cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Design and analysis for the Gaussian Process model

In an effort to speed the development of new products and processes, many companies are turning to computer simulations to avoid the time and expense of building prototypes. These computer simulations are often complex, taking hours to complete one run. If there are many variables affecting the results of the simulation, then it makes sense to design an experiment to gain the most information possible from a limited number of computer simulation runs. The researcher can use the results of these runs to build a surrogate model of the computer simulation model. The absence of noise is the key difference between computer simulation experiments and experiments in the real world. Since there is no variability in the results of computer experiments, optimal designs, which are based on reducing the variance of some statistic, have questionable utility. Replication, usually a "good thing", is clearly undesirable in computer experiments. Thus, a new approach to experimentation is necessary.
Isospora viridanae N. Sp., an Intranuclear Coccidian Parasite from the Canarian Skink, Chalcides viridanus (Lacertilia: Scincidae)

A caryotropic species of coccidium, Isospora viridanae n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae). has been found as a parasite in the Canarian skink, Chalcides viridanus Gravenhorst, 1851, from Tenerife, Spain, and is described here as a new species. Fully sporulaled oocysts of Isospora viridanae are spherical and measure 21.6 (1 7.6–23.4) nm in diameter. Mtcropyle, oocyst residuum and polar granule are ali absent. Oocysts of this coccidian, with a smooth bilayered wall, contain 2 ovoid sporocysts 13.2 (11.7–14.0) by 9.5 8.2–10 5) μm. A sporocyst residuum is present as well as a Stieda body and a substieda body. Most oocysts are found to be at the beginning of sporulanon when excreted and show 2 spherical sporoblasts. Sporulation is completed within 24 to 48 h at 23 × 2°C Sporozoites are 13–14 μm long and are about 2.5–3 μm wide. Endogenous stages of schizogony and gamogony develop in the nuclei of epithelial cells from the small intestine of the skink. Comparisons with other species of the genus found in lacertilian hosts indicate that it is a new species.
Localization of quantitative changes in pulmonary beta-receptors in ovalbumin-sensitized guinea pigs.

Impaired β-receptor function has been postulated as one factor contributing to airway hyperreactivity in asthmatic patients. Although numerous indirect studies have cast doubt on this theory, none of these previous investigations has been able to directly measure changes in β-receptor number on intrapulmonary structures capable of affecting the physiologic changes seen in this disease state. To help clarify the intrapulmonary location of such changes, a model of allergic bronchoconstriction was prepared by sensitizing guinea pigs to ovalbumin intraperitoneally (ip) 2 wk prior to testing (Group S). A second group of animals was sensitized to ovalbumin, then 2 wk later partially desensitized (Group D) during a 4- to 6-wk period by repeated exposure to increasing doses of nebulized ovalbumin with epinephrine rescue. Control animals received ip administered and nebulized normal saline alone. Pulmonary function assessed by plethysmography revealed an increase in airway resistance to 294 ± 42% (SE) of control i...
Piezoelectric-potential-controlled polarity-reversible Schottky diodes and switches of ZnO wires

Using a two-end bonded ZnO piezoelectric-fine-wire (PFW) (nanowire, microwire) on a flexible polymer substrate, the strain-induced change in I−V transport characteristic from symmetric to diode-type has been observed. This phenomenon is attributed to the asymmetric change in Schottky-barrier heights at both source and drain electrodes as caused by the strain-induced piezoelectric potential-drop along the PFW, which have been quantified using the thermionic emission−diffusion theory. A new piezotronic switch device with an “on” and “off” ratio of ∼120 has been demonstrated. This work demonstrates a novel approach for fabricating diodes and switches that rely on a strain governed piezoelectric-semiconductor coupling process.
Phase Equilibrium Studies in the System CaO‐Cr2O3‐SiO2

Results are presented of a study in air of mixtures in the system CaO-Cr2O3-SiO2. The phase equilibrium diagram shows relations at liquidus temperatures for all but the high-lime part of the system. In this omitted part chromium in the mixtures oxidizes in air to higher valence forms. The compound Ca3Cr2Si3O12 (uvarovite) occurs at subsolidus temperatures, decomposing at 1370°C. to α-CaSiO3 and Cr2O3. The inhibiting action of chromium oxide on the inversion of high-temperature forms of Ca2SiO4 to the low-temperature γ-Ca2SiO4 is discussed in the light of new data. Evidence is presented for the existence of a pentavalent chromium compound, Ca3(CrO4)2, having solid-solution relations with Ca3SiO4.
Efficient visual search by category: Specifying the features that mark the difference between artifacts and animals in preattentive vision

In this report, we explored the features that support visual search for broadly inclusive natural categories. We used a paradigm in which subjects searched for a randomly selected target from one category (e.g., one of 32 line drawings of artifacts or animals in displays ranging from three to nine items) among a mixed set of distractors from the other. We found that search was surprisingly fast. Target-present slopes for animal targets among artifacts ranged from 10.8 to 16.0 msec/item, and slopes for artifact targets ranged from 5.5 to 6.2 msec/item. Experiments 2–5 tested factors that affect both the speed of the search and the search asymmetry favoring detection of artifacts among animals. They converge on the conclusion that target-distractor differences in global contour shape (e.g., rectilinearity/curvilinearity) and visual typicality of parts and form facilitate search by category. We argue that existing theories are helpful in understanding these findings but that they need to be supplemented to account for the specific features that specify categories and to account for subjects’ ability to quickly locate targets representing heterogeneous and formally complex categories.
Discipline, control, and the school mathematics tradition

Abstract Classroom management and discipline are primary concerns of many teachers, especially beginners. The current reform movement in mathematics education advocates a classroom atmosphere and teaching strategies that are substantially different than those that characterize the traditional approach to school mathematics. This paper considers the problems involving discipline and control that arose in the course of a beginning high school teacher's acculturation into the school mathematics tradition. The analysis relates these discipline and control problems to certain tensions and contradictions in the school mathematics tradition and suggests how efforts to cope with these problems serve to reflexively validate the tradition. In addition, the paper suggests some possible reasons for why discipline and control, and not pedagogical content knowledge, are primary concerns for many teachers. Finally, the paper considers how the conditions that foster the emphasis on discipline and control in the school mathematics tradition stand as obstacles in the face of the current reform movement.
The minimum wage, a competitive wage, and the price of a burger: Can competitive wages be offered in limited-service restaurants?

The purpose of this article was to examine the effect that higher wages and health care benefits have on costs and prices in limited-service restaurants. In order to compensate for higher wages, prices would have to increase between 4 and 25% and/or product size would have to be scaled back between 12 and 70%. With tax credits that are available in the next few years, the Affordable Care Act will have a minimal effect on limited-service restaurants with fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees. The extent to which higher wages and more benefits will help ameliorate turnover must be balanced with the cost of turnover and the potential effect on sales.
Does Race Belong on Sports Blogs? Solidarity and Racial Discourse in Online Baseball Fan Forums

Sport scholars have produced prolific research examining the nexus of sport, communication, and race, but this research typically centers on media content and not on fans’ engagement with that content. As sports blogs grow in popularity, it is important to understand their role in facilitating fan communication about important social issues like race. This article examines how sporting ideologies interact with the unique context of interactive blogging spaces to influence fan discourse about race, ethnicity, and sport. By examining blog content and fan discussions on seven interactive baseball blogs, I show that social expectations of sports blogs typically discouraged racial discourse, thus upholding the racial status quo. When discussions about race occurred, they proceeded differently depending on the blogging environment. Fans were hostile when discussing race in blogging environments that didn’t encourage social solidarity. If blogging environments were structured to generate community solidarity, fa...
Estimation of critical clearing time of constant speed wind turbines

The transient stability of wind turbine during power fault and effect on power network are studied.Based on the equal area rule,the CCT(Critical Clearing Time) of induction generator is determined with its torque -slip curve and mechanical torque curve.Since the released energy during the relaxation process of wind turbine shaft(two -mass model) increases its speed,making its acceleration area increased and bigger than its deceleration area,the induction generator CCT of constant speed wind turbine is shorter than that of normal one,by which the CCT of wind turbine is determined.Simulative analysis points out that,the bigger the wind turbine shaft stiffness is,the larger the CCT of constant speed wind turbine is.When the shaft stiffness of wind turbine is big enough,the CCT of constant speed wind turbine will not increase along with the stiffness increase,it means that,the wind turbine shaft is of lump-mass model.
Effects of 5-hydroxytryptamine on action potentials and on contractile force in the ventricle of Dolabella auricularia.

1. Concentrations of 5-hydroxytryptamine from 10-8 to 10-5 M had the effect of starting quiescent ventricles, with a slow slight depolarization followed by the onset of beating, with hyperpolarization between beats. 2. Concentrations of 5-hydroxytryptamine from 10-7 to 10-3 M had the effect of prolonging the cardiac action potential and increasing force. Over the entire range, an increase in concentration led to an increase in the duration and amplitude of the plateau phase of the action potential, and an increase in force of contraction.
Fiberoptic Pansigmoidoscopy: An evaluation and comparison with rigid sigmoidoscopy

A flexible 60-cm fiberoptic sigmoidoscope was evaluated in 139 patients. In 120 patients flexible sigmoidoscopy was compared with routine rigid sigmoidoscopy with respect to patient tolerance, distance of inspection, procedure time, and diagnostic yield. All patients were prepared with a single cleansing enema, and given no analgesia. Despite the fact that the flexible instrument was inserted nearly 3 times as far into the colon (55 cm versus 20 cm), more patients preferred the flexible examination. Significant pathological lesions were discovered by the flexible examination in 39% of patients, whereas rigid sigmoidoscopy discovered lesions in only 13%. Fluoroscopy performed during flexible sigmoidoscopy in 19 additional patients revealed that the instrument tip had reached the descending colon or beyond in 84% of patients. There were no complications. The flexible fiberoptic pansigmoidoscope offers promise as a practical diagnostic tool for a rapid and complete examination in patients with suspected colorectal diseases.
Effects of Multiple Myeloma (MM) Therapy and Type of Thromboprophylaxis On the Incidence and Timing of Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) and Factors Predictive of VTE.

Abstract 2244 Background: Patients (pts) with MM are at increased risk for VTE due to various risk factors related to the host, disease, and treatment. Immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) such as thalidomide and lenalidomide have further increased the risk of VTE. Several studies have shown the VTE risk can be reduced with the use of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) or aspirin thromboprophylaxis. Based on these findings, VTE thromboprophylaxis has been recommended in pts receiving IMiDs + Dexamethasone (Dex), but the impact of these guidelines on patient outcomes in clinical practice is unclear. The objective of this observational study was to evaluate the incidence, timing and risk factors of VTE and the impact of different types of thromboprophylaxis on the incidence of VTE. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study, and included all MM pts newly referred to the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in 2006. Medical records of these pts were reviewed for the type and site of VTE, the incidence and timing of VTE during the five-year period from the referral date, and the risk factors, including pt demographics, co-morbidities, baseline laboratory values, types of MM and treatment, and types of thromboprophylaxis. Univariate and multivariate proportional hazard models were fitted to find the independent risk factors predictive of VTE. The stepwise selection method was employed to build a multivariate model using variables with p Results: The cumulative incidence of VTE was 24% (38/159 pts) during the 5-year follow up period. Of the 38 pts with VTE, 25 (66%) had deep vein thrombosis (DVT), 11 (29%) had pulmonary embolus (PE), and 2 had concurrent DVT and PE. Most of the pts (32/38, 84%) had VTE within 1 year from the referral date. The incidence of recurrent VTE among these pts was 27.5% (11/38 pts), for a total of 52 episodes. Since the majority of VTEs and recurrences were within one year, we examined the risk factors for VTE during this period. Treatment with IMiDs + Dex and thromboprophylaxis with LMWH or Coumadin were independent predictive factors as shown below. The incidence of VTE was highest in pts exposed to IMiDs + Dex (30/38 pts), even after discontinuation of treatment, with most episodes (17/30) occurring during the preparation (7/30) or within 30 days (10/30) following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), when most (16/17) pts were not receiving anti-coagulants. Conclusions: These findings suggest that patients treated with IMiDs + Dex are at high risk for VTE, even after discontinuation of this treatment, especially, during and after the HSCT period. Future studies are needed to investigate VTE prevention strategies for this high-risk pt population. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
AGGRESSIVE ATTITUDES AND PREVALENCE OF BULLYING BYSTANDER BEHAVIOR IN MIDDLE SCHOOL

Separate lines of research find that proaggressive attitudes promote peer aggression and that bystanders play a pivotal role in deterring or facilitating bullying behavior. The current study hypothesized that proaggressive attitudes in middle school would deter students from standing up to bullying and encourage them to reinforce bullying behavior. Middle school students (n = 28,765) in 423 schools completed a statewide school climate survey that included an aggressive attitudes scale and their bystander response to a recent episode of bullying, which was categorized as upstanding, reinforcing, or passive. Multilevel logistic regressions indicated that higher aggressive attitudes were associated with less upstanding behavior at the school level and less upstanding behavior and more reinforcing behavior at the individual level, while controlling for other school and student demographic variables. These findings suggest that antibullying programs might address student attitudes toward aggression as a means of boosting positive bystander intervention.
Housing and the State in Latin America

The evolving relationship between housing and the state in Latin America during the twentieth century clearly reflects the successive economic models that prevailed in the region during the last century and the specific role assigned to the state within each of these models. The experiences of Argentina, Mexico, and Chile are used, respectively, to illustrate the housing policies adopted throughout the region under the liberal export-led growth model of the early twentieth century, the import-substitution industrialisation model of the post-Second World War period, and the neoliberal policies of the late twentieth century.
Fulminanter Schmerz bei progredientem Erythem

Eine 42-jahrige Mammakarzinompatientin im Chemotherapienadir stellte sich mit subfebrilen Temperaturen und schmerzhaftem perianalem Erythem vor. Der Lokalbefund dehnte sich unter starken Schmerzen innerhalb von wenigen Stunden aus. Eine Computertomographie zeigte das Bild einer nekrotisierenden Fasziitis. Trotz sofortiger radikaler Operation und antibiotischer Therapie starb die Patientin kurz darauf im septischen Schock. Die nekrotisierende Fasziitis ist selten und wird vor allem klinisch diagnostiziert. Ihr fruhes Erkennen mit folgender aggressiver Therapie ist der wichtigste Prognosefaktor.
Cross-lingual Text Classification via Model Translation with Limited Dictionaries

Cross-lingual text classification (CLTC) refers to the task of classifying documents in different languages into the same taxonomy of categories. An open challenge in CLTC is to classify documents for the languages where labeled training data are not available. Existing approaches rely on the availability of either high-quality machine translation of documents (to the languages where massively training data are available), or rich bilingual dictionaries for effective translation of trained classification models (to the languages where labeled training data are lacking). This paper studies the CLTC challenge under the assumption that neither condition is met. That is, we focus on the problem of translating classification models with highly incomplete bilingual dictionaries. Specifically, we propose two new approaches that combines unsupervised word embedding in different languages, supervised mapping of embedded words across languages, and probabilistic translation of classification models. The approaches show significant performance improvement in CLTC on a benchmark corpus of Reuters news stories (RCV1/RCV2) in English, Spanish, German, French and Chinese and an internal dataset in Uzbek, compared to representative baseline methods using conventional bilingual dictionaries or highly incomplete ones.
The frequency of histologically confirmed Barrett’s esophagus varies by the combination of ethnicity and gender

Background: Barrett’s esophagus (BE) is the primary risk factor for esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Limited data exists regarding the frequency of histologically confirmed BE by both gender and ethnicity in the United States. The study aim was to determine whether the frequency of histologically confirmed BE varies by ethnicity and gender. Methods: The University of Florida-Jacksonville endoscopy database was reviewed for all cases of salmon colored esophageal mucosa from September 2002 to August 2007. Histologic BE was diagnosed only if salmon colored esophageal mucosa was seen endoscopically and biopsy confirmed intestinal metaplasia with goblet cells. Data collected included: age at diagnosis, self-reported ethnicity [non-Hispanic white (nHw) or African American (AA)], gender, procedure indication, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) history, atypical manifestations, cigarette smoking, alcohol use, proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use, BE endoscopic length, absence/presence of hiatal hernia, stricture or ulcer, and absence/presence/grade of dysplasia. Results: Salmon colored esophageal mucosa was identified in 391/7,308 patients, distributed ethnically as 306 nHw and 85 AA. Histologic BE was confirmed in 111/391 patients with ethnic distribution of: 95 nHw and 16 AA. Histologically confirmed BE frequency varied both by gender and ethnicity with nHw males having the highest (42.3%) and AA females the lowest (12.3%). Histologically confirmed BE frequency differed significantly between nHw males and nHw/AA females only (P Conclusions: Histologically confirmed BE frequency varies by ethnicity and gender with nHw males having the highest frequency/risk and AA females the lowest. Investigation to improve understanding of the impact of race and gender in BE formation should be performed.
Radio Frequency Interference

A basic requirement of radio astronomy is access to a spectrum in which observations can be made without detrimental interference from transmissions by other services. In the early years of radio astronomy, when most of the radio astronomy bands below a few GHz were allocated, bandwidths of radio astronomy systems were generally no greater than a few MHz, and the comparable allocated bandwidths largely sufficed. Some allocations were made for radio lines, most importantly the hydrogen (H1) line, for which 1420–1427 MHz was reserved. In the following decades, as radio astronomy at frequencies in the range of tens of GHz developed, bandwidths of order 1 GHz were allocated, and later, a substantial fraction of the spectrum above ∼ 100 GHz was allocated to radio astronomy. However, spillover of radiation from transmitting services into radio astronomy bands occurs, and generally it has been necessary to choose observatory sites in radio-quiet areas of low population density and to take advantage of terrain shielding where possible. These considerations have led to the choice of sites in South Africa and Western Australia for international development of several of the largest arrays. Also, with the increase in computing capacity at observatories, detection and removal of interfering signals in astronomical observations have become important parts of data analysis. In particular, digital analysis allows the received bandwidths to be divided into as many as 106 spectral channels, which allows those containing interference to be identified and removed. A general discussion of interference in radio astronomy is given by Baan (2010).
Development and integration of an electrical safety program into a new production facility's pre-commissioning and startup activities

This paper describes the basic elements of a company's generic, region based electrical safety program and a new facility's experience in implementing the program during the initial system turnover and energization phases of the project. Background on the site's safety by design considerations, arc flash hazard assessment, and organizational makeup provides insight on how the facility managed to tailor the ‘generic’ program to their site needs and train the organization. Specific examples highlight the need to thoroughly commission electrical equipment and systems after construction turnover and in the face of leadership pressure regarding cost and schedule. Specific examples include the challenges of energizing equipment during ongoing construction, equipment failure, and managing contract workers performing equipment commissioning.
Expanding developmental and behavioral services for newborns in primary care: program design, delivery, and evaluation framework.

Abstract Background Healthy Steps (HS) for Young Children strengthens the healthcare system as a source of developmental and behavioral support for parents. This series of papers presents a study of HS as implemented within a large health maintenance organization that tested the benefit of beginning intervention services during pregnancy with an extension program called “PrePare” (PP). Methods The design was a quasi-experimental comparison of intervention families with families receiving usual care. Within the intervention, families were assigned randomly to begin receiving Healthy Steps services prenatally (PP+HS) or shortly after birth (HS). We used a systems model, PRECEDE/PROCEED, for planning, implementation, and process evaluation. Outcomes examined when the infants were aged 3 months included changes in family social support and capacity for parenting, parenting behaviors, and satisfaction and loyalty to the health plan. Results The sample of 439 families was distributed as follows: usual care (n=136), prenatal initiation of services (PP+HS; n=151), and postnatal Healthy Steps (HS; n=152). Information about program implementation, including provider satisfaction, is provided for the early phases of the study (through age 3 months). The intervention was delivered with fidelity and with minimal disruption to the practice styles of pregnancy providers, most of whom considered the program valuable to their patients. Relative to families in the comparison group, families in the intervention group received more usual care services and more intervention-specific services. Conclusions The pregnancy and newborn phases of the intervention were embedded successfully within the existing healthcare delivery system. The program was considered valuable for parents by providers and parents. Participating families received more services and a greater variety of services than families in usual care. Whether these differences result in beneficial outcomes for families or the health plan are topics of the subsequent papers.
Reduction of Cognitive Decline in Patients with or at High Risk for Diabetes

The incidence of Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders is expected to triple by 2050. People with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes have a higher risk of cognitive dysfunction, including Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. Controversy remains about when and how to prevent and treat cognitive dysfunction in people with or at high risk of diabetes. In our review of ongoing clinical trials, we have found that there has been an increase in the number of studies assessing the efficacy of pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches to prevent or slow down cognitive impairment among people with or at high risk of diabetes. Despite the considerable risk of cognitive impairment in people with diabetes and prediabetes, there is not enough evidence to support a specific treatment to prevent or slow mild cognitive impairment, or progression to Alzheimer’s disease or related disorders. Several ongoing trials are attempting to identify the usefulness of several compounds, as well as lifestyle changes including exercise and diet. Direct mechanisms linking diabetes to cognitive decline have not been elucidated.
Dysregulated molecular pathways in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-frontotemporal dementia spectrum disorder.

Abstract Frontotemporal dementia (FTD), the second most common form of dementia in people under 65 years of age, is characterized by progressive atrophy of the frontal and/or temporal lobes. FTD overlaps extensively with the motor neuron disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), especially at the genetic level. Both FTD and ALS can be caused by many mutations in the same set of genes; the most prevalent of these mutations is a GGGGCC repeat expansion in the first intron of C9ORF72 . As shown by recent intensive studies, some key cellular pathways are dysregulated in the ALS‐FTD spectrum disorder, including autophagy, nucleocytoplasmic transport, DNA damage repair, pre‐mRNA splicing, stress granule dynamics, and others. These exciting advances reveal the complexity of the pathogenic mechanisms of FTD and ALS and suggest promising molecular targets for future therapeutic interventions in these devastating disorders.
Population Responses of the Northern Bobwhite ( Colinus virginianus ) to Land Use Changes in the Agricultural Landscapes of Ohio, USA

Conversion of natural land cover to agriculture is one of the primary threats to biodiversity worldwide. The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and woodlot edge enhancement are two tools used in the United States to provide habitat to wildlife that otherwise have little usable space in intensively agricultural landscapes. CRP provides payments to agricultural producers to replant environmentally sensitive cropland, marginal pasture land, or grassland to conservation practices. The northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) is a rapidly declining bird associated with farmland habitat and is often managed for using CRP and woodlot edge enhancement. I studied bobwhites from 2008 to 2010 and 2012–2014 in Brown and Highland Counties, Ohio to document the effects of loss of CRP contracts and addition of woodlot edge enhancement on the rate of change in bobwhite abundance using whistle count surveys. CRP was a strong predictor of bobwhite abundance while woodlot edge enhancement had low predictive power when accounting for loss of CRP. From these results, I tentatively conclude loss of CRP may have significant impacts on this imperiled species, and addition of CRP should be targeted by conservation agencies over woodlot edge enhancement.
Liquid tissue surrogates for X-ray and CT phantom studies.

Purpose To develop a simple method for producing liquid-tissue-surrogate (LTS) materials that accurately represent human soft tissues in terms of density and X-ray attenuation coefficient. Methods and Materials We evaluated hypothetical mixtures of water, glycerol, butanol, methanol, sodium chloride, and potassium nitrate; these mixtures were intended to emulate human adipose, blood, brain, kidney, liver, muscle, pancreas, and skin. We compared the hypothetical densities, effective atomic numbers (Zeff), and calculated discrete-energy CT attenuation (Hounsfield Units (HU)) of the proposed materials with those of human tissue elemental composition as specified in International Commission on Radiation Units (ICRU) Report 46. We then physically formulated the proposed LTS materials for adipose, liver, and pancreas tissue, and measured the polyenergetic CT attenuation (also expressed as HU) of these materials within a 32-cm phantom using a 64-slice clinical CT scanner at 80 kVp, 100 kVp, 120 kVp, and 140 kVp. Results The predicted densities, Zeff, and calculated discrete-energy CT attenuation of our proposed formulations generally agreed with those of ICRU within <1% or <10 HU. For example, the densities of our hypothetical materials agreed precisely with ICRU's reported values and were 0.95 g/mL for adipose tissue, 1.04 g/mL for pancreatic tissue, and 1.06 g/mL for liver tissue; the discrete-energy CT attenuation at 60 keV of our hypothetical materials (and ICRU-specified compositions) were -107 HU (-113 HU) for adipose #3, -89 HU (-90 HU) for adipose #2, 56 HU (55 HU) for liver tissue, and 31 HU (31 HU) for pancreatic tissue. The densities of our physically-produced materials (compared to ICRU-specified compositions) were 0.947 g/mL (0.0%) for adipose #2, 1.061 g/mL (+2.0%) for pancreatic tissue, and 1.074 g/mL (+1.3%) for liver tissue. The empirical polyenergetic CT attenuation measurements of our LTS materials (and the discrete-energy HU of the ICRU compositions at the mean energy of each spectrum) at 80 kVp were -104 HU (-113 HU) for adipose #3, -87 HU (-90 HU) for adipose #2, 59 HU (55 HU) for liver tissue, and 33 HU (31 HU) for pancreatic tissue; at 120 kVp these were -83 HU (-83 HU) for adipose #3, -68 HU (-63 HU) for adipose #2, 55 HU (52 HU) for liver tissue, and 35 HU (33 HU) for pancreatic tissue. Conclusion Our method for formulating tissue surrogates allowed straightforward production of solutions with CT attenuation that closely matched the target tissues’ expected CT attenuation values and trends with kVp. The LTSs’ inexpensive and widely-available constituent chemicals, combined with their liquid state, should enable rapid production and versatile use among different phantom and experiment types. Further study is warranted, such as the inclusion of contrast agents. These liquid tissue surrogates may potentially accelerate development and testing of advanced CT imaging techniques and technologies. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
DIRECT-CURRENT CIRCUITS

This chapter discusses the principles of electromotive force (emf) which is the energy source for driving charges through circuits. An emf is a two-terminal energy source capable of driving charges through some externally connected circuit. The principles of energy conservation and charge conservation lead to Kirchhoff's rules for circuit analysis. By applying these rules, it helps to analyze circuits involving combinations of resistors, capacitors, and sources of emf. Circuit analysis is applied to the electrical instruments used to measure currents and potential differences. Energy conservation in electrical circuits leads to Kirchhoff's loop rule, which states that in any complete electrical circuit, the algebraic sum of the potential changes is zero. Charge conservation in electrical circuits leads to Kirchhoff's junction rule, which states that the sum of the currents directed toward any junction is equal to the sum of the currents directed away from the junction.
The growing threat of cybersecurity attacks in sports

During a playoff game, the visual boards throughout a sold-out stadium displays warnings to evacuate because of a hazardous situation, such as a fire inside the venue. Suddenly, spectators are panicked, stadium workers are confused, and the evacuation team designated by the venue begins the task of getting a large crowd out safely and effectively. The power then suddenly goes out amidst the evacuation efforts. This disconcerting event might have begun with a cyber attack on the systems controlling the stadium. A cyber attacker might have gained access to remotely controllable systems, possibly causing physical harm. With professional sports teams and stadiums becoming more and more connected through technology for an improved spectator experience, an increased need for cybersecurity is evident. Fans are susceptible to phishing scams through mobile applications, while remotely controlled systems are vulnerable to hacking. Public wireless networks are open to man-in-the-middle attacks. Professional stadiums may also be in close proximity to one another in large cities, leading to traffic management issues as well as network isolation concerns. If shared or wireless networking resources exist among more than one entity, propagation across the network may occur, leaving multiple venues open to malicious actors. Also, with the increased reliance on technological capabilities throughout sports, the integrity of the game can be negatively impacted. The integration of cyber into such aspects of the game as player performance and data analytics can leave teams within various leagues susceptible to cyber attacks.
1634c Silica exposure and child labour in nepal brick kilns

Objective This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of respiratory symptoms/illnesses and the magnitude of silica exposures among children working in Nepalese brick kilns. Methods Personal samples for silica were collected following NIOSH methods. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was carried out to evaluate association between respiratory symptoms/illnesses and participant groups (exposed and referent) and Similar Exposure Groups (SEG) among brickfield workers. Logistic regression analysis adjusting age, duration of work and smoking practices was carried out at 0.05 level of significance. Additionally, a cross-sectional study was conducted in Kathmandu valley targeting all the brickfield workers during February – March 2015. Out of 106 operating brick kilns in Kathmandu Valley, 16 kilns were selected for the study applying multi-stage probability proportionate to size (PPS) sampling technique. A total of 800 participants, 400 brick workers as exposed and 400 grocery workers as referent group were recruited for interviews. Results A total of 86 silica samples, 10 were linked to children under the age of 18. These children worked in several of the SEGs. Among the SEGs, red brick loaders had the highest mean and maximum exposures to silica. Chronic cough (14.3%), phlegm (16.6%) and bronchitis (19.0%) were higher (p 3 ) and total (20.657 mg/m 3 ) dust exposures were highest for red brick loading tasks. Additionally, several SEGs had workers under the age of 18. Exposure were significantly high and results will be discussed. Conclusions High dust exposures identified in this study may explain the increased prevalence of respiratory symptoms/illnesses among Nepalese children working in the brickfields, warranting action to reduce exposures.
Acute and Chronic Neurodegenerative Disorders Produced by Dietary Excitotoxins

In recent years, glutamate (Glu) and aspartate (Asp) have become recognized as Jekyll–Hyde molecules of the central nervous system (CNS). These common acidic amino acids are abundantly present in the environment, and are synthesized and maintained in high concentration within the CNS, where they serve vitally important metabolic, neurotrophic, and neurotransmitter roles, but also harbor treacherous neurotoxic potential. Significant progress has been made recently in understanding the neurotoxic (excitotoxic) properties of Glu and related excitatory amino acids (EAA). Three EAA receptor subtypes—N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), kainate, and quisqualate—have been linked to excitotoxicity, drugs with antiexcitotoxic actions have been discovered, and evidence for the complicity of both endogenous and exogenous excitotoxins in human neurodegenerative disorders, in both youth and old age, has begun to unfold. Here we will review the current information pertaining to EAA receptors, how these receptors are thought to be involved in neurodegeneration, and evidence suggesting that dietary exposure to EAA can lead to specific neuropsychiatric syndromes.
Responding to the Challenges of Preadolescence: Roles for Caregivers

In the developmental period identified as late childhood or preadolescence, children from the ages of 9 through 12 begin to establish an identity as autonomous social beings outside the family (Grotevant & Cooper, 1998). Spending up to 8 h a day away from direct parental supervision, they begin to explore their place in the world of school, peers, and adult interactions beyond the family with increasing powers of observation and independent action (Larson & Richards, 1991).
Communication Complexity of Shifts

Let X = (X1, X2,...,X n ), where Xi ~ Bernoulli (1/2). Let \(Y = ({{X}_{{T + 1}}},{{X}_{{T + 2}}}, \ldots ,{{X}_{T}})\), where T is uniformly distributed over {0, 1, 2, ..., n−1}. Thus y is a cyclic T-shift of x. Here T + k is modulo n.
I-FABP Is Higher in People With Chronic HIV Than Elite Controllers, Related to Sugar and Fatty Acid Intake and Inversely Related to Body Fat in People With HIV.

Background Intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) has been shown to be a marker of intestinal damage among people living with HIV. We hypothesized that I-FABP would be increased in chronically HIV-infected patents more than elite controllers and would relate to specific nutrient intake and body composition. Methods In an observational study, serum I-FABP was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Anthropometric measurements, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, and single-slice abdominal computed tomography were obtained to assess body composition, as well as visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue areas (VAT and SAT). Dietary intake was assessed using 4-day food records. Results One hundred forty-nine people with chronic HIV (65% male, 47 ± 7 years of age, 54.7% white, and 14 ± 6 years of known HIV), 10 elite controllers (60% male, 53 ± 8 years, 60% white, and 20 ± 7 years of known HIV), and 69 HIV-negative controls (59.4% male, 46 ± 7 years, and 52.2% white) were included in the analysis. I-FABP was significantly higher in HIV progressors relative to HIV-negative controls and elite controllers. In the chronic HIV group, I-FABP was positively associated with dietary intake of added sugar and with saturated fatty acids. I-FABP was inversely associated with body mass index, VAT, and SAT. I-FABP also correlated with MCP-1, CXCL10, sCD163, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) among all participants. Conclusions I-FABP was increased among chronically HIV-infected patients to a greater degree than in elite controllers and was related to nutrient intake and body composition in HIV progressors. Future studies to investigate the role of intestinal damage on nutrient absorption are needed to elucidate the mechanisms of these relationships. Trial registration identifier NCT00455793.
Targeting of primary lung metastasis of high-grade osteosarcoma in nude mice with a modified strain of Salmonella typhymurium

1355 We report here a new targeting strategy for primary osteosarcoma and lung metastasis with a modified auxotrophic strain of Salmonella typhimurium. We have previously developed a genetically modified strain of S. typhimurium, selected for tumor targeting and therapy in vivo (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 102, 755-760, 2005; Cancer Research 66, 7647-7652, 2006; Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 104, 10170-10174, 2007). Normal tissue is cleared of these bacteria even in immunodeficient athymic mice with no apparent side effects. In this study, the tumor-targeting strain of S. typhimurium, termed A1-R, was administered i.v. to the nude mice which have primary bone tumor and lung metastasis. Primary bone tumor was obtained by intra-tibial injection of 5 x 105 143B-RFP (red fluorescent protein) human osteosarcoma cells. Three mice were treated with A1-R expressing GFP (green fluorescent protein) and three were used as controls. A1-R (5 x 107 colony-forming units) were injected in the tail vein three times per week. On day 28, lung samples were excised and observed with the Olympus OV100 Small Animal Imaging System. The size of the metastasis and RFP intensity of lung metastasis were measured. Primary bone tumor area measured by imaging (fluorescence imaging) was 231.7 ± 69.7 mm2 in the untreated control group and 94.6 ± 22.7 in the treated group (P
Our Future With Democratization of Health Requires Health Literacy to Succeed

This article argues for the importance of health literacy to improve health decision making. With growing connectivity at the level of individuals, communities, populations, and people across geogr...
On Adaptive Control of Uncertain Dynamical Systems in the Presence of Actuator Dynamics and Amplitude Saturation Limits

In this paper, we propose a model reference adaptive control approach for uncertain dynamical systems in the presence of both actuator dynamics and actuator amplitude saturation limits. Specifically, we use a new expanded reference model including a deficit term between the ideal control signal and its saturated version. Closed-loop system stability of the proposed approach utilizing this expanded reference model is analyzed using linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) and Lyapunov theory, where the resulting stability conditions capture the interplay between the allowable actuator dynamics, actuator amplitude saturation limits, initial conditions, and the system uncertainties. An illustrative numerical example is further provided to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed approach.
United States trends in active surveillance or watchful waiting across patient socioeconomic status from 2010 to 2015

Prospective evidence supports active surveillance/watchful waiting (AS/WW) as an efficacious management option for low-risk prostate cancer that avoids potential treatment toxicity. AS/WW schedules require regular follow-up and adherence, and it is unknown to what extent patient socioeconomic status (SES) may impact management decisions for AS/WW. We sought to determine whether AS/WW use in the United States differs according to patient SES. Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Prostate with AS/WW Database, all adult men diagnosed with localized low-risk prostate cancer (clinical T1–T2a, Gleason 6, and prostate-specific antigen <10 ng/mL) and managed with either AS/WW, radical prostatectomy, or radiotherapy were identified between 2010 and 2015. SES tertile was measured by the validated Yost Index (low: 0–10,901; middle: 10,904–11,469; high: 11,470–11,827). AS/WW trends were defined across SES tertiles from 2010 to 2015. Logistic multivariable regression defined adjusted odds ratios (aOR) for receipt of AS/WW by SES tertile. In 50,302 men, AS/WW use was higher with increasing SES tertile (24.6, 25.3, and 30.5% for low, middle, and high SES tertiles, respectively; PTrend (SES) <0.001). From 2010 to 2015, AS/WW use in the low, middle, and high SES tertiles increased from 11.2 to 37.3%, 14.1 to 45.8%, and 17.6 to 46.4%, respectively (PTrends <0.001). By 2015, likelihood of AS/WW became comparable among the middle vs. high SES tertiles (aOR 0.96, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.83–1.11, P = 0.55), but remained lower among the low vs. high SES tertile (aOR 0.73, 95% CI: 0.64–0.83, P < 0.001). AS/WW use for low-risk prostate cancer in the US differs by SES. Despite increases in AS/WW across SES from 2010 to 2015, patients from low SES received significantly lower rates of AS/WW compared with higher SES groups. SES may therefore influence management decisions, where factors associated with low SES might act as a barrier to AS/WW, and may need to be addressed to reduce any disproportionate risk of unnecessary treatment to lower SES patients.
Enhancement of Photovoltaic Current Generation through Dark States in Donor-Acceptor Pairs of Tungsten-based Transition Metal Di-Chalcogenides (TMDCs)

As several photovoltaic materials experimentally approach the Shockley-Queisser limit, there has been a growing interest in unconventional materials and approaches with the potential to cross this efficiency barrier. One such candidate is dark state protection induced by the dipole-dipole interaction between molecular excited states. This phenomenon has been shown to significantly reduce carrier recombination rate and enhance photon-to-current conversion, in elementary models consisting of few interacting chromophore centers. Atomically thin 2D transition metal di-chalcogenides (TMDCs) have shown great potential for use as ultra-thin photovoltaic materials in solar cells due to their favorable photon absorption and electronic transport properties. TMDC alloys exhibit tunable direct bandgaps and significant dipole moments. In this work, we introduce the dark state protection mechanism to a TMDC based photovoltaic system with pure tungsten diselenide (WSe2) as the acceptor material and the TMDC alloy tungsten sulfo-selenide (WSeS) as the donor material. Our numerical model demonstrates the first application of the dark state protection mechanism to a photovoltaic material with a photon current enhancement of up to 35% and an ideal photon-to-current efficiency exceeding the Shockley-Queisser limit.