cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Risk-Averse Generation Maintenance Scheduling With Microgrid Aggregators

This paper presents risk-averse long-term generation maintenance scheduling in the power systems with a considerable installed capacity of microgrids. Microgrid aggregators facilitate the participation of microgrids in the wholesale market. In this paper, the effect of microgrids as controllable demand entities on the generation maintenance scheduling practices in the power system is investigated. The uncertainties in the marginal cost of generation in microgrids, the generation capacity installed within the microgrids, and the system electricity demand are captured using respective nominal values and uncertainty intervals. Moreover, the contingencies in transmission network are addressed by introducing additional variables. A two-stage robust optimization problem is formulated to determine a trade-off among the performance and conservativeness of the procured solution in the long-term operation horizon. The problem is formulated as a mixed integer linear programming problem and column-and-constraint generation procedure is used to solve the problem. The master problem minimizes the maintenance cost of the generation units subjected to generation units’ constraints in the long-term operation horizon and the sub-problems determine the worst realization of the uncertainties and generate additional constraints in the master problem. The proposed methodology is applied to two case studies for a 6-bus and IEEE 118-bus power systems.
Development of comprehensive and integrated models for inertial fusion cavity dynamics.

The chamber walls in inertial fusion energy (IFE) reactors are exposed to harsh conditions following each target implosion. Key issues of the cyclic IFE operation include intense photon and ion deposition, wall thermal and hydrodynamic evolution, wall erosion and fatigue lifetime, and chamber clearing and evacuation to ensure chamber conditions prior to target implosion. Several methods for wall protection have been proposed in the past, each having its own advantages and disadvantages. These methods include bare walls, gas-filled cavities, and liquid walls/jets. We have developed detailed models for reflected laser light, emitted photon, and target debris deposition and interaction with chamber components and implemented them in the comprehensive HEIGHTS software package. The hydrodynamic response of gas-filled cavities and photon radiation transport of the deposited energy has been calculated using new and advanced numerical techniques. Fragmentation models of liquid jets as a result of the deposited energy have also been developed, and the impact on chamber clearing dynamics has been evaluated. The focus of this study is to critically assess the reliability and the dynamic response of chamber walls in various proposed protection methods in IFE systems. Of particular concern is the effect on wall erosion lifetime of various erosion mechanisms, such as vaporization, chemical and physical sputtering, melt/liquid splashing and explosive erosion, and fragmentation of liquid walls. Mass loss and fragmentation in the form of macroscopic particles can be much larger than mass loss due to surface vaporization and sputtering and have not been properly considered in past studies as part of the overall cavity response and reestablishment. This effect may significantly alter cavity dynamics and power requirements.
An autonomous system for high-resolution mapping of indoor wireless coverage

This paper describes an autonomous robotic system for characterizing and mapping indoor wireless coverage. Most current-generation systems for measuring wireless coverage require human testers to walk around a prescribed path and manually record their position. This time-consuming process limits measurement resolution and its accuracy is subject to human error. As indoor coverage solutions become more widespread, techniques for efficiently measuring coverage quality are growing in importance. The autonomous robotic system described automatically explores an area and accurately determines its position relative to the building map. Handset logging equipment onboard the robot determines physical layer data rates and signal quality as measured by metrics such as SNR, RSRP, and CQI. Following the robotic test, postprocessing software overlays the test metrics on the building map to create significantly higher resolution coverage maps than have been previously possible. This system allows for verification of wireless coverage against service level agreements, and for repetitive testing of in-development indoor solutions.
A framework for detecting conifer mortality across an ecoregion using high spatial resolution spaceborne imaging spectroscopy

Abstract Between 2013 and 2015, during a time of severe drought and elevated bark beetle (Dendroctonus spp.) activity in California, the amount of conifer mortality in the Southern Sierra Nevada increased greatly. Remote sensing is a critical means of providing up-to-date information on the location, magnitude, and extent of mortality across a broad geographic area. We used eleven Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) flight lines, resampled to 30 by 30 m pixel size and acquired on six separate dates as part of the HyspIRI Preparatory Campaign to simulate spaceborne imaging spectroscopy. We also spectrally degraded the AVIRIS images to simulate Landsat-8 data. We tested the ability of single-date and multi-temporal remote sensing to identify red stage conifer mortality, healthy conifer, and non-conifer dominated pixels using a random forest algorithm. Accuracy was assessed with an independent validation dataset acquired via WorldView imagery in areas spatially separate from where training data were collected, as well as through comparison with aerial detection survey and canopy water loss data, with generally good agreement. We found that classifications based on imaging spectroscopy significantly outperformed broadband multispectral feature sets (with a highest overall accuracy of 85.1% obtained by imaging spectroscopy and 80.2% obtained by the simulated multispectral images). We also found that classifications based on multi-temporal imaging spectroscopy were more accurate than single-date imaging spectroscopy (the highest overall accuracy obtained for single-date imaging spectroscopy was 83.4%). Imaging spectroscopy that included interseasonal data from the end of the drought outperformed all other datasets, including interannual data that included only images collected in the summer. Multi-date analysis also improved accuracy using broad band systems. Although current spaceborne assets are adequate for monitoring bark beetle mortality in a heterogeneous ecosystem, a spaceborne imaging spectrometer would further improve operational accuracy.
Effects of Nb Modification and Cooling Rate on the Microstructure in an Ultrahigh Carbon Steel

In this study, two different melting methods were used to investigate effects of Nb modification on microstructure in ultrahigh carbon steel (UHCS). Nb-free and Nb-modified UHCS samples were produced by melting and resolidifying an industrially produced base UHCS with and without addition of Nb powder. Microstructure was characterized using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and electron dispersive spectroscopy. Equilibrium computations of phase fractions and compositions were utilized to help describe microstructural changes caused by the Nb additions. Nb combined with C to form NbC structures before and during austenite solidification, reducing the effective amount of carbon available for the other phases. Cementite network spacing in the Nb-free samples was controlled by the cooling rate during solidification (faster cooling led to a more refined network). Network spacing in the Nb-modified UHCS could be enlarged by NbC structures that formed cooperatively with austenite.
Entrepreneurial Urban Revitalization

Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) in north-America were used during the last two decades as instruments capable of making communities more attractive for residents and visitors. The purpose of this chapter is to discuss the application of this revitalization mechanism in downtown Stockton (California). The argument is that BIDs can provide an answer to many of the livability problems faced by city centers (Balsas, Planning Practice and Research 19(1):101–110, 2004). The key finding is that the proactive implementation of this urban revitalization mechanism can increase the livability of communities and their economic development opportunities in part because of its entrepreneurial perspective. The chapter closes with a series of recommendations for the successful implementation of an entrepreneurial urban revitalization strategy.
E.2.II – Cleaning of Trace Metallic Impurities from Solid Substrates Using Liquid Media

This chapter reviews the different mechanisms of metallic impurity adsorption on various surfaces and especially those surfaces that are important in the manufacturing of semiconductors. From a technological point of view, the liquid chemical environment is the environment that is most worthy of analysis. Wet chemistry is the most powerful and the most versatile process available today to remove metallic and other ionic impurities from surfaces. The different aspects of wet chemistry are described in this chapter. The state of the elements in the solution is the first important aspect of any wet cleaning chemistry. This is thoroughly investigated together with the engineering tools available to predict any contaminants' state in any kind of solution. The next important aspect is the state of the surfaces on wafers. It is shown that almost all surfaces of interest could be divided into two main groups: the hydroxide- or silanol-terminated oxide or silica-type surface, and the hydride-terminated silicon surface. Both surfaces react very differently with metallic impurities and, therefore, an in-depth review of the adhesion mechanisms, the adsorption forces, and the cleaning solutions is provided for each surface.
Timing of magnesium supplementation administered through drinking water to improve fresh and stored pork quality

Thirty-two pigs were used to determine the timing effect of magnesium (Mg) supplementation given through drinking water on pork quality. Pigs (16 barrows and 16 gilts) were individually penned, provided 2.7 kg of feed (0.12% Mg) daily (as-fed basis), and allowed free access to water via a nipple waterer for the duration of the study. After 5 d of adjustment, pigs (120 +/- 0.8 kg BW) were allotted randomly by weight and sex to 900 mg/L of supplemental Mg from magnesium sulfate heptahydrate in drinking water for -6, -4, -2, or 0 d relative to slaughter. The LM and semimembranosus (SM) muscles were removed 24 h postmortem. Retail display storage was simulated for 8 d, and the LM was vacuum-packaged for 25 or 50 d at 4 degrees C. Magnesium did not affect the pH of the LM at either 45 min (P = 0.15) or 24 h postmortem (P = 0.23). However, the pH of the SM at 24 h postmortem tended to be greater (P = 0.08) for pigs consuming Mg for 2 d than for those not supplemented. Fluid loss after 8 d of storage was less (P 0.10) affected by Mg supplementation. However, Mg supplementation for 2 or 4 d decreased paleness (lower L* value) after 25 d (P 0.10) of vacuum-packaged storage. Magnesium addition for 2 d decreased the extent of oxidation (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances) of the LM after 4 d of display storage compared with 0 d of Mg (P < 0.05). Oxidation of the SM during 8 d of display storage increased linearly (P < 0.05) as duration of supplementation increased from 2 to 6 d but did not differ (P = 0.22) from 0 d of Mg supplementation. Although the response to Mg supplementation was variable, supplementation for 2 d before slaughter was considered most efficacious because of the following: decreased fluid loss from the SM, and lower lipid oxidation formation in the LM during retail storage; a darker, more desirable LM color after 25 d of vacuum-packaged storage; and cost reductions compared with longer durations.
Psalms Dwelling Together in Unity: The Placement of Psalms 133 and 134 in Two Different Psalms Collections

Recent scholarship has devoted much attention to the arrangement of the MT of the book of Psalms (here referred to as the MT Psalter). The differing arrange ments found among the Dead Sea Scrolls have raised many questions. Scholars are not in agreement as to the reasons behind the ordering of the psalms at Qumran, but several theories have emerged. In the following investigation, I will not pro pose a new theory but will trace redactional activity in two specific psalms—Psalms 133 and 134—in two different arrangements. These two psalms offer a unique opportunity for those seeking to understand the history of books of Psalms, as these psalms stand at the end of the Ascents col lection. Regardless of whether the individual Ascents psalms predated the collec tion, it is clear that the collection served as a source that was shared by both the MT Psalter and 1 lQPsa. An examination of variations in the Ascents collection allows one to see how psalms fit within larger redactional schemes. Psalms 133 and 134 function in what has come to be known as the "shaping" of the MT Psalter, but they also play a key role in the shaping of 1 lQPsa.
Monitoring Antibiotic Therapy in the Newborn Infant

Indications for monitoring antibiotic therapy in the newborn depend on the drug and clinical situation. Aminoglycoside and chloramphenicol, both of which have narrow ranges of serum concentration between efficacy and toxicity, require monitoring. Infants with serious or unusual infections benefit from assays of antibiotics. Other indications are changes in methods of administration, multiple drug therapy, errors in medication, and any situation in which the information can be used to insure efficacy and safety.
Maximum a posteriori event positioning in high-resolution PET CZT detectors

242 Objectives: Cadmium-Zinc-Telluride (CZT) may be useful for PET, but its photo-fraction is low and multiple interactions in the detectors are frequent. However, a CZT detector can localize the 3D coordinates of individual photon interactions with high spatial and energy resolution. A challenge is to correctly estimate the first interaction, which best defines the correct line of response. Previously, we had proposed a maximum-likelihood (ML) approach. In this work, we investigate a maximum a posteriori (MAP) positioning method. Methods: Monte-Carlo integration is used to compute the likelihood of each possible sequence of interaction. An accurate physical model is used to compute the a priori probability of each sequence and obtain a posteriori probabilities. This model uses the exponential photon linear attenuation law and the Klein Nishina formula. A parameter β defines the relative weights of the likelihood and the prior model (β=0 for ML). For fast computation, we are investigating using graphics processing units to parallelize the algorithm. Results: We generated data using Monte-Carlo for two simulated CZT-based PET systems. The high-specs (HS) system has 1x1x1 mm3 spatial and 3% fwhm energy resolution. The low-specs (LS) system has 1x1x5 mm3 spatial and 12% energy resolution. The method was evaluated on both systems with β varying. The performance is measured as the success rate in recovering either the full sequence of interactions or just the first interaction. Conclusions: For the HS system, MAP performs worse than ML as β increases. This indicates that low-noise data should be trusted more than the prior model. For the LS system and β=2, MAP outperforms ML by 7% for recovering the correct interaction sequence and 8% for the first interaction. An accurate prior model makes the position estimate more robust to noise in the data. Research Support: NIH R01CA119056, R33EB003283, R01CA120474
High Resolution X-Ray and Light Scattering Spectroscopy of Liquid Crystals

In liquid crystals there exists a rich variety of phases with varying orientational and translational order intermediate between crystalline solid and isotropic liquid phases. These phases are suited to test the role of symmetry, spatial dimensionality, and thermal fluctuations on the properties of condensed phases that can exist in nature. Uniaxial liquid crystals are particularly suitable for this since the dominant collective modes cause orientational fluctuations in the local dielectric tensor that scatter light rather strongly. In this conference we shall summarize some of the x-ray and light scattering experiments that have been carried out at MIT and Harvard over the past few years.
Sex Offender Re-Entry: A Summary and Policy Recommendation on the Current State of the Law in California and How to 'Safely' Re-Introduce Sex Offenders into Our Communities

This paper attempts to provide a comprehensive review of the current and pending sex offender legislation in California, examine their effectiveness or ineffectiveness and any possible loopholes, and conclude with a broad recommendation on where the state of California's law and policies surrounding the safe release and supervision of sex offenders into the community should be heading. In doing so, the paper will rely on current statistics on sex offenders in California, policy recommendations by various organizations on this topic, media profiles and case histories of recent real-life sex crimes, and actual data from the California online sex offender registry to discover the profile of the "real" sex offender in California. This paper will also examine the roll of public outcry and moral panic in the implementation of these laws and the effect this may have had on their specific provisions and eventual effectiveness in order to provide a more comprehensive review of the impetus behind such regulations and hopefully to inform future legislation of the lessons of the past. Note: Appendix C for this paper is not included, please contact the author if you would like access to it.
Dynamic Crack Branching in Soda-Lime Glass: An Optical Investigation Using Digital Gradient Sensing

Transparent brittle materials such as soda-lime glass (SLG) with relatively low fracture toughness and high stiffness pose unique challenges for performing full-field optical measurement of deformations and stresses to characterize their fracture behavior. The current work builds on authors’ previous report wherein the feasibility of Digital Gradient Sensing (DGS) was demonstrated for measuring stress wave induced crack-tip deformations in SLG. In this study, ultrahigh-speed photography (>1 million frames per sec) was used in conjunction with DGS and a Hopkinson pressure bar to load V-notched SLG plates to investigate the crack branching phenomenon. The experimental parameters were controlled such that a single mode-I crack that initiated at the V-notch tip propagated through the glass plate before branching into two prominent mixed-mode daughter cracks. The optical measurements of angular deflection fields that represent stress gradients in two orthogonal in-plane directions were obtained. Using higher order finite-difference based least-squares integration (HFLI) scheme, stress invariant fields (σxx + σyy) were evaluated near dynamically propagating crack-tip throughout the branching process.
Drag coefficient and roughness length determinations on an Alaskan Arctic Coast during summer

Field data collected over land and water near Point Lay, Alaska, yielded determinations of the aerodynamic roughness lengths and drag coefficients over three locations on an arctic barrier island and over the Chukchi Sea. The agreement between the results over the sea and previous published results from data taken at approximately the same latitude in the Beaufort Sea is excellent.
TRENDS AND OUTCOMES OF GASTROINTESTINAL BLEEDING ADMISSIONS AMONG PATIENTS WITH LEFT VENTRICULAR ASSIST DEVICES

Patients with left ventricular assist device (LVAD) have a high incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB). We sought to investigate the in-hospital outcomes of patients in the era of continuous-flow LVAD who were admitted with GIB. We utilized data from the National Inpatient Sample and the US
Risk factors for poor health-related quality of life in cancer survivors with multiple chronic conditions: exploring the role of treatment burden as a mediator.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for poor health-related quality of life (HRQL) in multi-morbid adult cancer survivors and explore whether perceived treatment and self-management burden mediate any of these relationships. Methods Ninety-one multi-morbid cancer survivors (median age: 65 years) completed surveys at baseline and 6 months. Demographic, psychosocial, and health care-related factors were assessed as were perceived treatment burden and general HRQL (physical and mental health). Data on medical diagnoses and cancer treatment were extracted from the medical record. Bivariate correlations screened for associations between predictors and outcomes, with significant predictors entered into multivariable linear regressions to identify unique risk factors for greater treatment burden and poorer HRQL. Follow-up regressions examined whether treatment burden mediated any of the risk factor-outcome relationships. Results Factors that correlated with higher baseline treatment burden included: having more diagnoses, less formal education, having seen more physicians in the past 6 months, having a mental health diagnosis, not having a set routine for one's self-management, low health literacy, low self-efficacy for self-management, and low social support (Ps <0.05). Among these, factors that also correlated with worse 6-month HRQL outcome included: having more diagnoses, having seen more physicians in the past 6 months, having a mental health diagnosis, not having a set routine for one's self-management, low health literacy, low self-efficacy, and low social support (Ps <0.05). Multivariable regressions showed that some of these factors independently predicted higher treatment burden and/or worse HRQL. Low self-efficacy was the most robust independent risk factor for poor HRQL (bs: 0.34-0.49, Ps <0.005), with evidence supporting that the relationships were partially mediated by treatment burden. Conclusion Monitoring of psychosocial and health care-related risk factors for high treatment burden and poor HRQL can identify multi-morbid cancer survivors in need of extra support and could inform a more personalized treatment approach.
Vibration attenuation in high-rise buildings to achieve system-level performance under multiple hazards

Abstract Rapid population growth and economic development in urban areas have greatly increased the potential of exposure to multiple hazards that may cause damage and business interruption in civil engineering structures, such as high-rise buildings. To alleviate these issues, fluid viscous dampers are employed under both wind and earthquake loads. The optimum number and location of dampers are selected based on modal drifts, and targeted values of response. Displacement, acceleration, inter-story drift ratio, shear force, and base bending moment are considered along with other concise set of system-level performance criteria that are easily understood by decision-makers and/or stakeholders of diverse technical backgrounds. Placement of viscous dampers with a lever mechanism shows that higher reductions in responses can be achieved with smaller damping devices. Stiffness uncertainty and damper failure are considered to check the robustness of the mitigation system. The study shows that viscous dampers are a viable solution for vibration attenuation in high-rise buildings susceptible to wind and earthquake loads, which permits the minimization of structural and nonstructural damage by counteracting multi-hazard forces in real-time. Viscous dampers show their potential to enhanced dynamic performance of buildings under multiple hazards and can directly promote community resiliency.
Re: Primary Care Providers’ Attitudes, Practices, and Knowledge in Treating LGBTQ Communities

To the Editor: I read with interest the article on primary care provider attitudes and knowledge in treating LGBTQ patients. (Nowaskie & Sowinski, 2018) I commend the authors for being the first to...
The HIVE: Hanover immersive virtual environment

The HIVE is a multi-screen passive stereo virtual reality (VR) projection system constructed from commodity hardware for less than $4000. Users of the HIVE stand in the middle of a box-like structure and are presented with stereo (or 3D) images to their front, left, and right. The HIVE uses rear projection screens constructed from an acrylic material, so that users can walk right up to images without casting a shadow on the display. This adds a heightened sense of realism to applications. Images are generated using a standard desktop computer with a 2.8 GHz processor and five nVIDIA GeForce 4 MX 440 graphics cards. The HIVE provides the means through which immersive VR techniques and applications can be demonstrated in a small college environment.
Aquel locus horribilis de la modernización: la gran ciudad en dos textos de José Martí / That locus horribilis of Modernization: The Big City in Two Texts by José Martí

Resumen: Este estudio analiza la relacion inversamente proporcional que, segun Jose Marti, existe entre modernizacion y desarrollo humano. Por consiguiente, estudia el encuentro/desencuentro entre el espacio moderno (la ciudad), la modernizacion (sistema economico marcado por el desarrollo tecnologico e industrial) y la alienacion del individuo desde la perspectiva del “ flâneur martiano” que observa con admiracion-repulsion el espectaculo urbano-festivo en “Coney Island” y desde la perplejidad que invade la voz poetica de “Amor de ciudad grande”. Para llevar a cabo este estudio, se ha tomado como punto de partida el topos descriptivo del locus horribilis . El cual ha servido como marco estructural para explicar la manera como Jose Marti describe Nueva York como un simbolo de la degradacion humana creada por la modernizacion. En lugar de abordar directamente los motivos que hacen de la ciudad modernizada un locus horribilis , este ensayo examina los elementos que sugieren que la modernizacion ha hecho de la urbe un lugar en el que domina la tergiversacion de los conceptos de carpe diem, hedonismo y locus amoenus y la afirmacion de los conceptos de fasto y tempus fugit . Palabras clave: Jose Marti; modernizacion; ciudad; locus horribilis . Abstract: This article analyzes the inversely proportional relationship that, according to Jose Marti, exists between modernization and human development. Therefore, this paper studies the way the Martinian flâneur perceives, by observing the urban-frenetic atmosphere in “Coney Island” and “Amor de ciudad grande”, the encounter and disagreement between modern space (the city), modernization (economic system marked by the industrial and technological development) and social alienation. In order to carry out this research, I took as starting point the descriptive topos of locus horribilis , which constitutes a useful tool to explain how Jose Marti describes New York as a symbol of human degradation created by the process of modernization. Instead of analyzing the motifs that make the modernized city a locus horribilis , this paper examines the motifs that suggest that modernization has turned the city into a place dominated by distortion of the concepts of carpe diem , hedonism, locus amoenus and affirmation of the concepts of splendor and tempus fugit . Keywords: Jose Marti; modernization; city; locus horribilis .
Towards resilient supervisors against sensor deception attacks

We consider feedback control systems where sensor readings may be compromised by a malicious attacker intent on causing damage to the system. We study this problem at the supervisory layer of the control system, using discrete event systems techniques. We assume that the attacker can edit the outputs from the sensors of the system before they reach the supervisory controller. In this context, we formulate the problem of synthesizing a supervisor that is robust against a large class of edit attacks on the sensor readings. We solve this problem using a new methodology that improves upon prior work on this topic. The solution methodology is based on the solution of a partially observed supervisory control problem with arbitrary control patterns. We also provide results on the existence of a supremal robust supervisor.
Chapter 4 – The Role of Volcanic Activity in Climate and Global Change

Publisher Summary Volcanic activity is an important natural cause of climate variations because tracer constituents of volcanic origin impact the atmospheric chemical composition and optical properties. Volcanic eruptions force all elements of the climate system, producing long-term climate signals in ocean. At present, a weak volcanic activity results in gas and particle effusions in the troposphere (lower part of atmosphere), which constitute, on an average, the larger portion of volcanic mass flux into the atmosphere. However, the products of tropospheric volcanic emissions are short-lived and contribute only moderately to the emissions from large anthropogenic and natural tropospheric sources. Chemical transformations and gasto-particle conversion of volcanic tracers form a volcanic aerosol layer that remains in the stratosphere for 2–3 years after an eruption, thereby impacting the Earth's climate, because volcanic aerosols cool the surface and the troposphere by reflecting solar radiation, and warm the lower stratosphere, absorbing thermal IR and solar near-IR radiation. Volcanic eruptions produce long-term impacts on the ocean's subsurface temperature and steric height that accumulate at the current frequency of explosive volcanic events. The vertical distribution of the ocean temperature change signal is asymmetric at high latitudes. A cooling signal penetrates to depth at high southern latitudes, while a warming signal penetrates to depth at high latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere. This chapter focuses on recently discovered forced stratosphere–troposphere dynamic interaction and long-term ocean response to volcanic forcing.
Connectomics: Bringing Fly Neural Circuits into Focus

Summary Three new studies use a whole adult brain electron microscopy volume to reveal new long-range connectivity maps of complete populations of neurons in olfactory, thermosensory, hygrosensory, and memory systems in the fly Drosophila melanogaster.
No Oversight, No Limits, No Worries: A Primer on Presidential Spying and Executive Order 12,333

Executive Order 12,333 ("EO 12333") is a 1980s Executive Order signed by President Ronald Reagan that, among other things, establishes an overarching policy framework for the Executive Branch's spying powers. Although electronic surveillance programs authorized by EO 12333 generally target foreign intelligence from foreign targets, its permissive targeting standards allow for the substantial collection of Americans' communications containing little to no foreign intelligence value. This fact alone necessitates closer inspection. This working draft conducts such an inspection by collecting and coalescing the various declassifications, disclosures, legislative investigations, and news reports concerning EO 12333 electronic surveillance programs in order to provide a better understanding of how the Executive Branch implements the order and the electronic surveillance programs it authorizes. The Article pays particular attention to EO 12333's designation of the National Security Agency as primarily responsible for conducting signals intelligence, which includes the installation of malware, the analysis of internet traffic traversing the telecommunications backbone, the hacking of U.S.-based companies like Yahoo and Google, and the analysis of Americans’ communications, contact lists, text messages, geolocation data, and other information. After exploring the electronic surveillance programs authorized by EO 12333, this Article proposes reforms to the existing policy framework, including narrowing the aperture of authorized surveillance, increasing privacy standards for the retention of data, and requiring greater transparency and accountability.
SARS-CoV-2 Testing, Positivity Rates, and Healthcare Outcomes in a Cohort of 22,481 Breast Cancer Survivors.

PURPOSEAs health inequities during the pandemic have been magnified, we evaluated how use of SARS-CoV-2 testing differed by race or ethnicity in a large cohort of breast cancer survivors and examin...
Microscopy Society of America Awards: 2020 Award Winners

Each year, the Microscopy Society of America (MSA) provides several major awards for outstanding contributions to the fields of microscopy and microanalysis and for service to the Society. While recipients of these awards are listed under the tab Awards & Scholarships – Society Awards | Microscopy Society of America on the MSA homepage, little information as to why awards were bestowed is provided. In this initial installment of what will become an annual contribution to Microsocopy Today, Miaofang Chi, Chair of the MSA Awards Committee, and I provide a perspective on the important contributions of the 2020 Award winners. The information presented here represents a short summary of information provided in the awardees’ nomination packages. Guidelines, including deadlines for nominating individuals for these and other MSA awards, can be found by following the above link.
Hearing restoration and the stria vascularis: evidence for the role of the immune system in hearing restoration.

Purpose of review This article reviews the current literature regarding the pathogenesis of immune-mediated sensorineural hearing loss, utilizes previously published single-nucleus transcriptional profiles to characterize cytokine and cytokine receptor expression in the adult stria vascularis cell types to support immune system interaction with the stria vascularis and reviews the current literature on immunomodulatory agents currently being used for hearing-restoration treatment. Recent findings The literature review highlights recent studies that elucidate many cytokines and immune markers, which have been linked to various immune-mediated disease processes that have been observed with sensorineural hearing loss within the stria vascularis and highlights recent publications studying therapeutic targets for these pathways. Summary This review highlights the current literature regarding the pathogenesis of immune-mediated hearing loss. The role of cochlear structures in human temporal bones from patients with immune-mediated sensorineural hearing loss are highlighted, and we review cytokine signalling pathways relevant to immune-mediated sensorineural hearing loss and localize genes encoding both cytokine and cytokine receptors involved in these pathways. Finally, we review immunomodulatory therapeutics in light of these findings and point to opportunities for the application of novel therapeutics by targeting these signalling pathways.
A Novel ARL3 Gene Mutation Associated With Autosomal Dominant Retinal Degeneration

Despite major progress in the discovery of causative genes, many individuals and families with inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs) remain without a molecular diagnosis. We applied whole exome sequencing to identify the genetic cause in a family with an autosomal dominant IRD. Eye examinations were performed and affected patients were studied with electroretinography and kinetic and chromatic static perimetry. Sequence variants were analyzed in genes (n = 271) associated with IRDs listed on the RetNet database. We applied a stepwise filtering process involving the allele frequency in the control population, in silico prediction tools for pathogenicity, and evolutionary conservation to prioritize the potential causal variant(s). Sanger sequencing and segregation analysis were performed on the proband and other family members. The IRD in this family is expressed as a widespread progressive retinal degeneration with maculopathy. A novel heterozygous variant (c.200A > T) was identified in the ARL3 gene, leading to the substitution of aspartic acid to valine at position 67. The Asp67 residue is evolutionary conserved, and the change p.Asp67Val is predicted to be pathogenic. This variant was segregated in affected members of the family and was absent from an unaffected individual. Two previous reports of a de novo missense mutation in the ARL3 gene, each describing a family with two affected generations, are the only examples to date of autosomal dominant IRD associated with this photoreceptor gene. Our results, identifying a novel pathogenic variant in ARL3 in a four-generation family with a dominant IRD, augment the evidence that the ARL3 gene is another cause of non-syndromic retinal degeneration.
C2 Pedicle Sclerosis Grading, more than Diameter, Predicts Surgeons’ Preoperative Assessment of Safe Screw Placement: A Novel Classification System

Background The preoperative assessment of C2 morphology is important for safe instrumentation. Sclerotic changes are often seen in C2 pedicles. Evaluating the diameter measurements solely might not accurately assess the safety of screw insertion. We have proposed a novel grading system of the C2 pedicle that includes sclerosis and evaluated the predictive value of this grading system with the surgeon's safety evaluation. Methods We reviewed and measured the dimensional values in 220 cervical computed tomography angiograms. Additionally, we used a grading system that divides the findings into 5 grades according to the width measurement and degree of sclerosis in the C2 pedicle. Two spine surgeons independently classified the pedicles as follows: safe (minimal risk of pedicle violation), caution needed (caution to minimize pedicle violation), or dangerous (a high risk of pedicle violation). Finally, we compared the measurements and the surgeons' safety assessments. Results A total of 411 pedicles of 203 patients (mean age, 69.5 years; 49.5% women) were included. Of the 411 C2 pedicles, 170 were classified as high risk by ≥1 surgeon. Between the dimensional measurements and grading system, the sclerotic grade showed the best predictive value. Conclusions We have introduced a novel tool to evaluate the safety of C2 pedicle screw placement. Our results suggest that our pedicle width–sclerosis grading system is reproducible and predicts the surgeon's assessment of safe screw placement better than C2 pedicle diametrical measurements alone.
Comparing Dissimilarity Measures

In Chapter 1 we surveyed distribution-based dissimilarity measures and discussed their properties, and in Chapter 2 we presented the EMD, which we hypothesized to be a good choice for image retrieval applications. In Chapters 3 and 4 we showed how these measures can be instantiated to compare color and texture distributions In this chapter we compare the results of the different dissimilarity measures when used for color- and texture-based image retrieval. The main difficulty in such a comparison is establishing ground truth that will help to determine if a returned image is relevant or not. To this end, we create databases where the ground truth is known, and use them to conduct experiments that evaluate the performance of the dissimilarity measures.
Modeling of Turbulence Effect on Liquid Jet Atomization

Recent studies indicate that turbulence behaviors within a liquid jet have considerable effect on the atomization process. Such turbulent flow phenomena are encountered in most practical applications of common liquid spray devices. This research aims to model the effects of turbulence occurring inside a cylindrical liquid jet to its atomization process. The two widely used atomization models Kelvin-Helmholtz (KH) instability of Reitz and the Taylor analogy breakup (TAB) of O'Rourke and Amsden portraying primary liquid jet disintegration and secondary droplet breakup, respectively, are examined. Additional terms are formulated and appropriately implemented into these two models to account for the turbulence effect. Results for the flow conditions examined in this study indicate that the turbulence terms are significant in comparison with other terms in the models. In the primary breakup regime, the turbulent liquid jet tends to break up into large drops while its intact core is slightly shorter than those without turbulence. In contrast, the secondary droplet breakup with the inside liquid turbulence consideration produces smaller drops. Computational results indicate that the proposed models provide predictions that agree reasonably well with available measured data.
Support for immunization registries among parents of vaccinated and unvaccinated school-aged children: a case control study

Immunizations have reduced childhood vaccine preventable disease incidence by 98–100%. Continued vaccine preventable disease control depends on high immunization coverage. Immunization registries help ensure high coverage by recording childhood immunizations administered, generating reminders when immunizations are due, calculating immunization coverage and identifying pockets needing immunization services, and improving vaccine safety by reducing over-immunization and providing data for post-licensure vaccine safety studies. Despite substantial resources directed towards registry development in the U.S., only 48% of children were enrolled in a registry in 2004. Parental attitudes likely impact child participation. Consequently, the purpose of this study was to assess the attitudes of parents of vaccinated and unvaccinated school-aged children regarding: support for immunization registries; laws authorizing registries and mandating provider reporting; opt-in versus opt-out registry participation; and financial worth and responsibility of registry development and implementation. A case control study of parents of 815 children exempt from school vaccination requirements and 1630 fully vaccinated children was conducted. Children were recruited from 112 elementary schools in Colorado, Massachusetts, Missouri, and Washington. Surveys administered to the parents, asked about views on registries and perceived utility and safety of vaccines. Parental views were summarized and logistic regression models compared differences between parents of exempt and vaccinated children. Surveys were completed by 56.1% of respondents. Fewer than 10% of parents were aware of immunization registries in their communities. Among parents aware of registries, exempt children were more likely to be enrolled (65.0%) than vaccinated children (26.5%) (p value = 0.01). A substantial proportion of parents of exempt children support immunization registries, particularly if registries offer choice for participation. Few parents of vaccinated (6.8%) and exempt children (6.7%) were aware of laws authorizing immunization registries. Support for laws authorizing registries and requiring health care providers to report to registries was more common among parents of vaccinated than exempt children. Most parents believed that the government, vaccine companies or insurance companies should pay for registries. Parental support for registries was relatively high. Parental support for immunization registries may increase with greater parental awareness of the risks of vaccine preventable diseases and utility of vaccination.
Interaction of Cochliobolus heterostrophus with phytoalexin inclusions in Sorghum bicolor

Abstract The concentration of 3-deoxyanthocyanidins from inoculated sorghum exhibited a sigmoid curve for accumulation between 10 and 32 h after inoculation. Luteolinidin and apigeninidin were the most abundant deoxyanthocyanidins present. Methoxy-apigeninidin and the caffeic acid ester of arabinosyl 5-O-apigeninidin were detected but their concentrations were very low. At the time of inoculation, conidia of Cochliobolus heterostrophus were brown and cells were turgid. Host tissue was colorless and no symptoms were evident. Spectrophotometry and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analyses showed that the 3-deoxyanthocyanidin phytoalexins were not present at the time of inoculation. Spectrophotometry did not detect deoxyanthocyanidins in plant extracts until 10–12 h post inoculation. In contrast, HPLC analysis showed that inoculated tissue released small amounts of luteolinidin and apigeninidin by 4 h after inoculation. It is the speed of this response that is unusual. After inoculation, both host cells and conidia appeared red. Phytoalexin-containing inclusions were released from the host tissue and became associated with the extracellular sheath of the dead conidia.
The Global Nitrogen Cycle

The geobiology of nitrogen is dominated by large inert reservoirs and small biological fluxes. The largest reservoirs are nitrogen gas (in the atmosphere and dissolved in the ocean) and sedimentary nitrogen (sequestered in continental crust). Because most organisms cannot utilize gaseous nitrogen, we distinguish between fixed nitrogen compounds (which contain no N–N bonds) that are biologically available, and the dinitrogen gases (N2 and N2O) that are largely inaccessible to organisms. Fluxes into and out of the fixed nitrogen pools are biologically controlled, and microbes control the rates of transformations and the distribution of nitrogen among inorganic and organic pools. Possibly more than any other biologically important element, the global nitrogen cycle has been perturbed by anthropogenic activities. The rate of industrial nitrogen fixation now approximately equals the natural rate, resulting in a twoto threefold increase in the total inventory of fixed N on the surface of the Earth through agricultural fertilizer applications (Galloway et al., 2004). Nitrogen oxides enter the atmosphere via fossil fuel combustion and catalyse the atmospheric chemistry of ozone through pathways that were either nonexistent or insignificant prior to humans. Because of the relative biological inaccessibility of nitrogen, ecosystems have responded to the increased flux of fixed N with changes in the rates and fates of production, and in some cases, large changes in ecosystem chemistry and health. The microbiology of nitrogen transformations has been intensely studied for over a century, but important new discoveries have been made in only the last decade. These involve the discovery of previously suspected, but unknown processes, as well as the discovery of new and diverse microbes involved in many of the nitrogen cycle fluxes.
Canonical Considerations Regarding Alleged Apparitions

L'A. s'interesse au role de l'eveque diocesain lorsqu'il s'agit de determiner l'authenticite d'evenements miraculeux comme les apparitions dans son diocese. Cet eveque possede un role de surveillance en raison de ses offices liturgique et educatif. Theologiquement et canoniquement, l'eveque a ete charge de cette mission de surveillance a travers les canons du Code 1983. Bien qu'ils soient libres de confesser leurs besoins spirituels a l'eveque, les fideles chretiens sont limites par les determinations de l'eveque et son consentement religieux