cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Scalable video coding over heterogeneous networks

Heterogeneous networks mix wired and wireless technologies, exhibiting well over three orders of magnitude of throughputs. Mobility adds the challenge of dynamic abrupt changes in the throughput experienced by a user. We describe in this paper a video service architecture that accommodates these widely different operating environments while providing graceful degradation as conditions change dynamically for mobile users. The video service is designed in the context of CMU's wireless Andrew. Key to our architecture is Generative Video (GV), a meta representation for video sequences. GV reduces video to still images, the world images, and ancillary data. The world images integrate the information about the background and about all moving objects present in the sequence. World images `lossless' compress the video sequence by at least two orders of magnitude. When coupled with spatial compression of these still images, the total compression ratio can easily exceed three orders of magnitude, well beyond the possibilities of current technologies. Scalable encoding of GV reduces to scalable encoding of still images. We discuss three alternatives, frequency scalability, signal to noise ratio scalability, and spatial scalability. We present results with a real video clip of 20 seconds duration, illustrating compression ratios of forty five hundred with acceptable (VHS type) quality. Due to the different nature and role played by the two types of GV data, we choose two transport protocols: TCP/IP for the transmission of the world images, and UDP/IP for the transport of the ancillary data. The paper describes the video system architecture and several design choice and optimizations that improve the overall performance of the video service.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Hysteresis in hand-eye coordination

A perceptual displacement paradigm is used to explore the dynamic properties of hand-eye coordination. Participants used a computer mouse to trace the outline of a circle that was displayed on a computer monitor. The experimental apparatus introduced a series of rotational displacements to the participant's normal hand-eye coordination. These displacements were similar to the kinds of coordination displacements that are associated with performing endoscopic surgery. The goal of the investigation was to test whether the coordination system displayed behaviour similar to that associated with simple nonlinear dynamic systems, such as hysteresis and multistability. The observed hysteresis pattern parallels in quality the hysteresis behaviour of rather simple nonlinear dynamic systems. Hysteresis underscores the role of the contextual constraints in both the understanding and control of behaviour. It also motivates dynamic systems theory as a general framework for understanding coordination.
In defiance of genre: The language of Patrick Modiano's Dora Bruder project

Dora Bruder, unique to Patrick Modiano’s literary repertoire, remains unclassifiable with respect to genre due to its constant oscillation between fiction, biography and autobiography. The publication of an English translation has further complicated the task of classification.While some scholars persist in their usage of the term ‘autofiction’ to describe this work, Modiano’s reliance on visual elements such as photography and maps suggests that Dora Bruder would be more aptly classified as an instance of second-generation Holocaust ekphrasis. It is my contention that strict textual analyses that ignore Dora Bruder’s distinctive publication history fail to grasp not only the work’s defining image—text dynamic, but also its continued existence as a work in progress. The current analysis therefore proposes a new reading of Dora Bruder in an attempt to reach beyond the Western conception of canonical literature and to better understand Modiano’s Dora Bruder project.
Comparative In Vitro Efficacies of Various Catheter Lock Solutions

MEDTA (minocycline-edetate calcium disodium), taurolidine (2%)-polyvinylpyrolidine (5%) (T/PVP), and ethanol as potential catheter lock solutions have a unique mechanism of action, broad-spectrum activity, and anticoagulant properties. Traditional lock solutions minocycline (M), rifampin (R), ciprofloxacin (C), and vancomycin, except pharmacologic concentrations of C and R and of M and R, were less effective than MEDTA and T/PVP.
Estimating the detector coverage in a negative selection algorithm

This paper proposes a statistical mechanism to analyze the detector coverage in a negative selection algorithm, namely a quantitative measurement of a detector set's capability to detect nonself data. This novel method has the advantage of statistical confidence in the estimation of the actual coverage. Furthermore, unlike the existing analysis works of negative selection, it doesn't depend on specific detector representation and generation algorithm. Not only can it be implemented as a procedure independent from the steps to generate detectors, the experiments in this paper showed that it can also be tightly integrated into the detector generation algorithm to control the number of detectors.
Smoke Alarm Presence and Performance in U.S. Home Fires

The vast majority of U.S. homes have at least one smoke alarm. For smoke alarms to be effective, they must have a functional power source, be close enough to the smoke to activate, they must be heard, and occupants must take appropriate action. In homes with smoke alarms and fires considered large enough, the alarms operated 83% of the time. Analyses of data from the U.S. Fire Administration’s National Fire Incident Reporting System and the National Fire Protection Association’s fire department survey showed that in 2003 to 2006, no smoke alarms were present in 31% of reported home fires and 40% of home fire deaths. Smoke alarms were present but failed to operate in 9% of the reported fires and 23% of the deaths. Thirty-seven percent of the deaths resulted from the 47% of fires with operating smoke alarms. Circumstances of the fire, the detection equipment, and occupant characteristics must be considered when evaluating smoke alarm performance. Hardwired smoke alarms operated more often than alarms powered by batteries alone. Victims of fatal fires with working smoke alarms were more likely than victims of fires without working smoke alarms to have been in the area of origin when the fire began; fighting the fire; unable to act; or at least 65 years old; and less likely to have been sleeping. Findings from the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s 2004 to 2005 Residential Fire Survey provide background about smoke alarms in the general population and in unreported fires.
Work in progress - embedded system-based introductory programming course for computer and electrical engineering students

Introductory programming courses are unique in that they typically represent the studentpsilas first technical experience in computer and electrical engineering curriculum. The presentation of these courses is important because the impressions students form from these courses stay with them throughout their college experience and beyond. This paper describes an embedded system-based introductory programming course designed specifically to support the specific needs of computer and electrical engineering students. This course replaces a similar course taught from primarily a computer science perspective by changing the course context to a hardware-based embedded environment. The embedded system environment fully supports the learning outcomes of the computer science-based programming course but also accustoms students to the nuances of embedded systems that would otherwise require introduction in later coursework. The hardware nature of this course provides students with an introduction to interfacing basic and common I/O devices typically available on microcontroller-based hardware platforms. The presentation of this course also mitigates traditional cultural differences between computer science and engineering-based approaches to curriculum that can have a negative impact on students in their perspective majors.
Lateralization and localization of epilepsy related hemodynamic foci using presurgical fMRI.

Objective The aim was to develop a method for the purpose of localizing epilepsy related hemodynamic foci for patients suffering intractable focal epilepsy using task-free fMRI alone.
Time-Domain Approach to Energy Efficiency: High-Performance Network Element Design

Energy efficiency is a corner stone of sustainability in data center and high-performance networking. Yet, there is a notable structural mismatch between networking element development practices and experiential equipment utilization. In particular, some aspects of energy usage (such as elasticity) routinely remains out of focus at the system level, restricting emerging technologies like IEEE 802.3az to physical and datalink layers. Drawing from hands-on research and development in highspeed and grid networking, we identify a novel approach to energy efficiency in network engineering. In this paper, we demonstrate how the problem of efficient silicon design can be dissected into smaller sections based on the timescale of traffic processing. This new classification enables focused and concerted development that is tightly paired to resource and sustainability targets, which benefits devices on all network layers.
Sensitivity Analysis of Extended and Unscented Kalman Filters for Attitude Estimation

The extended Kalman filter (EKF) and unscented Kalman filter (UKF) for nonlinear state estimation with both additive and nonadditive noise structures are presented and compared. Three different Global Positioning System (GPS)/inertial navigation system (INS) sensor fusion formulations for attitude estimation are used as case studies for the nonlinear state estimation problem. A diverse set of actual flight data collected from research unmanned aerial vehicles was used as empirical data for this study. Roll and pitch estimation results were comparedwith independent measurements from amechanical vertical gyroscope to evaluate the performance. The performance of the EKF and UKF is compared in terms of noise assumptions, covariance matrix tuning, sampling rate, initialization error, GPS outages, robustness to inertial measurement unit bias and scale factors, and linearization. Similar sensitivity for this GPS/INS attitude estimation problem was found between the EKF and UKF for most cases. Small differences were seen between EKF and UKF for initialization error and GPS outages: the UKF was found to be more robust to inertial measurement unit calibration errors, and the EKF was determined to be more computationally efficient.
Message transmission and state estimation over Gaussian broadcast channels

Motivated by [1], we consider the problem of simultaneous message transmission and state estimation over Gaussian broadcast channels. In particular, two independent messages are transmitted over a state dependent Gaussian broadcast channel with noncausal side information at the transmitter. The receivers, in addition to decode their own messages, also try to estimate the state information. Using squared-error distortion, we provide in this paper an inner bound and an outer bound for the optimal rate distortion tradeoff.
Scale-invariant approach to multi-criterion optimisation under uncertainty, with applications to optimal sensor placement, in particular, to sensor placement in environmental research

How, within a given budget, can we design a sensor network that would provide us with the largest amount of useful information? There are two important aspects to this question: (a) how to best distribute the sensors over the large area, i.e. how to best divide the area of interest into zones corresponding to different sensors, and (b) what is the best location of each sensor in the corresponding zone. There is some research on the first aspect to the problem. In this paper, we show that the second aspect can be naturally formalised as a particular case of a general problem of scale-invariant multi-criterion optimisation under uncertainty, and we provide a solution to this general problem. As an illustrative case study, we consider the selection of locations for the Eddy towers, an important micrometeorological instrument.
Two-beam-current method for e-beam writing gray-scale masks and its application to high-resolution microstructures

A two-beam-current method is introduced for e-beam writing in the fabrication of gray-scale masks. Compared with the simpler single-current method, the two-beam-current method offers two important advantages: (a) it can achieve a much larger dynamic range for e-beam exposure; (b) the writing time for a gray-scale mask can be reduced when a large pattern is to be written. Here, the new method is first described in detail and its application to the fabrication of our new gray-scale mask is demonstrated. Then, the improved gray-scale masks were employed to fabricate large dynamic range, high-resolution micro-optical elements of less than a couple of micrometers depth, using deep ultraviolet lithography at 248 nm wavelength and an inductively coupled plasma reactive ion etching system.
Serial time encoded amplified microscopy

We present an imaging method that maps a 2D image into a serial time-domain waveform and simultaneously amplifies it optically. Continuous real-time images at a record frame rate of 6.1 MHz are captured using an oscilloscope.
The Blame Game: Elements of Causal Attribution and its Impact on Siding with Agents in the News

“Blame game” coverage relates to news about actors in the public arena as they try to deflect, deflate, or diffuse blame for negative events so that the public does not view them as the cause of harm. The current research looks at formal differences in news presentations and how they affect causal attributions of news readers and subsequent support for agents in the news and policy preferences. In Study 1, verb voice was manipulated in four news stories with one key agent; when active voice was used to describe actions relative to an event, that agent was more seen as the cause of that event than when passive voice was used. Study 2 demonstrated, based on three news reports about conflicts, that facets of causal attributions—perceived control and intention— affect perceptions of agents' traits, as well as assent and support for the changes targeted by the news agents.
A Bayesian approach for inducing sparsity in generalized linear models with multi-category response

The dimension and complexity of high-throughput gene expression data create many challenges for downstream analysis. Several approaches exist to reduce the number of variables with respect to small sample sizes. In this study, we utilized the Generalized Double Pareto (GDP) prior to induce sparsity in a Bayesian Generalized Linear Model (GLM) setting. The approach was evaluated using a publicly available microarray dataset containing 99 samples corresponding to four different prostate cancer subtypes. A hierarchical Sparse Bayesian GLM using GDP prior (SBGG) was developed to take into account the progressive nature of the response variable. We obtained an average overall classification accuracy between 82.5% and 94%, which was higher than Support Vector Machine, Random Forest or a Sparse Bayesian GLM using double exponential priors. Additionally, SBGG outperforms the other 3 methods in correctly identifying pre-metastatic stages of cancer progression, which can prove extremely valuable for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. Importantly, using Geneset Cohesion Analysis Tool, we found that the top 100 genes produced by SBGG had an average functional cohesion p-value of 2.0E-4 compared to 0.007 to 0.131 produced by the other methods. Using GDP in a Bayesian GLM model applied to cancer progression data results in better subclass prediction. In particular, the method identifies pre-metastatic stages of prostate cancer with substantially better accuracy and produces more functionally relevant gene sets.
Dividing a polygon into two similar polygons

If n ? 7 , then there is no n -gon P that can be divided into two n -gons each being similar to P .
Penalized likelihood functional regression

This paper studies the generalized functional linear model with a scalar response and a functional predictor. The response given the functional predictor is assumed to come from the distribution of an exponential family. A penalized likelihood approach is proposed to estimate the unknown intercept and coefficient function in the model. Inference tools such as point-wise confidence intervals of the coefficient function and the prediction intervals are derived. The minimax rate of convergence for the error in predicting the mean response is established. It is shown that the penalized likelihood estimator attains the optimal rate of convergence. Our simulations demonstrate a competitive performance against the existing approach. The method is further illustrated by an application of using the DTI tractography to distinguish corpus callosum tracts with multiple sclerosis from normal tracts.
Postnatal changes of water and electrolytes of rat tissues.

SummaryElectrolyte and water contents of heart, liver, kidney, spleen, ovaries, and testes were analyzed in rats between 2 and 100 days of age. Tissues were dried to constant weight to measure water content. Electrolyte content was determined using emission spectrophotometry. At all times, the liver contained the least amount of water; the kidney, spleen, and heart had an intermediate water content which were approximately equal to each other; the testes and ovaries contained the highest content of water. Water contents of the liver, heart, spleen, and kidney fall from 2 to 23 days of age and then remain constant at adult levels. The water contents of testes and ovaries remain relatively constant throughout the period studied. Tissue Na content of the heart, liver, kidney, spleen, and testes is high relative to K in the early postnatal period and decreases with age, reaching a minimum at 37-44 days of age. The most unexpected result of this study is the finding that the Na content of the ovary parallels t...
International Conference on Harmonization-Good Clinical Practices Update:

This paper presents an introduction to the “International Conference on Harmonization Good Clinical Practices Consolidated Guideline” for professionals who are already familiar with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clinical trial standards. A brief background on the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) is provided. ICH-GCP is then compared to FDA standards. ICH guidelines are well supported by industry and FDA. As a result of ICH, regulatory requirements are becoming clearer and more harmonized, the quality of clinical studies is improving, and the acceptance of foreign data is increasing within the ICH regions. Harmonization of the format and content of marketing applications, which is anticipated to be completed in the next few years, will bring more benefits.
Polyoxyethylene Tallow Amine, a Glyphosate Formulation Adjuvant: Soil Adsorption Characteristics, Degradation Profile, and Occurrence on Selected Soils from Agricultural Fields in Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Mississippi, and Missouri.

Polyoxyethylene tallow amine (POEA) is an inert ingredient added to formulations of glyphosate, the most widely applied agricultural herbicide. POEA has been shown to have toxic effects to some aquatic organisms making the potential transport of POEA from the application site into the environment an important concern. This study characterized the adsorption of POEA to soils and assessed its occurrence and homologue distribution in agricultural soils from six states. Adsorption experiments of POEA to selected soils showed that POEA adsorbed much stronger than glyphosate; calcium chloride increased the binding of POEA; and the binding of POEA was stronger in low pH conditions. POEA was detected on a soil sample from an agricultural field near Lawrence, Kansas, but with a loss of homologues that contain alkenes. POEA was also detected on soil samples collected between February and early March from corn and soybean fields from ten different sites in five other states (Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Missis...
Introduction to Controlled Fusion

It is entirely fitting that this book should end with an introduction, since the study of elementary plasma physics leads to an understanding of the complex problem that originally supplied the impetus for the growth of this new science—the problem of controlled thermonuclear reactions. Since the only fuel required in the ultimate fusion reactor is the heavy hydrogen in seawater, the realization of this goal would mean a virtually limitless source of energy (lasting hundreds of millions of years) at virtually zero fuel cost. The enormous impact this would make on our civilization makes controlled fusion the most important scientific challenge man has ever faced.
State Initiatives to Control Medication Costs — Can Transparency Legislation Help?

To evaluate the argument that high drug prices are a fair and necessary reflection of the high costs incurred to bring a product to market, 10 states have introduced bills that would require pharmaceutical firms to disclose those research and development costs.
Young Volcanic Rocks of the Cordillera

Volcanic rocks have unique attributes as well as attributes of both sedimentary and crystalline rock. Their unique attributes include a distinctive set of landforms that includes major volcanoes, lava plateaus, and lava fields. Chapter 14 discusses the recent ( 20 Ma) volcanic rocks are andesitic and rhyolitic in composition and are associated with subduction along the western Cordilleran coast. Explosive caldera formation during the circa 33 Ma ignimbrite flare-up is associated with subduction. Younger rocks are dominantly basaltic in composition and are associated with the Yellowstone hot spot. However, young, explosive, silicic calderas are also present, including Yellowstone, Long Valley, and Valles.
Role of Mechanosensitive TRP Channels in Abnormal Vasculature of Tumors

Solid tumors necessitate vascularization for metabolic support and metastasis, relying on the process of angiogenesis to form new blood vessels. However, the constant stimulation of endothelial cells from pro-angiogenic soluble factors and mechanical forces creates a tumor vasculature that is structurally and functionally abnormal. Most anti-angiogenic therapies have focused on targeting VEGF signaling to pursue the tumor vasculature. However, these anti-VEGF therapies have been met with limited success in clinical trials. Hence, recent studies have started to investigate the role of mechanical signaling in tumor angiogenesis as it occurs in a mechanically dynamic environment. This chapter focuses on mechanosensitive ion channels that belong to the transient receptor potential (TRP) superfamily, with special emphasis on the role of TRPV4 in the endothelium, as well as deregulation of TRPV4 signaling within the tumor endothelium, and its potential as a target for normalization of tumor vasculature to improve cancer therapy.
Requirements for reflective argument visualization tools: a case for using validity as a normative standard

This paper formulates in the first part some requirements for a certain sort of computational argumentation systems, namely those which are designed for a very specific purpose: to motivate reflection on one's own thinking, and to induce cognitive change. This function of argumentation systems is important for argument-based conflict negotiations, deliberation processes, intercultural communication, text analysis, and learning through argument visualization. In all these situations success is only possible when people are able to change their mind, learn something, or start to reframe well-established ways of perceiving and interpreting things. Based on these requirements, I defend and explain in the second part my decision to use for Logical Argument Mapping---a method specifically designed for supporting reflective argumentation---only argument schemes that are deductively valid.
A Benchmark Synthetic Dataset for Fractured Reservoir

A benchmark synthetic fractured reservoir dataset is built as an initial step towards evaluating methodologies for using deterministic Discrete Fracture Network (DFN) models from an explored area in predicting performance in relatively underexplored adjacent zones. In this exercise we create a robust synthetic dataset comprising about seven million grid cells with details on geology, geomechanical and geophysical properties. It starts with a simple three-layered subsurface geology reflecting aeolian, fluvial and coastal environments and four major sealing faults that dissect the domain into a “core”, “graben” and a “horst” area. The entire reservoir is populated with relevant facies properties, porosity and permeability. Fracture intensity and orientation distributions are computed from geomechanical constraints. A subset of this data within the middle-layer of the core region is considered to be the “area of interest”. This region is populated with fractures invoking a DFN model by talking into account fracture intensity and orientations from geomechanical constraints. The influence of these fractures on seismic responses is evaluated based on computation of the effective elastic stiffness tensor. The seismic response can then be used as templates to interpret the characteristics of the fractured reservoir in the unexplored areas. Finally, the feasibility of production within the “area of interest” is evaluated by adding a set of injector and producer wells and simulating flow over a 10-year time period.
Locating foreign aid commitments in response to political violence

Following a recent trend towards disaggregation in studies of foreign aid and political violence, we evaluate the determinants of foreign aid sub-nationally. We focus our attention upon political violence as a key subnational determinant of aid commitments and argue that donors commit aid to areas with recent political violence in the hope of ameliorating need and bolstering stability. This being the case, however, we contend not all areas experiencing violence are equally likely to receive aid commitments. This is because potential donors are faced with a dilemma—balancing risk and reward—that leads them to question whether they can effectively deliver aid to areas under conditions of extreme violence. We test these two hypotheses and provide confirmation for them in the context of bilateral aid commitments to local areas within Sub-Saharan African states experiencing civil war between 1990 and 2007.
Outcomes in patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices and bacteremia caused by Gram-positive cocci other than Staphylococcus aureus.

Background— Infection is a serious complication of cardiovascular implantable electronic device (CIED) placement and requires device removal for attempted cure. Methods and Results— We studied the rate, risk factors, and outcomes of CIED infection in 74 consecutive patients with bacteremia caused by Gram-positive cocci (GPC) other than Staphylococcus aureus between 2001 and 2007. CIED infection was defined as the presence of signs of infection at the generator site, lead vegetations seen on echocardiography, or microbiological growth from device cultures. Twenty-two (30%) of 74 patients with non–S aureus GPC bacteremia had CIED infections. Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) accounted for 73% of CIED infections. The rate of CIED infection in patients with CoNS bacteremia was almost 2-fold that of non-CoNS GPC bacteremia (36% versus 20%, P =0.13). The number of leads, the presence of abandoned leads, and prior generator replacement were associated with CIED infection. Among 33 patients without identifiable CIED infection at initial evaluation who did not undergo device removal, 5 (15%) had relapsing bacteremia within 12 weeks of completing antibiotic therapy. CoNS accounted for all relapses, and none had evidence of CIED infection at relapse. Conclusions— Patients with a CIED and bacteremia caused by GPC other than S aureus frequently had evidence of underlying CIED infection on clinical evaluation that included transesophageal echocardiography. This was particularly true among those with CoNS bacteremia. No evidence of underlying CIED infections was identified in the subgroup of patients who did not have manifestations of CIED infection on initial evaluation but subsequently had relapsing bacteremia caused by CoNS.
Quantitative optical coherence tomography angiography of the peripapillary circulation in glaucoma

The cause of glaucoma, a disease defined by degeneration of retinal ganglion cells associated with cupping of the optic nerve head (ONH) and progressive vision loss, continues to be debated despite numerous advances in ophthalmic imaging and diagnostics. Although elevated intraocular pressure is often implicated, many studies, using a variety of imaging techniques including plain fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, laser Doppler flowmetry, and color Doppler ultrasound (1-4), have suggested that insufficiencies of ONH circulation may play a role in glaucoma pathogenesis. While all of these imaging modalities have been informative, each has a set of limitations, including low spatial resolution, invasiveness, restriction to superficial vessels, lack of repeatability, and modality specific artifacts. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), an imaging technology that can produce high resolution, three-dimensional images of fundus microcirculation, is well suited to overcome many of these limitations (5).
A deep semantic corpus-based approach to metaphor analysis: A case study of metaphoric conceptualizations of poverty

This paper demonstrates the fruitful application of the formalization of Conceptual Metaphor Theory, combined with metaphor constructions and computational tools to a large-scale, corpus-based approach to the study of metaphor expressions. As the case study of poverty metaphor expressions illustrates, the representation of individual metaphors and frames as parts of larger conceptual networks facilitates analyses that capture both local details and larger patterns of metaphor use. Significantly, the data suggest that the two most frequently used source domain networks in poverty metaphor expressions each support different types of inferences about poverty, its effects, and possible ways to reduce or end it.
The Hidden Costs of Habeas Delay

Because habeas petitioners seek a court order for liberty rather than compensation, judges have a duty to decide habeas petitions promptly. But increasingly, the federal courts have fallen behind on their heavy habeas dockets, and many petitions — some of which are meritorious — remain undecided for years. First, this Article makes the normative and historical argument that speed must be, and always has been, central to the function of habeas. Second, it analyzes newly compiled Administrative Office of the United States Courts data on more than 200,000 habeas petitions and demonstrates empirically for the first time that there is a widespread and growing problem of delay in the resolution of habeas petitions in the federal courts. Third, this Article offers a specific and concrete remedy for the habeas delay problem, recommending that the Judicial Conference of the United States require judges to identify publicly all habeas petitions that have been pending in their chambers for more than six months, just as the Civil Justice Reform Act requires them to do for all other civil motions.
Granulomatous Mastitis and Lipogranuloma of the Breast

PIP: The writer does not accept an immunologic basis as the cause of gran ulomatous mastitis clinically simulating carcinoma, as previously published in the Journal. In 3 similar cases seen recently patients had been using oral contraceptives. Areas of metoplasia of ductular or acinar epithelium have been observed. These cells block the ducts. Ductular epithelium becomes distended and eventually denuded so that luminal contents come in contact with stroma. This evokes a chronic granulomatous reaction on a chemical rather than an immunological basis which the author calls "lipogranuloma." This term differentiates the lesion from tubuculous or fungal granuloma. The effects of oral contraceptives are thought to be related. Reply by Doctor Kessler, author of the original article, follows. He distinguishes the lesions d escribed by him from lipogranuloma. His patients had not been using oral contraceptives.
Safe and Appropriate Use of lodinated Radiographic Contrast Agents: Is There a Reason to Use High-Osmolality lodinated Contrast Agents?:

The improved safety profile of low-osmolality compared with high-osmolality iodinated radiographic contrast agents supports the use of low-osmolality iodinated contrast agents in patients with a hi...
Designing 3D nanostructured garnet frameworks for enhancing ionic conductivity and flexibility in composite polymer electrolytes for lithium batteries

Abstract Solid-state electrolytes provide excellent electrochemical stability, mechanical strength and safety as compared to conventional liquid electrolytes for lithium ion batteries. Recent developments of polymer electrolytes mixed with nanofillers have enhanced ionic conductivity and stability owing to the interaction between nanoscale fillers and polymer matrix/lithium salt. However, the agglomeration of the nanofillers limits the concentration of the filler, thereby preventing the composite electrolyte from further improving the conductivity and stability. In this study, we first report three-dimensional (3D) nanostructured garnet framework as 3D nanofillers for composite polymer electrolyte. The well-percolated structure of garnet framework enables a high weight ratio of 62 wt% in composite electrolyte and improves conductivity to 8.5 × 10−5 S cm−1 at 25 °C with ~ 10−3 S cm−1 at 60 °C. The excellent conductivity and high garnet content of composite electrolyte also lead to enhanced electrochemical and thermal stability as well as interfacial stability with lithium metal. Our 3D interconnected garnet framework design represents a useful strategy for developing high-performance composite polymer electrolytes for next-generation lithium batteries.
Corneal Cross-Linking for Pediatric Keratcoconus Review.

Purpose To comprehensively review the available published literature for cross-linking in the pediatric population. Methods Review of the literature published in English in PubMed. Results Two hundred ten publications were considered. One hundred fifteen were considered relevant to this review. Conclusions Studies of cross-linking in pediatric patients are sparse, with relatively short follow-up times, and mostly on small groups of patients. Treatment with cross-linking halts progression of keratoconus in the pediatric population, and early treatment seems to be cost-effective compared with later penetrating keratoplasty. Long-term effects and regression rates remain unclear, and further studies are needed in this population.
The South Pacific Meridional Mode as a Thermally Driven Source of ENSO Amplitude Modulation and Uncertainty

AbstractThis study seeks to identify thermally-driven sources of ENSO amplitude and uncertainty, as they are relatively unexplored compared to wind-driven sources. Pacific meridional modes are argued to be wind triggers for ENSO events. This study offers an alternative role for the South Pacific Meridional Mode (SPMM) in ENSO dynamics, not as an ENSO trigger, but as a coincident source of latent heat flux (LHF) forcing of ENSO SSTA that if correctly (incorrectly) predicted, could reduce (increase) ENSO prediction errors. We utilize a coupled model simulation in which ENSO variability is perfectly periodic and each El Nino experiences identical wind stress forcing. Differences in El Nino amplitude are primarily thermally-driven via the SPMM. When El Nino occurs coincidentally with positive phase SPMM, the positive SPMM LHF anomaly counteracts a fraction of the LHF damping of El Nino, allowing for a more intense El Nino. If the SPMM phase is instead negative, the SPMM LHF amplifies the LHF damping of El Nin...
Challenges to Scaling-Up Agent Coordination Strategies

There is more to scaling up agent-based systems than simply increasing the number of agents involved. Many of the challenges to making agent-based systems work in more realistic settings arise from the characteristics of the agents’ tasks and environment, and the expectations of the systems’ users. In this chapter, my goal is thus to emphasize this broader array of challenges to coordinating agent-based systems, as a step both towards extending our understanding of scale-up issues as well as towards developing richer metrics for evaluating the degree to which coordination strategies for agent-based systems can apply to more demanding applications.
Exposure to TMXDI (meta) aliphatic isocyanate and TMI (meta) unsaturated aliphatic isocyanate. Clinical and immunological evaluation of 96 workers

We evaluated 96 workers employed at facilities that manufacture or use TMXDI (meta) aliphatic isocyanate and TMI (meta) unsaturated aliphatic isocyanate. We used immunoglobulin (Ig) and IgG serum antibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) studies and a questionnaire designed to identify symptoms compatible with work-related syndromes such as asthma and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. There were no workers with immunologically induced disease due to TMI isocyanate or TMXDI isocyanate nor were there any workers whose questionnaires suggested new onset of asthma. Approximately 40% of workers experienced some irritant symptoms, mostly upper respiratory or ocular. One worker had low level IgE antibody against TMXDI-HSA but had no work-related respiratory symptoms. Very low-level IgG against TMI-HSA or TMXDI-HSA was present in 7% of workers, all of whom were in the high-exposure category.
Biopsychosocial Factors Associated With Satisfaction and Sustained Use of Artificial Pancreas Technology and Its Components: a Call to the Technology Field.

Summarize biopsychosocial factors associated with using continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), insulin pumps, and artificial pancreas (AP) systems and provide a “call to the field” about their importance to technology uptake and maintained use. Insulin pumps and CGMs are becoming standard of care for individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D). AP systems combining a CGM, insulin pump, and automated dosing algorithm are available for commercial use. Despite improved glycemic control with AP system use, numerous barriers exist which may limit their benefit. Studies on components of AP systems (pumps, CGMs) are limited and demonstrate mixed results of their impact on fear of hypoglycemia, adherence, quality of life, depression and anxiety, and diabetes distress. Studies examining biopsychological factors associated specifically with sustained use of AP systems are also sparse. Biological, psychological and social impacts of AP systems have been understudied and the information they provide has not been capitalized upon.
Robust two-sample test of high-dimensional mean vectors under dependence

Abstract A basic problem in modern multivariate analysis is testing the equality of two mean vectors in settings where the dimension p increases with the sample size n . This paper proposes a robust two-sample test for high-dimensional data against sparse and strong alternatives, in which the mean vectors of the populations differ in only a few dimensions, but the magnitude of the differences is large. The test is based on trimmed means and robust precision matrix estimators. The asymptotic joint distribution of the trimmed means is established, and the proposed test statistic is shown to have a Gumbel distribution in the limit. Simulation studies suggest that the numerical performance of the proposed test is comparable to that of non-robust tests for uncontaminated data. For cell-wise contaminated data, it outperforms non-robust tests. An illustration involves biomarker identification in an Alzheimer’s disease dataset.
Kinetic interpretation ofα- andβ-Si3N4 formation from oxide-free high-purity silicon powder

A kinetic analysis of the isothermal nitridation of high-purity oxide-free silicon powder is described. The kinetic analysis suggests that theα andβ polymorphs of Si3N4 are formed by separate and parallel reaction paths. This analysis provides for the decoupling and quantitative kinetic interpretation ofα- andβ-Si3N4 formation reactions. Consistent with existing microstructural and thermodynamic evidence, theα-forming reaction is shown to obey a first-order rate law, whereas a phase-boundary controlled rate law describes theβ-forming reaction. A kinetic model employing these rate laws is developed and is used to predict theα/β phase ratio as a function of isothermal reaction temperature and extent of reaction. Theα/β phase ratios so obtained are shown to be in good agreement with experimental observations made under a variety of reaction conditions.
Engineered Human Umbilical Cord Derived Erythroid Progenitor Cells (HUDEP2) with Sickle or β-Thalassemia Mutation: An in-Vitro System for Testing Pharmacological Induction of Fetal Hemoglobin

Introduction: Sickle cell disease (SCD) and β-thalassemia are inherited blood disorders caused by mutations in the β-globin gene (HBB). Elucidation of the multiple pathophysiologic mechanisms in SCD and β-thalassemia has resulted in an increasing efforts to identify new treatment modalities to ameliorate the consequences of the disease. However, no consistent in vitro system exists for studies of pharmacological therapies for the diseases. Human umbilical cord-derived erythroid progenitor cells (HUDEP2) are an immortalized CD34+ hematopoietic stem cell-derived erythroid precursor cell line that can differentiate into red blood cells. Here, we engineered sickle HUDEP2 and β-thalassemia HUDEP2 clonal lines through CRISPR/Cas9-mediated editing of the human HBB. We sought to establish if these engineered cell lines exhibit disease phenotypes, and if upon in vitro erythroid differentiation they produce fetal hemoglobin (HbF) in response to hydroxyurea, the only FDA-approved drug for HbF induction. Our goal is to create an in vitro system to test new HbF inducers for treating SCD or β-thalassemia. Materials and Methods: We delivered Hi-Fidelity Streptococcus pyogenes (Sp) Cas9 protein and CRISPR guide RNA as a ribonucleoprotein complex in conjunction with a single-stranded DNA donor (ssODN) template to introduce the sickle or K17X (A Results and Discussion: We generated multiple clones with biallelic sickle or β-thalassemia mutations. Sickle HUDEP2 clones almost exclusively expressed sickle hemoglobin with low level of HbF and hemoglobin A2 (HbA2), and β-thalassemia HUDEP2 clones produced no normal adult hemoglobin, 8-10% HbF, and 26-28% HbA2. On HPLC analysis, β-Thalassemia HUDEP2 clones had an unknown tall peak (39-45%) between HbF and HbA consistent with an α-globin homotetramer (α4). When subjected to hypoxic conditions for 4 hours, sickle HUDEP2 produced sickle cells. HUDEP2 parent cells did not sickle under hypoxic conditions. Hydroxyurea induced 3.8-fold, 1.8-fold, and 1.6-fold increases in γ-globin gene (HBG) expression; 2.9-fold, 1.4-fold, and 1.4-fold increases in the percentages of F-cells; 1.4-fold, 1.2-fold, and 1.6-fold increase in the percentages of HbF in sickle, K17X(A Conclusions: Our engineered sickle and β-thalassemia HUDEP2 cell lines have properties similar to those of patient erythroid cells and respond to the known HbF inducer hydroxyurea. This in vitro model system may facilitate the drug-discovery process by enabling multimodal drug screening on a large scale with consistent and reproducible results. Acknowledgements: This work was supported by the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas grants RR140081 and RP170721 (to G.B.) and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute of NIH (1K08DK110448 to V.S.) Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
The Use of Stems for Morbid Obesity in Total Knee Arthroplasty

Morbidly obese patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty have worse functional outcomes and implant survival, and increased revision rates compared with nonobese patients. In addition to increased medical comorbidities and difficult exposure, increased stress on the tibial implant and altered kinematics of knee motion contribute to aseptic loosening and medial collapse. Increased implant fixation, including use of a stemmed tibial implant, may be a way to help avoid these complications. While there is limited data on tibial stems in the morbidly obese patients specifically, cemented stemmed tibial implants should be strongly considered in these patients, especially if bone quality is poor. The initial increased cost of a stemmed implant can be justified in this high-risk patient population to minimize the risk of costly revisions related to compromised tibia component fixation.
Protecting the Faithful from Their Faith: A Proposal for Snake-Handling Law in West Virginia

In the hills of Appalachia sing the hymns of the faithful, preaching a belief in the handling of snakes to prove loyalty to God. In West Virginia, persons may take up poisonous reptiles and pass them amidst crowds in the name of religion without legal restraints. While other states prohibit snake-handling in the name of safety, West Virginia law remains void on the issue. This Article introduces the practice of snake-handling and examines the risks posed by taking up poisonous animals whose bite may cause serious injury or death. This Article then suggests how the West Virginia law may temper the threat of this vehemently dangerous practice, despite its strong religious underpinnings.
Influence of HVDC Reactive Power Compensation Modeling Method on Short-Circuit Current Calculation

With the extensive application of HVDC/UHVDC projects and the continuous growth of its transmission power, the influence of reactive power compensation on calculation results of short-circuit currents can’t be ignored. At present, standards about short-circuit current calculation in three phase ac systems have not been unified and there has been no technical standard about the modeling method for HVDC reactive power compensation in short-circuit current calculation. This paper theoretically analyzes the influence of modeling methods of HVDC reactive power compensation on the amplitude of short- circuit current periodic component and the attenuation time constant of short-circuit current DC component. Based on a practical system, the above analysis about short-circuit current calculation results is verified. Finally, suggestions for HVDC reactive power compensation modeling in short-circuit current calculation are given.