cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Write field analysis and write pole design in perpendicular recording

We have developed a three-dimensional micromagnetic perpendicular recording model to analyze high-density perpendicular write fields. Here, we compare a tapered-neck pole with a very small throat height to various write pole designs for a single-pole head. In studying the effects of throat height and write pole-return pole spacing, we found that, for a large throat height, both the write field and field gradient decrease as the throat height increases. The write field shape changes significantly at the leading edge for a write pole-return pole spacing less than 300 nm. The effects of soft-underlayer (SUL) permeability, saturation, and thickness basically follow the analytical formula. The net recording field is almost constant for SUL permeability above about 50.
Active and HighPerformance Antennas

In this chapter, a variety of state-of-the art planar antennas is presented, as well as several new active architectures that take full advantage of the high performance, low profile, low cost, and low weight of this still developing field of antennas. While the broad scope of research that has been done in the areas of planar antennas and AIA systems in the last few decades prevents a comprehensive overview, it is hoped that the examples and issues discussed in this chapter provide a sufficient ?>flavor ?> of the field to show its true potential.
Brief report: Family meals, obesogenic factors, and depressive symptoms in youth

Abstract Objective Obesogenic factors are related to depressive symptoms in adolescence, though the exact mechanisms are still not fully understood. Sedentary behaviors (e.g., screen time) have been linked to depression, and are predicted by lower family meal frequency, suggesting they may play a mediational role between family meals and depressive symptoms. The current study sought to clarify the relationships among these variables. Methods A sample of 123 youth between the ages of eight and 14 years old ( M = 11.90, SD = 1.87) identifying predominantly as African American (33.3%) or Caucasian (36.7%) was examined. Regression analyses and Sobel tests with bootstraps were conducted to test the mediation model. In addition, analyses were conducted with the participants split by weight category (lean vs. overweight/obese) to examine for group differences. Results Preliminary evidence was found for a mediational relationship between family meal frequency and depressed mood, through sedentary screen time. However, no direct relationship was found from family meal frequency to depressed mood. In addition, the pattern of relationships was found to vary across weight categories. Conclusions Results suggest connections between eating behavior, sedentary screen time, and depression and support the possibility of forming family-based interventions to improve physical and mental health in youth. Further research is required to determine the role of weight status and to account for potential confounds.
White Matter Neurons in Young Adult and Aged Rhesus Monkey

In humans and non-human primates (NHP), white matter neurons (WMNs) persist beyond early development. Their functional importance is largely unknown, but they have both corticothalamic and corticocortical connectivity and at least one subpopulation has been implicated in vascular regulation and sleep. Several other studies have reported that the density of WMNs in humans is altered in neuropathological or psychiatric conditions. The present investigation evaluates and compares the density of superficial and deep WMNs in frontal (FR), temporal (TE), and parietal (Par) association regions of four young adult and four aged male rhesus monkeys. A major aim was to determine whether there was age-related neuronal loss, as might be expected given the substantial age-related changes known to occur in the surrounding white matter environment. Neurons were visualized by immunocytochemistry for Neu-N in coronal tissue sections (30 μm thickness), and neuronal density was assessed by systematic random sampling. Per 0.16 mm(2) sampling box, this yielded about 40 neurons in the superficial WM and 10 in the deep WM. Consistent with multiple studies of cell density in the cortical gray matter of normal brains, neither the superficial nor deep WM populations showed statistically significant age-related neuronal loss, although we observed a moderate decrease with age for the deep WMNs in the frontal region. Morphometric analyses, in contrast, showed significant age effects in soma size and circularity. In specific, superficial WMNs were larger in FR and Par WM regions of the young monkeys; but in the TE, these were larger in the older monkeys. An age effect was also observed for soma circularity: superficial WMNs were more circular in FR and Par of the older monkeys. This second, morphometric result raises the question of whether other age-related morphological, connectivity, or molecular changes occur in the WMNs. These could have multiple impacts, given the wide range of putative WMN functions and their involvement in both corticothalamic and corticocortical circuitry.
Exploration of marine mammal paleogeography in the Northern Hemisphere over the Cenozoic using beta diversity

Abstract Previous studies on fossil marine mammal biogeography have identified several key geographical routes hypothesized to play a prominent role in their dispersal. This study aims to assess the degree to which each route plays a role. Data on fossil marine mammal temporal and geographic distributions were derived from the Paleobiology Database. We used a beta diversity metric, the Sorensen–Dice coefficient, to measure faunal similarity across ocean basins over the Cenozoic. Faunal similarity was high between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic but relatively low between the Mediterranean and the Pacific. Faunal similarity was observed across both halves of the North Pacific for all four groups in this study. Modern high similarity values between the Atlantic and the Pacific were not observed in the fossil record and were established in the Quaternary. The Strait of Gibraltar is shown to be a pivotal passageway for the dispersal of marine mammals, first in the Eocene as sirenians and cetaceans leave the Tethys Sea, and again as marine mammals reinvade the Mediterranean following the Messinian Salinity Crisis. The Central American Seaway plays only a minor role in marine mammal dispersal. Modern faunal similarity is the result of recent dispersal events in the Quaternary through the Arctic Ocean.
New Lactate Dehydrogenase–IgM Complexes

We report the case of a 67-year-old man who developed an autoantibody against lactate dehydrogenase (LD) in association with an episode of pericarditis following soon after myocardial infarction and streptokinase treatment. This anti-LD was shown to he an IgM antibody. The alteration in LD isoenzyme electrophoretic pattern caused by this IgM anti-LD was modified by treatment with dithiothreitol. The molecular size of the LD-antibody complex established by gel filtration was consistent with an LD-IgM interaction. This temporal association of an IgM anti-LD primary immune response after streptokinase infusion suggests that streptokinase may play an etiologic role in stimulating formation of anti-LD antibodies.
Genetic analysis of high-yield wells of ultra-deep reef- shoal lithologic gas reservoirs:A case study of reef- shoal facies reservoirs in Changxing Formation,Yuanba area,northeastern Sichuan Basin

Since the exploration breakthrough of year 2007,over 1 million m3of industrial gas flows have been obtained from the Changxing Formation in the Yuanba area,and it is the deepest reef- shoal lithologic gas field in China which mainly develops reef- shoal facies reservoir in platform margin.To further clarify the controlling factors of natural gas enrichment,through the comprehensive research on geology,well logging and geophysics,it is pointed out that the high-quality reservoir development is the major controlling factor and material basis for the high yields of the Changxing Formation in the Yuanba area.Meanwhile,passage system features and the perfect match between structure and favorable reservoir control hydrocarbon accumulation and redistribution.Reef zones in the northwestern Yuanba area are most favorable for hydrocarbon accumulation.The research results have important practical significances for finding potential areas or strata and expanding exploration.
Design of a Message Based Network Management System for Centralized Computing EPON Equipments

In order to solve the issues of low efficiency of the existing network management system,this paper divides the network management system into two parts:device network management side software and device side software,and puts forward an improved idea which applies the message based mechanism to centralized computing EPON equipments.And this paper also describes architecture design of the system and design idea of business workflow in detail,specially the IP layer OAM frame format,meanings and communication scheme.By comparing operation time delay,test results show that the proposed scheme is better than the traditional one in terms of efficiency.
Approach/avoidance tendencies in dark personalities

Abstract Although there are strong correlations among “dark” personalities (psychopathy, Machiavellianism, narcissism), they differ in important ways. The present study examined differences in approach vs. avoidance tendencies using Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory. A Structural Equations Model addressed the degree to which these variables differ in their associations with Behavioral Inhibition Systems (BIS) and Behavioral Activation Systems (BAS). Results showed predicted differences in Machiavellianism, subclinical psychopathy and narcissism, with respect to BIS and BAS. Specifically, Machiavellianism was positively associated with BIS, psychopathy was negatively associated with BIS, and narcissism was positively associated with certain aspects of BAS. Implications are discussed for the Dark Triad and the role of reinforcement in personality, more broadly.
Compensation of component mismatch in RF receivers using digital techniques

The quadrature IF receiver topology is utilized in direct conversion and low-IF receivers. In theory the quadrature IF topology eliminates the need for the image filters required by the heterodyne topology. In practice mismatch in analog components between the I and Q signal paths allows leakage of image energy into the desired signals band. This leakage limits the performance of the quadrature IF receiver. This paper utilizes a two-input two-output LTI equivalent model of the mismatched receiver. Based on the equivalent model an architecture to suppress the image leakage caused by the analog mismatch in the I and Q signal paths is proposed. The model-based image suppression is validated through simulation and shown to provide good performance.
Undergraduate Scholarship: Local Is Global, and Global Is Local

Research and Travel Abroad are considered two important high impact practices for undergraduate students, but are seen as separate learning opportunities. However, we know that these experiences are connected: faculty often study and collaborate internationally, and employers are seeking students who can apply knowledge to real-world problems and have cultural competency (Hart Research Associates, 2015). In this conversation with faculty, I build on five years of Students as Scholars experience to promote a more nuanced and integrated view of “global” research. Students work on projects that usually fall into one of three categories: locally/regionally-focused, internationally-focused, and site-independent (with implicit global value). The location of the research can be at Mason, or in an international location. By framing the scholarly projects using this intersection of topic and location, we can create projects in and beyond the classroom in ways that intentionally teach about global issues through inquiry and research. During this session, after presenting the model, participants will brainstorm ways to integrate global perspectives in research courses, study abroad experiences, and scholarly projects that involve students. Hart Research Associates (2015) Falling Short? College Learning and Career Success . Washington, DC: Association of American Colleges and Universities. Retrieved from https://www.aacu.org/leap/public-opinion-research/2015-survey-falling-short
Bayesian Statistical Shape Analysis on the Manifold of Diffeomorphisms

In this chapter, we present Bayesian models for diffeomorphic shape variability in populations of images. The first model is a probabilistic formulation of the image atlas construction problem, which seeks to compute an atlas image most representative of a set of input images. The second model adds diffeomorphic modes of shape variation, or principal geodesics. Both of these models represent shape variability as random variables on the manifold of diffeomorphic transformations. We define a Gaussian prior distribution for diffeomorphic transformations using the inner product in the tangent space to the diffeomorphism group. We develop a Monte Carlo Expectation Maximization (MCEM) algorithm for the Bayesian inference, due to the lack of closed-form solutions, where the expectation step is approximated via Hamiltonian Monte Carlo (HMC) sampling of diffeomorphisms. The resulting inference produces estimates of the image atlas, principal geodesic modes of variation, and model parameters. We show that the advantage of the Bayesian formulation is that it provides a principled way to estimate both the regularization parameter of the diffeomorphic transformations and the intrinsic dimensionality of the input data.
Teaching to the Golem: A Pedagogical Intra-Action

This article considers the pedagogical nature of an intra-action involving the author, his high school student’s final project in an English class (a golem), and his school administrators. The auth...
Poster: EPS: Edge-hosted Personal Services for Mobile Users

Being powered by battery and the reliance on expensive cellular data while users are on the move are holding smart mobile devices from being widely used in those long-lasted, computation-intensive, or highly network-reliant usage scenarios. In the meantime, more and more mobile workloads and optimizations now rely on the cloud, such as mobile cloud offloading, cloud-based mobile web optimization, and cloud-based network traffic redundancy reduction. However, it is hard to perform large-scale and personalized support or optimization for mobile workloads without significant computation resource increase on the cloud, as well as higher bandwidth requirement on the networks. We target solving the above two problems by enabling edge-hosed personalized services (EPS for short). The idea of EPS is twofold. One is enabling developer-customizable and power-and-traffic-efficient network communication on the "last-hop" communication between mobile devices and the network edge. The other is distributing cloud services for mobile workloads to network edge, so that they can be done on a personalized basis, while enjoying much lower communication latency to/from mobile devices.
Numerical Investigation of Dynamic Load Amplification in Buried Culverts

Most traditional research on buried culverts has looked at live load distribution through soil onto buried culverts without due attention to the dynamic amplification of moving loads. Few studies that considered the dynamic amplification of buried culverts modeled the system assuming plane strain conditions. Under such conditions, finite area loads such as the wheel loads of vehicles must instead be modeled as strip loads that act over the entire culvert width. In this study, the load-soil-culvert system is also treated as a three-dimensional problem. A dynamic amplification factor (DAF) is determined from two-dimensional (plane strain) and three-dimensional finite element analyses and is compared with DAFs calculated following the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) procedures and field collected data. The two- and three-dimensional finite element analyses resulted in average DAFs of 1.10 and 1.03, respectively. Average DAFs from field and the AASHTO procedures were calculated to be 0.97 and 1.30, respectively. Overall, the AASHTO DAFs are the highest and the field DAFs are the lowest. The two-dimensional finite element results gave DAF values that are higher than the ones from three-dimensional analyses and field evaluated values. The DAF calculated from three-dimensional finite element analyses is the closest to the field measured DAFs.
Ultrafast Dynamics of the Metal-to-Ligand Charge Transfer Excited States of Ir(III) Proteo and Deutero Dihydrides

For decades, transition metal hydrides have been at the forefront of numerous photocatalytic reactions leveraging either photoacid or photohydride generation. Of upmost importance is the nature of the M–H bond itself, which is typically the major site of photochemical reactivity, particularly in Ir(III) hydrides featuring metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) excited states. As a departure point for understanding the fundamental spectroscopy and photophysics of the MLCT excited states of Ir(III) diimine hydrides, cis-[Ir(bpy)2H2]+ (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine) and its deuterated analogue cis-[Ir(bpy)2D2]+ were prepared and investigated. The robust nature of these molecules enabled detailed solution-based photophysical studies using ultrafast transient absorption and infrared spectroscopy, executed without the generation of permanent photoproducts. Static Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectra (λex = 785 nm) of these two molecules revealed weak but measurable Ir–H and Ir–D stretching vibrations centered a...
Sociodemographic Characteristics and Lengths of Stay Associated With Acute Palliative Care: A 10-Year National Perspective.

Patient demographics and characteristics are essential components associated with length of stay in hospice. Race, age, gender, health insurance status, income level, and location of hospice care s...
Emerging Approaches in Surveillance of Type 1 Diabetes

Surveillance of type 1 diabetes provides an opportunity to address public health needs, inform etiological research, and plan health care services. We present issues in type 1 diabetes surveillance, review previous and current methods, and present new initiatives. Few diabetes surveillance systems distinguish between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Most worldwide efforts have focused on registries and ages < 15 years, resulting in limited information among adults. Recently, surveillance includes use of electronic health information and national health surveys. However, distinguishing by diabetes type remains a challenge. Enhancing and improving surveillance of type 1 diabetes across all age groups could include validating questions for use in national health surveys. In addition, validated algorithms for classifying diabetes type in electronic health records could further improve surveillance efforts and close current gaps in our understanding of the epidemiology of type 1 diabetes.
New Ru(II) photocages operative with near-IR light: new platform for drug delivery in the PDT window

A series of Ru(II) complexes bearing the tridentate 2,6-di(quinolin-2-yl)pyridine (dqpy) ligand were designed to undergo photoinduced ligand dissociation with red/near-IR light. The complexes [Ru(dqpy)(L)(CH3CN)]2+, where L = 2,2′-bipyridine (bpy, 1), 4,4′dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine (Me2bpy, 2), and 1,10-phenanthroline (phen, 3). Complexes 1–3 exhibit red-shifted lowest energy metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) absorption maxima at ∼600 nm, as compared to the corresponding tpy (2,2′;6′,2′′-terpyridine) complexes with MLCT bands at ∼565 nm which appear as shoulders to the MLCT bands at ∼455 nm. This shift is attributed to the lower energy LUMO afforded by the dqpy ligand when compared to tpy, as evidenced by the shift of the first reduction wave to ∼0.3 V more positive potentials in the former. In addition, the lowest MLCT maximum of [Ru(dqpy)(acac)(CH3CN)]+ (4; acac− = acetylacetonate) is observed at 770 nm, attributed to the additional increase in energy of the HOMO afforded by the presence of the π-donating acac− ligand and supported by calculations. Complexes 1–3 undergo ligand substitution upon irradiation with red light, λirr ≥ 610 nm, and the ligand substitution photochemistry of 4 is accessible with near-IR light, λirr ≥ 715 nm and λirr = 735 nm. Complexes 1–4 exhibit similar quantum yields of ligand exchange, ΦL, with 450 and 600 nm irradiation, however, that of 4 is 2–3 times greater than those measured for 1–3. This enhancement is explained by the difference in ligand contributions to the HOMO. Density functional theory calculations predict partial dqpy ππ* character in the MLCT states of 1–3 and a mixed Ru/acac− → dqpy metal/ligand-to-ligand charge transfer (ML-LCT) state in 4. The photoreactivity of 1–4 with tissue-penetrating red and near-IR light, together with their exceptional dark stability (>48 h), makes the new Ru(II)-dqpy platform ideal for the development of new complexes for photoinduced drug release and for other applications that require broad absorption from the ultraviolet and visible ranges into the near-IR, such as solar energy conversion.
Observations on Social Good Applications Created by New Developers

With the advent of easily accessible VR technology, many new VR developers are creating their own experiences. In addition to experiences centered around gaming and entertainment, many of these new VR experiences are meant to improve the social good. However, not much is known about how new VR developers approach creating social good experiences. For example, how do new developers attempt to craft a narrative around their message in VR? To address these types of questions, we reflect on our experiences as facilitators for a VR course centered around social good experiences. The course gave students the opportunity to learn VR development, as well as real-world researchers and entrepreneurs a platform to get their VR ideas developed. We report here on our observations facilitating this group of mostly new VR developers and the trends we observed in the projects developed.
The Metaphysics of Identity in Fazang’s Huayan Wujiao Zhang: The Inexhaustible Freedom of Dependent Origination

Fazang’s arguments in his Treatise on the Five Teachings of Huayan provide a philosophical foundation for the Avatamsaka Sutra’s rich and suggestive imagery. This chapter focuses on one of Fazang’s central arguments in that treatise, namely, his argument that mutually reliant dharmas are mutually identical. The chapter presents the background context for Fazang’s argument, reconstructs the argument’s logical structure, interprets the central concepts appearing therein, and explains why Fazang might have found plausible his argument’s premises. Specific discussion points include: the non-duality of existence and emptiness; relations between causes and their conditions; the meaning of creation and identity; connections with the ti-yong paradigm; Fazang’s analogy of the ten coins. The chapter concludes by considering the implications of Fazang’s metaphysics for contemporary discussions of substance and ontological foundations.
Octane-On-Demand: Onboard Separation of Oxygenates from Gasoline

Increasing numbers of standards for emissions and fuel economy drive the need to downsize spark ignition internal combustion engines. To accommodate this change while reducing engine knock, fuels w...
Abstract TP297: Predictors of Acute Ischemic Stroke in Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department With Dizziness, Imbalance, and Vertigo

Objectives: To identify predictors of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) among patients presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) with dizziness, imbalance, or vertigo (DIV) based on demographic and cli...
Catalytic production of renewable lubricant base oils from bio-based 2-alkylfurans and enals

Lubricants are an essential part of modern society with an over $146 billion market but have significant environmental footprint. Bio-based lubricant base oils can offer performance advantages over existing oils and mitigate environmental challenges. We describe, for the first time, the synthesis of new bio-based base oils with tunable molecular branches and properties in high yields (>80%) from biomass derived 2-alkylfurans with enals via conjugate addition-hydroxylalkylation/alkylation (CA-HAA) and hydrodeoxygenation reactions. Among several liquid and solid sulfonic acid catalysts tested for the CA-HAA condensation, Aquivion PW79S, a perfluorinated sulfonic acid resin, exhibits the best performance. Subsequent hydrodeoxygenation of the condensation products with an Ir-ReOx/SiO2 catalyst gives up to an 88% yield of lubricant ranged branched alkanes with high selectivity and superior properties compared with commercial mineral group III and synthetic poly-α-olefin (PAO) base oils. Importantly, the molecular size and number of branches of the products can be tuned by varying the molecular size of substrates in the CA-HAA step. The as-synthesized base oils possess tunable properties and are promising for a wide range of applications.
Investigating the Use of Movement Kinematics to Assess Perceptual Ambiguity in Virtual Reality

With the emergence of 3D direct-selection interfaces in virtual reality (VR) displays, specialized metrics may be needed to assess the efficiency of these complex interactions. Kinematic movement t...
Simulation-Based Approach in Design of 3D Micro-Glassblown Structures for Inertial and Optical Sensors

This paper presents a numerical simulation framework for the micro-glassblowing process to design three-dimensional (3D) resonant shells for inertial sensors, and non-resonant cells for optical and atomic sensors. The micro-glassblowing of micro-spherical atomic cells out of Borosilicate Glass (BSG) and micro Hemi-toroidal shells out of Fused Quartz (FQ) are simulated to predict the resulting 3D geometries. Based on the presented simulation framework, strategies to modify the geometry of glassblown shells for improvement of optical and mechanical properties are presented. Micro-spherical BSG cells with >97% sphericity and improved thickness distribution for optical transmission, and low-frequency FQ micro-shell resonators with more than 6× modal separation were designed. The simulation-based approach in this study can be used for the optimization of the 3D shell geometry to achieve higher sphericity, an improved optical light transmission, structural rigidity in micro-spherical cells, and larger modal separation and decoupled mass and stiffness in micro shell resonator.
Knowledge, Germs, and Output

To capture the dynamic interactions between knowledge diffusion and disease transmission, this paper models individuals' time allocation between learning and production. Learners and those who possess the frontier knowledge (teachers) are matched randomly. The contact rate increases in the amount of time allocated to learning, and an infected individual can transmit the pathogen to a susceptible individual in contact. An infection reduces the individual's effectiveness in learning and production. A recovery from an infection does not always come with immunity. I calibrate the pathogen to COVID-19 and start the economy in a situation where knowledge diffusion will generate 1.5% annual growth in output in the next 10 years. In a short time after the unexpected arrival of the pathogen, aggregate output drops by 13% and takes 30 weeks to recover. The death toll from infections reaches 1.2% of the population. If the society can test, trace and isolate infected leaners from the learning process, the welfare gain is 1.39% of the permanent output or, equivalently, 31.6% of the first year's output. A temporary lockdown delays the peak of infections and reduces the fall in output. Moreover, the transmission of the pathogen feeds on knowledge diffusion. If the economy starts in the steady state which has less knowledge diffusion, output drops by 4.4%, the death toll is 0.66%, and the welfare gain from controlling infections is 12.2% of the first year's output.
Data Driven Network Monitoring and Intrusion Detection using Machine Learning

With the widespread use of the Internet, cybersecurity is a significant challenge faced by the world. Because of the tremendous amount of internet traffic and increased network complexity, it becomes overwhelming for network analysts to manually monitor the traffic flows and to identify intrusions in large networks. In order to adequately and effectively analyze network traffic for intrusions, multiple machine learning based intrusion detection models were proposed to detect intruders using packet traces captured in the network. It was shown that with proper training, the machine learning models could identify malicious packets accurately. In addition, data pre-processing has been performed to mitigate the problem of unbalanced datasets. Experiments show improved performance as expected. Furthermore, a multi-class classifier was built to classify not only malicious or benign traffic but also to extend labels upon the malicious data. This insures the multiclass classifiers could classify each malicious packet as a specific type of attack such as DDOS, BOTNET, and more.
CI2FA: Continuous Indoor Two-factor Authentication Based On Trilateration System

Beacon frame is a type of management frame that is transmitted periodically by Wi-Fi Access Points (APs) for the purpose of establishing connections; also, it announces the existence of a network, allowing devices to find and identify the network and subsequently to request access. It contains information about the network needed to make the request. Within a range of different radio frequency (RF) technologies, Wi-Fi-capable devices can sense beacon frames. The primary advantage of a broadcast message is that devices have the ability to read and process the enclosed data with no need to be connected to the corresponding network. Our research utilizes data within these transmitted messages to perform two-factor authentication (2FA) scheme that, unlike existing methods, with minimal user involvement. We can ensure that both devices belong to the original user by determining if both of a user’s devices are in the same physical area. The proposed method relies on an object that a user knows, an object that a user owns, and – a significant presented contribution of this scheme – an object in the user’s environment. The newly designed method presented in this study is empirically evaluated based on real login attempts.
Association between varying cut-points of intermediate hyperglycemia and risk of mortality, cardiovascular events and chronic kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the updated evidence regarding prediabetes for predicting mortality, macrovascular and microvascular outcomes. Research design and methods We identified English language studies from MEDLINE, PubMed, OVID and Cochrane database indexed from inception to January 31, 2020. Paired reviewers independently identified 106 prospective studies, comprising nearly 1.85 million people, from 27 countries. Primary outcomes were all-cause mortality (ACM), cardiovascular mortality (CVDM), cardiovascular disease (CVD), coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke. Secondary outcomes were heart failure, chronic kidney disease (CKD) and retinopathy. Results Impaired glucose tolerance was associated with ACM; HR 1.19, 95% CI (1.15 to 1.24), CVDM; HR 1.21, 95% CI (1.10 to 1.32), CVD; HR 1.18, 95% CI (1.11 to 1.26), CHD; HR; 1.13, 95% CI (1.05 to 1.21) and stroke; HR 1.24, 95% CI (1.06 to 1.45). Impaired fasting glucose (IFG) 110–125 mg/dL was associated with ACM; HR 1.17, 95% CI (1.13 to 1.22), CVDM; HR 1.20, 95% CI (1.09 to 1.33), CVD; HR 1.21, 95% CI (1.09 to 1.33), CHD; HR; 1.14, 95% CI (1.06 to 1.22) and stroke; HR 1.22, 95% CI (1.07 to 1.40). IFG 100–125 mg/dL was associated with ACM; HR 1.11, 95% CI (1.04 to 1.19), CVDM; HR 1.14, 95% CI (1.03 to 1.25), CVD; HR 1.15, 95% CI (1.05 to 1.25), CHD HR; 1.10, 95% CI (1.02 to 1.19) and CKD; HR; 1.09, 95% CI (1.01 to 1.18). Glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) 6.0%–6.4% was associated with ACM; HR 1.30, 95% CI (1.03 to 1.66), CVD; HR 1.32, 95% CI (1.00 to 1.73) and CKD; HR 1.50, 95% CI (1.32 to 1.70). HbA1c 5.7%–6.4% was associated with CVD HR 1.15, 95% CI (1.02 to 1.30), CHD; HR 1.28, 95% CI (1.13 to 1.46), stroke; HR 1.23, 95% CI (1.04 to 1.46) and CKD; HR 1.32, 95% CI (1.16 to 1.50). Conclusion Prediabetes is an elevated risk state for macrovascular and microvascular outcomes. The prevention and management of prediabetes should be considered.
Technological forms and ecological communication: a theoretical heuristic: by Piyush Mathur, Lanham, Lexington Books, 2017, Hardback $116 (£89), ISBN: 978-1-4985-2047-8

A deranged looking moose-like animal with a computer tablet with a cracked screen between his teeth stares back at you from the hardcover of Piyush Mathur’s Technological Forms and Ecological Commu...
Media Consumption and Fear of Crime: Evidence of the Need for an Intersectional Approach

Race/ethnicity, gender, and exposure to various types of media have been identified as important predictors of fear of crime. However, previous research largely fails to take a truly intersectional...
The Ancient Jews from Alexander to Muhammad

Introduction 1. Beginnings to 200 BCE 2. Maccabean revolt and Hasmonean dynasty 3. Herod to Florus 4. The Jewish revolts, 66-135 CE 5. Jews in the high Roman Empire 6. Jews under Christian rule 7. Jews in the ancient world Bibliographical essay.
Identification of Amino Acids at the Catalytic Site of a Ferredoxin-Dependent Cyanobacterial Nitrate Reductase

An in silico model of the ferredoxin-dependent nitrate reductase from the cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. PCC 7942, and information about active sites in related enzymes, had identified Cys148, Met149, Met306, Asp163, and Arg351 as amino acids likely to be involved in either nitrate binding, prosthetic group binding, or catalysis. Site-directed mutagenesis was used to alter each of these residues, and differences in enzyme activity and substrate binding of the purified variants were analyzed. In addition, the effects of these replacements on the assembly and properties of the Mo cofactor and [4Fe-4S] centers were investigated using Mo and Fe determinations, coupled with electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. The C148A, M149A, M306A, D163N, and R351Q variants were all inactive with either the physiological electron donor, reduced ferredoxin, or the nonphysiological electron donor, reduced methyl viologen, as the source of electrons, and all exhibited changes in the properties of the Mo cofactor. Charge-conserving D163E and R351K variants were also inactive, suggesting that specific amino acids are required at these two positions. The implications for the role of these five conserved active-site residues in light of these new results and previous structural, spectroscopic, and mutagenesis studies for related periplasmic nitrate reductases are discussed.
METALLURGICAL AND GEOMETRICAL FACTORS AFFECTING ELEVATED TEMPERATURE TENSILE PROPERTIES OF DISCONTINUOUS TUNGSTEN FIBER REINFORCED COMPOSITES.

Length-to-diameter ratio and fiber orientation correlation to tensile properties at elevated temperatures for fiber reinforced composites
Analysis of optical properties of cell lasers and their use as biological sensors

We analyzed single-cell lasers made from different cell types and a variety of organic fluorescent dyes commonly employed for staining cells. Adherent cells or cell suspension is placed in between two highly reflective dielectric mirrors, which form a laser cavity. The rounded shape of the cell acts as a lens making a stable laser cavity. The resonator stability is dependent on the resonator gap, cell size and refractive index. We investigated the effects of gain dye distribution inside and outside the cells. The cell laser thresholds were calculated to optimize the dye concentration, resonator gap and selection of the dye. The different transversal cell laser modes are dependent on cell shape and refractive index distribution. By measuring the laser modes we demonstrate single cell shape characterization and sensing.
Vínculos sociales y subsistencia en los «Templos de refugio» en Japón: Una exploración de las influencias en la situación de calle entre los jornaleros de los yoseba en Tokio

Resumen es: El trabajo por jornal se describe a menudo como no estructurado, lo que hace ambigua su capacidad de servir como trampa en la situacion de calle o como p...
T-type calcium channels: heterogeneous expression in rat sensory neurons and selective modulation by phorbol esters.

We report selective inhibition of low-threshold, T-type calcium channels by a phorbol ester in rat sensory neurons. Cells were exposed, either acutely or with 15–60 min preincubations, to low concentrations of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, (PMA), an activator of protein kinase C; if the temperature was 29 degrees C or higher, T-type Ca current was diminished without effect on high-threshold Ca current. In untreated cells, the amplitude of T-type Ca current varies widely among neighboring sensory neurons. T channels are absent in about 25% of cells, provide a small current near threshold for the majority of cells, and are a dominant pathway for calcium entry in a small subset of neurons. The results are of interest because, by selectively inhibiting a calcium channel expressed differently among subpopulations of sensory neurons, activation of protein kinase C might selectively suppress particular sensations.
Blood Lead Levels and Dietary Calcium Intake in 1- to 11-Year-Old Children: The Second National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1976 to 1980

Whether, and to what degree, dietary calcium is inversely associated with blood lead levels was examined in 2,926 black and white children, 1 to 11 years of age, from the Second National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES II). Blood lead levels were significantly higher in black than in white children, whereas white children had significantly higher dietary calcium intake (P less than .0001). Using covariance analysis and multiple regression analysis, determinants of blood lead levels were assessed as follows. The dependent variable was log10 lead, with independent variables age, sex, race, height, Quetelet index, dietary intake of calcium, phosphorous, fat, carbohydrate, and calories, community size index, poverty index ratio, geographic region, urbanization index, and all two-way interactions of the preceding. In the multiple regression analysis, the following independent variables were significant, P less than .05. Race (black) and sex (male) were positively associated with blood lead level (P less than .0001 for both). The lower the family income and the more urban the family residence, the higher were the blood lead levels (P less than .0001, less than .008, respectively). A significant independent inverse association of blood lead levels with year of examination was noted, reflecting a downward secular trend in blood lead levels. Height was inversely associated with blood lead level (P less than .0001). Dietary calcium intake was also inversely associated with blood lead level (P = .028). Dietary intake of phosphorous, fat, carbohydrate, and total calories were not significantly associated with blood lead levels. The most direct strategy for prevention of childhood lead poisoning involves primary prevention to reduce exposure.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Stability analysis of latency insertion method (LIM)

In this work, the stability of the latency insertion method (LIM) analogous to the traditional FDTD schemes for the time-domain simulation of networks is analyzed in order to determine the optimal difference scheme for various formulations. The Von Neumann method is used and the stability conditions are given by the limitations on the time step according to R, L and C.
Autopolis: allowing user influence in the automatic creation of realistic cities

Given terrain information and user preferences such as desired city size, Autopolis generates commercial and industrial centers, and grows areas surrounding these centers. The program also creates streets and highways, and assigns a land-use for each parcel. Compared with previous methods, Autopolis generates cities with better realism, greater detail in layout, and more design variety.
Particulate Exposure and Cardiovascular Inflammation

The cardiovascular complications following pulmonary exposure to a variety of unrelated materials can manifest as adverse outcome events. While the specific underlying mechanisms are yet to be fully elucidated the cardiovascular system response to exposures is manifested as a more robust response. In this chapter we describe cardiovascular responses to ambient particulate matter (PM) CeO2, Printex 90 (P90), and multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) nanoparticles. The inherent complexity of ambient sources of PM and the growing diversity of specifically engineered PM reinforce a need to understand the broader impact of exposures. Mice were exposed to 100 μg of PM or vehicle by intratracheal instillation. MWCNT, P90, and ambient PM all increased the ischemic-reperfusion injury compared to vehicle. Ambient PM and P90 decreased total blood leukocyte counts, while MWCNT induced a larger increase in plasma fibrinogen than ambient PM. Only ambient PM affected blood palette numbers and endothelial mediated relaxations. MWCNT exposure augmented the constrictor response but had no effect on endothelial dependent responses. These results illustrate our increasing yet limited understanding of the integrative nature of the cardiovascular system with neural, humeral, and immune systems and only begins to hint at the importance of a hypersensitive state on physiological and pathophysiological processes.
8 – Special Interactions: Hydrogen-Bonding and Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions

This chapter explores two special interactions, the hydrogen bond and the hydrophobic effect, which are particularly relevant to the interactions of water. Some unusually strong and orientation-dependent bonds are involved in the interactions between water molecules. Hydrogen bonds play a particularly prominent role in water, since each oxygen atom with its two hydrogens can participate in four such linkages with other water molecules: two involving its own H atoms and two involving its unshared (lone-pair) electrons with other H atoms. Computer simulations show that in ice, the molecules order in such a way that each oxygen atom is tetrahedrally coordinated to four other oxygens, with a hydrogen atom lying in the line joining two oxygen atoms. This chapter explains in detail the hydrogen bonding in water molecular. It also introduces models of water and associated liquids. Relative strengths of different types of interactions are also explored in the chapter. The chapter concludes with a discussion on the hydrophotic effect, hydrophotic interaction, and hydrophilic interactions.
Isozyme diversity in Phytophthora palmivora: evidence for a southeast Asian centre of origin

Isozyme and morphological data were obtained for 93 isolates of P. palmivora and six described as P. arecae . Sporangial shape for both species ranged from spherical to ellipsoid with a high percentage of sporangia predominantly ellipsoid with a broad base and a short occluded pedicel less than 5 m in length. Fourteen enzymes stained in starch gels yielding 17 putative loci, 11 of which were monomorphic, the remainder being polymorphic (GPI, HEX2, IDH1, MDH1, PEP and SOD). Phosphoglucose isomerase (GPI) and isocitric dehydrogenase (IDH1) were the most variable loci. Isozyme analysis of the 99 isolates revealed 18 electrophoretic types (ETs). Isolates of P. arecae clustered with P. palmivora in ET7 and ET8, the most common ETs found in P. palmivora . Considerable genetic diversity was found amongst P. palmivora isolates from coconut ( Cocos nucifera ) with 8 ETs, durian ( Durio zibethinus ) with 5 ETs and other non-cacao hosts from Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand. Since coconut and durian are indigenous to the region, a southeast Asian origin for P. palmivora seems probable. Finally, since no significant differences were found in either morphology or isozymes between isolates of P. palmivora and P. arecae , this study provides definitive evidence that the two species are conspecific.
Is There a Science of Instrumentation

Instrumentation, as the word is used here, means the development and application of measuring devices which respond quantitatively to some physical property of a situation and give an output which depends on this property. The word instrument is often used in a broader sense, as when forceps are referred to as surgical instruments, but in this discussion it refers to measuring devices.
Prognostic value of echocardiographic changes in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension receiving parenteral prostacyclin therapy

Results: A total of 48 patients were included (mean age, 45 6 14 years; 83% women). Compared with baseline, follow-up echocardiography showed reductions in right atrial area (mean percentage change, 12 6 25%; P < .001), right ventricular (RV) basal and middle cavity dimensions (mean percentage change, 8.5 6 14% [P < .001] and 6.8 6 17% [P = .005], respectively), and peak tricuspid regurgitant velocity (mean percentage change, 10 6 14%; P < .001). Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (mean percentage change, 36 6 43%; P < .001) and RV outflow tract time-velocity integral (mean percentage change, 48 6 66%; P < .001) increased. During a median follow-up period of 52.5 months (interquartile range, 20.5‐80 months), 18patients(37.5%)died,mostly(n=15[83%])fromprogressionofpulmonaryarterialhypertension.Thechanges in RV end-diastolic area (hazard ratio [HR per 10% decrease, 0.73; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.57‐0.93), tricuspid valve regurgitation velocity (HR per 10 cm/sec decrease, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.37‐0.89), RV outflow tract velocity-time integral (HR per 10% increase, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.83‐0.98), and subjective RV function (HR per 1 unit of improvement [e.g., from moderate to mild], 0.55; 95% CI, 0.31‐0.96) were associated with overall mortality. Conclusions: Echocardiographic parameters that estimate RV systolic pressure and assess RV morphology andfunctionimproveafter1yearofprostacyclinanaloguetreatment,andthedegreeofchangehasprognostic implications. (J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2014;27:733-41.)
Visual stimulation: Lack of effect on protein synthesis in monkey brain

Abstract A method for the determination of biochemical correlates of brain function is presented. After injection of tritiated water, split-brain monkeys were conditioned (using light and shock). The relative rates of protein synthesis in nuclei, synaptic endings, mitochondria and microsomes from each occipital and temporal cortex were determined. With one eye covered during conditioning, the relative rates of protein synthesis in corresponding brain regions remained unchanged.
Revisited: Decomposition or melting? Formation mechanism investigation of LiCoO2 via in-situ time-resolved X-ray diffraction.

We report the first in-situ time-resolved X-ray diffraction investigation in conjunction with a non-isothermal kinetic study using the model-free isoconversional kinetic method to determine the formation mechanism for the solid-state synthesis of electrochemically active LiCoO2 from Li2CO3 and Co3O4. Detailed information on the phase evolution as well as thermal events during the heating process was clearly observed, explained, and supported. This investigation provides structural as well as kinetic evidence for a multistep reaction and proposes the first plausible formation mechanism for the solid-state synthesis of LiCoO2.