cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Study on Production Technology of Sugar-free Walnut Milk Beverage

The primary aim of this study was to make a nutritious and healthy drink from organic walnut kernel and xylitol etc by the method of scientific blending. The parameters of processing technique were determined through single factor and orthogonal tests. The results showed that the color and flavor of walnut kernel are improved significantly by boiling for 1 min with 1% NaOH and 0.3% peeling agent solution,and then hot-grinding (85℃). After blending,pouring and sterilization,the walnut milk beverage product with stable tissue state is obtained.
Neuroprotective and Therapeutic Strategies against Parkinson's Disease: Recent Perspectives.

Parkinsonism is a progressive motor disease that affects 1.5 million Americans and is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s. Typical neuropathological features of Parkinson’s disease (PD) include degeneration of dopaminergic neurons located in the pars compacta of the substantia nigra that project to the striatum (nigro-striatal pathway) and depositions of cytoplasmic fibrillary inclusions (Lewy bodies) which contain ubiquitin and α-synuclein. The cardinal motor signs of PD are tremors, rigidity, slow movement (bradykinesia), poor balance, and difficulty in walking (Parkinsonian gait). In addition to motor symptoms, non-motor symptoms that include autonomic and psychiatric as well as cognitive impairments are pressing issues that need to be addressed. Several different mechanisms play an important role in generation of Lewy bodies; endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress induced unfolded proteins, neuroinflammation and eventual loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra of mid brain in PD. Moreover, these diverse processes that result in PD make modeling of the disease and evaluation of therapeutics against this devastating disease difficult. Here, we will discuss diverse mechanisms that are involved in PD, neuroprotective and therapeutic strategies currently in clinical trial or in preclinical stages, and impart views about strategies that are promising to mitigate PD pathology.
Feedback Linearization and Application to Electric Motors

Having obtained nonlinear dynamical models for various electric motors in Chap. 3, various new tools in synthesizing nonlinear controllers may be considered. One approach is feedback linearization, i.e., application of a nonlinear change of coordinates and a nonlinear redefinition of inputs so that the system is equivalent to a linear system in the new coordinates. In the first part of this chapter, we discuss the theory of feedback linearization. En route to the presentation of feedback linearization, we shall encounter various notions of the modern geometric theory of nonlinear control [9, 83, 99, 160, 179] . In the second part of the chapter, we shall apply the developed feedback linearization techniques to the various stepper motors. Feedback linearization for brushless DC and induction motors will be considered in Chaps. 11 and 12, respectively. As will be seen, the feedback linearization approach requires exact knowledge of the parameters and the dynamics and availability of all states. In the subsequent chapters of the book, we will remove these restrictions in order to develop robust nonlinear control designs to achieve high performance for motors.
Thromboembolic Disease in the Bariatric Patient: Prevention, Diagnosis, and Management

At times, medical and surgical patients may suffer from the consequences of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), collectively known as venous thromboembolism (VTE). VTE is responsible for significant morbidity and mortality each year, and the associated sequelae can, in some cases, produce lifelong physical and economic consequences. This chapter will give the reader a better understanding of risk factors, both inherited and acquired, associated with VTE, and the importance of chemoprophylaxis and/or mechanical prophylaxis designed to decrease the incidence of VTE. The importance of recognizing VTE, and modalities of diagnosing and treating VTE, is reviewed as well.
Abstract 319: Are Young Women At Higher Risk For Events After Acute Coronary Syndromes?

Background: Prior studies suggest increased mortality among young women experiencing acute coronary syndromes (ACS); however, data on characteristics which place younger women at risk is limited. Methods: We examined data from 979 men and women under the age of 55 admitted to the University of Michigan Health System with an ACS event from January 1999 to December 2006. Demographics, medications on admission, in-hospital management and outcomes at six month were included in the analysis. The primary outcomes of interest were changes in rates of cardiac related rehospitalization, revascularization, recurrent myocardial infarction (MI), and death over time. Results: Women <55 years old represented 25.9% of the ACS cohort. Compared to young men, young women were more likely to have a prior history of heart failure (11.4% vs. 6.5% p=0.024) and diabetes mellitus (33.1% vs. 21.7%, p< 0.001) and hypertension (33.1% vs. 21.7%, p< 0.001). Young women were less likely to present with ST elevation MI (22.4% vs. 31.2%, p=0.008) and more likely to present with unstable angina (33.1% vs. 22.9%, p=0.001.) compared to younger men. Younger women were less likely to receive percutaneous coronary interventions and lyctics. Upon discharge, among patients without contraindications, younger women were less likely to receive aspirin (85.1% vs. 93.9%, p<0.001), beta blockers (77.2% vs. 87.3%, p< 0.001), ace-inhibitors/ angiotensin receptor blockers (52.4% vs. 65%, p=0.0208) and lipid lowering agents (68.9% vs. 81%, p<0.001), as compared to young men. During hospitalization young women were more likely to experience a major bleeding event (5.5% vs 2.2%, p=0.022) compared to young men patients; while rates of recurrent ischemia/MI or renal failure were similar between the two groups. At six months, young women experienced higher rates of rehospitalization compared to young men (37.4% vs. 25.5%, p<0.001). No statistically significant differences were observed in the mortality rates or recurrent MI between young men and women. The rates of discharge medications have improved over time in both groups. Conclusion: Compared to men under the age of 55 years, young women have similar rates of mortality or recurrent MI, but higher rates of in-patients bleeding events and higher rates of cardiac-related hospitalization at 6-months. Of concern were the observed gender-differences in preventive medications at time of discharge, which may impact on rehospitalization rates.
Hydrogen Evolution Reaction on Pt/RuO2-TiO2 Electrocatalyst in Alkaline Media

Hydrogen is poised to be a key energy carrier in a sustainable energy economy (1). Among the different approaches to produce hydrogen, water electrolysis has received special attention due to its unique advantages including reactant availability, safety, stable output and product purity (2). Alkaline water electrolysis offers additional advantages, including the possibility of using stainless steel flow fields and endplates (with the subsequent reduction in costs) and the possibility of using cheaper non-platinum-group-metal electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction. However, the slow kinetics for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline media is currently a key drawback. In this work we evaluated a mixed-metal-oxide composed of titanium dioxide and ruthenium dioxide as a support for Pt and measured the catalytic activity of this supported electrocatalys for the HER. The mixed-metal-oxide (TiO2-RuO2, RTO) was synthesized using a wet chemical synthesis procedure, and the Pt/RTO was synthesized by reduction of Pt precursor onto the support using an impregnation-reduction method. These materials were characterized by XRD, TEM and BET. The activity of Pt/RTO towards HER the was compared with a benchmark Pt/C catalyst (46%Pt; Tanaka, K. K.). Rotating disk electrode (RDE) measurements showed Pt/RTO outperforming (under all the conditions) the benchmark catalyst (Pt/C). The specific exchange current density for Pt/RTO was 2.51mA/cm2 Pt (295 K, 1600rpm, H2-saturated 0.1M KOH), more than five times that of Pt/C. The catalysts were also evaluated in a solid-state water electrolyzer operated with ultrapure water at 50°C, wherein MEAs were prepared with IrO2 as a common anode electrocatalyst. The MEAs fabricated with Pt/RTO as the cathode catalyst outperformed the benchmark catalyst by 0.1-0.2 V across relevant current densities (see Figure 1). 1. M. S. Dresselhaus and I. L. Thomas, Nature, 414, 332 (2001). 2. H. Yin, S. Zhao, K. Zhao, A. Muqsit, H. Tang, L. Chang, H. Zhao, Y. Gao and Z. Tang, Nat Commun, 6, 6430 (2015). Figure 1
Towards the Exact Dilatation Operator of \mathcal{N} = 4 Super Yang-Mills Theory

I present a summary of hep-th/0404215, which suggested a novel way of organizing the dilatation operator D of planar \( \mathcal{N}\) = 4 SYM in the SU(2) sector. Instead of the usual perturbative expansion in powers of λ, we split D into parts D(n) according to the number n of independent pairwise interactions between spins at different sites. The BMN limit fixes D(1) completely, and it has regular expansions at both small and large values of λ. Anomalous dimensions of “long” operators in the two-scalar sector then generically scale as √λ at large λ, i.e. in the same way as energies of semiclassical states in the dual AdS5 ×S5 string theory.
Tidal Volume Estimation Using Portable Ultrasound Imaging System

Tidal volume (inhaled air volume per breath) is an important index to indicate whether a person has been infected by respiratory diseases. In this paper, we evaluated a solution of tidal volume measurement based on an ultrasound system, which is more suitable for patient who cannot understand and cooperate with respiratory test. It also allows directive visualization of movement of respiratory muscles to assist doctor’s diagnosis and treatment. The system estimates tidal volume only based on ultrasound video and pretrained model. It combines Viola–Jones and Chan–Vese algorithms to detect and segment diaphragm from ultrasound image sequences. Three statistical heuristics, such as principle direction, centroid of mass, and minimum-area-rectangle, are applied to automatically calculate the diaphragmatic excursion during one respiration cycle. Two experiments are conducted. The first experiment evaluated the performance of auto diaphragm detection. The accuracy is over 96%. The second experiment evaluated the performance of tidal volume estimation. The results verified a linear relationship between the diaphragmatic excursion and the tidal volume measured by a spirometer. When the whole diaphragm is shown in the ultrasound image, principle direction performed best and the average error between predicted tidal volume and ground truth from spirometer is about 0.1 L. Therefore, ultrasound device system is a feasible solution for tidal volume estimation.
Imitation learning for locomotion and manipulation

Decision making in robotics often involves computing an optimal action for a given state, where the space of actions under consideration can potentially be large and state dependent. Many of these decision making problems can be naturally formalized in the multiclass classification framework, where actions are regarded as labels for states. One powerful approach to multiclass classification relies on learning a function that scores each action; action selection is done by returning the action with maximum score. In this work, we focus on two imitation learning problems in particular that arise in robotics. The first problem is footstep prediction for quadruped locomotion, in which the system predicts next footstep locations greedily given the current four-foot configuration of the robot over a terrain height map. The second problem is grasp prediction, in which the system must predict good grasps of complex free-form objects given an approach direction for a robotic hand. We present experimental results of applying a recently developed functional gradient technique for optimizing a structured margin formulation of the corresponding large non-linear multiclass classification problems.
An Experimental Evaluation of a Cooperative Communication-Based Smart Metering Data Acquisition System

Smart meters are being deployed globally on a trial basis and are expected to enable remote reading and demand response among other advanced functions, by setting up a two-way communication network. However, it remains to be determined as to how these meters will transmit their data to an aggregation point. An elegant solution to this problem is the use of cooperative communication in a neighborhood area network. This work experimentally compares cooperative networks, deployed in disparate environments, in terms of range extension and energy consumption of the overall network. Data transmissions take place through the universal software radio peripheral platforms. The method has been implemented in both indoor and outdoor environments, with cooperative transmission (CT) taking place over a multihop network, employing the binary phase shift keying scheme. The results indicate that CT can be used to effectively and reliably relay data in a network such as that in a smart grid.
Financial Incentives for Adherence to Hepatitis C Virus Clinical Care and Treatment: A Randomized Trial of Two Strategies.

Background Although rates of sustained virologic response (SVR) after hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) surpass 90% in trials and some more "real world" settings, some patients, such as those with substance use disorders, will be challenged to adhere to HCV care. Methods To assess the feasibility of 2 strategies for financially incentivizing adherence to HCV care, patients with a substance use history prescribed 12 weeks of a sofosbuvir-containing regimen were randomized to either fixed or lottery-based monetary incentives for attending clinic appointments, pill count adherence >90%, and SVR achievement. Electronic medication monitoring provided an objective measure of DAA adherence. Results Fifty-nine participants were randomized to the lottery (n = 31) or fixed-incentive (n = 28) arms. All 31 (100%) in the lottery arm and 24 of 28 (86%) in the fixed arm completed 12 weeks of therapy. By intent-to-treat, 93% in the lottery arm and 92% in the fixed arm achieved SVR (estimated difference: 0.5%; 95% confidence interval, -17.5 to 18.8). Overall, 92% of scheduled visits were attended without significant differences between arms. The mean adherence ratio (days with ≥1 bottle opening:monitored days) was 0.91 for lottery and 0.92 for fixed arms. Conclusions In this pilot, fixed- and lottery-based financial incentives were successfully implemented and accepted by patients with a substance use history. High levels of HCV therapy and care adherence, as well as rates of SVR, were observed. Financial incentives may be useful to support treatment adherence in patients with substance use disorders and should be tested in a larger, randomized, controlled trial.
Dance and the Theater Arts in the Colleges

(1940). Dance and the Theater Arts in the Colleges. The Journal of Health and Physical Education: Vol. 11, No. 4, pp. 212-273.
Analysis of microcystin-LR and nodularin using triple quad liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and histopathology in experimental fish.

Abstract Microcystins (MCs) are hepatotoxic cyanobacterial metabolites produced sporadically in aquatic environments under favorable environmental conditions. Affinity of these toxins to covalently bind with protein phosphatases poses a challenge in their detection. Lemieux oxidation to release 2-methyl-3-methoxy-4-phenylbutyric acid (MMPB), a common moiety to all MCs congeners, has been used in detection of these compounds, however a lack of sensitivity has limited the usefulness of the method. In this study, modifications of the oxidation and solid phase extraction procedures, combined with a sensitive LC/MS/MS (liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry) detection, have resulted in 25 ng/g method detection limits in both liver and plasma samples. Samples harvested from six fingerling channel catfish ( Ictalurus punctatus) dosed intraperitoneally with a sublethal MC-LR dose of 250 μg/kg were analyzed, and microcystin concentrations ranging from 370 to 670 ng/g in plasma and 566–1030 ng/g in liver were detected. Similarly, 250 μg/kg nodularin-dosed channel catfish fish were found to contain 835–1520 ng/g in plasma and 933–1140 ng/g in liver. Detection of the toxins in serum and liver combined with the presence of histopathological lesions consistent with these hepatocellular toxin in exposed fish and no positive findings in the control fish demonstrates the usefulness of this analytical procedure for the diagnosis of suspected algal toxicity cases.
Surface modifications of wood materials using atmospheric pressure corona-based weakly ionized plasma:

Enhanced atmospheric pressure corona-based weakly ionized plasma was investigated to modify surface properties of wood materials. The plasma was generated using a point-to-point bare electrode geom...
Recent advances in management of autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease

Purpose Promising developments in the search for effective pharmacotherapies for autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) are reviewed. Summary The formation and development of cysts characteristic of ADPKD result in inexorable renal and extrarenal manifestations that give rise to more rapid disease progression and more widespread complications than are seen with other forms of chronic kidney disease. To date, no agent has gained Food and Drug Administration marketing approval for use in patients with ADPKD, complicating efforts to meet the medical needs of this population. Although definitive ultrasonographic diagnostic strategies are available, molecular screening approaches lack sufficient evidence and patient outcomes data to support broad clinical application. Recently completed and ongoing clinical trials point to a number of encouraging platforms for evidence-based ADPKD management. Tolvaptan therapy significantly improved cyst burden and slowed disease progression among patients with early-stage ADPKD in a large-scale trial, while somatostatin therapies may also be useful in halting disease progression and managing comorbid polycystic liver disease. Stem cell research and nanomedicine might represent novel approaches to gaining comprehensive insights on ADPKD and, ultimately, to targeting the disease’s origins, thereby making restoration of kidney function possible. Conclusion A number of pharmacotherapy approaches to ADPKD management show promise but are unlikely to be curative, fueling interest among researchers in finding new applications for nanomedicine and stem cell technologies that can slow ADPKD progression and better control complications of the disease.
Use of integrative services is associated with maintenance of work schedule during and after cancer treatment.

Abstract Introduction Cancer diagnosis affects employment status. Our health network offers supportive services to cancer patients. We hypothesized patients who used these services were more likely to continue to work during and after treatment. Methods A mailed survey was used to assess employment before, during, and after treatment, and support services used. Chi-square analysis was performed. Results The response rate was 34% (273/782). 87% of patients worked full or part time before cancer diagnosis, 68.8% continued to work during treatment, and 73.9% returned to work after treatment. 61% of patients used at least one type of support service. Patients who had no change in work status during treatment and who returned to work less than one month after treatment were more likely to use services. Conclusions Most patients used support services, continued to work during treatment, and returned to pre-cancer employment status. Physicians should encourage patients to pursue supportive therapies.
A New Zealand-US FTA? — A Reality Check

ew Zealand governments, both Labour and National, have been aggressively pro-free trade for the past twenty years. New Zealand is one of the very few countries in the world unilaterally to tear down many of its tariff and other barriers to international trade — not demanding anything from anybody in return. Its domestic economy stands on the foundation of one of the most productive and efficient agriculture sectors in the world, and its value-added manufacturing and services industries, on the whole, continue to grow and prosper. Surely, given this background, New Zealand is an excellent Closer Economic Partnership (CEP — Kiwi politically correct-speak for Free Trade Agreement (FTA)) partner for anybody. Why would anybody not want to do a deal with them? In recent months many have agonised about the FTA that New Zealand wants to sign with the US. Why are the Americans not responding to their increasingly desperate overtures? Is it their nuclear policy? Is it because New Zealand didn’t support the war in Iraq? Simply, the public do not know. Until one of the principals admits to such a policy connection, the public can never be sure. Even if it could be shown that these factors are influential for some in the US system, it would be another thing entirely to show that they have been decisive. If it is assumed for the purposes of argument that the US does make trade decisions based partially on non-trade issues, then a trading gain to the US ceases to become a sufficient condition for the negotiation of an FTA. But it remains a necessary condition. The US has not made a habit of handing out FTAs to countries just because they are foreign policy friends. There are, of course, a handful of exceptions to this rule. The US signed an FTA with Israel in 1985 without an overwhelming trade-policy interest being present. And in the 1960s, the US reduced duties on Japanese and South Korean goods without demanding that those countries reduce protection of their key domestic industries. In each of these cases, however, there was an important military-strategic element in play that the US felt was more important than the trade policy ‘dis-interest’. Indeed once the military imperative for closer relations with North Asia became less salient, US enthusiasm for unilateral trade liberalisation evaporated very quickly. Given that no such military interest could conceivably exist in relation to New Zealand, these counter-examples are of no relevance to the New Zealand case. This paper argues that the necessary trading interest does not exist for the US, and therefore that a New Zealand-US deal is, in practical terms, almost overwhelmingly improbable.
Reducing radiation exposure by lowering frame rate in children undergoing cardiac catheterization: A quality improvement study.

INTRODUCTION Reduction of radiation dosage in the pediatric cardiac catheterization laboratory (PCL) is important to reduce the risk of its stochastic effect in children with congenital heart disease. Lowering the frame rate would reduce radiation dosage possibly at the expense of image quality, potentially resulting in higher fluoroscopic time and procedural complication rate. METHODS The data were retrospectively analyzed in three eras: era 1 (n = 234), cineangiography 30 frames/sec (f/s) and fluoroscopy 15 pulse/sec (p/s); era 2 (n = 381), cineangiography 30 f/s and fluoroscopy 6 p/s; and era 3 (n = 328), cineangiography 15 f/s and fluoroscopy 6 p/s. Also, three operators blinded to the frame rate setting evaluated cineangiography image quality. In this study, the impact of lowering the default frame rates on radiation dosage, fluoroscopic time, contrast volume, diagnostic image quality, and complication rates in the PCL was assessed. RESULTS Overall radiation dosage progressively declined during these eras (70.0 vs 64.1 vs 36.6 µGym2 /kg, P < .001) without a difference in significant adverse event rates. There was no significant increase in either fluoroscopy time or contrast volume. There was no difference in the diagnostic image quality between cineangiography 30 and 15 f/s. Lowering the default frame/pulse rates of both fluoroscopy and cineangiography significantly decreased the overall radiation dosage in the PCL. Importantly, fluoroscopy time, contrast volume, and complication rates did not increase while maintaining diagnostic image quality. CONCLUSION This quality improvement project proved successful in lowering radiation dosage without compromising the efficacy and safety of catheterizations.
Examining social capital in relation to sleep duration, insomnia, and daytime sleepiness

Abstract Objective Sleep, which plays an important role in health and well-being, is socially patterned such that certain demographic groups have worse sleep health than others. One possible mechanism driving sleep disparities is social capital. The current study examines the association between social capital and self-reported sleep variables (eg, duration, insomnia symptoms, and daytime sleepiness) among a sample of 1007 participants from the Sleep Health and Activity, Diet and Environment Study (SHADES). Methods Logistic regressions were used to estimate whether the sleep variables were associated with social capital measures. All models control for age, sex, race/ethnicity (Non-Hispanic White, Black/African-American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian, and multicultural/other), income, and education (less than high school, high school graduate, some college, and college graduate). Results Lower likelihood of membership in groups was seen for long sleepers (>9hrs, p-value Conclusions Results of our study show that short and long sleep duration, as well as insomnia, were inversely related to measures of social capital, such as group memberships and a sense of neighborhood belonging. Future research may explore the directionality of the relationship between social capital and sleep and perhaps consider future interventions to improve low social capital and/or poor sleep in community samples.
Evaluation of Blood–Materials Interactions

This chapter outlines methods and concerns in evaluating the blood-compatibility of biomaterials, and the blood-compatibility of medical devices. It does not automatically follow that if the materials comprising a device are blood-compatible, a device fabricated from those materials will also be blood-compatible. This important point should be clear upon completion of this chapter.
Endogenous Bacterial Endophthalmitis: A Five-Year Retrospective Review at a Tertiary Care Academic Center.

To better characterize the demographics and outcomes of endogenous bacterial endophthalmitis (EBE). Retrospective observational case series of 49 eyes of 41 patients with EBE evaluated at a single ...
Hyperspectral multiphoton microscopy for in vivo visualization of spectrally-overlapped fluorescent labels

We constructed a hyperspectral multiphoton microscope (HMM) that enabled high spectral-resolution imaging deep into scattering samples and used this instrument for in vivo visualization of the behavior of multiple cell types after an injury.
Successful Pallidal Deep Brain Stimulation Treatment in a Case of Generalized Dystonia due to a Novel ANO3 Mutation

Background. Dystonia is a ubiquitous syndrome, with a growing number of genes being continually identified. Mutations in the anoctamin-3 gene have been described to cause dystonia but the management and long-term outcomes are still largely unknown. Methods. We present here a long term, longitudinal follow up of a patient with generalized dystonia, who was treated with bilateral pallidal deep brain stimulation and was found to harbor a mutation in the anoctamin-3 gene. Results. Ongoing adjustment of stimulation settings and medications led to good and sustained dystonia control; however the patient did suffer short term relapses, manifested as dystonic crisis, which necessitated inpatient admission. Conclusion. This only the second patient to be reported with pallidal stimulation and an anoctamin-3 gene mutation. Long term outcomes seem to be favorable but larger case series are needed to confirm our findings.
The negative stereotypes about mental health, and African-American College students’ willingness to seek counseling

Mental health issues, such as excessive stress, anxiety and depression, are common among the college students. Students from minority populations disproportionally experience these issues, which impacts their overall functioning. It is well known that African Americans and others underutilise mental health service and are more likely to discontinue services even when they seek such services. Given this observation, the present study examines the attitude of African American college students towards seeking mental health services. Specifically, the study will highlight negative stereotypes attached to seeking mental health services, and how these impact the willingness of African American college students to seek mental health services. The study will explore ways to combat these negative stereotypes. Additionally, the study will also discuss the many barriers that come in to play with African Americans in seeking mental health opportunities. Keywords: Stereotypes, African Americans, mental Health, counseling, willingness.
Dark Green Religion: Advocating for the Sacredness of Nature in a Changing World

Religious individuals and institutions around the world have often been involved with important moral issues, guiding their communities in moral behavior and at times influencing policymakers. In the early twenty-first century, environmental problems such as anthropogenic climate change, resource depletion, and pollution are critical moral issues. While religious leaders offer vastly different solutions and perspectives, religious voices have gained influence in local, national, and global environmental policy debates. Traditionally-defined religious traditions and institutions are not the only emerging religious responses to environmental problems. Forms of nature-venerating religiosity—whether viewing the natural world as a sacred entity or finding wonder in natural ecological processes—have also emerged as critiques of anti-environmental practices and policies, forming a supportive activist spiritual network in the western world. Acknowledging that controversies exist I provide greater discussion on “dark green religion,” a diverse set of nature-revering values and practices often found among western environmentalist communities. Its many branches include Gaia Theory (a scientific theory understanding the whole world as a singular organism), Deep Ecology (an ethical theory positing inherent value in nature), and certain interpretations of Native North American religious traditions (at times problematic and romanticized), all of which define a complex and diverse religious milieu among western environmentalist communities. I discuss several examples from within the long-lived opposition movement to surface coal mining. Nature-venerating religiosity, including dark green religion, forms an important thread of contemporary religious response to burgeoning environmental problems. As some scientists argue that climate change, resource depletion, and other environmental issues will only worsen without proactive changes toward sustainable policies, dark green religiosity will likely continue to be important.
Thermophysical Properties of Beef Steaks of Varying Thicknesses Cooked With Low and High Grill Surface Temperatures

The objective of this study was to determine the thermodynamic and physical properties of beef strip loin steaks of varying thicknesses and USDA quality grades cooked with high and low grill surface temperatures. Thermal characteristics described by changes in the denaturation temperature (between 55°C – 60°C) and enthalpies of protein denaturation (70°C – 75°C) both differed (P = 0.031 and P = 0.001, respectively) among thick steaks, with thick steaks cooked on a high grill surface temperature having a lower denaturation temperature and enthalpy compared with thick steaks cooked on a low grill surface temperature. No differences (P > 0.05) were observed among thin steaks for denaturation temperature or enthalpy. The elastic behaviors of the surface and center of the steaks were analyzed to determine how the microstructure of the beef responded to applied stress. The elastic behavior of steak centers was influenced in a three-way interaction (P = 0.029) between quality grade, steak thickness, and grill surface temperature. The elastic behavior of the surface of steaks was influenced by the interaction of quality grade and steak thickness (P = 0.031). These interactions, along with the differences in the thermal characteristic of proteins, suggest that the microstructure of steaks was affected by each cooking treatment group. Hardness, resilience, and chewiness were each influenced by a three-way interaction (P = 0.023; 0.014; and 0.030; respectively). Thin steaks possessed greater cohesiveness (P = 0.038) and shear force ( P = 0.007) values. Meanwhile, thin steaks exhibited lower springiness (P = 0.002). The measured alterations in thermal and physical proper- ties in the beef steaks suggest that the composition, thickness, and cooking regiments impact the microstructure of beef, and this was ultimately confirmed through textural measurements. The results of this research can be used in the design of cooking processes that match beef characteristics.
Principles of computer-controlled linear motion applied to an open-source affordable liquid handler for automated micropipetting

OTTO is an open-source automated liquid handler that can be fabricated at a cost of $1,500 using off-the-shelf and 3D-printable parts as an alternative to commercial devices. Open-source approaches have been applied to build syringe pumps, centrifuges, and other laboratory equipment. These devices are affordable but generally rely on a single motor to perform simple operations and thus do not fully utilize the potential of the Maker Movement. Open-source linear actuators and microcontrollers enable the fabrication of more complex laboratory instruments that rely on 3D positioning and accurate dispensing of fluids, such as automated liquid handlers. These instruments can be built rapidly and affordably, thereby providing access to highly reproducible sample preparation for common biological assays such as qPCR. We applied the design principles of speed and accuracy, unattended automation, and open-source components to build an automated liquid handler that controls micropipetting of liquids in 3D space at speeds and positional resolutions required for qPCR. In benchmarking studies, OTTO showed accuracy and sample preparation times comparable to manual qPCR. The ability to control linear motion and liquid dispensing using affordable off-the-shelf and 3D-printable parts can facilitate the adoption of open-source automated liquid handlers for qPCR, bioplotting, and other bioinstrumentation applications.
Breaking Reciprocity with Space-Time Phase Modulated Metasurfaces

We constructed a space-time phase modulated metasurface consisting of amorphous silicon building blocks, and demonstrated nonreciprocal light reflection at wavelengths around 860 nm. Our approach paves a way for miniaturized on-chip nonreciprocal optical components.
Is Ovarian Reserve Impacted in Anorexia Nervosa

Abstract Study Objectives Hypothalamic amenorrhea is common in adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with anorexia nervosa (AN), and ovarian reserve is not routinely assessed. AN increases rates of fertility problems, but how or when AN negatively influences future fertility is unclear. We sought to determine whether biomarkers of ovarian reserve were impacted in AYA with AN. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Tertiary care center. Participants Females with AN and amenorrhea (n = 97) at the pre-intervention visit of a clinical trial, n = 19 females without an eating disorder or menstrual dysfunction. Main Outcome Measures Serum anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) concentrations. Results AMH levels were higher in AYA with AN than unaffected adolescents (4.7 vs. 3.2 ng/mL; P = .03). Neither FSH nor inhibin B differed between groups. In 19.6% of participants with AN, AMH levels were elevated above the normal range (>6.78 ng/mL). These subjects had a longer disease duration than those with normal AMH levels (9 vs. 3 mos; P = .03); age or degree of malnutrition did not differ between AN subjects with normal or elevated AMH. Conclusions AMH levels appear to be normal or elevated in AYA with AN. Low AMH in a patient with AN should raise clinical concern regarding ovarian reserve, and should not be attributed to degree of malnutrition alone. Currently, AMH is not regularly assessed during routine AN clinical care. However, our findings suggest some clinical utility in identifying those patients with reduced ovarian reserve. Potential links between the hypothalamic amenorrhea suffered by patients with AN and PCOS should be explored.
Pituitary Sarcoidosis in a Pediatric Patient Successfully Treated With Adalimumab and Methotrexate

Neurosarcoidosis is a rare phenomenon in the pediatric population, with only a few cases reported in the literature worldwide. While hypothalamo-pituitary involvement is known to occur, direct infiltration of the pituitary gland and isolated anterior pituitary dysfunction without diabetes insipidus is seldom observed. A high index of suspicion is required for diagnosis of neurosarcoidosis, and treatment can be challenging due to lack of standardized guidelines. We present the case of a 17-year-old female with known sarcoidosis of the lacrimal glands, who developed severe headache and neurologic symptoms secondary to granulomatous infiltration of the pituitary gland and infundibulum due to neurosarcoidosis. She was successfully treated with corticosteroids, methotrexate, and adalimumab, with complete radiologic resolution. This is the first documented pediatric case of neurosarcoidosis with radiologic granulomatous infiltration of the pituitary gland, manifesting as partial anterior hypopituitarism, in the form of central hypothyroidism, without diabetes insipidus.
The Neural Dynamic, Exchange, and Social Structure

All societies are societies of social exchange—from the give-and-take of the family to the give-and-take of one-to-one friendships, groups, communities, up to nations and beyond. Wherever and whenever individuals are in social contact there is give-and-take or social exchange. The neural substrate for such exchange is the ego/empathy dynamic expressed by the CSN model and the equation of the social brain.
Conquering the Carbon-Hydrogen Bond

The conversion of natural alkanes and aromatics into chemical intermediates is an important aspect of industrial-scale chemical synthesis. But as Jones explains in this Perspective, the controlled conversion of hydrocarbons into the desired intermediates remains a challenge. He discusses two papers, Jiaet al. and Chenet al., which report important advances in the catalytic conversion of aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons into useful, reactive products.
TWO-STAGE PRODUCTION PLANNING IN A DYNAMIC ENVIRONMENT

In this document we report on research to develop and study mathematical models for production smoothing in a dynamic production environment. This effort was part of a larger study whose goal was to investigate the production planning practices for an electronic equipment manufacturing firm, and in particular to explore possible mechanisms for improvement. To motivate the presentation of our research, we indicate the nature of this production environment.
State Vectors and Optimality Measures

The state vector introduced in Chapter 5 is by no means the only way of summarizing information in data sets. Two other choices, one used by Akaike and the other by Arun et al., are discussed in this chapter.
Rapid Methods for Biochemical Testing of Anaerobic Bacteria

Rapid biochemical tests for nitrate, indole, gelatin, starch, esculin, and o-nitrophenyl-beta-D-galactopyranoside were performed on 112 strains of anaerobic bacteria. All tests were incubated under aerobic conditions, and results were recorded within 4 h. The tests for nitrate, indole, and starch showed a 95% or greater correlation when compared to the standard biochemical tests. Tests for esculin and gelatin showed an agreement of 86 and 77%, respectively. PathoTec test strips for nitrate, indole, esculin, o-nitrophenyl-beta-D-galactopyranoside, Voges-Proskauer, and urease were also tested and showed encouraging results.
Enhancing Maximum Satisfiablility Algorithms with Pure Literal Strategies

Maximum satisfiability (MAX-SAT) is an extension of satisfiability (SAT), in which a partial solution is sought that satisfies the maximum number of clauses in a logical formula. In recent years there has been an growing interest in this and other types of over-constrained problems. Branch and bound extensions of the Davis-Putnam algorithm can return guaranteed optimal solutions to these problems. Earlier work did not make use of a pure literal rule because it appealed to be inefficient here, as for traditional SAT. However, arguments can be adduced to show that pure literals are likely to appear during search for MAX-2SAT, so that fixation of their variables may be effective here. The present work confirms this and also shows that a value ordering heuristic involving literals that are monotone in unit open clauses can be very effective, operating somewhat independently of the ordinary fixation of fully monotone literals. Alone or together, these pure literal strategies can produce improvements of an order of magnitude or more when combined with versions of Davis-Putnam studied in earlier work, sometimes solving problems of considerable size.
The Wreck of Regulation D: The Unintended (and Bad) Outcomes for the SEC's Crown Jewel Exemptions

Regulation D is — or at least should be — the crown jewel of the Securities and Exchange Commission's regulatory exemptions from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933. It offers businesses — especially businesses with relatively small capital requirements — fair and efficient access to vital, external capital.In this article, I present data derived from deep samples of recent Form Ds filed with the Commission. The data show that Regulation D is not working in the way the Commission intended or in a way that benefits society. The data reveal that companies attempting to raise relatively small amounts of capital under Regulation D overwhelmingly forego the low transaction costs of offerings under Rule 504 and Rule 505 in favor of meeting the more onerous (and more expensive) requirements of Rule 506. Additionally, these companies overwhelmingly limit their relatively small offerings to accredited investors, which dramatically reduces the pool of potential investors.This unintended and bad outcome is the result of the burdens imposed by state blue sky laws and regulations, and this has to a large degree wrecked the sensible and balanced approach of the Commission in Regulation D.Reclaiming Regulation D requires the elimination of state authority over all Regulation D offerings. State regulators, however, have proven to be aggressive and effective in protecting their turf. Although the Commission has the ability — and I believe the duty — to solve this problem for the benefit of the economy, it has a history of an unwillingness to take on state regulators, even in instances where state regulations essentially destroy the Commission's sensible and balanced regime for capital formation. Congress also could solve the problem by expanding federal preemption to cover all offerings made under Regulation D.
Dual-phase 99mTc-sestamibi imaging and dual isotope imaging: Its utility to improve localization of parathyroid adenoma

2701 Objectives Dual-phase 99mTc-sestamibi (methoxyisobutylisonitrile [MIBI]) is the technique of choice for hyperparathyroidism, especially for localizing parathyroid adenomas. Apart from dual-phase we can also use dual-isotope 99mTc-sestamibi and 99mTc-pertechnetate for comparison of thyroid and parathyroid images. Methods Anterior neck and upper thorax images acquired with low energy high resolution pin-hole collimator at 20 min and 2hr after 99mTc-sestamibi injection, and then 99mTc-pertechnetate injected and anterior neck images acquired with same collimator. The results were analyzed retrospectively for hyperplasia, adenoma, or normal parathyroid by persistence of activity in 2 or more foci, a solitary focus, or no activity on delayed images. The dual-isotope images were used for visual comparison for activity in thyroid at various stage images. Results The study included 30 patients from Jan 2012 to Sep 2012. A positive MIBI scan for parathyroid adenoma was defined as an area of increased focal uptake which persists on delayed imaging, contrary to the uptake in the normal thyroid tissue which progressively decreases over time and with injection of 99mTc-pertechnetate only thyroid gets activity and parathyroid does not get activity. Conclusions Dual-phase 99mTc-MIBI imaging is more sensitive and specific for parathyroid hyperplasia. It is very much supportive to localize hyperplastic glands pre-operatively which guide in resection. A thyroid ratio between immediate and delayed images will help distinguish hyperplasia from normal parathyroid in uncertain cases.
Three-Dimensional Tomography of Interplanetary Disturbances

We have developed a Computer Assisted Tomography (CAT) program that modifies a three-dimensional kinematic heliospheric model to fit interplanetary scintillation (IPS) or Thomson scattering observations. The tomography program iteratively changes this global model to least-squares fit the data. Both a corotating and time-dependent model can be reconstructed. The short time intervals of the time-dependent modeling (to shorter than 1 day) force the heliospheric reconstructions to depend on outward solar wind motion to give perspective views of each point in space accessible to the observations, allowing reconstruction of interplanetary Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) as well as corotating structures. We show these models as velocity or density Carrington maps and remote views. We have studied several events, including the 2000 July 14 Bastille-Day halo CME and several intervals using archival Cambridge IPS data, and we have also used archival Helios photometer data to reproduce the heliosphere. We check our results by comparison with additional remote-sensing observations, and in-situ observations from near-Earth spacecraft. A comparison of these observations and the Earth forecasts possible using them is available in real time on the World Wide Web using IPS data from the Solar Terrestrial Environment Laboratory, Japan.
Synthesis of a Light-Driven Motorized Nanocar

The design and synthesis of a 4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene (BODIPY)-based motorized nanocar and two control molecules for single-molecule fluorescence microscopy studies (SMFM) is described. The nanocar incorporates a fast rotatory light-driven motor (3 MHz at 25 °C) that is expected to move in circles. In addition, two control molecules without wheels and bearing a fast or a slow motor (2 revolutions per hour) were also synthesized to investigate the role of the motor, wheels, and the photocompatibility of the light-driven rotary motor with the BODIPY fluorophore. The high quantum yields of 0.40–0.78 of these molecules make them suitable for future SMFM studies.
A comparative flow visualization study of thermocapillary flow in drops in liquid-liquid systems

Experiments are performed to visualize thermocapillary flow in drops in an immiscible host liquid. The host liquid used is silicone oil. Drops of three different liquids are used, viz, vegetable oil, water-methanol mixture anad pure methanol. Clear evidence of thermocapillary flow is seen in vegetable oil drops. For a mixture of water and methanol (approximately 50-50 by weight), natural convection is seen to dominate the flow outside the drop. Pure methanol drops exhibit thermocapillary flow, but dissolve in silicone oil. A small amount of water added to pure methanol significantly reduces the dissolution. Flow oscillations occur in this system for both isothermal and non-isothermal conditions.