cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Laser cooling of vibration, rotation, and translation in molecules by using a multiple-single-frequency laser

One of three priorities of the 1994 National Research Council Report Atomic, Molecular and Optical Science is "to promote research … to better control and manipulate atoms, molecules, charged particles, and light." Although many techniques are available for atoms, charged particles, and light, we propose here new techniques for rapidly cooling (more generally, manipulating) the vibrational, rotational, and translational energy of simple molecules. A concrete example is manipulating Cs2 by using the B1Πn-1Σg+ bands. The key component is an optically pumped amplifier (using the same molecule, here Cs2) to provide the synchronized multiple-single-frequency laser required to optically couple a significant number of rovibronic levels while rapidly (and simultaneously) tuning over all coupled Doppler profiles (as in atomic translational cooling). Proposed molecular- beam experiments providing total cooling in ~12 ms are described.
SU-G-TeP2-11: Initial Evaluation of a Novel Split-Filter Dual-Energy CT for Use in Radiation Oncology

Purpose: To perform an initial evaluation of a novel split-filter dual-energy CT (DECT) system with the goal of understanding the clinical utility and limitations of the system for radiation therapy. Methods: Several phantoms were imaged using the split-filter DECT technique on the Siemens Edge CT scanner using a range of clinically-relevant doses. The optimum-contrast reconstruction, the mixed reconstruction, and the monoenergetic reconstructions (ranging from 40 keV to 190 keV) were evaluated. Each image was analyzed for CT number accuracy, uniformity, noise, low-contrast visibility (LCV), spatial resolution and geometric distortion. For comparison purposes, all parameters were evaluated on 120 kVp single-energy CT (SECT) scans used for treatment planning, as well as, a sequential-scan DECT technique for corresponding doses. Results: For all DECT reconstructions no observable geometric distortion was found. Both the optimal-contrast and mixed images demonstrated slight improvements in LCV and noise when compared to the SECT, and slight reductions in CT number accuracy and spatial resolution. The CT numbers trended as expected for the monoenergetic reconstructions, with CT number accuracy within 50 HU for materials of density 70 keV the spatial resolution exceeded that of the SECT. The noise in the monoenergetic reconstructions increased with decreasing energy. Thus, the image uniformity, signal-to-noise ratio and LCV were diminished at lower energies (70 keV). Applying iterative reconstruction techniques to the low-energy images reduced noise and improved LCV. The signal-to-noise ratio was stable for energies >100 keV. Conclusion: The initial commissioning of the novel split-filter DECT technology demonstrated favorable results for clinical implementation. The mixed reconstruction showed potential as a replacement for the treatment planning SECT. The image parameters for the monoenergetic reconstructions varied appropriately with energy. This work provides an initial understanding of the limitations and potential applications for monoenergetic imaging.
A spatially and temporally resolved model of the electricity grid – Economic vs environmental dispatch

Abstract Substantial changes need to occur in the electricity generation sector in order to address greenhouse gas and urban air quality goals. These goals, combined with increasing energy prices, have led to elevated interest in alternative, low to zero carbon and pollutant emission technologies in this sector. The challenge is to assess the impacts of various technologies, policies, and market practices in order to develop a roadmap to meet energy and environmental goals. To this end, a spatially and temporally resolved resource dispatch model is developed that simulates an electricity market while taking into account physical constraints associated with various components of an electricity grid. Multiple technology simulation modules are developed to provide inputs to the model. The model is used to design a market-based grid, and to develop and evaluate different dispatch strategies. To maintain the system cost at acceptable levels and reduce emissions, the results reveal that the best approach is a combination of economic and environmental dispatch strategies. The methodology and the tools developed provide a means to examine various aspects of future scenarios and their impacts on different sectors, and can be used for both decision making and planning.
PENSAMENTO COMPUTACIONAL – Um conjunto de atitudes e habilidades que todos, não só cientistas da computação, ficaram ansiosos para aprender e usar.

Apresenta-se aqui a traducao do trabalho intitulado “Computational Thinking”, da autora americana Jeannette Wing, professora de Ciencia da Computacao e chefe do Departamento de Ciencia da Computacao na Universidade de Carnegie Mellon, Pittsburgh, PA. O trabalho original foi publicado no numero 3 da edicao 49 do periodico “Communications of the ACM”, em marco de 2006. DOI 0001-0782/06/0300. O trabalho foi traduzido para o portugues por Cleverson Sebastiao dos Anjos, professor da area de informatica do Instituto Federal do Parana.
Distribution, Phenology, and Notes on the Life History of Calyptra canadensis (Bethune) (Erebidae: Calpinae)

ABSTRACT. The genus Calyptra Ochsenheimer is known for its atypical behavior of exhibiting both obligate fruit piercing and facultative blood feeding as adults. The genus has been reported piercing a vast array of fruits including citrus, figs, grapes, and raspberries. One species, Calyptra canadensis (Bethune), more commonly known as the Meadow Rue Owlet moth, is the only member of the genus known to occur in the New World. The extent of this species' range, along with its adult host breadth, remains unknown. Museum specimens of C. canadensis from 20 institutions and private collections were examined and georeferenced to generate the most comprehensive distribution map for the species to date. Locality data was analyzed to explore the phenology of C. canadensis, recovering an adult activity period from May to October. Larval rearing experiments were also undertaken, documenting the presence of five larval instar stages and a development time ranging from 6 to 8 weeks. Overall this study expands what is c...
Generalized solutions for THD investigation in cascaded multicell multilevel converters modulated with selective harmonic elimination PWM switching method

This paper presents the generalized solutions for nonlinear equations of pulse-width-modulation (PWM) switching technique in the cascaded multicell multilevel converters which are modulated under the selective harmonic elimination (SHE) method. The provided solutions are used to explore the total harmonic distortion (THD) of line-to-line voltages in three-phase cascaded multilevel converters. First, PWM nonlinear equations for eliminating an specific harmonics from line-to-line voltages of three-phase cascaded multilevel converters are solved numerically using Newton iterative method. This solution provides an specific switching angle set for a cascaded multicell multilevel converter utilized at a definite modulation index. Afterwards, modulation index is changed to get a new (updated) nonlinear equation with a new possible solution set. This results in all feasible generalized solutions for switching angles. Next, numerically derived feasible solutions are used to explore the THD of the line-to-line voltages in the cascaded multilevel converters having different harmonic contents. In some cases, simulation results are presented to verify the derived switching angles for eliminating specific harmonics.
Time-series clustering for data analysis in Smart Grid

The increasingly pervasive deployment of networked sensors in the Smart Grid for monitoring energy consumption has resulted in an unprecedentedly large amount of data generation. Efficient methods are required to understand this high volume and high dimensional data on an embedded platform, which has many challenges due to memory, processing and power constraints. One of the popular methods to analyze time-series data is clustering. In this paper, we discuss D-Stream II, a common time-series clustering algorithm, and demonstrate that it fails to obtain clusters in sample Smart Grid applications. Then, we propose an enhanced version of this algorithm, which handles the scenarios where the original algorithm fails. We show the effectiveness of our algorithm using real residential power consumption data from Pecan Street database. Our enhanced algorithm efficiently handles the high volume energy consumption data and captures the everyday energy consumption patterns of each residential home, which allow the consumer to compare energy consumption with their neighbors or detect any abnormality such as a defective appliance. The consumers can also be clustered into different groups, which can be effectively used to enhance the demand response policies. Our algorithm can perform clustering on approximately half a million energy consumption data points using only 5KB max memory, 360J max overhead in energy consumption and can complete in 8 mins on a resource limited embedded platform (Raspberry Pi 2).
Evaluating the Prevalence of Neurological Autoantibodies among Patients with Epilepsy of Unknown Etiology: Ongoing Prospective Study (S52.004)

Objective: Determine the prevalence of neurological autoimmunity among adult patients with epilepsy of unknown etiology. Background: Autoimmune epilepsy is an under-recognized condition, but the true incidence is unknown. Identifying those patients with an underlying autoimmune etiology for epilepsy is critical, as these patients may remain refractory to conventional anti-seizure medications but may respond to immunotherapy. Methods: We identified consecutive patients presenting to the inpatient general neurology service and epilepsy monitoring unit with new-onset seizures or history of epilepsy of unknown etiology. After informed consent, serum was tested for autoimmune encephalitis antibodies (Mayo antibody-panel), thyroperoxidase (TPO) antibodies and LGI-1 antibodies. Since criteria for evaluating antibody status in patients with epilepsy is lacking, an autoimmune epilepsy rating score (AERS) was developed and scored for each patient based on clinical characteristics in an attempt to assign a pre-test probability. Results: To date, 50 patients have been enrolled, and serum antibody results have been obtained for 45 patients (27 males, 18 females). Twelve patients (26.7[percnt]) had serum antibodies suggesting a potential autoimmune etiology. Three patients had more than one antibody detected [2 patients with TPO and voltage-gated potassium channel complex (VGKCc) antibodies, 1 patient with both anti-Hu and GAD-65 antibodies]. Among the 9 patients with one antibody marker, GAD-65 antibody was detected in three, TPO antibody in three, VGKCc antibody in two, and N-type voltage gated calcium channel antibody in one. Only one-third of the seropositive patients had a high clinical suspicion for an autoimmune etiology. Among those with antibodies, 25[percnt] were being evaluated for new-onset seizures and 58.3[percnt] had refractory seizures. One-third of the seropositive patients had unilateral temporal lobe lesions on MRI. Unilateral and bilateral temporal lobe epileptiform discharges were reported in 58.3[percnt] and 16.7[percnt] patients respectively. Conclusions: Among adult patients with epilepsy of unknown etiology, a considerable number have detectable serum antibodies suggesting potential autoimmune etiology. Disclosure: Dr. Dubey has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hays has nothing to disclose. Dr. Alqallaf has nothing to disclose. Dr. Freeman has nothing to disclose. Dr. Chen has nothing to disclose. Dr. Ding has nothing to disclose. Dr. Agostini has nothing to disclose. Dr. Vernino has received personal compensation for activities with Lundbeck and Athena Diagnostics for serving on the advisory board and scientific consulting. Dr. Vernino has received personal compensation for activities with JAMA Neurology. Dr. Vernino
In vitro models to study human lung development, disease and homeostasis

The main function of the lung is to support gas exchange, and defects in lung development or diseases affecting the structure and function of the lung can have fatal consequences. Most of what we currently understand about human lung development and disease has come from animal models. However, animal models are not always fully able to recapitulate human lung development and disease, highlighting an area where in vitro models of the human lung can compliment animal models to further understanding of critical developmental and pathological mechanisms. This review will discuss current advances in generating in vitro human lung models using primary human tissue, cell lines, and human pluripotent stem cell derived lung tissue, and will discuss crucial next steps in the field.
Direct Instruction and the Education of Children with Special Needs

Direct instruction is a research-based instructional strategy that has been implemented with students with mild cognitive and learning disabilities since the mid-1960s. Although the instructional model has varied slightly over the past five decades, the approach uses a systematic lesson structure and key instructional behaviors. The most positive learning outcomes occur when direct instruction is applied to well-defined skills that can be taught in a carefully sequenced, fast-paced, step-by-step process involving significant teacher/student interaction. Direct instruction ensures that students know what to expect as they learn and understand the importance of what they are learning. It prepares them to apply what they have learned in varied contexts. This instructional model sets up students for success and ensures mastery-level learning prior to moving on to new content. This article focuses on this premise.
Design principles for energy flexible production systems

Abstract The change of the energy supply from conventional energy sources to renewable ones is a challenge for the whole society. It is a well-known fact that this alteration causes increasing energy volatility and therefore requires a change in energy use. When it comes to production matters, energy is yet a resource which is available immediately on-demand. In the future, energy needs to be considered as a resource during the pro-duction planning process. Therefore, certain design principles for energy flexible production systems must be developed and will be presented in this paper. Finally, the paper also shows in which way the design principles affect the specific energy flexibility characteristics.
Solenoid Effects on an Electron Cloud

Electron cloud due to beam-induced multipacting can generate transverse instabilities and beam size blow-up in both positron and proton accelerators. A solenoid satisfactorily suppresses multipacting in the drift region by confining the electrons close to the walls’ surface. There is a long drift region in the KEKB LER, wherein a solenoid occupies most of the beam’s pipe. We investigated the solenoid’s effects on the build-up of the electron cloud, the wake field and transverse coupled instabilities induced by electron cloud.
Predicting subjectivity orientation of online forum threads

Online forums contain huge amounts of valuable information in the form of discussions between forum users. The topics of discussions can be subjective seeking opinions of other users on some issue or non-subjective seeking factual answer to specific questions. Internet users search these forums for different types of information such as opinions, evaluations, speculations, facts, etc. Hence, knowing subjectivity orientation of forum threads would improve information search in online forums. In this paper, we study methods to analyze subjectivity of online forum threads. We build binary classifiers on textual features extracted from thread content to classify threads as subjective or non-subjective. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our methods on two popular online forums.
Efficient Processing of Range Queries over Distributed Relational Databases

There have been several solutions proposed for solving the distributed range query problem. These involve specialized data structures that map the location of the various data elements. In this paper, we propose a solution that solves the range query problem without the use of any auxiliary data structure.
Input data processing tools for the integrated hydrologic model GSFLOW

Abstract Integrated hydrologic modeling (IHM) encompasses a vast number of processes and specifications, variable in time and space, and development of models can be arduous. Model input construction techniques have not been formalized or made easily reproducible. Creating the input files for integrated hydrologic models requires complex GIS processing of raster and vector datasets from various sources. Developing stream network topology that is consistent with the model grid-scale digital elevation model (DEM) is important for robust simulation of surface water and groundwater exchanges. Distribution of meteorological data over the model domain is difficult in complex terrain at the model-grid scale, but is necessary for realistic simulations. As model development requires extensive GIS and computer programming expertise, the use of IHMs has mostly been limited to research groups with available financial, human, and technical resources. Here we present a series of open-source Python scripts that are combined with ESRI ArcGIS to provide a formalized technique for the parameterization and development of inputs for the readily available IHM called GSFLOW. This Python toolkit automates many of the necessary and laborious processes of parameterization, including stream network development, land coverages, and meteorological distribution over the model domain. The final products of the toolkit are PRMS ready Parameter Files, along with several input parameters for a MODFLOW model, including input for the Streamflow Routing Package. A demonstration of the toolkit is provided to illustrate its capabilities.
Expectation Effects: Pygmalion and the Initial 20 Years of Research.

This article reviews Rosenthal and Jacobson’s (1968) seminal study, Pygmalion in the Classroom (PC). We consider what preceded PC, the actual study, immediate criticisms of it, Rosenthal’s reaction...
How the Internet Is Altering Medical Journalism and Education

Because of a burgeoning Internet and increasing number of online electronic Journals, the way in which psychiatric practitioners are educated is changing. To better characterize these changes, the author conducted a survey of sources for obtaining medical information from the present and from 5 years ago among 55 academic psychiatrists and psychiatric residents. Comparisons show an average 14.0% ± 19.0% decrease in use of print media and a 16.2% ± 15.7% increase in the use of the Internet as a source of psychiatric information (P = 0.001). No significant change was found in use of live or videotaped lectures, classes, and conferences. The author discusses how these changes affect continuing psychiatric education, various ramifications of websites’ pre-publication posting, and controversies of posting “pseudoscientific,” non-reviewed papers, outlining advantages and disadvantages of print and electronic publishing.
Kinematic variability and local dynamic stability of gait in individuals with hip pain and a history of developmental dysplasia.

Abstract Background Individuals with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) often report hip pain and exhibit gait adaptations. Previous studies in this patient population have focused on average kinematic and acceleration measures during gait, but have not examined variability. Research question Do individuals with hip pain and DDH have altered kinematic variability or local dynamic stability (LDS) compared to individuals without hip pain? Methods Twelve individuals with hip pain and DDH and 12 matched controls walked for two minutes on a treadmill at three speeds: preferred, fast (25% faster than preferred), and prescribed (1.25 m/s). Kinematic variability of spatiotemporal measures, joint and segment angles, and LDS of the trunk were calculated for each speed. Results At the prescribed speed, individuals with hip pain and DDH had more kinematic variability than controls at the hip, pelvis, and trunk as well as greater variability in spatiotemporal measures. LDS was not different between groups. Kinematic variability of the joints decreased and LDS of the trunk increased (i.e., increased gait stability) with increased speed. Significance Individuals with hip pain and DDH had greater kinematic variability compared to individuals without hip pain when walking at the same prescribed speed, indicating either an adaptation to pain or reduced neuromuscular control. LDS of the trunk was not different between groups, suggesting that hip pain does not affect overall gait stability. Kinematic variability and LDS were affected by walking speed, but in different ways, emphasizing that these measures quantify different aspects of walking behavior.
Polyimide-Based High-Temperature Plastic Electronics

All-plastic transistor devices with thermal stability up to 220 °C are demonstrated. We employ polyimide substrates, polyimide dielectrics, and a polyimide-based semiconducting blend to achieve fle...
Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms, calcium intake, and breast cancer risk among U.S. women

5813 Background: Circulating 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D) has potent effects on cell growth and differentiation via binding with the nuclear vitamin D receptor (VDR). Three SNPs in the VDR gene (BsmI, TaqI and ApaI) are in strong linkage disequilibrium and have previously been associated with breast cancer risk in some studies, possibly through linkage with a variable length poly (A) in the 3’ untranslated region. High dietary calcium intake may modify associations between VDR genotype and breast cancer risk by down-regulating circulating 1,25(OH)2D levels. Methods: We conducted a nested case control study of the association of BsmI, ApaI and TaqI VDR genotypes, and their associated haplotypes with postmenopausal breast cancer risk among women in the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Prevention Study II Nutrition Cohort. Participants completed a 10-page questionnaire in 1992 on diet, medical history and breast cancer risk factors. Among 21,965 women who gave blood in 1998-2001 and were cancer free at baseline in 1992, 498 breast cancer cases were diagnosed between 1992-2001; 502 controls were matched on age, race/ethnicity, and date of blood collection. DNA was extracted from buffy coat and genotyping assays were performed using Taqman (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA). Unconditional logistic regression was used to examine the association between each polymorphism and breast cancer risk while controlling for matching factors and other possible risk factors. Results: Associations were similar among those with one or two variant alleles or haplotype copies; consequently we present them combined. Breast cancer risk was not statistically different in individuals with a variant allele for BsmI (BB/Bb vs bb): OR=1.21, 95% CI 0.91-1.62 or TaqI (tt/tT vs TT): OR=1.19, 95% CI 0.90-1.57, or the ApaI homozygous wildtype (AA vs Aa/aa): OR=1.20, 95% CI 0.89-1.61. Having at least one copy (compared to no copies) of the BAt haplotype yielded similar results (OR=1.21, 95% CI 0.92-1.60). However, among women with greater than median intake of total calcium (diet plus supplements, ≥902 mg/day vs.
Inflammatory and nutritional markers as predictors of longer hospital stay and suboptimal residual disease (RD) in ovarian cancer (OVCA).

5076 Background: Advanced OVCA should be managed aggressively, and extensive surgery has been the most accepted initial treatment. Medically unfit patients or those with extensive disease, in which...
A Theoretical Model of Acousto-Optic Modulated Diffuse Correlation Spectroscopy

In-vivo, optical measurements of cerebral blood flow are confounded by superficial blood flow. Here, we present acousto-optic modulated diffuse correlation spectroscopy (AOM-DCS) for blood flow monitoring, showing good agreement between theoretical predictions and experimental results.
Travel and Travail: Early Modern Women, English Drama, and the Wider World.

Seldom does one pick up a book with a chronology that hovers over the decade of 1600 with the singular purpose of looking at women and travel. Yet this is precisely the focus emerging from this col...
Parabens in stretch mark creams: A source of exposure in pregnant and lactating women

Abstract Parabens are widely used as antimicrobial preservatives in personal care products (PCPs). Stretch mark cream is widely used by pregnant and lactating women for the treatment of striae gravidarum. This can be a potential source of paraben exposure, not only to pregnant/lactating women but also to fetuses/newborns. Little is known, however, with regard to the occurrence of parabens in stretch mark creams. In this study, we analyzed eight parabens and their metabolites in 31 popular stretch mark creams originated from various countries including China. The concentrations of Σparaben (sum of eight parabens/metabolites) ranged from 0.007 to 1630 μg/g, with mean and median values of 453 and 273 μg/g, respectively. Methyl- and propyl-parabens accounted for >95% of Σparaben concentrations. We examined the measured paraben concentrations against ingredients listed on the product labels. Parabens were listed as ingredients in those creams that contained concentrations >100 μg/g except for four samples with such high concentrations. Six cream samples that were labeled ‘paraben-free’ contained trace levels (0.007–9.92 μg/g) of these preservatives. Mean dermal ∑paraben exposure dose from the use of stretch mark creams (30.6 μg/kg bw/day) was well below the current acceptable daily intake value (5 mg/kg bw/day). In comparison to diet and indoor dust ingestion pathways, paraben-laden stretch mark cream may be a major source of paraben exposure in pregnant and lactating women. This study provides information on parabens and other preservatives in stretch mark creams and measures to reduce exposures during pregnancy and lactation.
Vision-based Autonomous Landing Using an MPC-controlled Micro UAV on a Moving Platform *

Autonomous landing of micro unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) on moving targets has the potential to resolve many limitations of small-scale UAVs, such as uninterrupted flight tasks, rapid deployment and recovery of multiple UAVs, and extended operational ranges through mobile recharging stations. In this work, we present and experimentally verify a new vision-based method that enables a micro UAV to land autonomously on a mobile landing platform. Our method, which can be implemented on small-scale UAVs with limited payload capabilities and computational resources, incorporates model predictive control, vision-based localization, and extended Kalman filter for path following, navigation, and guidance. Our method uses a closed-loop controlled gimbaled camera for visual navigation and relative localization of the landing platform, a sensor fusion technique based on extended Kalman filters for target localization, and a model predictive control scheme for autonomous landing of the UAV under system uncertainties and wind disturbances. We demonstrate flight experiments of autonomous landing with an average error of 39 cm from the center of a mobile platform.
On the Heterogeneity of Metal-Line and Ly-Alpha Absorption in Galaxy "Halos" at z~0.7

We examine the properties of two galaxy "halos" at z ~ 0.7 in the TON 153 (z_em = 1.01) quasar field. The first absorber-galaxy pair (G1) is a z = 0.672, L_B = 4.3 L*_B, E/S0 galaxy probed at D = 58 kpc. G1 is associated with a remarkable five-component Ly-alpha complex having tau_LL < 0.4, W_r(Lya) = 2.8 A, and a velocity spread of v = 1420 km/s. We find no MgII, CIV, NV, nor OVI absorption in these clouds and infer metallicity upper limits of -3 < log(Z/Z_sun) < -1, depending upon assumptions of photoionized or collisionally ionized gas. The second absorber-galaxy pair (G2) is a z = 0.661, L_B = 1.8 L*_B, Sab galaxy probed at D = 103 kpc. G2 is associated with metal--enriched (log Z/Z_sun ~ -0.4) photoionized gas having N(HI) ~ 18.3 and a velocity spread of v = 200 km/s. The very different G1 and G2 systems both have gas-galaxy properties inconsistent with the standard luminosity dependent galaxy "halo" model commonly invoked for quasar absorption line surveys. We emphasize that mounting evidence is revealing that extended galactic gaseous envelopes in the regime of D < 100 kpc do not exhibit a level of homogeneity supporting a standardized halo model. Selection effects may have played a central role in the development of a simple model. We discuss the G1 and G2 systems in the context of Lambda-CDM models of galaxy formation and suggest that the heterogeneous properties of absorber-galaxy pairs is likely related to the range of overdensities from which galaxies and gas structures arise.
Geographical distribution of Enterobacterales with a carbapenemase IMP-6 phenotype and its association with antimicrobial use: An analysis using comprehensive national surveillance data on antimicrobial resistance

Enterobacterales resistant to carbapenems, a class of last-resort antimicrobials, are ranked as an "urgent" and "critical" public health hazard by CDC and WHO. IMP-type carbapenemase-containing Enterobacterales are endemic in Japan, and blaIMP-6 is one of the notable carbapenemase genes responsible for the resistance. The gene is plasmid-encoded and confers resistance to meropenem, but not to imipenem. Therefore, IMP-6-producing Enterobacterales isolates are occasionally overlooked in clinical laboratories and are referred to as 'stealth-type'. Since previous reports in Japan were confined only to some geographical regions, their distribution across prefectures and the factors affecting the distribution remain unclear. Here, we revealed the dynamics of the geographical distribution of Enterobacterales with IMP-6 phenotype associated with antimicrobial use in Japan. We utilized comprehensive national surveillance data of all routine bacteriological test results from more than 1,400 hospitals in 2015 and 2016 to enumerate Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates with the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern (phenotype) characteristic of IMP-6 (imipenem susceptible, meropenem resistant), and to tabulate the frequency of isolates with the phenotype for each prefecture. Isolates were detected in approximately half of all prefectures, and combined analysis with the national data of antimicrobial usage revealed a statistically significant association between the frequency and usage of not carbapenems but third-generation cephalosporins (p = 0.006, logistic mixed-effect regression) and a weaker association between the frequency and usage of fluoroquinolones (p = 0.043). The usage of third-generation cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones may select the strains with the IMP-6 phenotype, and contribute to their occasional spread. We expect the findings will promote antimicrobial stewardship to reduce the spread of the notable carbapenemase gene.
Intralacrimal Sustained Delivery of Rapamycin Shows Therapeutic Effects without Systemic Toxicity in a Mouse Model of Autoimmune Dacryoadenitis Characteristic of Sjögren's Syndrome.

Sjogren's syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disease associated with severe exocrinopathy, which is characterized by profound lymphocytic infiltration (dacryoadenitis) and loss of function of the tear-producing lacrimal glands (LGs). Systemic administration of Rapamycin (Rapa) significantly reduces LG inflammation in the male Nonobese Diabetic (NOD) model of SS-associated autoimmune dacryoadenitis. However, the systemic toxicity of this potent immunosuppressant limits its application. As an alternative, this paper reports an intra-LG delivery method using a depot formulation comprised of a thermoresponsive elastin-like polypeptide (ELP) and FKBP, the cognate receptor for Rapa (5FV). Depot formation was confirmed in excised whole LG using cleared tissue and observation by both laser-scanning confocal and lightsheet microscopy. The LG depot was evaluated for safety, efficacy, and intra-LG pharmacokinetics in the NOD mouse disease model. Intra-LG injection with the depot formulation (5FV) retained Rapa in the LG for a mean residence time (MRT) of 75.6 h compared to Rapa delivery complexed with a soluble carrier control (5FA), which had a MRT of 11.7 h in the LG. Compared to systemic delivery of Rapa every other day for 2 weeks (seven doses), a single intra-LG depot of Rapa representing 16-fold less total drug was sufficient to inhibit LG inflammation and improve tear production. This treatment modality further reduced markers of hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia while showing no evidence of necrosis or fibrosis in the LG. This approach represents a potential new therapy for SS-related autoimmune dacryoadenitis, which may be adapted for local delivery at other sites of inflammation; furthermore, these findings reveal the utility of optical imaging for monitoring the disposition of locally administered therapeutics.
Surgical management of congenital lobar emphysema associated with CHD

Congenital lobar emphysema is often associated with CHD in early infancy; however, the surgical strategy for this condition is still controversial. We report three successful cases of emphysematous lung lobectomy before the surgical repair of associated CHD. Aggressive lobectomy preceding cardiac interventions is advised when the management of congenital lobar emphysema is difficult.
Applicability of the two-particle quantization condition to partially-quenched theories

Partial quenching allows one to consider correlation functions and amplitudes that do not arise in the corresponding unquenched theory. For example, physical $s$-wave pion scattering can be decomposed into $I=0$ and 2 amplitudes, while, in a partially-quenched extension, the larger symmetry group implies that there are more than two independent scattering amplitudes. It has been proposed that the finite-volume quantization condition of L\"uscher holds for the correlation functions associated with each of the two-particle amplitudes that arise in partially-quenched theories. Using partially-quenched chiral perturbation theory, we show that this proposal fails for those correlation functions for which the corresponding one-loop amplitudes do not satisfy $s$-wave unitarity. For partially-quenched amplitudes that, while being unphysical, do satisfy one-loop $s$-wave unitarity, we argue that the proposal is plausible. Implications for previous work are discussed.
Assaults on Freedom of Speech: Why Social Studies Must Defend the First Amendment

Freedom of expression is the core political ideal undergirding American democracy and recent attacks on freedom of speech are a direct threat to the liberties and rights guaranteed in the United St...
Moses Typology for Peter in the Epistula Petri and the Contestatio

The Epistula Petri and the Contestatio , introductory writings to the Pseudo-Clementines , emphasize the primacy of Peter over against (an unnamed) Paul. The numerous allusions to Moses are of particular importance in understanding the strong claims made about Peter in these writings. Peter is shown to be Moses’ scribal successor in passing on the traditions of God’s eternally valid law. Just as Moses established an authoritative chain of succession by selecting seventy elders, so Peter, through James, passes on the books of his pro-law preaching to a new generation of seventy. Moses typology serves a polemical function. Peter’s apostolic authority is grounded in his continuity with Moses; he alone is the legitimate transmitter of Mosaic truth. Moses is the interpretive lens through which the primacy of Peter is understood.
Chapter 15. Antiviral Agents

Publisher Summary Important advances in antiviral chemotherapy have been made with the food and drug administration (FDA) approval of idoxuridine, vidarabine, and trifluridine for the topical treatment of herpetic keratitis and of amantadine for oral treatment of all influenza A virus infections. Acyclovir, with its unique mechanism of action, although it was possible to share to some degree by a number of new antiviral pyrimidine nucleosides, may mark the beginning of a period of development of drugs with selective antiviral activity against several classes of viruses. This chapter discusses both new and old compounds with activity against DNA viruses and includes a brief update of the advances in the RNA area. Of the DNA viruses, the herpes group is the source of the most common viral illnesses in man. The family consists of herpes simplex virus (HSV) types 1 and 2 (cause of “cold sores,” encephalitis, eye, and genital infections), varicella zoster (VZV) (chickenpox and shingles), cytomegalovirus (CMV) (pneumonia, CNS diseases, and disseminated infections especially in neonates), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) (mononucleosis). All the herpesviruses share the characteristic of undergoing periods of dormancy. During that, they reside either in ganglionic sites or, in the case of EBV and possibly CMV, in lymphocytes. For reasons that are not well understood, these latent viruses may be reactivated to initiate recurrent or new forms of illness. Significant progress has also been made in the clinical use and development of agents active against RNA viruses. Clinical efficacy with both amantadine and rimantadine for the treatment of influenza A infections has been further substantiated. Ribovirin appears to be effective against influenza when administered by the inhalation of a small-particle aerosol through a face mask. A new compound, sodium 5-aminosulfonyl-2,4-dichlorobenzoateI has good in vitro activity against several strains of influenza virus and has been effective in reducing mortality in mice. Several other agents have been reported with potent in vitro activity against rhinovirus.
A Control Theoretical Look at Internet Congestion Control

Congestion control mechanisms in today’s Internet represent perhaps the largest artificial feedback system ever deployed, and yet one that has evolved mostly outside the scope of control theory. This can be explained by the tight constraints of decentralization and simplicity of implementation in this problem, which would appear to rule out most mathematically-based designs. Nevertheless, a recently developed framework based on fluid flow models has allowed for a belated injection of control theory into the area, with some pleasant surprises. As described in this chapter, there is enough special structure to allow us to “guess” designs with mathematically provable properties that hold in arbitrary networks, and which involve a modest complexity in implementation.
Economic model predictive control of nonlinear process systems using multiple empirical models

Economic model predictive control (EMPC) is a feedback control technique that attempts to tightly integrate economic optimization and feedback control since it is a predictive control scheme that is formulated with an objective function representing the process economics. As its name implies, EMPC requires the availability of a dynamic model to compute its control actions and such a model may be obtained either through application of first-principles or though system identification techniques. However, in industrial practice, it may be difficult in general to obtain an accurate first-principles model of the process. Motivated by this, in the present work, Lyapunov-based economic model predictive control (LEMPC) is designed with multiple linear empirical models. The different models are used to more accurately predict the behavior of a nonlinear system over a larger state-space region compared to using a single empirical linear model only. The LEMPC scheme is applied to a chemical process example to demonstrate its closed-loop stability and performance properties as well as significant computational advantages.
The Initial Value Diffusion Problem

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the initial value diffusion problem. It presents the derivation of a partial differential equation. It is found that in the case of a small window of cross-sectional area placed near at time, the total mass of substance passing through this window during the small time interval is approximately derived. This is derived by considering that every diffusing particle in the region has velocity and thus, any particle within the parallelopiped whose base is the window and whose third edge is the vector will pass through the window. This equation states that the rate of change of the total mass in the volume is equal to the rate at which it enters through the boundary plus the rate at which it is generated. It is observed that although Eulers method and other explicit multistep methods may be used to solve the ordinary differential equation system, they will all require excessively small time steps for stability because of the stiffness of the system. The approximate solution cannot possibly be converging to the true solution and in general, one can change the initial values outside this triangle and change the true solution but not the limit of the approximate solutions.
Aging and Health

Aging refers to the psychological, cognitive, and physiological processes and changes that occur in people as they grow older, while health refers to the absence of disease, and may be extended to include broader notions of well-being. Older adults face physical challenges not present in younger age groups, and differences exist between genders and ethnicities in threats to physical health in old age. An increase in global population aging places stressors on formal health care systems, informal caregivers, and retirement/pension systems, many of which are not prepared to meet upcoming challenges. Technological advances offer older adults new ways to cope with health challenges, maintain their independence, and access health information, but effective interventions are often necessary for older adults to make use of these resources. In recent years, the concept of successful aging has gained prominence, which can emphasize physical health and functioning, the preservation of social relations, and engagement in productive activities. Keywords: age; health; health care; sociology of aging; technology
Distributed spatio-temporal multi-target association and tracking

Particle filtering is combined with sparse matrix decomposition techniques to address the problem of tracking multiple targets using nonlinear sensor observations measuring signal strength. The unknown number of targets may be time-varying, while sensors are spatially scattered. Norm-one regularized matrix factorization is employed to decompose the sensing data covariance matrix into sparse factors whose support facilitates the task of associating the targets with sensor measurements. The novel sensors-to-targets association scheme is developed using distributed optimization which is further integrated with particle filtering mechanisms to perform accurate tracking. Numerical tests demonstrate the tracking superiority of the proposed algorithm over alternative approaches.
Thermodynamics of Nanocrystalline Sn0.586Ti0.414O2 Rutile Solid Solution: Comparison with Nanocrystalline SnO2 and TiO2 and with Bulk Materials

Nanocrystalline Sn x Ti 1−x O 2 rutile solid solutions are important materials for a variety of gas sensors and catalysts. Although thermodynamic data are available for nanocrystalline SnO 2 and TiO 2 and for bulk (coarse-grained) Sn x Ti 1−x O 2 solid solutions, there is a lack of experimental thermochemical data on the energetics of Sn x Ti 1−x O 2 nanoparticles. In this work, Sn 0.586 Ti 0.414 O 2 rutile solid solution nanoparticles were synthesized. The surface energies of anhydrous and hydrated nanoparticles were measured by combining high-temperature oxide melt solution calorimetry molten 2PbO·B2O3 at 800°C and water adsorption calorimetry. The surface energy of the anhydrous surface is 2.02 ± 0.03 J·m−2, and that of the hydrated surface is 1.68 ± 0.03 J·m−2. These values lie between the previously reported surface energies of rutile SnO2 and TiO2. The integral heat of water adsorption is −80 kJ·mol−1, with a chemisorbed maximum coverage of ~6 H2O·nm−2. These values are also between those for TiO2 and SnO2 (rutile) reported previously. The strongly positive (unfavorable) energetics of mixing in SnO2–TiO2 bulk solid solutions are predicted to change little at the nanoscale, and the extensive solid solution seen in the nanophase system prepared near room temperature reflects kinetic hindrance to exsolution of an initially homogeneous precipitate rather than thermodynamic stability.
Philosophical Idling and Philosophical Relativity

Peter Unger has challenged philosophical objectivism, the thesis that traditional philosophical problems have definite objective answers. He argues from semantic relativity for philosophical relativity, the thesis that for certain philosophical problems, there is no objective answer. I clarify, formulate and challenge Unger's argument. According to Unger, philosophical relativism explains philosophical idling, the fact that philosophical debates appear endless, philosophical disagreements seem irresolvable, and very little substantial progress seems made towards satisfactory and definite answers to philosophical problems. I argue, however, that the reality of philosophical idling is doubtful and, ironically, undermined by philosophical relativism. I then raise problems for several steps in Unger's argument for philosophical relativity. I conclude by arguing that philosophical relativism can avoid self-defeat only by an ad hoc limitation of its scope.1
"Library as Place": Implementation of 5-S System

The 5-S system, developed from Japanese management techniques, is a useful tool for managing and maintaining a quality environment. It is widely applied in various manufacturing and business sectors. This article shares the experience of implementing the 5-S system in the Hong Kong Baptist University Library in relation to the idea of “library as place”. A detailed account of an application of 5-S system is given. It is hoped that it can serve as a reference for the library community in the continuous improvement of library environment. It also attempts to explore the validity of “library as place” nowadays and its compatibility with impacts of information technology development.