cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Unique Games Conjecture, Integrality Gap for Cut Problems and Embeddability of Negative-Type Metrics into ℓ1

In this article, we disprove a conjecture of Goemans and Linial; namely, that every negative type metric embeds into e1 with constant distortion. We show that for an arbitrarily small constant δ > 0, for all large enough n, there is an n-point negative type metric which requires distortion at least (log log n)1/6-δ to embed into e1. Surprisingly, our construction is inspired by the Unique Games Conjecture (UGC), establishing a previously unsuspected connection between probabilistically checkable proof systems (PCPs) and the theory of metric embeddings. We first prove that the UGC implies a super-constant hardness result for the (nonuniform) SPARSESTCUT problem. Though this hardness result relies on the UGC, we demonstrate, nevertheless, that the corresponding PCP reduction can be used to construct an “integrality gap instance” for SPARSESTCUT. Towards this, we first construct an integrality gap instance for a natural SDP relaxation of UNIQUEGAMES. Then we “simulate” the PCP reduction and “translate” the integrality gap instance of UNIQUEGAMES to an integrality gap instance of SPARSESTCUT. This enables us to prove a (log log n)1/6-δ integrality gap for SPARSESTCUT, which is known to be equivalent to the metric embedding lower bound.
Adaptive active noise control systems: algorithms and digital signal processing (DSP) implementations

Active noise control (ANC) is achieved by introducing an “anti-noise” through an appropriate array of secondary sources. These secondary sources are interconnected through an electronic system using a specific signal processing algorithm for the particular noise cancellation scheme. ANC has application to a wide variety of problems in manufacturing, industrial operations, and consumer products. This paper presents the development of ANC systems using adaptive signal processing and digital signal processors. Concise derivations and analysis of commonly used adaptive structures and algorithms for ANC applications are included.
At Your Cervix: Preventing Cervical Cancer Using a Single-Visit Approach

Juliana is a 55-year-old woman who lives in a small village in El Salvador near the Honduran border, a 7-h bus ride from the nearest city. Despite only having a fourth-grade education and surviving on around 1USD per day, she has become a leader among women in her community, advising them about childbirth, hygiene, and nutrition.
Several Thoughts on Newell's Tyrants

This critical review of Newell's Tyrants consists of two parts. The first one departs from questions Jan Patocka, the most important Czech philosopher of the 20th century, raised in the 1970s in th...
Genomic insights into the thiamin metabolism of Paenibacillus thiaminolyticus NRRL B-4156 and P. apiarius NRRL B-23460

Paenibacillus thiaminolyticus is the model organism for studying thiaminase I, an enigmatic extracellular enzyme. Originally isolated from the feces of clinical patients suffering from thiamin deficiency, P. thiaminolyticus has been implicated in thiamin deficiencies in humans and other animals due to its ability to produce this thiamin-degrading enzyme. Its close relative, P. apiarius, also produces thiaminase I and was originally isolated from dead honeybee larvae, though it has not been reported to be a honeybee pathogen. We generated draft genomes of the type strains of both species, P. thiaminolyticus NRRL B-4156 and P. apiarius NRRL B-23460, to deeply explore potential routes of thiamin metabolism. We discovered that the thiaminase I gene is located in a highly conserved operon with thiamin biosynthesis and salvage genes, as well as genes involved in the biosynthesis of the antibiotic bacimethrin. Based on metabolic pathway predictions, P. apiarius NRRL B-23460 has the genomic capacity to synthesize thiamin de novo using a pathway that is rarely seen in bacteria, but P. thiaminolyticus NRRL B-4156 is a thiamin auxotroph. Both genomes encode importers for thiamin and the pyrimidine moiety of thiamin, as well as enzymes to synthesize thiamin from pyrimidine and thiazole.
Renal, Metabolic, and Endocrine Aging

Social and medical changes over the century have led to an increase of the aging surgical population posing a significant challenge to the anesthesiologist. An understanding of age-related changes in physiological processes and age related co-morbidities, as well as pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetic changes, is necessary to provide the right care to this population. Biological aging, and the associated decline of function, increases the risk of comorbidities and frailty. Aging effects the liver with decreased function due to a decrease in hepatic blood flow and decreased hepatic size and the kidneys by leading to structural changes, such as a decrease in the number of glomeruli leading to a decrease in glomerular filtration rate, renal blood flow and tubular secretion. The endocrine system undergoes a multitude of changes with aging. There is an increase in incidence of insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus, thyroid abnormalities and a decrease in sex hormone levels can be observed. Because of these changes caring for the elderly surgical patient can be challenging. In this chapter, we describe how aging affects the different organ systems and how it impacts considerations and decision-making for the anesthesiologist in the care of elderly patients in order to minimize adverse outcomes.
Design thinking as a catalyst for changing teaching and learning practices in engineering

Today's engineers' needs are evolving rapidly as the information and technologies that compete for their attentions. At the same time, our institutions and systems are stretched to their limits to keep up with the changing demands of the times. There is, especially, a need to sustain reflective integration of social and technical knowledge into the future generations of engineering, to make engineers more humane, in order for them to generate technological solutions that are more human-centric. Addressing such needs requires new approaches to teaching and designing engineering courses. Any advancement in the education sector from here forward requires a new thinking paradigm that can be applied in large-scale systematic reform of education: design thinking. This paper outlines means to use design thinking as the foundational methodology for transforming a traditional electrical and computer engineering department into an agile department where design thinking, systems thinking, professional skills and inclusion are promoted, and collaborative, inquiry-driven processes are stimulated to create and sustain new ways of thinking, interacting, teaching, learning and working.
Delivering the Mobile Web to the Next Billion Users

In many parts of the world, people have limited access to basic needs such as clean water, consistent electricity and healthcare. In these environments, having access to the web can be transformative for them and their communities, as it provides information on medical symptoms and treatments, opportunities for education and job training, and access to the arts and entertainment that often reaches far beyond the knowledge and output of the local community. Unfortunately, in these environments there are significant barriers to accessing that information on the web, including costs, connectivity, language, and an understanding of what the web provides. This talk will present an overview of the challenges and opportunities we face in making the mobile web useful and relevant for the next billion users who are coming online in the developing regions of the world. I'll present data on the current state of the mobile web, including usage patterns, as well as network and device constraints and web performance as seen in practice. I'll discuss several efforts at Google aimed at addressing the unique challenges of this population of users, and I'll conclude with thoughts on where we should focus going forward.
Spring Arctic Atmospheric Preconditioning: Do Not Rule Out Shortwave Radiation Just Yet

AbstractSpringtime atmospheric preconditioning of Arctic sea ice for enhanced or buffered sea ice melt during the subsequent melt year has received considerable research focus. Studies have identif...
Differential Changes in Host Specificity among MGR586 DNA Fingerprint Groups of Pyricularia Grisea

The development of new races of the rice blast pathogen continues to circumvent the best efforts of plant breeders to develop blast resistant cultivars. Sampling field populations of the rice blast fungus from 1990-1997 has indicated that four MGR586 DNA fingerprint groups (A, B, C, and D) occur in the contemporary rice blast pathogen population in Arkansas. All field isolates examined in fingerprint groups A and C had an IB-49 virulence phenotype whereas most isolates in fingerprint groups B and D had an IC-17 virulence phenotype. However, several field isolates in fingerprint group B had an IG-1 or an IC-lk virulence phenotype; race IC-lk was virulent on the more recently released resistant cultivar Katy. Because race diversity was greater within the B fingerprint group based on evidence from the field isolates, it was hypothesized that spontaneous mutations affecting host specificity could occur more readily among isolates in fingerprint group B. Five representative isolates, one each from DNA fingerprint groups A, C, and D, and two isolates (an IG1 and an IC-17 isolate) in fingerprint group B were inoculated on the cultivars M201, Newbonnet, and Katy. A marked strain (a sulfate nonutilizing mutant) of each isolate was used, along with DNA fingerprints, to rule out any possibility of cross-contamination during the inoculation tests. A single-spored isolate was recovered from 15–20 rare lesions observed on the resistant cultivar Katy after inoculation with all five isolates. None of the single-spore isolates recovered from the A or C isolate inoculations were virulent when re-inoculated onto Katy whereas 2 of 20 single-spored isolates from the D isolate inoculation were virulent when re-inoculated onto Katy. However, 13 of 16 single-spored isolates recovered from the B isolate (race IG1) inoculation and 17 of 19 single spored isolates recovered from the B isolate (race IC17) inoculation were virulent when re-inoculated onto Katy. The data indicate that spontaneous mutation to virulence on Katy occurred at a much higher frequency in the two isolates in the B fingerprint group than the isolates in fingerprint groups A, C, or D. Inoculations with additional isolates in all four fingerprint groups indicated that the frequency of the spontaneous host-specificity mutation was consistently higher among some, but not all isolates, in the B fingerprint group. Although circumstantial, the data indicate that virulent phenotypes capable of infecting Newbonnet and Katy originated from the resident population.
Should children be in the room when the mother is screened for partner violence

BACKGROUND: The goal of our study was to understand the important issues to consider when screening women for intimate partner violence in front of their children. METHODS: Interviews and focus groups were conducted with experienced family physicians and pediatricians and family violence experts (child psychologists, social workers, and domestic violence agency directors). Session transcripts were coded and categorized. RESULTS: Experts disagreed on the appropriateness of general screening for intimate partner violence in front of children older than 2 to 3 years. The majority thought that general questions were appropriate, if the in-depth questioning of the abused parent was done in private. Screening for child abuse when domestic violence is identified (and for domestic violence when child abuse is discovered) was recommended. Documentation about intimate partner violence in the child's medical chart raises questions about confidentiality, since the person committing the abuse may have access, if he or she is a legal guardian. Physicians need more education on the symptoms of children who are exposed to violence between adults. CONCLUSIONS: More research is needed to understand appropriate questions and methods of screening for intimate partner violence in front of children. The tension is between practical recommendations for routine screening and preserving the safety of the parent and the children. Intimate partner violence screening by physicians is important. Interrupting the cycle of violence may give a child a better chance at maturing into a healthy adult. Language: en
Interorganizational Relations Research in Nursing Care Delivery Systems

The focus of this review is on research related to the interaction of organizations with one another or their environment and with the contribution of this interorganizational relations (IOR) research to the understanding of the structure and decision making in organizations. A general introduction to the field seemed necessary because of both the sparsity and the great need for such research in nursing. A few studies related to nursing are included. Suggestions for future directions in IOR research in nursing appear in the summary.
The Construction of Optimal Linear and Nonlinear Regulators

The regulator servomechanism problem is to design a feedforward and feedback control law to make the output of a given system called the plant, track a signal from a given class. There are various ways to make this precise, we shall follows Francis [5] and Isidori and Byrnes [11]. The class of signals to be tracked are described as the output of a second system called the signal generator (or exosystem). The control law consists of feedforward terms involving the state of signal generator, feedback terms involving the state of the plant and mixed terms involving both.
Thyroid hormones and lung cancer: Primary hypothyroidism is prognostically significant for survival in lung cancer

4440 Anecdotal reports and recent data suggest that decreased thyroid function may be associated with improved outcomes in lung and other solid tumors.Recently in a large population based study of patients treated for hyperthyroidism by radio-iodine ablation of the thyroid, long term follow up showed a signicantly lower prevalence and risk of dying from lung cancer .L-thyroxine [T4] which is commonly supplemented in hypothyroidism may,however, not correct intracellular hypothyroidism in tissues such as lung or restore blood IGF-1 to euthyroid levels . There is evidence too that tri-iodothyronine [T3] is a significant tumor mitogen, upregulates cyclin D1, E and modulates the IGF-1 and EGF-R growth factor systems. This multicenter study was aimed at determining the prognostic value of primary hypothyroidism on survival in lung cancer. METHODS: A hospital-based retrospective case-control study was conducted on 1979 patients with AJCC stages 1- 4 non -small cell and small cell lung cancer treated between January 1996 and July 2002. Patients with a clinical diagnosis of hypothyroidism based on documentation of thyroid hormone supplementation were individually matched to controls based on cancer histology, stage of disease, age, race, and gender. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were generated for each group. Age of cancer diagnosis for the 85 hypothyroid patients and the 1372 euthyroid patients before matching was compared. RESULTS: Overall, 85 hypothyroid cases[4.2%] and 85 matched controls were identified of which 70 were non-small cell and 15 small cell types The female: male ratio was 3.35:1. Primary tumor stage was Stage 1 :- 19 patients, Stage 2 :- 19 patients, Stage 3 :- 86 patients, and Stage 4 :- 46 patients.For AJCC stages 1-4 median survival [M.S.] was 14.5 months in the hypothyroid group and 11.1 months in the euthyroid group( p = .014) . For stage 4, M.S. was 11 vs.5 months(p= .0018). . Median age at diagnosis was 73 for hypothyroid vs. 64 years for euthyroid patients (p = .0006). CONCLUSION:This retrospective case control study suggests that primary hypothyroidism is prognostically significant and associated with a more indolent course in lung cancer.
New image processing algorithm for terminal guidance of multiple kinetic-energy impactors for disrupting hazardous asteroids

This paper describes the preliminary study results of developing a hypervelocity terminal intercept guidance system of a multiple kinetic-energy impactor vehicle (MKIV). The proposed MKIV system is intended to fragment or pulverize an asteroid of smaller than approximately 150 m in diameter that is detected with a mission lead time of shorter than 10 years, without using nuclear explosive devices. This paper focuses on the development of a new image processing algorithm based on Otsu’s method for the coordinated terminal intercept guidance and control of multiple kinetic-energy impactors employing visual and/or infrared sensors. A scaled polyhedron shape model of asteroid (216) Kleopatra is used as a fictional target asteroid. GPU-based simulation results demonstrate the feasibility of impacting a small irregular-shaped asteroid by using the proposed new image processing algorithm and a classical pulsed TPN (true proportional navigation) terminal guidance law.
Fish oil derived omega 3 fatty acids suppress adipose NLRP3 inflammasome signaling in human obesity

Context The NRLP3 inflammasome is a multiprotein danger-sensing complex that serves as a critical link between obesity-related adipose inflammation and insulin resistance and has been shown in animal models to be inhibited by fish oil-derived long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA). Objective We conducted a clinical trial and in vitro experiments to test our hypothesis that n-3 PUFA suppress NLRP3 inflammasome in human obesity through downregulation of inflammasome gene expression in adipocytes and macrophages. Design Placebo-controlled clinical trial and in vitro coculture experiments with primary human adipocytes (from biopsy specimens) and human THP-1 monocyte-derived macrophages treated with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and/or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) vs vehicle control. Setting General community, research laboratory. Patients and other participants Obese (body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2), nondiabetic males and females age 18 to 50. N = 25. Interventions Clinical trial: Eight-week treatment with 4 g Lovaza (EPA and DHA) or placebo. Cells culture: EPA and/or DHA at 100 µg/mL or vehicle control in culture medium. Main outcome measures Adipose tissue or adipocyte/macrophage mRNA expression of IL-1β and IL-18 and circulating IL-18 levels. Results Treatment of obese human subjects with fish oil supplements reduced expression of adipose inflammatory genes including inflammasome-associated IL-18 and IL-1β and circulating IL-18 levels. Both EPA and DHA reduced inflammasome gene expression in obese human adipose and human adipocyte and macrophages. Conclusions N-3 PUFA reduce NLRP3 inflammasome in human adipose through downregulation of gene expression in adipocytes and monocytes/macrophages and has potential as nutritional therapeutic agent in prevention of obesity-related inflammation.
Quantitative assessment of the relationship between myocardial lesion formation detected by delayed contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and proton beam planning dose for treatment of ventricular tachycardia

Proton beam therapy has recently been proposed as a noninvasive approach for treating ventricular tachycardia (VT), where target regions are identified in the myocardium and treated using external beam therapy. Effective treatment requires that lesions develop at target sites of myocardial tissue in order to stop arrhythmic pathways. Precise characterization of the dose required for lesion creation is required for determining appropriate dose levels in future clinical treatment of VT patients. In this work, we use a deformable registration algorithm to align proton beam delivery isodose lines planned from baseline computed-tomography scans to follow-up delayed contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging scans in three swine studies. The relationship between myocardial lesion formation and delivered dose from external proton beam ablation therapy is then quantitatively assessed. The current study demonstrates that myocardial tissue receiving a dose of 20Gy or higher tends to develop into lesion, while tissue exposed to less than 10Gy of dose tends to remain healthy. Overall, this study quantifies the relationship between external proton beam therapy dose and myocardial lesion formation which is important for determining dose levels in future clinical treatment of VT patients.
Electroencephalography Measures are Useful for Identifying Large Acute Ischemic Stroke in the Emergency Department.

Author(s): Shreve, Lauren; Kaur, Arshdeep; Vo, Christopher; Wu, Jennifer; Cassidy, Jessica M; Nguyen, Andrew; Zhou, Robert J; Tran, Thuong B; Yang, Derek Z; Medizade, Ariana I; Chakravarthy, Bharath; Hoonpongsimanont, Wirachin; Barton, Erik; Yu, Wengui; Srinivasan, Ramesh; Cramer, Steven C | Abstract: BackgroundEarly diagnosis of stroke optimizes reperfusion therapies, but behavioral measures have incomplete accuracy. Electroencephalogram (EEG) has high sensitivity for immediately detecting brain ischemia. This pilot study aimed to evaluate feasibility and utility of EEG for identifying patients with a large acute ischemic stroke during Emergency Department (ED) evaluation, as these data might be useful in the prehospital setting.MethodsA 3-minute resting EEG was recorded using a dense-array (256-lead) system in patients with suspected acute stroke arriving at the ED of a US Comprehensive Stroke Center.ResultsAn EEG was recorded in 24 subjects, 14 with acute cerebral ischemia (including 5 with large acute ischemic stroke) and 10 without acute cerebral ischemia. Median time from stroke onset to EEG was 6.6 hours; and from ED arrival to EEG, 1.9 hours. Delta band power (P = .004) and the alpha/delta frequency band ratio (P = .0006) each significantly distinguished patients with large acute ischemic stroke (n = 5) from all other patients with suspected stroke (n = 19), with the best diagnostic utility coming from contralesional hemisphere signals. Larger infarct volume correlated with higher EEG power in the alpha/delta frequency band ratio within both the ipsilesional (r = -0.64, P = .013) and the contralesional (r = -0.78, P = .001) hemispheres.ConclusionsWithin hours of stroke onset, EEG measures (1) identify patients with large acute ischemic stroke and (2) correlate with infarct volume. These results suggest that EEG measures of brain function may be useful to improve diagnosis of large acute ischemic stroke in the ED, findings that might be useful to pre-hospital applications.
Organizing participation of a lifestyle sport: The constitutive power of new media discourse

Abstract The participants of action, extreme, or lifestyle sports, such as skateboarding and BMX biking, have a lengthy history of producing, consuming, and sharing new media content. This study explores how communication, particularly through new media discourse, enables the organizing process that sustains lifestyle sport participation. Lifestyle sport participants without access to public practice areas often voluntarily construct their own organic participation spaces. After observations, interviews, and social media discourse analysis conducted within a loose collective of BMX dirt jump bikers, findings reveal that the discursive themes of informatives and acknowledgements generate the overall feeling of stoke—an intense excitement and energy surrounding participation in the sport. Stoke, in turn, motivates individuals to contribute and participate in the shared space, while directives then regulate the contributions encouraged through stoke. Thus, discourse plays a role in organizing the participants of a loose collective into a more recognizable assemblage. The article contributes to communication constitutes organizing (CCO) theoretical perspectives by providing further empirical evidence of the hybrid agency of attitudes, and by theorizing discourse as a powerful force for organizing lifestyle sport participation.
Do Body Mass Index and Breast Density Impact Cancer Risk Among Women with Lobular Carcinoma In Situ

Both body mass index (BMI) and breast density impact breast cancer risk in the general population. Whether obesity and density represent additive risk factors in women with lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) is unknown. Patients diagnosed with LCIS from 1988 to 2017 were identified from a prospectively maintained database. BMI was categorized by World Health Organization classification. Density was captured as the mammographic Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BIRADS) value. Other covariates included age at LCIS diagnosis, menopausal status, family history, chemoprevention, and prophylactic mastectomy. Cancer-free probability was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method, and Cox regression models were used for univariable and multivariable analyses. A total of 1222 women with LCIS were identified. At a median follow-up of 7 years, 179 women developed breast cancer (121 invasive, 58 ductal carcinoma in situ); 5- and 10-year cumulative incidences of breast cancer were 10% and 17%, respectively. In multivariable analysis, increased breast density (BIRADS C/D vs. A/B) was significantly associated with increased hazard of breast cancer (hazard ratio [HR] 2.42, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.52–3.88), whereas BMI was not. On multivariable analysis, chemoprevention use was associated with a significantly decreased hazard of breast cancer (HR 0.49, 95% CI 0.29–0.84). Exploratory analyses did not demonstrate significant interaction between BMI and menopausal status, BMI and breast density, BMI and chemoprevention use, or breast density and chemoprevention. Breast cancer risk among women with LCIS is impacted by breast density. These results aid in personalizing risk assessment among women with LCIS and highlight the importance of chemoprevention counseling for risk reduction.
Social Psychological Aspects of the Judeo-Christian Stance Toward Homosexuality

A report discussing the research and findings of the social and psychological aspects of the Judeo-Christian stance toward homosexuality.
E-168 Added value of MR vessel wall imaging in spontaneous intracranial dissecting aneurysms

Purpose Dissecting intracranial aneurysms (DIA) can present with subarachnoid hemorrhage or ischemia, and are more common in the posterior circulation. Radiographically, DIA have similar morphological features to fusiform and dolichoectatic atherosclerotic aneurysms, with difficult diagnosis on traditional CTA and MRI/MRA cross sectional imaging. In addition, the rebleeding risk from ruptured DIA is considerably higher reaching up to 71.4% with 46.7% mortality, necessitating early diagnosis and treatment. We aimed to distinguish specific imaging features of spontaneous DIA using high resolution MR vessel wall imaging (VWI). Methods In a retrospective analysis of our MR VWI database between Jan 2016 and March 2019, we identified patients with suspected DIA diagnosed by clinical history, CTA/MRA imaging findings, and conventional angiography. MRI 3D TOF and MR VWI were reviewed by two neuroradiologists for imaging findings that were diagnostic for DIA including intramural hematomas, intimal flaps and double lumen. Following diagnosis on MRI/3D TOF MRA, MR VWI was serially assessed for additional findings that could aid or confirm the diagnosis. Results Seven patients (4M:3F) with mean age 62± 13.7 were proven to have DIA, all located in the posterior circulation (6 vertebral:1 basilar). All patients presented with either severe headaches or diplopia/dizziness. There was no family history of IA, but high incidence of hypertension and hyperlipidemia (30%). On MRI/3D TOF MRA, intramural hemorrhage was observed to diagnose two DIAs, which was also confirmed with intramural T1 hyperintense signal on MR VWI. Two aneurysms demonstrated fusiform morphology with intraluminal thrombus on MRI/3D TOF MRA without diagnosis, however, MR VWI identified an enhancing dissection flap and double lumen pathology for definitive DIA diagnosis. Two DIA were suspected with suggestion of intimal flap on MRI/3DTOF MRA, but improved visualization of enhancing intimal flap on MR VWI confirmed the diagnosis. One aneurysm was diagnosed based on clinical history and an associated enhancing dissection flap with tapered occlusion of the contralateral vertebral artery, but no imaging features on 3D TOF MRA or MR VWI suggested a dissecting aneurysm. Conclusions Spontaneous DIA are more commonly diagnosed in the posterior circulation. MR VWI is a valuable tool in confirming the diagnosis and differentiating fusiform thrombosed aneurysms from DIA with improved visualization of T1 hyperintense intramural hemorrhage, and enhancing intimal flap, and/or double lumen intracranial dissection pathology. Disclosures R. Abdalla: None. Y. Moazeni: None. A. Shaibani: None. M. Hurley: None. M. Potts: None. B. Jahromi: None. S. Ansari: None.
CUBIC MASS RELATION IN SU(3) × U(1) ELECTROWEAK THEORY

In the 331 model, lepton number may be explicitly broken by trilinear scalar self couplings. This leads to neutrino masses proportional to the cube of the corresponding charged lepton mass, with consequences for solar neutrinos and for hot dark matter.
Evaluating the Impacts of Dam Construction and Longshore Transport upon Modern Sedimentation within the Rio Grande Delta (Texas, U.S.A.)

Moore, S.; Heise, E.A.; Grove, M.; Reisinger, A., and Benavides, J.A., 2021. Evaluating the impacts of dam construction and longshore transport upon modern sedimentation within the Rio Grande Delta (Texas, U.S.A.). Journal of Coastal Research, 37(1), 26–40. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.The modern Rio Grande delta system has experienced a century of dam construction, water removal for irrigation and municipal use, and land use modifications that have dramatically reduced its sediment load. This study examines whether damming has sufficiently limited delivery of upstream sediment to permit locally eroded sources and/or littoral transport along the coast to influence the provenance signal of the Rio Grande delta. Changes in sediment provenance within the Rio Grande's delta can be detected and quantified by measurement of detrital zircon Uranium–lead dating age distributions. Previous provenance studies indicate that modern Rio Grande river sand upstream of Falcon Dam is enriched in zircon derived from Oligocene volcanic fields within the southern Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Madre Occidental. Results from this study indicate that the abundance of Oligocene zircon is depleted in the modern Rio Grande delta relative to river sand sampled upstream of Falcon Dam. Mixing calculations performed with age distributions representative of Eocene–Miocene fluvial sedimentary deposits that crop out downstream of the dam indicate that erosional reworking of these materials has significantly altered sedimentary provenance within the delta. The importance of north-directed longshore transport along the Mexican (Tamaulipas-Veracruz) Gulf Coast was also evaluated. The absence of distinctive zircon from the Trans Mexican volcanic belt and the basement of southern Mexico within the barrier islands of the Rio Grande delta support previous conclusions that sediment transport along the Tamaulipas-Veracruz shelf is highly compartmentalized and restricted in lateral movement due to seasonal variation in littoral current polarity, topographic barriers along the shelf, and other phenomena. Nevertheless, the results of this study demonstrate that construction of dams across rivers such as the Rio Grande is capable of sufficiently limiting upstream sediment transport to permit otherwise unimportant local sources to dominate sand provenance within their delta systems.
Econometric estimates of price indexes for personal computers in the 1990's

Abstract In this paper we construct a number of quality-adjusted price indexes for personal computers in the US marketplace over the 1989–1992 time period. We generalize earlier work by incorporating simultaneously the time, age, and vintage effects of computer models and then develop a corresponding specification test procedure. When data on new and surviving models are used in the estimation of hedonic price equations, a variety of quality-adjusted price indexes decline at about 30% per year, with a particularly large price drop occurring in 1992. We conclude that taking quality changes into account has an enormous impact on the time pattern of price indexes for PC's.
The Impact of Equity Misvaluation on PredictiveAccuracy of Bankruptcy Models

This article examines the impact of equity misvaluation on the predictive accuracy of bankruptcy models. The authors find that structural bankruptcy prediction models are not affected by misvaluation. For hazard models, however, forecasting accuracy for properly valued firms is greater than for misvalued firms, and model forecasting accuracy improves significantly if model coefficients vary with misvaluation. The results show the importance of taking stock market misvaluation into account when forecasting bankruptcies using hazard models.
Multi-Directional Universal Energy Harvesting Ball.

This paper discusses the development of a multi-directional, universal, electromagnetic energy harvester. The device is a ball consisting of two parts: a rigid spherical core with internal tubes, coils and magnets, and a flexible silicone-based shell holding a carrier fluid. The multi-directional aspect of the design comes from the device’s spherical shape. The harvester generates energy when subject to compressive force, by moving fluid through a tube, pushing a permanently magnetized ball through a coil wound around the tube. A combination of 3-D printed PLA plastic and molded silicone was used to produce a prototype. The energy harvester can be utilized in applications where there is an oscillating compression and it is not limited to certain applications due to its universal ball shape. It was tested at five different frequencies between 4–15 Hz on its four different outer sides producing electricity at a range of 17 to 44 mV.
Status of Band and Orchestra Programs in North Carolina

The purpose of this study was to examine K–12 instrumental music education in North Carolina. Specifically, we investigated course offerings, teacher demographics, teaching responsibilities, and mu...
Characterizing the Back-Contact Interface of Poly-Crystalline Cd(Se)Te Devices Using Transmission Electron Microscopy

Poly-crystalline Cd(Se)Te based thin film solar cells have shown to be competitive in terms of efficiency and cost of electricity production. Yet, the presence of hetero-interfaces in Cd(Se)Te structure and low minority carrier lifetime have limited the thin film devices from reaching their maximum theoretical efficiency of approximately 30 percent. The back-contact of CdSeTe devices has been identified as one significant limitation to increased device performance since no metal has been identified that has a sufficiently high work function to create an Ohmic contact with the CdTe absorber at the back-surface of the film stack. Here, we will explore novel back-contact film layers in an effort to overcome this energy band mismatch. Atomic-resolution imaging in a scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) combined with electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (XEDS) are used to characterize these devices and to inform the production process. The goal is to identify the ideal atomic and electronic structures, as well as any interfacial diffusion of elements.
IFNγ induces JAK1/STAT1/p65 NFκB-dependent interleukin-8 expression in ovarian cancer cells, resulting in their increased migration

Interferon-γ (IFNγ) is a pleiotropic cytokine that has a crucial role in immune response and tumor immunity. Because of its anti-tumor effects, IFNγ has been used in cancer treatment. However, IFNγ also has tumor-promoting functions that are less well understood. Here, we show that IFNγ induces expression of the pro-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic chemokine interleukin-8 (IL-8, CXCL8) in ovarian cancer (OC) cells. The IFNγ-induced IL-8 expression is dependent on JAK1, STAT1, and p65 NFκB, and is associated with an increased occupancy of K314/315 acetylated p65 NFκB and Ser-727 phosphorylated STAT1 at the IL-8 promoter. Neutralization of IL-8 using anti-IL-8 antibody reduces IFNγ-induced migration of OC cells, and their invasion ability in 3D spheroids. Together, these findings identify IL-8 as a novel target induced by IFNγ/JAK1/STAT1/p65 NFκB signaling, and indicate that the IFNγ-induced IL-8 contributes to IFNγ pro-tumorigenic effects in ovarian cancer cells.
Lactate monooxygenase. III: Additive contributions of active site residues to catalytic efficiency and stabilization of an anionic transition state

Lactate monooxygenase catalyzes the conversion of L-lactate to acetate, CO2, and water with incorporation of molecular oxygen. Several amino acid residues of lactate monooxygenase had been postulated to interact in specific ways with the bound substrate (Giegel, D. A., Williams, C. H., Jr., and Massey, V. (1990) J. Biol. Chem. 265, 6626-6632). Tyrosine 44 and arginine 293 were proposed to form a hydrogen bond and a salt bridge to the carboxyl-moiety of lactate. Tyrosine 152 was suggested to form a hydrogen bond to the alpha-hydroxyl group and could be involved in stabilizing a transient carbanionic intermediate of the substrate. The tyrosine residues were replaced with phenylalanines (Y44F, Y152F), and arginine 293 was mutated to a lysine (R293K). In all cases catalysis was significantly decreased; however, the binding affinity for L-lactate did not decrease. Instead, the Kd measured for Y152F was 10-fold lower than that for the wild type enzyme. The products of turnover with Y152F were similar to those with wild type enzyme, with 70-80% of the reaction proceeding to form acetate, CO2, and H2O. The catalytic reactions with both Y44F and R293K were substantially uncoupled, with between 60 and 80% of the catalytic turnover forming pyruvate and H2O2. For all mutant forms the reoxidation of enzyme with oxygen in the absence of pyruvate occurred at a rate similar to that measured for the wild type enzyme. The most important effect of the mutations was in the ability to stabilize the transition state analog oxalate. A linear relationship was found between the rate of reduction of the enzyme flavin and the dissociation constant for the binding of oxalate, demonstrating that many individual residues contribute to the lowering of the energy of the transition state, in addition to specific functions being assignable to some specific residues.
Development of a linear power amplifier for high frame rate imaging system [biomedical ultrasound imaging applications]

A linear power amplifier was developed for a high frame rate imaging system. Due to the relatively large number of channels (128) and the high peak power capability of the imaging system (about 300 W/channel), the power amplifier was designed to minimize the static power consumption without significant signal distortions. To realize such an amplifier, active bias voltage control of the output MOSFETs and output offset adjustment were implemented. A printed circuit board (PCB) was designed and assembled with surface-mount components. The complete amplifier was tested and used with the high frame rate imaging system to obtain RF echo signals for image construction.
Possible Detrimental Effects of Clamping Main Versus Segmental Renal Arteries for the Achievement of Renal Global Ischemia During Robot-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy

Abstract Purpose: To determine the impacts of clamping the main renal artery vs individually clamping presegmental or segmental arteries at the time of global renal ischemia on the surgical and functional outcomes of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN). Patients and Methods: Patients who underwent RAPN at our center from 2009 to September 2013 were assessed for details of intraoperative renal arterial anatomy. Cases were divided into two groups according to the type of global renal ischemia: Group 1 consisted of cases where one main renal artery (or hilum) was clamped; group 2 included cases where multiple arteries or multiple branches of arteries were individually clamped. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, perioperative data, functional outcomes (as well as pathology findings) were assessed for both groups. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed for identifying factors predicting early (at day 3) estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) preservation postoperatively. Res...
At low precursor frequencies, the T‐cell response to chronic self‐antigen results in anergy without deletion

The behavior of self-reactive T cells in the peripheral immune system has often been studied by following the fate of adoptively transferred antigen-specific T cells in antigen expressing mice. In most cases, after a period of expansion, such cells undergo a slow clonal deletion, accompanied by the onset of anergy and/or suppression in the remaining cells. Here, we demonstrate that at initial frequencies approaching those found in normal repertoires, it is possible to completely avoid deletion and still maintain peripheral tolerance. At starting numbers of <1000 T cells, stimulation by chronic self-antigens resulted in a period of robust clonal expansion, followed by a steady plateau phase extending beyond 4 months. Despite their stable persistence, the self-reactive T cells did not convert to a Foxp3+ fate. However, they displayed a considerable block in their ability to make IL-2, consistent with the onset of anergy — in a precursor frequency or deletion independent fashion.
Precise measurement of the nuclear dependence of the EMC effect at large x

Experiment E03-103, carried out in Hall C at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, measuring inclusive electron scattering cross sections from nuclear targets over a broad range of x (0.3 0.4, and improve the known precision of the existing measurements of the effect in 4He and other nuclear targets at large x. The data have also been analyzed in terms of the structure function F$$A\atop{2}$$ to examine the scaling of the inelastic scattering in x and ξ.
Anti-islanding techniques for Inverter-based Distributed Generation systems - A survey

The increased penetration of Inverter-based Distributed Generation (DG) in Smart Grid systems requires an adequate level of monitoring and detection especially under islanding conditions. Islanding occurs when a DG system is disconnected from the rest of the power grid. These DG systems are usually independently owned and controlled, thus when islanding occurs, the electric utility loses control and supervision over that section of the power grid. As a consequence, islanding can present serious safety hazard since a presumed disconnected power line can still unexpectedly be fed by nearby DG sources. Furthermore, prolonged islanding can also prevent reconnection to the power grid and may cause damage due to voltage and frequency excursions. Therefore, islanding detection, which is also called “Anti-Islanding”, is one of the most critical aspects of the integration of DG sources into the power grid. There has been considerable research on developing detection techniques, however, recent breakthroughs in this field have resulted in significant modifications to the Anti-Islanding taxonomy which is the subject of this investigation. In this paper, a comprehensive survey was conducted with the objective of highlighting the latest Anti-Islanding techniques presented in the literature. Extensive comparisons of improvements and limitations of these new techniques was provided. Finally, open research areas in this field were identified.
Steganography may increase learning everywhere

In this paper, we describe an interesting and contemporary topic called steganography and ways that it can easily be included in computer science courses. Today, steganography is used in many ways. By discussing and demonstrating steganography, an instructor can show interesting examples, ranging from simple to complex, of how computer science is found in commercial, military, and private software applications. Our results, although strictly casual, suggest that steganography, and its applications, naturally stimulate interest in most computer science students. Any time a person is interested in a topic, he or she tends to focus more and better on it. In this case, the topics are computer science courses.
Plant Cell Wall Biogenesis During Tip Growth in Root Hair Cells

In plants, cells are surrounded by a rigid cell wall, which restricts changes in cell shape and size; therefore, polarized secretion and deposition of cell wall components take on a particular importance during plant growth and development. In recent years, significant advances have been made in discovering and characterizing enzymes and proteins involved in the synthesis of many of the main cell wall polysaccharides. However, despite these advances little is known of the membrane-trafficking pathways responsible for polarized secretion in plants, and how the specific delivery of cell wall components to regions of cell expansion is controlled. In root hair cells, the majority of new cell wall deposition occurs in a highly polarized manner at the expanding tips of these cells. Additionally, reinforcement of the cell wall and deposition of secondary cell wall components occur selectively in the more distal portions of the root hair cell. In this chapter we will discuss some of the major classes of polysaccharides and structural proteins that are found in plant cell walls and relevant evidence for their selective deposition and function during plant cell wall biogenesis during root hair tip growth.
Statistically linking extreme precipitation to global warming

Extreme rainfall can have serious effects on societies and ecosystems. Increases in extreme precipitation events are predicted to occur as Earth's climate warms, in part because warmer air has greater capacity to hold moisture, leading to more precipitation in a warmer climate. However, directly attributing changes in rainfall to global warming is difficult because climate models have limited precisions and because extreme events are rare and occur at irregular intervals.
Parallel Scalar Optimized Direct Simulation Monte Carlo Method for Rarefied Flows on the SP-1

Simply transferring codes originally developed for a supercomputer to a cache based workstation architecture will generally result in poor performance. Better data locality is required for good cache management which can generally only be achieved by rewriting the code using a different data structure. Data locality at a higher level is also required if a distributed memory parallel computer is used. A change in the DSMC algorithm is then required.
Higher-order aberrations and best-corrected visual acuity in Native American children with a high prevalence of astigmatism

Purpose To determine whether higher-order aberrations (HOAs) in children from a highly astigmatic population differ from population norms and whether HOAs are associated with astigmatism and reduced best-corrected visual acuity. Methods Subjects were 218 Tohono O'odham Native American children 5-9 years of age. Noncycloplegic HOA measurements were obtained with a handheld Shack-Hartmann sensor (SHS). Signed (z06s to z14s) and unsigned (z06u to z14u) wavefront aberration Zernike coefficients Z(3,−3) to Z(4,4) were rescaled for a 4 mm diameter pupil and compared to adult population norms. Cycloplegic refraction and best-corrected logMAR letter visual acuity (BCVA) were also measured. Regression analyses assessed the contribution of astigmatism (J0) and HOAs to BCVA. Results The mean root-mean-square (RMS) HOA of 0.191 ± 0.072 μm was significantly greater than population norms (0.100 ± 0.044 μm). All unsigned HOA coefficients (z06u to z14u) and all signed coefficients except z09s, z10s, and z11s were significantly larger than population norms. Decreased BCVA was associated with astigmatism (J0) and spherical aberration (z12u) but not RMS coma, with the effect of J0 about 4 times as great as z12u. Conclusions Tohono O'odham children show elevated HOAs compared to population norms. Astigmatism and unsigned spherical aberration are associated with decreased acuity, but the effects of spherical aberration are minimal and not clinically significant.