cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Is Struvite a Prebiotic Mineral

The prebiotic relevance of mineral struvite, MgNH4PO4·6H2O, was studied experimentally as a phosphorylating reagent and, theoretically, to understand the geochemical requirements for its formation. The effectiveness of phosphorylation by the phosphate mineral, monetite, CaHPO4, was also studied to compare to the efficiency of struvite. The experiments focused on the phosphorylation reactions of the minerals with organic compounds, such as nucleosides, glycerol and choline chloride, and heat at 75 °C for about 7–8 days and showed up to 28% phosphorylation of glycerol. In contrast, the compositional requirements for the precipitation of struvite are high ammonium and phosphate concentrations, as well as a little Ca2+ dissolved in the water. Combined, these requirements suggest that it is not likely that struvite was present in excess on the early Earth to carry out phosphorylation reactions. The present study focuses on the thermodynamic aspects of struvite formation, complementing the results given by Orgel and Handschuh (1973), which were based on the kinetic effects.
Single newton-raphson iteration for integer-rounded divider for lattice reduction algorithms

For MIMO transmissions lattice reduction-aided equalizers have emerged as a potential low-complexity method for achieving the same receiver diversity as high-complexity maximum likelihood (ML) detectors. Toward the VLSI implementation of lattice reduction algorithms, we address the integer-rounding operation present in these algorithms. In particular we exploit the reciprocal-reuse of a complex-valued lattice reduction algorithm, the Complex Lenstra, Lenstra, Lovasz (CLLL) algorithm, by employing the reciprocation-based Newton-Raphson iteration technique. We derive an easily-computed upper-bound of the relative quotient error for a given reciprocal table size. In addition we show how the CLLL algorithm contains part of the rounding error detection operations necessary for Newton-Raphson-based methods. Application of this analysis results in an area-efficient hardware architecture for FPGAs that requires a small reciprocal look-up table. Implementation results on both Xilinx Virtex4 and Virtex5 FPGAs show that our approach exhibits slightly smaller average latency and requires 40% less equivalent gates than a comparison architecture constructed from existing IP blocks.
Monolithic modulator and demodulator of differential quadrature phase-shift keying signals based on silicon microrings

Silicon microring resonators are proposed to achieve ultrasmall differential quadrature phase-shift keying modulators and demodulators operated at 20 Gb/s, which may require a dramatically reduced chip size. The modulators are characterized in terms of the carrier transit time and misalignment of the driving signals, while the demodulation performance is analyzed in terms of the bandwidth and frequency detuning of the demodulator. A bit-error rate of <10(-9) is achieved using all microring-based devices in the back-to-back case.
Estimation and prediction for maneuvering target trajectories

The Kalman filter is well suited for application to the problem of anti-aircraft gun fire control. In this paper we make use of the Kalman filter theory, to develop an accurate, numerically efficient scheme for estimating and predicting the present and future position of maneuvering fixed-wing aircraft. This scheme was implemented in a radar tracker gun fire control system and tested against a variety of fixed-wing aircraft targets. Actual field test results are presented to demonstrate the high accuracy pointing which can be achieved by this approach.
Focal Adhesion Kinase Suppresses Apoptosis by Binding to the Death Domain of Receptor-Interacting Protein

Tumor cells resist the apoptotic stimuli associated with invasion and metastasis by activating survival signals that suppress apoptosis. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK), a tyrosine kinase that is overexpressed in a variety of human tumors, mediates one of these survival signals. Attenuation of FAK expression in tumor cells results in apoptosis that is mediated by caspase 8- and FADD-dependent pathways, suggesting that death receptor pathways are involved in the process. Here, we report a functional link between FAK and death receptors. We have demonstrated that FAK binds to the death domain kinase receptor-interacting protein (RIP). RIP is a major component of the death receptor complex and has been shown to interact with Fas and tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 through its binding to adapter proteins. We have shown that RIP provides proapoptotic signals that are suppressed by its binding to FAK. We thus propose that FAK overexpression in human tumors provides a survival signal function by binding to RIP and inhibiting its interaction with the death receptor complex.
MARKOV CHAINS OF ORDER GREATER THAN ONE

Abstract This paper proposes means whereby a test for the goodness of fit and an estimate of the order of a Markov chain model may be obtained concurrently. Application of the method to daily precipitation data for two seasons of about 30 yr. in New Mexico, Colorado, and Oregon suggests two tentative conclusions. First, within a single climatic area, order estimates tend toward zero as precipitation events become rarer. This may occur at the drier stations or at higher thresholds defining a wet day. Second, between climatic areas, the station with the greater diversity of air mass types will tend to have order estimates greater than the station having the same seasonal mean precipitation but a less diverse climate.
Fantasy Presidents: A Game That Makes Research More Exciting

Using the core principles of fantasy sports, I propose the notion of using fantasy drafts in political science classrooms. I begin by introducing the basic concept of fantasy leagues. Then I describe an original 30-minute game in which students draft US presidents and “compete” against one another along a number of dimensions. Next, I present possible writing assignments related to the game. The conclusion discusses the contributions of “Fantasy Presidents”—namely, it offers interesting essay prompts and informed discussions, and it encourages students to take the initiative in their own learning.
An Overview of Active Disease Defense in Plants

The active hypersensitive defense response (HR) of plants may be triggered by general elicitors, produced by an entire pathogen species or genus, or by specific elicitors which function only in plant cultivars carrying complementary or cognate disease resistance genes. Specific elicitors arise from the activity of avirulence genes in the pathogen which complement matching plant disease resistance genes. Following elicitortreatment of plant tissue, intracellular and systemic signalling mechanisms occur, the details of which are not yet well understood. However, these signals cause relatively rapid derepression of batteries of defense response genes which appear to be involved with the actual process of restricting pathogen development. A major current research area involves the attempted cloning and characterization of disease resistance genes, which are thought to encode specific receptors for pathogen-produced elicitors. In addition, efforts are being made to understand the signal transduction pathways and trans-acting factors which account for defense response gene activation. Recent experiments have also shown that transgenic plants over-expressing certain defense response and other genes may be resistant to pathogen attack.
Exopolysaccharides promote Myxococcus xanthus social motility by inhibiting cellular reversals.

The biofilm-forming bacterium Myxococcus xanthus moves on surfaces as structured swarms utilizing type IV pili-dependent social (S-) motility. In contrast to isolated cells that reverse their moving direction frequently, individual cells within swarms rarely reverse. The regulatory mechanisms that inhibit cellular reversal and promote the formation of swarms are not well understood. Here we show that exopolysaccharides (EPS), the major extracellular components of M. xanthus swarms, inhibit cellular reversal in a concentration-dependent manner. Thus, individual wild type cells reverse less frequently in swarms due to high local EPS concentrations. In contrast, cells defective in EPS production hyper-reverse their moving direction and show severe defects in S-motility. Surprisingly, S-motility and wild type reversal frequency are restored in double mutants that are defective in both EPS production and the Frz chemosensory system, indicating that EPS regulates cellular reversal in parallel to the Frz pathway. Here we clarify that besides functioning as the structural scaffold in biofilms, EPS is a self-produced signal that coordinates the group motion of the social bacterium M. xanthus. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Comparative Radiation Death Kinetics of Clostridium botulinum Spores at Low-Temperature Gamma Irradiation

Spores of Clostridium botulinum 33A were irradiated with 60Co gamma rays in 0.067 M Sorensen phosphate buffer (pH 7.0) at −196, −140, −80, −30, or 5 C and incubated in recovery broth for 30 days at 30 C, thus simulating an inoculated pack and eliciting “partial spoilage” data. Resistance of the spores decreased linearly with increasing temperature. A simple empirical equation was derived to predict D values for any desired temperature. An Arrhenius plot of the D value—radiation temperature profile indicated that the death kinetics is not first order. Comparison of the data in this model system with those previously observed in beef indicates a similar radiation death pattern, except that resistance of the spores was somewhat more (1.6-fold) temperature dependent, although significantly more resistant, in the beef. A comparison of the D value-temperature relationship of Streptoccus faecium a21, obtained earlier, with strain 33A in the same model system indicated that the spores were considerably less resis...
Flame Retardants in Wild Bird Eggs and in Relation to Eggs in the Human Food Supply

Abstract Flame retardants are a group of halogenated and nonhalogenated substances added to thermoplastics, textiles, building materials, electronics, and automobile parts to reduce their flammability. As a consequence of substantial, long-term use, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, the most widely used flame retardants, have exhibited global contamination in humans, wildlife, air, water, soil, and sediments, even in remote areas. Several studies worldwide have reported the exposure of wild or domestic birds and eggs to polybrominated diphenyl ethers. This chapter outlines recent progress in addressing the contamination and toxicological effects of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in wild bird eggs and in domesticated egg production. Through this effort, we aim to review: (1) toxicological effects of polybrominated diphenyl ethers on avian eggs and hatchlings; (2) spatial distribution and temporal trends of polybrominated diphenyl ethers contamination in wild bird eggs on an international scale; and (3) levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in eggs of the human food supply.
Particle filters for partially-observed Boolean dynamical systems

Abstract Partially-observed Boolean dynamical systems (POBDS) are a general class of nonlinear models with application in estimation and control of Boolean processes based on noisy and incomplete measurements. The optimal minimum mean square error (MMSE) algorithms for POBDS state estimation, namely, the Boolean Kalman filter (BKF) and Boolean Kalman smoother (BKS), are intractable in the case of large systems, due to computational and memory requirements. To address this, we introduce approximate MMSE filtering and smoothing algorithms based on the auxiliary particle filter (APF) method, which are called APF–BKF and APF–BKS, respectively. For joint state and parameter estimation, the APF–BKF is used jointly with maximum-likelihood (ML) methods for simultaneous state and parameter estimation in POBDS models. In the case the unknown parameters are discrete, the proposed ML adaptive filter consists of multiple APF–BKFs running in parallel, in a manner reminiscent of the Multiple Model Adaptive Estimation (MMAE) method in classical linear filtering theory. In the presence of continuous parameters, the proposed ML adaptive filter is based on an efficient particle-based expectation maximization (EM) algorithm for the POBDS model, which is based on a modified Forward Filter Backward Simulation (FFBSi) in combination with the APF–BKS. The performance of the proposed particle-based adaptive filters is assessed through numerical experiments using a POBDS model of the well-known cell cycle gene regulatory network observed through noisy RNA-Seq time series data.
Exploring the Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Accounting Profession

Artificial intelligence is no longer the robots and computers of science fiction from Hollywood movies. The ideas of developing machines that can “learn” are centuries old. The capacities of the computers and software of today create and exhibit intelligence, but also bring with it concerns along with much promise. In the accounting field artificial intelligence has been taking on more and more tasks. Already, there is software that has automated many accounting, tax, bookkeeping, and auditing processes. If machines are assuming a greater role, where do we, the professionals strike a balance? What does the future of the accounting profession look like with the growth of artificial intelligence?
The time has come to think about sex and religion

The essays on debates over marriage included in this volume invite us to rethink the opening to Gayle Rubin’s 1982 essay, “Thinking Sex,” which presents a field-defining social theory of sexuality....
Using twitter for economics business case discussions in large lectures

Abstract Business case discussions represent a compelling pedagogy in economics education; but because the technique requires individual dialogue, the application is often limited to small or medium sized classes. We describe how to use the social media platform, Twitter, to conduct case discussions in large classes. We find that the use of Twitter leads to increased student participation and engagement; however, we also note the challenges that instructors face when incorporating Twitter in a large lecture hall.
Was Einstein right

We review the experimental evidence for Einstein's special and general relativity. A variety of high precision null experiments verify the weak equivalence principle and local Lorentz invariance, while gravitational redshift and other clock experiments support local position invariance. Together these results confirm the Einstein Equivalence Principle which underlies the concept that gravitation is synonymous with spacetime geometry, and must be described by a metric theory. Solar system experiments that test the weak-field, post-Newtonian limit of metric theories strongly favor general relativity. The Binary Pulsar provides tests of gravitational-wave damping and of strong-field general relativity. Recently discovered binary pulsar systems may provide additional tests. Future and ongoing experiments, such as the Gravity Probe B Gyroscope Experiment, satellite tests of the Equivalence Principle, and tests of gravity at short distance to look for extra spatial dimensions could constrain extensions of general relativity. Laser interferometric gravitational-wave observatories on Earth and in space may provide new tests of gravitational theory via detailed measurements of the properties of gravitational waves.
Medicinal Activities of Essential Oils: Role in Disease Prevention

Publisher Summary Essential oils are derived from various parts of the plant, including leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds, rhizomes, roots, and bark. In the plant, these constituents serve several physiological purposes for the plant—protection from pests and microorganisms, attraction of pollinating insects or birds, providing photoprotection to the plant, and allelopathy. The complex mixtures of volatile, aromatic components are secondary plant metabolites and are usually obtained by distillation. Mild techniques such as enfleurage, expression, extraction, or fermentation are also used for the isolation of more sensitive compounds. Essential oils have traditionally been used to impart flavoring or preservative effects in foods or to instill fragrances in cosmetics and aromatherapy. Since ancient times, numerous civilizations have also valued essential oils for their therapeutic qualities in disease prevention and treatment. Current interest in essential oils arises from the various bioactive effects they display, including antioxidant anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, and anticarcinogenic. Demand for plant essential oils has risen as a consequence of consumers searching for cheaper, more “natural” alternatives to disease-fighting medications. In food and cosmetic applications, essential oils are considered to be biodegradable, readily available, and “less toxic” than synthetic preservative agents. This optimism has raised concerns and stimulated studies to evaluate the safety and efficacy of essential oils in various systems in order to better understand their pharmacological properties and roles in health.
Evaluating Preexisting Qualitative Research Data for Secondary Analysis

In diesem Beitrag befasse ich mich nach einem kurzen geschichtlichen Abriss mit zentralen Charakteristika qualitativer Sekundaranalyse. Diese kommt in den Sozial- und Bildungswissenschaften nach wie vor vergleichsweise selten zum Einsatz, zumeist weil Daten schwer zuganglich sind oder fur ein Forschungsanliegen nicht relevant, nicht vertrauenswurdig oder unvollstandig scheinen. Ich diskutiere deshalb Vor- und Nachteile der Nutzung von Sekundaranalysen und schlage Kriterien vor zur Bewertung der Qualitat und Zulanglichkeit qualitativer Datensatze. Zusammenfassend ergeben sich wichtige Implikationen fur Forschende, Studierende und Praktiker/innen, die am Generieren neuen Wissens durch reliable, valide und zeit-/kostensparende Forschung auf der Grundlage bereits verfugbarer Daten Interessiert sind.
Analyzing the Impact of Knowledge on Algorithm Performance in Discrete Optimization

For discrete optimization, it is important to understand the relationship between knowledge about the characteristics of problems and algorithm performance. Such an understanding will provide us useful hints and better prediction of algorithm behavior when we choose or design algorithms. In this paper, we seek to formally model and analyze the impact of such knowledge on algorithm performance/behavior. We propose a model which we call the Directional Tree (DT) to explore this impact. With DTs, we provide the first steps in formally explaining knowledge and algorithm behavior through rigorous proofs and analysis.
IMMUNOCHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL-CHEMICAL EVIDENCE FOR THE PRESENCE OF THYMOSIN ALPHA 1 -PEPTIDE IN DIALYZABLE LEUKOCYTE EXTRACTS

Publisher Summary This chapter presents immunochemical and physical–chemical evidence for the presence of thymosin alpha1-peptide in dialyzable leukocyte extracts (DLE). In a study described in the chapter, the collective results obtained from immunologic and physical–chemical evaluations of the E-receptor regeneration promoting activity present in human DLE indicate that it is partly because of the presence of thymosin α1 peptide in DLE. There are, however, additional components in DLE that express a similar activity but do not seen to be intact thymosin α1. Included here might be thymic humoral factor, which has a pi of 5.7 and could be responsible for the activity found in the β region when DLE Sephadex G-25 Fraction IV was fractionated by IEP in a 2.5 to 10 gradient.The documentation of the presence of a variety of T-lymphocyte maturation or differentiation factors in DLE explains why DLE may have nonspecific beneficial effects when it is employed as an immunotherapeutic agent.
Singular Reference and Unexemplified Haecceities

In the preceding chapter, I argued that there are unexemplified nonqualitative haecceities which individuate nonexistent possible concreta, including both nonexistent possible concreta which are mereologically and causally disjoint, and nonexistent possible concreta which are mereological or causal products.1 As noted earlier, this line of reasoning implies that Strong Extreme Realism is true. Since bifurcated and moderate realist objections to my argument were also answered in that chapter,2 there seems to be no barrier remaining to the acceptance of Strong Extreme Realism. Accordingly, in the arguments to follow I assume that Strong Extreme Realism is true, and hence that no form of Moderate Realism is correct.
The Themes of Entrepreneurship Discourse : a Data Analytics Approach

Scholars are devotng heightened atenton to the language of entrepreneurship and to its inﬂuence on the cogniton, behaviors, and outcomes of entrepreneurs and their stakeholders. However, the primary themes that consttute entrepreneurs’ language are unexamined. In this partally-inductve study, we identfy the most common themes in entrepreneurship discourse and explore how they have changed over tme. To map the themes in entrepreneurs’ language, we use data analytc techniques coupled with text mining algorithms to analyze a longitudinal corpus of entrepreneurial discourse. Our fndings reveal fve dominant and recurring themes in entrepreneurship discourse – marketng actvites, technology-oriented entrepreneurship, digital entrepreneurship, professional investment, and new venture entrepreneurship – and illustrate how these themes are evolving. By examining the key themes in the discourse of entrepreneurs and chartng their transformaton over tme, our study makes theoretcal and methodological contributons to entrepreneurship research. We identfy the areas where the academic literature seems to be lagging practtoner discussions and suggest that scholars should evaluate research for how closely topics are calibrated with the main themes in the discourse of entrepreneurs. Our fndings also produce practcal implicatons for entrepreneurs by identfying the main themes receiving atenton, which allows entrepreneurs to evaluate if the topics that comprise their day-to-day discourse align with the themes emphasized in the larger body of entrepreneurship discourse.
Die Berechnung der laminaren, stationären, inkompressiblen Grenzschicht eines angeströmten, rotierenden Drehkörpers

Auf die Grenzschichtgleichungen wird eine Mangler- und Crocco-Transformation sowie eine Ahnlichkeitstransformation angewandt. Dann wird ein implizites Differenzenverfahren entwickelt, das fur den Einsatz elektronischer Rechner bestimmt ist. Fur die angestromte rotierende Scheibe und die Kugel werden Ergebnisse fur die Grenzschichtkenngrosen angegeben.
Acute Gastric Mucosal Damage Induced by Bile Salts, Acid, and Ischemia

Intraluminal acid, gastric mucosal ischemia, and regurgitation of upper intestinal content have all been implicated in the pathogenesis of acute hemorrhagic gastritis in man. This study was designed to determine directly the ulcerogenic potential of topically applied acid and bile salts, alone and in combination with mucosal ischemia induced by intraarterial vasopressin (VP; 0.1 U per kg-min). In two groups of experimental dogs, vascularized full thickness wedges of gastric wall were mounted in lucite chambers, and , with the mucosa directly visualized, were studied during three consecutive 30-min periods. Group A (5 dogs) was subjected sequentially to (1) topical acid test solution alone (ATS), (2) ATS + VP, and (3) ATS + VP + 5 mM sodium taurocholate (TC). Group B (5 dogs) was subjected to (1) ATS, (2) ATS + TC, and (3) ATS + VP + TC. Three groups of control dogs were studied. Group A 1 was subjected to ATS + VP during periods 2 and 3. Group B 1 was subjected to ATS + TC during periods 2 and 3. Group C was subjected to (1) topical "neutral" test solution (NTS =160 mm NaCl), (2) NTS + TC, and (3) NTS + VP + TC. During each period, the net fluxes of volume, H + , and Na + , the electrical potential difference, and the aminopyrine clearance, a measure of gastric mucosal blood flow, were determined. Mucosal damage was assessed by an independent observer using photographs obtained after each period and graded 0 to 4. The results indicated that significant lesion formation occurred only in the presence of acid, bile salts, and ischemia. No lesions were noted during any period in the control animals. The data suggest that lesion formation was not a function of either "back diffusion" of H + or of mucosal ischemia, per se. Relative to period 1, mucosal blood flow was significantly increased in nonischemic mucosa exposed to bile salts, whereas a marked decrease was observed with topical bile salts during vasopressin infusion. Perhaps as a consequence, the combination of mucosal ischemia and topically applied acid and bile salts is severely, acutely, and uniquely ulcerogenic.
Application of pan-sharpening algorithm for correlative multimodal imaging using AFM-IR

The coupling of atomic force microscopy with infrared spectroscopy (AFM-IR) offers the unique capability to characterize the local chemical and physical makeup of a broad variety of materials with nanoscale resolution. However, in order to fully utilize the measurement capability of AFM-IR, a three-dimensional dataset (2D map with a spectroscopic dimension) needs to be acquired, which is prohibitively time-consuming at the same spatial resolution of a regular AFM scan. In this paper, we provide a new approach to process spectral AFM-IR data based on a multicomponent pan-sharpening algorithm. This approach requires only a low spatial resolution spectral and a limited number of high spatial resolution single wavenumber chemical maps to generate a high spatial resolution hyperspectral image, greatly reducing data acquisition time. As a result, we are able to generate high-resolution maps of component distribution, produce chemical maps at any wavenumber available in the spectral range, and perform correlative analysis of the physical and chemical properties of the samples. We highlight our approach via imaging of plant cell walls as a model system and showcase the interplay between mechanical stiffness of the sample and its chemical composition. We believe our pan-sharpening approach can be more generally applied to different material classes to enable deeper understanding of that structure-property relationship at the nanoscale.
Correlation of pretreatment surgical staging and PET SUVmax with outcomes in NSCLC.

7051 Background: The AJCC staging does not recognize the number of involved mediastinal lymph nodes (LN), nodal stations or PET findings as prognostic factors in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)....
Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in pediatric patients: pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is well-described in adults, but has been reported with relative rarity in children, usually occurring in the context of chemotherapy for acute leukemia. Pathogenesis involves perturbed cerebral autoregulation leading to vasogenic edema predominantly affecting the parieto-occipital white matter, though involvement of the frontal and temporal lobes, as well as posterior fossa, is also described. We review the literature on the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of PRES in pediatric patients.
Economics of integrated harvests with biomass for energy in non-industrial forests in the northeastern US forest

Abstract Economic drivers explaining the harvest of biomass for energy use in northeastern forests in the United States are not well understood. However, knowledge of these drivers is essential for bioenergy policy development, biomass supply estimates, and assessments of harvesting impacts on forest ecosystems and carbon stocks. Using empirical data from 35 integrated harvest sites in northeastern US non-industrial forests, we analyzed the economics of mixed wood product logging operations that included biomass for energetic use from both landowner and logging contractor perspectives. Results were highly variable but indicate that biomass harvest removal intensities were not explained by primary forest management objectives, harvest area, or harvested wood product quantity. Rather than harvest area or choice of machinery, we identified biomass harvest intensity as a main driver of profits for a harvest operation, as measured in hourly and total net income to the logging contractor. While biomass stumpage payments to the landowner were marginal, tree bole biomass constituted more than half (54%) of the extracted volume by weight, far outweighing biomass derived from tops and limbs only. Biomass harvests, therefore, might encourage logging contractors to intensify harvest removals rather than increase harvest area or choose a specific harvest type or method. Such intensification could have beneficial or detrimental impacts on a stand and needs to be addressed through further studies of potential consequences for biodiversity and various ecosystem services.
Learning the ABCs of ATP Release

ATP plays important roles outside the cell, but the mechanism by which it is arrives in the extracellular environment is not clear. Dunn et al. now show that decreases in cellular cholesterol levels mediated by the ABCG1 transporter increase ATP release by volume-regulated anion channels under hypotonic conditions. Importantly, these results may imply that cells that handle cholesterol differently might experience differential extracellular ATP release during hypotonicity.
Comparison of Clinical Performance of VectorFlow and Palindrome Symmetric-Tip Dialysis Catheters: A Multicenter, Randomized Trial.

Abstract Purpose To compare clinical performance of 2 widely used symmetric-tip hemodialysis catheters. Materials and Methods Patients with end-stage renal disease initiating or resuming hemodialysis were randomized to receive an Arrow–Clark VectorFlow (n = 50) or Palindrome catheter (n = 50). Primary outcome was 90-d primary unassisted catheter patency. Secondary outcomes were Kt/V ([dialyzer urea clearance × total treatment time]/total volume of urea distribution), urea reduction ratio (URR), and effective blood flow (QB). Results Primary unassisted patency rates with the VectorFlow catheter at 30, 60, and 90 d were 95.5% ± 3.3, 87.2% ± 7.3, and 80.6% ± 9.8, respectively, compared with 89.1% ± 6.2, 79.4% ± 10.0, and 71.5% ± 12.6 with the Palindrome catheter (P = .20). Patients with VectorFlow catheters had a mean Kt/V of 1.5 at 30-, 60-, and 90-day time points, significantly higher than the mean Kt/V of 1.3 among those with Palindrome catheters (P = .0003). URRs were not significantly different between catheters. Catheter QB rates exceeded National Kidney Foundation–recommended thresholds of 300 mL/min at all time points for both catheters and were similar for both catheters (median, 373 mL/min). Catheter failure, ie, poor flow rate requiring guide-wire exchange or removal, within the 90-day primary outcome occurred in 3 VectorFlow subjects and 5 Palindrome subjects (P = .72). Infection rates were similar, with 0.98 infections per 1,000 catheter days for VectorFlow catheters compared with 2.62 per 1,000 catheter days for Palindrome catheters (P = .44). Conclusions The 90-day primary patency rates of Palindrome and VectorFlow catheters were not significantly different, and both achieved sustained high QB through 90 day follow-up. However, dialysis adequacy based on Kt/V was consistently better with the VectorFlow catheter versus the Palindrome.
Impact of Off-Block Time Uncertainty on the Control of Airport Surface Operations

Congestion at major airports worldwide results in increased taxi times, fuel burn, and emissions. Regulating the pushback of aircraft from their gates, also known as departure metering, is a promis...
Assessing the practice of data quality evaluation in a national clinical data research network through a systematic scoping review in the era of real-world data.

Objective To synthesize data quality (DQ) dimensions and assessment methods of real-world data, especially electronic health records, through a systematic scoping review and to assess the practice of DQ assessment in the national Patient-centered Clinical Research Network (PCORnet). Materials and methods We started with 3 widely cited DQ literature-2 reviews from Chan et al (2010) and Weiskopf et al (2013a) and 1 DQ framework from Kahn et al (2016)-and expanded our review systematically to cover relevant articles published up to February 2020. We extracted DQ dimensions and assessment methods from these studies, mapped their relationships, and organized a synthesized summarization of existing DQ dimensions and assessment methods. We reviewed the data checks employed by the PCORnet and mapped them to the synthesized DQ dimensions and methods. Results We analyzed a total of 3 reviews, 20 DQ frameworks, and 226 DQ studies and extracted 14 DQ dimensions and 10 assessment methods. We found that completeness, concordance, and correctness/accuracy were commonly assessed. Element presence, validity check, and conformance were commonly used DQ assessment methods and were the main focuses of the PCORnet data checks. Discussion Definitions of DQ dimensions and methods were not consistent in the literature, and the DQ assessment practice was not evenly distributed (eg, usability and ease-of-use were rarely discussed). Challenges in DQ assessments, given the complex and heterogeneous nature of real-world data, exist. Conclusion The practice of DQ assessment is still limited in scope. Future work is warranted to generate understandable, executable, and reusable DQ measures.
A Dispersion-Compensated Algorithm for the Analysis of Electromagnetic Waveguides

Electromagnetic waveguides have dispersive properties, meaning the phase and group velocities change with frequency. This dispersion leads to broadening in the time-domain impulse response, which can make it difficult to separate adjacent signals if they overlap. To help address this issue, we present a dispersion-compensated algorithm for the analysis of electromagnetic waveguides. This algorithm maps signals measured in the frequency-domain to the distance-domain, and vice versa. It uses a priori information of the waveguide's propagation constant to compensate for dispersion and preserve features in the distance-domain impulse response, even over large distances. The dispersion-compensated algorithm has a variety of applications, including accurate distance-to-fault measurements and highly selective distance-domain windowing. For a simple demonstration, we show how the algorithm can be used to analyze data from a waveguide cavity resonator.
Hot-press sintering of aluminum nitride nanoceramics

The increasing interest in nanostructured ceramics and their applications highlights the need to understand the hot-press sintering of nanoscale AlN powders. We use molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the hot-press sintering of AlN nanoceramics and to clarify the underlying sintering mechanisms. We consider samples with 32 nanoparticles with diameters 8, 12, and 16 nm, arranged in a face centered cubic supercell: samples AlN-8, AlN-12, and AlN-16. Sintering simulations are performed at $T=1900\phantom{\rule{0.28em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$ under 1 GPa for 6 ns. An additional simulation is performed for a sample with 8 nm sized nanoparticles at a lower pressure of 0.1 GPa, namely, sample AlN-8-0.1. After 6 ns, densifications of 99%, 96.2%, 95.6%, and 93.2% are achieved for samples AlN-8, AlN-8-0.1, AlN-12, and AlN-16, respectively. Analysis shows that the fast densification process is rooted at the high diffusivity of nanoparticles surface atoms. The AlN-8 sample undergoes intense microstructural evolution during the sintering process from 3 to 6 ns, resulting in a wide distribution of grain sizes from 4 to 15 nm and a larger, 11 nm average grain size. A slower grain growth process is observed in the AlN-8-0.1 sample from $\ensuremath{\sim}4.0\phantom{\rule{0.28em}{0ex}}\mathrm{ns}$. These results indicate a change in the densification mechanism from surface diffusion to grain boundary migration and relaxation of grain boundaries and triple junctions, resulting in a two-stage sintering process, i.e., initially the sample experiences a fast densification, which is followed by intense microstructural evolution. The densification mechanism crossover occurs at 98.7% and 95% densification for the AlN-8 and AlN-8-0.1 samples, respectively. The results indicate that the onset of the second stage depends on a densification threshold, which can be delayed by applying higher external pressure. Sintering of the AlN-16 sample indicates the presence of structural phase transformation at the nanoparticles contact points, which reach over 12 GPa of local pressure during the 1 GPa compression. These results provide atomistic insights into the hot-press sintering of nanoscale ceramics, highlighting the intrinsic swift densification and microstructural evolution processes.
P-103 Restructuring income generation in the middle of a global pandemic

Background Income generation plays a crucial part in funding charities and with only 1/3rd funding received for our hospice, would it be sustainable to still have the current structure with the world in lockdown? Aim To revaluate our current structure, implement changes to meet the changing face of fundraising, analysing data to influence and drive our income generation decisions going forwards whilst ensuring our systems and processes digital transformed the way we operate. Methods May-June 2020: Evaluation of all current roles within Fundraising, Lottery, Grants and Legacies across two sites. August -September 2020: Full consultation with all staff members. October 2020 – staff receive confirmation of roles although still remain on furlough through pandemic; New supporter care team roles advertised and roles begin to work with the digital transformation plan. Results Cost savings of 100k when income received in to the hospice was uncertain and our fundraising events had been diminished due to lockdown, rising COVID-19 cases and furloughed staff across many industries. Changed direction of resources into new Supporter Care team (SCT) whose aims was to ensure our data was fit for the future and could influence our decisions going forwards. Invested in a standalone role for legacy giving, an income stream that many hospices don’t invest enough resource into (Remember A Charity, 2019. UK legacy fundraising market 2019; Remember A Charity, Legacy Foresight, the Institute of Legacy Management, and Smee & Ford). Conclusion Restructure is working well, new SCT fully trained on database allowing data to become more focused and relevant to our needs therefore subsequent mailings are donor specific allowing us to understand and map our donor journey. Fifteen months later the UK is still not back to full capacity after COVID-19 therefore the reduced fundraising team is currently adequate based on demands and income streams. A surge in wills during last 18 months has already seen an increase in supporter communication and a new legacy strategy is being implemented as a result of this consultation.
Applications of High-Frequency Traveling Waves [Book\/Software Reviews]

The main theme of this book is utilizing multiple phases of traveling waves for fine high-speed timing reference or as oscillators. It introduces many unique high-performance traveling-wave–based circuits, such as multiphase oscillators, transceivers, interleaved analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), and interleaved digital-to-analog converters (DACs) for future communication electronics. These high-frequency traveling-wave–based devices can be applied to terahertz-level cancer diagnosis and medical imaging, chemical and explosives detection, space research, metal detection, and security systems. The book introduces traveling wave, a very significant high-speed device technology for future microwave and millimeter-wave equipment. Many conceptual design examples are provided. This book offers a great starting point for scientists and engineers, though much research is still required before this technology matures. Future work is needed, for example, to build a 100-GHz traveling-wave oscillator and to test and measure phase-noise spectrum density.
Selected Readings on Diversity Issues: Part II

In this final column of Diversity Dialogues, Ms. Gabriel highlights selected readings on library science education, diversity initiatives, mentoring and retention, standards and statistics, and on law librarianship and diversity, and she provides her concluding thoughts on the future of diversity in law librarianship.
Metastable behavior of the superconducting phase in the BaBi1-xPbxO3 system.

The structural phases of the ${\mathrm{BaBi}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{Pb}}_{\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ system have been studied using neutron powder diffraction. As lead is substituted on the bismuth site, the room-temperature structure is monoclinic for 0.00\ensuremath{\le}x\ensuremath{\le}0.20, orthorhombic for 0.25\ensuremath{\le}x\ensuremath{\le}0.65, diphasic (orthorhombic and tetragonal) for 0.70\ensuremath{\le}x\ensuremath{\le}0.80, and monoclinic for x=1.0. Superconductivity is observed for samples in the composition range 0.70\ensuremath{\le}x\ensuremath{\le}0.80. The superconducting phase is the tetragonal phase. In situ neutron-powder-diffraction measurements versus temperature show that it is not stable at temperatures below about 425 K. All superconducting samples consist of the metastable tetragonal phase and a semiconducting orthorhombic phase because the tetragonal-to-orthorhombic transition does not proceed to completion. Samples of ${\mathrm{Ba}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{y}}$${\mathrm{K}}_{\mathit{y}}$${\mathrm{Bi}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{Pb}}_{\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ have ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$'s that are inversely proportional to the total dopant concentration, x+y, in the composition region (0.5\ensuremath{\le}x+y\ensuremath{\le}0.9), where the material is metallic.
Effect of initial turbulence intensity and velocity profile on liquid jets for IFE beamline protection

Current designs for thick liquid protection of heavy ion inertial fusion reactors utilize banks of liquid jets and vortex flow tubes to protect sensitive beam line components from neutrons and debris following target explosions. These hydraulic protection systems have issues regarding their formation and flow characteristics that need to be further understood as part of the ongoing chamber technology program for IFE. In this paper, modeling and experimental observations and quantitative data for rectangular and circular jets are compared in an effort to illuminate the critical phenomena involved. For rectangular jets a variety of wave patterns have been observed owing to competing effects of turbulence, surface tension and boundary layer formation in nozzles. Modeling of these jet flows using a Large Eddy Simulation technique is a useful tool for understanding the various origin of these waves, and experimenting with techniques to control their behavior. Recommendations for nozzle designs within IFE constraints are presented based on the numerical simulations.
A novel method to continuously monitor litter moisture - a microcosm-based experiment

Abstract Litter decomposition is a key biogeochemical process that strongly affects carbon and nutrient cycling. Our understanding of the controls over decomposition in arid and semi-arid systems is currently limited by a lack of capability to measure or predict litter moisture. Despite its potential importance in controlling litter decomposition, litter moisture has rarely been continuously monitored due to the technical constraints in doing so. The objective of this study was to test the feasibility of using inexpensive, commercially available relative humidity (RH) loggers (iButtons) to continuously estimate the litter moisture. We incubated two types of litter (conifer and broadleaf) in microcosms and tested RH-litter moisture relationships during a series of dry-down events. The results showed that we could successfully predict litter gravimetric moisture using iButton RH measurements.
Savings and Investment: Some International Perspectives

Consistent with neoclassical growth models, recent estimates of the close association between domestic saving and investment rates may allow policy makers the opportunity to alter investment through the introduction of polices that alter domestic savings. However, such an interpretation presumes an endogenous investment response. Equally likely, at least theoretically, is that the close association is maintained by movements in domestic savings. The present paper explicitly examines the endogeneity of domestic saving and investment rates. For a subset of countries, including the United States, the results suggest that saving adjustments make up only a small portion of investment behavior.
Submitting Biologics Applications to the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research Electronically

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has gained significant experience with computer-assisted licensing applications, and has concluded that continued reliance on customized formats is a burden for the FDA and industry. As a result, the FDA is working to standardize the content and format of electronically submitted applications, and to establish procedures for electronic applications that will: create minimal additional work for industry and reviewers, establish consistency across the FDA’s centers, and expedite the review process. The FDA is proposing to move to a paperless regulatory process by the year 2002. Toward that goal, the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) has released new guidance for the electronic submission of biologic and product license applications; case report forms, tabulations, and statistical data; and lot release protocols. A pilot program for Investigational New Drug applications also has been initiated.
Impact of coffee components on inflammatory markers: A review

Abstract This review evaluates coffee constituents in order to determine their influence on the inflammation process. Coffee is a common beverage that contains multiple substances that impact inflammatory markers. The caffeine, chlorogenic acid (CGA), cafestol, trigonelline, and kahweol found in coffee are thought to have significant potential as antioxidants and free radical scavengers. Experimental animal studies indicated reduction of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1B (IL-1B), and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) with coffee consumption. Human studies presented mixed results. At this point, coffee shows some promise against the inflammatory response. More research with controlled, double-blinded studies in humans must be conducted before practitioners advise patients to utilize the beverage as a prophylaxis against inflammation.
Phosphorus‐31 nuclear magnetic resonance measurements of 2, 3‐DPG degradation in human adult and cord blood erythrocytes

We have measured the percent change in 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (DPG) concentration in cord blood erythrocytes and adult erythrocytes during incubation at 37 degrees C using 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. DPG concentrations remained unchanged during the first 4.0 +/- 0.9 h (mean + SD) for cord blood erythrocytes and 6.0 +/- 1.0 h for adult blood erythrocytes. After this plateau phase, cord blood and adult erythrocyte DPG concentrations decreased at a rate of 11.6 +/- 0.4 and 11.4 +/- 0.5% of the baseline DPG concentration per hour, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the percent rate of DPG degradation when comparing cord blood erythrocytes to adult erythrocytes during either the plateau phase or the decay phase. Starting at the onset of the decay phase, the neonate 3-P DPG resonance shifted downfield at a rate of 0.03 +/- 0.006 ppm per hour; the adult 3-P DPG resonance shifted downfield at a rate of 0.02 +/- 0.003 ppm per hour.