cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Scalable in situ qubit calibration during repetitive error detection

We present a method to optimize qubit control parameters during error detection which is compatible with large-scale qubit arrays. We demonstrate our method to optimize single or two-qubit gates in parallel on a nine-qubit system. Additionally, we show how parameter drift can be compensated for during computation by inserting a frequency drift and using our method to remove it. We remove both drift on a single qubit and independent drifts on all qubits simultaneously. We believe this method will be useful in keeping error rates low on all physical qubits throughout the course of a computation. Our method is $O(1)$ scalable to systems of arbitrary size, providing a path towards controlling the large numbers of qubits needed for a fault-tolerant quantum computer.
Bioinspired water-enhanced mechanical gradient nanocomposite films that mimic the architecture and properties of the squid beak.

Inspired by the water-enhanced mechanical gradient character of the squid beak, we herein report a nanocomposite that mimics both the architecture and properties of this interesting natural material. Similar to the squid beak, we have developed nanocomposites where the degree of cross-linking is controlled along the length of the film. In this study, we utilized tunicate cellulose nanocrystals as the nanofiller that are functionalized with allyl moieties. Using photoinduced thiol–ene chemistry, we have been able to cross-link the CNC nanofiller. In the dry state where strong CNC interactions can occur, only a small mechanical contrast is observed between the cross-linked and uncross-linked samples. However, when the films are exposed to water, which “switches off” the noncovalent CNC interactions, a significant mechanical contrast is observed between the same films. For example, at 20 wt % CNC (in the dry film), an increase in wet modulus from 60 to 300 MPa (∼500% increase) is observed after photoirradiat...
Treatment Considerations for the Cardiometabolic Signs of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Review of the Literature Since the 2013 Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guidelines

Importance Polycystic ovary syndrome is characterized by an excess in androgen levels, ovarian dysfunction, and polycystic ovarian morphology but is also associated with metabolic dysfunction and risk factors for cardiovascular disease. To our knowledge, there are few therapeutic recommendations for these cardiometabolic risk factors and little evidence of their long-term clinical relevance to cardiovascular health. Objective To determine metabolic and/or cardiovascular outcomes in polycystic ovary syndrome treatment literature since the publication of the most recent Endocrine Society clinical practice guidelines in 2013. Evidence Review We searched PubMed using a string of variations of polycystic ovary syndrome, therapy/treatment, and adolescence, and we included English-language original research articles published while the 2013 clinical practice guidelines were disseminated (ie, articles published from January 1, 2011, to June 1, 2015). Articles that appeared relevant based on a review of titles and abstracts were read in full to determine relevancy. References from relevant articles were reviewed for additional studies. Findings Four topic areas emerged: (1) lifestyle modification, (2) metformin vs placebo or estrogen-progestin oral contraceptives, (3) insulin-sensitizing agents, and (4) estrogen-progestin formulations. Most studies assessed the role of metformin as a monotherapy or dual therapy supplement and found significant benefit when including metformin in polycystic ovary syndrome treatment regimens. Studies showed improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors and, in several, androgen excess and cutaneous and menstrual symptoms. Studies were limited by sample size (range, 22-171), few adolescent participants, and short-term outcomes. Conclusions and Relevance Findings show potential for metformin and estrogen-progestin dual therapy but warrant longitudinal studies examining outcomes from adolescence through middle age to determine the effect on long-term cardiovascular health.
Trends in the Study of Local Areas: Social Surveys

are found. Those series which are available for I930 or later are included, and the references have been brought down to date as of January i, I933. Most of the statistical material cited is available in libraries, but some of the entries refer to unpublished material available only in the offices in which it has been compiled. Annexes to the report, to accompany special chapters, have also been prepared by the collaborators dealing with the several subjects. These include A Guide to Vital Statistics in the United States, A Guide to Statistical Series Relating to Labor in the United States, and A Guide to Political Statistics in the United States. The annexes will be available separately, to be used in connection with the corresponding chapters in Part I of the report.
Comparison of snag densities among regeneration treatments in mixed pine-hardwood forests

Standing dead trees (snags) are an important component of forest ecosystems, providing foraging, nesting, and roosting substrate for a variety of vertebrates. We examined the effects of four forest regeneration treatments on residual snag density and compared those with densities found in unharvested, naturally regenerated forests (controls) during the second, fourth, and sixth year after timber harvest in mixed pine–hardwood forests of Arkansas and Oklahoma. Regeneration treatments were clearcut with snag creation, shelterwood, single-tree selection, and group selection. Density of large snags (≥25.0 cm DBH) differed only during the sixth year after harvest, with shelterwoods having a lower density of large snags (1.0 snags/ha) than the control or group selection stands (4.0 and 4.2 snags/ha, respectively). Density of small snags (10.0–24.9 cm DBH) mirrored residual basal area, with controls and group-selection stands having the greatest snag densities. Creation of snags in clearcuts by injection with he...
Informal STEM Learning in Game Jams, Hackathons and Game Creation Events

There has been considerable interest in advancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education. Some of this interest are derived from the increasing need for professionals in these areas of employment and industry.In this discussion paper, the author presents a case for game jams as an informal STEM learning environment.
Analysis on effect of community health files on hypertension management and intervention

[Objective]To study the effect of community cohort mode for hypertension management and intervention on the awareness rate,control rate and treatment rate of hypertension in patients,provide the basis for further hypertension control and management in community.[Methods]1 183 hypertension patients who were collected from 6 community health service centers in Liunan district and Liubei district of Liuzhou City were randomly divided into the intervention group and the control group.The intervention group was given the cohort hypertension intervention with a group mode,and the control group was given the conventional three-level management mode.After 6 months of intervention,the follow-up investigation was conducted again among the patients by the Hypertension patient follow-up service sheet.The awareness rate of knowledge about hypertension,control rate of hypertension,and changes of blood pressure value between two groups were compared.[Results]After intervention,the awareness rate of knowledge about hypertension,control rate and treatment rate of hypertension in the hypertension group were significantly higher than those in the control group(P0.05).[Conclusion]The community cohort mode for hypertension management and intervention can effectively manage the hypertension patients,reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and total mortality,as well as improve the quality of life in patients.
Clinical application value for diagnosis of IHPS in B-mode ultrasonography

Objective: To discuss the clinical value for diagnosis of IHPS by ultrasonography and the diagnosis standard. Methods: Pyloric diameter, muscular thickness and pyloric length were measured in 50 infants with IHPS and in 39 normal infants. Results: The pyloric length and muscular thickness in the IHPS group were apparently more than those in the control group. However,the pyloric diameter was apparently smaller.(P0.01).Conclusion: B-mode ultrasonography is very valuable for the diagnosis of IHPS.
Reward-related neural dysfunction across depression and impulsivity: A dimensional approach.

Recent theoretical models underline reward sensitivity as a potential endophenotype for major depressive disorder. Neural and behavioral evidence reveals depression is associated with reduced reward sensitivity. However, reward dysfunction is not unique to depression, as it is also common across disorders of poor impulse control. We examined the interrelationships of depression (Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale [DASS-21]) and impulsivity (UPPS-P Impulsive Behavior Scale) with reward sensitivity among a large, representative sample (N = 260). ERPs were recorded to isolate two neural indicators of consummatory reward processing: initial evaluation of rewards in the 250-350 ms time window postonset of feedback (reward positivity [RewP]), and salience to monetary outcomes (P3). Significant interactions were observed between depression and impulsivity facets across these two stages of reward processing: depression and positive urgency predicted RewP amplitude to reward outcomes (win vs. loss); depression and one other impulsivity trait, (lack of) premeditation, predicted P3 amplitude to monetary outcomes. Conversely, high symptoms of depression were related to three biobehavioral profiles: (1) blunted RewP in conjunction with high positive urgency, (2) combination of blunted RewP and low (lack of) premeditation, and (3) blunted P3 to monetary wins/losses, in conjunction with low (lack of) premeditation. Findings illustrate that reward-related dysfunctions may be optimally conceptualized when examining the interactions between dimensions of internalizing and externalizing psychopathology.
Do open primaries improve representation? An experimental test of California's 2012 top-two primary

To improve representation and alleviate polarization among US lawmakers, many have promoted open primaries—allowing voters to choose candidates from any party—but the evidence that this reform works is mixed. To determine whether open primaries lead voters to choose ideologically proximate candidates, we conducted a statewide experiment just before California's 2012 primaries, the first conducted under a new top-two format. We find that voters failed to distinguish moderate and extreme candidates. As a consequence, voters actually chose more ideologically distant candidates on the new ballot, and the reform failed to improve the fortunes of moderate congressional and state senate candidates.
Effect of aging and cold temperature storage of hamster ova as assessed in the sperm penetration assay.

The penetration of zona pellucida-free hamster ova by human spermatozoa has been used to quantitate sperm penetration potential. However, since mammalian eggs in vitro have limited viability, the effect of in vitro aging on the ability of hamster ova to be penetrated by human spermatozoa was examined. Zona-free ova maintained at room temperature (25°C) lost their ability to be subsequently penetrated with a half-life of 50.1 ± 8.8 minutes. This was partly the result of removing the zona pellucida by trypsin digestion, since zona-free oocytes in the presence of trypsin inhibitor or zona pellucida-intact oocytes had half-lives of 99.1 ± 15.2 and 120.5 ± 17.4 minutes, respectively. Reduction in penetration rates associated with ovum aging did not appear to be due to loss of viability and could be completely prevented by maintaining the ova on ice (4°C). In the presence of TEST-yolk buffer at 4°C, ova retained (100%) their ability to be penetrated for up to 24 hours and were morphologically indistinguishable from fresh ova. These observations show that ovum aging in vitro at 25°C is much greater than previously anticipated. This may result in artifactually low and variable scores in the penetration bioassay.
Chronic Kidney Disease and Vascular Endothelium

Although historically the contribution of endothelial dysfunction to CKD had been neglected, recent investigations provide conclusive evidence of the role of the endothelium in maintaining tissue homeostasis, supporting tissue regeneration and, when dysfunctional, instigating development and progression of tissue fibrosis. These findings are of critical importance for understanding the development of nephrosclerosis and progression of CKD. Three endothelial pathways involved in progression of CKD include stress-induced premature senescence of endothelial cells, endothelial–mesenchymal transition, and the loss of endothelial surface layer. These abnormalities orchestrate the development of proteinuria, a pro-inflammatory microenvironment, microvascular rarefaction, a pro-fibrotic state, and regenerative failure. Therapeutic strategies to overcome endothelial cell dysfunction and its renal consequences are critical.
Observation of SASE at 47 μm

Abstract Coherent, far-infrared undulator radiation from sub-picosecond electron pulses has been observed at the Stanford SUNSHINE facility. Measured intensities exceed theoretical prediction for spontaneous radiation by more than an order of magnitude. The forward-radiated energy from a 16 MeV electron beam travelling in a single pass through an undulator with a strength parameter K = 0.6 grows exponentially and is consistent with predictions of Self-Amplified Spontaneous Emission (SASE) with a gain length of 45.4 cm or 5.9 undulator periods.
Fibroblast Growth Factor: Molecular and Biological Properties

Many aspects of gene replication and expression have been solved by modern molecular biology and the study of viruses, bacteria and yeasts. The fundamental problem of cell proliferation and differentiation in eukaryotic cells still remains in most parts unresolved. The recently developed field of growth factors could provide answers at least in part as to the nature of the factors involved in cell proliferation and differentiation in developing organisms. In the following review we outline our present knowledge on one specific growth factor, Fibroblast growth factor (FGF). This factor which exists under two closely related forms (one basic, the other acidic) has been shown to trigger the proliferation and differentiation of a wide variety of mesoderm and neuroectoderm derived cells. Its mode of action could be intimately linked to that of extracellular matrix (ECM), which is known to regulate cell proliferation and gene expression, as well as morphogenetic tissue interactions.
Rationalization and Rationality

This is our starting point: Rationality. If you want to understand decision making, the first step is to define what a rational choice is. This has always been the first task for students of decision making.i However, it doesn’t have to be like that.
Distributed responder ARP: Using SDN to re-engineer ARP from within the network

We present the architecture and partial proof of concept implementation of distributed responder ARP (DR-ARP), a software defined networking (SDN) enabled enhancement of the standard address resolution protocol (ARP). It is intended to improve network security and performance by exerting much greater control over how ARP traffic flows through the network as well as over what actually delivers the ARP service. Using SDN to centralize this service improves the security and performance of ARP in a way transparent to the end hosts.
How Should Clinicians Respond to Medical Requests from Clinician Family Members of Patients

In the medical profession, receiving a request for medical management from a colleague is a routine experience. However, when the colleague is a family member of a patient and the desired or requested medical intervention is not medically indicated in the attending physician's view, the situation becomes more complicated. Ethical issues include respect for patient autonomy and social justice as well as nonmaleficence. Furthermore, interpersonal and professional relationships may be tested in this situation. Addressing the colleague's concerns with empathy and respect, without compromising one's own medical judgment, is critical in resolving these kinds of conflicts.
An analysis of purchase price of legal and illicit cigarettes in urban retail environments in 14 low- and middle-income countries.

Background/Aims To estimate and compare price differences between legal and illicit cigarettes in 14 low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Design A cross-sectional census of all packs available on the market was purchased. Setting Cigarette packs were purchased in formal retail settings in three major cities in each of 14 LMIC: Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Pakistan, the Philippines, Russia, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine and Vietnam. Participants/Observations 3,240 packs were purchased (range: 58 packs in Egypt to 505 in Russia). Packs were categorized as “legal” or “illicit” based on the presence of a health warning label from the country of purchase and existence of a tax stamp. 2,468 legal and 772 illicit packs were in the analysis. Measurements Descriptive statistics stratified by country, city, and neighborhood socioeconomic status were used to explore the association between price and legal status of cigarettes. Findings The number of illicit cigarettes in the sample setting was small (n < 5) in five countries (Brazil, Egypt, Indonesia, Mexico, Russia) and excluded from analysis. In the remaining nine countries, the median purchase price of legal cigarettes ranged from USD0.32 in Pakistan (n = 72) to USD3.24 in Turkey (n = 242); median purchase price of illicit cigarettes ranged from USD0.80 in Ukraine (n = 14) to USD3.08 in India (n = 41). The difference in median price between legal and illicit packs as a percentage of the price of legal packs ranged from 32% in Philippines to 455% in Bangladesh. Median purchase price of illicit cigarette packs was higher than that of legal cigarette packs in six countries (Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam). Median purchase price of illicit packs was lower than that of legal packs in Turkey, Ukraine, and China. Conclusions The median purchase price of illicit cigarettes is higher than that of legal cigarette packs in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, Brazil, Egypt, Indonesia, Mexico, Russia appear to have few or no illicit cigarettes for purchase from formal, urban retailers.
Determination of non-toxic and potentially toxic elements concentration and antioxidant capacity in selected natural and essential oils with high market values

ABSTRACTNatural oils (NOs) and essential oils (EOs) are widely used in the food and beverage, medical, aromatherapy and cosmetic industries, but little is known about their elemental composition or antioxidant ability. Microwave-assisted acid digestion and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy were used to determine the non-toxic elements (Al, Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Na, Se and Zn) and potentially toxic elements (As, Cr, Cd, Mn, Ni and Pb) concentrations in 13 selected NOs and EOs. The per cent recoveries of laboratory-fortified blanks analysed for quality control were 94–110%. The elemental concentrations varied widely in NO and EO samples, as demonstrated by the large standard deviation obtained for some elements. The average levels of non-toxic elements (Al (14.5 ± 3.7 μg/g); Ca (278 ± 138 μg/g); Cu (7 ± 14 μg/g); Fe (16 ± 5 μg/g); K (36 ± 31 μg/g); Mg (56 ± 27 μg/g); Na (266 ± 277 μg/g); Se (0.7 ± 0.3 μg/g) and Zn (6.1 ± 2.6 μg/g)) were determined in NOs and EOs. Comparatively, low level...
Confucius’ Opposition to the “New Music”

Confucius condemned Zheng 鄭 and Wei 衛 music, which had widespread popular appeal. He may have expected music to display fundamental patterns in the natural world and thriving human relationships, tasks that could be compromised by irregular and relatively complicated music like that of Zheng and Wei. He was also convinced that Zheng and Wei music would motivate undisciplined behavior in listeners. A third consideration may have been that even if some benefits of participation would derive from music that included innovations, traditional forms should be preferred because they would further bonds between generations and encourage a sense of community by emphasizing shared inheritance. Confucius seems unaware that innovation can help keep musical traditions alive, but he may have recognized that well-known music facilitates kinds of engagement that novel music cannot. Such engagement was key to what Confucius sought from music and would be reason enough for his judgment.
Solving DCSP problems in highly degraded communication environments

Although there have been tremendous gains in network communication reliability, many real world applications of distributed systems still face message loss, limitations, delay, and corruption. Yet despite this fact, most Distributed Constraint Satisfaction (DCSP) protocols assume that communication is perfect (messages that are sent will be received) although not ideal (not in a timely manner). As a result, many protocols are designed to exploit this assumption and are severely impacted when applied to real world conditions. This study compares the performance of several leading DCSP protocols including the Distributed Stochastic Algorithm (DSA), Distributed Breakout Algorithm (DBA), Max-Gain Message (MGM) and Distributed Probabilistic Protocol (DPP) to analyse their behaviour in communication degraded environments. The analysis begins by comparing the performance of all of the protocols in a perfect communication environment. We then use a simulated communication degraded environment where messages are probabilistically lost. Finally, we compare their performance by limiting the communication rate, which introduces delay. We show that DBA, once modified with a message timeout, is quite resistant to high message loss while DPP and DSA converge slower onto worse solutions. Our results also show that the setting of timeout value for DBA and MGM is an important factor in the convergence of these algorithms. Under conditions of message delay, DPP and DSA are less affected than DBA and MGM. Overall, DPP and DSA cause considerably less network load.
Shamanic Cosmology as an Evolutionary Neurocognitive Epistemology

The biological foundation for a shamanic epistemology is indicated by the cross-cultural distribution of a shamanic cosmology derived from knowledge obtained during altered consciousness. These special forms of consciousness involve integrative brain conditions that access ancient ways of knowing, expressive systems which have evolutionary roots in the communicative and social processes involved in animal displays or rituals. These were augmented over the course of hominid evolution into expressive and mimetic activities that provided a basis for significant epistemological expansions of consciousness exemplified in shamanic out-of-body (OBE) experiences. These manifestations of consciousness involved new modes of self and processes of knowing, reflecting selection for expanded symbolic brain processes that enhanced psychological, cognitive integration and extra-personal cognition. Shamanic alterations of consciousness also contributed to experiences of personal spirit essences and encounters with extrapersonal spirit presences that reflected activation of innate brain operators involving self-structures and psyche. The evolution of the hominid capacity for knowing involved new understandings of nature (animism), mind (spirits), self (power animals) and others (gods) that were elicited by shamanic practices and expressed though a shamanistic ideology. These phenomena reflect activation of innate aspects of consciousness, illustrating features of shamanism as a neuroepistemology.
Critical comparison of molecular methods for detection and enumeration of the harmful algal species, Heterosigma akashiwo, in environmental water samples

Molecular methods such as quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and sandwich hybridization assay (SHA) enable a more rapid and specific enumeration of harmful algal species compared to microscopic cell counts. Integrating these methods into routine monitoring and management strategies, however, has been slow. While comparisons to microscopy have been made, direct comparisons between molecular methods using environmental samples are sparse. Here, we directly compare qPCR to SHA for enumerating the harmful algal species, Heterosigma akashiwo, in environmental samples collected in Delaware’s inland bays. To ensure comparability, a single cellular homogenate was generated from field samples and split for analysis by qPCR and SHA. Results show a significant correlation between qPCR and SHA when Heterosigma is above bloom levels (1 × 105 cells L−1), but not during non-bloom conditions. qPCR and SHA were also more highly correlated when samples were collected at lower temperatures (< 25 °C) and/or with high levels of chlorophyll a (greater than or equal to 30 μg L−1), independent of Heterosigma cell concentration. There was no evidence of cross-reactivity in primers and probes for H. akashiwo during blooms of the closely related species, Chattonella subsalsa. However, qPCR to SHA ratios were elevated during blooms of other phytoplankton species, suggesting suppression of the SHA signal or enhancement of qPCR. Results of this study may have significant implications for research, where precise evaluations of cell numbers are often required. However, precise cell counts at non-bloom levels may not be as critical to management, suggesting either technique could be incorporated into rapid and effective decision making.
Partial Differential Equations in Thin Film Flows in Fluid Dynamics and Rivulets

In this set of notes I wish to summarize a few ideas about a class of free-boundary problems that arise in fluid dynamics. In particular, I shall consider the time-dependent motion of thin films in cases where viscous effects are significant. This topic may be considered naturally under the theme “reactive flows” since (i) changes in surface tension produce fluid motions (so-called Marangoni motions) - this is a response that occurs at fluid-fluid interfaces - and (ii) recent research has demonstrated the ability to carefully prepare patterned surfaces on the scale of (sub)microns and so control the movement of small droplets along a surface (e.g. [1], [2]) - these are examples of reactive wetting at solid surfaces (e.g. [3]). Since many common configurations, such as coating operations and spreading of fluid films and droplets, have a liquid layer adjacent to a rigid boundary we shall be content here to outline the basic fluid dynamics equations for thin film flows. Several different examples of nonlinear partial differential equations naturally arise in these problems. As this is a subject with a very large literature, we refer the reader to the references at the end (some of which have extensive reference lists) for more details.
Long-term trends in vegetation dominance and infaunal community composition in created marshes

An increase in salt marsh restoration efforts,especially over the last two decades, underscores theneed for effective methods to evaluate long-termsuccess. Most marsh restoration/creation efforts areonly evaluated over the first few years afterestablishment and in many cases only vegetativecharacteristics are examined. This study examinesvegetation as well as dominance and abundance patternsof benthic infauna at three created marsh sites ofvarying ages in Winyah Bay, South Carolina, and acreated marsh site in North Carolina, using data fromearlier studies and from sampling undertaken in 1998. Abundances fluctuated strongly between years, withpatterns of numerical abundance changing betweensites. In contrast, species dominance as measured bypercent occurrence tended to remain constant afterestablishment of a site. The same suite of specieswas dominant at all sites regardless of marsh age oryear of sampling. These results indicate that whilefaunal abundance is an important factor in determiningmarsh function (i.e., are higher trophic levelssupported?), dominance may be as useful in monitoringstability, especially in areas where the faunalassemblage is not closely tied to the vegetativecommunity.
High autopsy rates at a university medical center. What has gone right

. Objective.-Identification of factors that contribute to a high autopsy rate at our institution. Design.-An objective analysis of the Autopsy Service's organization, functions, and process flow to identify factors that impact the autopsy rate. Setting.-The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Tex. Methods.-Statistics were collected using the autopsy log book and computerized data bank. The events starting at the time of a patient's death through the completion of the autopsy report were reviewed. The role of each significant event was analyzed. Results and Conclusions.-The annual autopsy rates between 1981 and 1995 ranged between 45% and 59%. The largest number of nonmedicolegal autopsies were received from the Department of Internal Medicine. The Texas Department of Criminal justice Hospital contributed the largest number of medicolegal autopsies. We conclude that the following key factors contribute to our high autopsy rates : (1) the organization and multiple functions of the Autopsy Service, particularly the presence of a Decedent Affairs Office, dedicated resident assignments, and internal and external quality control of the autopsies ; (2) close interactions with clinicians, including timely communication of autopsy results to clinicians and a fostering of positive attitude among clinical residents and faculty ; and (3) other factors such as the contributions to hospital risk management, disproving the idea that there may be increased litigation related to high autopsy rates, and support by the hospital administration.
On the Mechanism of Renaturation of Proteins Containing Disulfide Bonds

The renaturation of bovine pancreatic ribonuclease A and hen egg white lysozyme from their reduced forms involves two statistical processes, pairing of half-cystine residues by oxidation and rearrangement of disulfide bonds by enzyme or thiol catalyzed sulfhydryl-disulfide interchange. The stability against sulfhydryl-disulfide interchange of the native or nativelike conformation thus attained, which could be a form containing three native disulfide bonds and one open disulfide bond, causes the system to accumulate the renatured enzyme. Thus, the native-like conformation is associated with the lowest free energy only in the late phase of folding.
The Association Between Environmental Risk and Internal Migration Flows

Over the past several decades, the environmental awareness and concern of the American public has greatly increased. This concern is reflected, for example, in public opinion polls, participation in curbside recycling programs and community mobilization against the siting of environmentally-hazardous facilities. This study examines the possibility that such concern is also reflected by internal migration patterns. More specifically, this research considers the relationship between county-level environmental characteristics and in- and outmigration streams. The results suggest that counties with environmental hazards such as air and water pollution, hazardous waste and Superfund sites do not lose residents at greater rates than areas without such hazards. However, areas with such risks gain relatively fewer new residents.
Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN) Syndromes

There are several hereditary syndromes associated with endocrine or neuroendocrine dysfunction. Examples such as von Hippel-Lindau syndrome and its association with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors and pheochromocytomas and Carney complex and the associated endocrine hyperactivity belong to this broad category. This chapter will focus on the two most common syndromes related to endocrine hyperactivity and tumor formation, multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) types 1 and 2.
Bedrock fracture influences on geomorphic process and form across process domains and scales

Fractures are discontinuities in rock that can be exploited by erosion. Fractures regulate cohesion, profoundly affecting the rate, style, and location of Earth surface processes. By modulating the spatial distribution of erodibility, fractures can focus erosion and set the shape of features from scales of fluvial bedforms to entire landscapes. Although early investigation focused on fractures as features that influence the orientation and location of landforms, recent work has started to discern the mechanisms by which fractures influence the erodibility of bedrock. As numerical modeling and field measurement techniques improve, it is rapidly becoming feasible to determine how fractures influence geomorphic processes, as opposed to when or where. However, progress is hampered by a lack of research coordination across scales and process domains. We review studies from hillslope, glacial, fluvial, and coastal domains from the scale of reaches and outcrops to entire landscapes. We then synthesize this work to highlight similarities across domains and scales and suggest knowledge gaps, opportunities, and methodological challenges that need to be solved. By integrating knowledge across domains and scales, we present a more holistic conceptualization of fracture influences on geomorphic processes. This conceptualization enables a more unified framework for future investigation into fracture influences on Earth surface dynamics.
Theory of Diffusion-Influenced Reaction Networks

A formalism is developed to describe how diffusion alters the kinetics of coupled reversible association–dissociation reactions in the presence of conformational changes that can modify the reactivity. The major difficulty in constructing a general theory is that, even to the lowest order, diffusion can change the structure of the rate equations of chemical kinetics by introducing new reaction channels (i.e., modifies the kinetic scheme). Therefore, the right formalism must be found that allows the influence of diffusion to be described in a concise and elegant way for networks of arbitrary complexity. Our key result is a set of non-Markovian rate equations involving stoichiometric matrices and net reaction rates (fluxes), in which these rates are coupled by a time-dependent pair association flux matrix, whose elements have a simple physical interpretation. Specifically, each element is the probability density that an isolated pair of reactants irreversibly associates at time t via one reaction channel on...
Elliptic Boundary-Value Problems

The first two sections of this chapter are devoted to the development of the monotone sequences for elliptic boundary-value problems and to the justification that the limits of the monotone sequences are classical solutions. Various sufficient conditions are given in later sections to ensure the uniqueness and the multiplicity of positive solutions. When the reaction function involves a parameter the spectrum of positive solutions and the dependence of the solutions on the parameter are analyzed using the method of upper and lower solutions. An extension of the monotone method to a class of integroelliptic boundary-value problems is included in the discussion. The results for elliptic boundary-value problems are applied to a number of specific models as applications of the theory, including a discussion of the existence of multiple positive solutions.
Matching effort to challenge in interdisciplinary graduate program development for data analytics - the use of business process modelling to ameliorate planning bottlenecks

The need for business process modelling in higher education is increasing as the complexity of degree programs grows to accommodate new fields in the business market. This is evidenced in the field of data analytics, which is interdisciplinary in nature and severely lacking in professional talent. This paper explores the T-shaped skills desired by businesses seeking graduates with an analytics degree and the challenges that universities face when developing interdisciplinary programs. We apply business process modelling in a university setting by mapping out the current processes involved with starting and sustaining a new graduate degree program. Through this approach, a roadmap is developed as a tool for university domain experts, which highlights areas of inefficiency that can be further streamlined to allow improved flexibility and evaluation of all graduate programs.
Probabilistic Assessment of Peak Cladding Hoop Stress and Hydrogen Content of PWR SNF Rod Cladding

This study presents two statistical models that were developed to estimate the expected peak cladding hoop stress (CHS) and the amount of hydrogen in pressurized water reactor (PWR) spent nuclear f...
Estimation of Health and Economic Benefits of Commercial Peanut Immunotherapy Products: A Cost-effectiveness Analysis.

Importance Commercial epicutaneous peanut immunotherapy (EPIT) and peanut oral immunotherapy (POIT) may offer significant quality-of-life improvements for patients with peanut allergy, but the cost-effectiveness of commercial peanut immunotherapies is uncharacterized. Objective To evaluate critical inputs associated with the cost-effectiveness of EPIT and POIT from a societal perspective. Design, Setting, and Participants Economic evaluation in which microsimulations with Markov modeling were performed evaluating virtual children aged 4 years over an 80-year time horizon. The base-case costs included a caregiver-reported willingness to pay of $3839 annually for safe and effective food allergy treatment. Estimates of predictive biomarkers or oral challenges were incorporated after the first year of therapy with additional analyses of immunotherapy risk reduction of anaphylaxis and probability of sustained unresponsiveness (SU) to peanut after 4 years. Exposures Children received EPIT, POIT, or no immunotherapy treatment (n = 10 000 per treatment strategy). Main Outcomes and Measures Rates of therapy-associated adverse reactions and quality-of-life improvements associated with changes in eliciting or tolerated peanut doses were modeled along with quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), anaphylaxis, therapy-associated anaphylaxis, and fatalities. Results In the base-case analysis without SU to peanut, the EPIT strategy cost less than POIT (mean [SD] cost, $154 662 [$46 716] vs $163 524 [$56 800]) and had fewer total episodes of anaphylaxis (mean [SD], 1.33 [1.55] vs 3.83 [5.02] episodes) and fewer episodes of therapy-associated anaphylaxis (mean [SD], 0.62 [1.30] vs 3.10 [4.94] episodes) but had lower QALY accumulation (mean [SD], 26.932 [2.241] vs 26.945 [2.320] QALYs). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was $216 061 for EPIT and $255 431 for POIT. Models were sensitive to therapy cost, SU rates, health state utility, and risk reduction of anaphylaxis. With health state utility sensitivity analyses, the ceiling value-based cost (willingness-to-pay threshold $100 000/QALY) was between $1568 and $6568 for EPIT and between $1235 and $5235 for POIT. If high rates of SU to peanut can be achieved in longer-term models, EPIT and POIT could produce savings in terms of both cost and QALY. Conclusions and Relevance In this simulated analysis, findings showed that EPIT and POIT may be cost-effective under some assumptions. Further research is needed to understand the degree of health state utility improvement associated with each therapy, degree of protection against anaphylaxis, and rates of SU.
Hiroshima and Nagasaki initial radiations: delayed neutron contributions and comparison of calculated and measured cobalt activations

Calculated estimates of neutron doses received by atomic-bomb survivors at Hiroshima and Nagasaki have not included contributions from delayed neutrons emitted by fission products in the debris cloud, although the possibility of a significant contribution from this source has been suggested. In the present work, an established model accounting for gamma-ray kermas from these fission products is adapted to provide the desired neutron kerma estimates. Adaptations include use of explicit time dependence of neutron emitters, properly folded with the time-dependent phenomenology of the explosion itself, and detailed air-over-ground neutron transport with a source having an energy spectrum characteristic of these delayed neutrons. Results show that delayed neutrons are indeed negligible contributors to atomic-bomb survivor dosimetry, as well as to neutron activations at Hiroshima. About half the activation at Nagasaki, however, is due to the delayed component. Calculated activation of cobalt, a revision of previous estimates, is compared to measured values at Hiroshima and at Nagasaki. The causes of the substantial discrepancies are discussed and compared to previously reported discrepancies for sulfur activation. Additional investigation is recommended.
Post-feeding behavior in crayfish (Procambarus clarkii): Description of an invertebrate behavioral satiety sequence

Previous studies have demonstrated that food consumption induces the behavioral satiety sequence (BSS) in some animals, a characteristic series of activities which include exploration, grooming, and resting. The BSS, while valuable in assessing the effects of drugs on food intake, has not been widely studied in non-mammalian species. Our experiment examined post-feeding behavior in crayfish using continuous recording of five behaviors: feeding, walking, grooming, leg wave, and quiescence. We found that food intake, but not sham feeding, significantly decreased feeding behavior, increased leg wave, and increased quiescence. Walking and grooming were not significantly altered by food intake. These findings indicate that post-feeding behaviors in crayfish share some characteristics with the mammalian BSS. Detailed descriptions of post-ingestive behavior in invertebrates may contribute to the development of drugs targeting feeding behaviors in medically and economically important species.
Technology, Inequality, and Aggregate Demand

What is the macroeconomic implications of inequality caused by technological progress? Using a standard over-lapping-generations model with skill heterogeneity and the Roy-type occupational choice, this paper examines how routine-biased technological change impacts income distribution and aggregate demand. It finds that the relatively rapid labor productivity increase in the manufacturing sector compared to the service sector can explain job and wage polarization and about two-thirds of the decline in the real interest rate in the US from the 1980's to 2010's. It also documents the potential contribution of that biased technological change to the stagnation of aggregate output.
Non-Orthogonal Uplink Services Through Co-Transport of D-RoF/A-RoF in Mobile Fronthaul

To efficiently support multiple services with diverse requirements in data capacity, latency, and connectivity in the fifth-generation (5G) communication system and beyond, various mobile fronthaul solutions, including digital and analog radio-over-fiber (RoF), will be considered. We propose a non-orthogonal multiplexing scheme for multiservice uplink transmissions in mobile fronthaul, where in-band analog RoF (A-RoF) signals can be transmitted with digital RoF (D-RoF) signals simultaneously, resulting in high spectrum resource utilization. The demultiplexing is fulfilled by exploiting different characteristics of the D-RoF and A-RoF signals in the time-domain and it can be implemented with analog signal processing, providing low processing complexity and processing delay. The proposed scheme is experimentally demonstrated to achieve the joint transmission of the D-RoF and A-RoF signals over a shared mobile fronthaul through 20-km standard single mode fiber (SSMF). Experimental results show that in-band A-RoF signals from 2–10 GHz can be co-transmitted with D-RoF 10 GBaud NRZ-OOK signals, with the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) enhanced by the demultiplexing module. Both received D-RoF and A-RoF signals can achieve bit error ratio (BER) lower than the 7% hard-decision forward-error correction (FEC) threshold.
Ketogenic, Hypocaloric Diet Improves Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis.

Background and objectives Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is strongly associated with obesity. A weight loss of ≥10% is necessary to improve NASH severity, but this goal has rarely been achieved in published studies using different diet protocols. The effect of a ketogenic, hypocaloric, commercial diet ("Ideal Protein," IP) on body weight, metabolic markers, and liver tests in a group of NASH patients is evaluated in this study. Daily calorie intake was tailored to achieve a weight loss of ≥10%. Methods We analyzed 38 patients with NASH who were placed on the IP diet between 2014 and 2018 and compared their outcomes with 6 control patients who declined the diet. All patients were evaluated by a trained health coach in weekly intervals throughout the study period. Clinical and laboratory data obtained before and at 6.5 months after intervention were compared using paired t-testing. Results The patients on the IP diet experienced a significant weight reduction (217 ± 8 lb vs. 194 ± 7 lb; mean ± S.E.M.), corresponding to an average weight loss of 9.7% ± 1.6%. Significant changes in systolic blood pressure (133 ± 3 mmHg vs. 123 ± 3 mmHg), triglycerides (200 ± 21 mmol/L vs. 132 ± 11 mmol/L), hemoglobin A1c (6.71% ± 0.29% vs. 5.74% ± 0.19%), SGPT (97.3 ± 11.1 IU/L vs. 44.2 ± 5.9 IU/L), SGOT (82.4 ± 10.5 IU/L vs. 32.8 ± 5.2 IU/L), and Fib-4 scores (2.25 ± 0.23 vs. 1.40 ± 0.13) were also observed (P<0.05 in all cases). In the IP group, 50.5% of patients lost ≥10% body weight. In contrast, no significant changes were observed in the control group. The IP diet was well tolerated, and no safety signals were noticed. Conclusions A ketogenic, hypocaloric resulted in striking weight loss and significant improvements in metabolic parameters and liver tests, suggesting that this approach carries promise for the dietary management of patients with NASH.
Relationship between Oral Metformin Use and Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

In a cross-sectional retrospective study of 3120 diabetic patients aged ≥ 60 years, those taking metformin were less likely to have age-related macular degeneration compared with those not taking the drug (OR 0.70, 95%CI 0.55-0.88).
Which Subject Lines and Messages Improve Response to E-mail Invitations to Web Surveys?:

What subject lines and messages in an e-mailed invitation maximize cooperation for a web survey? Answering this question is ever more important as survey researchers increasingly turn to web survey...