cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nyström methods and singular second-order differential equations

Chawla, Jain and Subramanian studied the application of Nystrom methods to a class of singular initial value problems. Following their approach, we generalize this class by applying the Nystrom method to the initial value problem for an equation of the form y^''+p(t)y^'+q(t,y(t))=0,[email protected]?(0,1] where p has a certain specified type of singularity and q is sufficiently differentiable, and then we determine the order of convergence. This is followed by computational evidence.
Interrelationship of Dietary Silver with Copper in the Chick

Adding 900 p.p.m. silver (as silver nitrate) to a practical diet for chicks significantly depressed growth, increased wet and dry heart weight to body weight ratios and markedly increased mortality during a four-week experimental period. Blood packed cell volume was not affected. Supplementing the diet containing silver with 50 p.p.m. copper prevented cardiac enlargement and mortality, but only partially corrected the growth depression. Glycogen content of the heart was not affected, but aortic elastin content was significantly reduced by silver and restored to normal by supplemental copper. Dietary silver significantly reduced the copper content of blood, spleen, brain, liver, but except for the brain, the level of copper in these tissues was restored to normal by dietary copper supplementation. No significant differences in copper content of kidney tissue were observed among the treatments. Copper content of the excreta was not significantly increased by adding dietary silver, but was greatly increased by adding 50 p.p.m. copper to the diet containing silver. 9 references, 4 tables.
Genomics of Immune Diseases and New Therapies

Genomic DNA sequencing technologies have been one of the great advances of the 21st century, having decreased in cost by seven orders of magnitude and opening up new fields of investigation throughout research and clinical medicine. Genomics coupled with biochemical investigation has allowed the molecular definition of a growing number of new genetic diseases that reveal new concepts of immune regulation. Also, defining the genetic pathogenesis of these diseases has led to improved diagnosis, prognosis, genetic counseling, and, most importantly, new therapies. We highlight the investigational journey from patient phenotype to treatment using the newly defined XMEN disease, caused by the genetic loss of the MAGT1 magnesium transporter, as an example. This disease illustrates how genomics yields new fundamental immunoregulatory insights as well as how research genomics is integrated into clinical immunology. At the end, we discuss two other recently described diseases, CHAI/LATAIE (CTLA-4 deficiency) and PASLI (PI3K dysregulation), as additional examples of the journey from unknown immunological diseases to new precision medicine treatments using genomics.
Optimal Filum Terminale Thickness Cutoff Value on Sonography for Lipoma Screening in Young Children.

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to evaluate the normal thickness of the filum terminale on sonography and suggest an optimal cutoff value for filum terminale lipoma screening in young children. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed lumbosacral sonograms and magnetic resonance images from children younger than 36 months that were obtained between January 2013 and June 2014. The filum terminale thickness on sonography and the presence of fat in the filum terminale on magnetic resonance imaging were evaluated. RESULTS From 111 children (mean age ± SD, 3.6 ± 3.0 months), 49 did not have abnormal lesions (normal group), and 62 had fat infiltration in the filum terminale (lipoma group). The filum terminale was thicker in the lipoma group than the normal group (1.5 ± 0.5 versus 0.9 ± 0.2 mm; P < .001). Filum terminale thickness also showed significance in a multivariable analysis with sex and age (odds ratio per 0.1-mm unit, 2.754; P < .001) and in propensity score matching for age (P < .001). The optimal cutoff value for filum terminale lipoma screening was 1.1 mm, with 94% sensitivity and 86% specificity. CONCLUSIONS The conventional cutoff value of 2 mm for a thickened filum terminale on sonography can be too thick. We suggest an optimal cutoff value of 1.1 mm for lipoma screening in young children.
Sweet beginning for cancer stem cells

The concept of “oncofetal antigens” (i.e., biomarkers that are expressed both on normal developing fetal tissue and on human cancer cells) was proposed in the 1960s, before we knew very much about cancer cell heterogeneity or had even conceptualized the cancer stem cell. It is now clear that tumors are indeed composed of very different, genetically distinct subpopulations of cancer cells and that a tiny fraction of those cells, the cancer stem cells, are endowed with the ability to self-renew and to persist and thus can establish new tumors. In PNAS, Cheung et al. (1) identify a specific glycolipid antigen, stage-specific embryonic antigen-3 (SSEA-3), that is preferentially expressed on a small fraction of cultured breast cancer cells that fulfill the definition of cancer stem cells. Importantly, this paper also identifies a single gene product, the β-1,3-galactosyltransferase 5 (β3GalT5) enzyme, that creates a critical domain of this glycolipid antigen (see figure S3 in ref. 1 for the glycolipid structures and the enzymes that create them). Thus, this work demonstrates that this oncofetal antigen is not merely a marker of breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) but is also critical for survival of these cells.
Forfeiture-by-Wrongdoing and Faretta: Reaffirming Counsel's Vital Role When Defendants Manipulate the Sixth Amendment Representation Rights

Both the right to self-representation and the right to representation by counsel are fundamental rights secured by the same Sixth Amendment text, and the consequence for preventing a defendant from freely exercising either right is automatic reversal of conviction. Most defendants proceed to trial having clearly elected either competing right, thereby thwarting the danger of automatic reversal. Certain manipulative defendants, however, will pit these rights against each other by deliberately failing to elect either one, placing trial courts in precarious positions with reversible error on the line. When a defendant fails to choose either of his Sixth Amendment rights, a choice must be made for the defendant if trial is to be conducted in a timely manner. Unfortunately, there is no uniform solution to this issue, and courts have responded to this manipulative conduct by sometimes imposing representation by counsel while other times imposing self-representation, despite no real distinction in facts, and often on the eve of trial. Such inconsistency has left the law muddled and confused, and has only heightened the danger of automatic reversal on appeal. To bring uniformity to this area and prevent defendants from manipulating courts, this article proposes the routine use of counsel for the obstructionist defendant who fails to make the requisite Sixth Amendment election. The solution proposed in this article is simple. Rather than being forced to participate in the defendant’s game all the way through the start of trial, where only then can a court be assured that any request for self-representation may properly be denied as untimely, a court faced with an unruly defendant should instead be permitted to make a factual finding that the defendant is refusing to make a clear choice between the right to counsel and the right to self-representation. Such a finding could be made at any point before trial, and, once made, would give the court sole discretion to make the Sixth Amendment election for the defendant, thereby precluding further manipulation. By requiring one clear path for the obstructionist defendant, this article’s proposal will better effectuate the Sixth Amendment’s fair trial guarantee by ensuring adequate representation for all defendants, will facilitate the prompt administration of justice, and will provide courts with a clear and easy-to-administer solution to this issue.
STENOCEPHALOPSIS, NOT STENOCEPHALUM AS THE GENUS FOR RHINOTRICHUM SUBALUTACEUM

In a previous paper we proposed the name Stenocephalum to accommodate Rhinotrichum subalutaceum Peck (Chamuris and Wang, 1990). Unfortunately the genus name was unavailable, having been used for a genus of flowering plants (Asteraceae). We still believe that R. subalutaceum is not congeneric with Basifimbria succinea (Massee & E.S. Salmon) Seifert & W.B. Kendr. A new generic name is therefore needed.
Epidemiological analysis of an outbreak of bacillary dysentery

Objective This analysis was made to investigate the epidemiological characteristics and the transmission routes of the bacillary dysentery outbreak in order to control the epidemic.Methods Field epidemiological investigation was conducted to collect samples and culture the isolates.Results During the 32-days outbreak,a total of 121 cases occurred with the attack rate of 3.66%.With several sub-peaks of incidence at the interval of 1-3 days,the incidence peaked at 10th day after the first case.Cases below 15 years of age accounted for 47.93% of the total case.Family clustering was found.Shigella flexneri 2a was detected from 15 stool samples and 1 fly sample.Conclusion The outbreak was confirmed to be caused by Shigella flexneri 2a and transmitted through casual contact.
Enhancing student learning with governmental accounting jeopardy

The Bedford Committee (1986) and the Accounting Education Change Commission (AECC, 1990) have strongly supported, along with practicing accountants, the use of innovative teaching techniques. Innovations involve active student participation and focus on development of critical thinking, communication, and technology skills. This paper extends prior research and describes how spreadsheet software is used to develop Jeopardy! boards to teach governmental accounting and enhance non-technical skills. Student survey results demonstrate support for use of a computer-based Jeopardy! game as a learning tool and a vehicle to self-assess learning. Written communication and teamwork skills are emphasized as students develop content in groups.
Effect of lactate and H + on structure and function of rat intestine

Segments of rat ileum and colon were infusedin vivo to test if 0.1 M lactate, 10−4 M H+ or both altered mucosal structure and function. In the first series of experiments, lactate concentration was kept at 0.1 M while H+ was varied from 10−4 to 10−7 M. Lactate and 10−4 M H+ in the colon, and lactate and 10−5 M H+ in the ileum depressed net water transport and caused sloughing of superficial absorptive cells. In the second series of experiments, H+ concentration was kept at 10−4 by using carboxymethylcellulose, rather than organic acids, to buffer the infusion mixture; the concentration of lactate was varied from 0 to 0.1 M. Mucosa remained normal after infusions of 10−4 M H+ alone. Addition to the 10−4 M H+ infusion of 0.1 M, lactate in the colon or 0.075 M lactate in the ileum caused increased mucosal sloughing. Thus lactate plus H+ (or unionized lactic acid) alters colonic and ileal mucosa. Because such high concentrations of lactate and H+ are found in subjects malabsorbing carbohydrates, the present experiments support the contention that H+ and organic acids are etiological factors in some cases of chronic fermentative diarrhea.
Dissolved Chemical Discharge from Fractured Clay Aquitards Contaminated by DNAPLS

Dense nonaqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) chemicals such as chlorinated solvents are often released into environments that include fractured porous media. As the DNAPL penetrates fractures, a fairly rapid diffusion of the chemical into the porous matrix can occur, caused by the steep concentration gradients. If the source of DNAPL to the fractures is stopped, this process results in the disappearance of the DNAPL. This diffusive contamination of the porous matrix can lead to long-term sources of groundwater contamination that are difficult to remediate. Two-dimensional numerical simulations of this process, using a discrete fracture model with a finely discretized porous clay matrix, illustrate the dynamics of this process. In the absence of any chemical decay in the clay matrix, the process of fracture flushing may take hundreds to thousands of years to reduce the matrix contaminant concentrations, depending on the fracture aperture. However, if even a moderate amount of chemical decay occurs in the clay matrix, these time scales are reduced to tens or hundreds of years. Based on a global mass balance of the fractured clay, a simple analytical function is shown to approximately reproduce the time-dependent fracture discharge to an underlying aquifer. This analytical source function is then used as the boundary condition in a reactive advection-dispersion model of an underlying porous aquifer. The degree to which fractured porous media can serve as a contaminant source to an aquifer depends on both the fracture flow rate and fracture contaminant concentrations. Small fractures (<30 μm aperture) appear to be less likely to result in large groundwater plumes in nearby aquifers, but larger fractures (∼100 μm) in contaminated clay aquitards can produce large groundwater plumes that persist for decades or more.
Cache increases the capacity of wireless networks

Caching in wireless ad hoc networks can reduce network traffic and content access delay, as nodes can retrieve contents from near neighbors rather than the faraway server. However, the fundamental performance limits of caching in wireless ad hoc networks have rarely been studied in an analytical manner. In this paper, we study the fundamental property of wireless networks with caching, i.e., the scaling laws of the network capacity based on cache size of individual node, the total size of unique content and the number of nodes in the network. We present an upper bound on network capacity, and present an achievable capacity lower bound, where we propose a caching scheme to show what capacity can actually be achievable. Our results suggest that the capacity of wireless ad hoc networks with caching can remain constant even as the number of nodes in the network increases. We also present numerical results and demonstrate that our results are consistent with existing analytical results under extreme conditions where the node communication scenario matches theirs.
HIV/STI risks in Latino day laborers in central Texas: a mixed-method study

Background: Latinos in the USA have been disproportionally affected by HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) epidemics and the prevalence of heterosexual transmission of HIV among this population is increasing. Latino day laborers (workers who seek jobs at day labor sites) are especially vulnerable to these risks due to their immigration status, poverty, and social isolation. While day laborers remain marginalized and vulnerable, studies on their HIV-related risks are limited. Methods: A total of 40 male day laborers were recruited from a day labor site in a semi-rural area in central Texas. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in Spanish by male interviewers and subsequently transcribed and translated. Results: Most day laborers were from Mexico, and ranged in age from 21 to 51 (mean = 43, SD = 11.5); about three-quarters of them were undocumented. More than 80% of the men were married, 65.8% of men were married but their wives were in their country of origin. Many participants had short-term...
Systematic Mapping of RNA-Chromatin Interactions In Vivo

Summary RNA molecules can attach to chromatin. It remains difficult to know what RNAs are associated with chromatin and where the genomic target loci of these RNAs are. Here, we present MARGI (mapping RNA-genome interactions), a technology to massively reveal native RNA-chromatin interactions from unperturbed cells. The gist of this technology is to ligate chromatin-associated RNAs (caRNAs) with their target genomic sequences by proximity ligation, forming RNA-DNA chimeric sequences, which are converted to a sequencing library for paired-end sequencing. Using MARGI, we produced RNA-genome interaction maps for human embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells. MARGI revealed hundreds of caRNAs, including previously known XIST , SNHG1 , NEAT1 , and MALAT1 , as well as each caRNA's genomic interaction loci. Using a cross-species experiment, we estimated that approximately 2.2% of MARGI-identified interactions were false positives. In ESCs and HEK cells, the RNA ends of more than 5% of MARGI read pairs were mapped to distal or inter-chromosomal locations as compared to the locations of their corresponding DNA ends. The majority of transcription start sites are associated with distal or inter-chromosomal caRNAs. Chromatin-immunoprecipitation-sequencing (ChIP-seq)-reported H3K27ac and H3K4me3 levels are positively correlated, while H3K9me3 is negatively correlated, with MARGI-reported RNA attachment levels. The MARGI technology should facilitate revealing novel RNA functions and their genomic target regions.
The Five Horsemen of the Modern World: Climate, Food, Water, Disease, and Obesity

In The Five Horsemen of the Modern World, Daniel Callahan addresses five apocalyptic trends—climate change and its wide-reaching effects, food scarcity and security, water quality and conservation,...
Beyond Darwin: The Potential of Recent Eco-Evolutionary Research for Organizational and Information Systems Studies

Theoretical studies that actually propose to use evolutionary paradigms in organizational/management studies are quite rare, as well as field studies explicitly adopting them. Moreover, these rare writings tend to refer to classical, “Darwin+Mendel+DNA” thought, surprisingly overlooking the last decades’ advancements in evolutionary research, although these recent studies are progressively explaining complex phenomena, which Darwin’s model did not encompass. This paper identifies three streams within recent evolutionary research, whose adoption may result in useful innovation for management, organizational and information system research. These streams of studies present evolutionary, ecological and social processes in an integrated fashion, providing strong frameworks to understand learning processes, procedure creation, flexibility, decision making, networks evolution, cooperation, and the role of relationships, moods and nonrational triggers in change processes. This paper suggests that deeper insights into these factors not only would let us better understand how organizations evolve, but would also give us hints for building organizations which are more compatible with human nature.
A Very Brief Introduction to Quantum Computing and Quantum Information Theory for Mathematicians

This is a very brief introduction to quantum computing and quantum information theory, primarily aimed at geometers. Beyond basic definitions and examples, I emphasize aspects of interest to geometers, especially connections with asymptotic representation theory. Proofs can be found in standard references such as Kitaev et al. (Classical and quantum computation, vol. 47. American Mathematical Society, Providence, 2002) and Nielson and Chuang (Quantum computation and quantum information. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2000) as well as Landsberg (Quantum computation and information: Notes for fall 2017 TAMU class, 2017).
Sonic hedgehog promotes tumor growth, metastasis and desmoplasia in pancreatic cancer

5366 Sonic hedgehog (Shh) is tightly regulated throughout development, with expression restricted to patterns within specific organs of a developing embryo. Aberrant expression of Shh is associated with the development and progression of pancreatic cancer. A current model posits that pancreatic cancer results from an accumulation of genetic and epigenetic events including mutations that activate Kras and p21, followed by decreased expression and/or mutations of tumor suppressor genes including p53 and p16INK4A. We investigated the role of interactions between these pathways and Shh during the stepwise transformation of primary pancreatic epithelial cells. A normal pancreatic epithelial cell line was immortalized by stable expression of recombinant human telomerase, hTert-HPNE, and several sub-lines were established that contain additional genetic insults in pathways that lead to pancreatic cancer progression. One sub-line expresses mutant K-ras, another the human papillomavirus E6/E7 proteins, a third line has mutant K-ras and E6/E7 in combination, and a fourth cell line expresses K-ras, E6/E7 and the SV40 small T antigen (transformed HPNE). We transduced a retroviral vector into all of these cell lines that causes overexpression of Shh. Shh expression in vivo significantly decreased the time-to-tumor-progression of the transformed HPNE cell line. In an orthotopic model of tumor challenge, Shh increased tumor size and incidence of metastasis to the spleen, peritoneum and liver. Primary tumors expressing Shh displayed increased desmoplasia, and showed significant infiltration of myofibroblasts as evidenced by analysis of cellular morphology and IHC staining of tumor sections for both vimentin and α-smooth muscle actin. Additional analysis showed evidence of responses to Shh signaling by myofibroblasts (Gli expression). In vitro invasion experiments with Shh and a human pancreatic myofibroblast cell line suggested that Shh can act as a chemoattractant, increasing the invasive potential of human pancreatic myofibroblasts. These data suggest that Shh, secreted from pancreatic epithelia, may be a critical player in the tumor microenvironment and progression of pancreatic cancer.
Medicolegal Systems and the IME Provider

There are a variety of medicolegal systems that require IMEs. The foundation of the IME process is a well written professional medical report that serves as an expert opinion. Depending upon the system’s requirements, IME physicians may be asked to evaluate impairment, disability, causation, appropriateness of treatment, or employability. The IME physician must understand their role within each disability system and know the definitional requirements of each.
Speech In, Speech Out

This invited short response was published as part of Ronald K.L. Collins and David M. Skover's book Robotica: Speech Rights and Artificial Intelligence (Cambridge University Press 2018). Collins and Skover make a two-step argument about "whether and why First Amendment coverage given to traditional forms of speech should be extended to the data processed and transmitted by robots." First, they assert (based on reader-response literary criticism) that free speech theory can be "intentionless": what matters is a listener's experience of meaning rather than a speaker's intentions. Second, they conclude that therefore utility will become the new First Amendment norm. The premise is right, but the conclusion does not follow. Sometimes robotic transmissions are speech and sometimes they aren't, so the proper question is not "whether and why?" but "when?" Collins and Skover are right that listeners' experiences can substitute for speakers' intentions, and in a technological age this will often be a more principled basis for grounding speech claims. But robotic "speech" can be useful for reasons that are not closely linked to listeners' experiences, and in these cases their proposed "norm of utility" is not really a free speech norm.
Exploring Higgs bosons/electroweak symmetry breaking physics at 200 TeV

The role of a 200 TeV hadron collider in exploring Higgs/EWSB physics that cannot be easily accessed at the LHC or SSC is illustrated using a number of Standard Model and Minimal Supersymmetric Model scenario examples.
Responding to Mental Health Concerns of People Transitioning from Welfare to Work

Jane Brown is the 46-year-old mother of three children, aged 16, 18, and 20 years. She has relied on public assistance on and off for 12 years. She applied for public assistance two months after the children’s father abandoned the family. During the 12 years she has relied on public assistance, she participated in several work readiness and job training programs, obtained jobs and after working six months to a year, was “laid off.” Each lay off generated and reinforced a sense of worthlessness and inability to provide for her children. She became so depressed that she had to receive inpatient treatment approximately three years ago. She has not sought or been encouraged to seek employment since her discharge. Her welfare caseworker has included her in the “hard to serve” category. She is being screened for permanent exemption from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) work requirements despite the fact that her disability is not severe enough to qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. She has been referred for SSI twice and has been found ineligible. At present she is receiving no services designed to assist her in the transition to work. The history of welfare policy in the United States, beginning with general relief granted by the localities or the states and progressing to federal welfare policy (Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC)), shows a movement away from a policy supporting and encouraging widowed or abandoned mothers staying home to take care of their children to a policy requiring participation in work or work preparation activities for all recipients as a condition of eligibility to receive public assistance. This historical shift will be discussed in greater detail in the next section. This chapter explores the contemporary welfare policy focus on work as applied to persons coping with mental health issues. Specifically, we will review and discuss how the
Phloem in Plant Tissue Cultures

In his 1950 paper (Ball 1950), Ball commented that; “The advantages of the use of the sterile culture method for study of differentiation in the tissues of vascular plants have not been fully utilized.” Forty five years later, his observation can probably still be applied to the study of phloem tissues using in vitro techniques, but certainly not to the study of xylem using similar approaches. This difference in progress between the study of phloem and xylem using cultured cells is the result of several factors.
Cost, Outcomes, Use, and Perceptions of Open Educational Resources in Psychology: A Narrative Review of the Literature:

Open educational resources (OER) have been developed to free students from the expense and instructors from the restrictions of commercial materials. There has been a wealth of empirical examinatio...
Aging, immune senescence, and immunotherapy: A comprehensive review.

The advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has changed the landscape of cancer treatment. Older adults represent the majority of cancer patients; however, direct data evaluating ICIs in this patient population is lacking. Aging is associated with changes in the immune system known as "immunosenescence" that could impact the efficacy and safety profile of ICIs. In this paper, we review aging-associated changes in the immune system as they may relate to cancer and immunotherapy, with mention of the effect of chronic viral infections and frailty. Furthermore, we summarize the current clinical evidence of ICI effectiveness and toxicity among older adults with cancer.
Generators of THz-Frequency Signals Based on Antiferromagnetic Nanastructures

It is demonstrated both analytically and numerically that a layered structure consisting of a layer of a bi-anisotropic antiferromagnet (AFM) and an adjacent layer of a heavy metal driven by a DC current is a perspective system for use in novel THz-frequency signal generators. It is also demonstrated, that the same AFMlPt bilayer can be used for the generation of ultra-short “Dirac-delta-like” spikes. The spike generation occurs only when the amplitude of the driving current exceeds a certain threshold, similar to the action of a biological neuron in response to an external stimulus. The “threshold” neuron-like behavior of the proposed AFM spike generator makes possible its application in neuromorphic signal processing circuits working at clock frequencies of tens of gigahertz.
Deuterium retention in re-solidified tungsten and beryllium

Abstract Leading edges of the ITER tungsten (W) divertor are expected to melt due to transient heat loads from edge localized modes (ELMs), and melting of the entire divertor surface will occur during vertical displacement events (VDEs) and disruptions. In addition, understanding tritium retention in plasma facing materials is critical for the successful operation of ITER due to safety reasons. Thus, the question of how melting affects hydrogenic retention is highly relevant for fusion devices. Here we use an Nd:YAG laser to melt tungsten and beryllium in vacuo, and the samples are subsequently exposed to deuterium plasma with sample temperatures ranging from 370 to 750 K. The deuterium content in re-solidified and reference (no laser) samples is measured using thermal desorption spectroscopy and modeled using TMAP-7. In all cases, the re-solidified samples have lower retention compared to the reference samples. For re-solidified tungsten, the most significant effect is in the 1.8 eV trap with peak thermal desorption temperature of ∼750 K, which had a 77% reduction in the peak release rate compared with the reference sample. SEM imaging indicates that laser melting and re-solidification of tungsten anneals intrinsic defects that act as nucleation sites for larger-scale defects that develop during plasma exposure. However, melting does not significantly affect traps with lower de-trapping energies of 1.0 eV and 1.4 eV. In beryllium, melting and cracking results in lower retention compared to the reference sample by 40%, and thermal desorption profiles indicate that the diffusion depth of deuterium into re-solidified beryllium is lower than that of the reference sample.
Cache Reconfiguration Using Machine Learning for Vulnerability-aware Energy Optimization

Dynamic cache reconfiguration has been widely explored for energy optimization and performance improvement for single-core systems. Cache partitioning techniques are introduced for the shared cache in multicore systems to alleviate inter-core interference. While these techniques focus only on performance and energy, they ignore vulnerability due to soft errors. In this article, we present a static profiling based algorithm to enable vulnerability-aware energy-optimization for real-time multicore systems. Our approach can efficiently search the space of cache configurations and partitioning schemes for energy optimization while task deadlines and vulnerability constraints are satisfied. A machine learning technique has been employed to minimize the static profiling time without sacrificing the accuracy of results. Our experimental results demonstrate that our approach can achieve 19.2% average energy savings compared with the base configuration, while drastically reducing the vulnerability (49.3% on average) compared to state-of-the-art techniques. Furthermore, the machine learning technique enabled more than 10x speedup in static profiling time with a negligible prediction error of 3%.
Enhancing Recovery After Kasai Portoenterostomy With Epidural Analgesia

Abstract Background Biliary atresia (BA) is a rare obstructive cholangiopathy that presents in early infancy. The Kasai portoenterostomy (PE) improves survival with the native liver. Epidural analgesia is an appealing option to control pain in this fragile patient population, yet its safety, efficacy, and potential benefits remain unproven. Methods Patients undergoing PE for BA between 2001 and 2016 at a single institution were identified by ICD codes. Preoperative laboratories, procedure details, and recovery outcomes were reviewed retrospectively. Outcomes of interest were need for postoperative mechanical ventilation, pain scores, normalized opioid administration, return of bowel function, and length of hospital stay after PE. Results Of 47 infants undergoing PE for BA, 25 received epidural analgesia, and 22 did not. Infants with epidurals received less systemic opioids over the first 96 h postoperatively than those without (P Conclusions Epidural analgesia in patients undergoing PE for BA appears safe and effectively controls pain while minimizing the need for systemic opioids. Reduced need for mechanical ventilation postoperatively and shortened hospital stays serve as further evidence for using epidurals to enhance recovery after PE.
How useful is the smartwatch ECG

Apple launched a novel feature of the Apple Watch (Apple Inc.) series 4 that enables consumers to record a rhythm strip and assist with self-diagnosis of atrial fibrillation (AF). The watch is paired with an app that provides automatic classification of the rhythm. Ability of the algorithm to identify AF has received Food and Drug Administration clearance. Given increasing use of direct-to-consumer devices, important questions regarding the utilization of such devices and their features in clinical practice arise. It is unclear how the data obtained from these devices can be optimally incorporated in patient care and what it means for patients. Safety and security of using wearables are also of concern. Furthermore, whether data generated from the Electrocardiogram (ECG) feature will be beneficial to public health is to be determined. We discuss possible uses and challenges of Apple's (Apple Inc.) newly launched ECG feature and review an upcoming trial looking at clinical applications and outcomes using this technology. We also review the literature on the Kardia (AliveCor Inc.) mobile and smartwatch ECG technology and briefly discuss Apple Watch irregular heartbeat notifications along with the Apple Heart Study.
Structural decisions about configuration, assignments, and geographical distribution in teams: Influences on team communications and trust

Abstract Managers structure teams in a variety of ways, which are likely to influence the ability of team members to interact and collaborate. We explore the effects of managerial decisions about the structure of teams by configuration, assignment, and geography. In our conceptualization, we consider a team member's psychological distance as a mediator and the richness of social cues and psychological safety as moderators of the effects of the type of team structure on individual perceptions of the team process of communication and the emergent state of trust in other team members. We contribute to the literature by exploring the different underlying mechanisms through which the type of team structure affects a team member's psychological responses and interactions among team members. Noting that physical distance is difficult to change, we focus instead on perceived psychological distance, which offers a framework that facilitates both better understanding and a means to address collaborative challenges.
Regression I: straight-line relationships

This chapter discusses straight-line relationships and regression. The statistical use of the word regression is something of an historical anomaly, originating with the work of Galton (1822–1911) in his study of the relationship between the height of parents and that of their offspring. Although tall parents tend to produce tall children, the average height of those children tends to be lower than that of the parents, exhibiting a regression towards the average height of the general population under observation. A nonlinear model that lends itself to transformation into linear form is described as being intrinsically linear. Fundamentally exact relationships in which the observed experimental data fail to follow the model exactly is solely because of measurement or observation errors in one or both of the variables under study. A considerable amount of work has been published over the past 10–20 years on the study of individual data points in regression problems, with a view to identifying observations that are influential in the sense that they have an unusually large effect on the regression parameter estimates.
Evaluation of Automated Sample Preparation for Mycotoxin Analysis in Foods.

BACKGROUND In the present study, we developed a novel automated sample preparation workflow for the determination of mycotoxins in foods. OBJECTIVE This workflow integrates off-line devices such as a centrifuge, shaker, liquid and solid dispensing units into a unified platform to perform gravimetric and volumetric dispensing, capping/decapping, extraction, shaking, filtration, and centrifugation. Two robotic arms provide sample transportation without human assistance. METHOD Critical method performance attributes were characterized using spiked corn, milk and peanut butter containing aflatoxins, deoxynivalenol, fumonisins, ochratoxin A, HT-2 and T-2 toxins and zearalenone and certified reference materials. Prepared samples were analyzed by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS). RESULTS Recoveries of spiked samples range 100-120% with RSD<20% and the majority of measured values of certified reference materials are consistent with certified values within ±20%. Within- and between-batch variabilities of QC samples range 5-9% and 7-12% respectively. CONCLUSIONS Our workflow introduces a straightforward and automated sample preparation procedure for LC-MS-based multimycotoxin analysis. Further, it demonstrates how individual sample preparation devices, that are conventionally used off-line, can be integrated together. HIGHLIGHTS This study shows automated sample preparation will replace manual operations and significantly increase the degree of automation and standardization for sample preparation.
Intrinsic Tradeoffs in Multi-Covariate Imaging of Sub-Resolution Targets

Multi-covariate Imaging of Sub-resolution Targets (MIST) is an estimation-based method of imaging the statistics of diffuse scattering targets. MIST estimates the contributions of a set of covariance models to the echo data covariance matrix. Models are defined based on a spatial decomposition of the theoretical transmit intensity distribution into ON-axis and OFF-axis contributions, delineated by a user-specified spatial cutoff. We define this cutoff as the region of interest width (ROI width). In our previous work, we selected the ROI width as the first zero crossing separating the mainlobe from the sidelobe regions. This article explores the effects of varying two key parameters on MIST image quality: 1) ROI width and 2) the degree of spatial averaging of the measured echo data covariance matrix. These results demonstrate a fundamental tradeoff between resolution and speckle texture. We characterize MIST imaging performance across these tunable parameters in a number of simulated, phantom, and in vivo liver applications. We consider performance in noise, fidelity to native contrast, resolution, and speckle texture. MIST is also compared with varying levels of spatial and frequency compounding, demonstrating quantitative improvements in image quality at comparable levels of speckle reduction. In an in vivo example, optimized MIST images demonstrated 20.2% and 13.4% improvements in contrast-to-noise ratio over optimized spatial and frequency compounding images, respectively. These results present a framework for selecting MIST parameters to maximize speckle signal-to-noise ratio without an appreciable loss in resolution.
Chapter 25 – Kinins

Publisher Summary Kinins are potent vasoactive peptides that are generated during inflammatory events in vivo. With ongoing advances in research, major progress has been made in delineating the pharmacological properties of kinins and in analyzing the biochemical pathways by which these peptides are formed and metabolized in humans. Studies suggest that kinins are important mediators during inflammatory diseases of the airways. This chapter emphasizes the potential role of kinins in airway inflammation and in asthma and highlights the structure, formation, metabolism, and mechanism of action of kinins. Kinins are generated from α-2 globulin precursor proteins called “kininogens.” Kinin generation occurs primarily at local sites, either by activation of the kininogens that are present in the interstitium and lymph or as a result of local increased vascular permeability and the influx of plasma proteins. To establish the role of kinins in airway diseases, it is necessary to intervene using specific pharmacological agents and demonstrate an associated effect on symptoms.
Chapter 6 – Redundancy and Information

Publisher Summary Most common computers use eight bits per character in a 256-element alphabet because it simplifies and standardizes hardware designs. The eighth bit depends on the previous one and is therefore redundant, adding to the cost of information storage and transmission. The theoretical lower bound on the amount of information needed to represent a string of bits is the algorithmic complexity, which is defined as the number of bits needed to specify the shortest algorithm that produces the bit string and then terminates. Such a vague definition requires a notion of “universal computer,” programmable by bit strings to produce any output bit sequence. Both receiver and transmitter must possess such a computer as it provides the context in which the algorithm is interpreted but that is not an obstacle in practice. Algorithmic complexity is an impractical information measure for two reasons: it assigns no weight to the effort required for encoding or decoding and the effort needed to find the shortest algorithm grows exponentially with the length of the message to be encoded. There can be no guarantee that every message will require a significantly shorter algorithm, for if so then a small number of algorithms could be used to enumerate a much larger number of messages. Because of these flaws, the notion of algorithmic complexity is mainly useful for obtaining ultimate lower bounds for data compression methods.
Comparison of long read sequencing technologies in resolving bacteria and fly genomes

ABSTRACT Background The newest generation of DNA sequencing technology is highlighted by the ability to sequence reads hundreds of kilobases in length, and the increased availability of long read data has democratized the genome sequencing and assembly process. PacBio and Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) have pioneered competitive long read platforms, with more recent work focused on improving sequencing throughput and per-base accuracy. Released in 2019, the PacBio Sequel II platform advertises substantial enhancements over previous PacBio systems. Results We used whole-genome sequencing data produced by two PacBio platforms (Sequel II and RS II) and two ONT protocols (Rapid Sequencing and Ligation Sequencing) to compare assemblies of the bacteria Escherichia coli and the fruit fly Drosophila ananassae. Sequel II assemblies had higher contiguity and consensus accuracy relative to other methods, even after accounting for differences in sequencing throughput. ONT RAPID libraries had the fewest chimeric reads in addition to superior quantification of E. coli plasmids versus ligation-based libraries. The quality of assemblies can be enhanced by adopting hybrid approaches using Illumina libraries for bacterial genome assemblies or combined ONT and Sequel II libraries for eukaryotic genome assemblies. Genome-wide DNA methylation could be detected using both technologies, however ONT libraries enabled the identification of a broader range of known E. coli methyltransferase recognition motifs in addition to undocumented D. ananassae motifs. Conclusions The ideal choice of long read technology may depend on several factors including the question or hypothesis under examination. No single technology outperformed others in all metrics examined.
Activating Copper for Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction to Formate via Molecular Interactions

Cu is a well-known electrocatalyst for reducing CO2 to various products. However, unmodified Cu exhibits poor selectivity and activity for formate production. Our in situ Raman spectroscopy study d...
Symptomatic duodenal perforation by a Bird's Nest vena cava filter.

Abstract This case describes a patient with a permanent Bird's Nest inferior vena cava filter in the setting of spinal cord injury and paraplegia who presented with epigastric pain resulting from duodenal perforation of his filter. After confirming that the patient was stable hemodynamically with normal laboratory values, he underwent open exploration with trimming of the extraluminal struts and wires, leaving the intact filter in place, with resolution of his pain. Although percutaneous removal of inferior vena cava filters is preferred for retrievable filters, this case demonstrates the safety and efficacy of open surgical management for permanent filters, not designed for retrieval.
Preserving neighborhoods, by Aaron Passell: New York, New York, Columbia University Press, 2021

Over the past 40 years, an avalanche of scholarly publications has appeared on the numerous parameters of urban gentrification. Yet, little mention has been made of historic district (HD) designati...
Irascible Comments on the Revenue Laws

EPTEMBER 20 the President of the United States signed the Revenue Act of 1941, an act of which one damning thing may and should be said. It is an act drawn in the tradition of the last twenty years and giving no evidence of a genuine attack upon the basic fiscal problems of the nation. We have had a federal income tax since 1913 and a federal estate tax since I9I6. In the early I920's both of these crystallized into the form which they hold today. The basic estate tax act is still the act of 1926. The income tax law has been changed at almost every session of Congress since its original enactment but remains much the same. For almost twenty years the changes have been of a purely tinkering type. Rates for a time were lowered; since the depression they have been raised steadily and, to some, alarmingly. Exemptions have been reduced. Minor reforms and trivial changes have been all too frequent as treasury officials and congressional advisers attempted by strictly ad hoc legislation to meet with minimum ingenuity the tax avoidance devices evolved by private counsel. Occasionally somewhat larger changes have been attempted, such as the short-lived undistributed profits tax against corporations.' Even these reforms, however, have been designed with far too great particularity. Where more sweeping alterations might have been largely successful, these small-scale efforts have sometimes failed entirely and been withdrawn, as was the undistributed profits tax, and sometimes succeeded in stopping one leak only to have other leaks spring up around the patch. Now, in 1941, with a record-breaking national debt, a business structure subject to extraordinary and often incalculable stresses, and the heaviest fiscal demands in the history of the nation, Congress has been content again to apply its old panacea: exemptions have been lowered, rates raised, and new nuisance taxes enacted. Is it not time that the entire structure be reexamined to consider what major changes could be effected more equitably to distribute and effectively to raise the tremendous and growing levies which this present demands?
Calcium regulates in vitro dimorphism in chromoblastomycotic fungi

Cladosporium carrionii, Fonsecaea pedrosoi and Phialophora verrucosa, the three most important agents of chromoblastomycosis, produced large numbers of sclerotic bodies at 25 degrees C, and greater numbers at 37 degrees C, after inoculation into a defined pH 2.5 medium containing 0.1 mmol l-1 Ca2+. Higher concentrations of Ca2+ reversed this tendency and promoted maintenance of hyphal growth. Addition of the Ca2+ chelator EGTA to the same medium buffered at pH 6.5 also induced sclerotic bodies, but in a more concentration-dependent fashion. EGTA at 0.5-1.0 mmol l-1 induced maximum numbers of sclerotic bodies in Cl. carrionii, whereas 2 and 8 mmol l-1 concentrations were required for the same results with F. pedrosoi and P. verrucosa, respectively. These findings suggest that Ca2+ concentrations in human tissue may play a paramount role in the dimorphic switching between hyphae and sclerotic bodies among chromoblastomycotic agents during infection.