cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Application of time-dependent density-functional theory to molecules and nanostructures

Abstract We present ab initio time-dependent density-functional calculations for the optical properties of molecules, atomic clusters, functionalized carbon nanotubes, and metal-nanotube heterostructures. Our calculations are carried out in the framework of a real-space higher-order finite difference method combined with the pseudopotential approximation. In this method, the Kohn–Sham equations for electronic states are solved self-consistently on a real-space three-dimensional Cartesian grid without the use of explicit basis functions. The time-dependent density-functional linear response formalism is applied to calculate the excited-state properties of the water molecule, analyze the optical spectra of potassium atoms and clusters adsorbed on graphene and carbon nanotubes, study the assembly of organic molecules to carbon nanotubes and compute the Stokes shifts in hydrogenated silicon clusters. The results of our calculations show that the time-dependent density-functional computational approach is flexible and can be successfully applied to a variety of different physical problems.
The evolution of the Parece Vela Basin, eastern Philippine Sea

Abstract The Parece Vela Basin is a back-arc basin. It is approximately 5000 m deep and is divided into two topographic provinces by the north-trending Parece Vela Rift. The western province is thinly sedimented and topographically rough. The eastern province is blanketed by a thick apron of volcaniclastic sediments which were derived from the West Mariana Ridge. The Parece Vela Rift is composed of a series of discrete deeps and troughs with depths commonly of 6 km and locally exceeding 7 km. Petrologic and seismic refraction data indicate that the Parece Vela Basin is of oceanic character. Low-amplitude, nort-trending, lineated magnetic anomalies are present in the basin and appear symmetric about a line near the Parece Vela Rift. In the central latitudes of the basin seafloor spreading anomalies 10 (30 m.y. B.P.) to 5E or 5D (18 or 17 m.y. B.P.) can be identified. The uncertainty in identifying the youngest anomaly may be due to ridge jumps near the end of spreading. Spreading may have started slightly later in the northern end of the basin. Anomalies in the eastern province are disrupted and are difficult to correlate. DSDP results indicate post-spreading volcanism on the eastern side of the basin and this may have degraded the anomalies. The age obtained in the western province of the basin at DSDP Site 449 (∼25m.y. B.P.) is in close agreement with that obtained from the magnetic data (∼26m.y. B.P.). It is hypothesized that subduction was occurring at a west-dipping subduction zone east of the Palau-Kyushu Ridge in the Early Oligocene. This volcanic arc split about 31 or 32 m.y. ago and interarc spreading was initiated between the Palau-Kyushu Ridge (which then became a remnant arc) and the West Mariana Ridge. The Parece Vela Basin formed between the ridges by two-limb seafloor spreading. Spreading stopped about 17 or 18 m.y. ago. Like certain other marginal basins, the Parece Vela Basin is deeper than predicted from depth vs. age curves. The average heat flow for the Parece Vela Basin is in agreement with that predicted from heat flow vs. age curves. The origin of the Parece Vela Rift is unclear. It may represent the extinct spreading center or may be a postspreading feature.
Homologous Recombination and Human Health: The Roles of BRCA1, BRCA2, and Associated Proteins

Homologous recombination (HR) is a major pathway for the repair of DNA double-strand breaks in mammalian cells, the defining step of which is homologous strand exchange directed by the RAD51 protein. The physiological importance of HR is underscored by the observation of genomic instability in HR-deficient cells and, importantly, the association of cancer predisposition and developmental defects with mutations in HR genes. The tumor suppressors BRCA1 and BRCA2, key players at different stages of HR, are frequently mutated in familial breast and ovarian cancers. Other HR proteins, including PALB2 and RAD51 paralogs, have also been identified as tumor suppressors. This review summarizes recent findings on BRCA1, BRCA2, and associated proteins involved in human disease with an emphasis on their molecular roles and interactions.
Measurements of Electron Density in the Charge Exchange Plasma of an Ion Thruster

The electron density in the charge exchange plasma emitted by a xenon ion thruster is determined using a langmuir probe. It is shown that the electron density in this plasma is suf ciently low to allow the use of orbital-motion-limited theory. In applying this theory, the in ection point in the experimental current – voltage characteristic is taken as the point where the probe voltage equals the plasma potential. The electron density then follows from letting the theoretical result for the characteristic coincide with the experimental one at a signi cantly larger voltage. Satisfactory agreement is obtained between theoretical and experimental curves. The results obtained for the electron density are compared with corresponding results for the ion density, determined from the ion saturation current. The ion density measurements are valid in the main ion beam, but not in the charge exchange plasma. The electron density measurements are valid in the charge exchange plasma and in the downstream part of the ion beam, but not in its upstream part. In the regions where both results are valid, they agree within experimental accuracy. The composite result covers charged particle densities over the range 10– 10 cm.
Squeezing Fluoride out of Water with a Neutral Bidentate Antimony(V) Lewis Acid

Because of hydration, fluoride ions in water typically elude complexation by neutral Lewis acids. Here, we show how this limitation can be overcome with a bidentate Lewis acid containing two antimony(V) centers. This derivative (2) is obtained by the simple reaction of 4,5-bis(diphenylstibino)-9,9-dimethylxanthene (1) with two equivalents of 3,4,5,6-tetrachlorobenzoquinone (o-chloranil). It features two square-pyramidal stiborane units oriented in a face-to-face fashion. Titration experiments show that this new bidentate Lewis acid binds fluoride in aqueous solutions containing 95 % water with a binding constant (K) of 700±30 M−1. The structure of the fluoride adduct confirms fluoride anion chelation between the two antimony centers.
Democratic Institutions and Collective Action Capacity: Results from a Field Experiment in Post-Conflict Liberia

We describe results from a field experiment on the e ffects of local democratic governance institutions that were introduced in 42 of 83 randomly selected communities in northern Liberia in 2006-8. The intervention sought to strengthen the ability of communities to solve collective action problems. Five months after the intervention was completed we used a community-wide public good game as a behavioral measure of collective action capacity. Surprisingly -- given the common view that local social and political institutions are highly robust and resistant to third-party e fforts to change them -- we fi nd that treated communities contributed signi ficantly more in the public goods game. We use evidence from surveys of the game players to try to understand the mechanisms by which the program aff ected contributions. Although our conclusions here are more tentative, it appears that leaders in CDR-treated communities engaged in greater mobilization and information-sharing eff orts which may have produced more coordination around socially desirable outcomes. These eff ects are found however only when the collective action problem is presented to mixed gender groups; for collective action problems involving women-only groups we observe no mobilization gains attributable to the treatment.
Effect of size, concentration, surface area, and volume of polymethylmethacrylate particles on human macrophages in vitro.

This study investigated effects of different sizes, concentrations, volumes, and surface areas of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) particles on human macrophages. Adherent peripheral blood monocytes isolated from five healthy individuals were exposed for 48 h to phagocytosable (0.325 micron and 5.5 microns) and nonphagocytosable (200 microns) spherical particles. Each particle size was tested over a range of concentrations (10(4)-10(11) particles per milliliter [0.325 micron], 10(2)-10(7) particles per milliliter [5.5 microns], 10(1)-10(4) particles per milliliter [200 microns]) to provide overlap in number, volume, and surface area. Primary human monocyte/macrophages were cultured in macrophage serum-free medium and 5% fetal calf serum. Macrophage viability was assessed by 3H-thymidine uptake and activation was quantified by release of interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and the lysosomal enzyme hexosaminidase. Medium alone served as a negative control; lipopolysaccharide (10 micrograms/mL) was also tested. PMMA particles were not toxic to human macrophages at any concentration tested. The smallest phagocytosable particles (0.325 micron) stimulated the release of interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-6, prostaglandin E2, and hexosaminidase at concentrations of 10(10)-10(11) particles/mL. The release of cytokines, PGE2, and hexosaminidase depended on the size, concentration, surface area, and volume of the phagocytosable particles. This study demonstrates that PMMA particle load Mi.e., the concentration of phagocytosable particles per tissue volume, characterized by size, surface area, and volume, rather than simply particle number-determines the degree of macrophage activation.
Using sensor networks to detect urinary tract infections in older adults

Integrated sensor networks have been installed in apartments of volunteer residents at TigerPlace, an aging in place retirement community that allows residents to remain in their apartments even if their health deteriorates. The sensor networks supplement registered nurse (RN) care coordination provided by Sinclair Home Care by alerting the RN care coordinator about changes in the normal sensor patterns. In several cases, the alerts have prompted the care coordinator to have the resident tested for urinary tract infections. Importantly, the sensor network detected signs of illness earlier than traditional health care assessment.
Building operational efficiencies

Purpose – This paper aims to highlight the need to have present-day operational efficiencies in preparing organizations for the future. Design/methodology/approach – The paper refers to some recent work published with regard to present-day reflection of practices which will impact future considerations for library organizations. Findings – Some suggested areas to consider are included, including developing operational efficiencies that are flexible enough to be modified as changes occur. Originality/value – This paper offers a point-of-view supported by related references and is the concept that the author favors for present consideration of future impact.
Tablet computers and traditional television (TV) viewing Is the iPad replacing TV

Over the past 3 years, tablet computers have become increasingly popular devices. In particular, Apple’s iPad and its accompanying apps have taken the tablet market by storm. The technology enables users to accomplish a variety of tasks, including viewing television (TV) programs and other video sources on the device. Based on media uses and gratifications, an exploratory study examined whether the iPad was replacing traditional TV viewing. Results showed that, rather than displacing time with TV, the amount of TV viewing on an iPad was positively related to the amount of time watching traditional TV.
Integrated automotive signal processing and audio system

An integrated acoustic signal processing system which provides adaptive noise cancellation, acoustic echo cancellation, and adaptive active noise control for hands-free cellular phones is developed. This system provides high-quality, full-duplex voice communication, and reduces the acoustic noise inside an automobile. The integration of this system with the existing automobile audio system reduces the overall system cost. The musical interference suppression (MIS) process is developed to cancel the interference of the music while updating the coefficients of the adaptive filters. The MIS filters also model the electroacoustics paths on-line for both the acoustic echo canceler and the active noise controller. >
A method for the determination of glucose synthesis in isolated bovine hepatocytes

Abstract A simple method for determining glucose synthesis from radiolabeled precursors in isolated bovine hepatocytes using ion exchange resins is presented. This method allows processing of multiple small volume samples using suspensions of anion and cation exchange resins rather than traditional stacked column separation methods. Hepatocytes were isolated from calf liver by collagenase perfusion of the caudate lobe and were incubated with 14 C-labeled lactate or propionate as gluconeogenic substrates. Glucose synthesis was determined in an aliquot of cell suspension that was vortexed with a slurry of anion exchange (acetate form) resin, followed by a slurry of cation exchange resin. Newly synthesized, labeled glucose was recovered in the supernatant after centrifugation and quantitated by scintillation counting. Using this procedure, more than 98% of the unused labeled precursor was bound to the ion exchange resin and essentially 100% of a labeled glucose tracer was recovered in the supernatant. Pretreatment of hepatocyte suspensions with glucose oxidase was shown to eliminate the accumulation of radioactivity in the supernatant, thus confirming the specificity of this technique for measurement of newly synthesized glucose. This method was sensitive to changes in the rate of hepatic gluconeogenesis that resulted from changes in substrate concentration or the addition of glucagon or fatty acids to the hepatocyte incubations.
Developing a course module for teaching cryptography programming on Android

Mobile platforms have become extremely popular among users and hence become an important platform for developers. Mobile devices often store tremendous amount of personal, financial and commercial data. Several studies have shown that large number of the mobile applications that use cryptography APIs have made mistakes. This could potentially attract both targeted and mass-scale attacks, which will cause great loss to the mobile users. Therefore, it is vitally important to provide education in secure mobile programming to students in computer science and other related disciplines. It is very hard to find pedagogical resources on this topic that many educators urgently need. This paper introduces a course module that teaches students how to develop secure Android applications by correctly using Android's cryptography APIs. This course module is targeted to two areas where programmers commonly make many mistakes: password based encryption and SSL certificate validation. The core of the module includes a real world sample Android program for students to secure by implementing cryptographic components correctly. The course module will use open-ended problem solving to let students freely explore the multiple options in securing the application. The course module includes a lecture slide on Android's Crypto library, its common misuses, and suggested good practices. Assessment materials will also be included in the course module. This course module could be used in mobile programming class or network security class. It could also be taught as a module in advanced programming class or used as a self-teaching tool for general public.
Structural and Functional Features of Human Fungiform Papillae

Human fungiform papillae have been studied in order to understand how individual variations in taste perception relate to anatomical features of the tongue. Several studies [1–3] have shown that taste thresholds and taste intensity ratings are correlated with the number of taste buds that a person has. The purpose of this paper is to characterize attributes of human fungiform papillae which are associated with the prevalence of taste buds. These attributes may be useful for characterizing papillae in studies of taste perception and in the diagnosis of taste dysfunctions. Papillae have been studied from human cadaver tongues, using paraffin sections, and from living human subjects, using videomicroscopy. The size, shape, location on the tongue, and number of taste buds on fungiform papillae are the features which were measured.
Rejecting Medical Humanism

The call for a narrative medicine has been touted as the cure-all for an increasingly mechanical medicine. It has been claimed that the humanities might create more empathic, reflective, professional and trustworthy doctors. In other words, we can once again humanise medicine through the addition of humanities. In this essay, I explore how the humanities, particularly narrative medicine, appeals to the metaphysical commitments of the medical institution in order to find its justification, and in so doing, perpetuates a dualism of humanity that would have humanism as the counterpoint to the biopsychosociologisms of our day.
Human anti-mouse antibodies

Abstract Human anti-mouse antibodies (HAMA) are human immunoglobulins with specificity for mouse immunoglobulins. This topic currently is of interest because of the increased use of monoclonal mouse antibodies as diagnostic reagents both for in vitro laboratory measurements and for in vivo imaging studies. Monoclonal mouse antibodies also are being used therapeutically. This short article reviews the production of HAMA in patients receiving monoclonal antibodies and illustrates the potential ways that HAMA can interfere with immunoassay measurements. Methods for measuring and neutralizing HAMA also are discussed.
A Systems View of Creativity in a YouTube World

Twenty-first century technologies have begun to reshape the sharing of idea, art, culture, and other forms of content through approaches such as internet crowdsourcing of data or ideas, applications for creating and sharing video, audio, images, and text across contexts, and new avenues devoted to sharing this content. We argue that new technological platforms allow creators to bypass traditional gatekeeping processes, providing the opportunity to not only showcase creative skills but also redefine a field’s classification of what is “creative” work. We frame our discussion within Csikszentmihalyi’s systems view of creativity, and how these new technological ways of creating and sharing may require us to rethink this model. We suggest that such a rethinking of the systems view of creativity can have significant implications for the use of digital technologies in education.
Ecohydrologic response and recovery of a semi-arid shrubland over a five year period following burning

Abstract Increasing trends in wildfire activity on semi-arid rangelands necessitate advancement in understanding of fire impacts on vegetation, soils, and runoff and erosion processes. This study used artificially applied rainfall and concentrated overland flow experiments to evaluate the ecohydrologic response and recovery of a semi-arid shrubland in the Great Basin Region, USA, following fire. Rainfall experiments were conducted at the 0.5 m2 plot scale to assess fire impacts on rainsplash and sheetflow processes. Concentrated flow experiments were applied on 9 m2 plots to evaluate fire impacts on concentrated overland flow processes. Vegetation, soil, hydrologic, and erosion variables were assessed at each scale pre-fire and 1, 2, and 5 yr post-fire. Infiltration and runoff on rainfall simulation plots were affected more by measured background soil water repellency than fire effects on vegetation and soils. Runoff from rainfall on shrub-dominated plots was unchanged 1 yr post-fire, but runoff from interspace plots between shrubs declined 1 yr post-fire. Runoff increased on shrub and interspace rainfall plots 2 yr post-fire and then declined in the 5 yr post-fire. Bare ground generally declined across study years, implicating the temporal variability in soil water repellency as the causal factor for infiltration and runoff trends. Erosion on rainfall plots increased by factors of 8 to more than 10 following fire removal of vegetation and ground cover and declined with vegetation recovery through five growing seasons. Concentrated overland flow plots generated slightly more total runoff and 26-fold more total sediment 1 yr following burning relative to pre-fire measures. Erosion from concentrated overland flow remained greater on burned than unburned plots after five growing seasons even though ground cover returned to approximately 85%. The relative recovery of vegetation and total ground cover were typical for the shrubland community assessed, but elevated erosion with 85% ground cover 5 yr post-fire was unexpected. The persistent high sediment delivery from concentrated plots is attributed to the fine textured soils and thin litter accumulation. The importance of considering erodibility in context with sediment supply and vegetative recovery is discussed. The results demonstrate the complexity of post-fire ecohydrologic interactions, advance process understanding of post-fire ecohydrologic responses for semi-arid rangelands, and underscore the need for additional studies on post-fire recovery over time.
Effectiveness of prednisolone during phenytoin therapy

The effects of diphenylhydantoin (DPH) on the clearance of prednisolone from plasma, its bioavailability, and its biologic effectiveness were studied in 5 persons before and after daily DPH therapy for more than 3 wek. DPH decreased the mean half-time of disappearance of prednisolone from plasma by 45% and increased its metabolic clearance rate by an average of 77%. The gastrointestinal absorption of prednisolone and its first-pass clearance through splanchnic tissues were not significantly altered by DPH. The mean oral midnight dose of prednisolone required to suppress the 8 A.M. plasma level of cortisol to 5 microgram/dl was doubled following treatment of DPH. The increment in dose of prednisolone varied from 58% to 260% in the five individuals.
Love Thy Neighbor: A Guide for Implementing Safe School Initiatives for LGBTQ Students in Nonaffirming Religious Communities

AbstractAlthough setting up a safe school is an important task for a school counselor, his or her efforts may be resisted when attempting to develop a safe school initiative in a religious community; for example, one conservative-based website gives parents explicit instructions on how to fight a school's safe schools initiatives. This article provides a review of the issues involved and a specific framework for school counselors who wish to set up a Safe Schools Initiative in the context of a resistant atmosphere, using a social justice framework.
Globalization, Innovation, and Cultural Resistance to Educational Reform

Globalization as an empirical reality has been the subject of much theorizing. This work has produced both useful insights on the process and important empirical analyses (e.g., Meyer & Hannan, 1977; Collins, 1979). One point that is central to all these approaches is the idea that in a loosely structured, decentralized system of nation-states a good deal of diffusion occurs. Whole sets of institutions that were once found only in the West are now found almost everywhere.
Not All Erythema Migrans Lesions Are Lyme Disease

Abstract Background Lyme disease is the number one arthropod-transmitted disease in the US, and one of the diagnostic criteria for the illness is development of an erythematous bull's-eye rash around a tick bite that may expand over time, hence the term erythema migrans. However, there are other erythema migrans-like rashes, such as those from a condition known as southern tick-associated rash illness. This article describes a patient with an erythema migrans-like lesion similar to that associated with Lyme disease, resulting from a bite by a nymphal-stage lone star tick, Amblyomma americanum. Methods A tick removed from the center of an erythema migrans-like lesion in a patient was identified to species and then submitted to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for testing for the agent of Lyme disease, Borrelia burgdorferi . The patient was evaluated by an internist 7 weeks later. After another 3 weeks, the patient's blood was tested serologically for Lyme disease by American Esoteric Laboratories, Memphis, Tenn. Results Both the tick and human blood sample from this patient were negative for evidence of Lyme disease. Clinically, other than the erythema migrans-like lesion, the patient displayed no signs or symptoms consistent with Lyme disease. Conclusions This case presents clinical, serological, and molecular evidence that erythema migrans lesions may occur after tick bites in patients and that these lesions may not be due to infection with the agent of Lyme disease.
Phase II trial of pegylated-liposomal doxorubicin (Doxil) in renal cell cancer.

Twelve patients with refractory renal cell cancer weretreated on a phase II study of pegylated-liposomaldoxorubicin (Doxil™). The initial dose per course was55 mg/m2 every four weeks with dose modification based onmucositis and hand-foot syndrome (the main limitingtoxicities). Toxicities were mild and similar to previousreports but dose reduction per the study protocol, which wasdesigned to control the skin and mucosal toxicities, wascommon. No definite cardiac toxicity was observed. Noobjective responses were observed in 11 evaluable patients. This study did not demonstrate activity ofpegylated-liposomal doxorubicin in renal cell cancer,although it can be given with mild toxicity.
Stretchable spiral thin-film battery capable of out-of-plane deformation

Abstract There is a compelling need for innovative design concepts in energy storage devices such as flexible and stretchable batteries that can simultaneously provide electrochemical and mechanical functions to accommodate nonconventional applications including wearable and implantable devices. In this study, we report on the design and fabrication of a stretchable spiral thin-film lithium ion battery that is capable of large out-of-plane deformation of 1300% while exhibiting simultaneous electrochemical functionality. The spiral battery is fabricated using a flexible solid polymer nanocomposite electrolyte film that offers enhanced safety and stability compared to the conventional organic liquid-based electrolyte. The spiral lithium ion battery exhibits robust mechanical stretchability over 9000 stretching cycles and an energy density of 4.862 mWh/cm3 at ∼650% out-of-plane deformation. Finite element analysis of the spiral battery offers insights about the nature of stresses and strains during battery stretching.
Correlates of Shyness and Unsociability During Early Adolescence in Urban and Rural China

The purpose of this study was to examine the differentiation and correlates of shyness and unsociability during early adolescence in urban and rural China. Participants were 93 urban and 229 rural Chinese sixth- to eighth-graders. Students rated their shyness, unsociability, fear of negative evaluation, self-efficacy for peer interactions, and perceived peer exclusion. In both urban and rural adolescents, shyness and unsociability were separate, but correlated, factors, and shyness was more strongly related to fear of negative evaluation (positively), self-efficacy for peer interactions (negatively), and perceived exclusion (positively), than unsociability. There was some evidence that shy adolescents perceived more peer exclusion in the urban context. The findings provided preliminary evidence for the differentiation of shyness and unsociability in urban and rural Chinese adolescents, and highlighted the role of social-cultural context in the implications of shyness.
Compressed sensing based scalable speech coders

Code-excited linear prediction (CELP) is one of the most commonly used approaches for speech compression. The CELP coder, in particular the ACELP coder, relies on extracting an appropriate excitation sequence that is passed through a long-term and short-term linear prediction filter to synthesize the speech. One limitation of the analysis-by-synthesis search methods employed in the ACELP coder is that the positions of the non-zero entries in the excitation sequence and their gains are limited. Increasing the richness of the excitation to improve the speech quality is not only accompanied by the usual increase in the bit rate but also by a significant increase in search complexity. We propose dealing with this scalability issue by using tools from the compressed sensing (CS) domain. An analysis by synthesis coder using a CS based excitation sequence framework is developed and the encoder is shown to scale gracefully with CS dimension and offers a mechanism for quality to bit rate trade off.
Poly(1-adamantyl acrylate): Living Anionic Polymerization, Block Copolymerization, and Thermal Properties

Living anionic polymerization of acrylates is challenging due to intrinsic side reactions including backbiting reactions of propagating enolate anions and aggregation of active chain ends. In this study, the controlled synthesis of poly(1-adamatyl acrylate) (PAdA) was performed successfully for the first time via living anionic polymerization through investigation of the initiation systems of sec-butyllithium/diphenylethylene/lithium chloride (sec-BuLi/DPE/LiCl), diphenylmethylpotassium/diethylzinc (DPMK/Et2Zn), and sodium naphthalenide/dipenylethylene/diethylzinc (Na-Naph/DPE/Et2Zn) in tetrahydrofuran at −78 °C using custom glass-blowing and high-vacuum techniques. PAdA synthesized via anionic polymerization using DPMK with a large excess (more than 40-fold to DPMK) of Et2Zn as the ligand exhibited predicted molecular weights from 4.3 to 71.8 kg/mol and polydispersity indices of around 1.10. In addition, the produced PAdAs exhibit a low level of isotactic content (mm triads of 2.1%). The block copolymers...
Diseases of the Airways

The diseases of the pulmonary airways are the most common disorders encountered in the practice of pulmonology. Although most are not biosied, the pathology of these disorders is critical to understand how best to approach them therapeutically.
Environmental implications of higher ethanol production and use in the U.S.: A literature review. Part II – Biodiversity, land use change, GHG emissions, and sustainability

Abstract To address issues of energy security and greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation, substantial amounts of corn-derived ethanol are being used in U.S. gasoline. Currently, ethanol comprises 10% of the U.S. gasoline pool (E10), but there is interest in increasing this – possibly doubling the amount currently used. Production of corn ethanol raises several concerns with respect to environmental and ecological impacts. This paper reviews the available literature regarding impacts on biodiversity, land use change (LUC), greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and overall sustainability. A companion paper addresses impacts on water, soil, and air quality. We emphasize recent information appearing since comprehensive reports on these topics were issued by the U.S. EPA and NRC/NAS in 2011. The principal environmental and ecological concerns arise from the intensive agricultural activities associated with corn cropping. Expansion of these activities promotes regional mono-culture, which is accompanied by reduced plant and animal biodiversity, and diminished ecosystem functions and services. Extensification of corn cropping into Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) lands is occurring, which raises concerns about erosion, nutrient runoff, and other adverse environmental impacts. Estimating the impacts of increased ethanol on GHG emissions requires sophisticated life cycle assessment (LCA) modeling approaches to account for emissions resulting from land use change (LUC). Although considerable uncertainty remains, recent regulatory modeling by EPA and CARB estimate modest GHG reductions of about 20% from corn ethanol as compared to gasoline. Being a major commodity in global food/feed markets, displacing large amounts of corn to produce ethanol strengthens demand and increases prices. To date, these effects have been small, but there are growing concerns about increased use of staple food products to produce fuels within the context of an expanding global population that faces severe calorie shortages. Tradeoffs regarding environmental, ecological, and social impacts raise questions about the overall sustainability of such an approach.
Angiotensin-(1-7), Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2, and New Components of the Renin Angiotensin System

The discovery of angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] in 1988 represented the first deviation from the traditional biochemical cascade of forming bioactive angiotensin peptides. Prior to that time, the biological actions of angiotensin II (Ang II) were being investigated as it relates to cardiovascular function, including hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy and failure, as well as biological actions in the brain and kidney. We now know that Ang II elicits a whole host of actions both within and outside of the cardiovascular system. Furthermore, the discovery of Ang-(1-7) by our laboratory was also the first indication of a biologically active angiotensin peptide that further studies revealed served to counter-balance the actions of Ang II. This chapter reviews the data demonstrating the role of the vasodepressor axis of the renin angiotensin system in the regulation of cardiovascular function and the new data that shows the existence of angiotensin-(1-12) as a novel alternate substrate for the production of angiotensin peptides. The ultimate role of this discovery, as well as the continuing elucidation of mechanisms pertaining to RAS physiology, will likely be clarified in the coming years, in hopes of improving the treatment of cardiovascular disease.
The International Database of Efficient Appliances (IDEA): A new tool to support appliance energy-efficiency deployment

Appliance energy-efficiency programs are a central component of many countries’ energy-policy portfolios. A major barrier to optimal implementation of these programs is lack of data to determine market baselines, assess the potential for cost-effective energy savings, and track markets over time to evaluate and verify program impacts. To address this gap, we have developed the International Database of Efficient Appliances (IDEA), a suite of software tools that automatically gathers data that is currently dispersed across various online sources and compiles it into a unified repository of information on efficiency, price, and features for a diversity of appliances and devices in markets around the world. In this article we describe the framework and functionality of IDEA, and we demonstrate its power as a resource for research and policy development related to appliance energy efficiency. Using IDEA data for refrigerators in China and India, we assess the potential for cost-effective energy savings within each market by computing robust indicators that can also be easily compared across different appliances and markets. We find that significant cost-effective savings are available on both markets. We discuss implications for the development of future energy-efficiency deployment programs.
Recent Pregnancy Is Not Associated with High-Risk Pathological Features of Well-Differentiated Thyroid Cancer.

Background: Thyroid cancer is commonly diagnosed in the first postpartum year, supporting the theory that high levels of estrogen may stimulate progression of hormone-mediated thyroid cancer. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of recent pregnancy on histopathologic disease characteristics of well-differentiated thyroid cancer (WDTC). Methods: Cases of WDTC (1999–2012) were identified from the California Cancer Registry and linked to data from the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development. Using a matched control design, recently pregnant women (pregnancy up to five years before and nine months after a thyroid cancer diagnosis) were compared with non-pregnant controls matched by age and race/ethnicity. The main outcome measures were histopathologic tumor characteristics (tumor size, extrathyroidal extension, and nodal metastases), disease status at last follow-up, and five-year disease-specific survival. Results: The study sample of 1204 women (Mage ± standard deviation = 30.9 ± 5.5 y...
Cancer Awareness and Behavioral Determinants Associated with Cancer Prevention-a Quantitative Study Among Young Adults in Rural Settings.

Although college is a crucial time to establish healthy behaviors for cancer prevention, little is known about cancer awareness and behaviors among US college students in less economically developed, rural areas. The purpose of this study was to examine college students’ cancer-preventative knowledge and health behaviors. This cross-sectional study was conducted at a large southeastern university in the USA, on a convenience sample of students attending a campus-wide health education class. Data were collected during April and May 2017. Pearson’s chi-square tests, independent samples t test, and one-way ANOVA were used. Participants (n = 1511) were female (59.1%), non-Hispanic White (69.7%), first-year college students (76.7%), and either 18 (35.9%) or 19 (44.6%) years old. Participants recognized an average of 6.69 (SD = 3.08) out of 11 risk factors on the Cancer Awareness Measure (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.874), with a statistically significant difference observed by gender (t(1471) = − 3.348, p = 0.001), but not by race ((F(2,1474) = 1.742, p = 0.176). Chi-square analyses revealed significant associations by gender for exercise (p < 0.001), tobacco use (p < 0.001), and alcohol use (p < 0.001). Significant associations were also found by race/ethnicity for exercise (p < 0.001), tobacco use (p < 0.001), alcohol use (p < 0.001), and fruit and vegetable consumption (p = 0.035). Findings indicate a need to educate college students to recognize and modify cancer-related behavioral risk factors, particularly dietary habits. Specifically, health campaigns to reduce gender and racial gaps in cancer-preventative knowledge and behavior among first-year students are recommended.
Biomarker Enables Molecular Specific Optical Detection of Transplant Rejection

Using serotonin as the biomarker, spatially re-solved Raman spectroscopy successfully detects heart transplant rejection without exogenous labeling and chemical fixation. The strong and characteristic Raman spectral signature of serotonin enables this direct optical detection without re-sorting to complicated data processing procedures. As the role of serotonin in various immune responses becomes increasingly recognized, this work presents a new paradigm in utilizing Raman spectroscopy as a clinically viable molecular specific diagnostic tool.
Effect of folate supplementation on the incidence of dysplasia and cancer in chronic ulcerative colitis: A case-control study

Folate deficiency has been associated with dysplasia in human cancer models. Patients with ulcerative colitis commonly have decreased folate levels, which are partially due to sulfasalazine, a competitive inhibitor of folate absorption. To study the effect of folate supplementation on the risk of dysplasia or cancer (neoplasia) in ulcerative colitis, records from 99 patients with pancolitis for greater than 7 yr and enrolled in a surveillance program were reviewed. Thirty-five patients with neoplasia were compared with 64 patients in whom dysplasia was never found to determine the effect of folate supplementation on the rate of development of neoplasia using case-control methodology. At the time of the index colonoscopy, patients with neoplasia were older (43 +/- 11 vs. 39 +/- 12 yr) and had disease of longer duration (20 +/- 8 vs. 15 +/- 7 yr, p less than 0.05). Folate supplementation was associated with a 62% lower incidence of neoplasia compared with individuals not receiving supplementation (odds ratio, 0.38; 95% confidence interval, 0.12-1.20). There was no appreciable change in this effect when models were fit to adjust for sulfasalazine dose, duration of disease, age at symptom onset, prednisone dose, sulfa allergy, sex, race, or family history of colon cancer. The statistical power of the association between folate supplementation and neoplasia was 72%. Correction of risk factors before the development of neoplasia may prevent this serious complication. Pending a larger case-control study, folate supplementation during sulfasalazine administration is recommended to possibly prevent the complication of dysplasia or cancer in ulcerative colitis.
Phagocyte dioxygenation reactions yielding chemiluminescence: the maximum multiplicity and spin conservation rules relative to oxygen reactivity.

Considering the diversity of microbes and microbial defenses, the microbicidal activities of phagocytes are astonishingly broad spectrum, lethal, and controlled. Microbicidal action is a consequence of the metabolic mechanisms whereby phagocytes alter the quantum state of O2, and in so doing, realize the thermodynamic potential for direct O2 reactivity. Chemiluminescence is an energy product of the resulting dioxygenation reactions and, under proper test conditions, can be employed for the detection and quantification of such reactions.2–4
Models Systems for the Study of Androgen-Regulated Gene Expression in the Central Nervous System

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the model systems for the study of androgen-regulated gene expression in the central nervous system (CNS). CNS is an androgen target organ. The ability of specific groups of neurons to concentrate radioactive androgens within cell nuclei was first described in the 1970s, and was shown to be widespread in vertebrates. Because many brain nuclei containing androgen-concentrating neurons had been shown to participate in androgen-regulated behaviors, a causal link between androgen concentration and androgen regulation was inferred, a link strengthened by observations that small implants of androgen into these brain nuclei could activate the relevant behaviors. From a molecular point of view, however, the mechanism of androgen action—particularly the identification of androgen-regulated genes—is very poorly understood. Understanding this set of issues is crucial to unraveling how these very powerful hormones act.
Resonance Neutron Radiography

The production of images by the use of neutrons having energies in the resonance region is described. Two-dimensional position-sensitive neutron detectors are used to produce transmission images using neutron time-of-flight techniques at the National Bureau of Standards’ electron linac facility. Two types of detectors are described. The first is a crossed-wire proportional counter using 3He as the neutron-sensitive component. The second type utilizes a multichannel plate electron multiplier and a resistive anode readout. A lithium glass scintillator is the neutron-sensitive component in the latter detector. Resonance neutron radiography, using these detectors, has the capability of producing images with isotopic and chemical element discrimination in a complex matrix with a resolution of l mm or better.
Going Anonymous: Uses and Perceptions of Anonymous Social Media in an IT Organization

Anonymous social media provide opportunities and challenges for the organizations where they are used, but relatively little is known about how these tools are used and perceived by various types of organizational members. This paper reports preliminary findings from a survey of Microsoft employees using the anonymous smartphone application called Blind. Results suggest that this technology is used frequently for a variety of purposes related to seeking information, seeking support, and (less so) expressing opinions. The tool is seen as relatively useful and anonymous, but only moderately safe and trustworthy. Significant differences in perceived anonymity, perceived trust/safety, and use of the tool for seeking support are found based on frequency of use, as well as tenure, age, and hierarchical level of users. The paper offers theoretical and practical implications of findings and directions for further work in this emerging area.
Prognostic value of post treatment PET scan in small cell lung cancer.

e20013Background: In most lymphomas, improving patient outcome rely on an assessment of response to therapy. Functional imaging with 18-fluoro-deoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) ...
The Impact of Sunlight on Skin Aging

In this review, we summarize and discuss the current literature on photoaging. We focus on the molecular effects of UV radiation, and the histological and clinical features of chronically sun-exposed skin. The expression of numerous proteins is altered in habitually sun-exposed skin, including sirtuins and hedgehog signaling proteins. Pharmacological manipulation of the levels of these proteins can potentially downregulate the photoaging process. Mitochondrial and nuclear DNA damage, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and altered gene expression patterns are critical components of both photoaging and chronological aging. Chronic UVA and UVB exposure result in the photoaged phenotype through distinct molecular mechanisms, with UVA being primarily ROS-mediated and UVB being DNA damage-mediated. Molecular effects result in an altered dermal and epidermal environment that manifests as the photoaged phenotype. Importantly, skin phototype and environmental influences impact individual responses to chronic UV radiation.
Is it safe to stop oral anticoagulation after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation

INTRODUCTION Atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia worldwide. Its increasing prevalence has made the use of oral anticoagulants for stroke prevention routine; however, their use after the blanking period of catheter ablation remains uncertain. Areas covered: This review outlines the pros and cons of stopping oral anticoagulation after catheter ablation. Major databases such as Pubmed or Embase were used. The most relevant articles published were used along with major recommendations of society guidelines. Authors will also discuss different proposed mechanisms of atrial fibrillation and more importantly future directions in this topic. Expert commentary: The use of oral anticoagulants after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation is debatable; however, based on current guidelines, we support the use of oral anticoagulants after the blanking period of catheter ablation. Noteworthy is that although the risk of bleeding can be fatal in some cases, it does not outweigh the risk of a disabling stroke.
Why Have an Experiment at All

This chapter considers whether it is, after all, worthwhile (both strategically and scientifically) to have a Universal Basic Income (UBI) experiment, given that earlier chapters have shown so many difficulties experiments have in addressing the most important issues in the public discussion of UBI.
The Contribution of Penelope K. Trickett to the Study of Child Maltreatment

Advances in the science of child maltreatment research, and their subsequent impact on policy, programs, and practice, are due in large part to the efforts of Dr. Penelope Trickett. This introductory chapter to the monograph provides an overview of Dr. Trickett’s work, and her innovations in the areas of theory/models, measurement, and methodology in the study of maltreatment. First, a summary of Dr. Trickett’s seminal longitudinal studies on child maltreatment is provided, including their influence on our understanding of the impact of child maltreatment on female and adolescent development. Next, an overview of the impact of her work on policy and practice is presented. Finally, an introduction to the studies in this volume is provided, setting the stage for the monograph.