cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Turbulent Simulations of Particle Deposition in Feline Aorta Flow for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Heart Conditions

Turbulent CFD simulations are performed for feline aorta flow to study the physiology of thrombus localization for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) heart condition. Simulations are performed using pulsatile normal and HCM heart cardiac output velocity profiles consisting of a single peak and dual peak pattern, respectively. The predictions for the normal heart conditions are validated using experimental data. The mass outflow through the arteries compares within 1.15% of the expected values. The flow rate through the iliac artery during a cardiac cycle, and shear stress profile at infrarenal aorta cross-section also compares well with the experimental data. Most vortical structures are predicted during decreasing cardiac flow, and are located close to the renal and iliac arteries, consistent with CFD studies in the literature. The model is therefore judged to be reasonably accurate for HCM predictions. For the HCM heart conditions, outflow from all the abdominal arteries shows a trimodal pattern, with reverse flow during the secondary flow. Several vortices are predicted in the increasing secondary cardiac flow. The vortices are mostly located in the lower abdominal aorta between the renal artery and iliac trifurcation. Turbulence plays a significant role in this case, and affects flow in most of the abdominal aorta after the primary peak. Particle deposition occurs in the thoracic aorta, below the renal artery and above the trifurcation. Deposition in the lower abdominal aorta is identified due to presence of flow recirculation and low streamwise velocity.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Discriminating Spectral Signatures Among and Within Two Closely Related Grapevine Species

Abstract Several North American Vitis species are used to breed scions and rootstocks, including V. riparia and V. rupestris. However, the degree to which Vitis species can be distinguished using remote sensing is not well known. Here we explore whether two North American Vitis species and genotypes growing in a common garden can be discriminated with leaf and canopy hyperspectral reflectance factor data (350-2500 nm) using independent t-test and derivative analysis. Foliar properties and spectral indices of the grapevines were evaluated with analysis of the variance (ANOVA) and pair-wise Bonferroni adjusted t-tests. The results showed that V. riparia and V. rupestris can be distinguished at the leaf level spectra of visible, near- and infrared spectral regions. At the canopy level, genotypes were spectrally discriminated with limited success. The Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI) demonstrated the highest potential not only to differentiate two species, but also two genotype pair groups within V. rupestris. This finding was also true for the PRI calculated with simulated EO-1 Hyperion data. These capacities to distinguish Vitis species, and to a lesser extent genotypes, using spectral signatures have important applications in remote monitoring of vineyards for plants health and also for locating wild Vitis populations for future crop improvement efforts.
Current Cardiac MRI Protocols for Known and Suspected ARVC/D

Abstract In this chapter, we describe in detail our clinical CMR protocol for patients with known or suspected ARVC/D and compare it to the CMR protocols utilized by other ARVC/D centers. Our predominant sequence on 1.5-T magnet for assessment of the global and regional RV and LV function is a balanced-state-free precession sequence, or bSSFP. Rarely, we may need to utilize the gradient echo (GRE)–based cine images, when significant valvular regurgitation is suggested or when the patient has a pacemaker/ICD. SSFP images are the basis for RV functional and structural assessment. Use of the dark blood T1-weighted sequences and delayed gadolinium enhancement assist in evaluation of the structural RV and LV abnormalities, such as fibrofatty infiltration and inflammation. Our ARVC/D protocol is fairly standardized and provides structural and functional data for both ventricles since LV involvement is an important clinical and prognostic factor in this disorder. Finally, we discuss some methodological aspects of RV volumetric measurements and provide recommendations for repeatable quantitation of RV volume.
Deliberative Discussion Focus Groups

This article discusses a new approach for the conduct of focus groups in health research. Identifying ways to educate and inform participants about the topic of interest prior to the focus group discussion can promote more quality data from informed opinions. Data on this deliberative discussion approach are provided from research within three federally funded studies. As healthcare continues to improve from scientific and technological advancements, educating the research participants prior to data collection about these complexities is essential to gather quality data.
Adenovirus-mediated tissue-targeted expression of the HSVtk gene for the treatment of breast cancer.

In an effort to develop a genetic therapy for the treatment of breast cancer, we constructed adenoviral vectors containing either the beta-galactosidase (β-gal) reporter gene or the herpes simplex thymidine kinase (HSVtk) suicide gene driven by breast tissue-specific promoters. We utilized upstream regulatory sequences from either the human alpha-lactalbumin (hALA) gene, or the ovine beta-lactoglobulin (oBLG) gene in these vector constructs to target expression of heterologous genes transcriptionally to breast cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. Data derived from breast tissue-specific reporter vectors in vitro demonstrate that expression from the hALA and oBLG promoters are indeed specific for breast cells (T47D, MCF-7, ZR75–1) when compared with non-breast cells (U2OS, HeLa). Moreover, these vectors displayed tumor cell specificity when compared with the normal MCF-10A breast cell line. These vectors also displayed breast tissue specificity when injected systemically (i.v.) into lactating Balb/c mice, which suggests that these promoters maintain their tissue- specific expression pattern within the context of the adenoviral genome in vivo. Tumors, derived from T47D human breast cancer cells, were established in nude mice and injected with either the tissue-specific reporter or suicide vectors. Results from tumors injected (i.t.) with reporter adenoviruses demonstrate that these promoters are active in T47D cells when grown as established tumors and we observed a marked regression of tumors injected with suicide vectors and treated systemically with gancyclovir (150 mg/kg/day) when compared with control animals. Moreover, mouse survival was prolonged after 35 days in mice undergoing therapy with the suicide vectors in conjunction with gancyclovir when compared with the control animals. These data suggest that the transcriptionally targeted hALA or oBLG driven expression of the HSVtk gene may be a feasible therapy for the treatment of human breast cancer.
Characterization of Melt Spun Cu−Nb Ribbons

Microstructure of rapidly solidified Cu-5wt%Nb ribbons produced by melt spinning was investigated by SEM and TEM techniques. Two heat treatments were done: 960°C 1 hour and 900° 3 hours. The microstructures contained three different type particles: (a)large particles located at the grain boundary, (b)small spherical particles located within the grains and at the grain boundaries, and (c)fine precipitates formed upon heat treatment. The evolution of the microstructure is discussed with regard to the previously reported studies.
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia with giant intracytoplasmic inclusions.

Leukemic cells of bone marrow and peripheral blood showing clusters of distinctive, large, uniform, rounded intracytoplasmic inclusions were found in a patient who had acute lymphoblastic leukemia. These membrane-bound inclusions ranged from 0.8 to 1.4 microgram in diameter and were clearly demonstrated on routinely stained preparations. Electron microscopy disclosed transitions between well-developed mitochondria and the electron-dense structures. The functional significance of these presumably altered mitochondria is uncertain. Whorled lamellar internal structures, in occasional fingerprintlike arrangements, may represent duplication of mitochondrial cristae and, functionally, may reflect increased metabolic rate or otherwise abnormal metabolism. Cytochemical studies demonstrated the presence of both periodic acid-Schiff positivity and nonspecific esterase activity in these inclusions, but no peroxidase or acid phosphatase was found. These findings support the lymphoid nature of the disorder. Immunologic surface membrane markers are consistent with this case being, as with the majority of acute lymphoblastic leukemias, of non-B, non-T cell type. Cytogenetic studies on cultured leukemic cells from bone marrow and peripheral blood showed a consistently abnormal karyotype associated with the presence of an XXY chromosomal constitution. Since no other tissues (e.g., dermal fibroblasts) were examined, the diagnosis of Klinefelter's syndrome cannot be confirmed. A causal relationship between the coexistence of the abnormal karyotype and the acute leukemia was not proven but was suspected.
The Changing Shades of China–Africa Relations in the Twenty-First Century: Different Regimes, Non-interference, and Anti-Chinese Populism in Africa

Since the early 2000s, China has become an increasingly important outside player throughout much of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Driving this interest in SSA, China’s rapidly growing economy has demanded raw materials, such as minerals, metal, stone, and glass, which have been imported in large numbers. By 2013, oil made up 80 % of Africa’s imports to China. At the present, the Middle East remains China’s primary source of oil, supplying 2.9 million barrels a day (52 %) of China’s imports in 2013, while sub-Saharan African countries are emerging as an important alternative, providing 1.3 million barrels a day (23 %). At the same time, China’s export-driven economy has sought overseas consumer markets. African countries, characterized by young and growing populations with increasingly affluent middle classes, have provided ideal destinations for China manufactured products. As a consequence, a diverse collection of Chinese imports, including transportation products, machinery, electronics, textiles, plastics and chemicals has found its way into African markets. In total, Sino-African bilateral trade has exploded, expanding from $6 billion in 1995 to over $200 billion in 2013. In securing access to raw materials and consumer markets, Beijing has extended ‘no strings attached’ deals to African partner states, including trade agreements, development assistance and foreign direct investment (FDI)—often connected to infrastructure projects. In 2012, China’s stock of FDI across the continent officially exceeded $18.1 billion. More recently, Chinese officials have suggested the real figure might have exceeded $40 billion in 2013.
Survey of water after the flood situation in the flood zone in Fuzhou

Objective:To understand the quality of drinking water in the flood disaster area after the flood situation in the flood zone.Methods: The affected administrative villages were randomly selected for each exposure of 5 wells(or large wells) and 10 sealed hand pump water well water samples,according to the "life Drinking Water Standards"(GB5749-2006),the total number of bacteria in water samples(CFU/ml),total coliforms(MPN/100 ml),heat-resistant coliform bacteria(MPN/100 ml),Escherichia coli(MPN/100 ml),pH and turbidity were detected.Results: After the flood disaster,the failed rate of the large well is 98.4%,the failed of rate presses water wells is 90.4%.Conclusion: The impact of floods on water quality is very large,we should enhance the water quality monitoring and disaster management to ensure drinking water safety.
Study on the Role of Government in Urban Land Resources Governance in China′s Society Transformation

Efficient allocation and sustainable use of land resources will be enhanced through introducing the "public governance" theory into urban land resource management during the period of Chinese society transformation.With an analysis of the connotation of urban land resources governance,this paper emphasizes"governance style" government in land resources governance,and discusses the relationships between government and society,market,and the public.To achieve "governance style" government,proposals are put forth in terms of the administration concept,function and role of government.
Polynomiography and Chaos

Polynomiography is the algorithmic visualization of iterative systems for computing roots of a complex polynomial. It is well known that iterations of a rational function in the complex plane result in chaotic behavior near its Julia set. In one scheme of computing polynomiography for a given polynomial p(z), we select an individual member from the Basic Family, an infinite fundamental family of rational iteration functions that in particular include Newton’s. Polynomiography is an excellent means for observing, understanding, and comparing chaotic behavior for variety of iterative systems. Other iterative schemes in polynomiography are possible and result in chaotic behavior of different kinds. In another scheme, the Basic Family is collectively applied to p(z) and the iterates for any seed in the Voronoi cell of a root converge to that root. Polynomiography reveals chaotic behavior of another kind near the boundary of the Voronoi diagram of the roots. We also describe a novel Newton-Ellipsoid iterative system with its own chaos and exhibit images demonstrating polynomiographies of chaotic behavior of different kinds. Finally, we consider chaos for the more general case of polynomiography of complex analytic functions. On the one hand polynomiography is a powerful medium capable of demonstrating chaos in different forms, it is educationally instructive to students and researchers, also it gives rise to numerous research problems. On the other hand, it is a medium resulting in images with enormous aesthetic appeal to general audiences.
Designing of silk and ZnO based antibacterial and noncytotoxic bionanocomposite films and study of their mechanical and UV absorption behavior

Bionanocomposites of sericin and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) were prepared by solution casting method and zinc oxide nanoparticles were impregnated within the polymer blend matrix through homogenous phase reaction between zinc chloride and sodium hydroxide at high temperature following an ex-situ co-precipitation method. The prepared bionanocomposites were characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy techniques. The presence of characteristic groups of sericin and ZnO nanoparticles was ascertained by the FTIR spectra. XRD analysis confirmed the impregnation of ZnO nanoparticles and sericin within the PVA matrix. XRD and FESEM of the bionanocomposites provided information about their semicrystalline nature, crystallite size of the particles, and irregular rough surfaces. The TEM confirmed the size of ZnO particles to be in the nanometer range. AFM confirmed the platykurtic nature of the surface while the negative surface skewness shows the predominance of valleys over peaks suggesting for the planar nature of the surface of the bionanocomposites. UV absorption properties of bionanocomposite films were determined by UV absorption spectroscopy. UV absorption increased with increasing amount of ZnO nanoparticles in the nanocomposites. Sericin was found to absorb UV-C radiations between 200-290nm which is mainly due to aromatic amino acids like tryptophan, tyrosine and phenylalanine. The ZnO nanoparticles and sericin protein showed antimicrobial properties as evident from the inhibition zones obtained against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The bionanocomposite was found to be noncytotoxic which was proved by in vitro cytotoxicity test. Microhardness of bionanocomposite films increased with increase in the amount of ZnO nanoparticles in the sericin and PVA matrix.
Mitral valve prolapse: where is the missing link?

Mitral valve prolapse (MVP), is the most common cause of primary mitral regurgitation but remains the subject of debates and gaps of knowledge regarding diagnostic criteria, prevalence and outcome. Diagnostically, the debate appeared settled in the 1980’s after the seminal description by Levine et al. of mitral annulus saddle shape and its influence on MVP diagnosis by echocardiography (1). MVP has since been defined by systolic override of one or both mitral leaflets ≥2 mm above the mitral annulus plane in parasternal long axis or apical 3 chambers view. Prevalence of MVP, based on those criteria, subsequently was estimated around 2.4% of the general population (2). However, as with any single, absolute parameter-based clinical threshold, potential neglect of less clearly defined mitral valve abnormalities, not reaching the 2 mm threshold but suggestive of MVP (thickening and/or billowing), may be a concern. These “incomplete” patterns were classified as physiologic variants of the normal mitral valve, likely not associated with adverse outcomes but were not the focus of specific studies. This “normality” notion was recently challenged in genetic studies that demonstrated the presence of these subtle abnormalities in carriers of mutations linked to MVP (3). Thus, there has been a regain of interest for these “forme fruste” phenotypes, which have been labeled as non-diagnostic forms of MVP (NDM). Presence of NDM in the context of familial MVP suggested possible pathological continuity between NDM and MVP, and NDM as a missing link between the normal valve and the fully characterized MVP. Previous work using the systematic echocardiographic examination of subjects within the Framingham cohort separated NDM patterns (4) in two categories: abnormal anterior coaptation (AAC) and minimal systolic displacement (MSD). However, NDM presence could not be extrapolated to clinical significance and long-term echocardiographic outcomes remained undefined. In the 26 April 2016 issue of Circulation, Delling et al. (5) provide further insights on echocardiographic progression of patients presenting with NDM or MVP from the 5th Framingham cohort and compared them to a reference population issued from the same cohort. After a median follow up of one decade, they observed that 80% (8 out of 10) of patients with AAC and 24% (12 out of 50) of patients with MSD had evolved to full MVP diagnostic criteria while only 1.4% (2 out of 138) of the referent population evolved to MVP.
Use of Computed Tomography to Determine Perforation in Patients With Acute Appendicitis

Abstract Purpose Urgent appendectomy has long been the standard of care for acute appendicitis. Six randomized trials have demonstrated that antibiotics can safely treat appendicitis, but approximately 1 in 4 of these patients eventually requires appendectomy. Overall treatment success may be limited by complex disease including perforation. Patients׳ success on antibiotic therapy may depend on preoperative identification of complex disease on imaging. However, the effectiveness of computed tomography (CT) in differentiating complex disease including perforated from nonperforated appendicitis remains to be determined. The purpose of this study was to assess the preoperative diagnostic accuracy of CT in determining appendiceal perforation in patients operated for acute appendicitis. Methods We performed a retrospective review of pathology and radiology reports from consecutive patients who presented to the emergency department with suspicion for acute appendicitis between January 2012 and May 2015. CT scans were re-reviewed by abdominal imaging fellowship-trained radiologists using standardized criteria, and the radiologists were blinded to pathology and surgical findings. Radiologists specifically noted presence or absence of periappendiceal gas, abscess, appendicolith, fat stranding, and bowel wall thickening. The overall radiologic impression as well as these specific imaging findings was compared to results of pathology and operative reports. Pathology reports were considered the standard for diagnostic accuracy. Results Eighty-nine patients (65% male, average age of 34 years) presenting with right lower quadrant pain underwent CT imaging and prompt appendectomy. Final pathology reported perforation in 48% ( n = 43) of cases. Radiologic diagnosis of perforation was reported in 9% ( n = 8), correctly identifying perforation in 37.5% ( n = 3), and incorrectly reporting perforation in 62.5% of nonperforated cases per pathology. Radiology missed 93% ( n = 40) of perforations postoperatively diagnosed by pathology. There was no secondary finding (fat stranding, diameter >13mm, abscess, cecal wall thickening, periappendiceal gas, simple fluid collection, appendicolith, and phlegmon) with a clinically reliable sensitivity or specificity to predict perforated appendicitis. Surgeon׳s report of perforation was consistent with the pathology report of perforation in only 28% of cases. Conclusions The usefulness of a CT for determining perforation in acute appendicitis is limited, and methods to improve precision in identifying patients with complicated appendicitis should be explored as this may help for improving risk prediction for failure of treatment with antibiotic therapy and help guide patients and providers in shared decision-making for treatment options.
Choriocapillaris evaluation in choroideremia using optical coherence tomography angiography

The choriocapillaris plays an important role in supporting the metabolic demands of the retina. Studies of the choriocapillaris in disease states with optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) have proven insightful. However, image artifacts complicate the identification and quantification of the choriocapillaris in degenerative diseases such as choroideremia. Here, we demonstrate a supervised machine learning approach to detect intact choriocapillaris based on training with results from an expert grader. We trained a random forest classifier to evaluate en face structural OCT and OCTA information along with spatial image features. Evaluation of the trained classifier using previously unseen data showed good agreement with manual grading.
When and why the second-order and bifactor models are distinguishable

Abstract Previous studies (Gignac, 2016; Murray & Johnson, 2013) have explored conditions for which accurate statistical comparison of a second-order and bifactor model is challenging, if not impossible. However, a mathematical basis for this problem has not been offered. We show that a second-order model implies a unique set of tetrad constraints (Bollen & Ting, 1993, 1998, 2000) that the bifactor model does not, and that the two models are distinguishable to the degree that these unique tetrad constraints are violated. Simulated population matrices, and mathematical proofs, are used to demonstrate that: (a) when a second-order model with cross-loadings or correlated residuals is true, fitting a pure (misspecified) second-order model leads to violation of the tetrad constraints, which in turn leads to the chi-square and Bayesian Information Criterion favoring a (misspecified) bifactor model, and (b) a true bifactor model can be identified only when the tetrad constraints of the second-order model are violated, which is mainly a function of the proportionality of loadings. Three model-comparison approaches are offered for applied researchers.
Education and Support Programs for Family Caregivers: Current Practices Across Health-Care Scenarios

Family caregiving in the United States occurs within the context of several important societal changes that impinge directly upon the experience and adjustment of ­persons who live with a chronic and debilitating health condition. In their day-to-day routines, families have more influence on the personal health of each member than any other individual or any health service provider (Elliott & Shewchuk, 2004). Unfortunately, family members are typically viewed as informal, ancillary factors in health service delivery and most health-care delivery systems overlook their role as front-line service providers for many persons who live with chronic and debilitating health-conditions.
0134 What to expect from your expected

Objectives Epidemiologists often compare the observed number of deaths in a cohort to the expected number obtained by multiplying person-time accrued in the cohort by mortality rates for a reference population (ideally, a reference that represents the mortality rate in the cohort in the absence of exposure). However, if exposure is hazardous then this calculation will not consistently estimate the number of deaths expected in the absence of exposure. This is because exposure will have affected the distribution of person-time observed in the study cohort. Methods This talk describes a simple way to consistently estimate the expected number of deaths and illustrates the approach using data from a cohort study of mortality among underground miners. In addition, the talk considers use of these simple counterfactual-based methods for calculation of years of life lost and demonstrate how this clarifies interpretation of results. Results In a cohort of 3254 white male miners followed from 1960 through 2005, the observed number of deaths was 2428. A standard SMR calculation yields an estimate of 1693 expected deaths (SMR=1.4;95% CI: 1.4, 1.5). The proposed counterfactual approach yields 2167 expected deaths (CMR=1.1; 95% CI: 1.1, 1.2). However, the effect of the exposure is reflected by evidence of life shortening. Conclusions The proposed approach yields more interpretable estimates of excess deaths and years of life lost.
The Inter-War Period

Early examples of multinational tribunals before which individuals could press claims against a previously specified sovereign power — but through their own governments — are to be found in the various international claims commissions,1 such as those frequently employed by the United States and the Latin American Nations.2
Spatio-temporal Analysis of Ground Movement Susceptibility in the Kef Area (North West Tunisia)

Ground movements represent a major threat to human life. They are recognized by the political authorities and the scientific community as natural events with a catastrophic socio-economic impact and represent a major danger for most of the stakes (population, habitats, basic infrastructures natural environment). In this context, the Kef region in Tunisia is an example of a territory heavily affected by landslides whose geological and cartographic thematic study enabled us to develop a slippage risk map.
Look to the locals

In Managing the Wild , botanist and tropical ecologist Charles Peters tells rich stories about indigenous forest management, which he accumulated over nearly four decades of fieldwork in Latin America, Africa, Asia, and Australasia. Through an engaging blend of natural history, ethnobotany, and personal anecdote, Peters aims to change the perception that local people exploit natural resources with no regard for the future.
Effect of film thickness on the ferroelectric and dielectric properties of low-temperature (400 °C) Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 films

We report on the effect of the Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 (HZO) film thickness on the ferroelectric and dielectric properties using pulse write/read measurements. HZO films of thicknesses ranging from 5 to 20 nm were annealed at 400 °C for 1 min in a nitrogen ambient to be compatible with the back-end of the line thermal budget. As the HZO film thickness decreases, low-voltage operation (1.0 V or less) can be achieved without the dead layer effect, although switching polarization (Psw) tends to decrease due to the smaller grain size. Meanwhile, for 20-nm-thick HZO films prepared under the identical stress (similar TiN top electrode thickness and thermal budget), the Psw and dielectric constant are reduced because of additional monoclinic phase formation.
Das Taylorsche Stabilitätsproblem mit Modulation

The stability of the time-dependent flow between two concentric circular cylinders is considered, whereby the angular velocity of the inner cylinder is modulated sinusoidally. The initial value problem of the corresponding linearized differential equations for the perturbations is solved by means of the Galerkin method. The convergence of this method follows from an earlier investigation [4]. The behavior in time of the perturbations is studied as a function of the modulation frequency. The results agree with experiments ofDonnelly [3].
Diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of Clostridium difficile colitis.

OBJECTIVE To review the risk factors for, diagnosis and treatment of, and strategies for prevention of, Clostridium difficile colitis. The pharmacists' role in optimizing drug therapy is discussed. DATA SOURCES A Medline search was conducted to identify pertinent clinical studies, consensus guidelines, case reports, and clinical reviews published in the English language through 2002. STUDY SELECTION Chosen studies evaluated the appropriate clinical management and prevention of Clostridium difficile colitis. Studies selected focused on pharmacists' role in the institutional management of this disease. DATA SYNTHESIS Major risk factors for developing Clostridium difficile colitis include renal failure, prolonged hospitalization, age greater than 60, and prolonged exposure to antibiotics. Outpatients are colonized with Clostridium difficile at a rate of about 3 percent while hospitalized patients may have a ten-fold higher colonization rate. Clinical presentation of C. difficile colitis includes diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever, nausea, malaise, anorexia, and dehydration. Treatment consists primarily of oral or parenteral metronidazole for 10 to 14 days. Mandatory infection control and educational programs for both nursing and environmental services staff can greatly reduce the number of institutional infections. Pharmacists can play a key role in these programs as well as optimizing drug therapy. CONCLUSION C. difficile colitis is a hospital-acquired infection that occurs primarily in elderly debilitated patients following the prolonged use of certain antibiotics. Its incidence can be reduced through aggressive infection control procedures and staff education.
Gas-phase thermochemistry of transition metal ligand systems: reassessment of values and periodic trends

One of the key features of applying ion beam techniques to organometallic systems, recognized in its first application [1], has been the ability to determine quantitative thermodynamic information for coordinatively unsaturated organometallic molecules. Gas-phase methods are particularly useful for studies of such species, which are highly reactive because they are not stable 18-e- complexes. This feature is used to advantage in examining the periodic trends in transition metal thermochemistry where the identity of the metal is systematically varied while maintaining the same ligands. Alternatively, trends where the type of ligand is varied for a particular metal allow the various contributions to the bonding to be more completely assessed. Finally, recent studies have examined how the bond energies change as the number of ligands on the metal is systematically increased
Abstract Reflection Groups

The result of §I.5H above suggests the possibility of introducing geometry into abstract group theory: Let W be a group, possibly infinite, generated by a subset S consisting of elements of order 2. Define, as in Chapter I, a special coset to be a coset w(S′) with ω ∈ W and S′ ⊆ S. Now define ∑ = ∑(W, S) to be the poset of special cosets, ordered by the opposite of the inclusion relation: B ≤A in ∑ if and only if B ⊇A as subsets of W, in which case we say that B is a face of A.
Animal Individuality: The Subjective Self

Animal and subjective life-concepts invoke an interiority not found in biological nominalism, aligned with neither physical nor organismic interiority. The traditional conceptions of sensation and locomotion invoked both a vegetable front end, invariably embodied, and something else, a back end where qualia and will might reside. Depending on our definition, modern biology either gives these traits to all organisms or requires numerous “animal” categories for different processes across the phylogenetic spectrum. More problematically, all biological processes, including sensation and locomotion, can be associated with biological consortia as well as biological individuals. Evolutionary proposals, such as those by Millikan and Dennett, and panpsychist proposals, such as those by Mathews, may suggests a way forward by renegotiating Cartesian categories of mind and matter.
Impact of communication sources for achieving campus sustainability

Abstract Using self-reported data from over 12,000 students, staff, and faculty members, this study aims to quantify the effectiveness of various sustainability information sources on the awareness and behavioral changes of participants. Exploratory factor analysis of 12 communication sources resulted in three clusters: news sources, blogs and social media sources, and local sources of information. All three clusters had positive impacts on the sustainability awareness of students, staff, and faculty members. Of the three clusters, local sources were the least effective strategy for enhancing sustainability awareness in all groups. Overall, for undergraduate students, blogs and social media sources were most effective, and for graduate or professional students and staff, news sources were most effective. While sustainability awareness increased from 2012 to 2014, the total effects on actions were small for all groups. The lack of impact on behavioral changes can be explained by the high initial level of action taken by participants, regardless of their low level of awareness about campus-specific sustainability initiatives. Recommendations for further behavioral changes include combining multiple communication sources and channels, providing engagement opportunities, increasing access to information, and using participatory methods to encourage further peer-to-peer support networks.
High-resolution spectroscopy near the continuum limit: the microwave spectrum of trans-3-bromo-1,1,1,2,2-pentafluoropropane

The microwave spectrum of 3-bromo-1,1,1,2,2-pentafluoropropane has been observed using CP-FTMW spectroscopy. Potential energy scans have been performed and confirm the existence of two conformers –...
Accelerated aging and motor control deficits are related to regional deformation of central cerebellar white matter in alcohol use disorder.

The World Health Organization estimates a 12-month prevalence rate of 8+% for an alcohol use disorder (AUD) diagnosis in people age 15 years and older in the United States and Europe, presenting significant health risks that have the potential of accelerating age-related functional decline. According to neuropathological studies, white matter systems of the cerebellum are vulnerable to chronic alcohol dependence. To pursue the effect of AUD on white matter structure and functions in vivo, this study used T1-weighted, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to quantify the total corpus medullare of the cerebellum and a finely grained analysis of its surface in 135 men and women with AUD (mean duration of abstinence, 248 d) and 128 age- and sex-matched control participants; subsets of these participants completed motor testing. We identified an AUD-related volume deficit and accelerated aging in the total corpus medullare. Novel deformation-based surface morphometry revealed regional shrinkage of surfaces adjacent to lobules I-V, lobule IX, and vermian lobule X. In addition, accelerated aging was detected in the regional surface areas adjacent to lobules I-V, lobule VI, lobule VIIB, and lobules VIII, IX, and X. Sex differences were not identified for any measure. For both volume-based and surface-based analyses, poorer performance in gait and balance, manual dexterity, and grip strength were linked to greater regional white matter structural deficits. Our results suggest that local deformation of the corpus medullare has the potential of identifying structurally and functionally segregated networks affected in AUD.
Electric power sector energy efficiency

Abstract In this chapter, we provide descriptions of electricity generation and delivery, including concepts and calculations related to customer demand profiles, and efficiencies of conversion and electrical transmission.
31P NMR studies of metabolism in Acanthamoebacastellanii: Polyphosphate release from encysted cells

Abstract 31 P NMR studies of Acanthamoeba castellanii have shown that encysting cells release polyphosphate into the encystment medium. Mature cysts contain low levels of polyphosphate, as do vegetative cells. Young cysts (7 days) show detectable levels of nucleotide diphosphates and triphosphate similar to those observed in vegetative cells. Mature cysts (90 days) show only excreted polyphosphate as well as a component which has a chemical shift of a phosphodiester. The inorganic phosphate peak in the cyst shows that the cyst milieu is liquid-like and that the intracellular environment maintains a pH between 6 and 7.5 in the presence of extracellular values from 4 to 9.
An approach to improve interface healing in FFF-3D printed Ultem 1010 using laser pre-deposition heating

Abstract Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) 3D printing has become an effective way to fabricate custom parts at low cost and fast speed. However, due to anisotropic properties of FFF 3D printed parts, their mechanical strength is unsatisfactory compared to those of parts made using traditional methods. To address this issue, an in-process laser local pre-deposition heating (LLPH) method is reported to increase thermal relaxation at inter-layer interface, for improvement of inter-layer adhesion, and therefore tensile strength in the build direction. The effect of laser power on tensile strength, and in-depth investigation of polymer relaxation, reptation and entanglement are presented. 178% increase in tensile strength and an isotropy value of 82.8% (build-direction strength divided by build-plane strength) were achieved. Isotropic behavior at inter-layer interface was observed using Scanning Electron Microscope.
Artificial Professional Advice

What does it mean to give professional advice, and how do things change when various forms of technology, such as decision-support software or predictive advice-generating algorithms, are inserted into the process of professional advice-giving? Professional advice is valuable to clients because of the asymmetry between lay and expert knowledge where professionals have knowledge that their clients lack. But technology is increasingly changing the traditional process of professional advice-giving. This Article considers the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) into the healthcare provider-patient relationship. Technological innovation in medical advice-giving occurs in a densely regulated space. The legal framework governing professional advice-giving exists to protect the values underlying the provider-patient relationship. This Article first sketches the regulatory landscape of professional advice-giving, focusing on the values protected by the existing legal framework. It then considers various technological interventions into the advice-giving relationship, identifying the changes that result. Finally, it outlines legal responses aimed to integrate AI-based innovations into medical advice-giving while at the same time upholding the values underlying the professional advice-giving relationship. To the extent the existent regulatory framework is responsive to these changes, it ought to be kept in place. But when the introduction of AI into medical advice-giving changes the dynamics of the relationship in a way that threatens the underlying values, new regulatory responses become necessary.
Phase I/II randomized study of proton beam with anti-VEGF for exudative age-related macular degeneration: long-term results.

To determine if treatment of exudative age-related macular degeneration (eAMD) using proton beam therapy (PBT) combined with intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy is safe and effective long term. Thirty eyes with newly diagnosed eAMD were enrolled in a phase I/II prospective, sham-controlled double-masked university study. Eyes were randomized 1:1:1–24 GyE, 16 GyE or sham radiation, and treated with three initial monthly intravitreal ranibizumab or bevacizumab. Subsequent anti-VEGF reinjection was based on monthly optical coherence tomography and examination for 2 years and standard of care thereafter. A total of 23 eyes completed 2-year study follow-up, of which 16 maintained monthly follow-up. Mean best-correct visual acuity (BCVA) at 2 years was similar among treatment groups (p > 0.05). The 24 GyE group required fewer anti-VEGF injections when compared with the sham group at 2 years (4.67 ± 1.9 vs 9.67 ± 3.5; p = 0.017). Extended follow-up (mean 4 years) available in 22 eyes showed persistent reduced need for anti-VEGF therapy among eyes treated with 24 GyE compared with sham radiation (2.0 ± 1.6 vs 4.84 ± 2.4 per year, p = 0.008). New and increasing geographic atrophy (GA), noted in some eyes in all treatment groups, resulted in decreased mean BCVA from baseline for the 24 GyE group on extended follow-up (p = 0.009). Possible mild radiation retinopathy noted in 15% of eyes was not visually significant. Initial treatment combining PBT (24 GyE) with intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy appears to decrease the need for anti-VEGF reinjection in eyes with newly diagnosed eAMD. Radiation retinopathy risk was low and does not appear visually significant. Long-term vision was limited by GA development especially in the 24 GyE group.
Optimization Theory for ReLU Neural Networks Trained with Normalization Layers

Author(s): Dukler, Yonatan; Gu, Quanquan; Montufar, Guido | Abstract: The success of deep neural networks is in part due to the use of normalization layers. Normalization layers like Batch Normalization, Layer Normalization and Weight Normalization are ubiquitous in practice, as they improve generalization performance and speed up training significantly. Nonetheless, the vast majority of current deep learning theory and non-convex optimization literature focuses on the un-normalized setting, where the functions under consideration do not exhibit the properties of commonly normalized neural networks. In this paper, we bridge this gap by giving the first global convergence result for two-layer neural networks with ReLU activations trained with a normalization layer, namely Weight Normalization. Our analysis shows how the introduction of normalization layers changes the optimization landscape and can enable faster convergence as compared with un-normalized neural networks.
Intersecting vulnerabilities in human biology: Synergistic interactions between climate change and increasing obesity rates.

Objectives Increasing obesity rates and accelerating climate change represent two global health challenges shaped by lifestyle change and human environmental modifications. Yet, few studies have considered how these issues may interact to exacerbate disease risk. Methods In this theory article, we explore evidence that obesity-related disease and climatic changes share socio-ecological drivers and may interact to increase human morbidity and mortality risks. Additionally, we consider how obesity-climate change interactions may disproportionately affect vulnerable populations and how anthropological research can be applied to address this concern. Results Interactions between heat stress and cardiometabolic disease represent an important pathway through which climate change and obesity-related morbidities may jointly impair health. For example, individuals with higher body fatness and obesity-related metabolic conditions (eg, type 2 diabetes) exhibit a reduced ability to dissipate heat. The risk of poor health resulting from these interactions is expected to be heterogeneous, with low- and middle-income countries, individuals of lower socioeconomic status, and minority populations facing a greater disease burden due to relative lack of resource access (eg, air conditioning). Moreover, older adults are at higher risk due to aging-associated changes in body composition and loss of thermoregulation capabilities. Conclusions Few policy makers appear to be considering how interventions can be designed to simultaneously address the medical burden posed by increasing obesity rates and climate change. Anthropological research is well situated to address this need in a nuanced and culturally-sensitive way; producing research that can be used to support community resilience, promote holistic well-being, and improve health outcomes.
Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-grafted gold nanoparticles at the vapor/water interface.

Abstract Hypothesis Grafting nanoparticles surfaces with water-soluble polymers modify interparticle interactions that are pivotal for assembling them into ordered phases. By manipulating salt concentrations of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) that are grafted with poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM-AuNPs), we hypothesize that various aggregated phases form at the suspension/vapor interface or in the bulk that depend on the molecular weight (MW) of PNIPAM and on salt concentrations. Experiments AuNPs are grafted with thiolated PNIPAM of molecular weights of 3 or 6 kDa, and grafting is confirmed by dynamic light scattering. Liquid-surfaces X-ray reflectivity and grazing incidence small-angle X-ray scattering are used to determine the density profiles of the suspension/vapor interface and their inplane structure as salt is added to the suspensions. Findings We find that surface enrichment is induced by adding NaCl to the suspensions, and that at low salt concentrations, the monoparticle layer formed is dispersed, and above a threshold salt concentration, depending on MW of PNIPAM, the PNIPAM-AuNPs order in a hexagonal structure. We show that the lattice constant of the two-dimensional hexagonal structure varies with salt concentration, and more significantly with MW of PNIPAM.
Super-Resolution Surface Water Mapping on the Canadian Shield Using Planet CubeSat Images and a Generative Adversarial Network

The Canadian Shield, the world’s largest exposure of glaciated crystalline bedrock, is the most lake-rich region on Earth. Recent studies using high-resolution CubeSat satellite imagery have reveal...