cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of carbon nanotubes on the crystallization and properties of polypropylene

The effect of different concentrations of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) on the nonisothermal crystallization kinetics, morphology, and mechanical properties of polypropylene (PP) matrix composites obtained by melt compounding was investigated by means of X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, optical and scanning electron microscopy, and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. Microscopy showed well-dispersed nanotube ropes together with small and large aggregates. The modulus was found to increase by about 75% at a level of 0.5 wt % nanotubes. The SWNTs displayed a clear nucleating effect on the PP crystallization, favoring the α crystalline form rather than the β form. The crystallization kinetics analysis showed a significant increase in activation energy on incorporating nanotubes. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 43: 2445–2453, 2005
Steered Molecular Dynamics Simulation of the Rieske Subunit Motion in the Cytochrome bc1 Complex

Crystallographic structures of the mitochondrial ubiquinol/cytochrome c oxidoreductase (cytochrome bc(1) complex) suggest that the mechanism of quinol oxidation by the bc(1) complex involves a substantial movement of the soluble head of the Rieske iron-sulfur protein (ISP) between reaction domains in cytochrome b and cytochrome c(1) subunits. In this paper we report the results of steered molecular dynamics simulations inducing, through an applied torque within 1 ns, a 56 degrees rotation of the soluble domain of ISP. For this purpose, a solvated structure of the bc(1) complex in a phospholipid bilayer (a total of 206,720 atoms) was constructed. A subset of 91,061 atoms was actually simulated with 45,131 moving atoms. Point charge distributions for the force field parametrization of heme groups and the Fe(2)S(2) cluster of the Rieske protein included in the simulated complex were determined. The simulations showed that rotation of the soluble domain of ISP is actually feasible. Several metastable conformations of the ISP during its rotation were identified and the interactions stabilizing the initial, final, and intermediate positions of the soluble head of the ISP domain were characterized. A pathway for proton conduction from the Q(o) site to the solvent via a water channel has been identified.
Dual vertical beam properties of doubly curved reflectors

An investigation has been made of the vertical-plane dual-beam properties of a doubly curved shaped-beam reflector to provide design information relative to possible modifications for a large class of surveillance antennas (in particular, the cosecant-squared family) in order to improve their performance when working in the presence of serious ground clutter problems. Experimental results obtained with an X -band model reflector utilizing various dual-feedhorn geometries are presented. Measured secondary patterns demonstrating several important performance characteristics are shown for a linearly polarized situation. Measured primary patterns for the feeds which generate these results are included, Two-way radar coverage diagrams for one set of dual-beam patterns are examined in detail. These plots make it clear that for many ground clutter minimizing applications it appears desirable to mix at RF the signals received by both feedhorns.
Genotype-Specific Complementation of Hepatitis Delta Virus RNA Replication by Hepatitis Delta Antigen

Characterizations of genetic variations among hepatitis delta virus (HDV) isolates have focused principally on phylogenetic analysis of sequences, which vary by 30 to 40% among three genotypes and about 10 to 15% among isolates of the same genotype. The significance of the sequence differences has been unclear but could be responsible for pathogenic variations associated with the different genotypes. Studies of the mechanisms of HDV replication have been limited to cDNA clones from HDV genotype I, which is the most common. To perform a comparative analysis of HDV RNA replication in genotypes I and III, we have obtained a full-length cDNA clone from an HDV genotype III isolate. In transfected Huh-7 cells, the functional roles of the two forms of the viral protein, hepatitis delta antigen (HDAg), in HDV RNA replication are similar for both genotypes I and III; the short form is required for RNA replication, while the long form inhibits replication. For both genotypes, HDAg was able to support replication of RNAs of the same genotype that were mutated so as to be defective for HDAg production. Surprisingly, however, neither genotype I nor genotype III HDAg was able to support replication of such mutated RNAs of the other genotype. The inability of genotype III HDAg to support replication of genotype I RNA could have been due to a weak interaction between the RNA and HDAg. The clear genotype-specific activity of HDAg in supporting HDV RNA replication confirms the original categorization of HDV sequences in three genotypes and further suggests that these should be referred to as types (i.e., HDV-I and HDV-III) rather than genotypes.
The People of the Alas Valley: A Study of an Ethnic Group of Northern Sumatra

The People of the Alas Valley: A Study of an Ethnic Group of Northern Sumatra. AKIFUMI IWABUCHI. Oxford and New York: Oxford University Press, 1994. xxi + 281 pp., appendix, tables, maps, figures, plates, references, index.
People Operations at Mozilla Corporation: Scaling a Peer-to-Peer Global Community:

The Mozilla case study describes Vice President and Chief of People Debbie Cohen9s key initiatives in a software entity that was one of the pioneers of the “open source” movement. The case study showcases Mozilla9s unique culture of distributed decision making and delegated leadership. Mozilla has a small staff of over 1,100 and millions of volunteers around the world. The case also showcases Cohen9s innovative, yet tailored, talent strategy for Mozilla, and the implementation of a series of initiatives related to compensation, onboarding, and development. The case study concludes in April 2013, when Cohen is able to reflect on her time working at such a unique and some would say “cultish” organization.
Preparation, Characterization, Electrochemistry, and Infrared Spectro­electrochemistry of Ruthenium ­Nitrosyl Porphyrins Containing η1-O-Bonded Axial Carboxylates

The synthesis, characterization and redox behavior of eight low-spin nitrosyl carboxylate compounds (por)Ru(NO)[1-OC(=O)R] [por = T(p-OMe)PP: R = Me (1), iPr (2), tBu (3), p-C6H4NO2 (4), Fc (5), CF3 (8); por = TTP: R = Fc (6)] and [T(p-OMe)PP]Ru(NO)(OC6HF4) (7) are reported. The compounds are moderately stable in air as solids. Their IR (KBr) spectroscopic data show NO's in the 1839–1861 cm–1 range. The X-ray crystal structures of compounds 1, 2, 5–7, and 8 have been determined, and reveal linear RuNO linkages for these formally {RuNO}6 complexes. The redox behavior of the compounds at a Pt working electrode were studied in CH2Cl2 with NBu4PF6 as supporting electrolyte. The compounds display reversible first oxidations. IR spectroelectrochemistry of compounds 1–4, 7 and 8 revealed porphyrin-centered oxidations, whereas the ferrocenylcarboxylate compounds revealed first oxidations at the ferrocenyl moiety followed by second oxidations at the porphyrin macrocycles. Reductions of these compounds are accompanied by loss of the axial ligands.
A New View of Predictive State Methods for Dynamical System Learning.

Recently there has been substantial interest in predictive state methods for learning dynamical systems: these algorithms are popular since they often offer a good tradeoff between computational speed and statistical efficiency. Despite their desirable properties, though, predictive state methods can sometimes be difficult to use in practice. E.g., in contrast to the rich literature on supervised learning methods, which allows us to choose from an extensive menu of models and algorithms to suit the prior beliefs we have about properties of the function to be learned, predictive state dynamical system learning methods are comparatively inflexible: it is as if we were restricted to use only linear regression instead of being allowed to choose decision trees, nonparametric regression, or the lasso. To address this problem, we propose a new view of predictive state methods in terms of instrumentalvariable regression. This view allows us to construct a wide variety of dynamical system learners simply by swapping in different supervised learning methods. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed methods by experimenting with non-linear regression to learn a hidden Markov model, showing that the resulting algorithm outperforms its linear counterpart; the correctness of this algorithm follows directly from our general analysis.
Raising the Bar: Income Tax Education at the Undergraduate Level

Taxation is an important component of the knowledge base that certified public accountants (CPAs) are assumed to understand, by mere association. Whether or not CPAs, in general, actually possess enough taxation education and /or experience to warrant this reputation of prowess is a debatable matter. This paper will explore those presuppositions, restate selected previous research involving accounting education in taxation, and evaluate various educational delivery methods that might be utilized to prepare accountants to face tax issues in the real world, from the view of a veteran accounting practitioner turned enthusiastic accounting educator.
Study of Swirl Stabilized Burner with Interchangeable Swirler Using Chirped-Probe-Pulse Femtosecond Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering for Thermometry and CH4 Concentration Measurements

Single-laser-shot temperature measurements at 5 kHz are performed in a laboratory scale swirl stabilized burner with an interchangeable swirler using femtosecond (fs) coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS). Measurements were performed at various heights and radial locations within the flame in order to resolve the spatial flame structure. Temperature measurements are reported in the swirl flame between 400 and 2000 K with less than 3.0% error. In addition, the first simultaneous N2/CH4 CPP fs-CARS measurements are reported for measuring relative methane concentration in the nonreacting flow field. These results demonstrate the usefulness of CPP fs-CARS for fundamental studies of swirl stabilized flames.
Variational Quantum Monte Carlo Calculation of Materials Properties

A new method of calculating the total energy and other ground-state properties of solids which employs nonlocal pseudopotentials in conjunction with the variational quantum Monte Carlo approach is presented. Valence electron correlations are treated using the exact interaction with a correlated many-electron wavefunction of the Jastrow-Slater form. The use of pseudopotentials for the electron-ion interaction removes from the problem the large fluctuations of electron energies in the core region which occur in quantum Monte Carlo all-electron schemes. We discuss calculation of the cohesive energy and structural properties of diamond and graphite and the ionization energy and electron affinity of atoms using the present approach. The results are in excellent agreement with experiment.
Initial Motion Problem in Porous Media

The Lagrangian equations of fluid mechanics are used to solve the problem of rapid drawdown adjacent to a steep earth embankment. The equations are solved for the pressure and the shape of the free surface in the embankment. The pressures can then be used to compute the stability of the embankment while the values of the fluid displacement are used to compute the drainage hydrography. The Lagrangian equations have the advantage that the domain of solution remains unchanged for all time although the problem is one of unsteady flow involving a free surface. Thus, this type of representation is often useful for such initial problems. The results are presented in a dimensionless, tabular form so that calculation can be easily performed.
The Evolution of Value Chain's Form and Modular Organization Coordinating

It is only a shallow review that the modular products lead to modular organization.In this paper,it is viewed that the evolution of value chain form and the loosing of the value chain's boundary are the main reason for the modular organization forming,especially,the applying of modular technology is the essential reason for the continually changing of the value chain.With the applying and the developing of the modular technology,the market and organization to coordinate the products are being modular and the organizational structure of the vertically integrated enterprise is being loosed as well.So,the style of value production determined by the capability essence,such as knowledge and transaction,is becoming the leading of economic development.
Weibull lagged effect step-stress model with competing risks

ABSTRACTIn many survival analysis studies, failure can come from one of several competing risks. Additionally, where survival times are lengthy, researchers can increase stress levels to cause units to fail faster. One type of accelerated testing is a step-stress test where the increase is presented in quantum jumps at predetermined time points. If the impact of the increase is not immediately attained, an interim lag period is modeled. In this article, we propose a two-competing risk step-stress model with a lag period where each independent risk follows a Weibull lifetime distribution, the interim lag period is linear, and the attainment point is assumed known. We obtain the maximum likelihood estimators and the observed information matrix; we construct confidence intervals and provide estimates of coverage probabilities using large sample theory, percentile bootstrap, and bias-corrected accelerated (BCa) bootstrap methods.
Novel Membrane Technologies for Protein Concentration and Fractionation

Abstract Innovative membrane technologies for separation and concentration of proteins in foods are described in this chapter. The engineering principles of membrane separation are described first, including the models of Smith and Deen for transmission of protein in a cylindrical pore and the impact of the electrostatic double layer, surface charge density, protein net charge, protein diameter, and membrane pore diameter. The stagnant film model for membrane separations, first used by Alan Michaels in 1968, is used to explain the impact of permeate flux, mass transfer, and protein concentration on the thickness of the deposit layer formed on the membrane surface. Advances in charged ultrafiltration membranes and using membrane stages are used to illustrate the future replacement of chromatography by membranes for the purification and fractionation of proteins. The development of mass balance models for ultrafiltration and diafiltration, when combined with replacing constant transmembrane pressure control with constant polarization index control, are shown to eliminate the need for the current practice of expensive and time-consuming Edisonian experimental trials to develop and scale-up new membrane separation processes. Examples taken from the manufacture of ultrafiltered milk, soy protein concentrate, cheese whey protein concentrate, fractionation of α-lactalbumin and β-lactoglobulin from milk, and micellar casein concentrate fractionation from milk serum protein are used to illustrate the different sections in the chapter. As shown in this chapter, advances in membrane technology will continue to increase its use in the food industry for the foreseeable future.
Magnetic Suspension and Balance System for Wind Tunnel Application

In this article a magnetic suspension and balance system suitable for wind tunnel application is discussed. General considerations are presented that illustrate the nature of the problems to be solved as well as one solution of these problems.Finally some initial wind tunnel data are presented.
Quality of communication about medicines in United States hospitals: A national retrospective study

Abstract Background Despite the benefits of improving transitions across care, literature is very limited on inpatient “Communication about Medicines” (ComMed) by staff across United States (U.S.) hospitals. Objectives To evaluate ComMed quality variations by hospital characteristics. Methods In a cross-sectional, retrospective study of publicly available U.S. Medicare's Hospital Consumer Assessment of Health Care Plans Survey (HCAHPS) data (January 2013–September 2014), ComMed quality (high = above average/excellent vs. low = average/below average/poor star ratings) of 3125 hospitals were compared across region, rural-urban location, and health information technology (HIT) infrastructure giving providers access to patients' electronic medical records. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted with adjusting for confounders (hospital - bed size, ownership, type, ED services, the number of completed HCAHPS surveys). Results After adjusting for other characteristics, Midwest versus Western region hospitals (OR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.21–1.98, p= Conclusions One of the first national studies found significant variations in ComMed quality across U.S. hospitals by location (high in Midwest and low in Northeast regions and urban areas) and by access to HIT infrastructure (high) after controlling for other hospital characteristics. With this baseline data, hospital providers and policymakers can design, implement, and evaluate service programs with pharmacists and HIT to enhance ComMed quality in the future delivery of patient-centered care.
Beef assessments using functional magnetic resonance imaging and sensory evaluation.

Abstract Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has been used to unveil how some foods and basic rewards are processed in the human brain. This study evaluated how resting state functional connectivity in regions of the human brain changed after differing qualities of beef steaks were consumed. Functional images of participants (n = 8) were collected after eating high or low quality beef steaks on separate days, after consumption a sensory ballot was administered to evaluate consumers' perceptions of tenderness, juiciness, flavor, and overall liking. Imaging data showed that high quality steak samples resulted in greater functional connectivity to the striatum, medial orbitofrontal cortex, and insular cortex at various stages after consumption (P ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, high quality steaks elicited higher sensory ballot scores for each palatability trait (P ≤ 0.01). Together, these results suggest that resting state fMRI may be a useful tool for evaluating the neural process that follows positive sensory experiences such as the enjoyment of high quality beef steaks.
Protein Analysis in the Clinical Immunology Laboratory

The diagnostic immunology laboratory relies heavily on protein measurements, especially with the explosion of clinically relevant biomarker analysis. Of particular import are the tremendous advances that have been made in the technology for protein detection, and while not all of it has gained traction in the clinical immunology laboratory, this remains an area of huge growth. However, regulatory processes have not kept up with the burgeoning research in the area of protein analysis, and new diagnostic tests for protein analytes are approved for clinical testing at a glacial pace. Nonetheless, it is critical for the clinical immunologist to understand these advances and determine how they can best be utilized in the clinical laboratory. Besides keeping pace with the rapidly changing technology, the age-old fundamental principles of analytical validation of new tests, protein based or not, are still applicable. This chapter covers the basic principles of protein testing in the clinical laboratory and provides special emphasis on the role of mass spectrometry (MS) in diagnostic protein analysis.
Selective antiestrogenic character of dichlorotriarylcyclopropanes on estrogen receptors α and β

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 45, 2004 2875 We previously reported the synthesis and biological activity of a novel class of antiestrogens, 1,1-dichloro-2,2,3-triarylcyclopropanes (DTACs). DTACs are competitive inhibitors of estradiol binding, lack estrogenic activity in a mouse uterotrophic assay, and inhibit the growth of estrogen-sensitive MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Here we report an improved, solid phase-based synthesis primed for rapid library preparation and the screening of the products in mechanism-based assays. The new synthesis involved linking 4-(2-hydroxyethoxy)benzophenones to solid support via a 4-methoxytrityl linker, on-resin Grignard conversion to the E - and Z -olefins and cyclopropanation with dichlorocarbene. The products were cleaved from the resin, the primary hydroxyl converted to a bromide then to a tertiary amine, and the Z -isomers of the resulting 1,1-dichloro-2-(4-β-dialkylethoxyaryl)-2,3-diarylcyclopropanes isolated by flash chromatography. To gain further understanding of the antiestrogenic action of DTACs, reporter assays were used to evaluate their effect on ERα and ERβ mediated transcription from either classical estrogen-response elements (EREs) or non-classical AP-1 elements. Compounds BDRM72 and BDRM81 displayed weak agonist activity on EREs, which was less than that observed for the well-characterized ER partial agonist, 4-hydroxytamoxifen (ZOHT). However, the majority of DTACs displayed no estrogenic activity. In competition experiments, DTACs blocked estradiol-stimulated transcription from an ERE in a concentration-dependent manner and were more effective inhibitors than ZOHT. DTACs did not modulate either basal or highly stimulated transcription (by TPA) from an AP-1 element in the absence of ERα. In contrast, they increased basal transcription and negatively regulated TPA-stimulated transcription from an AP-1 element in the presence of ERα. These data indicate that DTACs are not general inhibitors of transcription and that their ability to modulate gene expression is dependent on ERα. GST pull-down assays were subsequently used to determine whether DTACs disrupt estrogen signaling by altering the interaction between ERα and the p160 coactivator, GRIP-1. BDRM35, which has the same dimethylaminomethoxy and 4-OH modifications as ZOHT, reduced binding more than 50%. Thus, disruption of p160 coactivator recruitment by ERα represents one mechanism by which DTACs function as antiestrogens. Several of the compounds differed in their effects on ERα- and ERβ-mediated transcriptional responses and therefore may be useful in discerning receptor specific biology. (Supported in part by NIH grants CA87414, DK59516 and CA78039).
Non-Differential Rates of Dark Adaptation to “Taboo” and “Neutral” Stimuli

Worthington (1964) reported detectability differences favoring neutral over taboo four-letter words. He measured the dark-adaptation time necessary, not to recognize, but merely to detect a stimulus. Our aim: to duplicate all the essential features of Worthington’s experiment; the outcome: no significant differences involving word class. Therefore it seems premature to conclude that perceptual defense plays a role in visual detection.
Five generations of cell preparation: a translational framework for categorizing regenerative stem cell therapies

A description of a proposed categorization scheme of regenerative stem cell therapies illustrated by review of basic science and clinical studies involving the clinical application of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is proposed. The aim of this review is to provide a novel framework for categorizing MSCs according to preparation strategy. Selected basic science studies and clinical trials were used to illustrate the applications in each category of stem cells. A review of the literature regarding stem cell sources and preparation makes apparent that there are five generations of stem cells in various states of study and clinical application, ranging from therapies currently being used in officebased practice to stem cell generations that hold considerable promise but with persistent concerns regarding safety and feasibility. In the last decade, stem cell research has spread to many different branches of regenerative medicine. Basic science and clinical studies examining the use of stem cell transplantation in the treatment of a wide range of human diseases have exponentially increased. The Five Generations Model may be a helpful way to describe stem cells in research and in clinical application. Describing stem cells in terms of cell preparation strategy, rather than source, may facilitate a greater understanding of this therapy by physicians and patients, and provides an opportunity for researchers to incorporate this helpful framework into a description of their background and findings.
Perceived neighborhood quality, family processes, and trajectories of child and adolescent externalizing behaviors in the United States.

Abstract Rationale Externalizing behavior problems are common among children and adolescents, and have considerable negative impacts on their long-term health and wellbeing. Substantial evidence supports a link between neighborhood conditions and externalizing behaviors. However, the timing of neighborhood effects on the developmental course of externalizing behaviors and the role of family and peer processes in shaping neighborhood effects remains unclear. Objective The current study aims to examine the relationship between perceived neighborhood quality and trajectories of child externalizing behaviors in a U.S. nationally representative cohort, focusing on the timing of neighborhood effects and the role of family and peer processes in mediating these effects. Methods The study included 3563 children who participated in three consecutive waves of Child Development Supplement of the Panel Study of Income Dynamics in 1997, 2002 and 2007. In a latent growth curve model (LGCM), we estimated trajectories of externalizing behaviors and the effects of perceived neighborhood quality on the trajectories, using parental, family and peer processes as potential mediators. Results At baseline, better neighborhood quality was moderately associated with fewer externalizing behaviors among seven-to twelve-year-olds, but was not associated with externalizing behaviors among children six years and younger. During follow-up, better neighborhood quality was associated with small decreases in externalizing behaviors, primarily mediated by lower levels of parental distress and family conflict. Conclusions This study suggests that better perceived neighborhood quality contributes to fewer externalizing behaviors throughout childhood and adolescence, and that parental distress and family conflict are the main mediators of these effects. Given the pervasiveness of exposure to adverse neighborhood conditions, efforts to reduce concentrated poverty and improve neighborhood environments may improve children and adolescents’ mental health at the population level.
18F-FDG and Amyloid PET in Dementia

We present a case of memory loss and aphasia in a 72-y-old male, and discuss how PET imaging supported a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s dementia despite conflicting clinical findings.
Session 16 overview: Advanced optical and wireline techniques: Wireline subcommittee

Electrical and optical links continue to provide challenges that cannot be overcome by process technology advances alone. The ingenuity of the designer is a major contribution, and this is clearly demonstrated by the papers in this session. The first is an invited paper that reviews state-ofthe-art optical interconnects in scalable, high-density standards-based switching fabrics for networking systems and cloud computing. The second paper describes the first electrical domain solution to the non-linear dispersion for both transient and adiabatic chirp of directly modulated lasers. This is followed by a paper that describes the first optical burst-mode receiver with rapid power on/off functionality for a data-rate of 56Gb/s and a power efficiency of 2.2pJ/b in always-on mode.
Spectroscopy of Salts Common in Saline Soils

Rapid identification and large-scale mapping of salt-affected lands can help improve environmental resource management. Spectroscopy is a potentially effective tool for assessing the distribution of salt crusts and salt-affected soils in barren landscapes of arid regions. This chapter examines high resolution spectral data of the hand-held spectrometer for characterizing properties of various salts commonly present in saline soils. The materials examined include: i) evaporites commonly formed on the soils of arid and semi-arid regions; halite (NaCl), thenardite (Na2SO4); nahcolite (NaHCO3), gypsum (CaSO4.2H2O), and their mixtures; ii) salt crusts formed on the surface of two torrifluvents. Spectral reflectance was measured with a GER 3700 spectroradiometer in the visible and near infrared region (400–2500 nm); and the positions of the dominant absorption features of the tested samples were documented. Crystal size and salt concentrations affected reflectivity, but did not affect the positions of the absorption bands of the salt crusts significantly. Dominant absorption features of spectra of salt crusts and evaporites were slightly different in their positions. Spectroscopy can be used under certain conditions to identify the presence of primary diagnostic spectral features of gypsum, nahcolite, thenardite and halite crusts. Additional research is needed if spectral data are to be used for identifying the types and quantities of salt crusts present on salt-affected lands.
Simple and fast strong cyclic planning for fully-observable nondeterministic planning problems

We address a difficult, yet under-investigated class of planning problems: fully-observable nondeterministic (FOND) planning problems with strong cyclic solutions. The difficulty of these strong cyclic FOND planning problems stems from the large size of the state space. Hence, to achieve efficient planning, a planner has to cope with the explosion in the size of the state space by planning along the directions that allow the goal to be reached quickly. A major challenge is: how would one know which states and search directions are relevant before the search for a solution has even begun? We first describe an NDP-motivated strong cyclic algorithm that, without addressing the above challenge, can already outperform state-of-the-art FOND planners, and then extend this NDP-motivated planner with a novel heuristic that addresses the challenge.
Digital High-Resolution Melt Platform for Rapid and Parallelized Molecule-by-Molecule Genetic Profiling

This work presents a microfluidic Digital High-Resolution Melt platform for absolute quantitation and sensitive detection of locus-specific sequence variations on a molecule-by-molecule basis. The platform provides a facile means for assessment of hundreds to thousands of single DNA copies by digitizing template molecules in a 4096 1-nL array microfluidic device and observing the sequence-dependent fluorescence changes during temperature ramping. The analytical capability of this platform is demonstrated in several applications, such as digital assay characterization, detection and assessment of DNA methylation heterogeneity, and detection of rare biomarkers at frequencies as low as 0.0005% target to background molecules.
Speech recognition for clinical documentation from 1990 to 2018: a systematic review

Objective The study sought to review recent literature regarding use of speech recognition (SR) technology for clinical documentation and to understand the impact of SR on document accuracy, provider efficiency, institutional cost, and more. Materials and methods We searched 10 scientific and medical literature databases to find articles about clinician use of SR for documentation published between January 1, 1990, and October 15, 2018. We annotated included articles with their research topic(s), medical domain(s), and SR system(s) evaluated and analyzed the results. Results One hundred twenty-two articles were included. Forty-eight (39.3%) involved the radiology department exclusively and 10 (8.2%) involved emergency medicine; 10 (8.2%) mentioned multiple departments. Forty-eight (39.3%) articles studied productivity; 20 (16.4%) studied the effect of SR on documentation time, with mixed findings. Decreased turnaround time was reported in all 19 (15.6%) studies in which it was evaluated. Twenty-nine (23.8%) studies conducted error analyses, though various evaluation metrics were used. Reported percentage of documents with errors ranged from 4.8% to 71%; reported word error rates ranged from 7.4% to 38.7%. Seven (5.7%) studies assessed documentation-associated costs; 5 reported decreases and 2 reported increases. Many studies (44.3%) used products by Nuance Communications. Other vendors included IBM (9.0%) and Philips (6.6%); 7 (5.7%) used self-developed systems. Conclusion Despite widespread use of SR for clinical documentation, research on this topic remains largely heterogeneous, often using different evaluation metrics with mixed findings. Further, that SR-assisted documentation has become increasingly common in clinical settings beyond radiology warrants further investigation of its use and effectiveness in these settings.
Estimation of Pulmonary Capillary Wedge Pressure from the HVAD Waveform and Its Prognostic Implications

Purpose Flow waveform visualization is a unique feature of the HVAD left ventricular assist device (LVAD) that provides graphical real-time information linking device performance with patient hemodynamics. A previous study demonstrated a good correlation between the slope of the ventricular filling phase (VFPS) and the pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP). We aimed to validate the utility of VFPS to estimate PCWP and predict clinical outcomes. Methods In this prospective blinded study, screenshots from the HVAD monitor and simultaneous invasive hemodynamic measurements were obtained. Each screenshot was digitized (IGOR Pro, WaveMetrics Inc., Oswego, OR) and the VFPS was calculated for each screenshot (Figure 1A) by two independent readers who were blinded to the hemodynamic results. VFPS and the estimated PCWP [using the previously derived equation: PCWP = 7.05 +1.38 × (VFPS)] were correlated to the measured PCWP. Association between VFPS and heart failure (HF) readmission rates was evaluated. Results 107 sets of simultaneous measurements (VFPS and PCWP) were performed (mean age 55 years, 47% male). Prospectively collected VFPS had a very strong and significant correlation with PCWP (p 2 = 0.69). The previously proposed cutoff of VFPS ≥5.8 L/min/sec predicted PCWP ≥18 mmHg with 91.5% sensitivity and 95.2% specificity. The previously derived equation had significant correlation with measured PCWP (p 2 = 0.68; Figure 1B) and acceptable agreement with the measured PCWP (Figure 1C). Patients with VFPS ≥5.8 L/min/sec had significant higher HF readmission rates than those with VFPS Conclusion VFPS of the HVAD flow waveform is a novel noninvasive parameter that can estimate PCWP and predict HF readmissions. VFPS may aid in clinical management of HVAD patients and serve as a step in the development of a smart LVAD pump.
Clinical outcomes of second-generation limus-eluting stents compared to paclitaxel-eluting stents for acute myocardial infarction with cardiogenic shock.

Objective Whether the cardiovascular (CV) outcomes of second-generation limus-eluting stents (LESs) differ from those of paclitaxel-eluting stents (PESs) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) complicated by cardiogenic shock (CS) is still unclear. Methods We used the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database to analyse data of 516 patients with AMI and CS diagnosed from January 2007 to December 2011. We used propensity score matching to adjust for the imbalance in covariate baseline values between these two groups. We evaluated clinical outcomes by comparing 197 subjects who used second-generation LESs to 319 matched subjects who used PESs. Results The risk of the primary composite outcomes (i.e., myocardial infarction, coronary revascularisation or CV death) was significantly lower in the second-generation LES group than in the PES group [37.3% vs. 51.8%; hazard ratio (HR), 0.73; 95% CI: 0.56–0.95] at the 12-month follow-up. The patients who received second-generation LESs had a lower risk of coronary revascularisation (HR 0.62; 95% CI: 0.41–0.93) than those who used PESs. However, the risks of myocardial infarction (HR 0.56; 95% CI: 0.26–1.24), ischemic stroke (HR 0.73; 95% CI: 0.23–2.35), or CV death (HR 0.90; 95% CI: 0.63–1.28) were not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusions Among patients with CS-complicating AMI, second-generation LES implantation significantly reduced the risk of coronary revascularisation and composite CV events compared to PES implantation at the 12-month follow-up.
Free-Running, Monolithic Laser-Based 8-GHz Photonic Microwave Generation

An ultra-low noise 8-GHz microwave carrier was generated with a free-running monolithic mode-locked laser. The measured phase noise reached below −163 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz and −178 dBc/Hz at 100 kHz offsets © 2019 The Author(s)
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Why IRC § 280E Is Not the Industry Killer It Is Portrayed to Be

Taxes implicate nearly every area of business. The recent marijuana boom has thrust one tax code provision into the spotlight. IRC § 280E prohibits tax deductions and credits for expenses paid or incurred in the trafficking of Schedule I or II controlled substances. This increases tax liability for marijuana businesses who commonly refer to the provision as an “industry killer.” This paper intentionally goes against the grain to show how IRC § 280E is not the “industry killer” it is portrayed to be and explores ways in which slow growth may be marijuana’s best path forward. The argument in favor of IRC § 280E is made by explaining the provisions’ development and legal framework before applying it to the marijuana industry. Next, IRC § 280E must be contextualized within the marijuana industry’s rapid growth and the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Lastly, the Oregon example is used to exemplify how IRC § 280E is helping the industry by providing a check on cash flow and preventing prices from being driven down further through saturation.
Build It and They Will Come: The Faculty Learning Community Approach to Infusing the Curriculum with Sustainability Content

For those working towards infusing higher education curricula with sustainability content, the sustainability-based faculty learning community (SFLC) model structured around the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provides an effective non-prescriptive platform to promote both understanding of systems thinking and the SDGs. The SFLC model also encourages course revision and development that include class content relevant to the SDGs. Designed for a small cohort of faculty fellows each year, the SFLC is a low-cost opportunity for institutions to encourage faculty to learn about the SDGs and apply them to their teaching, provide them with institutional support and the freedom to venture outside of their particular academic disciplines, formally connect with community partners, and aid professional development by helping instructors reimagine their teaching and research as place-based and regionally relevant. The aim of this chapter is to provide an overview and brief history of the SFLC, specifically the Ponderosa/Piedmont model, and then present in more detail a case study of the creation and development of the SFLC at SUNY New Paltz in New York. The account starts from the inception of the idea to the most recent assessment of results and plans for the future in the Hudson Valley.
An overview of behavioral, physiological, and environmental sensors used in animal biotelemetry and biologging studies

The ability to remotely monitor the behavior of animals and their interactions with their environment has revolutionized how ecologists conduct studies. The creative use and placement of sensors on both biologging and biotelemetric platforms can greatly expand the amount of information that can be garnered from ecological studies. Sophisticated transmitters and data loggers, which once were built by the biologists that used them, are available off the shelf from many commercial manufacturers. The ability to purchase a wide variety of electronic tags has allowed for a wider adoption of electronic tags across ecology, but has resulted in many biologists utilizing them with little understanding of how they function. The purpose of this review is to provide a reader-friendly description of the many sensors available to monitor the behavior, physiology, and environment of both terrestrial and aquatic animals. Our approach here is firstly to describe the electrical and mechanical principles behind each type of sensor and secondly to present one or two classic examples of how they have been used to provide insights into the biology of species from a diversity of taxa. Behavioral sensors that record the speed, acceleration, tilt angle, and direction of movement of an animal as well as its swimming depth or flight altitude will be described. Additional sensors are mentioned that detect feeding and spawning behavior as well as the proximity to conspecifics, prey, and predators. Physiological sensors will be described that monitor muscular, sensory, brain, gastric activity as well as body temperature, and sound production. Environmental sensors will be described that measure irradiance, dissolved oxygen, and magnetic field intensity. It is our hope that this review serves as springboard for biologists to develop innovative ways to learn more about their subjects using the myriad sensors that are available today, and the exciting new sensors to be developed in the future.
Chapter 18 – Cloning and Stem Cells

Stem cells have ignited controversy among groups of politicians, religious leaders, and many people in the public. Whether scientists should study stem cells is hotly debated in the United States, but other parts of the world are also creating rules and regulations as to the use and study of stem cells. Many of the reports seen in the media provide a very negative slant to the use of stem cells in scientific research, but most of the reports do not explain the reason stem cells are so controversial. In addition, most of the accounts do not explain what a stem cell is and why scientists want to study them. One of the key goals for this chapter is to provide the answers to these questions and to describe the importance these cells have in your tissues and organs. Because of the key role stem cells play in our body, the idea of using stem cells to cure diseases and disabilities has evolved. This chapter explains the motive and current state of research for the use of stem cells in some therapies. Most importantly, the chapter distinguishes between the types of stem cells that are the focus of the heated political debates and the other types of stem cells, and the continuum of characteristics that range between these types of cells.
Responding to hospital system and student curricular needs: COVID-19 Student Service Corps.

Throughout March 2020, cases of COVID‐19 grew exponentially, and New York emerged as an epicenter of the crisis. Social distancing, shortages of personal protective equipment, and clinical care needs necessitated that students be removed from the clinical setting. A group of students, faculty members, and administrators formed to identify ways in which students could be involved in supporting the health system.
Self-quarantine and weight gain related risk factors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to quantify the impact that self-quarantine has on behaviors associated with weight gain. Methods This was a quantitative descriptive/correlational research design. Research announcement was sent out via Facebook to 1200 possible participants. Six surveys were condensed into a single Survey Monkey questionnaire for participants to complete. Surveys asked questions relating to risk factors linked to weight gain. Results Ninety-one percent of our sample stated they spend more time at home now than before COVID-19. Twenty-two percent of the sample stated they gained 5–10 pounds. Within those who gained 5–10 pounds, there was a significantly higher percentage of the total sample who reported they increased eating in response to sight and smell (p = .048), eating in response to stress (p = .041), and snacking after dinner (p = .016) compared to those who stated they did not change those behaviors at all. There were significant relationships between predictor variables hours of sleep per night and physical activity time on reported weight gain (r = −.195, p = .021, r = −.155, p = .034, respectively). Conclusion Risk factors for weight gain during self-quarantine are inadequate sleep, snacking after dinner, lack of dietary restraint, eating in response to stress, and reduced physical activity.
Biodiversity and Climate Change: Identifying an Economic Research Agenda

During the past two decades, environmental problems have expanded in terms of both their geographical scope as well as complexity. As a result, scientific research and policy deliberations have shifted from an emphasis on predominately localized, single-resource problems such as ambient air or water quality within relatively discrete spatial domains to consideration of a myriad of interrelated problems at a regional or even global scale. This raises challenges for developing integrated environmental research programmes and, ultimately, linking insights from scientific findings to policy- making.
Perception of Home Healthcare Nurses toward Persons with Dementia

The objective of this study was to describe the perception of home healthcare (HHC) nurses toward persons with dementia (PWD). Using a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 225 re...
Medial prefrontal cortex and the temporal control of action

Across species, the medial prefrontal cortex guides actions in time. This process can be studied using behavioral paradigms such as simple reaction-time and interval-timing tasks. Temporal control of action can be influenced by prefrontal neurotransmitters such as dopamine and acetylcholine and is highly relevant to human diseases such as Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We review evidence that across species, medial prefrontal lesions impair the temporal control of action. We then consider neurophysiological correlates in humans, primates, and rodents that might encode temporal processing and relate to cognitive-control mechanisms. These data have informed brain-stimulation studies in rodents and humans that can compensate for timing deficits. This line of work illuminates basic mechanisms of temporal control of action in the medial prefrontal cortex, which underlies a range of high-level cognitive processing and could contribute to new biomarkers and therapies for human brain diseases.