 3 patients (9.4%). Conclusions Selective LSCA revascularization is safe and does not appear to increase the risk of neurologic events. Further, subclavian revascularization is not without complications, which should be considered with regards to a nonselective revascularization strategy.
Calibration of the pass‐through magnetometer—II. Application

Summary We describe the experimental procedure we use to calibrate a cryogenic pass-through magnetometer. The procedure is designed to characterize the magnetometer sensitivity as a function of position within the sensing region. Then we extend a theory developed in an earlier paper to cover inexact observations and apply it to the data set. The theory allows the calculation of a smooth, harmonic, internally consistent interpolating function for each of the nine components of the response tensor of the magnetometer. With these functions we can calculate the response to a dipole source in any orientation and position, and predict the magnetometer signal from any kind of specimen. The magnetometer in the paleomagnetic laboratory onboard the research vessel Joides Resolution is the subject of one such experiment and we present the results. The variation with position of sensitivity is displayed in a series of plane slices through the magnetometer. We discover from the calibration model that the X and Z coils are misaligned so that the magnetic centre of the coils is displaced from the geometric centre by approximately 0.7 cm. We synthesize the signal expected from the magnetometer when a variety of simple cores are measured. We find that, unless appropriate corrections are made, changes in magnetization direction can appear as variations in magnetic intensity, and conversely, fluctuations in the magnetization strength can produce apparent swings in declination and inclination. The magnitude of these effects is not small and is certainly worth taking into account in the interpretation of records from this kind of instrument. In a pilot study on data from a core measured with the shipboard magnetometer, we observe some large distortions, particularly in declination, that are attributable to uncorrected instrumental effects.
Practice Makes Perfect: Integrating Research Skill Building Into Undergraduate Courses

Background. A majority of undergraduate students lack opportunities to engage in research. Often, students must seek research opportunities with faculty members, and these opportunities are general...
Female Gryllus vocalis Field Crickets Gain Diminishing Returns from Increasing Numbers of Matings

Although female insects generally gain reproductive benefits from mating frequently, females do not mate unlimited numbers of times. This study asks whether the limit on female mating rate is imposed by trade-offs between reproduction and survival. Female Gryllus vocalis were given the opportunity to mate 5, 10, or 15 times with novel males, and the effects on daily fecundity (egg production), fertility (proportion of eggs that were fertilized), and female post-experimental longevity were measured. Females that mated 10 times laid more eggs and had a higher proportion of fertile eggs than females that mated 5 times. However, females that mated 15 times did not lay significantly more eggs or have a higher proportion of fertile eggs than females that mated 10 times. Although number of matings did not affect the date that females laid their last egg, mating more times was associated with a prolonged period of laying fertile eggs. Number of matings did not affect female post-experimental longevity. Thus, there was no trade-off between female reproductive effort and survival, even when females mated very large numbers of times. When females were allowed to mate ad libitum, the average number of times that females mated was greater than the number of times that confers maximal fitness. The lack of cost to mating explains why females might be willing to mate beyond the point of diminishing reproductive returns.
The Role of the Orthopaedic Oncologist in Chest Wall Resections and Reconstructions

Tumors of the bony thorax are rare and present unique challenges in achieving optimal oncologic results. Negative margins can be quite difficult to obtain because of the proximity to vital structures, hence rendering wide resection challenging. Chest wall resections are also complex because of the necessity for restoration of a functional chest wall with adequate soft tissue coverage to prevent paradoxical respiration and to mitigate pulmonary complications. Traditionally, thoracic surgeons have treated chest wall tumors. However, at some centers, orthopaedic oncologists have performed resections and reconstructions of these tumors with minimal perioperative morbidity. Previous studies have shown both an increase in the number of wide resections and a survival benefit for the treatment of these tumors when care is provided at a sarcoma center of excellence with a multidisciplinary team. We recommend a multidisciplinary treatment algorithm for these tumors with a musculoskeletal oncologist, thoracic surgeon, and plastic surgeon to bring about successful wide resection of the tumor, restoration of functional chest wall kinetics, and appropriate soft tissue coverage.
Real-time simulation techniques based on the RTO.k object modeling

Real-time simulation is an advanced mode of simulation in which the simulation objects are designed to show the same timing behavior as the simulation targets. A new approach to real-time simulation which is based on the RTO.k object modeling is discussed. The RTO.k object, which is a real-time extension of the well-established object structure, is capable of uniformly and accurately representing both real-time embedded computer systems and application environments. This simulation approach has many attractive features, e.g., expandability, modifiability, adaptability for efficient parallel processing, etc. In spite of its promising nature, the approach is an immature one in many respects and some desirable directions for future work aimed toward maturing the technology are also discussed.
Fluvastatin potentiates the activity of caspofungin against Aspergillus fumigatus in vitro

Statins (anticholesterol drugs) inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, which is a key rate-limiting enzyme in the synthesis of sterols in fungi. We therefore investigated the in vitro inhibitory activity of various statins against Aspergillus fumigatus alone and in combination with antifungal drugs. Fresh conidial suspensions from 10 clinical isolates of A. fumigatus were obtained. The MIC and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) were determined by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute M-38A protocol and the fungicidal activity by time-kill study. Fluvastatin (FST) showed good activity (MIC, 2 mg/L; MFC, 4 mg/L) against A. fumigatus; other statins had no activity (MIC > or = 256 mg/L). FST enhanced the activity of caspofungin (CFG) against A. fumigatus; subinhibitory concentrations of FST in combination with CFG showed >99.9% killing of A. fumigatus conidia, whereas either drug alone showed poor activity at subinhibitory concentrations. FST potentiated the antifungal activity of CFG but displayed no specific interaction with voriconazole or amphotericin B.
A SAFT-VR+DE equation of state based approach for the study of mixed dipolar solvent electrolytes

Abstract The SAFT-VR+DE approach was developed by combining the statistical associating fluid theory for potentials of variable range (SAFT-VR) with integral equation theory and the generalized mean spherical approximation using a non-primitive model, in order to explicitly describe the solvent in electrolyte solutions. Subsequently, the theory was applied to study nineteen different aqueous electrolyte solutions and a range of thermodynamic properties across different temperatures and salt concentrations were successfully predicted. Here, the theory is applied to study several model mixed dipolar solvent electrolytes in order to validate a simple one-fluid-like approximation that is proposed to describe the interactions between ions and dipolar solvents of arbitrary size and dipole moment. Before application to real fluids the approach is extensively tested through comparison with isothermal-isobaric ensemble (NPT) Monte Carlo simulations for a number of model mixed dipolar solvent electrolyte systems. Simulations have been performed for different ionic concentrations, solvent compositions, cation, anion, and solvent segment diameters, and solvent polarity. The results show that the SAFT-VR+DE equation provides a good description of the PVT behavior of the model mixed solvent electrolyte systems studied, with some over-prediction of the PVT behavior observed only at higher ionic concentrations. Additionally, comparisons are made between predictions from the non-primitive and primitive models for electrolytes and the importance of capturing the effect of ions on the solvent dielectric is demonstrated.
Effector function of hepatocytes and Kupffer cells in the resolution of systemic bacterial infections

It has been suggested that mononuclear pha- gocytes serve as the principal site of replication for a number of intracellular pathogens including Listeria monocytogenes. To determine the role of the tissue macro- phages (Kupifer cells) in the proliferation of Listeria taken up in the liver, the hepatic cell populations were purified and the associated bacteria were quantified at periodic intervals postinfection. Here we report that the bulk of Listeria injected intravenously into nonimmune mice replicated within hepatocytes rather than Kupifer cells. Whereas a 200-fold increase in the number of he- patocyte-associated List eria occurred during the first 3 days following infection, a relatively small (less than 2-fold) increase in number of Kupifer cell-associated Listeria was observed. The Listeria injected intra- venously into immune animals, on the other hand, were eliminated rapidly from the hepatocyte as well as the Kupifer cell population. The latter findings suggest that uptake and elimination of pathogenic organisms by "non- professional phagocytes" in the liver (i.e., hepatocytes) may be an important effector mechanism in host de- fenses. J. Leukoc. Biol. 51: 421-424; 1992.
Measuring ineffectiveness

An evaluation methodology that targets ineffective topics is needed to support research on obtaining more consistent retrieval across topics. Using average values of traditional evaluation measures is not an appropriate methodology because it emphasizes effective topics: poorly performing topics' scores are by definition small, and they are therefore difficult to distinguish from the noise inherent in retrieval evaluation. We examine two new measures that emphasize a system's worst topics. While these measures focus on different aspects of retrieval behavior than traditional measures, the measures are less stable than traditional measures and the margin of error associated with the new measures is large relative to the observed differences in scores.
Global sensor web coordination and control using multi-agent systems

In large, distributed sensor web systems, allocating resources to complex user tasks presents significant challenges. Sensor web users and their desired tasks have differing importance in the sensor web, so designing a multi-agent framework to yield allocations that are both fair and efficient (high utility) is a challenging research problem. With complex, hierarchically-decomposable tasks, individual subtasks could potentially be assigned to a number of agents (e.g., when there is overlap in sensor or data processing capability among constituent sensor networks). Efficient allocation of subtasks within the proposed multi-agent framework presents additional challenges. Both of these research problems are further compounded by the dynamic nature of the sensor web, in which both desired tasks and resource availability change significantly with time and environmental conditions. This paper presents an overview of these research challenges and a solution approach employing broker agents in a novel variation of the contract net protocol (CNP) for fair and efficient allocation of complex tasks.
Would People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Benefit from Being Designated "Underserved"?

Designation of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities as a medically underserved population would not solve problems of access to care.
How does beneficiary knowledge of the Medicare program vary by type of insurance

Background Prior research found that Medicare beneficiaries' knowledge of the Medicare program varied by the type of supplemental insurance they had. However, none of these studies used both multivariate methods and nationally representative data to examine the issue. OBJECTIVES To measure beneficiary knowledge of the Medicare program and to evaluate how knowledge varies by type of supplemental insurance. Research design A mail survey with telephone follow-up to a nationally representative random sample of Medicare beneficiaries, which had a 76% response rate. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effects of providing the Medicare & You handbook on beneficiary knowledge, information needs, and health plan decision making. Subjects A total of 3738 Medicare beneficiaries who completed the survey. Measures A psychometrically validated 22-item index that reflects Medicare-related knowledge in seven different content areas. RESULTS Overall, beneficiaries with a Medicare HMO or non-employer-sponsored supplemental insurance were more knowledgeable about Medicare than those who had Medicare only. In general, beneficiaries tended to be more knowledgeable about issues related to the type of insurance they had (fee-for-service or managed care) than other types of insurance. Conclusions Higher levels of knowledge about one's own type of insurance may suggest that beneficiaries learn by experience or they learn more about that type of insurance before enrollment. Further research is needed to better understand how and when beneficiaries learn about insurance and what educational strategies are more effective at increasing knowledge.
“Click” Chemistry-Mediated Phenylene-Cored Carborane Dendrimers

Phenylene-cored small dendrimers containing three to nine peripheral o-carborane clusters were synthesized via Cu(I)-catalyzed Huisgen-type azide alkyne cycloaddition reactions. The resulting dendrimers have been characterized by IR and NMR spectroscopy and MALDI-TOF mass spectral analysis. The biological evaluation of branched dendrimer 16 containing nine carborane cages has been carried out using human liver cancer cells (SK-Hep1). Dendrimer 16 was accumulated in the SK-Hep1 cancer cells in a concentration-dependent manner. The highest boron accumulation up to 2540 ng of boron/5 × 105 cells was observed at a 50 μM concentration of 16 over a period of 20 h. The high accumulation of 16 into the tumor cell lines indicates that such dendritic boron drug delivery platforms could be possible for application in boron neutron capture therapy in cancer treatment.
SP-A is necessary for increased clearance of alveolar DPPC with hyperventilation or secretagogues.

The role of surfactant protein-A (SP-A) in pulmonary uptake and metabolism of [3H]dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine ([3H]DPPC) was studied in SP-A gene-targeted mice (SP-A −/−). Unilamellar liposomes ...
Synthesis and Characterization of Nanosized NiAl Particles

Nanophase NiAl powders were synthesized by solid state reaction via ball milling of elemental Ni and Al powders under an argon atmosphere for 0-8 h, 16 h, 24 h, and 48 h. Structural characterization of the nanophase NiAI was performed by x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The oxidation behavior of the powders was studied by thermogravimetric analysis. It was found that the Ni + Al = NiAl solid state reaction took place between 4 and 5 hours of mechanical alloying. After 5 h or more of mechanical alloying, the phase of the ball milled particles was the B2 structure, with average grain sizes which decreased with increasing mechanical alloying times. The relationship between the long-range-order parameters and mechanical alloying time was studied. After 5 h, 6 h, 8 h, 16 h, 24 h, and 48 h mechanical alloying, the long-range-order parameter was determined to be approximately 0.82, 0.75, 0.75, 0.75, 0.71, and 0.63, respectively. Iron contamination was observed, resulting from wear of the steel vial and balls. In the mechanically alloyed NiAl nanoparticles, edge dislocations, shear bands, subgrains, distorted regions, and a large number of grain boundaries were observed.
Optimizing targeted agents development in pancreatic cancer: A fine-needle aspirate biopsy (FNAB) based ex vivo and in vivo assay.

3002 Background: While targeted therapeutics effectively inhibit tumor growth with less toxicity than conventional chemotherapy, in general cancer patients show highly variable responses to them. T...
Awareness of Nutrition Knowledge Among Primary School Students in Chengdu

Objective To investigate the level of awareness about nutrition and health knowledge among primary school students in Chengdu,and provide the scientific evidence for future nutrition education.Methods A questionnaire of nutrition knowledge was conducted in 2 primary schools in Chengdu,and totally 958 students selected by stratified random cluster sampling method were investigated.Results The awareness rate of knowledge about nutrition was 84.53%,the health behavior formation rate was 77.83%.The nutrition information of subjects was mainly got from parents,school course,radio and television.Conclusion Both the awareness rate of nutrition and the formation rate of health behavior were low among primary school students in Chengdu.However they are willing to improve the unhealthy eating patterns.It is necessary to strengthen the health education about nutrition among them.
Screening mammography starting at age 40: Still relevant.

In women in their 40s, the incidence of breast cancer is low but the risk of a tumor being aggressive is especially high.
Surface Morphological Evolution of Thin Films Under Stress and Capillary Forces

Holes and hillocks can commonly be observed on the surface of thin films after thermal processing. For films deposited on a substrate with a different coefficient of thermal expansion, strains due to thermal expansion mismatch can produce very large stresses. While capillary forces tend to produce a thermal groove at a grain boundary (GB), compressive and tensile stresses can form, respectively, a ridge or a canal at the GB. These phenomena can strongly influence mobility of a GB. The formation of a canal enhances the potential for pinning the GB, whereas the formation of a ridge tends to repel the GB. After a short overview of the theory, analytical and numerical solutions for surface profiles of static and travelling GBs under stress are presented. The results of the computed profiles are compared to experimental surface morphologies in aluminum thin film.
Abstract 1675: Activation of phosphatase toward the retinoblastoma protein inhibits invasion in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells

Excessive phosphorylation of the Retinoblastoma protein (Rb) is found in most cancer tumor types. Several cyclin dependent kinase (cdk) inhibitors are in development or in clinical trials at the present time. Our previous studies have focused on the regulation of Rb phosphorylation by the phosphatase, PP1. In proliferating cells, PP1 is regulated by a protein called PNUTS (Phosphatase Nuclear Targeting Subunit). PNUTS is a competitive inhibitor of Rb binding to PP1 and siRNA mediated knockdown of PNUTS in several cancer cell types (breast, colon, ovarian) leads to an increase in Rb directed PP1 activity, Rb dephosphorylation on several sites, and a dramatic induction of apoptosis. In this study we have used MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells grown in Matrigel. By lentiviral-mediated doxycycline inducible expression of PNUTS siRNA, expression of PNUTS protein is blocked and phosphorylation of Rb cells is reduced. Cells become less invasive and expression of mesenchymal markers N-cadherin, Zeb and Slug is lost. A reversion to the epithelial phenotype is suggested by an increase in E-cadherin expression. PNUTS knockdown has no effect on cells that do not contain highly phosphorylated Rb such as non-transformed MCF-10A cells or Rb-negative MDA-MB-468 cells. Further experiments using highly invasive HT-1080 cells show that reduction of Rb phosphorylation appears to reduce invasiveness in this cell model, supporting the idea that Rb phosphorylation plays a critical role in the regulation of invasion. Citation Format: Jacklynn Egger, Maria Lane, Brixhilda Dedi, Nancy A. Krucher. Activation of phosphatase toward the retinoblastoma protein inhibits invasion in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 1675.
Turning E-Commerce Theory into Action in Ireland: Taming the Celtic Tiger

INTRODUCTION E-Europe is not a place or a group of countries but the philosophy of an emerging region within the scope of a technological revolution. E-Europe can be viewed from many perspectives including Euro currency makeup, European Union membership, or technological contributions to the region. Ireland, the “Celtic Tiger,” presents an interesting opportunity of entrepreneurial activity. As Evans and Wurster (2000) have pointed out, the traditional value chains may be redefined. The availability of the Internet as an enabling communications technology has markedly changed the possibilities for countries far from the centers of economic power. On the other hand, the realities of the Internet have been obvious. Porter (2001) and Kanter (2001) have identified many of the realistic strategies for traditional and new businesses. Yet there will always be room for new ventures provided, of course, that entrepreneurs understand these issues and this challenging environment. Joshi and Yermish (2000) have summarized the challenges facing the entrepreneur in this kind of environment. This case will examine a possible strategy for entrepreneurial consultants seeking to provide expertise to rising e-businesses. Readers of this case will be encouraged to explore the issues further, filling in the missing details and developing a full-fledged business plan for action for a pair of young entrepreneurs.
Georgia's Medicaid Family Planning Waiver: Working Together with Title X to Enhance Access to and Use of Contraceptive and Preventive Health Services.

Abstract Purpose We sought to assess the impact of Georgia's family planning demonstration waiver upon access to and use of contraceptive and preventive health services within Title X and Medicaid. Procedures Georgia Title X and Medicaid data for January 2009 through December 2013 (before and after the waiver), restricting Title X data to women targeted by the waiver (18–44 years, incomes from 25% and 50% through 200% of the federal poverty level [FPL]) was assembled by quarter and marginal effects of the changes before and after waiver implementation were derived using multivariate regression models. Findings After implementation, there was a significant increase in the probability of Title X clients in the waiver-targeted age and income ranges who had Medicaid versus no insurance and who exited the encounter with higher effectiveness contraceptive methods, including long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), and with cervical cytology and sexually transmitted infection testing. In the Medicaid data from 2009 to 2013, there was an increase in the mean number of encounters per enrollee (2.19 vs. 2.42) and in LARC users; however, the percentage of all Georgia women living under 200% of the FPL with a family planning encounter in Title X and Medicaid decreased from 19% to 15%. Conclusions Our findings suggest that implementation of the Georgia family planning demonstration waiver contributed to the increased use of higher effectiveness contraceptive methods, including LARCs, within the Medicaid and Title X programs as well as the increased use of preventive screenings among Title X clients. However, when the full population of low-income Georgia women targeted by the waiver was considered, a greater percentage was not served over the demonstration period.
An Organometalllic NiIV Complex That Participates in Competing Transmetalation and C(sp2)–O Bond-Forming Reductive Elimination Reactions

This communication describes the synthesis of an organometallic NiIV complex bearing a labile trifluoroacetate (OTFA) ligand via the oxidation of a NiII precursor with PhI(OTFA)2. Intramolecular C(sp2)–O bond-forming reductive elimination from this NiIV complex is relatively slow, requiring 6 h at 70 °C to reach completion. In contrast, transmetalation with TMSCF3 occurs within just 1 h at room temperature to generate a NiIV–CF3 complex. These studies show that intermolecular reactions such as transmetalation can be competitive with intramolecular reductive elimination processes at NiIV centers.
Urban and Regional Sustainability

Sustainability has become a key concept in the quest to define a normative framework for urban and regional development. This chapter presents an overview of what is meant by sustainability first from the regional and then from the city level. Both scales have a long history in the planning domain, but the notion of a sustainable city is key to both realms and is the main focus of this chapter. While there is widespread agreement on broad parameters and principles about urban and regional sustainability, there are entrenched debates over implementation. On one level, there are debates over implementation methods, especially the degree to which partial success in implementation is better or worse than doing nothing. More fundamental debates about sustainability involve the distinction between process vs. form and the integration of city versus nature.
Characterizing Deep Learning over Big Data (DLoBD) Stacks on RDMA-Capable Networks

Deep Learning over Big Data (DLoBD) is becoming one of the most important research paradigms to mine value from the massive amount of gathered data. Many emerging deep learning frameworks start running over Big Data stacks, such as Hadoop and Spark. With the convergence of HPC, Big Data, and Deep Learning, these DLoBD stacks are taking advantage of RDMA and multi-/many-core based CPUs/GPUs. Even though a lot of activities are happening in the field, there is a lack of systematic studies on analyzing the impact of RDMA-capable networks and CPU/GPU on DLoBD stacks. To fill this gap, we propose a systematical characterization methodology and conduct extensive performance evaluations on three representative DLoBD stacks (i.e., CaffeOnSpark, TensorFlowOnSpark, and BigDL) to expose the interesting trends regarding performance, scalability, accuracy, and resource utilization. Our observations show that RDMA-based design for DLoBD stacks can achieve up to 2.7x speedup compared to the IPoIB based scheme. The RDMA scheme can also scale better and utilize resources more efficiently than the IPoIB scheme over InfiniBand clusters. For most cases, GPU-based deep learning can outperform CPU-based designs, but not always. We see that for LeNet on MNIST, CPU + MKL can achieve better performance than GPU and GPU + cuDNN on 16 nodes. Through our evaluation, we see that there are large rooms to improve the designs of current generation DLoBD stacks further.
Silicon Design and Measurement [Book/Software Reviews]

The motivation for his book stems from the complexity of on-wafer measurements and their associated characterization techniques. His intent is to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world silicon design and measurement and also to satisfy the needs of modern RF integrated circuit designers and researchers. Dr. Lourandakis provides a complete and comprehensive guide to performing on-wafer measurements, calibration, and de-embedding of silicon-integrated passive devices. The book opens with an introduction to two basic domains of signal analysis: frequency- and time-domain analysis.
Vectors, Matrices, and Group Representations

The purpose of this chapter is to introduce the reader to the representation theory of groups. This is the aspect of group theory that is central to most applications in chemistry. Because the mathematical tools of representation theory are vectors and matrices, we begin with a brief introduction to these.
Paradoxes of Mindfulness

This paper represents an attempt to highlight the paradoxes of mindfulness practice. Because mindfulness is a subtle form of awareness that does not stem from rational cognitive thought, its practice often involves embracing contradictions in a way that transcends logic. We first define mindfulness as involving three core aspects: intention, attention, and attitude. We then highlight four paradoxes of mindfulness that we believe to be especially salient for the field: (1) Acceptance vs. Change, (2) Escape vs. Engagement, (3) Effort vs. Non-Striving, (4) Self-Focus vs. Non-Self. Finally, we discuss the importance of ongoing dialog about these paradoxes both for practitioners and for those teaching mindfulness in clinical contexts.
Effects of Bacillus subtilis and zinc on the growth performance, internal organ development, and intestinal morphology of male broilers with or without subclinical coccidia challenge.

ABSTRACT Effects of antibiotic (bacitracin), anticoccidial (narasin), and alternative (Bacillus subtilis and zinc) feed additives on growth performance, internal organ development, and intestinal morphology of commercial broilers with or without subclinical coccidia challenge were determined. A total of 1,344 1-day-old male Ross × Ross 708 broilers were randomly distributed into 12 treatments (6 diets × 2 challenge treatments, 8 replication pens/treatment) in 96 floor pens. The 6 dietary treatments were as follows: a control diet (corn and soybean-meal basal diet), a probiotic diet (basal diet + Bacillus subtilis), a zinc diet (basal diet + 100 ppm zinc), a probiotic and zinc combined diet, an anticoccidial diet (basal diet + narasin), and a practical diet (basal diet + narasin + bacitracin). On day 21, each chick in the challenge treatment was gavaged with a 10× dose of a commercial vaccine containing live Eimeria oocytes, whereas each chick in the non-challenge treatment was gavaged with equivalent distilled water. The subclinical coccidia challenge increased the relative weights of pancreas and decreased the ileal crypt depth of broilers at 26 d of age, increased feed conversion ratios from day 15 to 28 and 29 to 40, and increased the relative weights of duodenum and bursa on day 54. As compared to other diets, anticoccidial and practical diets increased BW gain and decreased feed conversion ratio from day 15 to 28, and increased the day 40 carcass weights. As compared to control diets, probiotic diets decreased BW gain and increased the mortality from day 15 to 28; however, probiotic diets did not affect the overall growth performance from day 0 to 54 or carcass yield on day 54. Growth measurements during periods of day 29 to 40 and day 41 to 54 were not affected by any feed additive. From this study, a subclinical coccidia challenge enlarged specific internal organs and compromised the feed conversion ability of broilers. Dietary Bacillus subtilis did not affect overall growth rate or carcass yield of broilers under subclinical coccidia challenge.
Differential Calculus and Smooth Optimisation

In this chapter we develop the ideas of the differential calculus. Under certain conditions a continuous function f:ℜ n →ℜ m can be approximated at each point x in ℜ n by a linear function df(x):ℜ n →ℜ m , known as the differential of f at x. In the same way the differential df may be approximated by a bilinear map d 2 f(x). When all differentials are continuous then f is called smooth. For a smooth function f, Taylor’s Theorem gives a relationship between the differentials at a point x and the value of f in a neighbourhood of a point. This in turn allows us to characterise maximum points of the function by features of the first and second differential. For a real-valued function whose preference correspondence is convex we can virtually identify critical points (where df(x)=0) with the maxima of the function. We use calculus to derive important results in economic theory, namely conditions for existence of a price equilibrium for an economy, and the Welfare Theorem for an exchange economy.
Effects of aging on responses of cerebral arterioles

Our goal was to determine whether responses of cerebral arterioles are altered in aged rats. We examined responses of cerebral arterioles in adult (6-8 mo old) and aged (22-24) mo old) Wistar rats to superfusion of acetylcholine and bradykinin, which presumably produce dilatation by releasing an endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF), and to nitroglycerin, which produces dilatation by a direct effect on vascular muscle. In adult rats, cerebral arterioles dilated by 11 +/- 2% (SE) to acetylcholine (10(-5) M) and by 21 +/- 3% to bradykinin (10(-7) M). In contrast, arterioles in aged rats dilated by only 3 +/- 1% to acetylcholine and by 7 +/- 3% to bradykinin. Vasodilatation in response to nitroglycerin was similar to adult and aged rats. We also examined responses of cerebral arterioles to products released by platelets (ADP, serotonin, and thromboxane). ADP (10(-4) M) increased pial arteriolar diameter by 26 +/- 5% in adults rats and only 12 +/- 3% in aged rats. Serotonin (10(-5) M) produced modest vasodilatation in adult rats (7 +/- 1%) but modest vasoconstriction in aged rats (-5 +/- 2%). Vasoconstriction in response to a thromboxane A2 analogue (U 46619) was similar in adult and aged rats. Indomethacin (10 mg/kg iv) did not affect responses to acetylcholine, serotonin, and ADP in aged rats. Thus dilator responses of cerebral arterioles to agonists that may release EDRF are altered in aged compared with adult rats. Impaired vasodilatation in aged rats does not appear to be related to production of a cyclooxygenase constrictor substance.
ISOZYME POLYMORPHISM MAINTENANCE MECHANISMS VIEWED FROM THE STANDPOINT OF POPULATION GENETICS

ABSTRACT . All available data on isozyme polymorphism were collected from the published literature. These data were used to test several rival mechanisms which appear to be responsible for maintaining the genetic variation in natural populations. Five independent methods were used in the examination. They are: (1) The sum of heterozygotes due to alleles which have a specified gene frequency. In this method the geographical structure of a population is taken into account, but one must be able to distinguish between a mutant allele and the original allele. (2) Consistency between molecular evolution and the isozyme polymorphism. The former is amino acid substitution among homologous proteins of different species with a common origin. (3) A relationship between the heterozygosity and the number of alleles at each locus. (4) The distribution of heterozygosity with respect to gene frequency given by 4Nu Y −1 (1-Y) 4Nu-1 × 2Y(l-Y)∝(1-Y) 4Nu . In this method, one need not distinguish between mutant and original alleles, but populations are assumed to be panmictic. (5) Geographical uniformity of gene frequencies in a large structured population.
Measurement of the flow field induced by a spark plasma using particle image velocimetry

We investigate the local flow field induced by a spark plasma discharge in quiescent air under atmospheric conditions. Particle image velocimetry (PIV) is used to quantify the induced flow field between two conical-shaped electrodes for three different electrode gaps: 8 mm, 5 mm and 2 mm. The results show the existence of three distinct stages of flow. In the first stage of flow, distinct coherent structures are observed near the tips of the electrodes. In the second stage, ambient fluid is entrained along the electrodes to produce axial jets in the electrode gap. The final flow stage is characterized by collision of the jets and decay of vorticity. The flow parameters are all scaled by the induced velocity behind the shock wave produced by the spark and the electrode gap distance. The scaling results in comparable magnitudes of velocity and vorticity induced in the 5 mm and 8 mm electrode gaps with the onset of each of the flow stages occurring at approximately the same time scale. The magnitude of axial velocity dominates the latter two stages of the flow. Significant correlation is found between circulation and entrainment calculated for the 5 mm and 8 mm electrode gaps at different time steps, where the decay rates of circulation and that of entrainment are found to be $$\sim 1/(t/{\tau )^{0.75}}$$ and $$\sim 1/(t/{\tau) ^{0.88}}$$ , respectively. The stages of flow development for different electrode gaps at times > 100 µs after the discharge are discussed comprehensively and the choice of scaling based on energy deposited in the electrode gap and gap distance is found to permit direct comparison of the two electrode gaps.
Development and Formative Assessment of the Hearing Loss Toolkit for Self-Management

Hearing aids are a demonstrated efficacious intervention for age-related hearing loss, and research suggests that good hearing loss self-management skills improve amplification satisfaction and outcomes. One way to foster self-management skills is through the provision of patient education materials. However, many of the available resources related to the management of hearing loss do not account for health literacy and are not suitable for use with adults from varying health literacy backgrounds. To address this issue, we developed the Hearing Loss Toolkit for Self-Management as part of a manualized, best practices hearing intervention used in large clinical trial. We incorporated health literacy recommendations from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality in a series of modules that address a variety of common problem areas reported by adults with hearing loss. A formative assessment consisting of feedback questionnaires, semistructured interviews, and a focus group session with representatives from the target audience was conducted. Findings from the development assessment process demonstrate that the Hearing Loss Toolkit for Self-Management is suitable for use with adults with age-related hearing loss who have varying health literacy backgrounds and abilities.
13 – Market choice

Publisher Summary Economic choices can be made in several different ways. Free market choice allows individuals to make their own choices. The invisible hand guides individual actions to pursue social goals. The free market maximizes the sum of consumer and producer surplus. Consumer surplus is the benefit that buyers receive in excess of the price that they pay. Producer surplus is the payment that sellers get in excess of marginal costs. In competitive markets, these net benefits are maximized. Bureaucratic choice is another option. Bureaucratic choice is costly because the information that the market produces about preferences and opportunity costs must be scientifically calculated. Bureaucratic choice is most useful when central authorities wish to impose preferences, not reflect them. Democratic choice is another way to make collective decisions. Voting is a complex process and there is no guarantee that the democratic process accurately reflects individual preferences. Free market choice is desirable when perfect competition prevails. Where perfect competition does not exist, governmental actions might be desirable.
Augmented Reality: Memorializing Deaths of Migrants Along the US-Mexico Border

This chapter uses the framing of the counter-monument to explore new media technologies and the memorialization of undocumented immigrants who die crossing the US-Mexico border, addressing the work of two artists. John Craig Freeman’s Border Memorial, Frontera de Los Muertos, allows users of mobile devices to witness the deaths of undocumented immigrants by marking each location where human remains have been recovered with an individual augment. Andrew O’Brien’s work, Drift Alignment, uses astronomical mapping technology and big data to produce art that images the night sky on the day migrant remains were found in the Arizona desert. They disrupt traditional memorial forms, not only negating the illusion of permanence that is traditionally the focal point of a monument, but also embracing the ambiguity of such a lack.
Self-reported and objectively measured occupational exposures, health, and safety concerns among fishermen: A cross-sectional Fishing Industry Safety and Health (FISH) pilot study.

BACKGROUND Fishing industry workers are exposed to hazardous working conditions, engage in strenuous labor, and work long hours in variable weather conditions. Despite these known employment challenges, little is known of their perceived occupational health and safety concerns. In this pilot study, we: (1) describe fishermen's perceptions on worker- and organizational-level characteristics that impact occupational health and safety; and (2) estimate environmental exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) encountered during fishing activities. METHODS We collected both qualitative and quantitative data from Mississippi and Florida fishermen. Using an ethnographic approach, the study team conducted 1-h key informant interviews, administered a one-page demographic survey, and collected objective measurements to PAHs using silicone-based passive sampling wristbands. RESULTS Study participants (n = 17) had a mean age of 50.9 years (SD = 11.7), 88.2% were male, 94.1% white, 100.0% non-Hispanic/Latino, and 52.9% were married. Approximately, 87.5% reported fishing as their primary job, with a mean of 26.4 years in the industry (SD = 15.3). Four broad themes describing the culture of the fishing industry, common workplace exposures that impact fishermen's safety and health, and facilitators and barriers to safety while working in the fishing industry were documented. Deckhands had the lowest mean exposure to PAHs (8.3 ppb), followed by crew members (11.0 ppb), captains (82.64 ppb), and net makers (208.1 ppb). CONCLUSIONS Gulf coast fishermen expressed specific occupational health and safety concerns and were exposed to carcinogenic PAHs during regular work. Opportunities exist and strategies are needed for health protection and health promotion interventions among Gulf fishermen.