cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the Internet, Everyone Knows You're a Dog. A Review Essay

Ethnographers of new media face a challenge nowadays because they write about technologies people love to discuss and about which journalists love to write. They often find themselves writing against myths about digital media users that other digital media scholars, journalists, and even people interviewed hold in common. In the first decade of Internet research, skeptical scholars often wrote against assumptions about how social practices in virtual spaces differed from offline practices (see Dibbell 1998; Turkle 1995; Stone 1996). They were critiquing many of the premises that accompany an understanding of the virtual as “spaces or places apart from the rest of social life” (Miller, Slater, and Suchman 2004: 77) in which people were supposedly experimenting with new forms of sociality and identity. While these debates continue to haunt more recent ethnographies of virtual worlds (see Boellstorff 2008; Nardi 2010; Taylor 2006), critical scholars of new media are now also addressing commonly held assumptions about the Internet when its use is explicitly understood not to be part of a sociality distinct from offline life. Indeed, the Internet now is taken to be a collection of interfaces for gathering information and conversing with other people—web-based communication can be as integrated into daily life as a phone call or reading a book (for an ethnographic study, see Gershon 2010). This transition from taking the Internet to be virtual to seeing the Internet as a collection of channels of communication has brought with it a new set of widespread presuppositions that ethnography is particularly adept at critiquing.
Suppression of Fluctuating Surface Pressures in a Supersonic Cavity Flow

An experimental investigation of an open cavity with a length to depth ratio of six was conducted with and without passive suppression using a cylinder placed near the leading edge of the cavity. Five rod diameters were immersed at various gap heights in the approaching supersonic boundary layer where the freestream Mach number was 1.4. The study included surface pressure measurements and flowfield visualization using both Schlieren imaging and particle image velocimetry. The results indicate a rod sized at least 40% of the boundary layer height and placed with it’s top near the top of the boundary layer exhibited the most effective suppression configuration. In controlled cases the shear layer is spread and slightly lofted above the trailing edge of the cavity when an appropriately sized rod was placed at the cavity leading edge. Evidence of the disruption of the feedback mechanism well known to cause resonant tones were highlighted with correlation and coherence plots and further substantiated with particle image velocimetry and Schlieren images. The rod was able to reduce overall pressure fluctuations measured on the aftwall by nearly 35% and the peak tone reductions by 65%.
6 ESTROGEN RECEPTOR BETA EXPRESSION IN PERIPHERAL BLOOD MONONUCLEAR CELLS.

Introduction Since estrogen receptor beta (ESR2) was cloned and characterized in 1990, it has come to the forefront of cancer, cardiovascular, skeletal, autoimmune, hematopoietic, and central nervous system research. It is widely hypothesized that T lymphocytes mediate estrogen signaling and its beneficial effects on the skeleton. Polymorphisms within the ESR2 locus are significantly associated with bone mineral density in men and women and with various other end points of health and disease. We wondered if peripheral blood leukocytes express enough of this receptor to enable its measurement, ligand-binding and transactivation activity and hence provide a relatively non-invasive source of ESR2 protein to further our investigations of ESR2 polymorphisms. Although ESR2 has been detected in human thymus, ovary, testis, all bone cells and several cell lines derived from adenocarcinomas of breast and colon, its expression in circulating leukocytes has not been characterized. The goal of this study was to determine if peripheral blood lymphocytes and monocytes express detectable levels of ESR2 protein. Methods Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) were harvested from whole blood obtained from healthy male and female subjects age 20-50 years. PBMNCs were separated by centrifugation, washed free of platelets in PBS, and processed for immoblotting and cytometric analysis. For immunoblotting, cytoplasmic and nuclear fractions were prepared in the presence of a proteinase inhibitor cocktail. Twenty to 50 μg of protein was loaded on a 10% polyacrylamide gel, electrophoresed, transferred to a nitrocellulose membrane, and probed with either anti-human ESR2 monoclonal, monoclonal anti-human estrogen receptor alpha (ESR-1), or polyclonal anti-human ESR2 antisera. Development of the protein bands was performed using peroxidase-conjugated secondary antisera and chemoluminescent substrates. For cytometry, PBMNCs were incubated with ESR2 monoclonal 14C8, washed with PBS containing 1% Tween 20 and 1% BSA, incubated with FITC-conjugated anti-mouse secondary, washed and injected into a Facscalibur flow cytometer. Results Full-length estrogen receptors alpha and the two principal isoforms of ESR2 were detected in nuclear but not cytoplasmic fractions of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in all subjects tested. A strong ESR2 signal was also detected in the population of permeabilized lymphocytes by cytometyric analysis. Conclusions The results indicate that both ESR1 and ESR2 are expressed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells harvested from healthy volunteers. Thus, further investigation of protein expression and function can be undertaken using blood samples, avoiding biopsy of human tissue. Our future investigations will seek to quantify ESR2 expression in leukocyte and lymphocyte subsets.
Pressure-mediated vasoconstriction of juxtamedullary afferent arterioles involves P2-purinoceptor activation

This study was conducted to examine the hypothesis that P2 purinoceptors contribute to pressure-induced autoregulatory adjustments of afferent arteriolar caliber. Experiments were performed in vitr...
Elite Polarization and the Electoral Impact of Left-Right Placements: Evidence from Latin America, 1995–2009

While political polarization may lead to gridlock and other negative policy outcomes, representation is likely to be enhanced when parties differentiate themselves from each other and make it easier for voters to see the connection between their personal ideologies and the electoral offerings. These differences between parties may be especially important in developing democracies, where voters are still learning parties’ priorities and where parties do not always emphasize issues when campaigning. To test this proposition, I develop a measure of elite polarization in Latin America since the early 1990s based on legislative surveys. Individual-level voting patterns from mass survey data confirm that the connection between voters’ self-placement on the left-right scale and their electoral choice is stronger in polarized party systems, even when controlling for other party system factors like the age of the party system or electoral fragmentation. This effect on voting behavior is not immediate, however, as voters take time to recognize the new cues being provided by the changing party system. RESUMEN: Mientras que la polarizacion politica puede conducir a paralisis en el Congreso y otros resultados negativos, muestro que la representacion politica tiene mayores probabilidades de mejorar cuando los partidos se diferencian unos de otros. Esta diferenciacion facilita que los votantes vean las conexiones entre sus ideologias politicas personales y la oferta electoral disponible. Las diferencias entre partidos pueden ser especialmente importantes en las democracias en desarrollo, donde los votantes todavia estan aprendiendo sobre las prioridades de los partidos e identificando cuando estos no enfatizan cuestiones programaticas al hacer campana. Para probar esta proposicion, este trabajo desarrolla una medida de polarizacion en America Latina desde la decada de 1990 basada en encuestas legislativas. Encuestas de opinion pubica confirman que la conexion entre la auto identificacion personal del votante en un espectro ideologico de derecha a izquierda y su voto son mas fuertes cuando se experimenta una polarizacion en el sistema de partidos politicos. Esto sucede aun controlando por otros factores como la edad del sistema de partidos o la fragmentacion electoral. Pero este efecto sobre el comportamiento electoral no es inmediato, pues los votantes se llevan un tiempo en reconocer los atajos de informacion que el sistema de partidos en constante proceso de cambio les proporciona.
Revisiting streamside trees that do not use stream water: Can the two water worlds hypothesis and snowpack isotopic effects explain a missing water source?†

We revisit a classic ecohydrological study that showed streamside riparian trees in a semi-arid mountain catchment did not use perennial stream water. The original study suggested that mature individuals of Acer negundo, A. grandidentatum, and other species were dependent on water from "deeper strata", possibly groundwater. We used a dual stable isotope approach (δ18O and δ2H) to further examine the water sources of these trees. We tested the hypothesis that groundwater was the main tree water source, but found that neither groundwater nor stream water matched the isotope composition of xylem water during two growing seasons. Soil water (0 – 1 m depth) was closest to and periodically overlapped with xylem water isotope composition, but overall, xylem water was isotopically enriched compared to all measured water sources. The "two water worlds" hypothesis postulates that soil water comprises isotopically distinct mobile and less-mobile pools that do not mix, potentially explaining this disparity. We further hypothesized that isotopic effects during snowpack metamorphosis impart a distinct isotope signature to the less-mobile soil water that supplies summer transpiration. Depth trends in water isotopes following snowmelt were consistent with the two water worlds hypothesis, but snow metamorphic isotope effects could not explain the highly-enriched xylem water. Thus, the dual isotope approach did not unambiguously determine the water source(s) of these riparian trees. Further exploration of physical, geochemical, and biological mechanisms of water isotope fractionation and partitioning are necessary to resolve these data, highlighting critical challenges in the isotopic determination of plant water sources.
Testing the efficacy of an acoustic lure on bat mist-netting success in North American central hardwood forests

Severe population declines in numerous North American bat species makes population monitoring increasingly difficult. We tested the effectiveness of an acoustic lure at increasing capture success of bats in mist nets. Increasing detection rate is especially relevant for species that have been heavily affected by white-nose syndrome, such as the Indiana bat ( Myotis sodalis ), little brown bat ( M. lucifugus ), and northern long-eared bat ( M. septentrionalis ). We conducted our study at 3 properties in southern Indiana during summer 2014. We set up 7 mist-netting sites at each property, netting 2 times at each site, with and without the use of an UltraSoundGate Player BL acoustic lure. The lure played recordings of various social calls from Myotis , Eptesicus , and Lasiurus spp. recorded in Europe and North America on a loop throughout the mist-net night. A total of 21 bats were caught using the lure, while 46 bats were caught without the use of the lure. We ran a series of zero-inflated Poisson generalized linear models on number of bats captured per trapping night to test whether the lure produced a difference in bat captures overall and for each genus while accounting for additional sources of variability. Using an information theoretical approach, we determined the most parsimonious models for each species grouping. For bats overall and those in the genera Myotis and Eptesicus , the top performing models contained an effect for use of the lure. This effect was positive and significant ( P = 0.007) for our Myotis model, while the Eptesicus model showed a marginally significant and negative effect of the lure. We conclude that level of sociality in bat species influences the effectiveness of an acoustic lure on bat capture success. Understanding this distinction can inform when and where the use of an acoustic lure may enhance conservation goals.
A prototype natural language interface for animation systems

We present a prototype implementation of a natural language interface to an animation system. The interface provides the means for a human user to issue commands in natural language to an avatar in a virtual reality environment. The purpose of our system is to convert the input text into commands in an animation script language and execute them. Our system uses a general-purpose parser and a domain-specific semantic interpreter based on pattern matching.
Autoimmune and other acquired neutropenias

This educational review addresses the diagnostic evaluation of patients for autoimmune and other forms of acquired neutropenia, including the futility of deconstructing the overlap of chronic "autoimmune," "benign," and "idiopathic" categories. Isolated neutropenias caused by infection, drugs, and immunologic disorders are also addressed. Discussion of management options emphasizes a conservative approach, with largely supportive care for these mostly benign and self-limited disorders.
Minimal residual disease in acute myelogenous leukemia

Treatment of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) over the past four decades remains mostly unchanged and the prognosis for the majority of patients remains poor. Most of the significant advances that have been observed are in defining cytogenetic abnormalities, as well as the genetic and epigenetic profiles of AML patients. While new cytogenetic and genetic aberrations such as the FLT3-ITD and NPM1 mutations are able to guide prognosis for the majority of patients with AML, outcomes are still dismal and relapse rates remain high. It is thought that relapse in AML is in part driven by minimal residual disease (MRD) that remains in the patient following treatment. Thus, there is a need for sensitive and objective methodology for MRD detection. Methodologies such as multiparameter flow cytometry (MFC), quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RQ-PCR), digital PCR (dPCR), or next-generation sequencing (NGS) are being employed to evaluate their utility in MRD assessment. In this review, we will provide an overview of AML and the clinical utility of MRD measurement. We will discuss optimal timing to MRD measurement, the different approaches that are available, and efforts in the standardization across laboratories.
A Global Assessment of Dissolved Organic Carbon in Precipitation

Precipitation is the largest physical removal pathway of atmospheric reactive organic carbon in the form of dissolved organic carbon (DOC). We present the first global DOC distribution simulated with a global model. A total of 85 and 188 Tg C yr A1 are deposited to the ocean and the land, respectively, with DOC ranging between 0.1 and 10 mg C L A1 in this GEOS-Chem simulation. We compare the 2010 simulated DOC to a 30 year synthesis of measurements. Despite limited measurements and imperfect temporal matching, the model is able to reproduce much of the spatial variability of DOC (r = 0.63), with a low bias of 35%. We present the global average carbon oxidation state (OS c) as a simple metric for describing the chemical composition. In the atmosphere, A1:8≤OS c ≤ A 0:6, and the increase in solubility upon oxidation leads to a global increase in OS c in precipitation with A0:6≤OS c DOC ≤0.
Remembering Art Through the Art of Memory

An experiment was conducted in which the face-name mnemonic was applied to the task of associating 14 artists' names with two styles of their artwork, portraits and thematic paintings. Following st...
Proviral DNA Synthesis in HIV: Background

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) stores its genetic information in the form of RNA. This RNA genome is introduced into the target cell during infection. The virus belongs to the family of retroviruses, as it is able to reverse the normal flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA by copying its RNA genome into DNA using the viral enzyme reverse transcriptase (RT). Each viral particle contains two copies of positive-strand RNA genome enclosed by a core composed of 2,000 copies of the capsid (CA) protein. The RNA genome is tightly bound to nucleocapsid proteins (NC) and other enzymes needed for the early steps of viral infection and is protected by a capsid surrounded by a shell composed of matrix (MA) proteins. The shell is located underneath the virion envelope, a plasma membrane of host-cell origin. During infection, the viral envelope fuses with the cell membrane, releasing the capsid into the cytoplasm. Thereafter, the RNA genome undergoes a multistep process of conversion into DNA within the reverse transcription complex (RTC) (Fig. 2.1). After reverse transcription, the newly synthesized DNA is integrated into the host nuclear genome and permanently linked with their target cells.
The Role of Cardiovascular Nuclear Imaging in Clinical Consultation

The ability of nuclear cardiology techniques to assess myocardial perfusion is vital in the cardiology consultants’ evaluation of patients with suspected or known coronary artery disease. This chapter will begin with a description of the physiologic principles underlying perfusion imaging. With this intellectual framework, the consultant can employ nuclear cardiology techniques to assist in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease, to assess cardiovascular prognosis and risk stratification, and to guide medical and revascularization strategies in the management of coronary artery disease. This chapter concludes with an overview of the performance of nuclear cardiology tests.
LITHIUM COMPLEXES AND THE KINETICS OF INTERACTIONS OF ZINC IONS WITH TETRA(N-METHYL-4-PYRIDYL)PORPHYRINS IN BASIC SOLUTION

The acidity of the free base (H2–P(X)) forms of the tetra- (N-methyl-4–(3 or 2)pyridyl)porphyrins were studied in basic solutions at 25 C, I=0.50. Equilibrium constants for both the H2– P(X)=P(X)2−+2H+ and the Li++ P(X)2−=Li- P(X)− reactions are reported. Log (KS) values for the Mn++P(4)2−=M- P(4)(n−2) reactions are 2.6 for Li+, 17.6 for Cd2+, 17.8 for Pb2+, 19.6 for (OH)2Hg, 25.9 for Zn2+ and 19.6 for the formation of Hg2–P(4)2+. Zn(OH)3− shows similar kinetic reactivity with both H2–P(4) and P(4)2− to form Zn- P(4) and HO-Zn- P(4)−,whileZn(OH)42− is unreactive with either species. For Zn2+, Zn(OH)+ and Zn(OH)3− with H2–P(4) the relative kinetic order for this tetrapositive macrocycle was ca. 1:300:20,000, while the trend Zn(OH)+>Zn2+>Zn(OH)3− is the usual pattern for peripherally negatively charged porphyrins.
Neuraxial Analgesia in the ICU: Epidural and Paravertebral Blocks

The epidural space surrounds the dura and contains fat, lymphatics, blood vessels, connective tissue, and nerve roots (primary site of action for local anesthetics). When compared to the dense motor and sensory blockade of a spinal injection, epidural catheters provide controlled segmental analgesia spanning 2–3 spinal cord levels above and below level of insertion, with minimal motor blockade. Achieving desired sensory blockade level depends on the type, concentration, and volume of local anesthetic solution. Advantages of neuraxial analgesia include (1) minimizing parenteral opioids and their associated complications, (2) decrease rate of nosocomial pneumonia, and (3) shorter duration of mechanical ventilation in patients with rib fractures. Spinal and/or epidural hematoma, as a result of catheter insertion or removal, is a rare but potentially devastating complication in the context of coagulopathy or patients taking anticoagulant medication. Any patient with relative contraindications or complications should receive prompt consultation with an anesthesiologist or a member of the acute pain management team. Epidural catheter placement should only be performed by those with the technical expertise and a substantial amount of experience in the placement of this regional anesthesia technique. Paravertebral blockade has become more prevalent in the ICU, especially for pain associated with unilateral rib fractures, breast surgery, and thoracic surgery. The success rate and analgesic efficacy of paravertebral blocks are similar when compared to thoracic epidural catheter placement. Compared to epidural analgesia, paravertebral blockade is safer to perform and results in less hypotension and urinary retention.
Trauma and Adversity in the Lives of People Experiencing Homelessness

Childhood experiences, both positive and negative, can have a tremendous impact on future violence, victimization and perpetration, and lifelong health and opportunity. As such, early experiences are an important public health issue. Much of the foundational research in this area has examined the prevalence and consequences of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) acknowledge ACEs as preventable and have therefore prioritized improving outcomes across the nation. Experiencing accumulated early-in-life adversities may lead to health-risk behaviors, such as substance abuse, and later-in-life health and social problems, including homelessness. Many social service agencies as well as the community at large are not thoroughly informed about these issues, often not recognizing when an individual has a history of trauma, which can then leave these concerns unaddressed. This chapter outlines trauma research with a focus on ACEs and homelessness and overviews Restorative Integral Support (RIS), an inclusive model for addressing ACEs and trauma by building resilience in programs and communities.
/sup 22/Na production cross sections from the /sup 19/F(. cap alpha. ,n) reaction

The thick-target neutron yield from the /sup 19/F(..cap alpha..,n) reaction has been measured in 0.25-MeV steps over the energy range 3.5 less than or equal to E/sub ..cap alpha../ less than or equal to 10.0 MeV. From these measurements, /sup 22/Na production cross sections have been deduced. These cross sections are compared with the results of a Hauser-Feshbach calculation and with the results of previous experimental investigations. 10 references.
Maximizing Deep Lung Deposition in Healthy and Fibrotic Subjects During Jet Nebulization

Background: In volunteers with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), inhaled Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) is safe and may improve pulmonary function. However, coughing, associated with upper airway deposition, is often reported. To address this problem, a small-particle, breath-enhanced jet nebulizer (i-NEB Mini; InspiRx, Inc., Somerset, NJ) was developed. Using gamma scintigraphy, this device was tested in healthy individuals and subjects with IPF to determine efficiency and regional deposition in lung and airways. Methods: Four healthy individuals and nine subjects with IPF were enrolled. The nebulizer was filled with 2 mL of saline with 99m Tc bound to diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) powered continuously with 3.4 L/min of compressed air. Mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) was measured by cascade impactor. To maximize deposition in alveoli, inspiratory flow was limited by an inspiratory resistance incorporated into the nebulizer, resulting in a deep inspiration ∼6 seconds. The treatment was run to completion (10 minutes), and each subject underwent deposition imaging. Mass balance and regions of interest determined upper airway (measured by calibrated stomach activity) and regional lung deposition as a percent of pretreatment nebulizer charge. Results: Subjects tolerated the device with no complaints. MMAD (mean [geometric standard deviation]) = 1.04 [1.92] μm. Lung deposition (mean ± standard error, % nebulizer charge) in healthy subjects was 26.2% ± 1.83 and in IPF individuals 23.4% ± 1.60 (p = 0.414). Upper airway deposition was 1.4% ± 0.83 and 2.3% ± 0.48, respectively (p = 0.351), and 20.1% was lost during expiration. Central/Peripheral ratios were consistent in both groups, showing high peripheral deposition (1.32 ± 0.050, vs. 1.28 ± 0.046, p = 0.912). Conclusion: The i-NEB Mini jet nebulizer with breath enhancement produced small particles, resulting in minimal upper airway deposition. Using slow and deep breathing, more than half of the emitted dose deposited in the peripheral lung in normal subjects and individuals with IPF. These data indicate that, for future clinical trials, controlled lung doses of small particles, designed to avoid coughing, are possible even in subjects with advanced disease.
Hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell carcinoma syndrome-associated renal cell carcinoma: Morphological appraisal with a comprehensive review of differential diagnoses

Hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell carcinoma (HLRCC) is an autosomal dominant syndrome wherein affected individuals are at risk for the development of cutaneous leiomyomas, early-onset multiple uterine leiomyomas, and an aggressive subtype of renal cell cancer. HLRCC is caused by germline mutations in the fumarate hydratase (FH) gene, which inactivates the enzyme and alters the function of the tricarboxylic acid/Krebs cycle. This article reviews the hitherto described morphologic features of HLRCC-associated renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and outlines the differential diagnosis and ancillary use of immunohistochemistry and molecular diagnostics for these tumors. The morphologic spectrum of HLRCC-associated RCC is wide and histologic features, including tumor cells with prominent nucleoli, perinucleolar halos, and multiple architectural patterns within the same tumor, which are suggestive of this diagnosis. FH immunohistochemistry in conjunction with genetic counseling and germline FH testing are the important parameters for detection of this entity. These kidney tumors warrant prompt treatment as even smaller sized lesions can demonstrate aggressive behavior and systemic oncologic treatment in metastatic disease should, if possible, be part of a clinical trial. Screening procedures in HLRCC families should preferably be evaluated in large cohorts.
Long-term PERG monitoring of untreated and treated glaucoma suspects

To investigate long-term structural and functional progression of untreated and treated glaucoma suspects (UGS and TGS). Retrospective analysis of serial steady-state pattern electroretinogram (PERG), mean retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT), and standard automated perimetry mean deviation (SAP-MD) in UGS (N = 20) and TGS (N = 18). Outcome measures were the rates of change (linear regression slopes) of PERG amplitude, PERG phase, mean RNFLT, and SAP-MD over 9.8 ± 1.3 years (15.6 ± 4.2 visits). The number of patients with significant (P < 0.05) progression slopes for PERG amplitude, PERG phase, RNFLT, and SAP-MD was, respectively, UGS: 5, 0, 4, 2; TGS: 8, 2, 6, 5. In UGS, outcome measures were not correlated with each other. In TGS, both PERG amplitude and RNFLT were significantly (P < 0.05) correlated with SAP-MD (R ≥ 0.58), while PERG amplitude and RNFLT were not correlated with each other (R = 0.43, P = 0.064). The rate of change of SAP-MD was predicted (P < 0.05) by a linear combination of RNFLT slope and PERG amplitude slope. Results substantiate and extend previous results showing that steady-state PERG amplitude progressively decreased over time in a proportion of glaucoma suspects, with relatively steeper slope in TGS compared to UGS. RNFLT progression also had a steeper slope in TGS compared to UGS; however, progressions of PERG amplitude and RNFLT were not significantly correlated. Both PERG progression and RNFLT progression independently contribute to prediction of visual field progression.
Designing bioinspired brick-and-mortar composites using machine learning and statistical learning

The brick-and-mortar structure inspired by nature, such as in nacre, is considered one of the most optimal designs for structural composites. Given the large number of design possibilities, extensive computational work is required to guide their manufacturing. Here, we propose a computational framework that combines statistical analysis and machine learning with finite element analysis to establish structure–property design strategies for brick-and-mortar composites. Approximately 20,000 models with different geometrical designs were categorized into good and bad based on their failure modes, with statistical analysis of the results used to find the importance of each feature. Aspect ratio of the bricks and horizontal mortar thickness were identified as the main influencing features. A decision tree machine learning model was then established to draw the boundaries of good design space. This approach might be used for the design of brick-and-mortar composites with improved mechanical properties. Brick-and-mortar composite structures found in nature are known for their superior mechanical performance. Here, computational approaches are used to understand the key design features that control mechanical behavior, providing guidance for the design of improved composites.
A Data-Driven Nonparametric Approach for Probabilistic Load-Margin Assessment Considering Wind Power Penetration

A modern power system is characterized by an increasing penetration of wind power, which results in large uncertainties in its states. These uncertainties must be quantified properly; otherwise, the system security may be threatened. Facing this challenge, we propose a cost-effective, data-driven approach to assessing a power system's load margin probabilistically. Using actual wind data, a kernel density estimator is applied to infer the nonparametric wind speed distributions, which are further merged into the framework of a vine copula. The latter enables us to simulate complex multivariate and highly dependent model inputs with a variety of bivariate copulae that precisely represent the tail dependence in the correlated samples. Furthermore, to reduce the prohibitive computational time of traditional Monte-Carlo simulations that process a large amount of samples, we propose to use a nonparametric, Gaussian-process-emulator-based reduced-order model to replace the original complicated continuation power-flow model through a Bayesian-learning framework. To accelerate the convergence rate of this Bayesian algorithm, a truncated polynomial chaos surrogate, which serves as a highly efficient, parametric Bayesian prior, is developed. This emulator allows us to execute the time-consuming continuation power-flow solver at the sampled values with a negligible computational cost. Results of simulations that are performed on several test systems reveal the impressive performance of the proposed method in the probabilistic load-margin assessment.
Root secondary growth: an unexplored component of soil resource acquisition

Background and aims Despite recent progress in elucidating the molecular basis of secondary growth (cambial growth), the functional implications of this developmental process remain poorly understood. Targeted studies exploring how abiotic and biotic factors affect this process, as well as the relevance of secondary growth to fitness of annual dicotyledonous crop species under stress, are almost entirely absent from the literature. Specifically, the physiological role of secondary growth in roots has been completely neglected yet entails a unique array of implications for plant performance that are distinct from secondary growth in shoot tissue. Scope Since roots are directly responsible for soil resource capture, understanding of the fitness landscape of root phenotypes is important in both basic and applied plant biology. Interactions between root secondary growth, edaphic conditions and soil resource acquisition may have significant effects on plant fitness. Our intention here is not to provide a comprehensive review of a sparse and disparate literature, but rather to highlight knowledge gaps, propose hypotheses and identify opportunities for novel and agriculturally relevant research pertaining to secondary growth of roots. This viewpoint: (1) summarizes evidence from our own studies and other published work; (2) proposes hypotheses regarding the fitness landscape of secondary growth of roots in annual dicotyledonous species for abiotic and biotic stress; and (3) highlights the importance of directing research efforts to this topic within an agricultural context. Conclusions Secondary growth of the roots of annual dicots has functional significance with regards to soil resource acquisition and transport, interactions with soil organisms and carbon sequestration. Research on these topics would contribute significantly toward understanding the agronomic value of secondary growth of roots for crop improvement.
Anglo-European intelligence cooperation

This book aims to explain the practices of intelligence cooperation in anti-terrorism matters at the level of the European Union, and, consequently, examining the relationship between Britain and t...
Overcoming Si_3N_4 film stress limitations for high quality factor ring resonators

Silicon nitride (Si3N4) ring resonators are critical for a variety of photonic devices. However the intrinsically high film stress of silicon nitride has limited both the optical confinement and quality factor (Q) of ring resonators. We show that stress in Si3N4 films can be overcome by introducing mechanical trenches for isolating photonic devices from propagating cracks. We demonstrate a Si3N4 ring resonator with an intrinsic quality factor of 7 million, corresponding to a propagation loss of 4.2 dB/m. This is the highest quality factor reported to date for high confinement Si3N4 ring resonators in the 1550 nm wavelength range.
Clinically Diagnosed Iron and Iodine Deficiencies and Disorders in the Entire Population of United States Military Service Members from 1997-2015.

Objective: Iron and/or iodine deficiencies can have multiple serious adverse health outcomes, but examination of incidence rates of these deficiencies has rarely been conducted in any large population. This study examined incidence rates, temporal trends and demographic factors associated with medically diagnosed iron and iodine deficiencies/disorders in US military service members (SM). Design: The Defense Medical Epidemiological Database (DMED) was queried for medical visits of active duty SM to obtain specific International Classification of Diseases, Version 9, codes involving clinically diagnosed iron and iodine deficiencies/disorders. Setting: Analysis of existing database (DMED). Participants: Entire population of US military SM from 1997 to 2015 (average n per year = 1 382 266, 15 % women). Results: Overall incidence rates for iron and iodine were 104 and 36 cases/100 000 person-years, respectively. Over the 19-year period, rates for iron disorders increased steadily (108 % for men, 177 % for women). Rates for iodine disorders also increased steadily for men (91 %), but, for women, there was an initial rise followed by a later decline. Overall, women’s rates were 12 and 10 times higher than men’s for iron and iodine, respectively. Compared with whites, blacks and those of other races had higher rates of deficiencies of both minerals. Incidence rates for iodine deficiency increased substantially with age. Conclusions: The overall incidence of clinically diagnosed iron and iodine deficiency among SM was low, but increased over the 19 years examined, and certain demographic groups were at significantly greater risk. Given the unexpected increases in incidence of these mineral disorders, increased surveillance may be appropriate. Clinical Trial Registration No. ISRCTN58987177 (http//:www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN58987177)
The Future of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease Prevention and Treatment

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of respiratory tract infections in infants, young children, and older or immunocompromised adults. Although aerosolized ribavirin was licensed for RSV treatment on the basis of data demonstrating a reduced need for supplemental oxygen, ribavirin use is limited because of issues with efficacy, safety, and cost. Currently, the treatment of RSV is primarily supportive. New antiviral treatments for RSV are in the early stages of development, but it will be years until any of these may be licensed by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Palivizumab, an RSV monoclonal antibody [immunoprophylaxis (IP)], has demonstrated effectiveness in disease prevention and is the only licensed IP for RSV disease in specific high-risk pediatric populations. Although its efficacy is well established, some challenges that may interfere with its clinical use include cost, need for monthly injections, and changing policy for use by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Preventing RSV disease would be possible through RSV vaccine development (e.g., live-attenuated, vector-based subunit, or particle-based). Alternatively, new long-acting monoclonal antibodies have demonstrated promising results in early clinical trials. Despite scientific advances, until new agents become available, palivizumab should continue to be used to reduce RSV disease burden in high-risk patients for whom it is indicated.
Colorado Modification for Complete Bovine Fetotomy

At the University of Utrecht, the Netherlands, an effective technique has been developed for complete bovine fetotomy.1 With many cows in dystocia, not all of the cuts involved in the Utrecht fetotomy are necessary. In addition, the placement of the wire over previously cut surfaces is difficult. Thus, modifications of the Utrecht method of fetotomy were made in an effort to reduce fetal size with fewer cuts and to improve the ease of wire placement. In addition, delivery is usually easier if a means is created for gas to escape from the cavities of the emphysematous fetus.
Heart Transplantation in Dextrocardia-Heterotaxy Syndrome

Purpose Heart transplantation in infants with dextrocardia-heterotaxy syndrome (HS) presents significant surgical challenges. There is limited data on surgical strategies to accomplish heart transplantation in these children. We report surgical strategy and outcomes of 5 patients with HS who underwent orthotopic heart transplant (HT). Methods Heart transplantation in children with HS between 2017-2020 in a tertiary care children's hospital were reviewed. Perioperative characteristics and post-operative outcomes of these 5 patients were obtained. All patients underwent pre-transplant volumetric analysis with chest computerized tomography scan to predict maximum donor size and orthotopic HT with the donor heart placed in a levoposition. Furthermore, recipient systemic veins were routed to the donor heart using extra-cardiac conduits and baffle techniques. Outcomes were compared with 10 size-matched HT patients who had no HS. Results For HS patients the median age at HT was 439 days (IQR:89-716), median weight was 8.4 kg (IQR: 4.1-10.8). For HS pts; waitlist time was 43 vs 38 days (p=0.68), median pulmonary artery pressure was 24 vs 20 mmHg (p=0.5), transpulmonary gradient was 13 vs 8 mmHg (p=0.68). There was no significant difference between groups relative to cardiopulmonary by-pass time (230 vs 163 min, p=0.13), graft ischemic time (196 vs 218 min, p=0.08), and mechanical ventilation time after HT (3.3 days vs 1.08 days, p=0.14). The length of hospital stay was longer for HS patients compared to the control group (99 vs 50 days, p=0.04). At almost one year of post-transplantation follow-up, no patient had rejection or required hospitalization for any infectious etiology in HS group. One patient required cardiac catheterization intervention of the extra-cardiac conduit between superior vena cava and right atrium. To date; all patients in HS are still alive except for one patient who died 8 months post-transplantation. Conclusion HT in infants is feasible with comparable one-year outcomes as other infants undergoing HT. Detailed preoperative planning using computed tomography volumetric analysis to define appropriate donor size and use of extra-cardiac systemic venous conduits facilitates successful HT in small infants with HS.
Imaging Spectroscopy for Conservation Applications

As humans continue to alter Earth systems, conservationists look to remote sensing to monitor, inventory, and understand ecosystems and ecosystem processes at large spatial scales. Multispectral remote sensing data are commonly integrated into conservation decision-making frameworks, yet imaging spectroscopy, or hyperspectral remote sensing, is underutilized in conservation. The high spectral resolution of imaging spectrometers captures the chemistry of Earth surfaces, whereas multispectral satellites indirectly represent such surfaces through band ratios. Here, we present case studies wherein imaging spectroscopy was used to inform and improve conservation decision-making and discuss potential future applications. These case studies include a broad array of conservation areas, including forest, dryland, and marine ecosystems, as well as urban applications and methane monitoring. Imaging spectroscopy technology is rapidly developing, especially with regard to satellite-based spectrometers. Improving on and expanding existing applications of imaging spectroscopy to conservation, developing imaging spectroscopy data products for use by other researchers and decision-makers, and pioneering novel uses of imaging spectroscopy will greatly expand the toolset for conservation decision-makers.
Microgravity metal processing: from undercooled liquids to bulk metallic glasses

Bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) are a novel class of metal alloys that are poised for widespread commercialization. Over 30 years of NASA and ESA (as well as other space agency) funding for both ground-based and microgravity experiments has resulted in fundamental science data that have enabled commercial production. This review focuses on the history of microgravity BMG research, which includes experiments on the space shuttle, the ISS, ground-based experiments, commercial fabrication and currently funded efforts.
The Inverse Scattering Problem

The problem is to find the shape of the obstacle and the boundary condition on its surface Г from the scattering data. The surface Г may consist of several connected closed components.
Disorders of the Metabolism of Amino Acids and Related Compounds

The clinical manifestations of amino acid and organic acid metabolic disorders vary from few or no symptoms to serious and fatal diseases. Many of these disorders affect the nervous system, and mental retardation is a major finding. Others are associated with acute metabolic crisis. Simple diagnostic tests and effective treatment are available for many of these disorders and early intervention may prevent some of the clinical symptoms. The opportunities for prenatal diagnosis continue to increase in parallel with technological refinements (see Table I). Several recent books offer extensive reviews (Schulman and Simpson, 1981; Stanbury et al, 1983; V. C. Kelley et al., 1984; Nyhan, 1984).
Two lectures on phase mixing: Nucleation and symmetry restoration

The dynamics of phase transitions plays a crucial role in the so-called interface between high energy particle physics and cosmology. Many of the interesting results generated during the last fifteen years or so rely on simplified assumptions concerning the complex mechanisms typical of nonequilibrium field theories. After reviewing well-known results concerning the dynamics of first and second order phase transitions, I argue that much is yet to be understood, in particular in situations where homogeneous nucleation theory does not apply. I present a method to deal with departures from homogeneous nucleation, and compare its efficacy with numerical simulations. Finally, I discuss the interesting problem of matching numerical simulations of stochastic field theories with continuum models.
Performance of IP address fragmentation strategies for DDoS traceback

Distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks are among the most difficult and damaging security problems that the Internet currently faces. The component problems for an end-system that is the victim of a DDoS attack are: determining which incoming packets are part of the attack (intrusion detection); tracing back to find the origins of the attack (i.e., "traceback"); taking action to mitigate or stop the attack at the source by configuring firewalls or taking some kind of punitive measures. The preferable solution to these problems operates in real time so that a DDoS attack can be mitigated before the victim is seriously harmed. The paper focuses on the technique of packet marking/overloading for automated DDoS traceback which is a complex problem simply because attackers can use spoof source IP addresses in their attacking packets. A new packet marking strategy is proposed and is shown to yield better results in terms of complexity and performance.
Lenalidomide Polarizes Th1-specific Anti-tumor Immune Response and Expands XBP1 Antigen-Specific Central Memory CD3+CD8+ T cells against Various Solid Tumors

Introduction: Effective combination immunotherapeutic strategies may be required to enhance effector cells? anti-tumor activities and improve clinical outcomes. Methods: XBP1 antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (XBP1-CTL) generated using immunogenic heteroclitic XBP1 US184-192 (YISPWILAV) and XBP1 SP367-375 (YLFPQLISV) peptides or various solid tumor cells overexpressing XBP1 target antigen were evaluated, either alone or in combination with lenalidomide, for phenotype and immune functional activity. Results: Lenalidomide treatment of XBP1-CTL increased the proportion of CD45RO+ memory CD3+CD8+ T cells, but not the total CD3+CD8+ T cells. Lenalidomide upregulated critical T cell activation markers and costimulatory molecules (CD28, CD38, CD40L, CD69, ICOS), especially within the central memory CTL subset of XBP1-CTL, while decreasing TCRαβ and T cell checkpoint blockade (CTLA-4, PD-1). Lenalidomide increased the anti-tumor activities of XBP1-CTL memory subsets, which were associated with expression of Th1 transcriptional regulators (T-bet, Eomes) and Akt activation, thereby resulting in enhanced IFN-γ production, granzyme B upregulation and specific CD28/CD38-positive and CTLA-4/PD-1-negative cell proliferation. Conclusions: These studies suggest the potential benefit of lenalidomide treatment to boost anti-tumor activities of XBP1-specific CTL against a variety of solid tumors and enhance response to an XBP1-directing cancer vaccine regime.
Chemokines: not just leukocyte chemoattractants in the promotion of cancer.

For years chemokines have primarily been thought of as instigators of leukocyte trafficking in the immune system. Fresh data forces their role in cancer to be revisited and greatly broadened.
Algorithm for Matrix Bandwidth Reduction

A method for reducing the bandwidth of matrices is presented. The method was developed for symmetric matrices, but it is also applicable for asymmetric matrices. A detailed flowchart for the algorithm is included. Numerical results obtained by applying this method, as well as several other previously published methods, 10 examples, are tabulated. While no mathematical proof of convergence is attempted, the numerical results indicate that, in general, the method does converge.
Core technological competence and growth strategies of corporations

Summary form only as given. The ability of a manufacturing enterprise to gain competitive advantage is a function of its technological core competence. This paper examines the process used by large corporations to build technological competence by establishing "a multitude of new co-productive relationships in the form of alliances, joint ventures, outsourced subcontracting, etc." A resource based view of technological competence is developed. The problems of integrating discrete technological competence are studied in the context of the acquisition of NCR by AT&T and Lotus Development Corporation by IBM.