cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reaction Dynamics, Molecular Clusters, and Aqueous Geochemistry

Earth scientists will come to rely heavily upon computational chemistry because our environments are so difficult to sample. Essential geochemical information can often be better acquired by simulation than by either experiment or field sampling. No reactions are more essential to geochemistry than those involving water. Considerable advances are being made in understanding these hydrolytic reactions by close coupling of simulation to experiments on 1–5-nmsized metal-hydroxide clusters. These clusters are sufficiently small that experiments can identify reaction properties at specific metaloxygen sites that can then be treated using high-level methods of simulation. This twofold approach shows that some reaction classes at mineral surfaces are surprisingly robust and treatable using kinetic information in hand. Pathways for other reactions, such as dissociation of the oxygens that bridge metals and that hold the structure together, are enormously sensitive to details that neither experiment, nor simulation, alone can fully uncover. New efforts are needed to synthesize 1–5 nm experimental molecules to predict rate parameters for these aqueous reactions.
Adolescent substance use and sexually transmitted diseases risk: A review

The behavioral antecedents and correlates of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) among adolescents are issues of clear relevance to the prevention of STD. Substance use particularly of alcohol and other mood-altering drugs--is often identified as an important causal link with risky sexual behavior. This assumption of causal relationships between abuse of substances and high-risk sexual behavior is derived from cultural lore and patterns of increasing involvement in both types of behavior during adolescence. Heavy alcohol use is associated with increased STD rates for some adolescent groups and "sex under the influence" as a risk for adolescent STD appears to be an assumption held by both researchers and policy makers. Many STD prevention programs now target substance use as a preventable antecedent of risky sexual behavior. Some studies however raise questions about a causal role for substance use in STD-risk and point toward more complex relationships of these behaviors. (excerpt)
Businesses and Disasters: Empirical Patterns and Unanswered Questions

Through five systematic, large-scale mail surveys conducted since 1993, the Disaster Research Center has obtained data on hazard awareness, preparedness, disaster impacts, and short- and long-term recovery among 5,000 private-sector firms in communities across the United States (Memphis/Shelby County, Tenn.; Des Moines, Iowa; Los Angeles, Calif.; Santa Cruz County, Calif.; and South Dade County, Fla.). This paper summarizes findings from those studies in three major areas: (1) factors influencing business disaster preparedness; (2) disaster-related sources of business disruption and financial loss; and (3) factors that affect the ability of businesses to recover following major disaster events. Implications of the research for business contingency planning and business disaster management are discussed.
In vivo inhibition of localized bone resorption by human recombinant interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) has been implicated as a primary mediator of bone remodeling; it is a powerful activator of bone resorption both in vivo and in vitro. However, there is no direct evidence that IL-1 plays a role in physiological bone modeling or remodeling. Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) is a member of the IL-1 family, which bind to IL-1 receptors and blocks the action of IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta. We have previously shown that IL-1ra blocks IL-1-induced bone resorption in vitro. Evidence is reported here that human recombinant IL-1ra (hrIL-1ra) inhibits strain-induced modeling in the gerbil auditory bulla while having no significant effect on apposition rate. Pressurization of the auditory bulla to 10 mm Hg above atmospheric pressure increased osteoclast surface from 3.62 to 19.14%. Infusion of hrIL-1ra during pressurization resulted in significant inhibition of osteoclast surface on the pressurized side. These findings suggest that IL-1 is a physiological mediator of bone modeling and that hrIL-1ra inhibits resorption but not apposition in the auditory bulla model.
Product Market Uniqueness, Organizational Form and Stock Market Valuations

We introduce a new framework for forming peer rm portfolios that can account for rm uniqueness and organizational form. Our new vocabulary-based peer rm portfolios explain much cross sectional dispersion in rm valuations and generate a direct measure of rm product market uniqueness. We nd that rms have higher stock market valuations than their peers when their products are more unique. This result holds for conglomerate and focused single-segment organizational forms. Increased success in patenting, increased branding, and less venture capital nanced entry into the rm’s product space all contribute to the long-term maintenance of uniqueness and thus higher valuations.
Curved two-stream turbulent mixing layers : three-dimensional structure and streamwise evolution

The three-dimensional structure and streamwise evolution of two-stream mixing layers at high Reynolds numbers (Reδ ∼ 2.7 × 104) were studied experimentally to determine the effects of mild streamwise curvature ( < 3%). Mixing layers with velocity ratios of 0.6 and both laminar and turbulent initial boundary layers, were subjected to stabilizing and destabilizing longitudinal curvature (in the Taylor–Gortler sense). The mixing layer is affected by the angular momentum instability when the low-speed stream is on the outside of the curve, and it is stabilized when the streams are reversed so that the high-speed stream is on the outside. In both stable and unstable mixing layers, originating from laminar boundary layers, well-organized spatially stationary streamwise vorticity was generated, which produced significant spanwise variations in the mean velocity and Reynolds stress distributions. These vortical structures appear to result from the amplification of small incoming disturbances (as in the straight mixing layer), rather than through the Taylor–Gortler instability. Although the mean streamwise vorticity decayed with downstream distance in both cases, the rate of decay for the unstable case was lower. With the initial boundary layers on the splitter plate turbulent, spatially stationary streamwise vorticity was not generated in either the stable or unstable mixing layer. Linear growth was achieved for both initial conditions, but the rate of growth for the unstable case was higher than that of the stable case. Correspondingly, the far-field spanwise-averaged peak Reynolds stresses were significantly higher for the destabilized cases than for the stabilized cases, which exhibited levels comparable to, or slightly lower than, those for the straight case. A part of the Reynolds stress increase in the unstable layer is attributed to ‘extra’ production through terms in the transport equations which are activated by the angular momentum instability. Velocity spectra also indicated significant differences in the turbulence structure of the two cases, both in the near- and far-field regions.
Appraisal of the generalized likelihood uncertainty estimation (GLUE) method

[1] Recent research documents that the widely accepted generalized likelihood uncertainty estimation (GLUE) method for describing forecasting precision and the impact of parameter uncertainty in rainfall/runoff watershed models fails to achieve the intended purpose when used with an informal likelihood measure. In particular, GLUE generally fails to produce intervals that capture the precision of estimated parameters, and the difference between predictions and future observations. This paper illustrates these problems with GLUE using a simple linear rainfall/runoff model so that model calibration is a linear regression problem for which exact expressions for prediction precision and parameter uncertainty are well known and understood. The simple regression example enables us to clearly and simply illustrate GLUE deficiencies. Beven and others have suggested that the choice of the likelihood measure used in a GLUE computation is subjective and may be selected to reflect the goals of the modeler. If an arbitrary likelihood is adopted that does not reasonably reflect the sampling distribution of the model errors, then GLUE generates arbitrary results without statistical validity that should not be used in scientific work. The traditional subjective likelihood measures that have been used with GLUE also fail to reflect the nonnormality, heteroscedasticity, and serial correlation among the residual errors generally found in real problems, and hence are poor metrics for even simple sensitivity analyses and model calibration. Most previous applications of GLUE only produce uncertainty intervals for the average model prediction, which by construction should not be expected to include future observations with the prescribed probability. We show how the GLUE methodology when properly implemented with a statistically valid likelihood function can provide prediction intervals for future observations which will agree with widely accepted and statistically valid analyses.
Investigating the impacts of recycled water on long-lived conifers

Recycled wastewater is a popular alternative water resource. Recycled water typically has higher salinity than potable water and therefore may not be an appropriate water source for landscapes planted with salt-intolerant plant species. Coast redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) are an important agricultural, horticultural and ecological species assumed to be salt intolerant. However, no studies have analysed how salinity impacts coast redwood growth. To determine salt-related growth limitations, as well as susceptibility to particular salt ions, we divided 102 S. sempervirens 'Aptos Blue' saplings evenly into 17 salinity treatments: a control and four different salts (sodium chloride, calcium chloride, sodium chloride combined with calcium chloride, and sodium sulfate). Each salt type was applied at four different concentrations: 1.0, 3.0, 4.5 and 6.0 dS m 21 . Trees were measured for relative growth, and leaves were analysed for ion accumulation. Results showed that the relative stem diameter growth was inversely proportional to the increase in salinity (electrical conductivity), with R 2 values ranging from 0.72 to 0.82 for different salts. Analysis of variance tests indicated that no particular salt ion significantly affected growth differently than the others (P. 0.1). Pairwise comparisons of the means revealed that moderately saline soils (4 - 8 dS m 21 )w ould decrease the relative height growth by 30 - 40 %. Leaf tissue analysis showed that all treatment groups accumulated salt ions. This finding suggests reduced growth and leaf burn even at the lowest ion concentrations if salts are not periodically leached from the soil. Regardless of the specific ions in the irrigation water, the results suggest that growth and appearance of coast redwoods will be negatively impacted when recycled water electrical conductivity exceeds .1.0 dS m 21 . This information will prove valuable to many metropolitan areas faced with conserving water while at the same time maintaining healthy verdant landscapes that include coast redwoods and other long-lived conifers.
Meteorological and environmental aspects of one of the worst national air pollution episodes (January, 2004) in Logan, Cache Valley, Utah, USA

Logan, Utah, USA, had the nation’s worst air pollution on 15 January, 2004. The high concentration of PM2.5 (particulates smaller than 2.5 Am in diameter) in the air resulted from geographical, meteorological, and environmental aspects of Cache Valley. A strong inversion (increase of temperature with height) and light precipitation and/or wind were the major causes for trapping pollutants in the air. Other meteorological factors enhancing the inversion were: the prolonged high atmospheric surface pressure, a snow-covered surface which plunged temperatures to as low as � 23.6 8C on January 23rd and high reflection of solar radiation (up to about 80%), which caused less solar radiation absorption during the day throughout the most part of January 2004. Among non-meteorological factors are Cache Valley’s small-basin geographical structure which traps air, with no big body of water to help the air circulation (as a result of differential heating and cooling rates for land and water), motor vehicle emissions, and existence of excess ammonia gas as a byproduct of livestock manure and urine. Concentration of PM2.5 was monitored in downtown Logan. On January 15, 2004, the 24-h, filter-based concentration reached about 132.5 Ag per cubic meter of air, an astonishingly high value compared to the values of 65 A gm � 3 and over, indicating a health alert for everyone. These tiny particles in the air have an enormous impact on health, aggravating heart and lung disease, triggering asthma and even death. The causes of this inversion
A method to design, construct and test digital hardware all in classroom environment

A new technique is presented that allows an instructor to bring the hardware construction and the laboratory experiments into the classroom environment through the Internet. The technique also provides the students with the opportunity to do their entire design projects, including building the hardware and fully testing and debugging the system all from a Web terminal. An experimental unit, called e-Lab, is prototyped and tested for variety of design examples. The present e-Lab consists of a Xilinx SPARTAN-3E FGPA development board interfaced with a laboratory PC through a National Instruments Lab View and other I/Os such as RS232 serial port and USB ports. This allows the Lab PC to take over the entire control and monitor the board. Then with the use of Microsoft XP Remote Desktop all control and monitoring done by the Lab PC is transferred to the local PC through the Internet.
Haphazard Sampling: Selection Biases and the Estimation Consequences of These Biases

SUMMARY: This article summarizes our recent study, “Haphazard Sampling: Selection Biases Induced by Control Listing Properties and the Estimation Consequences of These Biases” (Hall et al. 2012). Haphazard sampling is a nonstatistical technique used by auditors to simulate random sampling when testing the error status of accounting populations. Our study compared the properties of haphazard samples selected from control listings with the properties of random samples. We hypothesized that haphazard samples differ from random samples because the haphazard selection process is influenced by: (1) auditor behaviors intended to minimize sample selection effort and to ensure a diversified sample composition, and (2) variations in the appearance of control listing entries. Results from three experiments confirmed multiple differences between haphazard samples and random samples, and suggest that haphazard sampling may not be a reliable substitute for random sampling. In the absence of effective remediation proced...
Effects of Sulfhydryl Compounds on Lipid Oxidations Catalyzed by Copper and Heme

Abstract Effects of cysteine and glutathione on copper- and heme-catalyzed oxidation of methyl linoleate were studied in a model emulsion system. In the copper-catalyzed system, cysteine exerted a strong prooxidative effect, and this prooxi'dative effect increased as the concentration of cysteine increased. Furthermore, oxidized glutathione did not have a prooxidative effect, whereas reduced glutathione showed prooxidative activity. Blocking the sulfhydryl group by treatment of cysteine with iodoacetic acid completely eliminated the prooxidative activity of cysteine. In the heme-catalyzed system, cysteine showed an antioxidative effect that increased as concentration of cysteine increased. This antioxidative effect of cysteine was practically eliminated by treatment with iodoacetic acid. Reduced glutathione showed a greater antioxidative effect than oxidized glutathione. In the presence of sulfhydryl compounds, copper promoted superoxide anion generation whereas heme did not. The addition of cysteine (10 to 1000M) to milk did not inhibit either copper or heme induced lipid oxidation.
Copying Under Uncertainty in the Presence of Positive Network Externalities

This research essay finds that, when consumer uncertainty exists regarding the valuation of intellectual property, unauthorised copying in the presence of network externalities can induce greater firm profits relative to the case without copying. Copying can be viewed as a conduit for information that enables consumers to better evaluate their valuation of information goods. In the presence of significant network externalities, it is beneficial for the firm to allow copying as it is an efficient means of creating a network of users under consumer uncertainty.
Tide Gage Frequency Response

Theoretical calculations of the frequency response of a tide gage stilling well are made, and compared with recorded tsunami heights and periods. While the frequency response only affects very short-period, large-amplitude tsunamis, the nonlinearity of the response (i.e., dependence on amplitude) places limitations on the interpretation of spectra obtained from tide gage records. The nonlinear interaction between the orifice used as a filter on the stilling well and Stokes' second-order waves is calculated numerically for a steady-state case, and is shown to result in small errors in the tide gage reading. The possibility of the transient case resulting in spurious seiche or surf beat records from groups of higher waves is suggested.
Deeper Insights Into Vanishing Bile Duct Syndrome in Lymphoma: A Perplexing Entity.

Vanishing bile duct syndrome is an unusual entity characterized by progressive destruction of the intrahepatic bile ducts (ductopenia), which ultimately results in cholestasis. The pathogenesis is unclear and related to immunologic injury of bile ducts. The prognosis is poor, and the case reports of many patients who died of the illness have been reported. We present a case to illustrate an important message that timely treatment with appropriate chemotherapy, despite the presence of liver dysfunction, can be lifesaving for critically ill patients with lymphoma associated with vanishing bile duct syndrome. Along with the case presentation, we provide an extensive review of published studies and the published data of cases to give a better understanding of this entity. Using the data from several of these anecdotal case reports, we formulated clinical guidelines to assist oncologists globally to treat this potentially curable disorder.
Anomalous electron heating effects on the E region ionosphere in TIEGCM

NNX14Al13G - NASA GCR; NASA LWS; NNX14AE06G; NNX15AB83G; NNX12AJ54G - NASA HGI; ACI-1053575 - National Science Foundation
Cereal Grass Pulvini: Agronomically Significant Models for Studying Gravitropism Signaling and Tissue Polarity

Cereal grass pulvini have emerged as model systems that are not only valuable for the study of gravitropism, but are also of agricultural and economic significance. The pulvini are regions of tissue that are apical to each node and collectively return a reoriented stem to a more vertical position. They have proven to be useful for the study of gravisensing and response and are also providing clues about the establishment of polarity across tissues. This review will first highlight the agronomic significance of these stem regions and their benefits for use as model systems and provide a brief historical overview. A detailed discussion of the literature focusing on cell signaling and early changes in gene expression will follow, culminating in a temporal framework outlining events in the signaling and early growth phases of gravitropism in this tissue. Changes in cell wall composition and gene expression that occur well into the growth phase will be touched upon briefly. Finally, some ongoing research involving both maize and wheat pulvini will be introduced along with prospects for future investigations.
Study on Parameters Simulation & Calculation of 750kV Ping-Qian Double Transmission Lines on Same Tower

Simulation calculation are conducted to the power frequency parameters of the first 750kV Ping-Qian double transmission line on same tower in China.Firstly,combined with the landform and route of transmission line,considered the variation transposition of towers,the detailed calculation model of 750kV Ping-Qian double transmission line on same tower is set up. Secondly,the power frequency under different earth resistivity is calculated and analyzed,and the measured power frequency for simulated 750kV Ping-Qian transmission line is given.Last,simulation and calculation are made to the transmission line as per variable frequency measurement scheme,simulation result is obtained,which can supply data support for 750kV transmission line measurement system commissioning.
Effect evaluation of health education and health promotion in an experimental enterprise of Shunyi District of Beijing

[Objective]To understand the status of health knowledge and attitude,as well as the needs among employees in the experimental enterprise,provide the basis for government to develop the related policy,lay the foundation for carrying out the targeted intervention activities of health education and health promotion in the experimental enterprise,and popularize this intervention mode in the whole industry.[Methods]The baseline survey was applied to understand the status of health knowledge and health needs among employees,and a series of interventions were performed. After 4 years,the same questionnaire survey was conducted in same workplaces,to evaluate the intervention effect.[Results]After intervention,99. 2% of employees have participated in industrial injury insurance,85. 9% were satisfied with the working conditions,the awareness rate of occupational hazardous factors increased, the proportion of employees have the needs to occupational health knowledge increased,and all differences were significant( P 0. 05). The proportion of employees have smoking behavior decreased( 26. 8%),but there was no significant difference( P 0. 05).[Conclusion]The health education and health promotion have achieved great accomplishment in an experimental enterprise during 4 years,and the methods of health education and health promotion are partly effective,but there are still some problems. It is necessary to find out the advantages and disadvantages of intervention measures by the mid-term evaluation,to carry out the effective intervention measures,and improve the health level of employees.
Conducting Polymers with Superhydrophobic Effects as Anticorrosion Coating

Abstract This chapter introduces the use of a conducting polymer coating with a superhydrophobic effect as an effective anticorrosion coating. The chapter begins by introducing the current approaches to preventing corrosion. It then focuses the discussion on the use of conducting polymers as anticorrosion coatings, including the protection mechanism and a short review of current research. A short discussion on superhydrophobic surfaces then follows. It explains the theoretical background and presents a number of approaches for fabricating superhydrophobic coatings. It then discusses the current efforts to combine the superhydrophobic coating and conducting polymer and its application in preventing corrosion.
Genetic Defects of Androgen Resistance

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the genetic abnormalities associated with androgen resistance. Androgen resistance is described as a congenital genetic disorder that results from the dysfunction of pre-receptor conversion of testosterone to 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) or defects of androgen receptor (AR). Androgens are important steroid hormones that initiate and maintain male phenotype and presence of androgen resistance is manifested as undervirilized or total lack of virilization. The individual can present with normal male external genitalia, ambiguous genitalia or completely female external genitalia with a short, blind vaginal pouch. The genetic pathophysiology of androgen resistance as well as the individual genes involved, are explored. Mutations in androgen receptor gene is stated to cause end-organ resistance to androgens that is designated as androgen insensitivity syndrome. The diagnosis of the disorder involves evaluation by clinical biochemical tests as well as chromosomal analysis, molecular genetic testing and prenatal chromosomal analysis of fetal cells obtained by chorionic villus sampling.
RGD targeting of human ferritin iron oxide nanoparticles enhances in vivo MRI of vascular inflammation and angiogenesis in experimental carotid disease and abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Purpose To evaluate Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD)-conjugated human ferritin (HFn) iron oxide nanoparticles for in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of vascular inflammation and angiogenesis in experimental carotid disease and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Materials and Methods HFn was genetically engineered to express the RGD peptide and Fe3O4 nanoparticles were chemically synthesized inside the engineered HFn (RGD-HFn). Macrophage-rich left carotid lesions were induced by ligation in FVB mice made hyperlipidemic and diabetic (n = 14), with the contralateral right carotid serving as control. Murine AAAs were created by continuous angiotensin II infusion in ApoE-deficient mice (n = 12), while control mice underwent saline infusion (n = 8). All mice were imaged before and after intravenous injection with either RGD-HFn-Fe3O4 or HFn-Fe3O4 using a gradient-echo sequence on a whole-body 3T clinical scanner, followed by histological analysis. The nanoparticle accumulation was assessed by the extent of T2*-induced carotid lumen reduction (% lumen loss) or aortic T2*-weighted signal intensity reduction (% SI [signal intensity] loss). Results RGD-HFn-Fe3O4 was taken up more than HFn-Fe3O4 in both the ligated left carotid arteries (% lumen loss; 69 ± 9% vs. 36 ± 7%, P = 0.01) and AAAs (% SI loss; 47 ± 6% vs. 20 ± 5%, P = 0.01). The AAA % SI loss correlated positively with AAA size (r = 0.89, P < 0.001). Histology confirmed the greater accumulation and colocalization of RGD-HFn-Fe3O4 to both vascular macrophages and endothelial cells. Conclusion RGD-HFn-Fe3O4 enhances in vivo MRI by targeting both vascular inflammation and angiogenesis, and provides a promising translatable MRI approach to detect high-risk atherosclerotic and aneurysmal vascular diseases. Level of Evidence: 1 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016
Pervaporative dehydration of concentrated aqueous solutions of selected polar organics by a perfluoropolymer membrane

Abstract A perfluoropolymer membrane known as CMS-3 has been applied to separation of aqueous mixtures containing high concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as acetone, n -butanol and ethanol by pervaporation. A concentrated aqueous solution of much less volatile ethylene glycol was also investigated. The feed compositions for mixtures of water-ethylene glycol were varied between 5 and 30 wt% water. For mixtures containing VOCs encountered in biofuel production, acetone, n -butanol and ethanol, the composition was fixed and temperatures between 30 and 50 °C were explored. Separation factors ranging from 2420 to 12,800 were observed for water over ethylene glycol as the ethylene glycol content in the feed increased from 70% to 95%. In aqueous mixtures of the three VOCs, the separation factors for water over n -butanol, ethanol and acetone at 30 °C were respectively 7180, 900, and 235. These results seem to support evidence of the size-exclusive nature of the CMS-3 polymer membrane; smaller molecular solvents such as water are more selectively transported when compared to larger ones such as n -butanol even though the membrane is highly hydrophobic. Flux values were modest due to the relative thickness of the membrane used. In this study, the maximum water flux was found to be 33 g/(m 2 h) at 50 °C for quaternary mixtures of n -butanol, ethanol, acetone and water using a 25 μm thick, flat sheet membrane. For this membrane, the permeability of a variety of species e.g., permanent gases, vapors, volatile organic liquids, appears to be strongly correlated with the molecular diameter and shows a sharp drop-off as the molecular diameter increases.
Pancreatic Emergencies in the Cancer Patient

Pancreatic malignancy without treatment presents a grim prognosis. Yet, modalities involved in the treatment of this disease are not without potential complications. Complications, particularly postsurgical, are well reported in the literature. Pancreatic emergencies are a dangerous subset of complications related to this disease, frequently requiring expeditious decision making and management. In this chapter, we review the diagnostic workup, treatment, and sequelae of pancreatic emergencies.
FURTHER STUDIES ON THE FLAVOR QUALITY OF RETAIL MILK IN CONNECTICUT

Over 1100 retail milk samples taken during 1970–71 in Connecticut were examined for flavor quality and results compared with those of a similar study made in 1969–70. In the 1970–71 study fewer samples were judged to be cooked but more were criticized as having a feed flavor. The monthly pattern for samples classed as organoleptically unsatisfactory changed from winter to summer. Indications are that causes of off-flavors shifted from those originating at the farm to those developing from processing, or during distribution and storage.
In-pavement fiber Bragg grating sensors for high-speed weigh-in-motion measurements

The demand on high-speed weigh-in-motion (WIM) measurement rises significantly in last decade to collect weight information for traffic managements especially after the introduction of weigh-station bypass programs such as Pre-Pass. In this study, a three-dimension glass fiber-reinforced polymer packaged fiber Bragg grating sensor (3D GFRP-FBG) is introduced to be embedded inside flexible pavements for weigh-in-motion (WIM) measurement at high speed. Sensitivity study showed that the developed sensor is very sensitive to the passing weights at high speed. Field tests also validated that the developed sensor was able to detect weights at a vehicle driving speed up to 55mph, which can be applied for WIM measurements at high speed.
Fast, low power evaluation of elementary functions using radial basis function networks

Fast and efficient implementation of elementary functions such as sin(), cos(), and log() are of ample importance in a large class of applications. The state of the art methods for function evaluation involves either expensive calculations such as multiplications, large number of iterations, or large Lookup-Tables (LUTs). Higher number of iterations leads to higher latency whereas large LUTs contribute to delay, higher area requirement and higher power consumption owing to data fetching and leakage. We propose a hardware architecture for evaluating mathematical functions, consisting a small LUT and a simple Radial Basis Function Network (RBFN), a type of an Artificial Neural Network (ANN). Our proposed method evaluates trigonometric, hyperbolic, exponential, logarithmic, and square root functions. This technique finds utility in applications where the highest priority is on performance and power consumption. In contrast to traditional ANNs, our approach does not involve multiplication when determining the post synaptic states of the network. Owing to the simplicity of the approach, we were able to attain more than 2.5x power benefits and more than 1.4x performance benefits when compared with traditional approaches, under the same accuracy conditions.
The Effects of Aging on HIV Disease

Persons 50 years or older have represented approximately12% of the newly diagnosed AIDS cases in the US since 2005 (1) . In an analysis of such cases between 1991 and 1995, older persons were more likely to present with encephalopathy and wasting syndrome, and were more likely to die within one month of presentation, (2) . Although the largest HIV transmission category in this analysis were men who have sex with men, several studies also have demonstrated lower rates of HIV seroconversion and lower rates of unprotected anal intercourse among older men, however (3, 4, 5).
The royal experiment: 1721–1722

By the middle of the seventeenth century, smallpox (along with typhus) had replaced the plague as the leading infectious cause of death in the adult population of Europe. Epidemics of smallpox appeared with increasing frequency, and were all the more noticed because, unlike many other contemporary diseases, they afflicted the rich and powerful as well as the poor. The manner in which the practice of smallpox inoculation was introduced into England, where it first attained broad recognition and application, is of great interest in several respects. First, the chapter illustrates the role of the medical “establishment” in conferring dignity upon, and gaining acceptance for, a new procedure. Second, it provides an interesting contrast between the eighteenth and later centuries, with respect to the prestige of the physician and scientist in society. Third, the introduction of inoculation to England involved what was probably the first recorded clinical trial in the history of immunity. And, finally, it involved the use of human guinea pigs chosen from among the underprivileged and “inferior” peoples—-a common practice that persisted well into the twentieth century, and has only recently begun to be questioned.
Superior Vena Cava Obstruction: A Rare Cause of Recurrent Esophageal Variceal Bleeding.

"Downhill" esophageal varices are formed in upper two-thirds of the esophagus as a consequence of a superior vena cava obstruction. We present a case of 55-year-old African-American female with a medical history of multiple comorbidities, including end-stage renal disease, who presented with an upper gastrointestinal bleed and was found to have distended neck veins on physical examination. She gave a history of the insertion of an intravenous central line in her neck area for hemodialysis purposes about six years previously. An endoscopy showed the presence of esophageal varices and computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen showed the presence of a superior vena cava (SVC) obstruction. The patient was managed supportively. This case represents a rare cause of acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding in an individual with a central line for dialysis leading to SVC thrombosis.
They Let You Just Sit There: The Failure of the Coffee Shop in Seinfeld, Friends, and Frasier

The rapid growth of Starbucks in the nineties corresponded with frequent depictions of sitcom characters hanging out in coffee shops on shows like Seinfeld, Friends, and Frasier . Howard Schultz, the CEO who presided over Starbucks’s rise, hoped his stores would become “third places”—public gathering spaces separate from home and work that Ray Oldenburg, author of The Great Good Place (1989), had argued were critical to a vibrant public society. The failure of real-world coffee shops to become incubators of civic interaction was surpassed only by the vehemently antisocial behavior of the coffee-guzzling characters on Seinfeld and other nineties sitcoms. This chapter considers the failure of the coffee shop to become a successful third place in American society, either on television or in reality.
Transport in α-Al2O3 scales on FeAl and NiAl alloys at 1100°C

Abstract The nature of transport processes occurring during the growth of oxides at 1100°C on Fe-25 wt% Al and Ni-32 wt% Al has been investigated. Both materials develop protective α-Al2O3 scales which have been characterized by SEM, RHEED and Auger electron spectroscopy. Two-stage oxidation experiments have been conducted using 16O2 and 18O2 gases; imaging SIMS (secondary ion mass spectrometry) has been used to locate the different isotopic species. The SIMS data (profiles from areas as small as 3.5 μm×3.5 μm, and images with 0.1 μm lateral resolution) illustrate the complexity of the growth processes, and indicate areas where scale growth has taken place predominantly by cation or oxygen ion diffusion.
Applications of Liquid Chromatography-Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (LC-ES/MS)

Publisher Summary Mass spectrometry has been used as an analytical method in chemistry for many years. One of the newer techniques especially useful to the protein chemist is the electrospray mass spectrometry (ES/MS). This type of mass spectrometer produces multiple charged ion species without significant sample fragmentation of high molecular weight molecules. Molecular masses can be determined within a deviation of 0.01 % of the actual mass. On line connection of ES/MS with an HPLC system allows samples with critical solubility properties to be introduced into the mass spectrometer more easily. This chapter describes several applications of an electrospray triple quadrupole mass spectrometer interfaced with a micro HPLC separation system. It presents data from low and high molecular mass analyses of proteins as well as samples applied at low picomole levels.
Predictors of Psychosocial and Cognitive Adaptation in Children with Sickle Cell Syndromes

Examined the role of socioecological factors (family functioning and socioeconomic variables) in predicting behavioral and cognitive adaptation in children with sickle cell syndromes (SCD). Participants included 74 African American children and adolescents with SCD and their primary caretakers. Outcomes included internalizing and externalizing behavior symptoms, as rated by caretakers, as well as intellectual abilities and academic achievement, as assessed by individually administered standardized instruments. Family functioning consisted of both caretaker adjustment and family environment (i.e., family adaptability and cohesion). Hierarchical multiple regression analyses revealed that caretaker psychological adjustment predicted externalizing behaviors, while family environment (i.e., adaptability and cohesion) predicted neither behavioral nor cognitive functioning. Socioeconomic variables alone predicted intellectual abilities and academic achievement and also contributed to the prediction of child behavioral adaptation. Results are discussed in terms of relevant sociocultural issues and implications for family-level prevention and intervention.
How well can density functional theory and pair-density functional theory predict the correct atomic charges for dissociation and accurate dissociation energetics of ionic bonds?

The accuracy of density functional theory (DFT) is often judged by predicted dissociation energies, but one should also consider charge densities as illustrated here for dissociation of heteronuclear diatomic molecules, including ionic bonds for which local density functionals yield erroneous results. Some hybrid density functionals with 100% exact exchange in Kohn–Sham DFT and the local functionals in multiconfiguration pair-density functional theory give relatively acurate dissociation energies for NaCl, and they correctly yield uncharged dissociated atoms.
Impact of Mitral Stenosis on Survival in Patients Undergoing Isolated Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

This study was performed to investigate the prevalence and impact on survival of baseline mitral stenosis (MS) in patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) due to the presence of severe symptomatic aortic stenosis. This retrospective study included 928 consecutive patients with severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis who underwent TAVI in 2 institutions, from January 2012 to August 2016. Mean follow-up was 40.8 ± 13.9 months. Based on the mean mitral gradient (MMG) at baseline, 3 groups were identified: MMG
A Self-Folding Pneumatic Piston for Mechanically Robust Origami Robots

This letter presents a self-folding piston-style actuator for flat-foldable robots. Despite the variety of soft and planar actuators used in origami robots, extensional actuators are uncommon because they must resist buckling and bending loads, while soft and planar machines are inherently flexible. To address this, we developed a flat-foldable frame consisting of a piston and barrel that transforms into an operational state when driven by internal pressure. The barrel contains a pneumatic pouch and constrains the pouch to extend along a single axis for extensional actuation. We characterize the speed and blocked force of this actuator and compare it to a comparable unconstrained pouch in the actuation of a self-folding robotic arm. Our results indicate that the self-folding piston can operate much faster than the unconstrained pouch and resist off-axis loads.
The Epidemiology and Prevention of Candida auris

Candida auris has recently emerged as a pathogen with the potential for nosocomial transmission and outbreaks. The aim of this review is to summarize the global dissemination of this pathogen, characterize patient and facility characteristics associated with infection and outbreaks, and outline evidence to support interventions to prevent of transmission in the healthcare setting. C. auris has emerged separately in four clades, with international spread within a decade of its first identification and report. Acquisition and infection have predominantly been identified as healthcare-associated events. The presence of invasive devices, intensive care, and broad-spectrum antibiotic and antifungal use may be important risk factors for the development of infection due to C. auris. Nosocomial transmission is likely associated with colonization density and suboptimal infection prevention practices. The optimal strategy for reducing transmission from the environment requires further study. Candida auris is a recently emerging fungal pathogen that may cause nosocomial infections and outbreaks. Based on observed transmission patterns and interventions, key prevention measures outlined in the review include case finding and surveillance, hand hygiene, and environmental disinfection.
Conducting a Timely Literature Search

Literature searches play an essential role in designing, conducting, and publishing high-quality mathematics education research. In this chapter, I suggest three stages for completing an efficient and thorough literature search, including specific strategies and tools for each stage. In Stage 1, researchers identify promising sources and compile a prioritized reading list before engaging in extensive reading. In Stage 2, researchers use and regularly update their prioritized reading list so they can read and extract important information from the most pertinent sources. In Stage 3, researchers identify specific needs in their writing and update and use their prioritized reading list to read and extract the information necessary to address these specific needs. By following these stages and using the recommended strategies, researchers can efficiently conduct the literature searches they need to support their research work.
Microbiome Is a Functional Modifier of P450 Drug Metabolism

Host cytochrome P450s (P450s) play important roles in the bioactivation and detoxification of numerous therapeutic drugs, environmental toxicants, dietary factors, as well as endogenous compounds. Gut microbiome is increasingly recognized as our "second genome" that contributes to the xenobiotic biotransformation of the host, and the first pass metabolism of many orally exposed chemicals is a joint effort between host drug metabolizing enzymes including P450s and gut microbiome. Gut microbiome contributes to the drug metabolism via two distinct mechanisms: direct mechanism refers to the metabolism of drugs by microbial enzymes, among which reduction and hydrolysis (or deconjugation) are among the most important reactions; whereas indirect mechanism refers to the influence of host receptors and signaling pathways by microbial metabolites. Many types of microbial metabolites, such as secondary bile acids (BAs), short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and tryptophan metabolites, are known regulators of human diseases through modulating host xenobiotic-sensing receptors. To study the roles of gut microbiome in regulating host drug metabolism including P450s, several models including germ free mice, antibiotics or probiotics treatments, have been widely used. The present review summarized the current information regarding the interactions between microbiome and the host P450s in xenobiotic biotransformation organs such as liver, intestine, and kidney, highlighting the remote sensing mechanisms underlying gut microbiome mediated regulation of host xenobiotic biotransformation. In addition, the roles of bacterial, fungal, and other microbiome kingdom P450s, which is an understudied area of research in pharmacology and toxicology, are discussed.
Associations among statins, preventive care, and prostate cancer mortality.

Increasing evidence indicates an association between statins and reduced prostate cancer-specific mortality (PCSM). However, significant bias may exist in these studies. One particularly challenging bias to assess is the healthy user effect, which may be quantified by screening patterns. We aimed to evaluate the association between statin use, screening, and PCSM in a dataset with detailed longitudinal information. We used the Veterans Affairs Informatics and Computing Infrastructure to assemble a cohort of patients diagnosed with prostate cancer (PC) between 2000 and 2015. We collected patient-level demographic, comorbidity, and tumor data. We also assessed markers of preventive care utilization including cholesterol and prostate specific antigen (PSA) screening rates. Patients were considered prediagnosis statin users if they had at least one prescription one or more years prior to PC diagnosis. We evaluated PCSM using hierarchical Fine-Gray regression models and all-cause mortality (ACM) using a cox regression model. The final cohort contained 68,432 men including 40,772 (59.6%) prediagnosis statin users and 27,660 (40.4%) nonusers. Prediagnosis statin users had higher screening rates than nonusers for cholesterol (90 vs. 69%, p < 0.001) and PSA (76 vs. 67%, p < 0.001). In the model which excluded screening, prediagnosis statin users had improved PCSM (SHR 0.90, 95% CI 0.84–0.97; p = 0.004) and ACM (HR 0.96, 95% CI 0.93–0.99; p = 0.02). However, after including cholesterol and PSA screening rates, prediagnosis statin users and nonusers showed no differences in PCSM (SHR 0.98, 95% CI 0.91–1.06; p = 0.59) or ACM (HR 1.02, 95% CI 0.98–1.05; p = 0.25). We found that statin users tend to have more screening than nonusers. When we considered screening utilization, we observed no relationship between statin use before a prostate cancer diagnosis and prostate cancer mortality.
The Impact of an Early Clinical Experience on Pharmacy Student Learning About Ambulatory Care Practice

Objective. To determine whether student confidence in their knowledge of ambulatory care pharmacy and ability to contribute to patient care in this setting increased after participating in an ambulatory care introductory pharmacy practice experience (IPPE), and whether it changed student interest in pursuing a career in ambulatory care pharmacy. Methods. Second-year pharmacy students (n=86) completed a required ambulatory care experience which included four hours of didactic work and 13.5 hours of clinic experience with an ambulatory care pharmacist. Before and after the experience, students completed an eight-question survey in which they rated their confidence in their knowledge of ambulatory care practice and in providing patient care in this setting, as well as their interest in a career in ambulatory care. A five-point Likert scale was used to assess student confidence (1=not at all confident, 5=very confident) and interest in ambulatory care (1=not at all interested, 5=extremely interested). The Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to compare pre-post survey responses. Results. Eighty-five pharmacy students completed both the pre- and post-survey. Median scores on the post-intervention test increased from 3 to 4 in seven of the domains assessed. Student interest in a career in ambulatory care remained unchanged. Conclusion. An ambulatory care IPPE increased student confidence in their understanding of ambulatory care pharmacy practice and caring for patients in this setting.