cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sentence Processing in a Vectorial Model of Working Memory

This paper presents a vectorial incremental parsing model defined using independently posited operations over activationbased working memory and weight-based episodic memory. This model has the attractive property that it hypothesizes only one unary preterminal rule application and only one binary branching rule application per time step, which allows it to be smoothly integrated into a vector-based recurrence that propagates structural ambiguity from one time step to the next. Predictions of this model are calculated on a center-embedded sentence processing task and shown to exhibit decreased processing accuracy in center-embedded constructions.
Observations on the Ultrastructure and Distribution of Rickettsia Tsutsugamushi in Naturally Infected Leptotrombidium (Leptotrombidium) Arenicola (Acari: Trombiculidae)

Larval and adult Leptotrombidium (Leptotrombidium) arenicola mites naturally infected with Rickettsia tsutsugamushi were examined by electron microscopy. Rickettsiae were found in all tissues except muscle. Salivary glands of larvae, and ovaries and gastric caecae of 60-day-old adults were the most heavily infected tissues. Extracellular rickettsiae were not noted. Larval gonadal tissues were also infected. Elongate rickettsiae up to 4.0 μm long with bundles of microtubules 18.0 nm in diam and 340.0 nm long at their poles were seen in epithelial, nervous, and ovarian tissues.
Limits for Thermionic Emission from Leading Edges of Hypersonic Vehicles

Simulations of electron transpiration cooling (ETC) on the leading edge of a hypersonic vehicle using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) are presented. The thermionic emission boundary condition and electric field model including forced diffusion are discussed. Different analytical models are used to describe the plasma sheath physics in order to avoid resolving the sheath in the computational domain. The first analytical model does not account for emission in the sheath model, so the emission is only limited by the surface temperature. The second approach models the emissive surface as electronically floated, which greatly limits the emission. The last analytical approach biases the emissive surface, which makes it possible to overcome space-charge limits. Each approach is compared and a parametric study is performed to understand the effects that the material work function, freestream velocity, and leading edge geometry has on the ETC effect. The numerical results reveal that modeling the sheath as a floated surface results in the emission, and thus ETC benefits, being greatly limited. However, if the surface is negatively biased, the results show that the emission can overcome space-charge limits and achieve the ideal ETC benefits predicted by temperature limited emission. The study also shows that, along with negatively biasing the surface, emission is enhanced by increasing the number of electrons in the external flowfield by increasing the freestream velocity. Nomenclature AR Richardson constant, 1.20 × 10 A/m/K Cs Charge of species s C Thermal speed D Diffusion coefficient E Electric field j Electric current density J Diffusive flux J Current density h Planck constant, 6.63 × 10 m kg/s kB Boltzmann constant, 1.38 × 10 J/K K Mobility ms Mass of species s Ms Molar mass of species s n Number density NAv Avogadro constant, 6.02 × 10 mol p Pressure q Heat transfer Qe Elementary charge, 1.60 × 10 C u Velocity U Drift velocity ∗PhD Candidate, Student Member AIAA. †James E. Knott Professor of Engineering, Fellow AIAA
Testing long-term predictions from hydro-geochemical models

Thermally induced flow of liquid water and water vapor at the potential repository site at Yucca Mountain, Nevada, will extend hundreds of meters away from the repository edge. The resultant transfer of heat and mass will sufficiently perturb the ambient conditions such that a variety of mineralogical and chemical reactions will occur that may modify hydrological properties. The consequences of this {open_quotes}coupling{close_quotes} of geochemical and hydrological processes will vary through time, and will occur to different degrees in four regimes (T T{sub boiling}; cooling) that will develop within the repository block. The dominant processes in the regimes differ, and reflect the local balance between: (1) kinetics and equilibrium; (2) dissolution and precipitation; (3) evaporation and boiling; and (4) fluid flow in matrix and fractures. Simulations were conducted of the evolution of these regimes, using laboratory derived kinetics and thermodynamic data, and site specific mineralogical and hydrological properties. These simulations identify regions where chemical and mineralogical equilibrium is likely to be achieved, and where net changes in hydrological properties will be concentrated. Tests of the results of these simulations have been initiated using field data from the Taupo Volcanic Zone, New Zealand.more » A preliminary series of calculations suggest that relative changes in porosity of as much as {+-} 20% to 30% may be possible for rocks with an initial porosity of 10%.« less
The everyday peace project: an innovative approach to peace pedagogy

A critical task for peace pedagogy is to challenge views of peace as primarily responses to declared war. Crisis-based politics tend to focus on exceptional situations and fail to capture the entire spectrum of violence. Premised on the idea that peace cannot be understood in isolation of larger structural problems, this paper proposes the concept of ‘everyday peace’ as a framework for peace education. Drawing from a pedagogical initiative, we examine how students engage with the concept of everyday peace and present our findings in three related domains: (1) definition of everyday peace, (2) application of everyday peace principles and (3) role of collaboration in everyday peace approaches. Our analysis underscored two important themes in participants’ definitions of everyday peace: (1) peace as a value-based praxis and (2) individual-level and systemic components of everyday peace. Applying these principles to a violent event in the local community, participant responses emphasized compassion, cultures ...
Geostatistical Model for Forecasting Spatial Dynamics of Defoliation Caused by the Gypsy Moth (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae)

Outbreaks of the gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (L.), typically occur over large areas but are difficult to predict. Previously developed models forecast defoliation from preseason counts of egg masses in a given stand. In this study, we take a different approach to defoliation prediction: forecasts are based upon the statistical autocorrelation of defoliation through space and time. Spatial and temporal autocorrelation of defoliation in historical data was quantified at a variety of scales using variograms. We used a 30-yr time series of aerial sketch maps of gypsy moth defoliation in Massachusetts to calculate these variograms. The variograms were then used to parameterize a geostatistical estimation technique: three-dimensional simple kriging. Kriged estimates are weighed averages of values from nearby locations and are typically used to interpolate two-dimensional data. In this study, we used kriging to extrapolate future defoliation maps into a third dimension, time. Kriged estimates were expressed as probabilities of detectable defoliation. Predicted probabilities were estimated for each year of the time series and were compared with actual defoliation maps for that year. The kriging procedure usually performed well in predicting the spatial distribution of outbreaks in a given year, but the magnitude of regionwide outbreaks generally lagged a year behind actual values. Though this approachis not currently suitable for operational use, it represents a novel approach to landscape level forecasting of insect outbreaks. These models may ultimately outperform current forecasting systems.
Early Temperature-Nonequilibrium Effects on Multiphase Combustion of Confined Porous Energetic Materials *

Deflagrations in porous energetic materials are characterized by regions of two-phase flow where significant velocity and temperature differences between the gaseous and condensed phases act to modify the structure and propagation velocity of the combustion wave. In the present work, recent multiphase-flow models that describe propagating deflagrations under varying degrees of confinement, as represented by the pressure difference (or overpressure) between the burned and unburned regions, are reconsidered. We first summarize the results that are obtained in the single-temperature limit, and then go on to consider the early effects of temperature nonequilibrium on the burning-rate eigenvalue that are felt when such effects are still largely confined to the thin reaction region. Expanding on previous asymptotic results that show a significant increase in the sharpness of the well known transition from conduction- to convection-dominated burning, we consider the numerical solution of the inner reaction-zone problem for arbitrary values of the scaled interphase heat-transfer parameter. Employing a regularization technique to handle the complications that result from a regular singular point at the burned boundary, computational results are obtained that both validate the previous asymptotic regimes and suggest the spread of temperature nonequilibrium into the preheat region as the interphase heat-transfer coefficient is decreased.
The Study on the Reactive Brilliant Red X-3B Treatment with Internal Electrolysis-Fenton Oxidizing Method

A kind of commonly used azo dye,reactive brilliant red X-3B,is chosen for the object of study to research its degrading mechanism in the treating course with Fe/C internal electrolysis and electro-Fenton reagent oxidizing method.A rational degrading mechanism of reactive brilliant red X-3B had been deduced through the analysis of the products of reactive process by means of many kinds of analytical instruments such as infrared spectrum,liquid-mass spectrum and UV-Vis Spectrophotometer,as well as the the analysis of their specrra.
Boundaries of Belief: Religious Practices and the Construction of Ethnic Identity in Hui Muslim Communities

ABSTRACTThough scholars of ethnicity remark that religion is an important qualifying attribute for membership in an ethnic group, the nature of the relationship between religious faith and ethnic identity requires further exploration. An approach that emphasizes the importance of religious practices in forming and maintaining ethnic boundaries may offer a more complete explanation of the relationship between religion and ethnicity. This article proposes a framework for understanding how religious practices influence ethnic boundary formation and maintenance processes. I propose that religious practices may play a universalizing, negotiating, or differentiating role in influencing the formation and maintenance of ethnic boundaries. To illustrate these various roles played by religious processes, the article presents a heuristic case study of Islamic faith in boundary setting processes in Hui Muslim communities in China.
The art of the deal: health policy making on the fly.

In September 1991 the Health Care Financing Administration touched off a two-month scramble by issuing regulations sharply curtailing states' use of voluntary donations and provider taxes to raise money for Medicaid. Days and nights of intrigue and dealmaking followed. Finally, on the day before Thanksgiving, Congress, the Administration, and the nation's governors agreed to a deal that may resolve the matter. During the course of those talks, all sides honed their negotiating skills and, in the process, uncovered basic flaws in the U.S. health care system.
Ensuring Evidence-Based Practice: A Study of Factors Associated with Nonuse of American Urological Association Guidelines

Abstract Introduction Evidence-based guidelines are published by the AUA (American Urological Association) to improve the quality and consistency of urological care. The 2014 AUA Census reported a unique field regarding provider utilization of AUA Guidelines. We sought to identify factors associated with nonuse of AUA Guidelines to understand how education and dissemination of these guidelines might be improved. Methods Using 2014 AUA Census data providers were stratified based on self-reported use or nonuse of AUA Guidelines. Bivariate analyses and multivariable logistic regression analysis were performed to identify factors associated with nonuse. Post-stratification weights were applied to calculate national estimates with SAS®, version 9.4. Results The 2,202 survey respondents represented 11,680 practicing urologists. AUA guideline use was reported by 95.0% of the weighted population. There was no significant difference in utilization based on gender, race, country of origin, practice type or fellowship completion. After controlling for other variables urologists who reported practicing in a rural area were more likely to be nonusers (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.03–1.09). Additionally, urologists who had been practicing longer were less likely to utilize guidelines compared with those earlier in the career (practicing 10 to 20 years OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.10–1.21 and more than 20 years OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.09–1.18, p Conclusions Despite continued publication and dissemination of AUA Guidelines about 5% of urologists do not utilize guidelines. Later career status and rural geography were associated with nonuse. These data may inform efforts to improve dissemination and education regarding evidence-based practice.
Decreased Use of Sphincter-Preserving Procedures among African-American Patients with Rectal Cancer

Background Improved multimodality rectal cancer treatment has increased the use of sphincter-preserving surgery. This study sought to determine whether African American (AA) patients with rectal cancer receive sphincter-preserving surgery at the same rate as non-AA patients.
INSTRUMENTS AND METHODS: A NEW VERSION OF A STEAM-OPERATED ICE DRILL

A further development of the Howorka steam-operated ice drill is given. It is mounted on a pack frame for easy transportation in rugged terrain. A propane flame is used to vaporize water in a single-pass fire-tube boiler. The steam is delivered to the ice through a double-walled flexible hose and a straight guide tube with an exchangeable nozzle at the end. One hole, 25 mm in diameter and 8 m deep, can be drilled in 15 min; four such holes can be drilled with one tank of water and 10 with one tank of propane. Holes deeper than 16 m are impractical as heat losses in the hose become too large. Sturdy construction has been used and the drill has been tested and found to work satisfactorily under both temperate and arctic conditions.
Measurement of rates of cholesterol and fatty acid synthesis in vivo using tritiated water

Every organ in the body is capable of synthesizing cholesterol de novo but at rates that vary with a constellation of factors. A significant proportion of the hydrogen atoms present in cholesterol that is synthesized in the body are derived from water. Thus, although water ordinarily makes up the bulk of body mass, the acute enrichment of the body water pool with a sufficiently large amount of tritiated water over a short interval of time (usually 1 h) yields measurable rates of incorporation of the labeled water into newly generated cholesterol and also fatty acids. Such data can provide a quantitative measure of how specific genetic, dietary, and pharmacological manipulations impact not just the rate of cholesterol synthesis in particular organs but also rates of whole-body cholesterol production and turnover.
Exploratory Spatial Data Analysis: Tight Coupling Data and Space, Spatial Data Mining, and Hypothesis Generation

Exploratory Spatial Data Analysis (ESDA) advances Tukey’s (1977) seminal work on Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA) through a tight coupling of geographical space to traditional EDA approaches. EDA represents both a philosophical and a methodological approach to data analysis and, in some contrast to inferential statistics, emphasizes hypothesis generation rather than hypothesis testing and confirmation. ESDA utilizes recent and dramatic advances in desktop processing and computer graphics to create an exploratory analytical environment capable of suggesting multiple pathways through the spatial data analysis process. ESDA provides a powerful idea and hypothesis generation platform with which to undertake complex data analysis and integrates well with recent advances in spatial statistical techniques, GIS, and geovisualization. The spatial and statistical modeling needs of regional science coupled with advances in big data and spatial data mining suggests ESDA will be of growing importance in geographical analysis and regional science in the future.
Alcohol Consumption Decreases Oxytocin Neurons in the Anterior Paraventricular Nucleus of the Hypothalamus in Prairie Voles

Background Alcohol use disorders are associated with dysfunctional social relationships and stress responses. The neuropeptides oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (AVP) are known to orchestrate or mediate many aspects of social behavior, stress responses, and ingestive behaviors. Because of the overlap between the effects of alcohol and the roles of OT and AVP, we sought to determine whether alcohol consumption altered expression of OT and AVP in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus, one of the key sites for OT and AVP synthesis. Methods Pair-housed adult male prairie voles were allowed to consume 15% ethanol versus water in the home cage continuously (Continuous-Access [CA] group) or every other day for 4 hours (Intermittent-Access [IA] group). Control animals never had access to alcohol. After 7 weeks, animals were sacrificed and their brains were removed and immunohistochemical analysis of OT- and AVP-immunopositive neurons was performed. Results OT-immunopositive neurons were significantly decreased in the anterior PVN in the CA but not IA group, relative to Control animals, suggesting that continuous alcohol consumption decreases the number of OT neurons. There was no effect of alcohol consumption on posterior PVN OT neurons, and no effect on PVN AVP neurons. Conclusions These data show that continuous-access voluntary alcohol consumption is associated with decreased OT neurons in the anterior PVN, suggesting that alcohol-induced alterations in the OT system should be investigated as a mechanism for alcohol-related changes in social behavior, stress responses, and exacerbation of alcohol use disorders.
Inhibition of ordinary and diffusive convection in the water condensation zone of the ice giants and implications for their thermal evolution

Abstract We explore the conditions under which ordinary and double-diffusive thermal convection may be inhibited by water condensation in the hydrogen atmospheres of the ice giants and examine the consequences. The saturation of vapor in the condensation layer induces a vertical gradient in the mean molecular weight that stabilizes the layer against convective instability when the abundance of vapor exceeds a critical value. In this instance, the layer temperature gradient can become superadiabatic and heat must be transported vertically by another mechanism. On Uranus and Neptune, water is inferred to be sufficiently abundant for inhibition of ordinary convection to take place in their respective condensation zones. We find that suppression of double-diffusive convection is sensitive to the ratio of the sedimentation time scale of the condensates to the buoyancy period in the condensation layer. In the limit of rapid sedimentation, the layer is found to be stable to diffusive convection. In the opposite limit, diffusive convection can occur. However, if the fluid remains saturated, then layered convection is generally suppressed and the motion is restricted in form to weak, homogeneous, oscillatory turbulence. This form of diffusive convection is a relatively inefficient mechanism for transporting heat, characterized by low Nusselt numbers. When both ordinary and layered convection are suppressed, the condensation zone acts effectively as a thermal insulator, with the heat flux transported across it only slightly greater than the small value that can be supported by radiative diffusion. This may allow a large superadiabatic temperature gradient to develop in the layer over time. Once the layer has formed, however, it is vulnerable to persistent erosion by entrainment of fluid into the overlying convective envelope of the cooling planet, potentially leading to its collapse. We discuss the implications of our results for thermal evolution models of the ice giants, for understanding Uranus’ anomalously low intrinsic luminosity, and for inducing episodes of intense convection in the atmospheres of Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.
Absolute volume of active bone marrow and total bone marrow spared in anal cancer patients using intensity modulated proton versus volumetric arc therapy

Patients undergoing chemoradiation for anal cancer are at risk of hematologic toxicity (HT) with rates of grade 3–4 HT as high as 60%. Studies have demonstrated a correlation between HT and the dose to pelvic bone marrow (PBM) as well as the positive emission topography (PET)-defined active pelvic bone marrow (APBM) spared. We hypothesize that the use of intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) can reduce the dose to the PBM and APBM compared to volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT). Comparative VMAT and IMPT plans were generated from eight patients originally treated with chemoradiation for anal cancer. The PBM volume was contoured as per Mell et al (IJROBP 2008). The APBM volume was defined as all regions within the PBM with a standardized uptake value (SUV) > total body mean SUV. IMPT plans used multi-field optimization and split-target technique. Data was analyzed using paired sample t tests. The volume of PBM and APBM spared was significantly greater with IMPT plans compared to VMAT plans. IMPT plans increased the mean volume of APBM spared 10 Gy (485 vs 91 cc, p = 0.0005), 20 Gy (569 vs 117 cc, p = 0.0005), and 40 Gy (815 vs 759 cc, p = 0.04). The volume of PBM and APBM spared has been shown to be strong predictors of acute hematologic toxicity. IMPT planning results in significantly greater PBM and APBM sparing compared to VMAT. The use of IMPT for anal cancer may result in lower HT rates in patients undergoing definitive chemoradiation through improved bone marrow sparing.
Vorinostat is victorious in GVHD prevention.

In this issue of Blood, Choi et al describe the clinical efficacy of histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) vorinostat in the prevention of severe acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) in a high-risk setting: myeloablative, unrelated-donor allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). 1
Patent foramen ovale closure versus medical therapy after cryptogenic stroke: An updated meta-analysis of all randomized clinical trials

Background: Cryptogenic strokes can be attributed to paradoxical emboli through patent foramen ovale (PFO). However, the effectiveness of PFO closure in preventing recurrent stroke is uncertain and the results of previous randomized clinical trials (RCTs) have been inconclusive. Hence, this study pro- vides an updated meta-analysis of all RCTs comparing PFO closure with medical therapy for secondary prevention of cryptogenic stroke. Methods: All RCTs were identified by a comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Collaboration Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, and Clinicaltrials.gov. The primary outcome was recurrent ischemic stroke and secondary outcomes were transient ischemic at- tack (TIA), all-cause mortality, new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF), serious adverse events, and major bleeding. Results: Five RCTs with 3440 participants were included in the present study (1829 patients under- went PFO closure and 1611 were treated medically). Pooled analysis showed a statistically significant reduction in the rate of recurrent stroke with PFO closure in comparison to medical therapy (OR 0.41; 95% CI 0.19–0.90; p = 0.03). However, there were no statistically significant reductions of recurrent TIAs (OR 0.77; 95% CI 0.51–1.14; p = 0.19) or all-cause mortality (OR 0.76; 95% CI 0.35–1.65; p = 0.48). The risk of developing new-onset AF was increased significantly with PFO closure (OR 4.74; 95% CI 2.33–9.61; p < 0.0001), but no significant differences in terms of serious adverse events or major bleeding between both groups. Conclusions: Patent foramen ovale closure in adults with recent cryptogenic stroke was associated with a lower rate of recurrent strokes in comparison with medical therapy alone.
Implications of securitisation on bank performance: evidence from US commercial banks

A key financial innovation used widely in banking is the process of securitisation. Using data on all 5491 commercial banks in the USA that were operational between 2001 2nd quarter to 2016 1st quarter, the present study examines the impact of both aggregate securitisation activity and its underlying asset categories on bank profitability, leverage capital, diversification and risks. Aggregate securitisation and that of asset-backed securities as well as its constituent categories of commercial & industrial (C&I) loans and other loans significantly increase banks' profits. Securitisation significantly increase banks leverage capital and diversification activities, including net securitisation income. Finally, we find securitisation activities to reduce banks credit risks but increase default risk in the post-crisis period.
Methods for Studying Tubular Transport of Organic Substances

Advances in knowledge of the mechanisms by which renal tubules transport organic compounds can hardly be separated from the advances in methods to study renal function. Almost every new technical approach sooner or later has led to new quantitative information and often to new concepts regarding the handling of organic substances. Thus, with the introduction of clearance techniques came the quantitative description of the reabsorptive and secretory capacity of the whole kidney for a large number of organic compounds [1], as well as the conceptual development of carrier-mediated tubular transport processes [1]. Micropuncture studies [2,3,4], which became possible only by the development of chemical ultramicroanalysis, have demonstrated that different nephron segments which transport organic solutes do so not only at different rates but even in different directions across the tubular wall. The polarity of cellular transport of organic compounds was fully appreciated only after the method of tubular microperfusion in vivo and in vitro had become available, a technique which was particularly useful to arrive at kinetic characterizations of transport processes.
Epidemiology of the Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders in Children and Adolescents

The cluster of hypertension, hyperglycemia, and hyperuricemia was first described in 1923 and studies have since confirmed the clustering of cardio-metabolic factors that has come to be known by many names (1 – 3) . In 1988, Reaven was the first to link type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) to the cluster he called Syndrome X: insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, hypertension, low HDL cholesterol, and raised very low-density lipoproteins VLDL -triglycerides (TG). The concept that cardiovascular risk was increased for individuals prior to the onset of type 2 diabetes gained further support from many studies during the 1990s (4 – 6) . These studies indicated that a “ pre-diabetic ” state could be identified by the presence of borderline abnormal values of risk factors, such as blood pressure (BP), TG, and HDL cholesterol, that is associated with increased risk for CVD later in life. Dr Paul Zimmet suggested that type 2 diabetes and glucose intolerance were “ the tip of the iceberg ” , arguing that derangements in lipids, BP, and excess weight represent a much larger and unidentified entity lying below the water level (7) . In 2001, the Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults published the first major U.S. definition of the metabolic syndrome in the third report of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) expert panel on detection, evaluation, and treatment of high blood cholesterol in adults (Adult Treatment Panel (ATP) III). The NCEP ATP III defined the metabolic syndrome as having three or more cardiovascular abnormalities
Impact of lifestyle habits on patient-reported concerns among breast cancer survivors

10095Background: In a cohort of breast cancer survivors, we observed differences in patient-reported symptoms and comorbidity based on age, treatment, and time since end of treatment. Here we sough...
Modeling Impaired Coaptation Effects on Mitral Leaflet Homeostasis Using a Flow-Culture Bioreactor

Background Mitral valve (MV) regurgitation constitutes an increasing burden of adult and pediatric cardiac disease tending to worsen over time. Whether altered mechanical forces on leaflets cause valve disease is unknown. Here we show that MV leaflet coaptive strain disruption alters expression of genes critical to leaflet homeostasis. Methods We used a flow-culture bioreactor of rat MVs with flow-induced cyclic coaptation (cycling valve group; n = 4) or in a sustained open state (open valve group; n = 4). After 3 days of culture, leaflet RNA expression was profiled. Results More than 48 genes exhibited markedly changed expression when coaptive leaflet strain was disrupted for 3 days (change >fourfold; p Conclusions Disruption of normal MV coaptive strain markedly alters the expression of leaflet genes, demonstrating that cyclic strain is critically important to leaflet homeostasis. We demonstrate a pattern of MV gene expression changes in which hypoxia signaling is prominently increased in response to disrupted strain cycles. Coaptive strain regulation of MV leaflet homeostasis implicates altered strain as a mechanism potentially initiating valve disease. Early repair may prevent progression of disease driven by altered coaptation.
A High-Efficiency Active-Boost-Rectifier-Based Converter With a Novel Double-Pulse Duty Cycle Modulation for PV to DC Microgrid Applications

In this paper, a highly efficient isolated resonant converter with a novel modulation method is proposed for delivering power from photovoltaic (PV) modules to the dc microgrid. The proposed modulation method allows the converter to boost low input voltages and regulate a wide input voltage range. The converter design is based on a series resonant converter (SRC) that operates at the resonant frequency to achieve highest efficiency under nominal input voltage condition. Under shadowed or low irradiance conditions of PV panels, the converter will operate with the proposed “double-pulse duty cycle” modulation method to step up the voltage for the dc microgrid connection. With the proposed modulation method, the output switches serve for both synchronous rectification and voltage boost function. This method enables a higher voltage boost ratio than the SRC without adding additional switches while operating at the resonant frequency. A 300-W hardware prototype with gallium-nitride devices is built to verify the performance of the proposed converter and modulation method. The converter achieved a peak efficiency of 98.9% and a California Energy Commission weighted efficiency of 98.7% under nominal input voltage condition.
A Comparison of Left- and Right-Sided Strain Software for the Assessment of Intraoperative Right Ventricular Function.

Objective To compare intraoperative right ventricular (RV) strain measurements made with left ventricular (LV) strain software commonly found on the echocardiography machine (Philips QLAB chamber motion quantification, version 10.7, Philips, Amsterdam, The Netherlands), with offline analysis using the dedicated RV strain software (EchoInsight, version 2.2.6.2230, Epsilon Imaging, Ann Arbor, MI). Design Prospective, nonrandomized, observational study. Setting Single tertiary level, university-affiliated hospital. Participants The study comprised 48 patients undergoing transesophageal echocardiography for cardiac or noncardiac surgery. Interventions Two-dimensional (2D) and 3-dimensional (3D) images of the right ventricle were obtained. Intraoperative 2D images were analyzed in real time for RV free wall strain (FWS) and global longitudinal strain (GLS) using QLAB chamber motion quantification (CMQ) LV strain software on the echocardiography machine. Two dimensional images were then analyzed offline to determine the RV FWS and GLS using EchoInsight RV-specific strain software. Three-dimensional images were then analyzed offline to detemine the 3D RV ejection fraction (3D RV EF) using TomTec 4D RV function (Unterschleissheim, Germany). Spearman's correlation and Bland-Altman analyses were used to characterize the relationship between RV strain measurements. Both types of strain measurements were compared to a reference standard of 3D RV EF. Measurements and Main Results Intraoperative RV strain measurements using LV-specific strain software correlated with offline RV strain measurements using the RV-specific strain software (FWS rho = 0.85; GLS rho = 0.81). The bias and limits of agreement were 0.75% (– 6.66 to 8.17) for FWS and –4.53% (–11.55 to 2.50) for GLS. The sensitivity and specificity for RV dysfunction for the intraoperative LV-specific software were 94% (95% confidence interval [CI] 73-100) and 70% (95% CI 51-85), respectively, for RV FWS and 94% (95% CI 73-100) and 67% (95% CI 47-83), respectively, for RV GLS. The sensitivity and specificity for RV dysfunction for the offline RV-specific software were 89% (95% CI 65-99) and 73% (95% CI 54-88), respectively, for RV FWS and 94% (95% CI 73-100) and 30% (95% CI 15-49), respectively, for RV GLS. Conclusion Intraoperative RV strain measurements using LV-specific strain software commonly available on the echocardiography machine (QLAB CMQ) correlate with offline RV strain measurements using RV-specific strain software (EchoInsight). The bias and limits of agreement for these left- and right-sided strain software suggest that these 2 measures of RV function cannot be used interchangeably. Both, however, were sensitive measures of RV dysfunction and therefore are likely clinically relevant.
Chronic Intermittent Ethanol and Lipopolysaccharide Exposure Differentially Alter Iba-1-Derived Microglia Morphology in the Prelimbic Cortex and Nucleus Accumbens Core

Accumulating evidence has linked pathological changes associated with chronic alcohol exposure to neuroimmune signaling mediated by microglia. Prior characterization of the microglial structure-function relationship demonstrates that alterations in activity states occur concomitantly with reorganization of cellular architecture. Accordingly, gaining a better understanding of microglial morphological changes associated with ethanol exposure will provide valuable insight into how neuroimmune signaling may contribute to ethanol-induced reshaping of neuronal function. Here we have used Iba-1-staining combined with high-resolution confocal imaging and 3D reconstruction to examine microglial structure in the prelimbic (PL) cortex and nucleus accumbens (NAc) in male Long-Evans rats. Rats were either sacrificed at peak withdrawal following 14 days of exposure to chronic intermittent ethanol (CIE) or 48 hours after exposure to the immune activator lipopolysaccharide (LPS). LPS exposure resulted in dramatic structural reorganization of microglia in the PL cortex; including increased soma volume, overall cellular volume, and branching complexity. In comparison, CIE exposure was associated with a subtle increase in somatic volume and differential effects on microglia processes, which were largely absent in the NAc. These data reveal that microglial activation following a neuroimmune challenge with LPS or exposure to chronic alcohol exhibit distinct morphometric profiles and brain-region dependent specificity.
Quality of life in food allergic children: Results from 174 quality-of-life patient questionnaires

Abstract Background Food allergies are becoming a global concern and pose a significant burden on allergic children and their family, with reported physical and emotional effects. Objective To investigate the effect of food allergy on patients′ quality of life (QoL), to identify any characteristics associated with worse QoL, and to directly compare the effect of food allergies on the QoL of adolescents vs younger children. Methods Children 0 to 17 years old with a physician-confirmed food allergy diagnosis were invited to participate by completing the validated Food Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire (FAQLQ). The FAQLQ form for children 10 to 12 years old was completed by the parent (proxy report), whereas the FAQLQ form for adolescents was completed by the adolescent (self-report). Scores were compared using the Wilcoxon rank sum test. Independent median regressions were used to test association between potential risk factors and QoL outcomes. Results In our cohort, the median FAQLQ score was significantly higher (reflecting lower QoL) in adolescents compared with children (4.7 vs 3.5, P = .007). The median social and dietary limitations score (5.2 vs 4, P = .002) and the median emotional impact score (3.8 vs 3.1, P = .02) were also higher in adolescents. Limitations in family activities because of food allergy had a negative effect on QoL. Conclusion Food allergic adolescents are affected more than younger children (based on parental report) in terms of QoL, with a direct reflection on all areas of their daily life (emotional, dietary, and social). In addition, limitations in family activities because of the child′s food allergy significantly worsen the QoL and well being of all family members.
Inverting the Multiple-Assisting Tool Network Problem to Solve for Optimality

Many network problems deal with the routing of a main tool comprised of several parallel assisting tools. These problems can be found with multi-tool-head routing of CNC machines, waterjets, plasma sprayers, and cutting machines. Other applications involve logistics, distribution, and material handling that require a main tool with assisting tools. Currently no studies exist that optimally route a main tool comprised of and fitted with multiple tools, nor do any studies evaluate the impact of adding additional capabilities to the tool set. Herein we define the network routing problem for a main tool comprised of multiple secondary tools. We introduce first principles to properly configure the main tool with the appropriate number of supporting tools such that that system is not overstatured. We invert the network geometry to extract the “best case” configuration for toolset configuration to include speed, range, and number of such that the system is lean. Our computational studies reveal that the theorems introduced herein greatly improve the overall system performance without oversaturating it with unused resources. In order to validate experiments, we define a mixed integer program and compare it to our metaheuristics developed for experimentation. Both the MIP and the metaheuristics herein optimally route a main tool with multiple assisting tools as well as the routing of a parcel delivery truck comprised of many drones.
38 – Venoarteriolar Reflex

Publisher Summary The maintenance of stable blood flow despite changes in the posture of the whole subject or a limb is important. A major change in position causes a change in blood and pulse pressure and activation of arterial baroreflexes. A lesser change in position changes venous volume and activation of venous baroreflexes. When only a limb is moved, these baroreflexes are not activated. Instead, when venous transmural pressure is increased by 25 μmHg (for example, by lowering a limb), there is a reduction in blood flow by 50%. This abrupt reduction in the flow is often termed “the venoarteriolar reflex.” This response exists in all tissues of the limbs, including subcutaneous adipose, muscle, and skin and hence it is an important vasoregulatory mechanism. The existence and importance of the reflex is unquestioned, but the mechanism of this “reflex” is uncertain. Investigators have attempted to define the neural pathway, citing intactness of the reflex with acute spinal blockade but disappearing after sympathectomy.
2-Bit Phase Quantization Using Mixed Polarization-Rotation/Non-Polarization- Rotation Reflection Modes for Beam-Steerable Reflectarrays

We present a new method for achieving 2-bit phase quantization for beam-steerable reflectarrays by exploiting four distinct reflection modes of a unit cell. Two of the four modes perform polarization-rotation (PR) operation while the other two are non-PR modes when the unit cell is illuminated by an $x$ - or $y$ -polarized incident wave. With a specific phase relation between the four reflection modes, the unit cell acts as a 2-bit phase shifter under illumination with an incident wave polarized along a diagonal direction of the square-shaped unit cell. The proposed operating principle was demonstrated with an illustrative unit cell consisting of three metallic layers and using four single-junction connections that can be replaced with single-pole single-throw (SPST) switches for reconfiguration. Simulation results predict an operating bandwidth of about 20% for the unit cell and a good beam scanning performance over a scan range of ±45° for a beam-steerable reflectarray constructed using this unit cell. Two static prototypes of the beam-steerable reflectarray antenna providing beam collimation at two different directions at 10 GHz were fabricated and experimentally characterized. Measurement results show good agreement with the simulation results, validating the proposed design approach for 2-bit reflective unit cells.
Modular Dual-Mobility Liner Malseating: A Radiographic Analysis.

Abstract Background With dislocation as a leading cause for revision after total hip arthroplasty (THA), modular dual-mobility (MDM) constructs are more commonly used at present in an attempt to decrease postoperative instability. With modularity, there is potential for additional complications, including malseating of the liner. The goal of this study was to perform a radiographic analysis on the incidence of MDM liner malseating. Methods We retrospectively identified 305 patients (305 THAs) who underwent primary THA with an MDM liner from a single manufacturer inserted by a single surgeon. One hundred fifty-six (51%) patients were male. The mean age was 68 years, and the mean body mass index was 31 kg/m2. Only patients with both anteroposterior and cross-table lateral radiographs at a minimum of 6 weeks postoperatively were included. Dislocations and reoperations were determined at 1 year after the procedure. All MDM liners were routinely tested intraoperatively with a "4-quadrant test" to assess for proper seating. Results Four (4/305, 1.3%) MDM liners were noted to be radiographically malseated at early follow-up with three (3/147, 2.0%) occurring in a thinner two dimentional (2D) ongrowth shell and only one (1/158, 0.6%) observed in a thicker three dimentional (3D) additively manufactured shell. They were inferiorly prominent by a median of 1.2 mm, best seen on the cross-table lateral radiograph. In patients with at least 1-year follow-up, no MDM liners dissociated and no patients sustained a dislocation. Five (1.6%) patients required reoperation unrelated to the acetabular or MDM construct. Conclusions Surgeons should be aware that malseating of dual-mobility liners may occur. However, with utilization of a consistent surgical technique to test for seating of the liner, the radiographic incidence of MDM liner malseating was low at 1%. Although there were no short-term clinical implications of liner malseating, long-term follow-up is needed.
Living Through It: Anger, Laughter, and Internet Memes in Dark Times:

In this article, the author examines online political discourse as it is made manifest in internet memes in order to illuminate the lived, felt dimensions of progressive politics at a historical mo...
High-throughput imaging of mRNA at the single-cell level in human primary immune cells

Measurement of gene expression at the single-cell level has led to important advances in the study of transcriptional regulation programs in healthy and disease states. In particular, single-cell gene expression approaches have shed light on the high level of transcriptional heterogeneity of individual cells, both at baseline and in response to experimental or environmental perturbations. We have developed a method for High-Content Imaging (HCI)-based quantification of transcript abundance at the single-cell level in primary human immune cells and have validated its performance under multiple experimental conditions to demonstrate its general applicability. This method, which we abbreviate as hcHCR, combines the high sensitivity of the hybridization chain reaction (HCR) for the visualization of mRNA molecules in single cells, with the speed, scalability, and technical reproducibility of HCI. We first tested eight microscopy-compatible attachment substrates for short-term culture of primary human B cells, T cells, monocytes, or neutrophils. We then miniaturized HCR in a 384-well format and documented the ability of the method to detect increased or decreased transcript abundance at the single-cell level in thousands of cells for each experimental condition by HCI. Furthermore, we demonstrated the feasibility of multiplexing gene expression measurements by simultaneously assaying the abundance of two transcripts per cell, both at baseline and in response to an experimental stimulus. Finally, we tested the robustness of the assay to technical and biological variation. We anticipate that hcHCR will be a suitable and cost-effective assay for low- to medium-throughput chemical, genetic or functional genomic screens in primary human cells, with the possibility of performing personalized screens or screens on cells obtained from patients with a specific disease.
Comparative Analysis of Regional versus General Anesthesia

The administration of regional or general anesthesia is dependent upon many factors to help reduce complications and improve patient outcomes after surgery. In this comparative analysis, the advantages and disadvantages of both types of anesthesia as well as their respective contraindications are reviewed. Both regional and general anesthetics come with adverse effects including morbidity/mortality, and a certain threshold that warrants a type of anesthesia suitable for a surgical procedure. Although there are risks associated with both, certain patient populations may be at higher risk of complications including the elderly, severely ill, and individuals with specific medical conditions. A review of current literature advises the following factors to be examined prior to choosing an anesthesia method most appropriate for the patient including: body mass index (BMI), medical history, age, current medications, fasting time, alcohol/drug intake, pharmaceutical drug use, dental work and airway inspection, as well as neck flexibility and head extension. The research suggests that the patient be fully informed of the risks and benefits of both regional and general anesthesia, as well as taking part in the decision-making process.
Investigating the Impact of Noneffortful Responses on Individual-Level Scores: Can the Effort-Moderated IRT Model Serve as a Solution?:

Suboptimal effort is a major threat to valid score-based inferences. While the effects of such behavior have been frequently examined in the context of mean group comparisons, minimal research has ...