cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Managing soils for a warming earth in a food-insecure and energy-starved world.

World energy consumption increased from 11.5 EJ in 1860 to 463 EJ in 2005, and is projected to be 691 EJ in 2030 and 850 EJ in 2050. The principal driver of such a drastic surge in energy demand is the increase in world population which was merely 1 billion in 1800, 1.6 billion in 1900, 6.0 billion in 2000, and is projected to be 7.5 billion in 2030 and 9.2 billion in 2050 before stabilizing at ≈10 billion by 2100. Heavy reliance on fossil-fuel consumption has increased atmospheric CO2 abundance from 280 ppm in 1750 to 383 ppm in 2008 and is increasing at ≈2 ppm (4.2 Pg) per year along with the attendant threat of climate disruption. Similar to the close link between energy use and atmospheric chemistry, there also exists a close link between food insecurity and climate change through degradation of soils and desertification of the ecosystems. Global annual per capita cereal consumption increased from 267 kg in 1950, peaked at 339 kg in 1985, and decreased to 303 kg by 2000. In the quest for identifying alternate sources of energy, world production of bioethanol (mostly from corn grains in USA and sugarcane in Brazil) was 65 billion L, and that of biodiesel was 13 million Mg (t) (55% in EU countries) in 2008. Conversion of lignocellulosic biomass, using crop residues or establishing energy plantations, has severe constraints of the additional requirements for land area, water, and plant nutrients. Removal of crop residues for energy and other uses has severe adverse impacts on soil quality and agronomic productivity. Yet, globally average crop yields must be increased by 60% to 120% between 2000 and 2050 for meeting the needs of increase in population and change in dietary habits. Meeting demands of the growing world population and rising aspirations necessitate serious and objective considerations of change in food habits (to a more vegan diet), improvement in energy-use efficiency, increase in crop yield per unit area and input, restoration of degraded soils and ecosystems, widespread adoption of recommended soil and crop practices, and identification of non-C fuel sources.
Generation of Synthetic Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Pseudoparticles: Implications for Assembly and Vaccine Production

The recently emerged severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) contains four structural genes, two replicase-transcriptase open reading frames, and more than five potential genes of unknown function. Despite this relative simplicity, the molecular regulation of SARS-CoV replication and assembly is not understood. Here, we report that two viral genes, encoding the SARS-CoV membrane (M) and nucleocapsid (N) proteins, are necessary and sufficient for formation of virus-like particles. Expression vectors encoding these two proteins were synthesized by using preferred human codons. When M and N expression plasmids were cotransfected into human 293 renal epithelial cells, pseudoparticles formed readily. The addition of a third gene, encoding the spike (S) glycoprotein, facilitated budding of particles that contained a corona-like halo resembling SARS-CoV when examined by transmission electron microscopy, with a buoyant density characteristic of coronaviruses. Specific biochemical interactions of these proteins were also shown in vitro. The S, M, and N proteins of the SARS-CoV are, therefore, necessary and sufficient for pseudovirus assembly. These findings advance the understanding of the morphogenesis of SARS-CoV and enable the generation of safe, conformational mimetics of the SARS virus that may facilitate the development of vaccines and antiviral drugs.
Combining Multipath Routing and Congestion Control for Robustness

Flexible routing schemes mitigate some of the problems associated with uncertain traffic patterns and workloads by making the exact location of capacity less important: if there is available capacity the routing scheme will find it. In this paper we propose a combined multipath routing and congestion control architecture that can provide performance improvements to the end user and simplifies network dimensioning for operators. We describe a flow-level model, able to handle streaming and file transfer traffic, with stochastic arrivals, and look at a fluid limit. We describe a congestion controller and path selection algorithm that automatically balances traffic across the lowest cost paths, and we suggest ways in which just two paths may be used, with a random selection policy. A notable feature of a multipath congestion controller is that it cannot be tuned to a single RTT, hence it differs from standard TCP with respect to RTT bias. We show that under certain conditions the allocation of flows to paths is optimal and independent of the flow control algorithm used. Scalability of the architecture results from implementing the algorithms at end-systems. We illustrate by examples how such an approach can halve response times and double the load that a network can carry.
Self-Reported Sleep Problems Across the Ages-An Intercontinental Study

Background: The pattern of associations among aging, sleep complaints and health status have been described among older adults from high-income countries living in temperate climate. However, demographic and clinical correlates of sleep problems among the elderly in non-affluent countries have not been previously reported. Objectives: To describe the relationship between age and sleep problems among adults living in 5 middle income countries in Africa, Asia and North America, and evaluate the impact of clinical characteristics of study participants on the association between age and sleep problems. Measurements: Demographic and clinical characteristics which include age, gender, household income, selfreported sleep problems, pain, depression, breathing difficulty, memory problems, blood pressure, weight, height, gait speed, self-reported health status and quality of life. Results: Data was available for a total of 37,822 participants from the 5 countries. Sleep problems were more commonly reported among older adults, participants with symptoms of pain, depression, breathing difficulty, memory problems, and those with low walking speed. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, the association between age and sleep problems were considerably attenuated after adjusting for clinical characteristics of study participants. Conclusion: Results of this study suggest that the increased prevalence of sleep problems among older adults may be due to associated poor health status rather than the age of participants, regardless of ethnic origin and cultural background of study participants, or the geography of their place of residence. These findings would have important implications for the management of sleep problems as well as chronic diseases among older adults.
Annular slot antennas on extended hemispherical dielectric lenses

Annular slot antennas (ASA) at 35 GHz and 94 GHz have been analyzed by measuring their input impedance, computing radiation patterns, and extracting therefrom quantities relevant to quasi-optical systems. A full-wave analysis in the spectral domain allows the rigorous modeling of the fields in the several dielectric layers that form the antenna and of the radiation patterns. A technique for equalizing the E and H plane beamwidths is presented. One design at 94 GHz indicates a directivity of 22 dB, Gaussian coupling efficiency of 84 percent, a sidelobe level of 17 dB, and intensity front-to-back ratio of 30 dB.
Slip Casting of α-Sialon/AlN/BN Powder Carbothermally Prepared by Boron-Rich Slag-Based Mixture

With boron-rich slag, silica fume, bauxite chalmette and carbon black as starting materials, α-sialon/AlN/BN powder was prepared by carbothermal reduction-nitridation. The powder was attrition milled to submicron size and suspended in water. The effects of yttrium oxide as a sintering aid, pH, and addition of deflocculant on the suspensions were studied. Optimum slip casting properties, i.e. lowest viscosity values, the highest absolute zeta potential values, the smallest floc size and sediment volume were found at pH=10 for the powder. The suspensions were used to slip cast discs which were sintered in a high purity nitrogen atmosphere at 1700 °C for 2 h. The strength was about 230 MPa, the toughness 3.6 MPa•m1/2 and the hardness about 13.8 GPa.
Relative digit lengths predict men’s behavior and attractiveness during social interactions with women

Recent evidence suggests that the ratio of the lengths of the second and fourth fingers (2D:4D) may reflect degree of prenatal androgen exposure in humans. In the present study, we tested the hypotheses that 2D:4D would be associated with ratings of men’s attractiveness and with levels of behavioral displays during social interactions with potential mates. Our results confirm that male 2D:4D was significantly negatively correlated with women’s ratings of men’s physical attractiveness and levels of courtship-like behavior during a brief conversation. These findings provide novel evidence for the organizational effects of hormones on human male attractiveness and social behavior.
Percutaneous injection of fibrin glue for persistent nephrocutaneous fistula after partial nephrectomy

We report a case of persistent urinary leak of nearly 4 months' duration after open surgical partial nephrectomy. The urinary leak was refractory to ureteral stenting, urethral catheter placement, and ureteroscopic fulguration. Fibrin glue was injected percutaneously under fluoroscopic guidance into the nephrocutaneous fistula tract, which resulted in its prompt and complete resolution.
Gender Differences in Predictors of Suicidal Thoughts and Attempts Among Homeless Veterans that Abuse Substances.

This study of 315 male and 310 female homeless military veterans in a V.A. inpatient program designed to treat substance abusers, many of whom also suffer psychiatric disorders, was designed to examine gender differences in factors associated with the odds of having suicidal thoughts, and of attempting suicide, in comparison to being nonsuicidal. A maximum likelihood estimation multinomial logistic regression showed childhood and current sexual and physical abuses, depression, fearfulness, relationship problems, limited social support, and low self-esteem was more strongly associated with suicidal thoughts and attempts for women than for men veterans. Extent of alcohol and other drug abuse, aggression, resilience, self-efficacy, combat exposure, combat-related PTSD, and work problems were more strongly associated with suicidal thoughts and attempts for men than for women. Implications of these findings for V.A. programs are discussed.
Preliminary investigation of dynamic control of a single tethered satellite system using a tether crawler

The preliminary investigation of the inclusion of a tether crawler in a free-flying tethered system consisting of a mother-daughter pair is presented. Data showing the effects of specific motion of the crawler on the system and the potential use of the crawler as a control actuator are provided. Computer simulation has been carried out, using a bead model for the tether. Preliminary results indicate the feasibility of adding the tether crawler to the system. They show that crawler movement along the tether induces a disturbance which could counteract vibrations of the tether. >
Music of a Thousand Years: A New History of Persian Musical Traditions

Iran’s particular system of traditional Persian art music has been long treated as the product of an ever-evolving, ancient Persian culture. In Music of a Thousand Years, Ann E. Lucas argues that this music is a modern phenomenon indelibly tied to changing notions of Iran’s national history. Rather than considering a single Persian music history, Lucas demonstrates cultural dissimilarity and discontinuity over time, bringing to light two different notions of music-making in relation to premodern and modern musical norms. An important corrective to the history of Persian music, Music of a Thousand Years is the first work to align understandings of Middle Eastern music history with current understandings of the region’s political history. “Ann E. Lucas very effectively combines historical analysis, ethnomusicology, and musicology to provide a broad, holistic explanation for complex, nuanced processes of change. Well written and highly original in its approach, this is a major contribution to the field.” KAMRAN SCOT AGHAIE, Associate Professor of Iranian History, University of Texas “Music of a Thousand Years presents an innovative narrative of Persian music history and also provides important new perspectives on how to analyze the meaning of music and culture in historical perspective.” MOHSEN MOHAMMADI, Lecturer in Ethnomusicology, University of California, Los Angeles “Lucas turns the standard history of Persian music on its head, proving it is not a story of the survival of an ancient tradition, but rather the story of the invention of tradition. Revisionist in the best sense of the word.” JAMES L. GELVIN, author of The Modern Middle East: A History ANN E. LUCAS is Assistant Professor of ethnomusicology in the Department of Music at Boston College, where she also teaches in the Islamic Civilizations and Societies Program. She is recognized for her work on music historiography of the Middle East.
Swarm testing

Swarm testing is a novel and inexpensive way to improve the diversity of test cases generated during random testing. Increased diversity leads to improved coverage and fault detection. In swarm testing, the usual practice of potentially including all features in every test case is abandoned. Rather, a large “swarm” of randomly generated configurations, each of which omits some features, is used, with configurations receiving equal resources. We have identified two mechanisms by which feature omission leads to better exploration of a system’s state space. First, some features actively prevent the system from executing interesting behaviors; e.g., “pop” calls may prevent a stack data structure from executing a bug in its overflow detection logic. Second, even when there is no active suppression of behaviors, test features compete for space in each test, limiting the depth to which logic driven by features can be explored. Experimental results show that swarm testing increases coverage and can improve fault detection dramatically; for example, in a week of testing it found 42% more distinct ways to crash a collection of C compilers than did the heavily hand-tuned default configuration of a random tester.
Iodine Nutrition of Chicks

Abstract IN THE relatively few studies on the iodine nutrition of poultry which appear in the literature, Wilgus (1940) and Wilgus et al. (1941, 1948) have been the chief contributors. One of the greatest difficulties has been the accurate determination of the very small percentages of iodine in most of the components of the rations. Due to recent progress in iodine analyses and to the availability of ration supplements formerly too expensive or unavailable, it was thought desirable to investigate the performance of chicks on diets of low and high iodine content. MATERIALS AND METHODS Trial 1. The first basal ration used was a highly purified mixture consisting largely of cerelose (56 percent) and casein (20 percent). It had an iodine content of 360 p.p.b. Six lots of fifty Barred Plymouth Rock baby chicks purchased from a local hatchery were tested on each of six levels of iodine for a period …
Synthesis and Properties of a Sterically Unencumbered δ-Silanediol Amino Acid

An amino acid carrying a 1-(4-dihydroxymethylsilyl)butyl side chain has been prepared in enantiomerically pure form as a potential inhibitor of the enzyme arginase, a pharmaceutical target. As a water-soluble silanediol, this compound was anticipated to be entropically stabilized against polymerization and siloxane formation. At 50 mM in D2O, the degree of oligomerization was found to be pH dependent, with diastereomeric mixtures formed on condensation. Above pH 11 the silane is largely monomeric.
Preventive Health Services in Adults

We have set a high standard of evidence for the evaluation of preventive services to be widely used. Cost is one reason. Since everyone is a candidate for preventive services, the aggregate cost is high. Professional ethics is another reason. By seeking out a physician, a sick patient initiates an episode of care. The physician's responsibility is to help, not to guarantee a good outcome. The obligation is more stringent when a physician makes a recommendation to a healthy person: the physician must be sure that the benefits exceed the harm (primum non nocere). For example, screening for a disease . . .
Heterodyne Spectrum of the Fluorescence from Optical Molasses

Since its demonstration in 1985 by a group at AT&T Bell Labs,1 optical molasses has proven to be an exciting subject for both experimental and theoretical investigation. One of the most important features of optical molasses is the extremely low temperatures to which the atoms are cooled. The limiting temperature of optical molasses has recently been a topic of intense experimental and theoretical investigation. The discovery last year of temperatures well below the accepted cooling limit2 has prompted the proposal of entirely new mechanisms by which light can damp atomic motion3,4. These mechanisms predict much larger damping coefficients and can account for measured temperatures much lower than previously thought possible. To date, optical molasses temperatures have been measured by ballistic methods. We report here a new spectroscopic technique for measuring the atomic velocity distribution, which provides a new way to study the dynamics of cold atoms interacting with laser beams. The observed spectrum has an unexpectedly narrow feature.
Non Uniform Random Walks

Given ei 0 1 for each 1 i n a particle performs the following random walk on 1 2 n : If the particle is at n, it chooses a point uniformly at random (u.a.r.) from 1 n 1 If the current position of the particle is m (1 m n), with probability em it decides to go back, in which case it chooses a point u.a.r. from m 1 n . With probability 1 em it decides to go forward, in which case it chooses a point u.a.r. from 1 m 1 . The particle moves to the selected point. What is the expected time taken by the particle to reach 1 if it starts the walk at n? Apart from being a natural variant of the classical one dimensional random walk, variants and special cases of this problem arise in Theoretical Computer Science [1, 2, 3, 6]. In this paper we study this problem and observe interesting properties of this walk. First we show that the expected number of times the particle visits i (before getting absorbed at 1) is the same when the walk is started at j for all j i Then we show that for the following parameterized family of e’s: ei n i n i α i 1 , 1 i n where α does not depend on i the expected number of times the particle visits i is the same when the walk is started at j for all j i Using these observations we obtain the expected absorption time for this family of e’s. As α varies from infinity to 1 this time goes from Θ log n to Θ n Finally we study the behavior of the expected convergence time as a function of e. It remains an open question to determine whether this quantity increases when all e’s are increased. We give some preliminary results to this effect.
Phosphatidylcholine Biosynthesis in Soybeans: The Cloning and Characterization of Genes Encoding Enzymes of the Nucleotide Pathway

As the predominant phospholipid constituent of most eukaryotic cellular membranes, phosphatidylcholine (PC) plays a vital role in cellular structure and physiology. PC is also the substrate for C18 fatty acid polyunsaturation, and is therefore additionally involved in the processes that determine the polyunsaturation content of both membrane lipids and seed storage oils. Two distinct pathways for PC biosynthesis have been thoroughly characterized in both animals and yeast: (a) the methylation pathway, whereby PC is produced by the sequential methylation of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE); and (b) the nucleotide pathway, a three-step enzymatic process where free choline is incorporated into PC via the enzymes choline kinase (CKase), cholinephosphate cytidylyltransferase (CCTase) and cholinephosphotransferase (CPTase; Figure 1). In higher plants, however, recent studies of PC biosynthesis have provided compelling evidence suggesting that the majority of PC is produced through a single biosynthetic pathway possessing elements of both the methylation and nucleotide pathways (1). The isolation and characterization of the genes encoding enzymes of this consolidated pathway will accelerate the study of PC biosynthesis in higher plants and help elucidate the processes by which plants regulate the production of this important phospholipid at both the molecular and cellular levels.
Temperature Chamber for Adhesive Bonding Properties From Mode Specific Testing Specimens

Adhesive use in fastening is increasing in many industries. Modeling the behavior of adhesives allows joints to be optimized, decreasing costs from over-design and validation testing. Unfortunately, available adhesive material properties provided by manufactures are often insufficient to accurately model and predict behavior under real-world conditions. An adhesive joint in service is often subjected to a combination of mode I (tensile) and mode II (shear) loading. Also, when used in outdoor environments, ambient temperatures can vary from below freezing to over 40°C. This paper describes a project to measure the relevant adhesive material properties at the environmental conditions of interest for two specific adhesives and to use them in subsequent modeling. The needed material properties have been found to be mode I cohesive strength, mode I cohesive toughness, mode II cohesive strength, and mode II cohesive toughness. These properties are measured individually using four tests that isolate each of the material properties by using specimens with distinct geometries and loading conditions. These geometries allow the process zone of the adhesives to be controlled. A large process zone will relate to the cohesive strength, and a small process zone will relate to the cohesive toughness, in either mode I or mode II loading. Since the values of cohesive strength and toughness of the adhesives included in this study are unknown before testing, iterations of each specimen are varied by changing the process zone size to ensure valid properties are measured. Testing is conducted at −30°C, 20°C, and 45°C. In order to conduct this testing a temperature chamber was designed, fabricated, and validated. Commercially available temperature chambers were either too small or prohibitively expensive. The temperature chamber this project created was constructed of laser cut and bent stainless steel sheets with an insulated double-wall construction. Two seals were used at every entry point to maintain an air-tight chamber. A heating and cooling circulator and heat exchanger were used for temperature control. The chamber can heat to 45°C in approximately 15 minutes, and cool to −30°C in approximately 30 minutes.Copyright © 2016 by ASME
Intensive Care Unit issues in eclampsia and HELLP syndrome

Preeclampsia, eclampsia and HELLP syndrome are life-threatening hypertensive conditions and common causes of ICU admission among obstetric patients The diagnostic criteria of preeclampsia include: 1) systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥90 mmHg on two occasions at least 4 hours apart and 2) proteinuria ≥300 mg/day in a woman with a gestational age of >20 weeks with previously normal blood pressures. Eclampsia is defined as a convulsive episode or altered level of consciousness occurring in the setting of preeclampsia, provided that there is no other cause of seizures. HELLP syndrome is a life-threatening condition frequently associated with severe preeclampsia-eclampsia and is characterized by three hallmark features of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets. Early diagnosis and management of preeclampsia, eclampsia and HELLP syndrome are critical with involvement of a multidisciplinary team that includes Obstetrics, Maternal Fetal Medicine and Critical Care. Expectant management may be acceptable before 34 weeks with close fetal and maternal surveillance and administration of corticosteroid therapy, parenteral magnesium sulfate and antihypertensive management. Worsening condition requires delivery. Complications that can be related to this spectrum of disease include disseminated Intravascular coagulation (DIC), acute respiratory distress syndrome, stroke, acute renal failure, hepatic dysfunction with hepatic rupture or liver hematoma and infection/sepsis.
Abstract 17748: Predictors of Persistence of Complete Heart Block Post Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Introduction: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is an increasingly prevalent therapy in patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS) deemed inoperable or at high risk for compl...
The Intersection of Curandismo and Western Medicine and Their Epidemiological Impact for Aging Mexican Americans

Abstract The rising costs of health care in the United States continue to stimulate interest in alternative health care options among Americans. Western medicine is also beginning to pay more attention to these alternative practices and their utility for successful treatment of illness. Alternative health care practices have always been used by Hispanics whose mortality and morbidity profiles have stimulated interest from researchers. Though Hispanics occupy some of the lowest socioeconomic positions in the United States, they have higher life expectancy rates and comparable rates of morbidity for many health conditions relative to other racial/ethnic groups. This has been referred to as the “Hispanic health advantage” and the “Hispanic health paradox” [Turra CM, Elo IT. The impact of salmon bias on hispanic mortality advantage: new evidence from social security data. Popul Res Policy Rev. 2008;27:515. Franzini L, Fernandez-Esquer ME. Socioeconomic, cultural, and personal influences on health outcomes in low income Mexican-origin individuals in Texas. Soc Sci Med. 2004;59(8):1629–1646. George M. The Mexican-American health paradox: the collective influence of sociocultural factors on Hispanic health outcomes. Discussions. 2013;9(2):2–3. Gallo LC, Penedo FJ, Espinosa de los Monteros K, Argueles W. Resiliency in the face of disadvantage: do hispanic cultural characteristics protect health outcomes. J Pers. 2009;77(6):1707–1746. Turra CM, Goldman N. Socioeconomic differences in mortality among U.S. adults: insights into the Hispanic paradox. J Gerontol. 2007;62(3):184–192]. Even when controlling for socioeconomic status and education, life expectancy for Hispanics is greater than that of whites (CDIC, 2015). Debate about the causes of this paradox continues and some data indicates that the paradox is specific to older Hispanics (i.e., middle and older ages). Among Hispanic ethnic groups, this “paradox” has been most salient for Mexican Americans, therefore, this chapter focuses on Mexican Americans and the intersections of traditional health care practices among Mexican Americans (curandismo) with the practice of Western medicine to explore how they combine and conflict to impact aging Hispanics in three health areas: diabetes, menopause, and dementia.
Decline in Antarctic Ozone Depletion and Lower Stratospheric Chlorine Determined From Aura Microwave Limb Sounder Observations

Attribution of Antarctic ozone recovery to the Montreal protocol requires evidence that (1)Antarctic chlorine levels are declining and (2) there is a reduction in ozone depletion in response to achlorine decline. We use Aura Microwave Limb Sounder measurements of O3, HCl, and N2O to demonstratethat inorganic chlorine (Cly) from 2013 to 2016 was 223 ± 93 parts per trillion lower in the Antarctic lowerstratosphere than from 2004 to 2007 and that column ozone depletion declined in response. The mean Clydecline rate, ~0.8%/yr, agrees with the expected rate based on chlorofluorocarbon lifetimes. N2Omeasurements are crucial for identifying changes in stratospheric Cly loading independent of dynamicalvariability. From 2005 to 2016, the ozone depletion and Cly time series show matching periods of decline,stability, and increase. The observed sensitivity of O3 depletion to changing Cly agrees with the sensitivitysimulated by the Global Modeling Initiative chemistry transport model integrated
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF COOPERATIVE LEARNING MODEL OF STAD THYPE BASED ON GAGNE LEARNING THEORY IN MATHEMATICS LEARNING CLASS VII AT MTS WITH B ACCREDITATION IN MAKASSAR CITY

The research aimed to discover the effectiveness of the implementations of cooperative learning model of STAD type based on Gagne learning theory in Mathematics learning of class VII at MTs with B Accreditation in Makassar City. The research was pre-experimental research. The population of the research were all of the srudents of class VII oatf MTs with B Accreditation in Makassar City. The samples were all of the students class VII a at MTs AL-Fakhriyah Makassar and all of the students of class VII a MTs AL-Hidayah Makassar. The data were collected by using instruments, namely learning implementation observation sheet, students’ activities observation sheet, student’ Mathematics interest questionnaire. The data were analyzed by using descriptive and inferential analysis. The result of the research showed that the learning implementation of the students in learning were in implemented very well category, the students’ activities in learning were in very active category, the student’ Mathematics learning result were in high category with the mean 82,19 and deviation standard 8,49, the proportion level of classical completeness was 0,95, the average of normalized gain of learning result was in high category, students’ responses on the impelementation of cooperative learning model of STAD type based on Gagne learning theory were in positive category with the average score 3,58. The students’ interest on the implementation of cooperative learning model of STAD type based on Gagne learning theory were in very high category with average 3,58. In general, it could be concluded that cooperative learning model of STAD type based on Gagne learning theory in Mathematics learning was effective to be implemented to the students of class VII at MTs with B Accreditation in Makassar City
Continuous wave electron paramagnetic resonance of nitroxide biradicals in fluid solution

Nitroxide biradicals have been prepared with electron-electron spin-spin exchange interaction, J, ranging from weak to very strong. EPR spectra of these biradicals in fluid solution depend on the ratio of J to the nitrogen hyperfine coupling, AN, and the rates of interconversion between conformations with different values of J. For relatively rigid biradicals EPR spectra can be simulated as the superposition of AB splitting patterns arising from different combinations of nitrogen nuclear spin states. For more flexible biradicals spectra can be simulated with a Liouville representation of the dynamics that interconvert conformations with different values of J on the EPR timescale. Analysis of spectra, factors that impact J, and examples of applications to chemical and biophysical problems are discussed.
Barbiturates in the treatment of epilepsy in people with intellectual disability

Barbiturates are effective drugs in the treatment of epileptic disorder. The systemic side-effects are minimal. The main limiting factor is the presence of cognitive and behavioural problems. Relevant research is presented in this paper; however, it is somewhat difficult to extrapolate some of these experiences to a population of children and adults with intellectual disability and epilepsy. Recent reviews of this subject have suggested that, although the cognitive deficiencies seem to be a serious problem when phenobarbital is given in high doses, the problem is much less severe when the doses are on the low side. The most consistent findings with regard to behaviour are the exacerbation of behaviour disorders (mostly hyperactivity), as well as sleep disorders and depression in individuals who already have a predisposition to these disorders. However, the clinical experience of many professionals involved with the care of people with intellectual disability strongly suggests that barbiturates, and especially phenobarbital, produces intolerable side-effects at the point that the use of phenobarbital has been reduced to a minimum, and it is no longer considered a drug of choice. It is probably that the simultaneous presence of brain damage, epilepsy, intellectual disability and psychiatric disorders in people with intellectual disability is responsible for the high incidence of behaviour problems observed by clinicians.
Chemistry and Concept for an Automated 72Se/72As Generator

The growth of positron emission tomography (PET), with its unique capability to image function as well as structure, depends very much on the availability of positron emitting radioisotopes. Arsenic-72 is a radionuclide possessing significant potential as a PET radioisotope. A wide variety of bone, brain, and tumor seeking agents can be labeled with 72As. A 72Se/72As radiochemical generator would allow on-site recovery of high specific activity 72As for PET research and applications. We have developed a reliable, simple separation chemistry which could be neatly automated for a safe, easy-to-use generator.
Conducting sensitivity analyses to identify and buffer power vulnerabilities in studies examining substance use over time.

Abstract Introduction A priori power analysis is increasingly being recognized as a useful tool for designing efficient research studies that improve the probability of robust and publishable results. However, power analyses for many empirical designs in the addiction sciences require consideration of numerous parameters. Identifying appropriate parameter estimates is challenging due to multiple sources of uncertainty, which can limit power analyses' utility. Method We demonstrate a sensitivity analysis approach for systematically investigating the impact of various model parameters on power. We illustrate this approach using three design aspects of importance for substance use researchers conducting longitudinal studies base rates, individual differences (i.e., random slopes), and correlated predictors (e.g., co-use) and examine how sensitivity analyses can illuminate strategies for controlling power vulnerabilities in such parameters. Results Even large numbers of participants and/or repeated assessments can be insufficient to observe associations when substance use base rates are too low or too high. Large individual differences can adversely affect power, even with increased assessments. Collinear predictors are rarely detrimental unless the correlation is high. Conclusions Increasing participants is usually more effective at buffering power than increasing assessments. Research designs can often enhance power by assessing participants twice as frequently as substance use occurs. Heterogeneity should be carefully estimated or empirically controlled, whereas collinearity infrequently impacts power significantly. Sensitivity analyses can identify regions of model parameter spaces that are vulnerable to bad guesses or sampling variability. These insights can be used to design robust studies that make optimal use of limited resources.
Hospitalization by cytotoxic chemotherapy regimen among older women with stage IV breast cancer.

Background Older patients with cancer are at risk for increased side effects of treatment. Our goal was to inform treatment for older patients by analyzing the relationship between chemotherapy regimen and hospitalization among older women receiving palliative cytotoxic chemotherapy for breast cancer. Method We identified women aged 66-99 years with stage IV de novo breast cancer diagnosed between 2010 and 2013 who received any of the 10 most common cytotoxic chemotherapy-containing regimens in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare database. The primary outcome was hospitalization or death within 30 days of starting a new line of chemotherapy. Generalized linear mixed effects models with patient-specific random effects were used for multivariable analysis of the association between chemotherapy regimen and this outcome. Additional covariates included number of prior lines of therapy; time since diagnosis; hormone receptor and HER2 status; sites of metastatic disease; and age, race, and marital status. The unit of analysis was each new line of chemotherapy. Results Of 972 lines of chemotherapy initiated among 693 patients, 188 (19%) were followed by hospitalization or death within 30 days. After adjustment, there was significant variation in this outcome by chemotherapy regimen (P = .03); compared with capecitabine, hospitalization/death rates were higher with cyclophosphamide + docetaxel (odds ratio [OR], 2.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.31-5.59), cyclophosphamide + doxorubicin (OR, 2.45; 95% CI, 1.19-5.03), docetaxel (OR, 2.49; 95% CI, 1.19-5.21), and gemcitabine (OR, 3.51; 95% CI, 1.72-7.19). Conclusion Treatment regimen was associated with significant variation in 30-day hospitalization or death among older women receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy for stage IV de novo breast cancer.
Using Cryptography Techniques as a Safety Mechanism Applied to Components in Autonomous Driving

Many applications are being developed that adopt a new emerging technology inspired by biological structures in nature to solve real-life problems; this approach involves implementations based on artificial neural networks (ANNs), deep learning, and other forms of artificial intelligence (AI). Autonomous driving is one area where these AI implementations can be applied; however, with it brings several uncertainties, including the safety and security of the implementation. The intent of this paper is to provide a new perspective in using cryptography as a methodology to implement safety in the hardware that incorporates AI technology in automotive while addressing at the same time classical problems due to physical and software failures.
On the Stability of Endohedral Rare Gas Fullerenes

The stability of Ne@C$_{60}$ and He@C$_{60}$ is discussed in the context of a spherical model where the carbon atoms are smeared out into a uniform shell. The electronic properties of the sixty $\pi$ electrons together with those of the central atom are treated in the Thomas-Fermi approximation. Simple electrostatic reasoning elucidates the nature of the radial stability of the complex. A method to include non-spherical corrections is outlined. Possible bonding topologies of the central atom and the C$_{60}$ cage are discussed, as well as the relevance of these topologies to incipient central atom distortions.
Review of American Difference: A Guide to American Politics in Comparative Perspective

In the average political science classroom, professors are frequently confronted with the daunting task of fostering open and insightful discussion, while skating around the pitfalls of controversi...
Diffuse microdamage in bone activates anabolic response by osteoblasts via involvement of voltage-gated calcium channels

Matrix damage sustained by bone tissue is repaired by the concerted action of bone cells. Previous studies have reported extracellular calcium ([Ca2+]E) efflux to originate from regions of bone undergoing diffuse microdamage termed as “diffuse microdamage-induced calcium efflux” (DMICE). DMICE has also been shown to activate and increase intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]I) signaling in osteoblasts via the involvement of voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCC). Past studies have assessed early stage (< 1 h) responses of osteoblasts to DMICE. The current study tested the hypothesis that DMICE has longer-term sustained effect such that it induces anabolic response of osteoblasts. Osteoblasts derived from mouse calvariae were seeded on devitalized bovine bone wafers. Localized diffuse damage was induced in the vicinity of cells by bending. The response of osteoblasts to DMICE was evaluated by testing gene expression, protein synthesis and mineralized nodule formation. Cells on damaged bone wafers showed a significant increase in RUNX2 and Osterix expression compared to non-loaded control. Also, RUNX2 and Osterix expression were suppressed significantly when the cells were treated with bepridil, a non-selective VGCC inhibitor, prior to loading. Significantly higher amounts of osteocalcin and mineralized nodules were synthesized by osteoblasts on diffuse damaged bone wafers, while bepridil treatment resulted in a significant decrease in osteocalcin production and mineralized nodule formation. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that DMICE activates anabolic responses of osteoblasts through activation of VGCC. Future studies of osteoblast response to DMICE in vivo will help to clarify how bone cells repair diffuse microdamage.
Primary Synovial Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Presenting as Loosening of Prosthetic Joint: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Primary synovial diffuse B-cell lymphoma is a rare clinical condition. The condition presents primarily with localized joint symptoms such as swelling, pain and reduced range of motion. It may or may not be associated with lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly or B-type constitutional symptoms. We report a case of a 74-year-old woman who presented with persistent left knee pain and swelling after left knee replacement secondary to osteoarthritis. There was a concern for mechanical loosening of internal left knee prosthetic joint. On revision surgery (14 weeks after the initial surgery), hypertrophied synovium with areas of fibrotic scars, necrotic tissue and dark colored masses was resected. She was found to have diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) after histological analysis. In cases with persistent joint symptoms or postoperative complications, arthroscopy or arthrotomy should be considered and any atypical appearing tissue should be sent for histopathological analysis. World J Oncol. 2019;10(4-5):181-185 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/wjon1213
ELECTRONIC PERSONAL HEALTH RECORD USE AMONG ELDERLY CANCER SURVIVORS AND NON-CANCER SURVIVORS.

Background Electronic personal health records (ePHRs) are potential tools to improve clinical outcomes through increasing patients’ self-management. Although elderly people, especially elderly cancer survivors, is a growing population who can benefit from ePHRs, little is known about its utilization among the elderly, particularly among those diagnosed with cancer. Objective By applying Anderson’s Behavioral Model of Health Services Use, this study aims to examine and compare the associated factors with ePHRs use among elderly cancer survivors and non-cancer survivors. Methods The data collected from the 2018 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) was analyzed. The level of access to ePHRs among the elderly were assessed. Predictors of ePHRs use among elderly cancer survivors and non-cancer survivors were compared by conducting multiple linear regression. According to Anderson’s Model, predisposing factors, enabling factors, and need factors were included in the statistical model. Results The overall use of ePHRs remained low among 577 participants (mean = .87, SD = 1.72, range from 0 to 4). Non-Cancer survivors reported lower ePHRs use (mean = .83, SD = 1.77, range from 0 to 4). Race/ethnicity, education, regular health care providers, health insurance, social support, and medical conditions were associated with ePHRs use among non-cancer survivors, while age, gender, social support, and self-reported health status were related to ePHRs use among cancer survivors. Conclusion This study suggests additional efforts to increase ePHRs utilization among the elderly, especially the elderly cancer survivors. The predictive findings reported in this study will contribute valuable implications to enhance the ePHRs use.
A review of phenformin, metformin, and imeglimin

Diabetes mellitus is a serious metabolic disorder affecting millions of people worldwide. Phenformin and metformin are biguanide antidiabetic agents that are conveniently synthesized in a single-step chemical reaction. Phenformin was once used to lower blood glucose levels, but later withdrawn from the market in several countries because it was frequently associated with lactic acidosis. Metformin is still a widely prescribed medication for the treatment of type 2 diabetes despite the introduction of several newer antidiabetic agents. Metformin is administered orally and has desirable pharmacokinetics. Incidence of metformin-induced lactic acidosis is serious but very rare. Imeglimin, a novel molecule being investigated by Poxel and Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma in Japan, is currently in clinical trials for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Unlike metformin, imeglimin is a cyclic molecule containing a triazine ring. However, like metformin, imeglimin is also a basic small molecule. Imeglimin is synthesized from metformin as a precursor via a single step chemical reaction. Recent mechanism of action studies suggests that imeglimin improves mitochondria function, when given in combination with metformin it helps achieve better glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. We herein describe and compare the current status, synthesis, physicochemical properties, pharmacokinetic parameters, mechanism of action, and preclinical/clinical studies of metformin and imeglimin.
The Validity of Relative Fat Mass and Body Adiposity Index as Measures of Body Composition in Healthy Adults

Higher relative adiposity is independently associated with adverse health consequences. As such, accurate estimates of body composition in field settings are of utmost importance. The aim of this s...
A ring in the distant Universe

The detection of a ring galaxy at a redshift of z = 2.2, potentially a product of a past collision with a companion galaxy, provides new insights on ring formation and the evolution of disk galaxies in the early Universe.
Ensemble Methods for Coastal Ocean Flows

Abstract : The long-terms goals of this research are to improve our ability to understand and predict environmental conditions in the coastal ocean.
Malika Begum’s Mehfil: The Lost Legacy of Women’s Travel Writing in Urdu

Ostensibly, Muslim women in colonial India only rarely wrote travel narratives, particularly in Urdu. In truth, women’s travel writing in Urdu is anything but chimerical, but persistent archival an...
The cicadas (Hemiptera: Cicadidae) of Suriname including the description of two new species, five new combinations, and three new records.

The known cicada fauna of Suriname is identified. Zammara guyanensis n. sp., and Proarna proximorubrovenosa n. sp. are described as new. The taxa Zammara eximia Erichson, 1848, Cicada thalassina Germar, 1830, Cicadetta surinamensis (Kirkaldy, 1909), Cicada collaris Degeer, 1773 and Cicada melanoptera Gmelin, 1789 (=Cicada marginata Degeer, 1773) are reassigned to become Zammaralna eximia (Erichson, 1848) n. comb., Hyantia thalassina (Germar, 1830) n. comb., Taphura surinamensis (Kirkaldy, 1909) n. comb., Alocha collaris (Degeer, 1773) n. comb. (Cicadellidae: Cicadellinae: Cicadellini), and Homalodisca melaoptera (Gmelin, 1789) n. comb. (Cicadellidae: Cicadellinae: Proconiini), respectively. The first records of Fidicina christinae Boulard & Martinelli, 1996, Guyalna bicolor (Olivier, 1790), and Majeorona truncata Goding, 1925 are provided. Included are the first Suriname records for the genera Guyalna Boulard & Martinelli, 1996, Majeorona Distant, 1905c, and Hyantia Stal, 1866. The taxon Neotibicen tibicen tibicen (Linnaeus, 1758) is removed from the fauna of Suriname with references to this taxon considered misidentifications of Fidicina mannifera (Fabricius, 1803). Cicada collaris Degeer, 1773, and Cicada melanoptera Gmelin, 1789 (=Cicada marginata Degeer, 1773) are reassigned to the Cicadellidae and also removed from the cicada faunal list. The currently known cicada fauna of Suriname is comprised of 15 species from nine genera, three tribes and two subfamilies. The known cicada fauna diversity is increased 50% with this work.