cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The LOTTERYBUS on-chip communication architecture

On-chip communication architectures play an important role in determining the overall performance of System-on-Chip (SoC) designs. Communication architectures should be flexible so as to offer high performance over a wide range of traffic characteristics. In particular, the resource sharing mechanism of the communication architecture, which determines how the often-conflicting requirements of different components are served, is of utmost importance. Conventional SoC architectures typically employ priority or time-division multiple-access (TDMA)-based communication architectures. However, these techniques are often inadequate. In the former, low-priority components may suffer from starvation, while in the latter, depending on the request profile, high-priority traffic may be subject to large latencies. This paper presents LOTTERYBUS, a high-performance SoC communication architecture based on new randomized on-chip communication protocols that addresses the shortcomings mentioned above. LOTTERYBUS provides each SoC component with a flexible, proportional, and probabilistically guaranteed share of the on-chip communication bandwidth. We present two variants of LOTTERYBUS. In the first variant, its architectural parameters are statically configured, leading to relatively low hardware overhead and design complexity. In the second variant, these parameters are allowed to vary dynamically, enabling more sophisticated use of LOTTERYBUS, at additional hardware cost. We have performed experiments to investigate the performance of LOTTERYBUS across a range of communication traffic characteristics. We have used LOTTERYBUS in designing a 4times4 ATM switch subsystem, and have compared its performance with conventional architectures. The results show that LOTTERYBUS provides fine-grained control over bandwidth allocation, and also provides significant reduction in average transaction latencies (up to 85%) compared to conventional architectures. Hardware implementations using a commercial 0.15-mum cell-based library indicate that the advantages provided by LOTTERYBUS are accompanied by modest hardware overheads compared to conventional architectures
Ferumoxytol-enhanced MRI to Image Inflammation within Human Brain Arteriovenous Malformations: A Pilot Investigation.

Inflammation cell infiltration and cytokine expression are seen in the vascular walls and intervening stroma of resected brain arteriovenous malformation (bAVM) specimens, even in unruptured and previously untreated lesions. Macrophages may play a critical role in bAVM progression to rupture and could serve as a marker for rupture risk. We assessed feasibility of imaging macrophages within the bAVM nidus using ferumoxytol-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in four patients with already diagnosed bAVMs using iron-sensitive imaging (ISI; T2* GE MRI sequence). Patients were imaged at baseline and at either 1 day (n = 2) or 5 days (n = 2) after infusion of 5 mg/kg of ferumoxytol. Residual intravascular ferumoxytol obscured evaluation for uptake in bAVM vascular walls and stroma at the 1-day time point. The two cases imaged at 5 days showed less intravascular tracer but had signal loss in the nidal region consistent with ferumoxytol localization. One case underwent surgical resection; there was prominent vascular wall CD68 staining. Ferumoxytol-enhanced MRI for assessing bAVM inflammatory cell burden appears feasible and has the potential to be developed as a biomarker to study lesional inflammatory events.
Levels of retinyl palmitate and retinol in the stratum corneum, epidermis, and dermis of female SKH-1 mice topically treated with retinyl palmitate

Retinyl esters are the storage form of vitamin A in skin, and retinyl palmitate (RP) accounts for the majority of the retinyl esters endogenously formed in skin. RP is also obtained exogenously through the topical application of cosmetic and skin care products that contain RP. There is limited information on the penetration and distribution of RP and vitamin A within the stratified layers of the skin. The purpose of these studies was to determine the time course for accumulation and disappearance of RP and retinol in the stratified layers of skin from female SKH-1 mice that received single or repeated topical applications of creams containing 0.5 or 2% of RP. We developed an HPLC method with detection limits of 5.94 and 1.62 ng, to simultaneously quantify the amount of RP and retinol, respectively, in skin samples. Our results showed that RP rapidly diffuses into the stratum corneum and epidermal skin layers within 24 h following the application of RP-containing creams. Of the three skin layers, the highest level of RP and retinol per weight unit (ng/mg) at all time points was found in the epidermis. Levels of RP and retinol were lowest in the dermal layer and intermediate in the stratum corneum. The levels of RP and retinol in the separated skin layers and in the intact skin decreased with time, but levels of RP remained higher than control values for a period of up to 18 days. Our results indicate that the application of RP to mouse skin alters the normal physiological levels of RP and retinol in the skin.
Optical imaging of visually evoked responses in the middle temporal area after deactivation of primary visual cortex in adult primates

The middle temporal area (MT) is a visual area in primates with direct and indirect inputs from the primary visual cortex (V1), a role in visual motion perception, and a suggested role in "blindsight." When V1 is deactivated, some studies report continued activation of MT neurons, which has been attributed to an indirect pathway to MT from the superior colliculus. Here we used muscimol to deactivate V1 while optically imaging visually evoked activity in MT in two primates, owl monkeys and galagos, where MT is exposed on the brain surface. The partial loss of V1 inputs abolished all or nearly all evoked activity in the retinotopically matched part of MT. Low levels of activation that persisted in portions of MT that were unstimulated or retinotopically congruent with the blocked portion of V1 appeared to reflect the spread of activity from stimulated to unstimulated parts of MT. Thus, a significant pathway based on the superior colliculus was not demonstrated.
A transition mass for black holes to show broad emission lines

Although the supermassive (AGN) and stellar mass (BHBs) black holes have many properties in common, the broad emission lines (BELs) are exclusively signatures of the active galactic nuclei (AGN). Based on the detection of these lines from Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) data bases, there seems to be no AGN with mass MBH 10 5 M� . In this paper, we investigate if such low-mass black holes are really non-existent or they are undetected because the BELs in them are not produced efficiently. Using the ionizing spectral energy distribution for a wide range of black hole mass, 10–10 9 M� , spanning black hole X-ray binaries (BHBs) to AGN, we calculate the equivalent widths (EWs) of ultraviolet and optical lines Lyα 1216 A, Hβ 4861 A, C IV 1549 A and Mg II 2798 A. The LOC (locally optimally emitting cloud) model has been used to describe the broad emission-line region (BELR) for the calculations. We find that the hardening of the SED shape with decreasing mass do not decrease the BEL EWs. However, finite size of the BELR, as measured by the line widths, which is controlled by the mass of the black hole, regulates the production of these emission lines. There seems to be a peak in the EWs of the emission lines for typical AGN black holes of ∼10 8 M� , below which the lines become intrinsically fainter with a sharp fall-off below ∼10 6 M� . This may be the cause of
Comparing chemical and biological control strategies for twospotted spider mites (Acari: Tetranychidae) in commercial greenhouse production of bedding plants.

ABSTRACT Efficacy, costs, and impact on crop salability of various biological and chemical control strategies for Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) were evaluated on mixed plantings of impatiens, Impatiens wallerana Hook.f (Ericales: Balsaminaceae), and ivy geranium, Pelargonium peltatum (l.) L'Her. Ex Aiton (Geraniales: Geraniaceae), cultivars in commercial greenhouses. Chemical control consisting of the miticide bifenazate (Floramite) was compared with two biological control strategies using the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot (Acari: Phytosei-idae). Treatments were 1) a single, early application of bifenazate; 2) a single, early release of predatory mites at a 1:4 predator:pest ratio based on leaf samples to estimate pest density; 3) a weekly release of predatory mites at numbers based on the area covered by the crop; and 4) an untreated control. T. urticae populations were monitored for 3 wk after the earliest treatment. When plants were ready for market, their sala...
Communication Goals for Science and Engineering

There is a growing interest among professional societies in getting into the information role of selling technology. Societies must take an active part of the responsibility for convincing the public that it needs a permanently strong technology. Technology is no longer taken for granted. Science for science sake is not a saleable commodity. Science is on trial. The hue and cry is that technology is using up our resources and destroying the environment. Yes, there was never a greater need for inputs of technology. Can we convey the message, for example, that the resource base of this nation and the world can change with time and technology—
Review of experience with a collaborative eye care clinic in inpatient stroke rehabilitation

Background: Visual deficits following stroke are frequently subtle and are often overlooked. Even though these visual deficits may be less overt in nature, they are still debilitating to survivors. Visual deficits have been shown to negatively impact cognition, mobility, and activities of daily living (ADL). There is little consistency across healthcare facilities regarding protocol for assessing vision following stroke.Objective: This research was designed to describe a profile for patients exhibiting visual deficits following stroke, examine the role of occupational therapists in vision assessment, and discuss a potential model to provide a protocol for collaboration with an eye care professional as part of the rehabilitation team.Methods: The sample consisted of 131 patients in an inpatient rehabilitation (IPR) unit who were identified as having potential visual deficits. Occupational therapists on an IPR unit administered initial vision screenings and these patients were subsequently evaluated by the ...
Exploring Valleys without Climbing Every Peak: More Efficient and Forgiving Metabasin Metadynamics via Robust On-the-Fly Bias Domain Restriction

Metadynamics is an enhanced sampling method designed to flatten free energy surfaces uniformly. However, the highest-energy regions are often irrelevant to study and dangerous to explore because systems often change irreversibly in unforeseen ways in response to driving forces in these regions, spoiling the sampling. Introducing an on-the-fly domain restriction allows metadynamics to flatten only up to a specified energy level and no further, improving efficiency and safety while decreasing the pressure on practitioners to design collective variables that are robust to otherwise irrelevant high energy driving. This paper describes a new method that achieves this using sequential on-the-fly estimation of energy wells and redefinition of the metadynamics hill shape, termed metabasin metadynamics. The energy level may be defined a priori or relative to unknown barrier energies estimated on-the-fly. Altering only the hill ensures that the method is compatible with many other advances in metadynamics methodology. The hill shape has a natural interpretation in terms of multiscale dynamics, and the computational overhead in simulation is minimal when studying systems of any reasonable size, for instance proteins or other macromolecules. Three example applications show that the formula is accurate and robust to complex dynamics, making metadynamics significantly more forgiving with respect to CV quality and thus more feasible to apply to the most challenging biomolecular systems.
Lygus Spp.: Damage to Beans by Reducing Yields, Seed Pitting, and Control by Varietal Resistance and Chemical Sprays

Feeding damage by Lygus hesperus Knight, L. elisus Van Duzee, L. lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois), and L. disertus Knight to beans in Washington reduced yield and caused pitting or scarring of the bean seed. Amount of damage varied between varieties of beans and year of tests probably because of climatic conditions. Control of Lygus on beans was effective for several weeks after treatment with dimethoate and ethion. Trichlorfon and ULV malathion also gave control, but both had relatively shorter periods of effectiveness.
Applying Genetic Algorithms to Complex Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulations

Aerospace applications often require complex flow simulations that cannot be computed quickly. To determine the optimum configuration or design in these applications can require the tuning of numerous parameters, the effectiveness of which can only be tested through repeated computational fluid dynamic simulations. Depending on the degree of the flow complexity, systematic searches of the multi-dimensional parameter space is often too costly in time, materials, and computational power. A viable alternative is evolutionary search algorithms which can look for regions of high performance with many fewer configuration evaluations. However, even in these cases the computational costs can remain quite high for more complex flows.This paper applies a genetic algortihm approach to two test problems with relatively complex flows: steady multijet flow control and atomic Oxygen sensor placement on an sounding rocket. The long-term objective is to build on this research to generate a more efficient approach to design optimization in these types of applications.
The role of oxidation in the biogenesis of alkaloids.

Aminoxide werden als intermediare Oxydationssubstanzen der Alkaloidbiogenese vorgeschlagen. Verschiedene Beispiele in dem Gebiet der Alkaloide werden erwahnt, um die Hypothese zu erklaren.
From Victim to Offender How Nuisance Property Laws Affect Battered Women

Nuisance property laws, which fine people for excessive 911 calls, have become increasingly popular in cities of all sizes. However, research into how these laws affect battered women is still in its early stages. This research study was designed to address the question of whether nuisance property laws harm battered women and, if so, how. Using a qualitative research design, in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 27 primarily low-income African American battered women in St. Louis metropolitan area who had come into contact with a nuisance property law because of domestic violence. Interviews addressed circumstances of contact with a nuisance law, the response of law enforcement officials, and how the law affected the participant’s housing, ability to call 911, sense of safety, finances, access to health care, and family stability. Using a multi-stage qualitative analytic procedure, each transcript was coded for themes and then descriptive categories developed for each theme. The data de...
Application of Logging Data in Studying Residual Oil Distributional Laws in Block Zhuang 2 of MTZ Oilfield

Logging data is used to determine residual oil saturation , of which there are 2 key technical factors, including determination of resistivity of mixed reservoir fluid of water injected oilfield and real formation resistivity. Through analyzing the actual logging data in MTZ Oilfield, methods for studying residual oil distribution are proposed by using production data in combination with logging data. Calculation of the actual data of the oilfield indicateds that the conclusion is reliable, by which new means are provided for studying residual oil distribution at late stage of production in the oilfield.
Autopsies and the pediatric intensive care unit.

Because knowledge gained from the postmortem examination can contribute significantly to understanding the patient’s antemortem medical condition, the autopsy remains a valuable part of medical care. This article emphasizes the importance of the postmortem examination to pediatrics. Insight into aspects that may impede consent for autopsy are presented, as are suggestions for obtaining consent. Important measures to take in ensuring that autopsy information is helpful for both the family and physician are identified.
Risk of serious bloodstream infections is low in pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients with fevers due to antithymocyte globulins and alemtuzumab.

Risk of serious bloodstream infections is low in pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients with fevers due to antithymocyte globulins and alemtuzumab
Large-Scale Analysis of 48 DNA and 48 RNA Tetranucleotides Studied by 1 μs Explicit-Solvent Molecular Dynamics Simulations.

An understanding of how the conformational behavior of single-stranded DNAs and RNAs depend on sequence is likely to be important for attempts to rationalize the thermodynamics of nucleic acid folding. In an attempt to further our understanding of such sequence dependences, we report here the results of 192 (1 μs) explicit-solvent molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of 48 DNA and 48 RNA tetranucleotide sequences performed using recently reported modifications to the AMBER force field. Each tetranucleotide was simulated starting from two different conformations, a fully natively stacked and a completely unstacked conformation, and populations of the various possible base stacking arrangements were analyzed. The simulations indicate that, for both DNA and RNA, the populations of fully natively stacked conformations increase linearly with increasing numbers of purines in the sequence, while the conformational entropies, computed by two complementary methods, decrease. Despite the comparatively short simulati...
Isolation and purification of self-renewable human neural stem cells for cell therapy in experimental model of ischemic stroke.

Neural stem cell therapy has been galvanized by the discovery of pluripotent stem cells. The possibility to generate specialized central nervous system-specific differentiated cells using human somatic cells engineered to become induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) was a game changer. This technology has broad applications in the field of regenerative medicine, in vitro disease modeling, targeted drug discovery, and precision medicine. Currently, iPSCs are one of the most promising cell sources amenable for commercialization and off-the-shelf neural stem cell therapy products. iPSCs exhibit a strong self-renewable ability that supports the development of a virtually unlimited source of neural cells for structural repair in neurological disorders. However, along with this strong proliferative capacity of iPSCs comes the tumorigenic potential of these cells after transplantation. Thus, the isolation and purification of a homogeneous population of human neural stem cells (hNSCs) are of paramount importance to ensure consistency in the composition of the cellular product and to avoid tumor formation in the host brain. This chapter describes the isolation, neuralization, and long-term perpetuation of hNSCs derived from iPSCs through the use of specific growth medium and the preparation of hNSCs for transplantation in an experimental model of stroke. Additionally, we will describe methods to analyze the ischemic stroke and size of grafts using magnetic resonance imaging and OsiriX software and neuroanatomical tracing procedures to study axonal remodeling after ischemic stroke and cell transplantation.
Childhood Obesity and Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: Special Considerations for Successful Outcomes.

The effects of obesity on venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) outcomes in pediatric population are unknown. We performed retrospective analysis of 41 children (age 2–18 years) undergoing VA-ECMO. The percentage difference between actual body weight and lean body weight, referred to as Δmass, was calculated. Ratios of Δmass to ECMO flow were calculated at 4 and 24 hours. In patients with Δmass:flow ≥ 0.1 at 4 hours, higher 24-hour lactates (20.0 vs. 14.5 mg/dL; p = 0.002) and inotrope scores (17.3 vs. 11.2; p = 0.015) were observed. However, elevated Δmass:flow was not associated with mortality, and in-hospital mortality rates between groups were similar (53 vs. 45%; p = 0.647). In obese pediatric patients requiring VA-ECMO, increased flow is necessary to avoid complications of hypoperfusion and related complications.
Localized Computation of Newton Updates in Fully-implicit Two-phase Flow Simulation

Abstract Fully-Implicit (FI) Methods are often employed in the numerical simulation of large-scale subsurface flows in porous media. At each implicit time step, a Newton-like method is used to solve the FI discrete nonlinear algebraic system. The linear solution process for the Newton updates is the computational workhorse of FI simulations. Empirical observations suggest that the computed Newton updates during FI simulations of multiphase flow are often sparse. Moreover, the level of sparsity observed can vary dramatically from iteration to the next, and across time steps. In several large scale applications, it was reported that the level of sparsity in the Newton update can be as large as 99%. This work develops a localization algorithm that conservatively predetermines the sparsity pattern of the Newton update. Subsequently, only the flagged nonzero components of the system need be solved. The localization algorithm is developed for general FI models of two phase flow. Large scale simulation results of benchmark reservoir models show a 10 to 100 fold reduction in computational cost for homogeneous problems, and a 4 to 10 fold reduction for strongly heterogeneous problems.
Electron Microscopy of Lesion Development on Wound-Inoculated Leaves of Citrus Aurantiofolia Infected with Florida and Mexican Isolates of XanthomonasCampestris Pv. Citri

Detached leaves of Mexican lime, wound-inoculated with a Florida strain (F1) of X. campestris pv. citri, developed water-soaked lesions with chlorotic halos surrounding the site of inoculation. Lesions appeared 3 d after inoculation, were well defined after 1 wk and fully expanded after 2 wk. Surface changes were not observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In ultrathin section, bacteria were in intercellular spaces surrounded by fibrillar material. Host cell walls, in water soaked tissues, showed degradation and bacteria were present intracellularly in mesophyll, xylem, and epidermal cells. Bacteria were absent in symptomless tissue beyond the chlorotic zone. Leaves inoculated with a Mexican strain (M3) developed reddish-brown pustules at the wound site which were fully formed after 1 wk. Hyperplastic cells rupturing through the epidermis with bacteria in the intercellular spaces and on the cell surfaces were observed by SEM. In ultrathin section, bacteria were observed intercellular in the hyperplastic tissue of the pustule and neighboring mesophyll cells. Strain M3 cells were surrounded by fibrillar material similar to that associated with the F1 strain. Bacterial isolates from Florida and Mexico can be distinguished on the basis of leaf symptoms, changes in leaf surface morphology and cellular changes associated with the presence of each bacterium.
Cervical Spine Injury Without Neurologic Deficit vs Thoracic or Lumbar Spine Injury: Does Location Matter With Regard to Complications?

SESSION TITLE: Miscellaneous Critical CareSESSION TYPE: Original Investigation PosterPRESENTED ON: Wednesday, October 26, 2016 at 01:30 PM - 02:30 PMPURPOSE: Spinal injury in the absence of neurologic deficit is a common cause of morbidity in trauma patients. As neurologic injury is the most common
Core-Shell Germanium/Germanium-Tin Nanowires Exhibiting Room-Temperature Direct- and Indirect-Gap Photoluminescence

Germanium–tin alloy nanowires hold promise as silicon-compatible optoelectronic elements with the potential to achieve a direct band gap transition required for efficient light emission. In contrast to Ge1–xSnx epitaxial thin films, free-standing nanowires deposited on misfitting germanium or silicon substrates can avoid compressive, elastic strains that inhibit formation of a direct gap. We demonstrate strong room temperature photoluminescence, consistent with band edge emission from both Ge core nanowires, elastically strained in tension, and the almost unstrained Ge1–xSnx shells grown around them. Low-temperature chemical vapor deposition of these core-shell structures was achieved using standard precursors, resulting in Sn incorporation that significantly exceeds the bulk solubility limit in germanium.
Catalyst-Free Photoinduced End-Group Removal of Thiocarbonylthio Functionality

An initiator- and catalyst-free method for polymer end-group modification has been designed. Under long-wave ultraviolet irradiation, polymers with thiocarbonylthio end groups undergo photolytic cleavage to reveal an active macroradical capable of irreversible termination with a suitable hydrogen source. This straightforward method was successfully demonstrated by the removal of a range of end groups that commonly result from reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer or photoiniferter polymerizations, including trithiocarbonate, dithiobenzoate, xanthate, and dithiocarbamate mediating agents. This strategy proved efficient for polymers derived from acrylamido, acrylic, methacrylic, styrenic, and vinylpyrrolidone monomers.
The retina visual cycle is driven by cis retinol oxidation in the outer segments of cones.

Vertebrate rod and cone photoreceptors require continuous supply of chromophore for regenerating their visual pigments after photoactivation. Cones, which mediate our daytime vision, demand a particularly rapid supply of 11-cis retinal chromophore in order to maintain their function in bright light. An important contribution to this process is thought to be the chromophore precursor 11-cis retinol, which is supplied to cones from Muller cells in the retina and subsequently oxidized to 11-cis retinal as part of the retina visual cycle. However, the molecular identity of the cis retinol oxidase in cones remains unclear. Here, as a first step in characterizing this enzymatic reaction, we sought to determine the subcellular localization of this activity in salamander red cones. We found that the onset of dark adaptation of isolated salamander red cones was substantially faster when exposing directly their outer vs. their inner segment to 9-cis retinol, an analogue of 11-cis retinol. In contrast, this difference was not observed when treating the outer vs. inner segment with 9-cis retinal, a chromophore analogue which can directly support pigment regeneration. These results suggest, surprisingly, that the cis-retinol oxidation occurs in the outer segments of cone photoreceptors. Confirming this notion, pigment regeneration with exogenously added 9-cis retinol was directly observed in the truncated outer segments of cones, but not in rods. We conclude that the enzymatic machinery required for the oxidation of recycled cis retinol as part of the retina visual cycle is present in the outer segments of cones.
Online Adaptive Optimal Control Based on Reinforcement Learning

In this chapter a new online direct adaptive scheme is presented which converges to the optimal state feedback control solution for affine in the inputs nonlinear systems. The optimal control solution is obtained in a direct fashion, without system identification. The optimal adaptive control algorithm is derived in a continuous-time framework. The algorithm is an online approach to policy iterations based on an adaptive critic structure to find an approximate solution to the state feedback, infinite-horizon, optimal control problem.
Gray-Box Modeling of Processes with Output Multiplicities

Abstract This paper introduces block-oriented modeling approaches to the development of NARMAX models for processes exhibiting output multiplicities. "Feedback block-oriented" model structures are introduced which can force the resulting NARMAX model to have a particular steady-state behavior and reduce the model identification problem to a constrained linear model identification. These models are particularly suitable for gray-box modeling approaches where it is assumed that the steady-state behavior of the process is known and a NARMAX model is sought to approximate its dynamic response.
The Fifth Frame of Colorblind Ideology: Maintaining the Comforts of Colorblindness in the Context of White Fragility:

In the context of newly emerging racial backlash with implications for colorblind ideology, the authors explore understandings of race and racism among white students at Historically Black Colleges...
Kinetic studies for advanced iodine laser concepts

Singlet oxygen generators for COIL devices that involve discharge or optical excitation are currently being investigated. These generators deliver relatively high yields of O 2 (b 1 Σ + ) as the flows do not contain water vapor. In addition, discharge generators provide high concentrations of O atoms. Dissociation of I2 by the reagent streams from these generators will follow different kinetic pathways than those that are most important when the flow from a chemical generator is used. To provide a basis for understanding the dissociation kinetics that will be relevant for discharge and optically driven COIL devices we have examined the quenching of O 2 (b) and O 2 (a) by I 2 . Dissociation of I 2 by atomic oxygen and I*+O quenching have also been investigated. The primary findings are: (1) Quenching of O 2 (b) by I 2 is fast (5.8x10 -11 cm 3 s -1 ) with a branching fraction of 0.4 for the channel O 2 (b)+I 2 →O 2 (a)+I 2 . (2) Quenching of O 2 (a) by I 2 is too slow (k -16 cm 3 s -1 ) to be the initiation step in the I 2 dissociation process. (3) O 2 (a) is generated when I 2 is dissociated by O atoms. (4) The upper bound for the rate constant for quenching of I* by O atoms is k -12 cm 3 s -1 .
Numeric-Attribute-Powered Sentence Embedding

Modern embedding methods focus only on the words in the text. The word or sentence embeddings are trained to represent the semantic meaning of the raw texts. However, many quantified attributes associated with the text, such as numeric attributes associated with Yelp review text, are ignored in the vector representation learning process. Those quantified numeric attributes can provide important information to complement the text. For example, review stars, business stars and number of likes, etc., have great influence on interpreting the semantic meaning of text. Numeric attributes associated with the text often reveal the quantity or the significance of the object that the number is modifying. We propose an algorithm using vector projection to generate numeric-attribute-powered sentence embeddings for multi-label text classification. We evaluate our algorithm on a public Yelp dataset, showing that classification performance improves significantly when numeric attributes are incorporated well.
The Concept of Tao: A Hermeneutical Perspective

For centuries no Orientals dared to question the greatness of Taoism. It has fascinated many people for a long time, and has left its trace deep in the Far East culture. Its impact is not limited to Asia. Hegel referred to it, and more recently Heidegger discussed it. Today many Westerners are tempted to find in it some ultimate lessons not found in the Western philosophical tradition. To be sure, there are many kinds of Taoism: the philosophical Taoism of Lao Tzu and Chuang Tzu, neo-Taoism, and religious Taoism. At the outset, however, I must make clear that the Taoism I am about to discuss refers to the first kind of Taoism. It is more than natural that numerous commentaries were written on the Taoist texts by Lao Tzu and Chuang Tzu, two eminent founders of Taoism, and that many different interpretations of it were proposed. In spite of these works we must admit that the nature of Taoism remains as confusing as it appears great, and that the meaning of “Tao,” essential to Taoism, still calls for clarification, as it is buried in elusiveness.
Switching as an Investment Strategy: Revisiting Parrondo’s Paradox

This chapter highlights that randomly switching investments between assets with negative expected returns can, indeed, yield positive expected returns. The analytical apparatus, in line with those adapted to Parrondo’s paradox, is based on stochastic properties of discrete-time Markov chains. An intuitive explanation of the result is provided in terms of Brownian ratchets.
Sex Differences in Adult Mortality: Some Evidence from Taiwan

Women, on average, have higher life expectancies than men, though sex differences in mortality vary from country to country and over time. In this paper I propose to examine and compare over an extended period of time the trends and levels of life expectancy of Taiwan (1906–2008). In 2007 the average life expectancy at birth of Taiwanese was 81.7 years for females and 75.6 years for males (The Human Mortality Database 2010). I will use data from annual life tables for the years of 1906–2008 produced by the Ministry of the Interior of Taiwan for Taiwan. Therefore, in this paper, I will not only review sex differences in mortality and longevity in Taiwan, but also estimate logistic models of mortality to decompose the trends and levels of life expectancy in Taiwan into three parts: juvenile, background, and senescent life expectancy, as proposed by Bongaarts in 2006 .
Potential role of LSD1 inhibitors in the treatment of sickle cell disease: a review of preclinical animal model data.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is caused by a mutation of the β-globin gene (Ingram VM. Nature 180: 326–328, 1957), which triggers the polymerization of deoxygenated sickle hemoglobin (HbS). Approximate...
Extended Study of the Flipped Instruction and Its Usefulness

The old-style pattern of instruction has been to allocate students to read textbooks and work on assigned problems outside of school, while listening to lectures and taking exams in class. With the introduction of Flipped instruction or a flipped classroom the students absorb new content online by watching video lectures, usually at home, and what used to be homework is now done in class with teachers offering more tailored direction and communication with students, instead of lecturing. Up to fifty percent of the course content was flipped in this study. Results on six of the courses used will be presented and deliberated on.
Interstitial Brachytherapy - Definitive and Adjuvant

Gynecologic interstitial brachytherapy (ISBT) is the placement of catheters into and surrounding a tumor, with either a high-dose-rate (HDR) and low-dose-rate (LDR) technique. Using an HDR technique, the catheters are afterloaded with radioactive sources, the most common isotope being 192Ir. Brachytherapy (BT) is a key component in the treatment of gynecological cancers, as it allows for dose escalation to the tumor while minimizing the dose to surrounding critical organs at risk, such as the sigmoid, bladder, and rectum. Patterns of care studies established the essential role of BT in the management of cervical cancer and linked its use to improvements in pelvic control and disease-free survival. Furthermore, the use of image-guided BT shows improvement in pelvic control and disease-free survival based on a large review from the American Brachytherapy Cervical Cancer Task Force.
Sex Differences in Adrenal Bmal1 Deletion–Induced Augmentation of Glucocorticoid Responses to Stress and ACTH in Mice

The circadian glucocorticoid (GC) rhythm is dependent on a molecular clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and an adrenal clock that is synchronized by the SCN. To determine whether the adrenal clock modulates GC responses to stress, experiments used female and male Cyp11A1Cre/+::Bmal1Fl/Fl knockout [side-chain cleavage (SCC)-KO] mice, in which the core clock gene, Bmal1, is deleted in all steroidogenic tissues, including the adrenal cortex. Following restraint stress, female and male SCC-KO mice demonstrate augmented plasma corticosterone but not plasma ACTH. In contrast, following submaximal scruff stress, plasma corticosterone was elevated only in female SCC-KO mice. Adrenal sensitivity to ACTH was measured in vitro using acutely dispersed adrenocortical cells. Maximal corticosterone responses to ACTH were elevated in cells from female KO mice without affecting the EC50 response. Neither the maximum nor the EC50 response to ACTH was affected in male cells, indicating that female SCC-KO mice show a stronger adrenal phenotype. Parallel experiments were conducted using female Cyp11B2 (Aldosterone Synthase)Cre/+::Bmal1Fl/Fl mice and adrenal cortex-specific Bmal1-null (Ad-KO) mice. Plasma corticosterone was increased in Ad-KO mice following restraint or scruff stress, and in vitro responses to ACTH were elevated in adrenal cells from Ad-KO mice, replicating data from female SCC-KO mice. Gene analysis showed increased expression of adrenal genes in female SCC-KO mice involved in cell cycle control, cell adhesion-extracellular matrix interaction, and ligand receptor activity that could promote steroid production. These observations underscore a role for adrenal Bmal1 as an attenuator of steroid secretion that is most prominent in female mice.
Comparison of photothermal radiometry and modulated luminescence, intraoral radiography, and cone beam computed tomography for detection of natural caries under restorations.

Objectives The aim of this ex vivo study was to measure the sensitivity, specificity, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) area under the curve (AUC) of a caries diagnostic system based on photothermal radiometry and modulated luminescence (PTR/LUM) and compare them with the values for digital intraoral radiography (IR) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in detecting recurrent decay. Study Design Class 2 composite restorations were prepared on 70 proximal surfaces: 35 with caries and 35 without caries. The gingival floor of the restored surfaces was assessed for caries under the restorations using each of the 3 modalities. Statistical calculations and analysis were performed using the R statistical computing environment. Results The average scores for sensitivity among the 6 observers were 0.89 for PTR/LUM, 0.38 for IR, and 0.40 for CBCT. Sensitivity for PTR/LUM was significantly greater than sensitivity for IR and CBCT. Average scores for specificity were 0.83, 0.80, and 0.70 for PTR/LUM, IR, and CBCT, respectively. CBCT had significantly lower specificity. The AUC was 0.65 for IR and 0.59 for CBCT, which were significantly different. PTR/LUM had moderate intraobserver agreement. Conclusions PTR/LUM, which involves non-ionizing radiation, can serve as a sensitive adjunct in early caries detection and monitoring.
Active Reversible Swimming of Magnetically Assembled "Microscallops" in Non-Newtonian Fluids

Miniaturized devices capable of active swimming at low Reynolds numbers are of fundamental importance and possess potential biomedical utility. The design of colloidal microswimmers requires not only miniaturizing reconfigurable structures but also understanding their interactions with media at low Reynolds numbers. We investigate the dynamics of "microscallops" made of asymmetric magnetic cubes, which are assembled and actuated using magnetic fields. One approach to achieving directional propulsion is to break the symmetry of the viscous forces by coupling the reciprocal motions of such microswimmers with the nonlinear rheology inherent in non-Newtonian fluids. When placed in shear-thinning fluids, the local viscosity gradient resulting from nonuniform shear stresses exerted by time-asymmetric strokes of the microscallops generates propulsive thrust through an effect we term "self-viscophoresis". Surprisingly, we found that the direction of propulsion changes with the size and structure of these assemblies. We analyze the origins of their directional propulsion and explain the variable propulsion direction in terms of multiple counterbalancing domains of shear dissipation around the microscale structures. The principles governing the locomotion of these microswimmers may be extended to other reconfigurable microbots assembled from colloidal-scale units.
“And We Shall Compose a Poem to Establish These Truths”: The Power of Narrative Art in South Asian Literary Cultures

This essay examines the potential connection between poetic narrative form and the cultivation of dharma, between ethics and aesthetics, in the literary theories and texts of premodern South Asia. Having considered possible ways that the reading of poetry or the watching of a staged drama might contribute toward realization of the four classical aims of moral life (and beyond) theoretically, a close reading of a dramatic comedy from South Asia will serve as a working illustration. In conclusion, the potential relevance of such an exercise for contemporary Euro–American discussions of narrative ethics will be briefly considered.
Parental Perspectives on Continuous Pulse Oximetry Use in Bronchiolitis Hospitalizations.

BACKGROUND: Because of the impact of continuous pulse oximetry (CPOX) on the overdiagnosis of hypoxemia in bronchiolitis, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Choosing Wisely campaign have issued recommendations for intermittent monitoring. Parental preferences for monitoring may impact adoption of these recommendations, but these perspectives are poorly understood. METHODS: Using this cross-sectional survey, we explored parental perspectives on CPOX monitoring before discharge and 1 week after bronchiolitis hospitalizations. During the 1-week call, half of the participants were randomly assigned to receive a verbal statement on the potential harms of CPOX to determine if conveying the concept of overdiagnosis can change parental preferences on monitoring frequency. An aggregate variable measuring favorable perceptions of CPOX was created to determine CPOX affinity predictors. RESULTS: In-hospital interviews were completed on 357 patients, of which 306 (86%) completed the 1-week follow-up. Although 25% of parents agreed or strongly agreed that hospital monitors made them feel anxious, 98% agreed that the monitors were helpful. Compared to other vital signs, respiratory rate (87%) and oxygen saturation (84%) were commonly rated as “extremely important.” Providing an educational statement on CPOX comparatively decreased parental desire for continuous monitoring (40% vs 20%; P CONCLUSIONS: Parents find security in CPOX. A brief statement on the potential harms of CPOX use had an impact on stated monitoring preferences. Parental perspectives are important to consider because they may influence the adoption of intermittent monitoring.
Comparative Outcomes of Adenosquamous Carcinoma of the Gallbladder: an Analysis of the National Cancer Database.

A paucity of data exists regarding adenosquamous carcinoma of the gallbladder, a histology comprising under 10% of gallbladder cancer diagnoses. The aim of this study is to characterize the clinicopathological features of these tumors utilizing a population-based dataset compared with gallbladder adenocarcinoma. We identified patients with gallbladder adenosquamous and adenocarcinoma from the National Cancer Database from 2004 to 2015. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, treatment regimens, and overall survival were analyzed between the groups. We identified 13,158 patients: 12,455 (95%) with a diagnosis of gallbladder adenocarcinoma and 703 (5%) with adenosquamous carcinoma. Adenosquamous tumors were larger, poorly differentiated, and presented with Stage III/IV disease (75% vs 69%, p < 0.001). Overall 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival for adenosquamous and adenocarcinoma were 24%, 11%, and 9% vs 37%, 16%, and 11%, respectively (p < 0.001). Following surgical resection, adenosquamous carcinoma had more positive margins (31% vs 25%, p < 0.001), and median overall survival was 10.3 months vs 20.5 months for adenocarcinoma (p < 0.001). Overall survival at 1-, 3-, and 5-years for surgically resected adenosquamous and adenocarcinoma were 43%, 23%, and 18% versus 63%, 35%, and 25%, respectively (p < 0.001). In resected adenosquamous carcinoma, positive lymph nodes and margins were associated with worse survival, while adjuvant chemoradiation (HR 0.457, 95% CI 0.31–0.69, p < 0.001) was associated with improved survival. Adenosquamous gallbladder cancer presented with larger tumors at advanced clinical stages when compared with adenocarcinoma. Overall survival was worse for adenosquamous tumors both overall, and following curative intent resection. Adjuvant chemoradiation was associated with improved survival in adenosquamous tumors.
An Innovative Pharmacometric Approach for the Simultaneous Analysis of Frequency, Duration and Severity of Migraine Events

To explore the use of a multistate repeated, time-to-categorical event model describing the frequency, severity and duration of migraines. Subject level data from patients in placebo arms from two efficacy trials for migraine-preventive treatments were used. Models were developed using NONMEM 7.3. A survival model was combined with an ordered categorical model to form the repeated-time-to-start of categorical migraine event model, which simultaneously described the time-to-start of migraines and the severity of the starting migraine event. This was linked to a repeated-time-to-end of migraine event model with different hazard functions depending on the severity of the ongoing migraine event. Model performance was internally and externally qualified. The successfully qualified model showed that patients responding to placebo had a reduction in migraine incidence rate, and a decreased proportion of severe migraines. There was an increase in moderate migraine duration, an increased proportion of mild migraines and a reduction in proportion of severe migraines. Age was related to migraine duration. The model represents an innovative framework for clinical trial modeling and simulation, and successfully describes placebo effect in migraine prevention. This approach can be adapted to investigate exposure-response relationship of drugs and can also be implemented in other therapeutic areas where the rate, duration and severity of disease episodes are relevant to trial outcomes.
Geologically Diverse Pluto and Charon: Implications for the Dwarf Planets of the Kuiper Belt

Pluto and Charon are strikingly diverse in their range of geologies, surface compositions, and crater retention ages. This is despite the two having similar densities and presumed bulk compositions...
Effect of concomitant aortic regurgitation on early hypoattenuated leaflet thickening after transcatheter aortic valve replacement in patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis

Identification of hypoattenuated leaflet thickening (HALT) and subacute leaflet thrombosis has become widely recognized. Patients with anatomical changes associated with moderate or greater aortic regurgitation (larger sinus of Valsalva and eccentric left ventricular remodeling) appear to have less HALT early postprocedure compared with those without. Further research on the risk factors including anatomical and hemodynamic variables should further our knowledge of these entities so we can better manage patient both pre and post TAVR.