cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dimensionality Reduction Using Principal Component Analysis Applied to the Gradient

The cost of dimensionality reduction in aerodynamic design applications involving high-dimensional design spaces and computational fluid dynamics is often prohibitive. In an attempt to overcome this challenge, a new method for dimensionality reduction is presented that scales as p log(p), where p is the number of design variables. It works by taking advantage of adjoint design methods to compute the covariance matrix of the gradient. This information is then used with principal component analysis to develop a linear transformation that allows an aerodynamic optimization problem to be reformulated in an equivalent coordinate system of lower dimensionality. To demonstrate its feasibility, the method is tested on a two-dimensional staggered airfoil problem, intentionally chosen as an abstraction of a more realistic overwing nacelle integration problem, and shown to exhibit similarities with the latter. Results show that the method rivals typical screening methods used in aerospace engineering in terms of eff...
Recursive Receiver Down-Converters With Multiband Feedback and Gain-Reuse

Receiver down-converter topologies are presented that provide simultaneous frequency conversion and baseband amplification within a mixer, in order to reduce power dissipation for a given dynamic range. The down-converted IF output of a mixer is reapplied to its input stage in a recursive manner, which significantly enhances the conversion gain, with current requirement determined primarily by the input transconductor of the mixer. Two down-converter topologies based on this technique are presented. One topology utilizes common-source NMOS devices as the RF input stage of the mixer, and reuses their transconductance for providing baseband gain. The second topology utilizes differential pairs as the RF input stage, and employs the transconductance of the tail current-source devices for baseband gain. The designs are implemented in a 0.13 mum CMOS technology and achieve peak conversion gains of 50 dB and 56 dB, with single side-band noise figures of 12.7 dB and 9.4 dB, and OIP3 values of 8 and 11 , respectively. They operate at a nominal supply of 1.2 V with bias current of 2.9 mA and 2.1 mA, respectively. The active die area is less than 0.1 mm for each design. Noise and linearity performance of the down-converters is analyzed, and the potential for enhancement of IIP3 through cancellation of nonlinear products is discussed.
Oxidative stress contributes to outcome severity in a Drosophila melanogaster model of classic galactosemia

Classic galactosemia is a genetic disorder that results from profound loss of galactose-1P-uridylyltransferase (GALT). Affected infants experience a rapid escalation of potentially lethal acute symptoms following exposure to milk. Dietary restriction of galactose prevents or resolves the acute sequelae; however, many patients experience profound long-term complications. Despite decades of research, the mechanisms that underlie pathophysiology in classic galactosemia remain unclear. Recently, we developed a Drosophila melanogaster model of classic galactosemia and demonstrated that, like patients, GALT-null Drosophila succumb in development if exposed to galactose but live if maintained on a galactose-restricted diet. Prior models of experimental galactosemia have implicated a possible association between galactose exposure and oxidative stress. Here we describe application of our fly genetic model of galactosemia to the question of whether oxidative stress contributes to the acute galactose sensitivity of GALT-null animals. Our first approach tested the impact of pro- and antioxidant food supplements on the survival of GALT-null and control larvae. We observed a clear pattern: the oxidants paraquat and DMSO each had a negative impact on the survival of mutant but not control animals exposed to galactose, and the antioxidants vitamin C and α-mangostin each had the opposite effect. Biochemical markers also confirmed that galactose and paraquat synergistically increased oxidative stress on all cohorts tested but, interestingly, the mutant animals showed a decreased response relative to controls. Finally, we tested the expression levels of two transcripts responsive to oxidative stress, GSTD6 and GSTE7, in mutant and control larvae exposed to galactose and found that both genes were induced, one by more than 40-fold. Combined, these results implicate oxidative stress and response as contributing factors in the acute galactose sensitivity of GALT-null Drosophila and, by extension, suggest that reactive oxygen species might also contribute to the acute pathophysiology in classic galactosemia.
Matching as Nonparametric Preprocessing for Reducing Model Dependence in Parametric Causal Inference

Although published works rarely include causal estimates from more than a few model specifications, authors usually choose the presented estimates from numerous trial runs readers never see. Given the often large variation in estimates across choices of control variables, functional forms, and other modeling assumptions, how can researchers ensure that the few estimates presented are accurate or representative? How do readers know that publications are not merely demonstrations that it is possible to find a specification that fits the author's favorite hypothesis? And how do we evaluate or even define statistical properties like unbiasedness or mean squared error when no unique model or estimator even exists? Matching methods, which offer the promise of causal inference with fewer assumptions, constitute one possible way forward, but crucial results in this fast-growing methodological literature are often grossly misinterpreted. We explain how to avoid these misinterpretations and propose a unified approach that makes it possible for researchers to preprocess data with matching (such as with the easy-to-use software we offer) and then to apply the best parametric techniques they would have used anyway. This procedure makes parametric models produce more accurate and considerably less model-dependent causal inferences.
MASCULINITIES AND ATHLETIC CAREERS

Men's studies' scholars have begun to critically examine and deconstruct the meaning of masculinity, but thus far, most of their studies have focused exclusively on the lives of white, middle-class men, ignoring the implications of racial and social class differences and inequalities among men. Sport sociologists, on the other hand, have examined the causes and consequences of class and recial inequalities in the sports world, but they rarely integrate gender into their analysis—except when discussing women and sports. This study, based upon in-depth interviews with male former athletes from different race and class backgrounds, examines how these men construct and define meaning and make choices within a socially structured context. Through a comparison of the lives of white, black, and chicano former athletes in the United States, I argue that given the psychological imperatives of a developing sense of masculine identity within a structured socioeconomic context, the choice to pursue, or not to pursue,...
Young Incarcerated Men’s Perceptions of and Experiences With HIV Testing

We analyzed incarcerated men's perceptions of and experiences with HIV testing. Interviews were conducted with 105 men, aged 18 to 29 years, in 4 states. Most men had received an HIV test while incarcerated because it was convenient or free or because they thought it was mandatory. At most sites, men believed they were HIV-negative because they never received test results. Some men did not know the diseases for which they had been tested. Some men avoided HIV testing outside prison because they lacked time, lacked resources, feared knowing the results, or perceived themselves to not be at risk. HIV testing programs for young men inside or outside prison should address barriers to HIV testing, communicate the meaning and extent of testing, and improve notification of those with HIV-negative results.
Do Declination Statements Increase Health Care Worker Influenza Vaccination Rates

In response to health care worker influenza vaccination rates that are below desired targets, strategies designed to stimulate vaccination have been proposed, including the use of declination statements for those refusing vaccination. The impact of these statements has not been thoroughly investigated and may be affected by their specific language and context. This review examines the available data on the use and impact of declination statements to increase health care worker vaccination rates and notes some potential pitfalls and issues that may arise with their use.
Lithium insertion into chemically etched multi-walled carbon nanotubes

Lithium insertion (deinsertion) into (from) chemically etched multi-walled carbon nanotubes (c-MWNTs) has been investigated using various electrochemical techniques such as chronopotentiometry, chronoamperometry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The results indicate that not only the reversible capacity but also the rate capability was improved by a chemical etching (shortening) of the nanotubes. The observed enhancement in capability at high-rate lithium insertion/deinsertion is attributed to the increased electrochemically active area and reduced lithium diffusion length along the nanotubes, resulting from the structural defects and open ends of the c-MWNTs.
Adsorption of Neutral-Highly Charged Diblock Copolymers in Selective Solvents

We apply a scaling model to study adsorption of neutral-strongly charged diblock copolymer from concentrated salt solutions, where the range of electrostatic interactions is smaller than that of excluded volume correlations. Adsorbed layer structure is determined by an equilibrium between the solvated block stretching energy, surface-adsorbed block interactions, and the solution chemical potential. We find that adsorption from micellar solutions results in a lower surface density than adsorption from solutions below the CMC. In both cases the surface density increases, and the layer thickness decreases, with salt concentration.
Strong Candidate, Nurturant Candidate: Moral Language in Presidential Television Advertisements

Presidential television advertisements from 1980 through 2012 were examined to test empirically George Lakoff's descriptions of American moral ideology. Advertisements were coded for instantiations of the moral themes that Lakoff asserts underlie liberal and conservative ideology (Strict Father versus Nurturant Parent). Candidates' political-party affiliation, election year, and policy issue(s) addressed in the television advertisement were assessed for their covariance with the use of these moral-metaphorical instantiations. Findings support many of Lakoff's arguments. Republicans and Democrats generally differed in their use of these moral themes, both Strict Father and Nurturant Parent. There were no significant associations between election years (1980–2012) and instantiations of moral metaphors, with the exception of 2008, an anomalous year. Of particular import, we found that although Republicans rely on Strict Father dimensions, and Democrats rely more on Nurturant Parent, the most pronounced difference between parties was on the Nurturant Parent dimension. Implications for Lakoff's work and current moral psychology are discussed.
A Preliminary Study of Summertime Tropospheric Circulation Patterns over South America Estimated from Cloud Winds

Abstract Cloud winds obtained from SMS-I geostationary satellite images for the Southern Hemisphere summer-time are used to describe the tropospheric circulation over tropical and subtropical South America. These data provide good spatial and temporal, coverage over South America for at least two levels in the troposphere. The summertime circulation derived from cloud winds is similar in pattern to that obtained from sparse conventional winds but is more intense. The, major features of the time-averaged circulation at the upper level (300–100 mb) are an intense, quasi-stationary anticyclone-trough system extending over most of South America north of 35°S; a band of easterly flow near 10°S; and strong cross-equatorial northward flow between 60 and 80°W longitudes. At the lower level (900–700 mb) the major features are the northerly and northwesterly jet-type flow along the eastern slopes of the central Andes and northeasterly trades over much of the remainder of the continental region to the north and cast...
Vasopressin acts in the area postrema to attenuate the exercise pressor reflex in anesthetized cats

Circulating arginine vasopressin (AVP) can enhance baroreflex function via its action in the area postrema (AP). We tested the hypothesis that AVP acts in the AP to enhance baroreflex function duri...
Isolation of a (dinitrogen)tricopper(I) complex.

Reaction of a tris(β-diketimine) cyclophane, H3L, with benzyl potassium followed by [Cu(OTf)]2(C6H6) affords a tricopper(I) complex containing a bridging dinitrogen ligand. rRaman (νN–N = 1952 cm–1) and 15N NMR (δ = 303.8 ppm) spectroscopy confirm the presence of the dinitrogen ligand. DFT calculations and QTAIM analysis indicate minimal metal-dinitrogen back-bonding with only one molecular orbital of significant N2(2pπ*) and Cu(3dπ)/Cu(3dσ) character (13.6% N, 70.9% Cu). ∇2ρ values for the Cu–N2 bond critical points are analogous to those for polar closed-shell/closed-shell interactions.
UV disinfection implementation status in US water treatment plants

The implementation of ultraviolet light (UV) disinfection in drinking water applications in the United States has gained momentum in recent years. An online survey and field sampling of full-scale drinking water treatment plants (WTPs) were performed with a focus on evaluation of sequenced disinfection (UV and chlorine/chloramines). Twenty-seven WTPs responded to the survey. Nearly all of these WTPs were treating an impaired water source (subject to upstream agricultural or wastewater discharges) and using UV with a design dose of 40 mJ/cm 2 installed as part of a plant retrofit. The majority (n = 16) of the disinfection systems used polychromatic mediumpressure UV. Twelve WTPs applied all or part of their secondary disinfectant (free chlorine or chloramines) upstream of the UV reactor. The majority of the WTPs reported no effect on chlorine residual or formation of disinfection by-products. Full-scale sampling indicated minimal (±3 µg/L) change in trihalomethane formation resulting from UV disinfection during multiple sampling events.
Nonlinear nature of spectral components in heart rate variability

We proposed a new hybrid method combining the band_phase_randomized surrogate data with noise titration to discern the influence of spectral components on heartbeat chaos. The results demonstrate that the chaotic strength of phase_randomized surrogate data in the high frequency band (HF) of heart rate variability (HRV) is reduced significantly, which indicates that the frequency components of spectral analysis involve intrinsic chaotic information. The hybrid method proposed in this study is effective to distinguish the different contributions of spectral components to chaotic strength of the test data. This method is applicable not only to HRV but also to other deterministic signals.
An improvement of gear in rig drawworks

The PLC technique is will be introduced to change gears of drawwork of drilling rigs.The problems and deficiency occurring in gear changing of shift mechanism will be eliminated by use of PLC.It will make shifting process and operation simple and improve equipment working efficiency and prolong service life.
The multidimensionality of health: associations between allostatic load and self-report health measures in a community epidemiologic study

ABSTRACTWith social survey data from a random sample of 1252 black and white adults who participated in the Nashville Stress and Health Study, we cross-classified biological markers of dysregulation with self-report health measures. Our aim was to quantify the degree of concordance between them. The study collected blood and urine samples to derive a 10 component estimate of allostatic load. In addition, the computer-assisted interview included an array of self-report measures such as self-perceived health, doctor-diagnosed diseases, bed days, and activity limitations. Allostatic load and the self-report measures were dichotomised. Modest concordance was observed between allostatic load and self-perceived health (OR = 1.742), doctor-diagnosed diseases (OR = 2.309), bed days (OR = 1.103), activity limitations (OR = 1.778), and ill on any self-report health measure (OR = 1.700). The self-report measures were significantly predictive of allostatic load, with the exception of bed days. Further, there was litt...
Impaired Albumin Uptake and Processing Promote Albuminuria in OVE26 Diabetic Mice

The importance of proximal tubules dysfunction to diabetic albuminuria is uncertain. OVE26 mice have the most severe albuminuria of all diabetic mouse models but it is not known if impaired tubule uptake and processing are contributing factors. In the current study fluorescent albumin was used to follow the fate of albumin in OVE26 and normal mice. Compared to normal urine, OVE26 urine contained at least 23 times more intact fluorescent albumin but only 3-fold more 70 kD fluorescent dextran. This indicated that a function other than size selective glomerular sieving contributed to OVE26 albuminuria. Imaging of albumin was similar in normal and diabetic tubules for 3 hrs after injection. However 3 days after injection a subset of OVE26 tubules retained strong albumin fluorescence, which was never observed in normal mice. OVE26 tubules with prolonged retention of injected albumin lost the capacity to take up albumin and there was a significant correlation between tubules unable to eliminate fluorescent albumin and total albuminuria. TUNEL staining revealed a 76-fold increase in cell death in OVE26 tubules that retained fluorescent albumin. These results indicate that failure to process and dispose of internalized albumin leads to impaired albumin uptake, increased albuminuria, and tubule cell apoptosis.
Energy and fuels from electrochemical interfaces

Advances in electrocatalysis at solid-liquid interfaces are vital for driving the technological innovations that are needed to deliver reliable, affordable and environmentally friendly energy. Here, we highlight the key achievements in the development of new materials for efficient hydrogen and oxygen production in electrolysers and, in reverse, their use in fuel cells. A key issue addressed here is the degree to which the fundamental understanding of the synergy between covalent and non-covalent interactions can form the basis for any predictive ability in tailor-making real-world catalysts. Common descriptors such as the substrate-hydroxide binding energy and the interactions in the double layer between hydroxide-oxides and H---OH are found to control individual parts of the hydrogen and oxygen electrochemistry that govern the efficiency of water-based energy conversion and storage systems. Links between aqueous- and organic-based environments are also established, encouraging the 'fuel cell' and 'battery' communities to move forward together.
Smartphone-Based Thermal Imaging: A New Modality for Tissue Temperature Measurement in Hand and Upper Extremity Surgeries.

Background: Smartphone-based thermal imaging (SBTI) allows noninvasive temperature measurements. Its validity compared with a conventional infrared probe temperature scanner (IPTS) has not been studied. This study compares temperature measurements between the 2 technologies on human participants. Methods: Bilateral index finger temperature measurements were obtained on 30 healthy participants using IPTS and SBTI devices. Dominant versus nondominant sides (side-to-side difference) and individual side measurements between the 2 methods were compared for repeatability (precision) and agreement. Results: A total of 23 female and 7 male participants were tested. Based on nonoverlapping confidence intervals (CIs), intraclass correlation coefficient of repeatability was higher for SBTI than for IPTS measurements in side-to-side differences: 0.97 (95% CI, 0.96-0.99) versus 0.89 (95% CI, 0.82-0.95). The SBTI method recorded higher side-to-side difference and individual side measurements: 0.56°C (limits of agreemen...
Improved genetic parameter estimations in zoysiagrass by implementing post hoc blocking

Randomized complete block (RCB) design is the most widely used experimental design in biological sciences. As number of treatments increases, the block size become larger and it looses the capacity to control the variance within block, which is its original purpose. A method known as post hoc blocking could be used in these cases to improve the genetic parameter estimation and thus obtain an unbiased assessment of the performance of a given treatment. In trufgrass breeding, as other breeding program, this is a common challenge. The goal of this study was to test the capacity of different post hoc blocking designs to improve the genetic parameter estimation of zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp.). We evaluated two post hoc blocking designs; row–column (R–C) and incomplete block (IB) designs on five genotype trials located in Florida. The results showed that post hoc R–C design had superior model fitting than both the original RCB and the post hoc IB designs when studied at the single measurement level and at the site level. The narrow-sense heritability (0.24–0.40) and the genotype-by-measurement correlation (0.57–0.99) did not change significantly when R–C was compared to the original RCB design. The ranking of the top performing genotypes changed considerably when comparing RCB to R–C design, but the degree depended on the location analyzed. We conclude that the change in the ranking of the top (potentially select individuals) is coming from the better control of intra-block environmental variation, and this could potentially have a significant impact on the breeding selection process.
Cecal bascule: a systematic review of the literature

Cecal volvulus is a rare clinical entity with an average incidence of 2.8–7.1 per million people per year, accounting for 1–2% of all large bowel obstructions. Cecal bascule is the rarest type of cecal volvulus, accounting for 5–20% of all cases. Although several case reports have been published, there is no consensus regarding its diagnosis and treatment. The aim of this study was to review the literature on cecal bascule in order to summarize the etiopathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment options. The PubMed, MEDLINE, and Scopus databases were systematically searched by two independent authors. Cecal bascule was defined as anterior displacement of the distended cecum on the ascending colon without any torsion. The etiopathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment options were analyzed. Nineteen previously published papers reporting on 26 patients were included. The mean age of patients from previously reported cases was 55.1 ± 19.2 years, and 54% of all patients were males. Presenting symptoms included abdominal pain in 16 (61%), distension in 22 (84%), and vomiting in eight patients (30%). The mean time to diagnosis was 3.6 ± 2.6 days. The extent of surgery varied from cecopexy to right colectomy. There was no postoperative mortality. Cecal bascule recurred one 1 year after index surgery in one patient. Cecal bascule is a rare clinical entity, which is mostly encountered in patients with peritoneal adhesions, mobile cecum, bowel dysfunction, and cecal displacement. In patients with recurrent or persistent abdominal pain and distension, cecal bascule should be considered. The majority of these patients require surgical management.
Abstract 16236: The Majority of Laypersons Trained in CPR Do Not Maintain Current Certification or Training

Background: Recent work has demonstrated that U.S. CPR training rates are low, yet few studies have measured the overall prevalence of CPR education and whether individuals have maintained training...
Convenient numerical procedures for estimating cumulative pregnancy curves.

Objective To develop a simple estimation procedure that will always converge on a solution for a two-parameter model of cumulative pregnancy curves. Design Utilize raw data from a previous study in which estimation of the two-parameter model did not converge on a solution, and re-estimate the model with the new estimation method. Patients, Setting, Treatment Infertile women with endometriosis treated as outpatients with laser laparoscopy. Main Outcome Measures Pregnancy and ability of the new computer program to converge on a solution. Results The new estimation procedure converged on a solution. Over all stages of endometriosis, the cure rate from laser laparoscopy was 56%, and the monthly probability of pregnancy among those cured was 9.7%. Conclusions The new estimation procedure, written for a personal computer, is easy to use and will virtually always converge on a solution for the two-parameter model of cumulative pregnancy after infertility treatment.
Triticeae Genome Structure and Evolution

Repeated nucleotide sequences are by far the largest component of Triticeae genomes, accounting for about 90% of the nuclear DNA. Tandem repeated sequences play an important role in chromosome function during mitosis and meiosis. Interspersed repeated sequences fill the intergenic regions. The most remarkable attribute of this component is its unprecedented rate of turnover, which is in stark contrast to the stability of gene content. The term “gene order paradox” is coined to reflect this dichotomy. A model is proposed postulating the existence of two strata in Triticeae genomes, “conservative” and “dynamic” to account for this paradox and its evolutionary causes. Numerous aspects of gene content in Triticeae genomes, such as the location of single-copy genes, multi-gene loci, gene deletions and duplications, gene density, restriction fragment length polymorphism and single nucleotide polymorphism, location of novel and lineage-specific genes, and the level of synteny, correlate with recombination rate and gene location on the centromere-telomere axis. Special attention is devoted to the discussion of gene distribution along chromosomes. It is pointed out that evidence for the existence of gene-rich islands is weak. A model accounting for correlation between gene density and recombination rate is proposed. It is suggested that the vast amounts of repeated sequences in Triticeae genomes play a role in the evolution of new genes and in adaptation.
It’s all in the wrist

Motor patterns measured by wrist actigraphy differentiate epileptic seizures from nonepileptic spells.
The Unique Role of Early Spelling in the Prediction of Later Literacy Performance

We examined the predictive value of early spelling for later reading performance by analyzing data from 970 U.S. children whose spelling was assessed in the summer following the completion of kinde...
Placing social types through prosodic variation: An investigation of spatial meanings in Mainland China

This study examines how prosodic features evoke the spacial aspects of interactional meanings of well-known social types in Mainland China. Prosodic features (duration, pitch, voice quality) of the scripted performances of 18 prominent social types in China were measured acoustically and grouped by cluster analysis. Commonalities among types within each group were identified through a detailed analysis of meta-linguistic commentary collected from the internet. This paper focuses on three meaningful clusters: powerful bureaucratic types, disembodied voices, and â€œin-your-faceâ€ types. Members of each cluster share prosodic combinations and social profiles. More importantly, character types within each cluster index a specific interactional locale. Appropriation of their associated features could reproduce the social dynamics that is typical in that locale. The results highlight the situated use of sociolinguistic variables, and show that the prosodic features pattern structurally in the performances while indexing the historical-spatial settings of social interactions. This paper also considers place as an interactional and relational product of meaning making by these prosodic features.
Genitourinary Complications Are a Leading and Expensive Cause of Emergency Department and Inpatient Encounters for Persons With Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract Objectives To determine the rates of emergency department (ED) visits and inpatient hospitalizations for genitourinary (GU) complications after spinal cord injury (SCI) using a national sample; to examine which patient and facility factors are associated with inhospital mortality; and to estimate direct medical costs of GU complications after SCI. Design Retrospective cross-sectional and cost analysis of the 2006 to 2015 National Inpatient Sample and National Emergency Department Sample from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project. Participants SCI-related encounters using various International Classification of Disease, Ninth Edition, Clinical Modification diagnosis codes. The inpatient sample included 1,796,624 hospitalizations, and the ED sample included 618,118 treat-and-release visits. Main Outcome Measures The exposure included a GU complication, identified by International Classification of Disease, Ninth Edition, Clinical Modification codes 590-599. The outcomes then included an ED visit or hospitalization, death prior to discharge, and direct medical costs estimated from reported hospital charges. Results For the inpatient sample, we observed a 2.5% annual increase (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.8-3.2) in the proportion of SCI-related hospitalizations with any GU complication from 2006 to 2011, and a lesser rate of increase of 0.9% (95% CI, 0.4-1.4) each year from 2011 to 2015. Age, level of injury, and payer source were correlated to inhospital mortality. The costs of GU-related health care use exceeded $4 billion over the study period. Conclusions This study shows the rates and economic burden of health care use associated with GU complications in persons with SCI in the United States. The need to develop strategies to effectively deliver health care to the SCI population for these conditions remains great.
Neuroscience knowledge enriches pedagogical choices

Abstract Teachers face a daunting challenge in balancing the demands of employing student-centered pedagogies in contexts where mandated testing and district teaching expectations can easily constrain or compromise their pedagogy. In this pilot study, we investigated how professional development based on the “neuroscience of learning” impacted non-science teacher understanding of basic neuroscience; and, in turn, how that knowledge impacted their reflections on pedagogy. In a pre/post design, teacher understanding of neuroscience improved significantly after the 36-h course based upon a set of educational neuroscience concepts. Furthermore, teacher revisions of their lesson plans after the course revealed the integration of more student-centered pedagogies.
Microbially influenced corrosion of stainless steel by Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans supplemented with pyrite: Importance of thiosulfate

ABSTRACT Microbially influenced corrosion (MIC) results in significant damage to metallic materials in many industries. Anaerobic sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) have been well studied for their involvement in these processes. Highly corrosive environments are also found in pulp and paper processing, where chloride and thiosulfate lead to the corrosion of stainless steels. Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans is a critically important chemolithotrophic acidophile exploited in metal biomining operations, and there is interest in using A. ferrooxidans cells for emerging processes such as electronic waste recycling. We explored conditions under which A. ferrooxidans could enable the corrosion of stainless steel. Acidic medium with iron, chloride, low sulfate, and pyrite supplementation created an environment where unstable thiosulfate was continuously generated. When combined with the chloride, acid, and iron, the thiosulfate enabled substantial corrosion of stainless steel (SS304) coupons (mass loss, 5.4 ± 1.1 mg/cm2 over 13 days), which is an order of magnitude higher than what has been reported for SRB. There results were verified in an abiotic flow reactor, and the importance of mixing was also demonstrated. Overall, these results indicate that A. ferrooxidans and related pyrite-oxidizing bacteria could produce aggressive MIC conditions in certain environmental milieus. IMPORTANCE MIC of industrial equipment, gas pipelines, and military material leads to billions of dollars in damage annually. Thus, there is a clear need to better understand MIC processes and chemistries as efforts are made to ameliorate these effects. Additionally, A. ferrooxidans is a valuable acidophile with high metal tolerance which can continuously generate ferric iron, making it critical to copper and other biomining operations as well as a potential biocatalyst for electronic waste recycling. New MIC mechanisms may expand the utility of these cells in future metal resource recovery operations.
Sums of Powers of Consecutive Integers and Pascal’s Triangle

In order to facilitate understanding of the concept of Riemann integral and teach students to appreciate the value of fundamental theorem of calculus, every traditional calculus textbook includes p...
Helen Stoner: The Unresolved Murder in Arthur Conan Doyle’s “The Adventure of the Speckled Band”

In a recent study of Doyle’s “Adventure of the Speckled Band,” Stella Pratt-Smith emphasizes that more than a century after its publication in 1892, this story still remains challenging, with its u...
From stem cell to immune effector: how adhesion, migration, and polarity shape T-cell and natural killer cell lymphocyte development in vitro and in vivo

Lymphocyte development is a complex and coordinated pathway originating from pluripotent stem cells during embryogenesis and continuing even as matured lymphocytes are primed and educated in adult tissue. Hematopoietic stem cells develop in a specialized niche that includes extracellular matrix and supporting stromal and endothelial cells that both maintain stem cell pluripotency and enable the generation of differentiated cells. Cues for lymphocyte development include changes in integrin-dependent cell motility and adhesion which ultimately help to determine cell fate. The capacity of lymphocytes to adhere and migrate is important for modulating these developmental signals both by regulating the cues that the cell receives from the local microenvironment as well as facilitating the localization of precursors to tissue niches throughout the body. Here we consider how changing migratory and adhesive phenotypes contribute to human natural killer (NK)- and T-cell development as they undergo development from precursors to mature, circulating cells and how our understanding of this process is informed by in vitro models of T- and NK cell generation.
Factors Contributing to the Rising National Cost of Glucose-Lowering Medicines for Diabetes During 2005-2007 and 2015-2017.

OBJECTIVE We examined changes in glucose-lowering medication spending and quantified the magnitude of factors that are contributing to these changes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Using the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, we estimated the change in spending on glucose-lowering medications during 2005–2007 and 2015–2017 among adults aged ≥18 years with diabetes. We decomposed the increase in total spending by medication groups: for insulin, by human and analog; and for noninsulin, by metformin, older, newer, and combination medications. For each group, we quantified the contributions by the number of users and cost-per-user. Costs were in 2017 U.S. dollars. RESULTS National spending on glucose-lowering medications increased by $40.6 billion (240%), of which insulin and noninsulin medications contributed $28.6 billion (169%) and $12.0 billion (71%), respectively. For insulin, the increase was mainly associated with higher expenditures from analogs (156%). For noninsulin, the increase was a net effect of higher cost for newer medications (+88%) and decreased cost for older medications (−34%). Most of the increase in insulin spending came from the increase in cost-per-user. However, the increase in the number of users contributed more than cost-per-user in the rise of most noninsulin groups. CONCLUSIONS The increase in national spending on glucose-lowering medications during the past decade was mostly associated with the increased costs for insulin, analogs in particular, and newer noninsulin medicines, and cost-per-user had a larger effect than the number of users. Understanding the factors contributing to the increase helps identify ways to curb the growth in costs.
Association Between Baseline PROMIS Scores, Patient-Provider Communication Factors, and Musculoskeletal Health Literacy on Patient and Surgeon Expectations in Foot and Ankle Surgery

Background:Various factors may affect differences between patient and surgeon expectations. This study aimed to assess associations between patient-reported physical and mental status, patient-surg...
Abstract 15729: Effect of Metformin on Outcomes of Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) and glycemic control are risk factors for atrial fibrillation (AF). Metformin may have antifibrillatory properties by altering atrial metabolism. It is unknown wh...
Long short-term memory networks in memristor crossbar arrays

Recent breakthroughs in recurrent deep neural networks with long short-term memory (LSTM) units have led to major advances in artificial intelligence. However, state-of-the-art LSTM models with significantly increased complexity and a large number of parameters have a bottleneck in computing power resulting from both limited memory capacity and limited data communication bandwidth. Here we demonstrate experimentally that the synaptic weights shared in different time steps in an LSTM can be implemented with a memristor crossbar array, which has a small circuit footprint, can store a large number of parameters and offers in-memory computing capability that contributes to circumventing the ‘von Neumann bottleneck’. We illustrate the capability of our crossbar system as a core component in solving real-world problems in regression and classification, which shows that memristor LSTM is a promising low-power and low-latency hardware platform for edge inference. Deep neural networks are increasingly popular in data-intensive applications, but are power-hungry. New types of computer chips that are suited to the task of deep learning, such as memristor arrays where data handling and computing take place within the same unit, are required. A well-used deep learning model called long short-term memory, which can handle temporal sequential data analysis, is now implemented in a memristor crossbar array, promising an energy-efficient and low-footprint deep learning platform.
Infant mental health home visiting: intervention dosage and therapist experience interact to support improvements in maternal reflective functioning

This study examined changes in parental reflective functioning (PRF) among mothers enrolled in Infant Mental Health-Home Visiting (IMH-HV) and explored whether parental risk, treatment dosage or th...
Quantifying the importance of spatial anatomical context in cadaveric, non-contrast enhanced organ segmentation

Volumetric segmentation using deep learning is a computationally expensive task, but one with great utility for medical image analysis in radiology. Deep learning uses the process of convolution to calculate voxel level relationships and predict class membership of each voxel (e.g. segmentation). We hypothesize that (1) kidney segmentation in cadaveric, non-contrast enhanced CT images is possible; (2) a volumetric UNet (VNet) architecture will out-perform a 2D UNet architecture in kidney segmentation; and (3) as increasing anatomically relevant information present within the volumes will increase the ability of the system to understand the relationship of anatomical structures, thus enabling more accurate segmentation. In this project we utilized a difficult dataset (cadaveric, non-contrast enhanced CT data) to determine how much anatomical information is necessary to obtain a quantifiable segmentation with the lowest Hausdorff Distance and highest Dice Coefficient values between the output and the ground truth mesh. We used a 70/20/10% training testing and validation split with a total N of 30 specimens. In order to test the anatomical context required to properly segment structures we evaluated and compared the performance of four separate segmentation models: (1) a 2D UNet model that pulled random cross sections from the volumes for training; (2) a 2D UNet model that had the training samples augmented with 3D perturbations for more anatomical context; (3) a 3D VNet with volumetric patching and a padded border to protect against edge artifacts; and (4) a 3D VNet with volumetric patching and image compression by ½ the volume with the padded border. Our results show that as anatomical context in the image or volume increases, segmentation performance also improves.
Predicted Regulatory Pathways for Long Noncoding RNA-SNHG7 via miR-34a and its Targets in Alzheimer’s Disease

The long noncoding RNA (LncRNA) SNHG7 (small nuclear RNA host gene 7) is a new type of lncRNA, whose function as an oncogene has been studies. However, the role of SNHG7 in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remains to be revealed. In this study, the expression data of SNHG7 in AD brains (n=7) and normal brains (n = 5) were collected and calculated. The results indicated that low SNHG7 level in AD was correlated with high expressed microRNA-34a (miR-34a), and the decreased expression of Bcl2 (B-cell lymphoma 2), a target of miR-34a. Moreover, previous studies have shown that miR-34a and Bcl2 are involved into the development and progression of AD. Bioinformatic analysis predicted that SNHG7 has miR-34a binding sites. Therefore, it suggests that SNHG7 may regulate neuronal survive in AD brain through miR-34a/Bcl2 axis. In addition, miR-34a may regulate post-transcriptionally estimated hundred mRNAs. Using several bioinformatics tools, we can predict the regulatory pathways that SNHG7 participates in through miR-34a and its targets in AD. These findings indicate that the down-regulated lncRNA SNHG7 in AD may reduce the inhibition of miR-34s’ function, then increase its function and decrease miR-34a target signals, thereby joining in the regulatory network of AD.
Further Observations in CholecystographySo-called Danger in the Use of Tetraiodophenolphthalein

Excerpt Since the advent of cholecystography numerous communications have appeared directing attention to the toxicity, as well as to the hepatic and renal lesions which have been attributed to the...
THE REACTION Be$sup 9$(p,$alpha$$gamma$)Li$sup 6$

The energy of the gamma-radiation produced when ${\mathrm{Be}}^{9}$ is bombarded by 2.6-Mev protons has been measured with a scintillation spectrometer and found to be 3.58\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.04 Mev. A suggestion of Hushley that this gamma-ray is produced in the reaction ${\mathrm{Be}}^{9}$ ($p$,$\ensuremath{\alpha}\ensuremath{\gamma}$) ${\mathrm{Li}}^{6}$ was verified by observing coincidences between the gamma-rays and low energy alpha-particles. The excited state of ${\mathrm{Li}}^{6}$ which emits the gamma-rays probably has spin zero and even parity and is presumably the analog of the ground state of the isobaric nucleus, ${\mathrm{He}}^{6}$. The thick target yield and cross section at resonance were found to be 4.8\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}6}$ gamma-rays per proton and 0.11\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}24}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$, respectively.
Limit Setting on the Younger Adolescent

The acting-out, impulsive, defiant, younger adolescent girl who resists psychotherapy to the limit and questions its value, is the girl who makes the psychotherapist feel that he or she has a tiger by the tail. By their behavior, some of these adolescents are clearly asking for someone—their parents, their psychotherapist, or some adult in authority—to set some limits on their acting out or parameters within which they must confine their behavior. Frequently, their acting out is so provocative and so inviting of intervention that they obviously do not wish to behave as they do.
Population and housing data

An important input to the land management process is timely and reliable information on the number of people residing in an area. This is even more necessary when such areas are experiencing rapid population growth. In the United States the principal sources of demographic and housing data are the federal censuses but they are systematically acquired only on a decennial basis. For rapidly-growing areas these data become obsolete within a very few years. While Congress has discussed the idea of a less-detailed census to be conducted five years after each national census, no legislative action has been taken as yet. The reason is the cost. The 1980 census cost United States taxpayers over one billion dollars. For the moment then planners must continue to depend upon statistical methods of estimating population.
STARVATION SUPPRESSION AND REFEEDING ACTIVATION OF INFECTION: An Ecological Necessity?

The hypothesis is advanced that starvation suppresses and refeeding activates certain infections as an essential part of an ecological balance between man, his animals, and his environment. During famine, then, man fails to thrive, but his ultimate extinction is prevented in part by the parallel decline in fecundity of his "micropredators". In times of plenty the parallel increase in the same predators is a check against his excessive multiplication.
Broadband Synthetic Transmission-Line N-Path Filter Design

A synthetic transmission-line N-path bandpass filter technique that lowers the in-band insertion loss and increases the out-of-band rejection of the traditional N-path filter is analyzed. The performance limitations of the traditional N-path filter in terms of in-band insertion loss and limited rejection are reviewed. Measurement results from 0.1 to 1.6 GHz of a single-ended, four-stage synthetic transmission-line N-path filter fabricated in a 65-nm CMOS technology that achieves less than 5-dB insertion loss across the tuning range, 30–50-dB out-of-band rejection, in-band third-order distortion input-referred intercept point (IIP3) of $+$ 29 dBm, and a $+$ 11-dBm input-referred 1-dB compression point $({\rm P}1{\rm dB}_{\rm Jam})$ out-of-band jammer tolerance are presented.