cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Poisson Model of Nonwoven Fiber Assemblies in Compression at High Stress

A new model has been developed that predicts the compression behavior of thick. nonwoven fiber assemblies at high stress levels. The model uses the Poisson distribution to describe how fibers are stacked on top of one another during web formation. The stress/thickness relationships developed are based solely on the compression properties of the stacked fiber mass. Effects predicted by the model include greater packing uni formity for increasing web weight, decreasing fiber diameter. and decreasing fiber transverse compression modulus. An expression for the fractional area of a compressed web that is actually under stress is also given. The stress/thickness behavior predicted by the model is compared to the measured compression characteristics of nylon. Spec tra®, Kevlar®, and fiberglass needled batts. The measured and predicted behavior agree well enough in most cases to validate both the Poisson distribution approach to the placement of fiber mass in randomly formed nonwoven materials and the simple com pressive stress relationships developed from it.
Reasoning about others: representing and processing infinite belief hierarchies

We focus on the problem of how infinite belief hierarchies can be represented and reasoned with in a computationally tractable way. When modeling nested beliefs one usually deals with two types of infinity: infinity of beliefs on every level of reflection and infinity of levels. In this work we assume that beliefs are finite at every level, while the number of levels may still be infinite. We propose a method for reducing the infinite regress of beliefs to a finite structure, and identify the class of infinite belief trees that allow finite representation. We propose a method for deciding on an action based on this presentation, and apply the method to the analysis of auctions. We also prove that if agents' prior beliefs are not common knowledge, the revenue equivalence theorem ceases to hold, that is, different auctions yield different expected revenue. Our method can be used to design better auction protocols, given the participants' belief structures.
Multiphase modeling of nitrate photochemistry in the quasi-liquid layer (QLL): implications for NO x release from the Arctic and coastal Antarctic snowpack

Abstract. We utilize a multiphase model, CON-AIR (Condensed Phase to Air Transfer Model), to show that the photochemistry of nitrate (NO3−) in and on ice and snow surfaces, specifically the quasi-liquid layer (QLL), can account for NOx volume fluxes, concentrations, and [NO]/[NO2] (γ=[NO]/[NO2]) measured just above the Arctic and coastal Antarctic snowpack. Maximum gas phase NOx volume fluxes, concentrations and γ simulated for spring and summer range from 5.0×104 to 6.4×105 molecules cm−3 s−1, 5.7×108 to 4.8×109 molecules cm−3, and ~0.8 to 2.2, respectively, which are comparable to gas phase NOx volume fluxes, concentrations and γ measured in the field. The model incorporates the appropriate actinic solar spectrum, thereby properly weighting the different rates of photolysis of NO3− and NO2−. This is important since the immediate precursor for NO, for example, NO2−, absorbs at wavelengths longer than nitrate itself. Finally, one-dimensional model simulations indicate that both gas phase boundary layer NO and NO2 exhibit a negative concentration gradient as a function of height although [NO]/[NO2] are approximately constant. This gradient is primarily attributed to gas phase reactions of NOx with halogens oxides (i.e. as BrO and IO), HOx, and hydrocarbons, such as CH3O2.
Multi-objective control of the Tennessee Eastman challenge process

Large-scale process control problems usually have multiple, conflicting objectives, making it difficult for control strategies based on single-objective, on-line optimization to provide the desired performance, The present work considers a goal-programming approach that treats multiple objectives explicitly. It is intended to reduce tuning complexity, yet provide flexibility in defining performance objectives. An example application to the Tennessee Eastman Challenge Process is presented.
Incorporating agroecology into the conventional agricultural curriculum

Agroecology is the development and application of ecological theory to the management of agricultural systems, according to the specific land and other resources available. Beyond the biological and climatic dimensions of agriculture and ecology, there is growing appreciation of the influence of social, economic, and political factors on the structure and success of farming systems. This broader field is becoming known as “agroecology and sustainable development.” Expansion of the conventional curriculum to include integrative themes is essential because of the need for students to appreciate a whole farm focus for analysis, to understand the impact of socio-economic factors, and to further develop their abilities to link people and environment. Two courses are proposed and described in detail “Biology of Agroecosystems” includes study of system structure and function, cycles and interactions among components, system development and performance, and the importance of resource conservation and use. “Agroecology and Sustainable Agricultural Development” includes a survey of systems around the world, an evaluation of resources and their use, the environmental impact of agriculture, the relationships between society and agriculture, the applications of agroecology to rural development, and some projections of alternative future strategies for food production. Future agricultural professionals need to understand how improvement of agroecosystems is closely linked to economic, cultural, and political systems, and how they are both enhanced and constrained by factors beyond biology and climate.
A unified framework for high-dimensional analysis of M-estimators with decomposable regularizers

High-dimensional statistical inference deals with models in which the the number of parameters p is comparable to or larger than the sample size n. Since it is usually impossible to obtain consistent procedures unless p/n → 0, a line of recent work has studied models with various types of structure (e.g., sparse vectors; block-structured matrices; low-rank matrices; Markov assumptions). In such settings, a general approach to estimation is to solve a regularized convex program (known as a regularized M-estimator) which combines a loss function (measuring how well the model fits the data) with some regularization function that encourages the assumed structure. The goal of this paper is to provide a unified framework for establishing consistency and convergence rates for such regularized M-estimators under high-dimensional scaling. We state one main theorem and show how it can be used to re-derive several existing results, and also to obtain several new results on consistency and convergence rates. Our analysis also identifies two key properties of loss and regularization functions, referred to as restricted strong convexity and decomposability, that ensure the corresponding regularized M-estimators have fast convergence rates.
Thrombin receptor expression is upregulated in prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND Aberrant expression of protease-activated receptors (PARs) has been associated with increased angiogenesis, tumor growth, and metastasis of various cancers. We assessed the status of PAR1 expression in prostate cancer. METHODS The study compared the abundance levels of PAR1 RNA and protein using real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting in freshly resected prostate tissues from early localized-stage disease (n = 9) to those from patients with advanced metastatic disease (n = 7). PAR1 expression and localization was evaluated using immunohistochemical staining of prostate specimens with benign prostatic hyperplasia (n = 27), early- (n = 32) and advanced-stage (n = 22) prostate cancer. Association analyses of PAR1 expression with expression of VEGF-family of growth factors, their receptors, and clinicopathological characteristics of the patients were also performed. RESULTS PAR1 RNA expression in advanced-stage prostate was 2.39-fold higher (P = 0.024) and its protein expression was 2.75-fold higher (P = 5.89 × 10−5) when compared with early-stage prostate cancer. PAR1 expression was localized to endothelial cells in vascular network of prostate tumor areas. The expression of PAR1 correlated statistically significantly with advanced disease stage (P = 0.0006) and pre-operative PSA levels (P = 0.005) in these samples. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate that PAR1 expression is increased in prostate cancer. Its predominant expression in vascular network suggests that it may play a direct and crucial role in angiogenesis and could be a relevant target for therapeutic interventions to control or to prevent disease progression. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Structural Evolution of Colloidal Silica Gels to Glass

The gel-to-ceramic evolution of colloidal-derived silica gels was examined by thermal analysis, infrared photoacoustic spectroscopy, physical characteristic, and high-temperature calorimetry. Oxygen in the firing atmosphere promoted sintering of colloidal gels relative to firing in a nitrogen or argon atmosphere. Water vapor in the atmosphere promoted consolidation and crystallization to cristobalite. Addition of PVA to the colloidal gel resulted in consolidation and crystallization of the gel at 1000 C, [approximately]150 C less than gels without the PVA binder. The enthalpy of consolidation of the gels to fused silica glass was approximately [minus]10kJ/mol, primarily due to reduction of surface area.
Transient Analysis of Gas-Lubricated Journal Bearing Systems by Differential Quadrature

This paper is an extension of an earlier work in which the present authors demonstrated the application of the differential quadrature method (DQM) to the steady-state analysis of incompressible and compressible lubrication problems. In the present work, the DQM is applied to the transient-state analysis of compressible lubrication problems. For this purpose, the analysis of gas-lubricated plain journal bearings under the conditions of nonuniform journal rotation is considered. The computed results from the solutions of the reference problem included in the paper provide a comparison of the convergence characteristics and computational efficiency of the differential quadrature and finite element methods.
MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING FEATURES OF EXTRADURAL HEMATOMAS ASSOCIATED WITH INTER VERTEBRAL DISC HERNIATION IN A DOG

Myelography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed on a 4-year-old neutered female Rottweiler with bilateral pelvic limb paresis. On the myelogram, there was extradural spinal cord compression at the level of the T11-12 intervertebral disc. Inadvertent placement of epidural contrast medium also allowed identification of a 1-cm circular filling defect in the epidural space dorsal to the compressed spinal cord. MRI showed partial loss of the nucleus pulposus signal of the T11-12 disc, a focal signal void within the vertebral canal at T11 compatible with a free disc fragment, and extradural masses compressing the spinal cord at T10-11 and T11-12. Hemorrhage within the masses was confirmed on T2*-weighted images. A mixture of hematoma and mineralized disc material was found at surgery, and there was no histopathologic evidence of neoplasia. In this article, the appearance on MRI of hemorrhage associated with intervertebral disc herniation is discussed.
Types and trace effects of higher order programs

This paper shows how type effect systems can be combined with model-checking techniques to produce powerful, automatically verifiable program logics for higher order programs. The properties verified are based on the ordered sequence of events that occur during program execution, so-called event traces. Our type and effect systems infer conservative approximations of the event traces arising at run-time, and model-checking techniques are used to verify logical properties of these histories. Our language model is based on the λ-calculus. Technical results include a type inference algorithm for a polymorphic type effect system, and a method for applying known model-checking techniques to the trace effects inferred by the type inference algorithm, allowing static enforcement of history-and stack-based security mechanisms. A type safety result is proven for both unification and subtyping constraint versions of the type system, ensuring that statically well-typed programs do not contain trace event checks that can fail at run-time.
Monetary policy and unemployment: A disaggregated analysis

This paper disaggregates unemployment into broadly defined sectors and occupations. It estimates the impact that a change in the Federal Funds rate (FFR) has on the magnitude and time path of unemployment in each of these sectors and occupations. It finds that there is a substantial differential impact. Specifically, the paper shows that an increase in the nominal Federal Funds rate affects unemployment much more severely in two sectors and in two broad occupational groupings than it does in the others.
Dermatitis herpetiformis: clinical presentations are independent of manifestations of celiac disease

Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is a skin manifestation of celiac disease (CD), and is often the presenting and only complaint. There are few data comparing those with DH who present only with DH and those with DH who present mainly due to CD. We compared the prevalence of features usually associated with CD in those who presented with DH with patients in whom DH was part of a typical CD presentation. A cross-sectional study of a prospectively maintained database of 1,050 patients with CD was analyzed. Only biopsy-diagnosed patients were analyzed for small bowel findings. All patients were included in the analysis of autoimmune diseases and lymphoma incidence. Small bowel biopsies were classified into mild and severe. The prevalence of villous atrophy was significantly higher in the patients who presented with CD than in those who presented with DH alone (61.8 vs. 12.5 %; p = 0.005). However, the prevalence of nutritional deficiencies, autoimmune diseases, and lymphoma occurred at a similar rate in patients with DH and patients with CD without DH. Patients who present with CD and concurrent DH are more likely to have more severe pathology than those with predominantly DH, although nutritional deficiencies are similar between the two groups. It is important to screen for nutritional deficiencies in patients with DH, irrespective of the presence of typical CD manifestations.
Repeatability and reproducibility of retention data and band profiles on reversed-phase liquid chromatography columns. III. Results obtained with Kromasil C18 columns.

The reproducibility of retention data and band profile characteristics was investigated for a series of columns packed with Luna C18 (2), a silica-based, reversed-phase adsorbent. High precision data were obtained and statistically compared among five columns from the same batch (column-to-column reproducibility) and nine columns from as many different batches (batch-to-batch reproducibility). These data were acquired under five different sets of chromatographic conditions, for a group of 30 neutral, acidic, and basic compounds selected as probes following an experimental protocol previously described. This work is part of a study on the precision of chromatographic analyses. Its purpose is to illustrate the contribution of the stationary phase reproducibility to this precision.
Molecular cloning of casein kinase II alpha subunit from Dictyostelium discoideum and its expression in the life cycle.

Abstract A Dictyostelium discoideum cDNA encoding an alpha-type subunit of casein kinase II was isolated, and its cDNA was used to study developmental expression of casein kinase II during the Dictyostelium life cycle. The 1.3-kb cDNA insert contained an open reading frame of 337 amino acids (M(r) 39,900). The deduced amino acid sequence has high homology with those of casein kinase II alpha subunits from other species. Genomic Southern blot analysis suggested that there is a single gene encoding casein kinase II alpha subunit in D. discoideum. Northern (RNA) blot analysis showed that the casein kinase II alpha-subunit gene is expressed constitutively as a 1.9-kb mRNA throughout vegetative growth and multicellular development. Casein kinase purified from normal vegetative cells contained a major protein band of approximately 36 kDa, which was recognized by antisera raised against rat testis casein kinase II. Comparison of the in vitro transcription/translation product of the alpha-subunit cDNA clone and the purified 36-kDa protein by partial proteolysis indicated that the isolated cDNA clone encodes the Dictyostelium casein kinase II alpha subunit. No protein corresponding to a beta subunit was detected in purified casein kinase. Immunoblot analysis using anti-rat casein kinase II sera showed that the alpha subunit of casein kinase II is expressed constitutively like its mRNA during the life cycle of D. discoideum. Casein kinase II activity measured by using a specific peptide substrate paralleled the level of alpha subunit detected by immunoblotting during the life cycle, with a maximum variation of approximately 2-fold. We were unable to obtain disruptants of the casein kinase II alpha gene, suggesting that there is a single casein kinase II alpha gene, which is essential for vegetative growth of D. discoideum.
Discussion: Trends and Problems in Growth of Farm Size

Q NE who refuses to quibble will find little in the Butcher-Whittlesey paper with which to disagree. After presenting some data on the magnitude of the overall growth rates in commercial farming, they predict that, despite some problems, commercial farms will continue to grow rapidly and that commercial farming will be transformed as mechanization and automation continue. Certainly the forces exerting pressure for growth are much more powerful than those inhibiting it, and the inevitable result will be rapid growth. This does not mean that the problems involved in growth are not important or that they do not need study. As Butcher and Whittlesey point out, knowledge and the ability to acquire it may well be the single most important factor inhibiting growth. I want to turn now to some material which is helpful in pointing up both the possibilities for growth and the problems involved in it. An interesting experiment in firm growth is being carried out by the Tennessee Valley Authority in conjunction with the extension services of the valley states. I refer to what TVA calls the Rapid Adjustment Pro-
Detection of elevated right ventricular extracellular volume in pulmonary hypertension using Accelerated and Navigator-Gated Look-Locker Imaging for Cardiac T1 Estimation (ANGIE) cardiovascular magnetic resonance.

Assessment of diffuse right ventricular (RV) fibrosis is of particular interest in pulmonary hypertension (PH) and heart failure (HF). Current cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) T1 mapping techniques such as Modified Look-Locker inversion recovery (MOLLI) imaging have limited resolution, but accelerated and navigator-gated Look-Locker imaging for cardiac T1 estimation (ANGIE) is a novel CMR sequence with spatial resolution suitable for T1 mapping of the RV. We tested the hypothesis that patients with PH would have significantly more RV fibrosis detected with MRI ANGIE compared with normal volunteers and patients having HF with reduced (LV) ejection fraction (HFrEF) without co-existing PH, independent of RV dilatation and dysfunction. Patients with World Health Organization group 1 or group 4 PH, patients with HFrEF without PH, and normal volunteers were recruited to undergo contrast-enhanced CMR. RV and LV extracellular volume fractions (RV-ECV and LV-ECV) were determined using pre-contrast and post-contrast T1 mapping using ANGIE (RV and LV) and MOLLI (LV only). Thirty-two participants (53.1 % female, median age 52 years, IQR 26–65 years) were enrolled, including n = 12 with PH, n = 10 having HFrEF without co-existing PH, and n = 10 normal volunteers. ANGIE ECV imaging was of high quality, and ANGIE measurements of LV-ECV were highly correlated with those of MOLLI (r = 0.91; p < 0.001). The RV-ECV in PH patients was 27.2 % greater than the RV-ECV in normal volunteers (0.341 v. 0.268; p < 0.0001) and 18.9 % greater than the RV-ECV in HFrEF patients without PH (0.341 v. 0.287; p < 0.0001). RV-ECV was greater than LV-ECV in PH (RV-LV difference = 0.04), but RV-ECV was nearly equivalent to LV-ECV in normal volunteers (RV-LV difference = 0.002) (p < 0.0001 for RV-LV difference in PH versus normal volunteers). RV-ECV was linearly associated with both increasing RVEDVI (p = 0.049) and decreasing RVEF (p = 0.04) in a multivariable linear model, but PH was still associated with greater RV-ECV even after adjustment for RVEDVI and RVEF. Pre- and post-contrast ANGIE imaging provides high-resolution ECV determination for the RV. PH is independently associated with increased RV-ECV even after adjustment for RV dilatation and dysfunction, consistent with an independent effect of PH on fibrosis. ANGIE RV imaging merits further clinical evaluation in PH.
Intramuscular electroporation delivery of IL-12 gene for treatment of squamous cell carcinoma located at distant site

Gene therapy with IL-12 has been shown to elicit potent systemic antitumor response in a variety of tumors. Although direct intratumoral injection is the most commonly used delivery route for gene therapy of solid tumors, the skeletal muscle has been shown to be an ideal tissue for gene delivery to produce systemic gene expression. We have previously demonstrated that electroporation delivery of a reporter gene to muscle enhances the transfection efficiency and the level of gene expression by two to three logs. We report here that intramuscular (i.m.) injection of as little as 10 microg of the IL-12 DNA plasmid followed by electroporation prevents squamous cell carcinoma (SCCVII) tumor establishment in up to 40% of experimental animals and reduces the volume of established tumors by 75% compared to controls (P<.05). By comparison, there was no difference in tumor growth observed between IL-12 injection alone and injection of empty vector with or without electroporation. The induction of antitumor activity by i.m. electroporation delivery of the IL-12 gene is associated with an increase in IL-12 expression in muscle and serum. The level of IL-12 expression in muscle and serum was 1500 pg/tibialias muscle and 170 pg/mL serum, respectively, at day 6, after the gene was delivered by electroporation. In contrast, the level of IL-12 when the gene was injected without electroporation was hardly detectable after subtracting the background level of IL-12 detected in naive mice. The high level of IL-12 expression led to a 170-fold induction of IFN-gamma expression in serum at day 6 after i.m. electroporation delivery of IL-12 DNA plasmid, which was equal to 1450 pg/mL in the serum. The induction of antitumor activity by i.m. electroporation delivery of the IL-12 gene also correlates with increased CD8+ T-cell population in peripheral blood but not in spleen. Our findings suggest that i.m. delivery of IL-12 gene using electroporation is an effective method of inducing a systemic antitumor response against SCC.
The Pattern of New British Portfolio Foreign Investment 1865–1914

If in the next half century we are to create £5,000 or £6,000 millions more, what is to be the issue?1
Activation of the Yeast UBI4 Polyubiquitin Gene by Zap1 Transcription Factor via an Intragenic Promoter Is Critical for Zinc-deficient Growth.

Stability of many proteins requires zinc. Zinc deficiency disrupts their folding, and the ubiquitin-proteasome system may help manage this stress. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, UBI4 encodes five tandem ubiquitin monomers and is essential for growth in zinc-deficient conditions. Although UBI4 is only one of four ubiquitin-encoding genes in the genome, a dramatic decrease in ubiquitin was observed in zinc-deficient ubi4Δ cells. The three other ubiquitin genes were strongly repressed under these conditions, contributing to the decline in ubiquitin. In a screen for ubi4Δ suppressors, a hypomorphic allele of the RPT2 proteasome regulatory subunit gene (rpt2E301K) suppressed the ubi4Δ growth defect. The rpt2E301K mutation also increased ubiquitin accumulation in zinc-deficient cells, and by using a ubiquitin-independent proteasome substrate we found that proteasome activity was reduced. These results suggested that increased ubiquitin supply in suppressed ubi4Δ cells was a consequence of more efficient ubiquitin release and recycling during proteasome degradation. Degradation of a ubiquitin-dependent substrate was restored by the rpt2E301K mutation, indicating that ubiquitination is rate-limiting in this process. The UBI4 gene was induced ∼5-fold in low zinc and is regulated by the zinc-responsive Zap1 transcription factor. Surprisingly, Zap1 controls UBI4 by inducing transcription from an intragenic promoter, and the resulting truncated mRNA encodes only two of the five ubiquitin repeats. Expression of a short transcript alone complemented the ubi4Δ mutation, indicating that it is efficiently translated. Loss of Zap1-dependent UBI4 expression caused a growth defect in zinc-deficient conditions. Thus, the intragenic UBI4 promoter is critical to preventing ubiquitin deficiency in zinc-deficient cells.
Should patients With obstructing colorectal cancer have proximal diversion

Abstract Background Up to 20% of patients with colorectal cancer present with obstruction. The goal of this study was to compare the short-term outcomes of patients with obstructing colon cancer who underwent resection and primary anastomosis with or without proximal diversion. Methods The American College of Surgeons' National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Procedure Targeted Colectomy databases from 2012 to 2014 were reviewed. Patients undergoing colorectal resection with or without diverting ostomy for obstructing colorectal cancer were analyzed. Propensity score–matched cohorts of diverted and nondiverted patients were created accounting for patient characteristics. The primary outcomes were 30-day mortality, postoperative complications, and readmission. Results There were 2,323 patients (92%) with no proximal diversion and 204 patients (8%) with proximal diversion. In univariate analysis, patients with colorectal resection with diversion were significantly more likely to have any complication ( P = .001), sepsis ( P = .01), and blood transfusion ( P = .001). Diversion patients were also significantly more likely to be readmitted to the hospital within 30 days of the index procedure ( P = .02). Proximal diversion was associated with any complication ( P = .01), failure to wean off ventilator ( P = .05), and longer length of stay ( P = .01) in matched cohorts. Conclusions Proximal diversion in the setting of obstructive colorectal cancer is associated with higher rates of any complication, deep wound infection, sepsis, and readmission. Surgeons who perform a primary anastomosis with diversion for obstructing colorectal cancer should take into account the significant risk for postoperative complications.
Automated Selection of Damage Detection Features by Genetic Programming

Robust damage detection algorithms are the first requirement for development of practical structural health monitoring systems. Typically, a damage decision is made based on time series measurements of structural responses. Data analysis involves a two-stage process, namely feature extraction and classification. While classification methods are well understood, no general framework exists for extracting optimal, or even good, features from time series measurements. Currently, successful feature design requires application experts and domain-specific knowledge. Genetic programming, a method of evolutionary computing closely related to genetic algorithms, has previously shown promise as an automatic feature selector in speech recognition and image analysis applications. Genetic programming evolves a population of candidate solutions represented as computer programs to perform a well-defined task such as classification of time series measurements. Importantly, genetic programming conducts an efficient search without specification of the size of the desired solution. This preliminary study explores the use of genetic programming as an automated feature extractor for two-class supervised learning problems related to structural health monitoring applications.
Inclusion and exclusion in the Moravian settlement in North Carolina, 1770–1790

The study of the late 18th-century Moravian community in Salem, North Carolina, provides an excellent opportunity to illustrate the value in looking beyond “boundedness” in historical archaeological research. Rather than viewing Salem as an isolated and homogenous community, this article focuses on the ways in which the leaders of this community struggled with conflicting needs. The Moravian leadership needed to balance the maintenance of group cohesion and internal social control with a need to appear as part of the larger Anglo-American world around them. How the Moravians confronted and mediated these conflicting needs is examined through the use of documentary information, the built environment, and archaeological material.
Human performance modelling in tactical environments

Current military command and control systems, and future systems in particular an Australian Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEWC the demand for concurrent performance of multiple cognitive activities such as monitoring, planning and decision making; and the requirement to sample and integrate information from a number of perceptual input sources. From a cognitive perspective, the information handling and coordination requirements can become overwhelming, especially during times of high stress in a battle environment. The aim of this work is to understand and model the human operator behaviour in tactical environments such as AEW&C mission operations. The main objectives are to study the cognitive aspects of human behaviour and investigate artificial intelligence technologies for modelling human decision making.
Educational Strategies of Diabetes Group Medical Visits: A Review

Background Diabetes is a demanding disease that is growing in prevalence. Improved outcomes for patients with diabetes are highly dependent on self-management skills and the ability to make lifestyle changes. Innovative healthcare approaches are necessary to meet these specific patient needs. A group care medical visit (GMV) combines diabetes check-ups with diabetes education in a supportive and patient centered environment that promotes effective self-management. GMVs are associated with improved diabetes outcomes including hemoglobin A1C, weight, and self-efficacy; however details of the methods by which content is delivered to achieve these outcomes remain vague. Introduction Improved GMV diabetes outcomes may be the result of specific processes used in group care models. We seek to describe educational strategies, content, and qualities of facilitators that contribute to successful outcomes associated with diabetes GMVs. Methods A review of the literature was conducted focusing on diabetes GMVs, specifically the educational strategies implemented, topics discussed, and facilitator qualities that contribute to successful outcomes. Results We identified 260 citations containing information about GMVs in patients with diabetes. A total of 7 citations met inclusion criteria and additional 5 were found through reference lists and relevant papers. Conclusion Diabetes GMV educational topics comprise standard themes of disease process, medication, nutrition, and exercise. Several programs, however, target the development and realization of individualized patient goals, giving the patient more involvement in the session. Methods for facilitation may hold the key to successfully activating patients to reach meaningful behavior change goals. In addition to using expert clinical skills in diabetes care, effective facilitators provide support, and empower patients to take ownership of their diabetes. Rigorous evaluation of best practices for both the type and methods of delivering content in GMVs is lacking. Translational research to evaluate the relative effectiveness of educational strategies can be leveraged toward the successful scale and spread of this innovative primary care model.
Patient and provider perspective on financial burden after an allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation.

e17539 Background: Although the economic impact of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) on the health care system has been described, little is known about the financial consequences...
Uniform proofs of ACC representations

We give a uniform proof of the theorems of Yao and Beigel–Tarui representing ACC predicates as constant depth circuits with $$\hbox {MOD}_{m}$$ gates and a symmetric gate. The proof is based on a relativized, generalized form of Toda’s theorem expressed in terms of closure properties of formulas under bounded universal, existential and modular counting quantifiers. This allows the main proofs to be expressed in terms of formula classes instead of Boolean circuits. The uniform version of the Beigel–Tarui theorem is then obtained automatically via the Furst–Saxe–Sipser and Paris–Wilkie translations. As a special case, we obtain a uniform version of Razborov and Smolensky’s representation of $$\hbox {AC}^{0}[p]$$ circuits. The paper is partly expository, but is also motivated by the desire to recast Toda’s theorem, the Beigel–Tarui theorem, and their proofs into the language of bounded arithmetic. However, no knowledge of bounded arithmetic is needed.
Role of Crystal Structure and Chalcogenide Redox Properties on the Oxidative Assembly of Cadmium Chalcogenide Nanocrystals.

Oxidative assembly of metal chalcogenide nanocrystals (NCs) enables the formation of 2-D (dense) and 3-D porous structures without the presence of intervening ligands between particles that can moderate transport properties. This route has been demonstrated to be successful for a range of single-component structures including CdQ, PbQ, and ZnQ (Q = S, Se, Te). En route to the controllable assembly of multicomponent nanostructures, the roles of Q redox properties (2Q2– → Q22– + 2e) responsible for particle cross-linking and the native structure (cubic zinc blende vs hexagonal wurtzite) in the kinetics of assembly in single-component CdQ NCs are evaluated using time-resolved dynamic light scattering (TR-DLS). For wurtzite CdQ, the rates follow the ease of oxidation, with telluride as the fastest, followed by selenide and sulfide. However, when comparing CdS wurtzite (w) and zinc blende (zb), the cubic NCs exhibit surprisingly slow kinetics. NMR studies reveal the zb structure to have lower ligand coverage (...
Enhanced Photocatalytic Activities of TiO2-Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites Controlled by Ti-O-C Interfacial Chemical Bond

Abstract In this study, a hydrothermal-prepared TiO2-RG nanocomposites series exhibited excellent photocatalytic activities, of which the results can be largely influenced by a Ti O C interfacial chemical bond between TiO2 nanoparticles and RG nanosheets. A stirring TiO2-RG sample was prepared as contrast analysis using the same wet process except for heating. The characteristics of the composites were tested by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman, FT-IR, Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. The photocatalytic properties were verified by UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS) testing as well as degrading Rhodamine B (RhB). Our research results show that the better Ti O C interfacial chemical bond was formed, the narrower band gap of the nanocomposite was then obtained. The best hydrothermal synthesizing temperature was found out as 120 °C. The TiO2-RG nanocomposite, as inexpensive, nontoxic and highly photo-catalytically active, may let it have a potential use in various photocatalytic applications.
Drug Patent Settlements Around the World

One of the most pressing antitrust issues today involves settlements by which brand-name drug companies pay generic firms to settle patent litigation and delay entering the market. Whether this act...
Atmospheric depositions of natural and anthropogenic trace elements on the Guliya ice cap (northwestern Tibetan Plateau) during the last 340 years

Abstract A continuous record of 29 trace elements (TEs) has been constructed between 1650 and 1991 CE (Common Era) from an ice core retrieved in 1992 from the Guliya ice cap, on the northwestern Tibetan Plateau. Enrichments of Pb, Cd, Zn and Sb were detected during the second half of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century (∼1850–1950) while enrichments of Sn (1965–1991), Cd and Pb (1975–1991) were detected during the second half of the 20th century. The EFs increased significantly by 20% for Cd and Sb, and by 10% for Pb and Zn during 1850–1950 relative to the pre-1850s. Comparisons of the Guliya TEs data with other ice core-derived and production/consumption data suggest that Northern Hemisphere coal combustion (primarily in Western Europe) is the likely source of Pb, Cd, Zn, and Sb during the 1850–1950 period. Coal combustion in Europe declined as oil replaced coal as the primary energy source. The European shift from coal to oil may have contributed to the observed Sn enrichment in ∼1965 (60% EF increase in 1975–1991), although regional fossil fuel combustion (coal and leaded gasoline) from western China, Central Asia, and South Asia (India, Nepal), as well as Sn mining/smelting in Central Asia, may also be possible sources. The post-1975 Cd and Pb enrichments (40% and 20% EF increase respectively in 1975–1991) may reflect emissions from phosphate fertilizers, fossil fuel combustion, and/or non-ferrous metal production, from western China, Central Asia, and/or South Asia. Leaded gasoline is likely to have also contributed to the post-1975 Pb enrichment observed in this record. The results strongly suggest that the Guliya ice cap has recorded long-distance emissions from coal combustion since the 1850s with more recent contributions from regional agriculture, mining, and/or fossil fuel combustion. This new Guliya ice core record of TEs fills a geographical gap in the reconstruction of the pollution history of this region that extends well beyond modern instrumental records.
Churches and Human Rights in Latin America: Recent Trends in the Subcontinent

Over the past fifteen years the military have seized power in most major South American countries, leaving only Colombia and Venezuela with democratic regimes. The armed forces claim that only they are capable of controlling the domestic violence and social disruptions which accompanied the rapid political and economic changes of the 1960s. This process of social conflict and subsequent military intervention has been especially notable in the countries of the subcontinent region—Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Peru, and Uruguay.
Generating Functions and Recursion Formulas

Many authors choose to define the special functions in terms of generating functions. Recursion formulas are also conveniently derived from generating functions. In Chapter 9 we obtained the generating function for the Bessel functions1 $${e^{\frac{1}{2}x(u - {u^{ - 1}})}} = \sum\limits_{k = - \infty }^\infty {{J_k}(x){u^k}.} $$ In this chapter we derive similar expressions for the rest of the special functions we have studied and use them to establish recursion formulas and other relations for these functions.
Supporting self-management in palliative care throughout the cancer care trajectory.

Purpose of review Despite increased survivorship and the subsequent need for chronic management of cancer, the association of self-management and palliative care is still emerging within cancer care. Routine and timely use of self-management strategies in the palliative setting can help reduce self-management burden and maximize quality of life. In this review, we consider the complementary relationship of self-management and palliative care and how they support living with cancer as a chronic illness. Recent findings Recent studies provide evidence of support among patients, family caregivers and healthcare professionals for integration of self-management interventions into palliative cancer care. As a guiding framework, components of the revised Self and Family Management Framework correspond to the provision of palliative care across the care trajectory, including the phases of curative care, palliative care, end-of-life care and bereavement. Additional work among self-management partners facing cancer and other life-limiting illnesses, that is patients, family caregivers and healthcare professionals, would be useful in developing interventions that incorporate self-management and palliative care to improve health outcomes. Summary There is an increasing acceptance of the complementarity of self-management and palliative care in cancer care. Their integration can support patients with cancer and their family caregivers across the care trajectory.
Carbon balance and source-sink metabolic changes in winter wheat exposed to high night-time temperature.

Carbon loss under high night-time temperature (HNT) leads to significant reduction in wheat yield. Growth chamber studies were carried out using six winter wheat genotypes, to unravel postheading HNT (23°C)-induced alterations in carbon balance, source-sink metabolic changes, yield, and yield-related traits compared with control (15°C) conditions. Four of the six tested genotypes recorded a significant increase in night respiration after 4 days of HNT exposure, with all the cultivars regulating carbon loss and demonstrating different degree of acclimation to extended HNT exposure. Metabolite profiling indicated carbohydrate metabolism in spikes and activation of the TriCarboxylic Acid (TCA) cycle in leaves as important pathways operating under HNT exposure. A significant increase in sugars, sugar-alcohols, and phosphate in spikes of the tolerant genotype (Tascosa) indicated osmolytes and membrane protective mechanisms acting against HNT damage. Enhanced night respiration under HNT resulted in higher accumulation of TCA cycle intermediates like isocitrate and fumarate in leaves of the susceptible genotype (TX86A5606). Lower grain number due to lesser productive spikes and reduced grain weight due to shorter grain-filling duration determined HNT-induced yield loss in winter wheat. Traits and mechanisms identified will help catalyze the development of physiological and metabolic markers for breeding HNT-tolerant wheat.
Perceived stress mediates the relationship between mindfulness and negative affect variability: A randomized controlled trial among middle-aged to older adults.

Despite the interest in mindfulness over the past 20 years, studies have only recently begun to examine mindfulness in older adults. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate pretreatment to post-treatment change in negative affect variability (NAV) following a mindfulness training among 134 mildly stressed, middle-aged to older adults. The secondary aim was to assess if the effects of mindfulness training on NAV would be partially explained by pretreatment to post-treatment reductions in perceived stress, a trend that would be congruent with several stress models. In this randomized control trial, participants were assigned to either a 6-week mindfulness meditation training programme or to a wait list control. Ecological momentary assessment, a data capturing technique that queries about present moment experiences in real time, captured NAV. Mixed-model ANOVAs and a path analysis were conducted. Participants in the mindfulness meditation training significantly reduced NAV when compared with wait list control participants. Further, there was a significant indirect group effect on reductions in NAV through change in perceived stress. Few studies have tested mechanisms of action, which connect changes that occur during mindfulness training with psychological outcomes in older adults. Understanding the mechanisms by which mindfulness enhances well-being may optimize interventions.
Real-time auralization of a talker’s own voice in virtual rooms

While much has been done in the field of sound auralization in virtual rooms, the problem of hearing one’s own voice in these environments has received less attention. A robust and feasible system for real-time auralization of talkers who are also listeners is needed. To address this requirement, a real-time convolution system (RTCS) was designed with the specific goal of “placing” a talker/listener in virtual acoustic environments. This system necessitated the development of several tools and methods. Oral-binaural room impulse responses were measured and characterized for a variety of room. The RTCS improved on past systems, in part through the derivation and inclusion of compensation filters, which corrected the linear auditory distortions of the RTCS components. Objective measures in the time- and frequency-domains were developed to assess the validity of the system. A jury-based listening study also indicated that RTCS users could speak and listen to their own voices in the virtual acoustic environments in a natural manner.While much has been done in the field of sound auralization in virtual rooms, the problem of hearing one’s own voice in these environments has received less attention. A robust and feasible system for real-time auralization of talkers who are also listeners is needed. To address this requirement, a real-time convolution system (RTCS) was designed with the specific goal of “placing” a talker/listener in virtual acoustic environments. This system necessitated the development of several tools and methods. Oral-binaural room impulse responses were measured and characterized for a variety of room. The RTCS improved on past systems, in part through the derivation and inclusion of compensation filters, which corrected the linear auditory distortions of the RTCS components. Objective measures in the time- and frequency-domains were developed to assess the validity of the system. A jury-based listening study also indicated that RTCS users could speak and listen to their own voices in the virtual acoustic environme...
The Twilight of Automation

The future of work has come under renewed scrutiny amidst growing concerns about automation threatening widespread joblessness and precarity. While some researchers rush to declare new machine ages and industrial revolutions, others proceed with business as usual, suggesting that specialized job training and prudent reform will sufficiently equip workers for future employment. Among the points of contention are the scope and rate whereby human labor will be replaced by machines. Inflated predictions in this regard not only entice certified technologists and neoclassical economists, but also increasingly sway leftist commentators who echo the experts’ cases for ramping up the proliferation of network technologies and accelerating the rate of automation in anticipation of a postcapitalist society. In this essay, however, I caution that under the current cultural dictate of relentless self-optimization, ubiquitous economic imperatives to liquidate personal assets, and nearly unbridled corporate ownership of key infrastructures in communication, mobility, and, importantly, labor itself, an unchecked project of automation is both ill-conceived and ill fated. Instead, the task at hand is to provide a more detailed account on the nexus of work, automation, and futurizing, to formulate a challenge to the dominance of techno-utopian narratives and intervene in programs that too readily endorse the premises and promises of fully automated futures.