cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A capacitor sharing technique for RSD cyclic ADC

A new cyclic ADC structure based on capacitor sharing is presented. This technique reduces the die area of the capacitors in the switched capacitor network by up to 50%. As a result, the proposed scheme also significantly reduces the power consumption requirement of the operational amplifier. This is achieved while maintaining the thermal noise performance and conversion rate of the conventional structure. A 10-bit, 2.3MHz cyclic ADC using the new structure is implemented in 0.5 mum CMOS. Spectre simulation results of the new structure are presented
Low cost phased array antennas using analog and digital phase shifters technologies

In this paper we present two new low cost implementations of the coplanar waveguide continuous transverse stub (CPW-CTS) antenna array technology in phased array systems with beam steering capabilities. The first is based on using a hybrid smart antenna technique and digital beamforming, while the other is derived from an integrated implementation of the CPW-CTS and ferroelectric material technologies. The digital beamforming mechanism relies on the use of directional antennas elements in the array and the employment of a smart switch that connects a sub-array containing elements with highest receive signal strength to the receiver and the beamforming algorithm, thus reducing the hardware cost, improving computational efficiency and accuracy, and reducing latency. Simulation and experimental results are presented showing the trade-offs involved and clearly demonstrating the feasibility and accuracy of this approach. The analog beam steering approach, on the other hand, is based on an integrated multi-dielectric layers coplanar waveguide phase shifters and CPW-CTS array antenna design. Simulation results show that such an approach could provide analog beam steering of the order of 20deg while maintaining acceptable levels of biasing voltages for the Ferroelectric material layer. These as well as other simulation results illustrating the complementary nature of these two approaches as well as the various trade-offs involved will be presented.
Sensorless operation of SRM drives: R & D status

Sensorless operation is very crucial to the successful commercial entrance of a majority of SRM drives. A large number of sensorless (both current and rotor position) control schemes have been under development over a period of 16 years. It is timely to classify and summarize the industrially important schemes among them for future research, development and applications. Such an attempt is made in this paper.
The Efficient Use Of Technology In The Business Curriculum: A Survey Of AACSB Member Deans

This paper examines the use of technology in the business curriculum and classroom. A survey of AACSB member deans and information technology directors was conducted to ascertain amount of technology use (e.g., use of computers and data analysis packages, securities markets and trading room analyses) and to examine the perceived effectiveness in overall improvement in student learning and communication skills. This paper also examines the extent of use of the Internet to complement traditional course delivery.
A fully coupled thermal-hydrological-mechanical-chemical model for CO2 geological sequestration

Abstract The importance of thermal-hydrological-mechanical-chemical (THMC) interactions is well recognized in the procedure of CO2 geo-sequestration. Geo-mechanics and geo-chemistry may have significant effects on the aqueous phase composition, porosity and permeability of the formation, which in turn affect flow and transport processes. Using a mean stress formulation, geomechanical effects are considered such as stresses, displacements, and rock deformation in CO2 sequestration. Chemical equilibrium and kinetics are taken into account in the mass balance equation, which is able to quantitatively simulate fluid flow, solute transport and geo–chemical reaction in the operation of CO2 geo-sequestration. Since rock strength decreases with increasing amounts of reactive minerals, substantial dissolution/precipitation of rock composition may lead to significant changes in the mechanical behavior, a generic computational scheme has been developed to take the mechanical and chemical coupling effects into account. Based on these theories, a novel mathematical model of the THMC processes is developed in this paper. A fully coupled computational framework is proposed and used to simulate reactive transport of water, CO2 gas and species in subsurface formation with geomechanics. The novel frameworks are designed to keep a generalized computational structure for different THMC processes. The coupled THMC simulators focus on: (1) fluid and heat flow, solute transport in a three-phase mixture, (2) stress and displacement related to mean stress, (3) non-isothermal effects on fluid properties and reaction processes, and (4) the equilibrium and kinetics of water-rock and gas-rock chemical interactions. A practical reactive transport examples with cold supercritical CO2 injection into saline aquifer has been proposed to analyze the THMC processes quantitatively. It is indicated that the geochemical reactions do not have significant impact on pore pressure, mean stress and temperature. The thermal energy transport with low temperature significantly affects the mean stress and geochemical reactions in the saline aquifer. Low temperature accelerates equilibrium dissolution of gas and mineral, but slows down kinetic dissolution/precipitation of minerals, such as anorthite and kaolinite.
A remarkable new species of Empidideicus (Diptera: Mythicomyiidae) from Madagascar

A new species of Empidideicus, E. rhinoclypeatus, n. sp. from Madagascar is described and illustrated. It marks the first published description of a species of the genus from Madagascar. The new species is noteworthy in that it possesses a remarkable elongation of the clypeus. A key to species of Empidideicus from southern Africa, Sokotra, and Madagascar is presented.
Deletion of Interstitial Genes between TMPRSS2 and ERG Promotes Prostate Cancer Progression

TMPRSS2-ERG gene fusions that occur frequently in human prostate cancers can be generated either through insertional chromosomal rearrangement or by intrachromosomal deletion. Genetically, a key difference between these two mechanisms is that the latter results in deletion of a ∼3-Mb interstitial region containing genes with unexplored roles in prostate cancer. In this study, we characterized two mouse models recapitulating TMPRSS2-ERG insertion or deletion events in the background of prostate-specific PTEN deficiency. We found that only the mice that lacked the interstitial region developed prostate adenocarcinomas marked by poor differentiation and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Mechanistic investigations identified several interstitial genes, including Ets2 and Bace2, whose reduced expression correlated in the gene homologs in human prostate cancer with biochemical relapse and lethal disease. Accordingly, PTEN-deficient mice with prostate-specific knockout of Ets2 exhibited marked progression of prostate adenocarcinomas that was partly attributed to activation of MAPK signaling. Collectively, our findings established that Ets2 is a tumor suppressor gene in prostate cancer, and its loss along with other genes within the TMPRSS2-ERG interstitial region contributes to disease progression. Cancer Res; 76(7); 1869-81. ©2016 AACR.
Transfer function modeling of partial discharge behavior evolved during application of a time varying power frequency voltage

In this work, an attempt has been made to model the relationship between the amplitude of a 60Hz voltage applied in a step fashion to a rod-plane Gap with a dielectric barrier (a nanofilled polypropylene film affixed to ground plane) and the resulting partial discharge quantities. The applied voltage sampled at discrete time intervals is considered as input and corresponding partial discharges sampled at equispaced times as output resulting in a bivariate stochastic process. The main field is controlled by a programmable logic controller programmed autotransformer and the PD behavior is dependent on the combined effect of variations in main field and the field due to residual charges from earlier partial discharges. The experimental results are analyzed through a transfer function model. The details of the steps involved in the modeling process are discussed and results are presented.
Ultrasonic demonstration of thrombus in the common carotid artery.

Cerebral emboli may arise from intracardiac mural thrombi, from peripheral venous sites with paradoxical emboli, or more commonly from intraarterial thrombus resulting from atheromatous plaques [1 ]. The demonstration of intraarterial clot requires arteriography, an invasive procedure that carries the risk of dislodging further fragments of the thrombus [2, 3]. We present a case in which thrombus within the common carotid artery was demonstrated preoperatively with ultrasound using both a gray scale static scanner and a mechanically sectored real-time scanner.
Rubella and rheumatoid arthritis: hyaluronic acid and susceptibility of cultured rheumatoid synovial cells to viruses.

SummarySynovial cell lines were established from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and from normal human embryos. High levels of hyaluronic acid (HA) were produced by some RA cell lines, some of which were partially or completely resistant to infection with Newcastle disease virus (NDV), vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), and rubella virus (RV). Normal fetal synovial cells lines were susceptible to NDV, VSV, and RV. Infection with virus became possible after treatment of RA cells with hyaluronidase to depolymerize HA, and HA prevented infection of normal synovial cells with VSV. These results provide evidence that HA and not chronic or latent viral infection is responsible for the lack of susceptibility of RA synovial cells to certain viruses.
RECURRENT SYNCOPE AS A PRESENTATION OF SYSTEMIC MASTOCYTOSIS

Syncope is one of the most common referrals to the cardiology clinic. Obtaining a detailed history is paramount when evaluating the broad differential diagnosis for syncope. We describe a case of recurrent syncope caused by systemic mastocytosis diagnosed after taking a careful history. A 47-year-
Fundamentals of Phase Change Processes in Laser-Materials Interaction (Invited)

This paper is concerned with fundamental aspects of laser -material interaction. In the past few years, our research has been focused on laser induced thermal and thermomechanical phenomena and phase change mechanisms that determine the materials removal process during laser machining. It is shown that during nanosecond laser heating, explosive phase change could occur . T he target material is superheated to close to the thermodynamic critical point, followed by an explosive, homogeneous phase transformation. On the other hand, it is observed from the experiment that the time required for phase explosion to occur is on the order of nanoseconds. Thus, when a laser with pulsewidth much less than 1 ns is used, such as a picosecond or femtosecond pulsed laser, it is likely that the material can be heated above the critical point, and another type of phase change, spinodal decomposition becomes possible. We have developed a number of numerical tools to investigate the phase change processes, including finite difference (FD) and molecular dynamics (MD) techniques. It is shown that the peak temperature reached during femtosecond laser matter interaction can indeed exceed the critical temperature, followed by an expansion of the high temperature, high pressure material leading to phase separation.
The Power of Common Ground

A hospital chief executive officer and general surgeon physician champion are able to initiate transformative changes at a multi-hospital system. Common ground can be transformative in a healthcare setting even if it involves a team of only two leaders. There is no silver bullet to transform the patient experience. However, mutual respect, mutual trust, and good communication are the requisite common ground elements.
Acute Toxicity of Water-soluble Plastic Film on Zebra Fish

[Objective]To study the toxicity of water-soluble plastic film on zebra fish,provide the basis for its safe use.[Methods]The zebra fish what was the representative aquatic animal was used as the experimental materials,the acute toxicity of water-soluble plastic film on zebra fish was tested by static method in indoor environment,and the safety evaluation was conducted.[Results]24 h,48 h and 96 h C50 of zebra fish was 2.75%,2.20% and 2.20%,respectively.[Conclusion]The water-soluble plastic film has strong toxicity to zebra fish,and the management of its use should be strengthened.This research has provided the scientific basis for safety use.
Turbulence and rotation of waters in oceans and seas

The models described in the preceding chapter provide useful information on the nature of currents and the density structure of sea water. They do not, however, bring us any closer to understanding the gyration of ocean currents in the horizontal plane. Indeed, gyres of different scale are a characteristic trait of oceanic circulation. As we know, both Pacific and Atlantic waters move along an almost closed trajectory in at least five places; in the Indian Ocean gyres are observed in three or four places, depending on the season. If we could plot on the map of currents in Figure 2.2 the circulations in the seas of the Northern Hemisphere-Mediterranean Sea, Baltic Sea, Sea of Okhotsk and others — we would see cyclonic gyrations of water there as well. Sea gyres, although less steady than their oceanic counterparts, occur almost everywhere.
Rhythmic smooth muscle activity in hamster aortas is mediated by continuous release of NO from the endothelium

Hamster aortas display endothelium-dependent, agonist-induced rhythmic contractions. However, the mechanism responsible for these oscillations is not known. Therefore, we investigated the possible role of nitric oxide (NO) on phenylephrine-induced rhythmicity in rings and segments of thoracic aortas of the hamster. We found that hamster aortas release NO, as detected by activation of purified soluble guanylate cyclase. The release of NO was abolished by mechanical removal of the endothelium or by exposure of the vessels to NG-nitro-L-arginine (NAG), a stereospecific selective inhibitor of NO synthesis. Correlated with the tonic release of NO was an elevation in guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) content in the vessels that could also be abolished by removal of the endothelium or treatment with NAG. The same procedures inhibited phenylephrine-induced isometric tension or diameter oscillations. Rhythmicity could be restored by exposure to the nitrovasodilator sodium nitroprusside, which increased cGMP levels in the aortas, or by exposure to the permeant analogue of cGMP, 8-BrcGMP. The beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol, as well as the cAMP analogue dibutyryl cAMP, failed to produce rhythmic contractions in either preparation. These data indicate that endothelium-derived NO, which stimulates the production of cGMP in the vascular smooth muscle, is the signal that leads to the observed rhythmic oscillations in smooth muscle mechanical activity.
Design, fabrication, and testing of a Shack-Hartmann sensor with an automatic registration feature.

In this research, design, construction, and testing of an innovative Shack–Hartmann sensor are described. As the most critical component, a polymer microlens array is injection molded and mounted on a board-level CMOS camera such that the focal plane of the microlens array is on the camera’s image plane. To allow for automatic registration of the spots of the measured area, a diffusing surface was created at the center of the lens array in the same diamond machining process in an uninterrupted operation. This unique diffusing surface does not generate an image spot. The no-spot feature functions as the reference in the measurement on the camera’s image plane. Using this unique feature, large global tip-tilt error can be detected and eliminated. In this research, both experiments and simulation have shown that the Shack–Hartmann sensor built using low cost components is capable of precision wavefront detection. This research also demonstrated that automatic registration based on the diffusing surface is simple and reliable.
Size and Weight Computation of MVDC Power Equipment in Architectures Developed Using the Smart Ship Systems Design Environment

The smart ship systems design (S3D) environment under development is intended to enable users to estimate the size and weight requirements for various devices and subsystems of a naval vessel. This paper continues work done related to the modular multilevel converter (MMC) scaling approach and applies it to other devices of the medium voltage dc (MVdc) portion of the power network. The analysis shown uses a 10 kV baseline ship design within S3D and uses the developed scaling values to calculate the total weight and volume of particular equipment. Comparisons between power densities of the overall MMC system at different MVdc bus voltages and using power electronic building blocks of different ratings are also shown. This provides vital insight that enables S3D users to assess and evaluate different power architectures using metrics such as functionality, mass, and volume among other factors.
Interplay between performance and communication delay in noisy linear consensus networks

This work investigates performance of noisy time-delayed linear consensus networks from a graph topological point of view. Performance of the network is measured by the square of the H 2 -norm of the system. The focus of this paper is on noisy consensus networks with homogeneous time delays affecting both the agent and all its neighbors. We derive an exact expression for the performance measure of the network in terms of time delay parameter and Laplacian eigenvalues of the underlying graph of the network. It is shown that the performance measure is a convex and Schur-convex function of Laplacian eigenvalues. We characterize the network topology with optimal performance. Furthermore, we quantify a fundamental limit on the best achievable performance based on performance of the optimal topology.
An automatic and guaranteed determination of the number of roots of an analytic function interior to a simple closed curve in the complex plane

A well known result from complex analysis allows us, under suitable circumstances, to compute the number of roots of an analytic function,f(z), that lie inside a counterclockwise, simple closed curve,C, by computing the integral. $$\frac{1}{{2\pi i}}\int_C {\frac{{f'(z)}}{{f(z)}}} dz.$$
Mortality rate modeling of joint lives and survivor insurance contracts tested by a novel unilateral dependence measure

Recently, nonsymmetric measures of dependence have started to attract attention, and several continuous entropy-like nonsymmetric dependence measures have been proposed. Based on Onicescu's information energy, we have introduced in previous work a nonsymmetric dependence measure between two discrete random variables. In the present paper, we analyze the continuous version of this measure. We deduct that there are important differences when switching from the discrete to the continuous measure. Then we apply this continuous unilateral dependence measure to a real-world challenge: mortality rate modeling for life insurance industry. We consider joint male-female pairs (married, but not necessarily from the same family) belonging to the same policy group, and analyze the unilateral interactions between the male-female mortality data samples for the purpose of stochastic model testing and validation of risk variables in the insurance world.
The physics of polymer dissolution: Modeling approaches and experimental behavior

Polymer dissolution is an important phenomenon in polymer science and engineering that has found applications in areas like microlithography, controlled drug delivery, and plastics recycling. This review focuses on the modeling efforts to understand the physics of the dissolution mechanism of glassy polymers. A brief review of the experimentally observed dissolution behavior is presented, thus motivating the modeling of the mechanism of dissolution. The main modeling contributions have been classified into four broad approaches — phenomenological models and Fickian equations, external mass transfer-control based models, stress relaxation models, and anomalous transport models and scaling law-based approaches. Another approach discussed is the appropriate accommodation of molecular theories in a continuum framework. The underlying principles and the important features of each approach are discussed in depth. Details of the important models and their corresponding predictions are provided. Experimental results seem to be qualitatively consistent with the present picture.
Role of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 in the modulation of airway smooth muscle tone and calcium handling

Asthma is a common disorder characterized, in part, by airway smooth muscle (ASM) hyperresponsiveness. Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) is a nonselective cation channel expressed on airway nerve fibers that modulates afferent signals, resulting in cough, and potentially bronchoconstriction. In the present study, the TRPV1 transcript was detected by RT-PCR in primary cultured human ASM cells, and the TRPV1 protein was detected in ASM of human trachea by immunohistochemistry. Proximity ligation assays suggest that TRPV1 is expressed in the sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane of human ASM cells in close association with sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase-2. In guinea pig tracheal ring organ bath experiments, the TRPV1 agonist capsaicin led to ASM contraction, but this contraction was significantly attenuated by the sodium channel inhibitor bupivacaine (n = 4, P < 0.05) and the neurokinin-2 receptor antagonist GR-159897 (n = 4, P < 0.05), suggesting that this contraction is neutrally mediated. However, pretreatment of guinea pig and human ASM in organ bath experiments with the TRPV1 antagonist capsazepine inhibited the maintenance phase of an acetylcholine-induced contraction (n = 4, P < 0.01 for both species). Similarly, capsazepine inhibited methacholine-induced contraction of peripheral airways in mouse precision-cut lung slice (PCLS) experiments (n = 4-5, P < 0.05). Although capsazepine did not inhibit store-operated calcium entry in mouse ASM cells in PCLS (n = 4-7, P = nonsignificant), it did inhibit calcium oscillations (n = 3, P < 0.001). These studies suggest that TRPV1 is expressed on ASM, including the SR, but that ASM TRPV1 activation does not play a significant role in initiation of ASM contraction. However, capsazepine does inhibit maintenance of contraction, likely by inhibiting calcium oscillations.
Review: Sulfonylureas are associated with overall mortality and CV events vs other antihyperglycemics in T2DM.

Source Citation Bain S, Druyts E, Balijepalli C, et al. Cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality associated with sulphonylureas compared with other antihyperglycaemic drugs: a Bayesian meta-an...
The Elephant in the Courtroom.

Our recent journey to India began with presentations at the World Association of Social Psychiatry in New Delhi, where we addressed transinstitutionalization (K.J.W.) and barriers to men's communication in psychotherapy (R.G.). We visited the Taj Mahal at our next stop, Agra. Still giddy from
Predicting Basal Metabolic Rate in Men with Motor Complete Spinal Cord Injury.

ABSTRACTPurposeThis study aimed to assess the accuracy of existing basal metabolic rate (BMR) prediction equations in men with chronic (>1 yr) spinal cord injury (SCI). The primary aim is to develop new SCI population-specific BMR prediction models, based on anthropometric, body composition, and/or
Transparent array for simulation of radar targets with full angular dynamics in any environment

This paper presents a new technology for freespace injection of simulated targets into operating radar antennas. The method allows normal operation of the radar in a chamber or in the field, simultaneously with target injection. A transparent phased array (an intelligent radome, or "iDome") with size similar to the radar antenna is placed in close proximity to the radar antenna aperture. The iDome array is connected to a radar repeater that supplies the target return range, Doppler, and waveform to the radar receiver. The iDome array also simulates the cross-range trajectory of the target. Surrounding real-world clutter will still be seen by the radar with no significant effect from the iDome array. Multiple targets with independent trajectories can be generated. Planar and non-planar versions of iDome can accommodate radar antenna and geometries that require separation of the radar and iDome. This paper discusses applications, MATLAB modeling, and simulations that demonstrate viability of the new concept.
Use of Polymerase Chain Reaction for Making Recombinant Constructs

The capacity to recombine and modify DNA are underpinnings of the recombinant DNA revolution. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (1,2) provides a rapid means for the site-directed mutagenesis of DNA and for the recombination of DNA (1-9). Recently, two methods have been introduced that permit site-directed mutagenesis and DNA recombination without any enzymatic reaction in vitro apart from DNA amplification (5-9). The first method is accomplished by using separate PCR amplifications to generate products, such that when these products are combined, denatured, and reannealed, they form doublestranded DNA with single-stranded ends that are designed to anneal to each other to yield circles, an application termed recombinant circle PCR (RCPCR; see Chapter 27 ).
Anesthetic Considerations for Robotic Urologic Surgery

This chapter will focus upon the complex physiology and implications of pneumoperitoneum (PPT) and the Trendelenburg position (TP) which challenges the anesthetic management through the neurologic, pulmonary, cardiovascular, hepatic, and renal systems. Robotic-assisted laparoscopic urologic surgery (RALUS) limits access to the limbs and hinders routine monitoring and its interpretation, primarily from hydrostatic gradients. Although the effects of capnoperitoneum (CPT) for laparoscopic cholecystectomy (Lap-C) have been well described, the added effects of TP have not. The predominant types of RALUS (prostatectomy, cystectomy, and nephrectomy) differ in anesthetic management secondary to position, complexity, organ function, duration, access, morbidity, length of stay, and postoperative recovery. The anesthesia team should know their surgeon’s outcomes regarding these factors in order to best manage the anesthetic.
Investigating Physics Self-Belief of Female African-American Students.

Female African Americans comprise an underrepresented group in physics-focused careers. Between 2002 and 2012 African-American women comprised approximately 1% of graduating physics majors in the United States. It appears that at some point in their educational careers, many female African-American students stop considering the field of physics as being a viable or attractive option. One approach to garnering a greater understanding of this phenomenon is to specifically look into the impact of their self-belief; this encompasses students’ attitudes, self-concept, and self-efficacy. Self-concept refers to how one views one’s own strengths and weaknesses, while self-efficacy refers to one’s capacity to believe in one’s own abilities to succeed in specific situations. There does not yet exist a large body of research that specifically concentrates on middle and high school-aged female African Americans, low physics representation, and its connection to self-belief related to physics. In this instance, the question is: “Do these students believe they can succeed in physics?” This research investigates the levels of physics self-belief of female African Americans who are enrolled in middle and high school physics.Female African Americans comprise an underrepresented group in physics-focused careers. Between 2002 and 2012 African-American women comprised approximately 1% of graduating physics majors in the United States. It appears that at some point in their educational careers, many female African-American students stop considering the field of physics as being a viable or attractive option. One approach to garnering a greater understanding of this phenomenon is to specifically look into the impact of their self-belief; this encompasses students’ attitudes, self-concept, and self-efficacy. Self-concept refers to how one views one’s own strengths and weaknesses, while self-efficacy refers to one’s capacity to believe in one’s own abilities to succeed in specific situations. There does not yet exist a large body of research that specifically concentrates on middle and high school-aged female African Americans, low physics representation, and its connection to self-belief related to physics. In this instance, the qu...
Impaired glucose metabolism - A potential risk factor for idiopathic nodular glomerulosclerosis: A single center study.

Abstract Nodular glomerulosclerosis is a characteristic histological finding of diabetic nephropathy (DN) with thickened glomerular basement membrane and hyalinized arterioles. Idiopathic nodular glomerulosclerosis (ING), a distinct clinicopathologic entity, is the term used to denote classic DN confirmed by light microscopy, immuno-fluorescence, and electron microscopy but in the absence of diabetes mellitus (DM). ING has been linked to heavy tobacco smoking, chronic hypertension, and obesity. We report the result of a retrospective study identifying seventeen subjects from Thomas Jefferson University (1999–2014) with biopsy-proven nodular glomerulosclerosis but no pre-existing history of DM. The main indications for percutaneous kidney biopsy (PKB) were either reduced renal function or the presence of proteinuria. The subjects’ mean (±SD) age was 60.2 (14.4) years, their highest documented random glucose level was 104.4 (23.5) mg/dL, serum creatinine measured 2.35 (1.03) mg/dL, and body mass index calculated 29.4 (6.2) kg/m2. None of the patients fulfilled criteria for diabetes at the time of PKB. However, review of medical records revealed history of intermittently elevated blood glucose or borderline-high HgbA1c levels. The role of impaired glucose metabolism or insulin resistance, as a possible etiology for ING is potentially underestimated and needs additional studies.
Differential capacitance of the electric double layer: mean-field modeling approaches

Abstract Electrolytes screen the charges carried by an electrode through the formation of a diffuse double layer. The corresponding differential capacitance reflects the change of the surface charge density with the applied surface potential. Mean-field modeling of the differential capacitance is an attempt to qualitatively explain experimental findings such as the camel-to-bell shape transition in terms of physical factors including the ion size and concentration, nonelectrostatic ion–ion interactions, electrostatic ion–ion correlations, and the influence of the electrode curvature. We highlight the central role of the lattice gas model as a conceptual tool to describe concentrated electrolytes and ionic liquids, and we briefly summarize how extensions and generalizations of this model give rise to concepts known as ‘overscreening’ and ‘underscreening’.
PRIMARY SYSTEMIC AMYLOIDOSIS SIMULATING ACUTE IDIOPATHIC ULCERATIVE COLITIS: REPORT OF A CASE.

An unusual case of primary systemic amyloidosis which simulated acute ulcerative colitis is reported. Some interesting blood findings in the patient and his siblings are presented which suggest that the case was a familial one.
SUN-277 Severe Hyperglycemia in the Setting of Hypernatremic Dehydration

Background: Hypernatremic dehydration associated with hyperglycemia in non-diabetic infants has a potential to cause serious metabolic derangement. Review of limited literature available on this condition reveals pathogenesis of hyperglycemia is likely multi-factorial. We present a case of extreme hyperglycemia in a 10 months old infant with severe hypernatremic dehydration with possible mechanisms discussed. Case Report: Our patient was a 10 months old Caucasian male former 25 weeks premature infant (birth weight: 0.79 kg) with chronic lung disease on furosemide and potassium supplements (KCl) presenting with lethargy, respiratory failure, severe hypovolemic shock and acute kidney injury (AKI) requiring intubation and aggressive fluid resuscitation with pressor support. Initial labs showed blood glucose (BG)> 750 mg/dl, repeat BG 1438 mg/dl, pH 7.09, PCO2 80 mm Hg, sodium 194 mmol/L, BUN 197 mg/dl, Cr 2.6 mg/dl, potassium 11 mmol/L, chloride 155 mmol/L, bicarb 22 mmol/L, POC ketones 4.7 mmol/L, beta hydroxybutyrate 0.58 mmol/L. Possibility of diabetic ketoacidosis was considered. Regular insulin drip was started at 0.05 units/kg/hour. Glucose levels normalized after approximately 17 hours. He remained euglycemic off insulin for rest of hospitalization on glucose containing fluids. C-peptide 17.99 ng/ml indicated endogenous insulin production. HbA1C was 6.2% with negative pancreatic autoantibodies. Associated risk factors were identified to include viral URI, 1 week of watery diarrhea and potential administration of inappropriately diluted (increased solute) formula and/or KCl overdose. Septic work up was negative. Hypernatremia slowly corrected over 10 days. AKI resolved and patient had no metabolic abnormalities prior to discharge. Conclusion: Hypernatremic dehydration is associated with significant morbidity and mortality and requires carefully controlled rehydration due to risk of cerebral edema. Hyperglycemia in such cases is typically transient, associated with normal insulin/C-peptide levels, negative pancreatic autoantibodies and often resolves with fluid resuscitation alone. However, extreme hyperglycemia as in our case may warrant initiation of insulin. The pathogenesis is unclear but related to a combination of insulin resistance induced by counter-regulatory hormones like cortisol, glucagon and growth hormone with increased endogenous glucose production and decreased peripheral glucose utilization. This may be compounded by altered renal glucose threshold in sick infants. References: 1. Mandell, F. and Fellers, F. (1974). Hyperglycemia in Hypernatremic Dehydration. Clinical Pediatrics, 13(4), pp.367-369 2. Stevenson, R. and Bowyer, F. (1970). Hyperglycemia with hyperosmalal dehydration in nondiabetic infants. The Journal of Pediatrics, 77(5), pp.818-823
Candida auris: An Emerging Yeast Pathogen Posing Distinct Challenges for Laboratory Diagnostics, Treatment, and Infection Prevention.

Context.— Candida auris is an emerging yeast species that was first described in 2009. This ascomycetous yeast is notable for resistance to azole antifungal agents, for environmental persistence, a...
Sparse Approximation of a Kernel Mean

Kernel means are frequently used to represent probability distributions in machine learning problems. In particular, the well known kernel density estimator and the kernel mean embedding both have the form of a kernel mean. Unfortunately, kernel means face scalability issues. A single point evaluation of the kernel density estimator, for example, requires a computation time linear in the training sample size. To address this challenge, we present a method to efficiently construct a sparse approximation of a kernel mean. We do so by first establishing an incoherence-based bound on the approximation error. We then observe that, for any kernel with constant norm (which includes all translation invariant kernels), the bound can be efficiently minimized by solving the $k$ -center problem. The outcome is a linear time construction of a sparse kernel mean, which also lends itself naturally to an automatic sparsity selection scheme. We demonstrate the computational gains of our method by looking at several benchmark datasets, as well as three applications involving kernel means: Euclidean embedding of distributions, class proportion estimation, and clustering using the mean-shift algorithm.
Sequential Use of Aminophylline and Theophylline for Temporizing Neck Cancer-Induced Carotid Sinus Syncope.

AbstractCarotid sinus syncope due to head and neck cancer is uncommon and the management is challenging. Permanent pacemaker implantation is generally considered but malnutrition with subsequent ch...
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support for Vaping-Induced Acute Lung Injury

Cases of vaporizer-induced acute lung injury are increasing in frequency as the use of these recreational products have become more popular. Such pathology can result in life-threatening conditions for otherwise healthy patients, with diagnostic difficulties and complex treatment plans. Presented is a case of severe acute lung injury caused by vaporizing substances in a young man requiring extracorporeal membranous oxygenation (ECMO) as a bridge to recovery. Recovery was successful despite rapid-onset of adult respiratory distress syndrome with prompt use of ECMO and appropriate lung-protective strategies.
Temporal Trends in E-Cigarette Use Among U.S. Adults: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2016 to 2018

Abstract Background It is important to study the trends of e-cigarette use among various subgroups to understand which populations may be more susceptible to increased use and, therefore, are at risk for potential long-term health effects. Methods We used cross-sectional data from the 2016-2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, a nationally representative U.S. telephone-based survey of adults aged 18 years or older. The 2017 dataset also includes data from participant interviews that had been conducted in the year 2018. Current e-cigarette use was defined as use of e-cigarettes every day or on some days. We analyzed data using survey weights to ensure representativeness of the data to the US population. Results The study population consisted of 936,319 individuals, of whom 28,917 were current e-cigarette users, and corresponded to 10.8 million U.S. adults. Thirty percent were aged between 18 and 34 years. Forty-nine percent were men; 63% were white, 12% black, and 17% Hispanic. The overall prevalence of current e-cigarette use increased from 4.3% in 2016 to 4.8% in 2018. E-cigarette use significantly increased among middle-aged adults (from 3.9% to 5.2%; P = .004), women (from 3.3% to 4.3%; P Conclusions In a nationally representative sample, we found important trends in e-cigarette use in a relatively short time frame. A significantly increasing prevalence of e-cigarette use was noted among middle-age adults, women, and former smokers. Our study provides important information about e-cigarette trends that can be used by clinicians when counselling patients and by regulatory agencies to develop public policies.
Nonlinear controllers for fuel cell, photovoltaic cell and battery based hybrid energy management system

Abstract Due to limitations of conventional energy sources like petrol, diesel, hydro, nuclear etc., hybridization of green energy sources like photovoltaic cell, wind, fuel cell etc. has become a challenging task. In this research photovoltaic (PV) and fuel cells (FC) have been considered as primary sources of energy while battery as a storage unit for a Hybrid Energy Storage System (HESS). Extraction of maximum power from PV panel and output voltage regulation is another challenge due to its nonlinear characteristics. In this paper, single stage multi input multi output (MIMO) buck converter has been considered and four controllers: Fuzzy Logic Based (FLB) robust, nonlinear Backstepping (BS), Integral Backstepping (IBS) and Synergetic controllers have been proposed to track the output voltage, to control the battery charging and to extract maximum power from the PV cell. Asymptotic stability of the proposed controllers has been proved using Lyapunov theory. The performance of nonlinear controllers has been checked under input power and load variations on the converter having only one inductor and two input sources. They have been compared with each other and conventional PID controller under different operating conditions by simulations in MATLAB/Simulink. The results have also been validated by an experimental setup on a lab prototype.
Noninvasive Echocardiographic Left Ventricular Stroke Work Index Predicts Mortality in Cardiac Intensive Care Unit Patients.

Background: Reduced left ventricular stroke work index (LVSWI) has been associated with adverse outcomes in several populations of patients with chronic heart disease, but no prior studies have exa...
Two-Computer Pair Programming: Exploring a Feedback Intervention to improve Collaborative Talk in Elementary Students.

Background and Context: Researchers and practitioners have begun to incorporate collaboration in programming because of its reported instructional and professional benefits. However, younger studen...
Intersectional Stereotyping in Media Coverage: The Case of Stacey Abrams Versus Stacey Evans in Georgia

Research on race and gender in the media finds that stereotypes often influence the type of coverage that women and minority candidates receive during campaigns. However, much less is known about t...
Judicial Supremacy and the Modest Constitution

Judicial supremacy is under attack. From various points on the political spectrum, political actors as well as academics have challenged the idea that the courts in general, and the Supreme Court in particular, have a special and preeminent responsibility in interpreting and enforcing the Constitution. Reminding us that treating Supreme Court interpretations of the Constitution as supreme and authoritative has no grounding in constitutional text and not much more in constitutional history, these critics seek to relocate the prime source of interpretive guidance. The courts have an important role to play, these critics acknowledge, but it is a role neither greater than that played by other branches, nor greater than the role to be played by "the people themselves."' The critics' understanding of a more limited function for the judiciary in constitutional interpretation appears to rest, however, primarily on a highly contestable conception of the point of having a written constitution in the first place. According to this conception, a constitution, and especially the Constitution of the United States, is the vehicle by which a democratic polity develops its own fundamental values. A constitution, therefore, becomes both a statement of our most important values and the vehicle through which these values are created and crystallized. Under this conception of the role of a written constitution, it would indeed be a mistake to believe that the courts should have the preeminent responsibility for interpreting that constitution. For this task of value generation to devolve
A need for a 'whole-istic functional genomics' approach in complex human diseases: arthritis.

'Genomic tools', such as gene/protein chips, single nucleotide polymorphism and haplotype analyses, are empowering us to generate staggering amounts of correlative data, from human/animal genetics and from normal and disease-affected tissues obtained from complex diseases such as arthritis. These tools are transforming molecular biology into a 'data rich' science, with subjects with an '-omic' suffix. These disciplines have to converge and integrate at a systemic level to examine the structure and dynamics of cellular and organismal function ('functionomics') simultaneously, using a multidimensional approach for cells, tissues, organs, rodents and Zebra fish models, which intertwines various approaches and readouts to study the development and homeostasis of a system. In summary, the postgenomic era of functionomics will facilitate narrowing the bridge between correlative data and causative data, thus integrating 'intercoms' of interacting and interdependent disciplines and forming a unified whole.
Calorimetric Characterization of Ligand Binding on Trypsinogen and Chymotrypsinogen A, with Evidence for Two Binding Sites on α-Chymotrypsin

Abstract Heat is evolved when solutions of trypsinogen or chymotrypsinogen A are mixed with solutions of the amide or methyl ester derivatives of Nα-p-toluenesulfonyl-l-arginine, appropriate corrections being made for heats of reactant dilution. Exothermic reaction was also observed when the two ligands were mixed with α-chymotrypsin; all measurements were made at 25°, pH 5.0. The dependence of apparent reaction heat upon ligand concentration was used to evaluate ligand binding site models, thereby providing values for changes in free energy and entropy as well. Binding to the zymogens was represented by a model having a single class of sites, but description of the ester-α-chymotrypsin data required the postulation of two classes of ligand binding sites. Comparison with previous kinetic investigations leads to the view that the ligand binding site of the zymogen persists in the active enzyme, in addition to the binding site made available upon activation of the zymogen by trypsin.
The reaction of xanthine oxidase with molecular oxygen.

Abstract The reaction of reduced xanthine oxidase with oxygen occurs in two distinct kinetic phases with the rate of the fast phase being about 10 times greater than that of the slow phase. Comparison of transient state and steady state kinetics demonstrates that only the fast phase of oxidation is catalytically significant. The time course of oxidation is quantitatively independent of the following factors: (a) the activity to flavin ratio; (b) presence of competitive inhibitors; (c) pretreatment of enzyme with either cyanide or allopurinol; and (d) addition of superoxide dismutase. Removal of flavin eliminates both oxidase activity and the reactivity of the reduced enzyme with molecular oxygen (Komai, H., Massey, V., and Palmer, G. (1969) J. Biol. Chem. 244, 1692–1700). Both optical and EPR kinetic data support the interpretation that 5 electrons are consumed in the fast phase and 1 in the slow phase. The spectral properties of the slowly reacting species suggest that the residual electron is present principally as reduced iron-sulfur center II at pH 8.5. The simplest interpretation of the kinetic data requires that rapid reaction of the enzyme with oxygen occurs via fully reduced flavin and that the slow phase observed for 1-electron reduced enzyme is a consequence of both the poor reactivity and small equilibrium concentration of flavin semiquinone. The absence of any effect of superoxide dismutase on both the optical and EPR data and the small amount of superoxide generated indicates that hydrogen peroxide is the major product formed during oxidation of fully reduced xanthine oxidase.
Overview: Rodent and fish models of Parkinson's disease

Publisher Summary This chapter gives an overview of rodent and fish models of Parkinson's disease (PD). The discovery of multiple familial PD genes has led investigators to develop novel methods for studying gene function. A particularly exciting advance is the development transgenic mice using very large stretches of genomic DNA known as bacterial artiﬁcial chromosomes (BACs). A cheaper and rapid method of PD model generation may ultimately be possible using zebraﬁsh, small ﬁsh that have a complex euroanatomy including dopaminergic neurons that project to forebrain and control motor activity. This system has many unique advantages, including the possibility of forward genetic screens. It is found that due to their skin and gills are permeable to water soluble chemicals, zebraﬁsh are also amenable to high throughput drug screens. It is suggested that advances made in different animal model and cell-based systems are beginning to synergize, and will likely lead to second- and third-generation models that will further understanding of the biology of these genes, and their potential relationship to one another.