cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Methods for Parallelizing the Probabilistic Neural Network on a Beowulf Cluster Computer

In this paper, we present three different methods for implementing the probabilistic neural network on a Beowulf cluster computer. The three methods, parallel full training set (PFT-PNN), parallel split training set (PST-PNN) and the pipelined PNN (PPNN) all present different performance tradeoffs for different applications. We present implementations for all three architectures that are fully equivalent to the serial version and analyze the tradeoffs governing their potential use in actual engineering applications. Finally we provide performance results for all three methods on a Beowulf cluster.
The Material Convoy After Age 50

OBJECTIVES Possessions constitute a dynamic "material convoy" that accumulates across adulthood to furnish role enactments and the development of the self. Following a familiar life course arc, older people should hypothetically release the possessions that equipped the daily lives that they no longer have. METHOD We use new survey data on possession divestment from the 2010 Health and Retirement Study to assess activity on behalf of the material convoy after age 50. RESULTS After age 50, people are progressively less likely to divest themselves of belongings. After age 70, about 30% of persons say that they have done nothing in the past year to clean out, give away, or donate things, and over 80% have sold nothing. We tested whether divestments diminish with age because they do not seem necessary or because of health limitations, but the age pattern is robust, suggesting retention of the material convoy in later life. DISCUSSION Further research on this age pattern might consider housing, the construction of the self, and social networks as explanations for retention. Inertia toward the material convoy maintains the availability and comfort of things, but it may also lead to a predicament wherein the collection becomes a worry for self and others.
A Spontaneous CD8 T Cell-Dependent Autoimmune Disease to an Antigen Expressed Under the Human Keratin 14 Promoter

Using a previously described human keratin 14 (K14) promoter, we created mice expressing a peptide Ag (OVAp) in epithelial cells of the skin, tongue, esophagus, and thymus. Double transgenic mice that also express a TCR specific for this Ag (OT-I) showed evidence for Ag-driven receptor editing in the thymus. Surprisingly, such mice exhibited a severe autoimmune disease. In this work we describe the features of this disease and demonstrate that it is dependent on CD8 T cells. Consistent with the Ag expression pattern dictated by the human K14 promoter, an inflammatory infiltrate was observed in skin and esophagus and around bile ducts of the liver. We also observed a high level of TNF-α in the serum. Given that Ag expression in the thymus induced development of T cells with dual TCR reactivity, and that dual-reactive cells have been suggested to have autoimmune potential, we tested whether they were a causal factor in the disease observed here. We found that OT-I/K14-OVAp animals on a recombinase-activating gene-deficient background still suffered from disease. In addition, OT-I animals expressing OVA broadly in all tissues under a different promoter did not experience disease, despite having a similar number of dual-specific T cells. Thus, in this model it would appear that dual-reactive T cells do not underlie autoimmune pathology. Finally, we extended these observations to a second transgenic system involving 2C TCR-transgenic animals expressing the SIY peptide Ag with the hK14 promoter. We discuss the potential relationship between autoimmunity and self-Ags that are expressed in stratified epithelium.
Outreach and Engagement Education for Graduate Students in Natural Resources: Developing a Course to Enrich a Graduate Outreach Requirement

Scientists need to engage stakeholders in natural resource management; however, few graduate programs prepare students to conduct outreach and engagement. Given this need, the authors’ goals were to (1) create a one-credit course that introduced outreach and engagement practices and participatory approaches, (2) improve the quality of graduate students’ Outreach Experiences (OEs) within the framework of a university departmental requirement, and (3) share lessons learned in addressing the training gap. Students in the course met learning objectives to improve OE plans, evaluate the effectiveness of outreach and engagement, and improve engagement with varied audiences. OE plans from students in the course scored significantly higher than precourse plans, indicating increased likelihood of effective engagement with their chosen audiences. Formal training in best practices and detailed guidance for students and faculty advisors are likely to improve student professional development and the outcomes of outreach and engagement activities.
Non-singular descriptions of dislocation cores: a hybrid ab initio continuum approach

The core structure of straight and curved dislocations is studied by developing a hybrid approach that links the parametric dislocation dynamics method with ab initio calculations. The approach is an extension of the Peierls–Nabarro (PN) model, with the following features: (1) all three components of the displacement vector for atoms within the dislocation core are included; (2) the entire generalized stacking fault energy surface (GSFS) obtained from ab initio calculations is utilized; and (3) the method is generalized to treat curved dislocations. We combine the parametric dislocation dynamics (DD) approach for the interaction and motion of dislocations with ab initio calculations of lattice restoring forces. These forces, which are extracted from the GSFS (� -surface), are calculated from both first-principles density functional theory (DFT) and the embedded-atom method (EAM). Dislocation core structures in aluminium and silver are determined. For straight dislocations, the results from the model are shown to be in excellent agreement with experiments for both Al and Ag. In contrast to undissociated dislocation loops in Al, it is found that the core width and the separations between partials in Ag vary along the angular direction measured with respect to the Burgers vector. It is also shown that the core-cutoff radius, which is usually employed in DD calculations to avoid singularities, must be adjusted as a function of loop size to account for the correct dislocation core energy.
Selections from the ABC 2013 Annual Convention, New Orleans, Louisiana: A Gumbo of Favorite Assignments: Global, Communicating Complex Information, Short-Message Packaging.

This article, the first of a two-part series, catalogs teaching innovations presented at the 2013 Association for Business Communication (ABC) Annual Convention, New Orleans. They were presented during the My Favorite Assignment session. The 11 Favorite Assignments featured here offer the reader a variety of learning experiences including collaborative team work, debate, budgets, cross-cultural communication, report writing, persuasion, nonprofit organizations, client communication, and writing funding proposals. Additional teaching materials—including instructions to students, stimulus materials, slides, grading rubrics, frequently asked questions, and sample student projects—are posted on the Association for Business Communication webpage http://businesscommunication.org/assignments.
N-Polar InAlN/AlN/GaN MIS-HEMTs

N-polar metal-insulator-semiconductor high-electron-mobility transistors (MIS-HEMTs) were fabricated from a GaN/AlN/InAlN/GaN heterostructure grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition on a vicinal sapphire substrate, using Si3N4 as the gate insulator. Hall measurements in van der Pauw geometry on the heterostructure showed a sheet charge density and a mobility of 2.15 × 1013 cm-2 and 1135 cm2·V-1·s-1, respectively. Resistance measurements revealed anisotropic conductivity with respect to the surface steps induced by the substrate misorientation, and the sheet resistance of the 2-D electron gas was as low as 226 Ω/□ in the parallel direction. MIS-HEMTs with a gate length of 0.7 μm and a source-drain spacing of 2.2 μm had a peak drain current of 1.47 A/mm and an on-resistance of 1.45 Ω·mm. At a drain bias of 8 V, the current- and power-gain cutoff frequencies were 14 and 25 GHz, respectively.
The dual role of CD44 as a functional P-selectin ligand and fibrin receptor in colon carcinoma cell adhesion

Selectins and fibrin(ogen) play key roles in the hematogenous dissemination of tumor cells, and especially of colon carcinomas. However, the fibrin(ogen) receptor(s) on colon carcinoma cells has ye...
Structure of the Kingston orocline in the Appalachian fold-thrust belt, New York

The trend of the post-Taconic Appalachian fold-thrust belt changes at the city of Kingston in the New York recess. To the southwest of Kingston, fold-thrust structures trend northeast-southwest, whereas to the north of Kingston, fold-thrust structures trend due north to north-northeast. This paper discusses the structural geometry and origin of this change in trend. Detailed mapping (1:9,600) suggests that the fold-thrust belt in the vicinity of Kingston can be divided into three structural domains (northern, central, and southern). In the northern domain, megascopic folds are open, significant faults do not intersect the present-day ground surface, Ordovician strata below the Taconic unconformity are not extensively thrust over post-unconformity strata, and shortening is less than 5%. In the southern domain, shortening across the fold-thrust belt is 30%, numerous faults intersect the ground surface, and Ordovician strata are significantly thrust over postunconformity strata. In the central domain, there are numerous accommodation faults, there are locally two noncoaxial-spaced cleavages, and strike-slip lineations overprint dip-slip lineations on many slip surfaces. To explain the contrasts between domains, we suggest that the bend at Kingston is an intersection orocline created when northeast-southwest-trending structures of the Kittatiny-Shawangunk segment of the Appalachian fold-thrust belt overprinted and reoriented older north-south-trending structures of the Hudson Valley fold-thrust belt. Calcite twin strain-gauge measurements indicate that there was less than 2% penetrative tangential stretching accompanying the development of this orocline.
Septic thrombophlebitis with acute osteomyelitis in adolescent children: a report of two cases and review of the literature

The triad of acute osteomyelitis, deep venous thrombophlebitis, and septic pulmonary embolism is a rare, but life-threatening syndrome in children that requires prompt recognition and treatment. We report two cases of acute osteomyelitis complicated by septic thrombophlebitis and pulmonary emboli. Both patients required operative drainage to remove the septic focus. Recognition of any one component of the triad should prompt a search for the other associated disorders. Aggressive management with early antibiotic administration, anticoagulation, and surgical debridement can be life saving.
The relationship between lower urinary tract symptom severity and sleep disturbance in the CAMUS trial.

Purpose: Bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms, including nocturia, significantly impact general health related quality of life in men, as does sleep disturbance. However, few groups have examined the relationship between urinary symptom severity and sleep disturbance.Materials and Methods: Men enrolled in a clinical trial of saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) were studied at baseline. Lower urinary tract symptom severity, as determined by the American Urological Association symptom index and quality of life scores, and the degree of sleep disturbance were determined by the Jenkins sleep scale. Analysis was done, adjusting for baseline characteristics, to identify predictors of severe sleep disturbance.Results: A total of 366 men with a mean ± SD age of 60.9 ± 8.3 years who had moderate-severe lower urinary tract symptoms (mean American Urological Association symptom index score 14.58 ± 4.6 points) and a mean Jenkins sleep score of 7.3 ± 4.7 points were included in analysis. Overall there were significant as...
Cryopreserved-thawed embryo transfer in natural or down-regulated hormonally controlled cycles: a retrospective study.

Objective To assess the implantation, pregnancy, and live birth rates after the transfer of frozen-thawed embryos (FET) in a natural or hormonal control cycle. Design Retrospective study. Setting National Health Service tertiary referral center for reproductive medicine in Manchester, United Kingdom. Patient(s) Two comparable groups of women with regular menstrual cycles: Group A (n = 212) had FET in a natural cycle after spontaneous ovulation; group B (n = 205) had FET in a pituitary-desensitized hormonally controlled cycle. Intervention(s) In group B, GnRH agonist was commenced in the midluteal phase of the previous cycle and discontinued 3 days before embryo transfer. Oral estradiol valerate and vaginal progesterone pessary were used to prepare the endometrium. Embryo transfer was carried out 3 days after detection of the endogenous LH surge in group A and on day 3 of progesterone administration in group B. Main Outcome Measure(s) Implantation, pregnancy, and live birth rates per cycle and per embryo transfer (ET). Result(s) In the 212 women who had natural-cycle FET, 172 ETs were performed and 247 embryos replaced. The implantation rate was 14.1% (35/247). Twenty clinical pregnancies (20/172, 11.6%) were achieved. In the 205 women who had down-regulated hormone replacement–cycle FET, 173 embryo transfers were performed and 243 embryos replaced. The implantation rate was 13.5% (33/243). Eighteen clinical pregnancies (18/173, 10.2%) were achieved. There were no significant differences between the two groups with regard to the implantation, clinical pregnancy, or live birth rates per cycle or per ET. Conclusion(s) These findings suggest that both FET protocols are equally effective in terms of implantation rate and pregnancy outcome in women with regular menstrual cycles.
Acylglycerol Recycling from Triacylglycerol to Phospholipid, Not Lipase Activity, Is Defective in Neutral Lipid Storage Disease Fibroblasts

Neutral lipid storage disease (NLSD) is an autosomal recessive disorder in which excess triacylglycerol (TG) accumulates in most cells. Although it has been hypothesized that the TG accumulation is caused by a functional defect in cytosolic lipase activity, we were able to expose TG hydrolysis in NLSD cells by using triacsin C, an inhibitor of acyl-CoA synthetase that blocks the reincorporation of hydrolyzed fatty acids into glycerolipids. Our data suggest that TG lipolysis in NLSD cells is masked by rapid TG resynthesis, occurring because released acylglycerols cannot be used for phospholipid synthesis. In uptake studies, triacsin C blocked the incorporation of [3H]glycerol into glycerolipids, incorporation of [14C]oleate into TG, but not incorporation of [14C]oleate into phospholipid. Thus, the drug inhibited both de novo synthesis of glycerolipids via the glycerol-3-phosphate pathway and the synthesis of TG from diacylglycerol. The drug did not appear to block reacylation of lysophospholipids. Triacsin C caused a loss of about 60% of the TG mass from both NLSD and oleate-loaded control cells. Rates of TG lipolysis were similar in NLSD cells and oleate-loaded control cells labeled with [6-(7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-yl)-amino]hexanoic acid or labeled with [14C]oleate or [3H]glycerol and chased in the presence of triacsin C. During a 96-h chase, [14C]oleate reincorporation into the different phospholipid species increased only in control cells. Similar results were observed when NLSD, and control cells were chased after labeling with [3H]glycerol. These data strongly suggest that normal human fibroblasts mobilize stored TG for phospholipid synthesis and that recycling to PC occurs via a TG-derived mono- or diacylglycerol intermediate. Normal recycling to phosphatidylethanolamine may primarily involve TG-derived acyl groups rather than an acylglycerol precursor. NLSD cells appear to have a block in this recycling pathway with the result that both hydrolyzed fatty acids and the acylglycerol backbone are re-esterified to form TG. Because the NLSD phenotype includes ichthyosis, fatty liver, myopathy, cardiomyopathy, and mental retardation, the recycling pathway appears to be critical for the normal function of skin, liver, muscle, heart, and the central nervous system.
Model-based design of stimulus trains for selective microstimulation of targeted neuronal populations

Selective activation of targeted neuronal populations is required for central nervous system (CNS) neuroprosthetic device efficacy. However in many regions of the CNS, cells and fibers of passages are intermingled. The goal of this project was to design stimulus trains that would enhance selectivity between microstimulation of cells and fibers of passage. Detailed computer-based models were developed that accurately reproduced the dynamic firing properties of mammalian neurons. The neuron models were coupled to a three-dimensional finite element model of the spinal cord that solved for the potentials generated in the tissue medium by an extracellular electrode. The results demonstrate that alterations in the stimulus frequency, based on differences in the post-action-potential recovery cycles of cells and axons, enabled differential activation of cells or fibers of passage. The results also show that asymmetrical charge-balanced biphasic stimulus waveforms, designed to exploit the non-linear conductance properties of the neural elements, can be used in combination with the appropriate stimulus frequency to further enhance selectivity. These outcomes provide useful tools for selective stimulation of the CNS, as well as basis for understanding frequency-dependent outputs during CNS stimulation.
Distributed tracking in sensor networks with limited sensing range

In this paper, we address the problem of distributed tracking of a maneuvering target using sensor networks with nodes that possess limited sensing range (LSR). In such sensor networks, a target can only be observed by a small percentage of the sensors and is practically hidden to the remaining majority of the nodes. This feature is shared among most of today's wireless sensor networks and differentiates them from their traditional counterparts involving data fusion for long-range sensors such as radars and sonars. Distributed Kalman filters have proven to be effective and scalable algorithms for distributed tracking in sensor networks. Our main contribution is to give a message-passing version of the Kalman- Consensus Filter (KCF) - introduced by the first author in CDC '07 - that is capable of distributed tracking of a maneuvering target with a satisfactory performance. The architecture of this filter is a peer-to-peer (P2P) network of microfllters as extensions of local Kalman filters. The model proposed for the maneuvering target is a piece-wise linear switching system with two distinct modes of behavior that enables the target to stay inside a rectangular region in all time (for a bounded set of initial conditions). Simulation results are provided for a lattice-type sensor network with 100 LSR nodes tracking a target with switching modes of behavior which demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed distributed data fusion and tracking algorithms.
Predicting dredging-associated effects to coral reefs in Apra Harbor, Guam - Part 2: Potential coral effects

Coral reefs are in decline worldwide due to anthropogenic stressors including reductions in water and substratum quality. Dredging results in the mobilization of sediments, which can stress and kill corals via increasing turbidity, tissue damage and burial. The Particle Tracking Model (PTM) was applied to predict the potential impacts of dredging-associated sediment exposure on the coral reef ecosystems of Apra Harbor, Guam. The data were interpreted using maps of bathymetry and coral abundance and distribution in conjunction with impact parameters of suspended sediment concentration (turbidity) and sedimentation using defined coral response thresholds. The results are presented using a "stoplight" model of negligible or limited impacts to coral reefs (green), moderate stress from which some corals would be expected to recover while others would not (yellow) and severe stress resulting in mortality (red). The red conditions for sediment deposition rate and suspended sediment concentration (SSC) were defined as values exceeding 25 mg cm(-2) d(-1) over any 30 day window and >20 mg/l for any 18 days in any 90 day period over a column of water greater than 2 m, respectively. The yellow conditions were defined as values >10 mg cm(-2) d(-1) and <25 mg cm(-2) d(-1) over any 30 day period, and as 20% of 3 months' concentration exceeding 10 mg/l for the deposition and SSC, respectively. The model also incorporates the potential for cumulative effects on the assumption that even sub-lethal stress levels can ultimately lead to mortality in a multi-stressor system. This modeling approach can be applied by resource managers and regulatory agencies to support management decisions related to planning, site selection, damage reduction, and compensatory mitigation.
Prostate Cancer Grading: A Decade After the 2005 Modified Gleason Grading System

Since 1966, when Donald Gleason, MD, first proposed grading prostate cancer based on its histologic architecture, there have been numerous changes in clinical and pathologic practices relating to prostate cancer. Patterns 1 and 2, comprising more than 30% of cases in the original publications by Gleason, are no longer reported on biopsy and are rarely diagnosed on radical prostatectomy. Many of these cases may even have been mimickers of prostate cancer that were described later with the use of contemporary immunohistochemistry. The original Gleason system predated many newly described variants of prostate cancer and our current concept of intraductal carcinoma. Gleason also did not describe how to report prostate cancer on biopsy with multiple cores of cancer or on radical prostatectomy with separate tumor nodules. To address these issues, the International Society of Urological Pathology first made revisions to the grading system in 2005, and subsequently in 2014. Additionally, a new grading system comp...
Postoperative sellar hematoma after pituitary surgery: clinical and biochemical characteristics

BACKGROUND Postoperative sellar hematoma can develop following surgery for pituitary tumors and other sellar masses such a Rathke's cleft cyst (RCC) due to continued blood oozing. Though often mild sellar hematoma can create mass effects that might impair pituitary function. AIM This study summarizes the clinical and biochemical characteristics of sellar hematoma and explores the potential mechanisms for the associated hypopituitarism. PATIENTS AND METHODS Sellar hematoma was suspected clinically (worsening headaches, visual impairment, and mental status alterations) and confirmed radiographically in 23 patients (18/279 with macroadenomas and in 5/92 with RCC). Postoperatively, patients were monitored without glucocorticoid therapy and all had appropriately normal HPA function before sellar hematoma diagnosis. RESULTS The demographics of patients who had sellar hematoma were similar to those who did not. Biochemical changes at diagnosis included decreased plasma ACTH and its dependent steroids (cortisol, DHEA, and DHEA-S), concomitant mild hyperprolactinemia, and mild hyponatremia (P < 0.005 for all parameters). Treatment with glucocorticoids resulted in rapid clinical improvement in most patients. Glucocorticoid therapy was discontinued within 2 weeks and re-testing thereafter showed normal HPA function in 16/23. None of the patients without sellar hematoma had worsening in pituitary function, visual, or neurological symptoms. CONCLUSIONS When large, sellar hematoma can lead to mass effect that causes headaches, visual symptoms, and acute and often reversible hypopituitarism manifesting initially as impaired HPA function. Rapid resolution is observed in most patients with glucocorticoid administration The rapid onset and reversibility of hypopituitarism associated with mild hyperprolactinemia suggest that compression of pituitary stalk/ portal vessels is likely the dominant mechanism of pituitary dysfunction in this setting.
COMT val158met polymorphism and molecular alterations in the human dorsolateral prefrontal cortex: Differences in controls and in schizophrenia

The single nucleotide val158met polymorphism in catechol o-methyltransferase (COMT) influences prefrontal cortex function. Working memory, dependent on the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), has been repeatedly shown to be influenced by this COMT polymorphism. The high activity COMT val isoform is associated with lower synaptic dopamine levels. Altered synaptic dopamine levels are expected to lead to molecular adaptations within the synapse and within DLPFC neural circuitry. In this human post mortem study using high quality DLPFC tissue, we first examined the influence of the COMT val158met polymorphism on markers of dopamine neurotransmission, N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor subunits and glutamatic acid decarboxylase 67 (GAD67), all known to be critical to DLPFC circuitry and function. Next, we compared target gene expression profiles in a cohort of control and schizophrenia cases, each characterized by COMT genotype. We find that the COMT val allele in control subjects is associated with significant upregulation of GluN2A and GAD67 mRNA levels compared to met carriers. Comparisons between control and schizophrenia groups reveal that GluN2A, GAD67 and DRD2 are differentially regulated between diagnostic groups in a genotype specific manner. Chronic antipsychotic treatment in rodents did not explain these differences. These data demonstrate an association between COMTval158met genotype and gene expression profile in the DLPFC of controls, possibly adaptations to maintain DLPFC function. In schizophrenia val homozygotes, these adaptations are not seen and could reflect pathophysiologic mechanisms related to the known poorer performance of these subjects on DLPFC-dependent tasks.
Structure of an Inner-Ear Protocadherin-15 Fragment with an Atypical Calcium-Free Linker

Tip links are protein filaments essential for hearing and balance. They convey force to and gate inner ear hair cell transduction channels to mediate sensory perception. Cadherin-23 and protocadherin-15 form tip links through a calcium-dependent heterophilic interaction of their extracellular domains, which are comprised by multiple modules termed extracellular cadherin “EC” repeats. These EC repeats are similar but not identical to each other in terms of sequence and structure, often featuring highly-conserved calcium-binding sites at the linker region between them. Recent sequence analyses and structures of cadherins revealed unusual calcium-free inter-repeat linkers in some protocahderins and other non-classical cadherins. Bound calcium ions have been shown to provide structural rigidity to cadherins, thus the presence of unusual sites may confer higher flexibility and perhaps affect the tertiary and quaternary arrangement of cadherins that harbor them. Analysis of the protocadherin-15 sequence shows unusual calcium-binding sites in some of its inter-repeat linkers. Here we present the x-ray crystal structure of repeats EC8-10 refined at 3.3 A resolution, which shows an EC9-10 calcium-free linker that alters the linear arrangement of protocadherin-15's EC repeats. We suggest that several unusual features of these repeats affect the overall elastic response of protocadherin-15 that is relevant for tip link function in sensory perception.
Cryotherapy for Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common cause of cancer in men in the USA and the third leading cause of cancer death. The majority of men who develop prostate cancer will either have their cancer successfully treated or will die with and not of prostate cancer. Since the introduction of PSA screening, the risk of an American man dying of prostate cancer has been reduced by over 40 %, but at a cost of treating many clinically insignificant cancers. Prostate cryotherapy for the treatment of primary or recurrent prostate cancer is efficacious and safe relative to the other radical treatments which are available. Focal cryotherapy remains investigational although appealing for the preservation of sexual function.
Dermatologic therapy in the 1980s.

Some of the new therapeutic agents of the 1980s, such as acyclovir and etretinate, will have a long-lasting impact on the treatment of skin diseases. Others have seemingly fallen from grace after an initial period of popularity. This article reviews a number of new agents and provides sources of further information. As with all new treatments, any physician unfamiliar with a product should consult these references and the manufacturer’s labeling.
Contribution of the Dorsal Noradrenergic Bundle to the Effect of Amphetamine on Acetylcholine Turnover

Central noradrenergic neurons project to many sites in the brain where they may interact with cholinergic neurons. Areas with noradrenergic innervation where this interaction may occur include the cortex, septum, hippocampus, and hypothalamus (3, 7). These areas receive projections from one or more of the following noradrenergic cell groups: A1, A2, A5, A6 (locus coeruleus) and A7.
The effect of a two-dimensional roughness element on boundary-layer transition

There has been a great deal of experimental activity dealing with the effect of roughness on the transition from laminar to turbulent flow in boundary layers. Practically all of this activity has concerned itself with the location of transition and its dependence on gross parameters characterizing the roughness and the boundary layer. However, the basic mechanism of this behavior remained obscure. This paper describes an experimental investigation conducted at the National Bureau of Standards, under the sponsorship of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, directed toward obtaining a more fundamental understanding of the process by which a two-dimensional roughness element affects transition.
Design aspects of hybrid RF/free space optical wireless networks

We investigate various design challenges that arise in emerging optical wireless networks. Due to the high sensitivity of optical wireless links to severe weather conditions, several methods have been introduced in the literature to improve their availability figures. We investigate the merits of two potential technologies for enhancing link and network availability, namely hybrid link protection and multi-hop routing. We introduce a novel dynamic load switching algorithm that utilizes hybrid links efficiently and improves link availability. In addition, we provide some insights about the multi-hop routing approach for enhancing link and network availability.
Hierarchical optimization framework for demand dispatch in building-grid systems

This paper develops a hierarchical framework required to solve optimal demand dispatch of multiple buildings coordinating building energy management systems (BEMSs) and distribution system operation (DSO) control center. The proposed framework consists of mathematical model of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) load in buildings, model of distribution grid, objectives of BEMSs and DSO, operational requirements at building and grid levels, and a coordination algorithm. Usefulness of the proposed framework is demonstrated through HVAC loads in 27 commercial buildings connected to the IEEE 13-node test feeder. In the study, the objectives of the BEMSs and DSO are set to minimize the energy costs in dynamic pricing and power losses in distribution network, respectively. Results demonstrate that coordinated demand dispatch process honors objectives and operational constraints set by both entities, i.e., BEMSs and DSO, and benefits both entities involved in the demand dispatch process.
Parallel Pathways and Fibre Size

Publisher Summary This chapter explores the tecto-pulvinar path to visual cortex and thalamic projections to superficial layers of striate cortex. It discusses that the key to understanding the thalamus lies in the classification of nuclei. There are four classes—(A) The first class consists of the principal sensory nuclei each one of which projects to a single area of koniocortex; (B) The second class is a group of nuclei that project diffusely to several, and probably many, cortical areas; and (C) nuclei in third and fourth classes project more intensely to one area and less intensely to a second or third area. The experiments are made by injecting WGA-HRP into the caudal extremity of the pulvinar nucleus with the result that the entire ventral region below MT is filled with terminals. Thus, almost the entire visual cortex is a pulvinar target in the Galago; and the striate cortex stands alone with an absence of terminals in layer IV. The chapter also discusses the significance of large and small cells in a single sensory relay nuclei and the reason of projection of large cells to layer IV and small cells to the superficial layers of koniocortex.
A comparison of results of carotid endarterectomy in octogenarians and nonagenarians to younger patients from the Mid-America Vascular Study Group and the Society for Vascular Surgery Vascular Quality Initiative

Abstract Objective Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) reduces stroke risk in selected patients. However, CEA risk profile may be different in older patients. We compared characteristics and outcomes of octogenarians and nonagenarians with those of younger patients. Methods Deidentified data from CEA patients were obtained from the Society for Vascular Surgery Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) database. Prior CEA, carotid artery stent, or combined CEA and coronary artery bypass were excluded, yielding 7390 CEAs in octogenarians and nonagenarians (≥80 years of age) and 35,303 CEAs in younger patients ( Results Octogenarians and nonagenarians were more likely to have pre-CEA neurologic symptoms (51.4% vs 45.6%; P P P P = .45). Perioperative ipsilateral neurologic events and ipsilateral stroke were slightly more common among octogenarians and nonagenarians (1.6% vs 1.1% [ P P = .002]). Multivariate modeling (logistic regression) showed that pre-CEA neurologic symptoms (odds ratios, 1.35 [ P = .005] and 1.42 [ P = .007]), pre-CEA ipsilateral cortical ischemic event (odds ratios, 1.18 [ P P P P P = .003] and 1.44 [ P = .004]). Kaplan-Meier estimated survival was lower for octogenarians and nonagenarians at 30 days and 1 year (98.6% vs 99.4% and 93.7% vs 97.0%; log-rank, P Conclusions CEA was performed with low rates of perioperative neurologic events and mortality. Multivariate testing showed that the higher rate of neurologic complications in octogenarians and nonagenarians appeared partially related to symptomatic status and urgent surgery; but after adjusting for these factors, age ≥80 years still predicted a slightly higher rate. Periprocedural CEA outcomes appear similar in comparing older and younger patients, although longer term survival is lower for older patients, and older patients are at greater risk of discharge to other than home. CEA was associated with slightly higher risk of neurologic complications in older patients but may be considered appropriate for selected octogenarians and nonagenarians.
Methods of Optimal Ship Routing for Weather Perturbations

Abstract The article discusses sea route planning and optimisation methods which take into account minimisation of the time needed to pass a so called time-minimum route at dynamically changing weather conditions. The above task is a kind of dynamic optimisation problem in which dynamic changes in weather conditions are defined as moving constraints. The effect of hydro-meteorological conditions on changes in the parameters of ship motion and route was determined. The obtained solutions and authors' experience gained during studying the presented methods have made the basis for developing new evolutionary algorithms which were not used so far in planning ship routes.
State space averaging model of a dual stage converter in discontinuous conduction mode

This paper presents an approach towards modeling a dual switch converter operating in discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) using state space averaging. To verify the accuracy of the developed model, a cascaded buck boost converter is used. However, the developed modeling approach is generic for various dual stage converters. The developed state space averaged model allows the application of modern control techniques (e.g. state feedback and linear quadratic regulator control techniques) on dual stage converters operating in DCM. The duty ratio constraint and the correction terms used in this model are driven to accurately predict the high frequency behavior of the system. Consequently, a full order averaged model is developed and verified through the small signal responses to the input variations at different operating conditions.
Methylation and Neuropsychiatry

Methylation is a process that is required for the normal function of every living cell. S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) is the methyl donor to numerous methyl acceptors such as nucleic acids, proteins, ...
Confining system integrity assessment by detection of natural gas migration using seismic diffractions

Abstract Successful carbon capture and storage (CCS) requires secure CO2 confinement within a geologic reservoir. If associated with a depleted hydrocarbon reservoir, the sealing capability can be determined by examination of the shallow subsurface for hydrocarbon leaks. Numerous seismic signatures have been reported to be hydrocarbon indicators. The interpretation can be advanced by using seismic diffractions, which could indicate subtle hydrocarbon accumulations not detectable by conventional techniques. In this work, we investigate the potential of seismic diffractions for use in shallow gas detection. We extract diffractions from the ultra-high-resolution 3D P-Cable seismic dataset acquired along the Gulf of Mexico inner continental shelf. Interpretation of this dataset revealed numerous seismic signatures associated with hydrocarbon accumulations (e.g., a prominent gas chimney). We analyze scattering features of the detected hydrocarbon accumulations and confirm the correlation between confidently interpreted gas accumulations and seismic diffractions. Based on that, we suggest using diffractions for confining system integrity assessment. Diffraction analysis allows operating with subtle seismic signals that facilitates exploration of reliable CO2 storage sites.
Optimizing Network Structure for Preventative Health

Diseases such as heart disease, stroke, or diabetes affect hundreds of millions of people. Such conditions are strongly impacted by obesity, and establishing healthy lifestyle behaviors is a critical public health challenge with many applications. Changing health behaviors is inherently a multiagent problem since people's behavior is strongly influenced by those around them. Hence, practitioners often attempt to modify the social network of a community by adding or removing edges in ways that will lead to desirable behavior change. To our knowledge, no previous work considers the algorithmic problem of finding the optimal set of edges to add and remove. We propose the RECONNECT algorithm, which efficiently finds high-quality solutions for a range of different network intervention problems. We evaluate RECONNECT in a highly realistic simulated environment based on the Antelope Valley region in California which draws on demographic, social, and health-related data. We find the RECONNECT outperforms an array of baseline policies, in some cases yielding a 150% improvement over the best alternative.
Quantum and classical description of spin systems with application to coherent relaxation in a resonator.

This paper describes effects of the interaction between the spin system and the resonator in magnetic resonance. In NMR the resonator circuit can provide feedback to the system of spins, which can lead to unusual effects, such as increasing dipole interactions and multiple flips.
The incorporation of atmospheric variability in hyperspectral synthetic scene simulation

This paper describes an effort to improve the modeling of the atmosphere in the Digital Imaging and Remote Sensing Image Generation (DIRSIG) model. The goal of this research can be divided into two main areas. The first is to improve the existing manner in which DIRSIG samples and references the atmosphere. The second is to give DIRSIG the ability to incorporate atmospheric inhomogeneities, as well as, the ability to accurately model them. DIRSIG has limitations in how it currently samples the atmosphere. From a geometric standpoint, it does not fully sample the energy which is scattered by the atmosphere towards the sensor (upwelled radiance). There are also other geometric issues which lead to inaccurate modeling results. One significant inaccuracy is the fact that DIRSIG can miscalculate the atmospheric effects resulting from modeling objects with non-zero altitudes. The plan is to correct this by completely reworking the procedure and geometry used by DIRSIG to sample the atmosphere. This research also addresses the effects of an inhomogeneous atmosphere and includes methods to model this variability in synthetic scenes. DIRSIG currently utilizes a single atmospheric look up table (LUT) that it references when creating an image. This LUT contains the information DIRSIG will need to predict the various radiance and transmission values for a homogeneous sky. There is no ability for DIRSIG to make one part of the sky optically thick, and the other clear. This will be remedied by having DIRSIG create a series of LUTs with different atmospheric properties that it can reference. With this ability DIRSIG can reference an optically different atmosphere depending on its viewing geometry, allowing a horizontally varying atmosphere.
The Gender Gap in Physical and Life Sciences: Masculinity, Femininity, Occupational Values, and Chilly Climate

Although women have advanced considerably in science achievement, course taking, degrees earned, and professional positions held over the past four decades, most of this growth in female representa...
Introgressive hybridization between native and non‐local steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) of hatchery origin

The artificial propagation and release of individuals from non‐local populations is a widespread practice that can threaten the genetic integrity of native, locally adapted populations, because of domestication effects from the artificial rearing environments and inter‐breeding with the local populations. Introgressive hybridization was examined in a threatened population of anadromous Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum, 1792) (winter‐run steelhead) in the Willamette Basin, Oregon. Non‐local, hatchery‐reared, summer‐run steelhead are released annually into the basin as mitigation for the impact of numerous dams. Sixteen microsatellite loci were used to detect introgression in adult steelhead of natural origin migrating into the basin before spawning during 2013 and 2014. Bayesian clustering analysis (structure) was used to identify the level of admixture in the population and to assign individuals to clusters. The Bayesian clustering analysis indicated that there are most likely two populations (or clusters) in the study area: a native, coastal, winter‐run steelhead population and a non‐local, summer‐run steelhead population that was derived from artificial crosses between summer‐run coastal and interior redband populations. Introgressive hybridization was detected in 26.4% of the natural‐origin adult steelhead. First‐generation (F₁) hybrids were estimated as 4.9–10.1% of the natural‐origin adult steelhead. Hybrids backcrossed to the native, coastal, winter‐run steelhead were nine times more numerous than backcrosses to the hatchery, summer‐run steelhead. The timing of upstream migration was significantly different between the native, winter steelhead and the F₁ hybrids. Low numbers of summer steelhead and back‐cross summer‐run hybrids were identified in the natural‐origin population, consistent with the reduced fitness of hatchery‐reared summer steelhead in natural environments. Conservation actions that protect native populations from hatchery fish include altering stocking practices (such as integrated management or sterility), and protecting the remaining intact populations by designating genetic preserves and preventing the release of hatchery‐origin or hybrid steelhead into these areas.
Summary of ECE Presentations at EC-19

At the EC-19 workshop there were ten presentations in the topic of diagnosing and heating plasmas with Electron Cyclotron Emission (ECE) and Electron Bernstein Wave (EBW). Innovations continue in designs of ECE systems while tried-and-true instruments still provide adequate data to explore new areas of research. Heterodyne radiometers and Michelson interferometers carry on as the bedrock of ECE electron temperature (T e ) measurements while ECE imaging systems continue expanding their capabilities. The design of the ITER-ECE diagnostic system is in its advanced stages; solutions are being found for challenges in the transmission lines and front-end calibration sources.
Risk Factors for Greater Than 24-Hour Length of Stay After Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Abstract Background Recently, the Center for Medicare Services removed total knee arthroplasty (TKA) from the inpatient-only procedure list. The purpose of this study is to assess the role of demographics, medical comorbidities, and postsurgical complications in predicting safe discharge to home within 24 hours after TKA. Methods Patients undergoing primary TKA between 2011 and 2016 were identified in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Patients were grouped into those whose length of stay (LOS) was less than 24 hours after surgery vs those greater than 24 hours. Demographics, preoperative comorbidities, operative variables, and postoperative adverse events were studied as risk factors for LOS greater than 24 hours. Results A total of 210,075 patients undergoing primary TKA met the inclusion criteria, and of those, 18,134 (8.6%) patients were discharged within 24 hours postoperatively. In a risk-adjusted multivariate analysis, patients with increasing age, obesity, preoperative comorbidities of smoking, diabetes, dyspnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, bleeding disorder, corticosteroid use preoperatively, and dependent functional status conferred a greater risk for discharge greater than 24 hours. Male gender, spinal anesthesia, and monitored anesthesia care were protective against LOS greater than 24 hours. Conclusion This study suggests that dependent functional status, preoperative comorbidities, and postoperative complications are all associated with a LOS greater than 24 hours after TKA. Surgeons and patients should be aware of the clinical and demographic variables associated with risk for LOS greater than 24 hours when considering outpatient status for patients undergoing TKA.