cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A potentially significant on-wafer high-frequency measurement calibration error

High accuracy radio-frequency (RF) measurements typically require a calibration to remove the undesired effects of the measurement apparatus. The calibration consists of measuring some combination of known standards such as short, open, load, through, and delay. When measurements are performed on-wafer for silicon RF integrated circuits (RFICs), a two-step calibration/de-embedding technique is typically used. First, the measurement system is calibrated to a reference plane located at the probe tips through measurement of calibration standards fabricated on an impedance-standard substrate. Second, on-wafer de-embedding standards are measured in an attempt to shift the reference plane to the terminals of the device under test (DUT). While significant effort has gone into the development of improved on-wafer de-embedding schemes, discrepancies between actual and de-embedded data still exist. In this article, we first discuss a specific case (a spiral inductor on silicon) for which there was a significant discrepancy between measurement and analysis. The problem is found to be with the measurement. This problem is detailed, and a technique we call "synthetic calibration" is described that can be used with any electromagnetic (EM) analysis to quantify calibration error for any proposed set of calibration standards. Due to the high expense and time required for wafer fabrication, it is important to successfully complete such a calibration validation prior to tape-out.
Second Language Writing Ability: Towards a Complete Construct Definition

In this paper, I explore the construct of second language (L2) writing ability within the context of large-scale writing assessment. As L2 writing theory is based in part on the previously established field of first language (L1) writing, I provide a brief discussion of seminal contributions from this related field before summarizing and critiquing a few early L2 writing studies. This discussion includes the process-product debate in writing research and identifies the inadequacies of applying L1 process definitions to a construct definition of L2 writing ability. After drawing a distinction between L2 and L1 writing ability, I summarize several empirical studies in L2 writing research, noting how these contribute to our current understanding of the nature of the construct. I conclude by suggesting what remains to be explored in the quest for a more complete construct definition of L2 writing ability. Specifically, I claim that a complete model of L2 writing ability must indicate (a) how L2 writing ability is distinct from other types of L2 knowledge, and (b) how L2 proficiency and writing ability interact.
A Superposition Technique for Multiple-Row Film-Cooling for Calculation of 2-D Effectiveness and Heat Transfer Coefficients

A superposition technique for multiple-row film-cooling heat-transfer augmentation and effectiveness is investigated. The technique is developed for use with 2-D correlations of film-cooling properties such as film cooling effectiveness and heat transfer coefficients. The method proposed is for implementations with Iterative Conjugate Heat-Transfer using a Reduced Order Film Model (ICHT-ROFM). The superposition technique is used in conjunction with 2-D correlations developed in a previous study for single row of holes to obtain the heat transfer augmentation and film-cooling effectiveness for two staggered rows for dustpan shaped holes. The results are compared to data for multiple-row film-cooling. The results for effectiveness were within 15% of empirical data. The results obtained from using the current technique are compared to spanwise-averaged superposition techniques, which had errors nearing 50%, and it was found to be more accurate.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
NUMBER OF R&D ALLIANCES AND INNOVATION OUTPUT — NONLINEAR RELATIONSHIP EVIDENCE FROM THE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY

What is the precise nature of the relationship between a firm’s research and development alliance portfolio size and its innovation output? The existing literature is inconclusive between a positive linear relationship and a nonlinear variant. To address the issue, this study explores the relationship between alliance portfolio size and innovation output in the context of the pharmaceutical industry. Contrary to previous investigations, our results suggest increasing returns at a diminishing rate at a low to moderate alliance portfolio level while exhibiting increasingly higher returns at a moderate to high level of portfolio size. An advantage of the present investigation is that we draw from a larger data set of alliance agreements compared to earlier investigations. Additionally, the results provide improved reliability compared to previous studies where violations of some underlying assumptions have been overlooked. The paper concludes with a discussion of findings and suggestions for future research.
Fluted Point Measurements

Paradoxically, in presenting fluted point measurements and proportions the percentage or ratio relationship of maximum (or minimum or average) fluting to total blade length is not completely a matter of mathematics. This seems to have escaped the notice of many students of the paleo-Indian flint industries. The problem involved has come to the attention of the writer in the course of studying several series of northeastern and Great Lakes area fluted points, with the result that he has been as frequently bewildered as enlightened in attempting to compare his data with those obtained by other archaeologists.
Cultural Control of the Red Oak Borer (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) In Forest Management Units

Treated population levels of the red oak borer, Enaphalodes rufulus Haldeman, were reduced by 63 to 68% compared to untreated populations. Treatment of forest management units consisted of felling and sectioning all “brood trees” in ca. 34 ha of east-central Ohio oak/hickory stands. Less than 1% of the potential crop trees were sacrificed to treatment in each management unit. Costs ranged from $16–18/ha, and benefits ranged from $528–1232/ha, assuming an 80-year timber management regimen. Red oak borer larvae (3- to 6-month-old) in felled trees were preyed on by ants of the genus Aphaenogaster and tunnels made by 12- to 20-month-old larvae were colonized by female ants Camponotus pennsylvanicus (DeGeer).
MULTIVARIATE DISTRIBUTIONS FOR THE LIFE LENGTHS OF COMPONENTS OF A SYSTEM SHARING A COMMON ENVIRONMENT

In assessing the reliability of a system of components, it is usual to suppose the components to fail independently of each other. Often this is inappropriate because the common environment acting on all components induces correlation. For example, a harsh environment will encourage early failure of all components. A simple model that incorporates such dependencies is described, and several properties of this model investigated. Calculations are carried out for a parallel system of two components. Inequalities for multicomponent systems are suggested. The results generalize easily.
Hierarchical organization of female Macaca radiata in captivity

Females of several species of macaques form cohesive matrilineal units in which all members share a collective status. The relationship between rank and kinship inMacaca radiata has not previously been studied. Analysis of observations of social interactions in a large and stable captive group ofM. radiata and longitudinal study of kinship and reproductive success indicate that with few exceptions a matrilineal dominance hierarchy exists in that group. Four young, upwardly mobile females are responsible for the exceptions. Contrary to the pattern noted in other species of macaques, several adult females outrank their daughters. Old age and deteriorating physical condition of mothers appear to be associated with mother-daughter rank reversals. The age and lineage size of females when they entered the group have had a lasting impact. Females who entered the group as adults have achieved higher rank and greater reproductive success than females who entered the group as juveniles without relatives.
Storage stability in plastic and glass containers of oxalated plasma for prothrombin time determinations.

The container type (i.e., glass, siliconized glass, or plastic) used for the collection of oxalated plasma for prothrombin-time determination is not of clinical significance. If the specimen container, regardless of type, is stoppered, with less than 1 cm. air space, the effect of standing at room temperature for 15 min. to 24 hr. after collection of blood is not clinically significant. Thus, the collection and storage of oxalated blood specimens does not require stringent precautions except that the container should be filled and kept stoppered; a large number of prothrombin time determinations can be done easily and efficiently without undue concern about the room-temperature storage stability of the specimens. The storage stability of restoppered specimens provides a quality control feature in the routine laboratory because it enables the laboratory to confirm reports which are unexpected and challenged by the physician.
Cloning and characterization of platelet factor 4 cDNA derived from a human erythroleukemic cell line.

We report the isolation of a platelet factor 4 (PF4) cDNA clone from a lambda gt11 expression cDNA library which was derived from a human erythroleukemic (HEL) cell line. The sequence of the DNA insert includes the 3′-untranslated region, the entire amino acid coding region for the mature PF4 protein, and a 5′ region containing coding information for an additional 18 amino acids. In addition, supplemental genomic DNA sequencing shows that the full-length leader sequence is 30 amino acids long plus an initial methionine and codes for a hydrophobic signal-like sequence which is probably involved in transmembrane transport. A single species mRNA of approximately 800 nucleotides was detected on blots of HEL cell poly(A) + RNA using a labeled PF4 cDNA probe. The human PF4 leader sequence shares some DNA, but no amino acid, homology with the 15 amino acids at the N-terminus of mature bovine PF4, suggesting rapid divergence in this region of PF4 between these two species. Sequence comparison of the coding regions of mature PF4 and gamma IP-10, a protein induced in a variety of cells following treatment with gamma-interferon, shows a corrected divergence of 76%. The divergence of a common ancestor protein into PF4 and gamma IP-10 may have accompanied the development of sophisticated immune and coagulation systems in vertebrates. The availability of cDNA and genomic DNA information for these genes in other species will be useful in studying the evolution of the coagulation and immune systems.
What survivors want: Understanding the needs of sexual assault survivors

Objective: Sexual assault is a pervasive crime on our college campuses and many survivors do not seek post-assault resources. This study will explore components of alternative interventions to cons...
Annual ADEA Survey of Dental School Seniors: 2014 Graduating Class

This study presents the results of the annual American Dental Education Association (ADEA) Survey of Dental School Seniors for the graduating class of 2014. Where appropriate, data from past surveys are incorporated to show changes over time. The survey covers a range of topics, including students’ decisions to pursue a dental career, dental school experience, financing of dental education, planned activities after graduation, and perceived preparation to treat underserved groups. The survey response rate was 84% and included respondents from all 58 U.S. dental schools with graduating classes in 2014. The findings characterize who is entering the dental profession, how they will contribute to the dental workforce, and whether schools are meeting the perceived needs of students. Following graduation, these seniors reported primarily planning to enter private practice (45%) or advanced dental education (38%). Of those going into private practice, 65% planned to be an associate at a private dental practice. Nearly 11% had no educational debt, while the remaining respondents averaged $247,227 in total educational debt. Although few seniors intended to teach immediately after graduation, over half planned to teach at some point in the future. Finally, most of these seniors reported that their schools had generally met their perceived needs; agreed or strongly agreed that the time spent on most subject areas was appropriate; and agreed or strongly agreed that their school’s curriculum had adequately prepared them to practice in settings with culturally and ethnically diverse patients. Among the demographic findings were that a quarter of the seniors were from lower income families. These students were more likely to have become interested in dentistry as a career prior to undergraduate studies than did the higher income students. These and other results from the survey provide a look into the experiences and perceptions of new dental professionals.
La diferencia de Vallejo

El articulo trata de una (re)lectura del primer libro de poemas de Vallejo, Los heraldos negros, en un intento de iluminar lo que una vez lo hizo unico, importante y original. En el se enfatiza el uso innovativo (y a veces inocente), por parte de Vallejo, de las palabras e imagenes "no poeticas" tomadas de los terminos indigenas y del habla popular; la exaltacion de la humilde rutina de la vida cotidiana en una aldea andina del siglo XX, insertandola en el contexto del clasico y atemporal mito occidental; y, finalmente, su conciencia de sus propias "incorrecciones" al realizar estas innovaciones. A (re)reading of Vallejo's first book of poems, Los heraldos negros ( 1918) in an attempt to highlight what once made it unique, important and original. Emphasis is given to Vallejo's innovative (and sometimes innocent) use of "non-poetic" words and images deriving from indigenous terms and popular speech, to his elevating the humble everyday routine of life in a 20th century Andean village by inserting it in the context of timeless and classical (Western) myth. And, finally, to his awareness of his own "incorrections" in making these innovations.
Impact of Primary Language and Insurance on Pediatric Hearing Health Care in a Multidisciplinary Clinic

Objective This study aims to describe the effects of primary language and insurance status on care utilization among deaf or hard-of-hearing children under active otolaryngologic and audiologic care. Study Design Cross-sectional analysis. Setting Multidisciplinary hearing loss clinic at a tertiary center. Subjects and Methods Demographics, hearing loss data, and validated survey responses were collected from 206 patients aged 0 to 19 years. Two-sided t tests and χ2 tests were used to obtain descriptive statistics and hypothesis testing. Results Of the sample, 52.4% spoke primarily English at home. Non-English-speaking children and families were less likely to receive psychiatric counseling (12.2% vs 35.2% in the English group, P < .001) and reported more difficulty obtaining educational interventions ( P = .016), and 68.9% had public insurance. Parents of publicly insured children were less likely to know the type or degree of their child's hearing loss (56.9% vs 75.4%, P = .022), and these children were older on presentation to the clinic (8.5 vs 6.5 years of age, P = .01) compared to privately insured children. Publicly insured children were less likely to receive cochlear implants ( P = .046) and reported increased difficulty obtaining hearing aids ( P = .047). While all patients reported impairment in hearing-related quality of life, publicly insured children aged 2 to 7 years were more likely to perform below minimum thresholds on measures of auditory/oral functioning. Conclusion Even when under active care, deaf or hard-of-hearing children from families who do not speak English at home or with public insurance face more difficulty obtaining educational services, cochlear implants, and hearing aids. These findings represent significant disparities in access to necessary interventions.
Novel anti-obesity effects of beer hops compound xanthohumol: role of AMPK signaling pathway

Obesity alters adipose tissue metabolic and endocrine functioning, leading to an increased adiposity and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Various phytochemicals have been reported to contribute to the beiging of white adipose tissue in order to ameliorate obesity by increasing thermogenesis. Here, we show that the prenylated chalcone, xanthohumol (XN), induces beiging of white adipocytes, stimulates lipolysis, and inhibits adipogenesis of murine 3T3-L1 adipocytes and primary human subcutaneous preadipocytes and these effects are partly mediated by the activation of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway. 3T3-L1 adipocytes and primary human subcutaneous preadipocytes were differentiated using a standard protocol and were treated with various concentrations of XN, dorsomorphin, an AMPK inhibitor, or AICAR, an AMPK activator, to investigate the effects on adipogenesis, beiging and lipolysis. XN induced beiging of white adipocytes as witnessed by the increased expression of beige markers CIDE-A and TBX-1. XN increased mitochondrial biogenesis, as evidenced by increased mitochondrial content, enhanced expression of PGC-1α, and the thermogenic protein UCP1. Following 24 h of treatment, XN also increased oxygen consumption rate. XN stimulated lipolysis of mature 3T3-L1 and primary human subcutaneous adipocytes and inhibited adipogenesis of maturing adipocytes. XN activated AMPK and in turn, XN-induced upregulation of UCP1, p-ACC, HSL, and ATGL was downregulated in the presence of dorsomorphin. Likewise, an XN-induced decrease in adipogenesis was reversed in the presence of dorsomorphin. Taken together, XN demonstrates anti-obesity effects by not only inducing beiging but also decreasing adipogenesis and inducing lipolysis. The anti-obesity effects of XN are partly mediated by AMPK signaling pathway suggesting that XN may have potential therapeutic implications for obesity.
Effect of Serum Adiponectin Levels on the Association Between Childhood Body Mass Index and Adulthood Carotid Intima-Media Thickness.

Childhood obesity predicts adult cardiovascular risk. We hypothesized that the association between childhood body mass index (BMI) and adult carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) may be modified by levels of adiponectin, an adipocytokine that connects body fatness with cardiovascular risk. The study sample included 1,052 adults (71% white and 29% black, 57% female) aged 23.8 to 43.5 years who were previously examined as children in the Bogalusa Heart Study cohort, with an average follow-up period of 26.5 (range 14.1 to 29.6) years. Childhood BMI, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and systolic blood pressure were standardized to age-specific z-scores. General linear models were used for data analyses. Childhood BMI (p = 0.034), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p
Advances in Thermionic Energy Conversion through Single-Crystal n-Type Diamond

Thermionic energy conversion, a process that allows direct transformation of thermal to electrical energy, presents a means of efficient electrical power generation as the hot and cold side of the corresponding heat engine are separated by a vacuum gap. Conversion efficiencies approaching those of the Carnot cycle are possible if material parameters of the active elements at the converter, i.e. electron emitter or cathode and collector or anode, are optimized for operation in the desired temperature range. These parameters can be defined through the law of Richardson-Dushman that quantifies the ability of a material to release an electron current at a certain temperature as a function of the emission barrier or work function and the emission or Richardson constant. Engineering materials to defined parameter values presents the key challenge in constructing practical thermionic converters. The elevated temperature regime of operation presents a constraint that eliminates most semiconductors and identifies diamond, a wide band-gap semiconductor, as a suitable thermionic material through its unique material properties. For its surface a configuration can be established, the negative electron affinity (NEA), that shifts the vacuum level below the conduction band minimum eliminating the surface barrier for electron emission. In addition, its ability to accept impurities as donor states allows materials engineering to control the work function and the emission constant. Single crystal diamond electrodes with nitrogen levels at 1.7 eV and phosphorus levels at 0.6 eV were prepared by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition where the work function was controlled from 2.88 eV to 0.67 eV, one of the lowest thermionic work functions reported. This work function range was achieved through control of the doping concentration where a relation to the amount of band bending emerged. Upward band bending that contributed to the work function was attributed to surface states where lower doped homoepitaxial films exhibited a surface state density of ~3x1011 cm-2. With these optimized doped diamond electrodes highly efficient thermionic converters are feasible with a Schottky barrier at the diamond collector contact mitigated through operation at elevated temperatures.
The Pope and Asia: Building Bridges—Reconciliation with the People’s Republic of China

The Vatican’s most tenacious problem in Asia remains the reconciliation of the Greater Chinese Catholic Church, whose Mainland Catholic communities are disconnected from the Holy See and the Catholic communities in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macao. From the Vatican viewpoint, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is the core problem as it has assumed hegemonic control over society and severed links with the universal Church. While John Paul II initiated reconciliation in the early 1980s, Pope Francis started the newest phase in March 2013. By February 2017, both sides reached a preliminary consensus to end the division between the official and unofficial Chinese Catholic communities. To achieve reconciliation, Pope Francis has adopted an inculturation strategy that builds upon shared cultural values, an accommodation strategy that cooperates with but does not serve the party-state, and an implementation strategy that relies on consultation and papal authority.
Modeling of cavitating flow induced by an ultrasonic horn above a solid target with a microhole

Abstract Ultrasonic cavitation may be involved in many manufacturing-related applications, such as ultrasonic cleaning, ultrasonic cavitation peening, and ultrasound-assisted water-confined laser micromachining (UWLM). However, the previous physics-based modeling work has been very limited for cavitating flow induced by an ultrasonic horn near a solid target with a microhole. Such modeling work is reported in this paper, where two-dimensional compressible fluid mechanics equations, together with an equation governing the vapor-volume fraction evolution, are solved numerically. The model prediction shows reasonable consistency with experimental results in the literature for cavitating flow induced by an ultrasonic horn in water relatively far from a solid wall. Then the model is used to study the cavitating flow induced by a horn placed near a solid wall with a microhole. Under the studied conditions, the model calculations show that the horn-induced peak pressure magnitude at the microhole center decreases as the hole becomes deeper. On the other hand, the horn-induced temporal peak pressure at the hole bottom surface is spatially relatively uniform in the r (radial) direction, while the peak pressure on a solid surface without the hole decreases quickly with r. However, the peak pressure induced on the hole sidewall is not spatially uniform, and the largest peak pressure on the sidewall occurs at the hole bottom. The model may help future fundamental research work on ultrasonic horn-induced cavitating flow near a solid wall with a microhole, and may also provide a useful guiding tool for related manufacturing applications.
Towards Energy-Efficient Multi-Level Cell STT-MRAM Caches with Content Awareness

Spin-Transfer Torque Magnetoresistive Random Access Memory (STT-MRAM) is a promising memory technology, which has high density, low leakage power, fast read speed, and non-volatility, and is suitable for on-chip last-level caches with large capacity. Recently, Multi-Level Cell (MLC) STT-MRAM records two bits in a single cell to further improve the density for building even bigger on-chip caches. However, MLC worsens write energy consumption and endurance. The magnetization directions of its hard and soft domains cannot be flipped to two opposite directions simultaneously, which leads to the two-step transition problem for certain combinations of updating the 2-bit value. The two-step transition incurs extra flip in the soft domains, consume high energy, and negatively impact the life time of MLC STT-MRAM. In this paper, we present a new dimension to alleviate high write energy issue in MLC. During cache replacement, we select among a few candidates blocks close to the LRU position for replacement to lower the write energy with minimum impact on cache performance. We propose a novel block content encoding method to represent whole block with a few bits and use the encoding bits for better cache replacement. After picking the replacement block, we apply intelligent remap of each updated 2-bit values to further reduce the write energy. Performance evaluation results show this content-aware cache replacement can lower the write energy by 26.1% in comparison with MLC caches using regular Pseudo-LRU replacement polic
Thiol-Activated Hydrogen Sulfide Donors Antiviral and Anti-Inflammatory Activity in Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection.

We have recently shown that endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S), an important cellular gaseous mediator, exerts an antiviral and anti-inflammatory activity in vitro and in vivo, and that exogenous H2S delivered via the synthetic H2S-releasing compound GYY4137 also has similar properties. In this study, we sought to extend our findings to a novel class of H2S donors, thiol-activated gem-dithiol-based (TAGDDs). In an in vitro model of human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection, TAGDD-1 treatment significantly reduced viral replication, even when added up to six hours after infection. Using a mouse model of RSV infection, intranasal delivery of TAGDD-1 to infected mice significantly reduced viral replication and lung inflammation, markedly improving clinical disease parameters and pulmonary dysfunction, compared to vehicle treated controls. Overall our results indicate that this novel synthetic class of H2S-releasing compounds exerts antiviral and anti-inflammatory activity in the context of RSV infection and represents a potential novel pharmacological approach to ameliorate viral-induced lung disease.
The Role of the Amygdala in Escape-Avoidance Behaviors

I first became interested in the influence of the amygdala on escape-avoidance behavior several years ago when I somewhat inadvertently induced temporal lobe seizures and marked “personality changes” in cats by the administration of minute quantities of acetylcholine to the basolateral portion of the amygdaloid complex (Grossman, 1963). The injections produced epileptiform spike discharges in the amygdaloid complex which spread rapidly to other portions of the temporal lobe, and involved eventually other regions of the brain. Overt psychomotor seizures typically appeared within 10–15 minutes after the injection, and persisted with minor interruptions for several hours. Afterwards, the animals appeared exhausted, but were clearly hypersensitive to any form of external stimulation, and attacked the experimenter rather than permit normal handling. Additional brief (2–5 min) epileptiform seizure attacks were observed during the next 24–48 hours. The electroencephalographic (EEG) activity of the temporal lobe remained highly abnormal for 10–15 days after the motor disturbances had subsided, and the animals continued to attack man as well as other animals (cats and rats) at the slightest provocation.
The magnetic susceptibility of niobium

Abstract The magnetic susceptibilities of several grades of niobium have been measured in the temperature range 78–400 K. For very-high-purity metal it is concluded that χ300K = 214.1 ± 0.3 μ emu/mole. The susceptibility temperature dependence is not uniformly linear within 78–400 K but changes slope at 160 K, a temperature at which a change also seems to take place in the linear thermal expansion behavior. The susceptibility temperature dependences of high-purity niobium are: ∂χ ∂T (78–160 K ) = −1.9 × 10 −2 μ emu/mole deg , and ∂χ ∂T (160–300 K ) = −3.4 × 10 −2 μ emu/mole deg . Also considered are the influences of contamination by tantalum, and by oxygen.
Biophysical Chemistry of Physiological Solutions

This chapter describes the hydrogen-bonded structure of liquid water and its dipolar and dielectric properties. In salt solutions, water exhibits three regions of structure: oriented dipoles near ions; an intermediate structure-breaking region; and flickering clusters with short-range order characteristic of ice. Electrostatic interactions between ions and water based on Coulomb’s law account for the enthalpy of hydration, as well as for the sequence of ionic mobilities of the hydrated alkali cations. Salts and non-electrolytes dissolve in cell water with nearly the same solubility and activity as in extracellular water; even the viscosities are similar. Protons in solution are hydrogen-bonded to water to form H 3 O + , which is further hydrated due to electrostatic forces. Protons migrate through water by a Grotthus chain mechanism; in contrast, other hydrated ions migrate through water as hard spheres that interact with water dipoles according to the ionic radius and charge. Non-specific ion–ion interactions reduce the activity coefficients of ions, as described by the Debye–Huckel theory, which conceptualizes a central ion surrounded by a cloud of counterions with smeared charge. Selective interactions of ions with sites on enzymes or on channel proteins occur in certain predictable specific patterns (Eisenman sequences) that depend on the energy of interaction between the ions and water dipoles, relative to that between ions and their binding sites.
Lessons from Parasites on CD4+ T-Cell Subset Differentiation and Function

Parasites are highly complex eukaryotic pathogens that represent a major cause of morbidity and mortality in humans and livestock. Endoparasites (those that invade the host) exist in two phylogenetic groups: unicellular protozoa and helminths. The interaction of parasites with the immune system has several distinguishing features that are of special interest to fundamental immunologists. Most parasitic pathogens are able to survive the initial host response and produce long-lasting chronic infections designed to promote transmission. The development of chronicity depends not only on the ability of the parasite to escape protective immune responses (immune evasion) but also on the generation of finely tuned mechanisms of immunoregulation that serve both to prevent parasite elimination and suppress host immunopathology. The study of these immunomodulatory pathways in both human and experimental parasitic infections has yielded important insights concerning the mechanisms by which T lymphocytes and cytokines control immune effector functions in vivo. In addition, studies in host-parasite systems have played a major role in elucidating the pathways by which CD4+ T-cells with different effector activities are triggered during antigenic encounter.
Improving the yield of environmental DNA from filtered aquatic samples

Analysis of environmental DNA (eDNA) through non-invasive sampling continues to gain popularity in the surveillance of organisms. Methodological improvement to ensure maximum DNA recovery from the samples would benefit future studies. We investigated the effects of DNA extraction methods and filter preservation methods on eDNA yield by analyzing field-collected water samples for eDNA of the Eastern Hellbender (Cryptobranchus a. alleganiensis). We tested whether the use of bead beating during DNA extraction, which likely facilitates removal of cells trapped on filters, would increase eDNA yield. We also examined whether preservation of filters in ethanol or storage at − 20 °C before extraction would yield more eDNA. Bead beating and preservation at − 20 °C significantly increased the estimated amount of eDNA.
SEX AND RACE DIFFERENCES IN CIRCULATING LEVELS OF NATRIURETIC PEPTIDE CONCENTRATIONS AND THE ASSOCIATION WITH INCIDENT HEART FAILURE IN THE COMMUNITY: THE ATHEROSCLEROSIS RISK IN COMMUNITIES STUDY

We assessed the extent to which known physiologic determinants of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) account for sex- and race differences, and used this information to more uniformly predict HF risk using NT-proBNP. NT-proBNP was assessed in 5,191 participants in the
Kerr-breather-soliton classical time crystals

We describe Kerr-breather-soliton time crystals in which a breathing excitation is sub-harmonically locked to the repetition frequency. Nonlinear modeling explores the behavior of soliton time crystals, and we will report on progress towards their observation.
Recent Developments of Amorphous Selenium-Based X-Ray Detectors: A Review

Amorphous selenium (a-Se) is a photoconductive material that has been intensively investigated from its early application in xerography to its present application in flat panel X-ray imagers. It can be deposited up to a few millimeters thick over a large area. Its high vapor pressure yields uniform coverage in novel device structures for low-cost and large-area applications. The evidence of avalanche multiplication in a-Se and application of a-Se in high-gain avalanche rushing photoconductor video-tubes goes back to the early 1980s. Over the past decade there has been increasing research interest in novel detector structures and integration of a-Se with new materials to leverage the avalanche properties. We summarize some of the shortcomings of a-Se such as low charge carrier mobility, low charge conversion efficiency, depth dependence, and high dark current at high electric fields. We then highlight recent developments in a-Se-based devices to address these shortcomings and enable picosecond timing performance and high detection efficiency.
In the Beginning and Still Today: Recent Publications on Genesis:

This article reviews the monographs and edited volumes on the book of Genesis published since 2015. As a means of organizing the material, the books reviewed are categorized into groupings that ref...
David Hilbert’s Architecture of Theories and Schematic Structuralism

It might be folly to insist on one overall official characterization of the way scientific and mathematical theories ought to be presented. They are usually presented of course in various ways so that the authors and scholars in a field can find optimal means for communication with others, whether within or outside that field. Nevertheless, if theories were thought of as representations of our knowledge, then one way of looking at the representation of theories is to ask, as Hermann Weyl did (2009) “What is the ultimate purpose of forming theories?”, and he then cited the familiar proposal of Heinrich Hertz (1894):This powerful and compact statement of Hertz, resonated with David Hilbert’s revolutionary proposal for the axiomatic representation of theories. The kind of axiomatization Hilbert advocated was exemplified in his Foundations of Geometry, [1899], and was to become the model for his inquiries into the physical sciences as well as mathematical ones.
Nutrition Provider Isolation Is Related to Increased Preference for Enteral Nutrition-Support in Patients With Advanced Dementia.

Background Current guidelines advise against using enteral nutrition (EN) support for patients with advanced dementia (AD) because of negative outcomes. However, research suggests that some registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) in acute-care settings still recommend EN for this patient population. The purpose of this study was to identify workplace characteristics that influence the EN recommendations of acute-care RDNs who care for patients with AD. Methods A random sample of 5000 RDNs in the United States were invited to participate in a web-based survey in which RDNs self-reported the likelihood that they would recommend EN for a patient with AD. Inclusion criteria specified that participants were at least 18 years of age, were an RDN in the United States, and currently provide nutrition care to older adults with dementia. χ2 tests compared RDN recommendations by workplace characteristics. Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with recommending EN for patients with AD. Results Respondents included 204 acute-care RDNs. RDNs in rural or suburban locations were 2.4 times more likely to recommend EN compared with those in urban facilities (95% CI, 1.1-5.1). RDNs who were the only nutrition provider at their facility were 3.3 times more likely to recommend EN than those in facilities with multiple RDNs (95% CI, 1.4-7.9). Conclusion Acute-care RDNs who are isolated either in rural facilities or because they lack other RDN colleagues at their facility may benefit from targeted interventions to increase knowledge and promote adherence to evidence-based guidelines.
An analysis on results of monitoring nontyphoidal Salmonella in diarrhea patients in Huizhou

Objective To investigate prevalence baseline of nontyphoidal Salnonella in Huizhou city,to identify an epidemic outbreak earlier,and to analyze epidemic factors.To explore the serotypes,distribution,and changes in drug resistance of nontyphoidal Salmonella isolated from diarrhea patients,in order to instruct clinical use of medication.Methods Stool specimens of diarrhea patients collected from 2008 to 2009 in the surveillance hospitals in Huizhou were detected for nontyphoidal Salmonella.The isolated strains were further serotyped; drug sensitivity testing and pulse field gel electrophoresis were performed.Results Of 430 diarrhea patients,19 were infected by Salmonella,with the positive rate of 4.42％.The 19 strains had five serotypes,mainly Salmonella typhimurium ( 47.37％ ) and Salmonella enteritidis ( 26.32％ ).Most strains of Salmonellas were sensitive to common antibiotics including cephems and quinolones.Conclusions Salmonella is an important type of enteric pathogen and it causes disease by oral pathway.We should strengthen food safety surveillance and of health education on personal protection,eventually prevent infection with Salmonella. Key words: Diarrhea; Salmonella; Food safety surveillance
Our curious silence about kindness in planning: Challenges of addressing vulnerability and suffering:

Discussions of “justice” in planning are commonplace; discussions of “kindness,” strangely enough, are rare. Perhaps not by accident. Taking “compassion” as an empathetic, intentional orientation t...
Public Health Informatics in the Larger Context of Biomedical and Health Informatics

Public health informatics (PHI) is one branch of the larger field of biomedical and health informatics (BMHI), which is the field concerned with optimal use of information, often aided by the use of technology, to improve individual health, health care, public health, and biomedical research. This chapter defines the terminology of BMHI and identifies where other branches of the field can inform the science and practice of PHI. It also describes the major applications of BMHI, including the electronic health record, personal health record, telemedicine/telehealth, and bioinformatics. The emerging areas of data science and machine learning are discussed from the standpoint of their role in advancing BMHI. Finally, an overview of the evidence base and areas needing continued study and improvement are explored.
Severe chronic bowel obstruction associated with brown bowel syndrome

A 61-year-old alcoholic male with history of cholecystectomy presented with a 20-year history of recurrent bowel obstruction and a 30 lb weight loss. After numerous attempts at conservative managem...
Improving Computational Assessment of Porous Materials for Water Adsorption Applications via Flat Histogram Methods

Water adsorption in porous materials has recently drawn considerable attention for its tremendous potential in environmental applications such as water harvesting from air. A key step to the deploy...
Short-term repeatability of the peguero-lo presti electrocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy criteria.

Background Electrocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy (ECG-LVH) represents preclinical cardiovascular disease and predicts cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality. While the newly developed Peguero-Lo Presti ECG-LVH criteria have greater sensitivity for LVH than the Cornell voltage and Sokolow-Lyon criteria, its short-term repeatability is unknown. Therefore, we characterized the short-term repeatability of Peguero-Lo Presti ECG-LVH criteria and evaluate its agreement with Cornell voltage and Sokolow-Lyon ECG-LVH criteria. Methods Participants underwent two resting, standard, 12-lead ECGs at each of two visits one week apart (n = 63). We defined a Peguero-Lo Presti index as a sum of the deepest S wave amplitude in any single lead and lead V4 (i.e., SD + SV4 ) and defined Peguero-Lo Presti LVH index as ≥ 2,300 µV among women and ≥ 2,800 µV among men. We estimated repeatability as an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), agreement as a prevalence-adjusted bias-adjusted kappa coefficient (κ), and precision using 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results The Peguero-Lo Presti index was repeatable: ICC (95% CI) = 0.94 (0.91-0.97). Within-visit agreement of Peguero-Lo Presti LVH was high at the first and second visits: κ (95% CI) = 0.97 (0.91-1.00) and 1.00 (1.00-1.00). Between-visit agreement of the first and second measurements at each visit was comparable: κ (95% CI) = 0.90 (0.80-1.00) and 0.93 (0.85-1.00). Agreement of Peguero-Lo Presti and Cornell or Sokolow-Lyon LVH on any one of the four ECGs was slightly lower: κ (95% CI) = 0.71 (0.54-0.89). Conclusion The Peguero-Lo Presti index and LVH have excellent repeatability and agreement, which support their use in clinical and epidemiological studies.
The Boundedness of Euclidean Gravity and the Wavefunction of the Universe

When the semi-positive cosmological constant is dynamical, the naive Euclidean Einstein action is unbounded from below and the Hartle-Hawking wavefunction of the universe is not normalizable. With the inclusion of back-reaction (a crucial point), the presence of the metric perturbative modes (as well as matter fields) as a radiation term is introduced by quantum fluctuation. They act as the environment (that is, to be integrated or traced out), and introduce a correction term that provides a bound to the Euclidean action. As a result, the improved wavefunction is normalizable. That is, decoherence plays an essential role in the consistency of quantum gravity. In the spontaneous creation of the universe, this improved wavefunction allows one to compare the tunneling probabilities from absolute nothing (i.e., not even classical spacetime) to various vacua (with different large spatial dimensions and different low energy spectra) in the stringy cosmic landscape.
Smooth coping: an embodied, Heideggerian approach to dual-process theory:

Dual-process theories divide cognition into two kinds of processes: Type 1 processes that are autonomous and do not use working memory, and Type 2 processes that are decoupled from the immediate si...
Downregulation of Src-family tyrosine kinases by Srcasm and c-Cbl: A comparative analysis.

Aim Elevated Src-Family tyrosine kinase (SFK) activity drives carcinogenesis in vivo and elevated SFK activity is found ubiquitously in human cancers. Although human squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) demonstrate increased SFK activity, in silico analysis of SCCs demonstrates that only 0.4% of lesions contain mutations that could potentially increase SFK activity; similarly, a low frequency of activating SFK mutations is found in other major cancers. These findings indicate that SFK activation in cancers likely is not due to activating mutations but alternative mechanisms. To evaluate potential alternative mechanisms, we evaluated the selectivity of c-Cbl and Srcasm in downregulating native and activated mutant forms of SFKs. Materials and methods We co-transfected native and activated forms of Src and Fyn with c-Cbl and Srcasm into HaCaT cells and monitored the ability of Srcasm and c-Cbl to downregulate native and activated forms of SFKs by Western blotting. The mechanism of downregulation was probed using mutant forms of Srcasm and c-Cbl and using proteosomal and lysosomal inhibition. Results The data indicate that Srcasm downregulates native Fyn and Src more effectively than c-Cbl, whereas c-Cbl preferentially downregulates activated SFK mutants, including Fyn Y528F, more effectively than Srcasm. Srcasm downregulates SFKs through a lysosomal-dependent mechanism while c-Cbl utilizes a proteosomal-dependent mechanism. Conclusion Given the rarity of activating SFK mutations in human cancer, these data indicate that decreasing Srcasm level/function may represent a mechanism for increasing SFK activity in SCC and other human tumors.
Man with difficulty breathing.

A 51-year-old man with hypertension presented to the ED in respiratory distress. He was tachypneic with a muffled voice and reported 2 hours of acutely worsening dyspnoea. He was afebrile and denied pharyngitis. His examination revealed clear lungs and no oedema of the lips, tongue or posterior oropharynx. On fiberoptic laryngoscopy, the patient gagged, briefly revealing a midline, grape-sized mass in the posterior oropharynx (figure 1). Laryngoscopy excluded epiglottic or glottic oedema (figure 2). Figure 1 Oral examination. Figure 2 Video laryngoscopy …
Intelligence in Auditory, Visual, and Audiovisual Information Processing.

It has been assumed that by manipulating redundancy (both SR and BCR), it is possible to make LI Ss perform IP tasks as effectively as HI Ss. The difference between HI and LI Ss may be eliminated or reduced by improving the performance level of LI Ss. The simultaneous AV channel presenting identical or high redundancy information (high BCR) would make it possible to raise LI Ss to a level of performance as high as that of HI Ss.
Nuclear-induced UV fluorescence

An investigation of nuclear pumping of ultraviolet (UV) fluorescent gases that can be used to power the optically pumped atomic iodine laser is discussed. This laser utilizes 230-330-nm UV irradiance to dissociate compounds such as CF/sub 3/I or C/sub 3/F/sub 7/I, resulting in lasing on the 5/sup 2/P/sub 1/2/-5/sup 2/P/sub 3/2/ transition of atomic iodine at 1.31 mu m. UV fluorescence can be produced by the interaction of energetic products from nuclear reactions with a fluorescing gas. This is called a nuclear pumped flashlamp (NPF). The goal of the present phase of this work is to select an optimal gas (or gas mixture), so that the fluorescence efficiency, coupled with the overlap between the fluorescer spectral output and the photodissociation cross section of the lasant, will be maximized. Using standard gas discharge emission data, the emission spectra for select pure gases have been analyzed and compared to the photodissociation spectra of CF/sub 3/I and C/sub 3/F/sub 7/I between 230 and 330 nm. Of the potentially suitable gases, neon shows the best overlap, followed by krypton, chlorine, radon, xenon, helium, and fluorine. The best overlap is approximately a factor of 25 greater than the worst. Excimer mixtures, which can have very high emission efficiencies around a particular wavelength, are also being investigated as likely candidates. >