cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Postoperative Liver Dysfunction Adversely Affects Survival After Continuous Flow LVAD Placement

s S27 Purpose: The HeartMate II Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) receives power via a percutaneous lead connected to an external controller and batteries. At times, this lead can be damaged during normal wear as well as by traumatic fracture, which may jeopardize the functionality of the LVAD. If there is significant internal damage, surgical replacement of the LVAD is required. However it is possible to repair externally damaged leads by replacing the distal portion to avoid pump replacement. We report the overall experience and outcomes in patients with external lead repairs. Methods: A procedure for full external lead replacement has been developed and approved for implementation by the FDA. Pre-procedural examination includes scrutiny of high resolution x-rays of the driveline and analysis of pump log files. Efficacy and outcomes of all attempted external lead repairs were evaluated between initiation of repairs in 2008 through 2014. Results: A total of 321 repairs were attempted in 297 patients with suspected isolated external lead damage after a median of 2.0 yr [range: 7d to 8.7 yr] of support. Of 297 patients, 37 (12.5%) had attempts at external repair that were unsuccessful due to concomitant internal lead damage. 31 patients (10.4%) had additional serious malfunctions after lead repair resulting in 17 with repeat repairs and 14 who continued on ungrounded cables, and ultimately 14 of these 31 patients required surgical exchange. 27 of the 297 patients (9.2%) with full lead repairs had only minor additional problems including cuts or abrasion in the insulation fixed with tape or external reinforcement. There was one catastrophic failure during attempted lead repair requiring emergent pump exchange, and three deaths within 14 days of attempted repair related to ongoing internal lead damage. One patient refused surgery, and two were not candidates for other clinical reasons. 202 of the 297 patients (68%) have had no recurrence of lead problems after a median follow-up of 189 days [n= 11 over 2 years, longest 5.8 yr]. Conclusion: HeartMate II dysfunction due to percutaneous lead damage is uncommon, but of serious concern due to risk of abrupt pump stoppage. Lead repair by replacement of the external distal percutaneous lead can be performed by trained personnel in a standardized fashion and may provide a durable solution in select patients with isolated external lead damage, thus avoiding the need for surgical exchange.
Modern Therapies for Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies (IIMs): Role of Biologics

Despite the lack of placebo-controlled trials, glucocorticoids are considered the mainstay of initial treatment for idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIMs) and myositis-associated ILD (MA-ILD). Glucocorticoid-sparing agents are often given concomitantly with other immunosuppressive agents, particularly in patients with moderate or severe disease. As treatment of refractory cases of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies has been challenging, there is growing interest in evaluating newer therapies including biologics that target various pathways involved in the pathogenesis of IIMs. In a large clinical trial of rituximab in adult and juvenile myositis, the primary outcome was not met, but the definition of improvement was met by most of this refractory group of myositis patients. Rituximab use was also associated with a significant glucocorticoid-sparing effect. Intravenous immune globulin (IVIg) can be used for refractory IIMs or those with severe dysphagia or concomitant infections. Anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) utility in IIMs is generally limited by previous negative studies along with recent reports suggesting their potential for inducing myositis. Further research is required to assess the role of new therapies such as tocilizumab (anti-IL6), ACTH gel, sifalimumab (anti-IFNα), and abatacept (inhibition of T cell co-stimulation) given their biological plausibility and encouraging small case series results. Other potential novel therapies include alemtuzumab (a humanized monoclonal antibody which binds CD52 on B and T lymphocytes), fingolimod (a sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulator that traps T lymphocytes in the lymphoid organs), eculizumab, and basiliximab. The future investigations in IIMs will depend on well-designed controlled clinical trials using validated consensus core set measures and improvements in myositis classification schemes based on serologic and histopathologic features.
SN 2015U: A Rapidly Evolving and Luminous Type Ibn Supernova

Supernova (SN) 2015U (also known as PSN J07285387+3349106) was discovered in NGC 2388 on 2015 Feb. 11. A rapidly evolving and luminous event, it showed effectively hydrogen-free spectra dominated by relatively narrow helium P-Cygni spectral features and it was classified as an SN Ibn. In this paper, we present photometric, spectroscopic, and spectropolarimetric observations of SN 2015U, including a Keck/DEIMOS spectrum (resolution ≈5000) which fully resolves the optical emission and absorption features. We find that SN 2015U is best understood via models of shock breakout from extended and dense circumstellar material (CSM), likely created by a history of mass-loss from the progenitor with an extreme outburst within ∼1–2 yr of core collapse (but we do not detect any outburst in our archival imaging of NGC 2388). We argue that the high luminosity of SN 2015U was powered not through ^(56)Ni decay but via the deposition of kinetic energy into the ejecta/CSM shock interface. Though our analysis is hampered by strong host-galaxy dust obscuration (which likely exhibits multiple components), our data set makes SN 2015U one of the best-studied Type Ibn SNe and provides a bridge of understanding to other rapidly fading transients, both luminous and relatively faint.
New Assignment of Mass Values and Uncertainties to NIST Working Standards.

For some time it had been suspected that values assigned to NIST working standards of mass were some 0.17 mg/kg larger than mass values based on artifacts representing mass in the International System of Units (SI). This relatively small offset, now confirmed, has had minimal scientific or technological significance. The discrepancy was removed on January 1, 1990. We document the history of the discrepancy, the studies which allow its removal, and the methods in place to limit its effect and prevent its recurrence. For routine calibrations, we believe that our working standards now have a long-term stability of 0.033 mg/kg (3σ) with respect to the national prototype kilograms of the United States. We provisionally admit an additional uncertainty of 0.09 mg/kg (3σ), systematic to all NIST mass measurements, which represents the possible offset of our primary standards from standards maintained by the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM). This systematic uncertainty may be significantly reduced after analysis of results from the 3rd verification of national prototype kilograms, which is now underway.
The G1 period - Two cycles of chromatin conformational changes monitored by single cell dye intercalation

In previous papers the existence of two cycles of chromosome condensation-decondensation per cell cycle was suggested based on experiments involving nuclear morphometry measurements of Feulgen-stained nuclei. This conclusion can be criticized since its assumption of a relationship between nuclear morphology and chromatin structure is derived from indirect evidence. In this paper, we report simultaneous measurements of nuclear area and nuclear fluorescence intensity on individual cells stained with the intercalating dye, acridine orange (AO). Using cells in various stages of G1 and synchronized by two different methods, our results demonstrate a linear correlation between nuclear area and fluorescence intensity. They also indicate two cycles of chromatin condensation-decondensation during the G1 period, as assayed by the number of chromatin primary, intercalating AO binding sites. Finally, they show that the first of these cycles involves a transition in early G1 from a very small condensed nucleus (immediately after telephase) to a relatively large, dispersed nucleus that occurs abruptly.
Enhancing management of tuberculosis treatment with video directly observed therapy in New York City.

SETTING Directly observed therapy (DOT), the standard of care for monitoring patients on treatment for tuberculosis (TB), requires substantial health department resources, and can be inconvenient and disruptive for patients. OBJECTIVE To determine whether video technology for remote observation of patients on anti-tuberculosis treatment (VDOT) is as effective as in-person DOT. DESIGN Eligible TB patients in New York City were prospectively enrolled in VDOT from September 2013 to September 2014. We compared treatment outcomes and worker output for VDOT and in-person DOT. RESULTS Among 390 patients on DOT for the treatment of TB, 61 (16%) were on VDOT and 329 (84%) on in-person DOT. Adherence to scheduled VDOT sessions was 95% (3292/3455) compared to 91% (32 204/35 442) with in-person DOT (>P < 0.01). VDOT enabled a DOT worker to observe a maximum of 25 patients per day, similar to DOT workers who observed patients in clinic (n = 25), but twice that of DOT workers who observed patients in the community (n = 12). Treatment completion with VDOT was similar to that with in-person DOT (96% vs. 97%, P = 0.63). The primary problems encountered during VDOT sessions were interruption of video and audio connectivity. CONCLUSION Implementation of VDOT resulted in successful anti-tuberculosis treatment outcomes while maximizing health department resources.
Online Classification and Sensor Selection Optimization With Applications to Human Material Handling Tasks Using Wearable Sensing Technologies

Occupational jobs often involve different types of manual material handling (MMH) tasks. Performing such tasks can be physically demanding, and which may put workers at an increased risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). To control and prevent WMSDs, there has been a growing interest in online posture monitoring using wearable sensors. In this paper, we developed an online, supervised, task classification algorithm for monitoring and evaluation of MMH activities. The classification algorithm is based on a fast sparse estimation methodology, which makes it computationally efficient for online decision making. We further propose an optimization approach to improve classification performance, by differentially weighting sensors, thereby representing the relative influence of a sensor in classification performance. Optimizing these weights enables us to determine the most relevant sensors for classification. A case study using 37 sensors with 111 channels of data was completed to validate performance of the proposed method. With only 30 optimally selected sensor channels, our method provides high classification accuracy (>84%) and outperforms several benchmark methods, including support vector machine, quadratic discriminant analysis, and neural network.
Rapid determination of micro sodium cyclamate in food by HPLC with derivatization

Objective:To develop a method for the determination of micro sodium cyclamate in food by high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) with derivatization.Methods:Traditional HPLC is not suitable for the determination of cyclamate because cyclamate itself does not absorb in ultraviolet/visible(UV/VIS) region.But N,N-dichloridecyclohexane can be detected,which is produced by the reaction between cyclamate and hypochlorous sodium.N,N-dichloridecyclohexane was extracted into n-hexane from the solution and was separated on XDB-C18 column by using a mobile phase of methanol(V): water(V)=80:20,then detected by ultraviolet/visible(UV/VIS) monitor at 314nm.External standard method was used for quantification.Results:An improved technique for the rapid detection,effective separation and sample processing was established.The linear range of sodium cyclamate was 0～300 μg/ml with linear correlation coefficient of 0.9995.The result is reproducible and accurate.The recovery of the method for sodium cyclamate is 85.3%～97.5%,the coefficient of variation is 2.32%～6.36% and the limits of quantification is 0.5 mg/kg.Conclusion:This method is simple,rapid,sensitive and of little interference.It can be successfully applied to the measurement of cyclamate in food.
Studies onthe discriminatory power of dissolution test

Studies on the discriminatory power of dissolution test is important in the development of dissolution method.How to select a dissolution method with high discriminatory power is a major concern in pharmaceutical technology evaluation.This article is intended to introduce the importance of discriminatory power and the general method for dissolution test based on research articles.Febuxostat tablets were taken as the sample to investigate how to establish a dissolution method with high discriminatory power.
Simultaneous Observations of Mesoscale Gravity Waves Over the Central US with CRRL Na Doppler Lidars and USU Temperature Mapper

We present the first coordinated study of a 1-h mesoscale gravity wave event detected simultaneously by a Na Doppler lidar at Boulder, CO (40.1°N, 105.2°W), and a Na Doppler lidar and an airglow temperature mapper (AMTM) at Logan, UT (41.7°N, 111.8°W) in the mesopause region on 27 Nov. 2013. The vertical and horizontal wavelengths are ~16.0±0.3 and 342.0±10.4 km, corresponding to vertical and horizontal phase speeds of ~4.4±0.1 and 95.0±3.0 m/s, respectively. The wave propagates from Logan to Boulder with an azimuth angle of ~138.1±1.7° clockwise from North. A uniqueness of this study is that the 1-h wave amplitudes on vertical winds have been quantified for the first time by the STAR Na lidar at Boulder. The GW polarization relation between vertical wind and temperature is evaluated. The intrinsic period of the wave is Doppler shifted to ~100 min by a background wind of 40 m/s, which is confirmed by USU lidar wind observations. This study illustrates a great potential of combining multiple instruments to fully characterize mesoscale gravity waves and inspect their intrinsic properties
Preparation and characterization of three-layer, isotopically labelled core-shell nanoparticles; a tool for understanding mechanisms of bioavailability

Abstract This paper reports the synthesis of three-layered, isotopically labelled 109Ag@Au@107Ag nanoparticles (NPs). It is proposed that this tool will be better able to fully quantify the relative importance of NP and ion (from NP dissolution) biouptake in future studies. A three-step hydrothermal synthesis procedure was developed. The final product had a middle Au barrier layer which was sufficiently thick to prevent the dissolution of the mono-isotopic (109Ag) core, despite the possibility of some alloying at the boundaries between Ag and Au. In addition, the 107Ag shell needed to be sufficiently thick to prevent complete dissolution over a relevant biological exposure period to prevent effects of the alloy on the bioaccumulation. In order to be fit for purpose, there must be good control of NP properties such as size and capping agent. After synthesis, a multi-method approach was used including scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), uv–vis spectroscopy and centrifugal ultracentrifugation and inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP–MS) to quantify particle properties, including dissolution. The DLS, STEM and uv–vis data are strongly suggestive that a NP with three separate layers are produced, although it is acknowledged that some alloying cannot be completely ruled out. Dissolution data of the labelled NPs confirms that there is no dissolution of the Ag109 core NP or Au inner layer but partial dissolution of the Ag107 outer layer. In comparison, the dissolution data from the unlabeled NPs can only confirm the absence of dissolved Au. The middle barrier layer of Au helps prevent any hypothetical alloying affecting the particle properties as a tool to quantify dissolution impacts on bioavailability.
Shiver yes, die no

This case discusses the interaction between an unsuspected source of selegiline in a transdermal patch and meperidine, resulting in serotonin syndrome.
A fast, lightweight, and reliable file system for wireless sensor networks

Sensor nodes are increasingly used in critical applications. A file storage system that is fast, lightweight, and reliable across device failures is important to safeguard the data that these devices record. A fast and lightweight file system should enable sensed data to be sampled and stored quickly for later transmission, while imposing a small resource footprint. A reliable file system should provide storage integrity in the face of hardware, software, and other failures. We present the design and implementation of LoggerFS, a fast, lightweight, and reliable file system for wireless sensor networks which uses a hybrid memory design consisting of RAM, FRAM, and flash. LoggerFS is engineered to provide fast data storage, have a small memory footprint, and provide data reliability across system failures. Additionally, LoggerFS is designed to be power efficient. LoggerFS adapts a log-structured file system approach, augmented with data persistence and reliability guarantees. A caching mechanism allows for flash wear-leveling and fast data buffering. We present a performance evaluation of LoggerFS using a prototypical in situ sensing platform, and demonstrate between 50% and 800% improvements for various workloads using the FRAM write-back cache.
On the proximity effects of high-energy magnets on M-19 magnetic steel core

Permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM) and asynchronous induction motors (IM) are widely used in the industry for a diverse set of applications. Although the use of induction motors is increasing for industrial applications due to cost inconsistency in rare earth magnets, PMSM motors are still being used because of their compact size, high power density, and greater efficiency. In interior permanent magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM) and surface mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor (SPMSM), the non-oriented silicon steel core is in continuous contact with high-energy rare earth magnets. This paper focusses on the effects of these high-energy magnets on the magnetic properties of M-19 steel core. It is observed that the relative permeability of the M-19 steel decreases when it is kept in contact with three sintered Neodymium (NdFeB), grade N45 permanent magnets. This leads to decrease in the inductance of the motor. It thus depicts a very important concept which is generally ignored while designing motors especially for electric propulsion and industrial applications where the effects can be significant.
Enhanced synthesis of cadmium sulfide by electrodeposition in dye-sensitized solar cells

Abstract Cadmium sulfide thin film (CdS TF ) and cadmium sulfide nanoparticles (CdS NPs ) were fabricated by using a simple electrodeposition (ECD) and chemical bath deposition (CBD) respectively. The morphology, phase composition, and structure were investigated by employing scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Their optical absorption capability and the electrical properties were also studied. The organic/inorganic hybrid solar cell devices were fabricated based on CdS TF and CdS NPs with poly(3,4-ethylenedioxyl-thiophene)/poly (styrene-sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS). CdS TF has the potential for enhanced the performance in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) due to its improvable charge carrier collection. The experimental results showed the improved efficiency in cadmium sulfide thin film with titanium dioxide (CdS TF -TiO 2 ) has reached 2.7%. This is much better than (CdS NPs -TiO 2 ) with efficiency 0.86% under similar conditions. This study demonstrates that electrodeposition is a promising technique for large-scale fabrication, of CdS TF , in DSSCs.
Two New Nearctic Species of Leia Meigen Fungus Gnats 1

Abstract. Two new species of Leia Meigen fungus gnats were discovered in western Michigan. These were the only members of the genus with black head, thorax, and abdomen that were found in a local survey. The closest relative of the two new species seems to be the mostly yellow fly Leia sublunata (Loew). Females and juveniles of Leia michigana Taber and Leia manistee Taber are unknown.
Prevalence and Natural History of Superficial Siderosis: A Population-Based Study.

Background and Purpose— Superficial siderosis (SS) is characterized by hemosiderin deposition in the superficial layers of the central nervous system and can be seen during postmortem examination or with iron-sensitive magnetic resonance imaging techniques. The distribution of SS may predict the probable underlying cause. This study aimed to report the prevalence and natural history of SS in a population-based study. Methods— Brain magnetic resonance imaging scans from the MCSA (Mayo Clinic Study of Aging), a population-based study of residents 50 to 89 years of age in Olmsted County, Minnesota, were reviewed. Participants with imaging consistent with SS were identified from 2011 through 2016. An inverse probability weighting approach was used to convert our observed frequencies to population prevalence of SS. Additional data abstracted included amyloid positron emission tomography, Apolipoprotein E genotype, coexisting cerebral microbleeds, and extent of SS. Results— A total of 1412 participants had eligible magnetic resonance imaging scans. Two participants had infratentorial SS, restricted to the posterior fossa. Thirteen participants had cortical SS involving the cerebral convexities (7 focal and 6 disseminated). Only 3 of the participants with cortical SS (23%) also had cerebral microbleeds. The population prevalence of SS was 0.21% (95% confidence interval, 0–0.45) in those 50 to 69 years old and 1.43% (confidence interval, 0.53–2.34) in those over 69 years old. Apolipoprotein E e2 allele was more common in those with SS (57.1% versus 15.0%; P P Conclusions— SS may be encountered in the general elderly population. The association with increased amyloid burden and Apolipoprotein E e2 genotype supports cerebral amyloid angiopathy as the most common mechanism. Longitudinal follow-up is needed to evaluate the risk of subsequent hemorrhage in cases of incidentally discovered SS.
Nest Site Selection and Nest Depredation of Carolina Chickadees

Nest location is an important factor that influences nestlings’ success. Poor nest location could lead to exposure to predators and to a lack of nearby resources. We examined nest site selection and nest depredation of Carolina chickadees (Poecile carolinensis) from 2011–2015 at a field site with artificial nest boxes. In this cavity-nesting species, both members of a breeding pair inspect multiple cavities before deciding on a location to build a nest. We examined whether Carolina chickadee nest location preference and predation rates were related to factors such as proximity to the forest edge, a water source, neighboring cavities, and buildings, as well as the forest type the nest was located in. We found that Carolina chickadee nests that were closer to the forest edge were depredated more often; however, despite this increased risk of nest loss near the forest edge, the chickadees did not prefer boxes located away from the edge. The other factors that we measured were not related to nest box occupancy or predation risk. Future research should focus on why these birds continue to nest in more dangerous edge locations and on what other factors affect their nest selection decisions.
The Gap Represented

We are interested in developing a formulation of consciousness which belongs to the Renaissance and Baroque, i.e., to the fifteenth, sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Moreover, our interest is not just “historical” and occupied with discovering the origin and genesis of that formulation. Our interest lies ultimately in discovering whether that formulation is still a possible formulation of consciousness and, if so, whether it can claim precedence over yet other and, as Leibniz would say, competing formulations. But how do we arrive at a formulation of consciousness? And how do we arrive at not just any formulation of consciousness but one specific to the Renaissance and Baroque? Even more, how do we arrive at a formulation of consciousness that both preserves the gap between science (and opera) and ordinary life but which also takes precedence over ordinary life in its existential and truth claims? The answer to these questions lies in the “eccentricity” of ordinary life and its common-sensical, ungrounded ontic conviction. But in what way?
Preparation, Characterization, and Gelation of Temperature-Induced Forming (TIF) Alumina Slurries

Temperature-induced forming is a novel direct-casting method that has potential for ceramic industry applications. Less than 0.5 wt.% TAC and PAA were used to prepare TIF alumina slurries. These slurries were gelled to form alumina parts by controlling temperature only. The viscosity of the PAA addition slurries increases with temperature, while the viscosity of PAA-free slurry has no evident change in the experimental temperature range. The temperature dependence of modulus showed that the slurries had "fluidlike" to "solidlike" transition that lead to gelation of TIF slurries. The composition-gelation diagram under the experimental conditions is also reported. By tailoring the slurry solid loading and PAA concentration, complex shape alumina ceramic parts with good surface finish and green density of about 65% theoretical density were successfully fabricated by TIF direct casting.
Three-dimensional numerical and experimental investigation of the behavior of solar salts within thermal storage devices during phase change

Abstract Experiments and three-dimensional computational simulations of melting and solidifying solar salts in an aluminum container are performed in order to obtain a fuller picture of the thermal and flow behavior of this commonly-used phase change material. A heating element is placed under a closed aluminum container filled with solar salts, both with and without aluminum fins. Accurate simulations are performed in part by identifying thermal properties that lead to the accurate reproduction of experimental results; the thermal properties of the solar salts are found to differ significantly from values in the literature. The numerical results are then used to describe the dynamics of the solid-liquid front and flow patterns within the container during melting and solidification. The combined experimental and computational results provide insight into the thermal, flow, and melt behavior of solar salts. The experimentally validated simulation capability can be used for the design of efficient thermal storage devices using solar salts.
Effects of monoculture-conditioned soils on common tallgrass prairie species productivity

Within biodiversity–ecosystem function experiments, it is widely understood that yields of some species rapidly decline when planted in monoculture. This effect may arise due to decreased access to soil nutrients or an increase in detrimental soil pathogens within monoculture plantings. To determine whether or not soil conditioning affects tall grass prairie species biomass production, we conducted a field experiment to assess species growth in conspecifically and heterospecifically conditioned soils and a greenhouse experiment to elucidate how conspecific soil biota affected species growth. To test for species-specific soil effects, seedlings of the legume Astragulus canadensis, the cool-season grass Elymus canadensis, the forb Helianthus maximiliani and the warm-season grass Panicum virgatum were grown in field plots that had either been conspecifically or heterospecifically conditioned over 2 years. Plant growth was recorded over a single growing season, and soils were assessed for differences in their nematode (mesofauna) communities. Seedlings of these species were additionally grown over a 6-week period in conspecifically conditioned soil that was either untreated, heated to 60°C, sterilized (autoclaved at 120°C) or heated to 60°C and reinoculated with conspecific soil biota. The two heating treatments were used to compare growth responses between a low- and high-temperature soil treatment. The reinoculation treatment was used to assess the effect of soil biota in light of any nutrient changes that may have occurred with soil heating. Elymus canadensis, H. maximiliani and P. virgatum growth was improved in field plots conditioned by the legume A. canadensis compared with their growth in conspecifically conditioned (home) soils. Despite variation (grass versus nongrass) in their soil nematode communities, there was no evidence to suggest that these three species were inhibited by conspecific or functionally conspecific soil conditioning in the field. Astragulus canadensis was the only species whose growth was reduced in conspecifically conditioned field soil. In the greenhouse, E. canadensis growth increased in all of the heat-treated soils, likely a response to a fertilization effect associated with soil heating. Panicum virgatum growth also increased among the heated soils. However, its growth decreased in heated soils where conspecific soil mesofauna were reintroduced, indicating that this grass may be inhibited by soil mesofauna. Finally, A. canadensis growth decreased in soils treated to fully remove soil biota and was not affected by reintroduction of soil mesofauna, suggesting that this species negatively responds to soil changes that occur with extreme heating. At least for the suite of tallgrass prairie species evaluated within this experiment, it appears that changes in soil chemistry and generalist soil biota, as opposed to increasing species-specific soil pathogens, more strongly contribute to temporal disparities in their performance.
System Architecture Directions for Post-SoC/32-bit Networked Sensors

The emergence of low-power 32-bit Systems-on-Chip (SoCs), which integrate a 32-bit MCU, radio, and flash, presents an opportunity to re-examine design points and trade-offs at all levels of the system architecture of networked sensors. To this end, we develop a post-SoC/32-bit design point called Hamilton, showing that using integrated components enables a ~$7 core and shifts hardware modularity to design time. We study the interaction between hardware and embedded operating systems, identifying that (1) post-SoC motes provide lower idle current (5.9 μA) than traditional 16-bit motes, (2) 32-bit MCUs are a major energy consumer (e.g., tick increases idle current >50 times), comparable to radios, and (3) thread-based concurrency is viable, requiring only 8.3 μs of context switch time. We design a system architecture, based on a tickless multithreading operating system, with cooperative/adaptive clocking, advanced sensor abstraction, and preemptive packet processing. Its efficient MCU control improves concurrency with ~30% less energy consumption. Together, these developments set the system architecture for networked sensors in a new direction.
Multimorbidity and Mental Health-Related Quality of Life and Risk of Completed Suicide.

Background Physical functioning indexed multimorbidity is strongly associated with long-term mortality, but its role in poor mental health has not been quantified. Methods A total of 252 002 community-dwelling adults in the Nurses' Health Study (NHS), NHS II, and Health Professionals Follow-up Study (HPFS) prospective cohorts reported physician-diagnosed diseases and the Short Form-36 over 8 years and had 24-year follow-up for suicide mortality. We quantified multimorbidity using a multimorbidity-weighted index (MWI). We used multivariable-adjusted proportional hazards models with competing risks for suicide mortality and mixed-effects models to estimate mental health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Results Multimorbidity was associated with an increased risk of suicide mortality in an approximately linear manner, with roughly two- to threefold higher risk in adults with the highest vs lowest quartile MWI in adjusted models: NHS hazard ratio (HR) = 3.01 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.48-6.11); NHS II HR = 3.04 (95% CI = 1.82-5.09); HPFS HR = 1.74 (95% CI = 1.08-2.81). Greater MWI was associated with worse mental HRQOL 8 years later across all scales and the mental component summary (MCS) in a dose-response manner. This association was attenuated but persisted after adjustment for baseline mental HRQOL and other covariates. Adults with the highest quartile MWI had lower MCS in adjusted models compared with those with the lowest quartile MWI: NHS s = -0.61 (95% CI = -0.78 to -0.44); NHS II s = -1.25 (95% CI = -1.44 to -1.06). Conclusion Multimorbidity is associated with substantially higher suicide mortality risk and worse mental HRQOL across all available scales, even when indexed to physical functioning. These results highlight the substantial mental health burden imposed by multimorbidity at all ages and sexes. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:511-519, 2019.
Trends in State Government Park and Recreation: Expenditures and Employment – 2000 to 2014

This manuscript is a replication of a 2004 study by Crompton and Kaczynski, providing trend data for state expenditures on parks, recreation, and related services, as well as park and recreation employment at the state government level. Whereas Crompton and Kaczynski examined the final decade of the 20th century, the present analysis covers the period of 2000-2001 to 2013-2014 (2014-2015 for employment data). With the seismic economic upheaval in the United States during this period, the time is ripe for such a replication analysis. While the original study period largely saw consistent growth in the American economy, the Great Recession of 2007 to 2009 was the most severe economic downturn since the Great Depression. Using census data, all figures were adjusted for inflation, and are reported in 2014 dollars unless otherwise noted. While Crompton and Kaczynski (2004) reported growth in both total state spending and expenditures on parks and recreation during the 1990s, data from the current period of analysis reveal a starkly different situation. During the study period, total direct expenditures across all state government service areas increased by approximately 22%; growth was relatively flat in the post-recession period, rising less than 3%. State expenditures on parks and recreation fell by 29% across the study period, including an 18% decrease in the post-recession period. Non-capital expenditures fell by nearly 18% across the study period, and by nearly 13% in the post-recession period; capital expenditures fell approximately 63% across the study period, and 42% in the post-recession period. As a result, park and recreation expenditures fell as a proportion of total state expenditures from .54% to .31%. Self-generated revenue fell by 16% across the study period, and by 13% in the post-recession period. As in the original analysis, expenditures and self-generated revenue varied widely on a state-by-state basis. In contrast to the original analysis, the number of full-time employees increased: by 6% across the study period, and 5% post-recession. As in the original analysis part-time employees decreased, by nearly 22% across the study period, and 17% post-recession. In adjusted dollar terms, full-time annual salaries fell from nearly $52,000 in 2000-2001 to approximately $44,000 in 2014-2015, an almost 14% decline. Part-time hourly wages fell from a peak of $17.88 pre-recession to $14.40 post-recession, a decrease of nearly 20%. In light of this information, implications for the public, practitioners, advocates, researchers, and educators are discussed. Subscribe to JPRA
Web archive analysis using hive and SparkSQL

Analyzing large web archive collections incurs high computational costs. We propose an analytic framework based on Apache Hive and SparkSQL with integrated data storage and processing. This method achieves a more balanced performance on typical web archives analysis tasks from searching, filtering, extracting to deriving.
Metabolomic profiling identifies pathways associated with minimal residual disease in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

Abstract Background End-induction minimal residual disease (MRD) is the strongest predictor of relapse in paediatric acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), but an understanding of the biological pathways underlying early treatment response remains elusive. We hypothesized that metabolomic profiling of diagnostic bone marrow plasma could provide insights into the underlying biology of early treatment response and inform treatment strategies for high-risk patients. Methods We performed global metabolomic profiling of samples from discovery (N = 93) and replication (N = 62) cohorts treated at Texas Children's Hospital. Next, we tested the cytotoxicity of drugs targeting central carbon metabolism in cell lines and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) cells. Findings Metabolite set enrichment analysis identified altered central carbon and amino acid metabolism in MRD-positive patients from both cohorts at a 5% false discovery rate. Metabolites from these pathways were used as inputs for unsupervised hierarchical clustering. Two distinct clusters were identified, which were independently associated with MRD after adjustment for immunophenotype, cytogenetics, and NCI risk group. Three nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) inhibitors, which reduce glycolytic/TCA cycle activities, demonstrated nanomolar-range cytotoxicity in B- and T-ALL cell lines and PDX cells. Interpretation This study provides new insights into the role of central carbon metabolism in early treatment response and as a potential targetable pathway in high-risk disease. Funding American Society of Hematology; Baylor College of Medicine Department of Paediatrics; Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas; the Lynch family; St. Baldrick's Foundation with support from the Micaela's Army Foundation; United States National Institutes of Health.
Does choice matter or is it all about interest? An investigation using an experience sampling approach in high school science classrooms

Abstract Having choices during learning is often touted as beneficial for student motivation. However, it is not clear whether the motivating factor is choice or the act of pursuing tasks that are of greater interest, which is often afforded by choice. Using data collected via the Experience Sampling Method from 244 youth (ages 14–18) in the United States, we explore the effects of choice and interest on student engagement, affect, and learning in multiple high school science classrooms from a single high school. Results of multilevel modeling indicate that choice and interest are independently associated with engagement, affect and learning, though effect sizes are larger for interest. Momentary interest was also found to be a stronger predictor than initial interest. Further, the specific types of choices educators offer (e.g., who to work with, how to do an activity, how to allocate time) are differently associated with affect, learning, and engagement.
A phase I study of guadecitabine (SGI-110) plus cisplatin in patients with platinum refractory germ cell tumors.

408Background: Guadecitabine (SGI-110) is a novel hypomethylating dinucleotide of decitabine and deoxyguanosine resistant to degradation by cytidine deaminase. Platinum-refractory germ cell tumors ...
Simultaneous nicotine and oral contraceptive exposure alters brain energy metabolism and exacerbates ischemic stroke injury in female rats.

Smoking-derived nicotine (N) and oral contraceptives (OC) synergistically exacerbate ischemic brain damage in the females and underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Our published study showed that N...
Optimal Management of Corticosteroids in Patients with Intracranial Malignancies

Corticosteroids have been essential in the management of brain tumor patients for decades, primarily for the treatment of peritumoral cerebral edema and its associated neurologic deficits. Dexamethasone is the drug of choice with standard practice being administration up to four times per day, however, because of its long biologic half-life and high potency, once or twice a day dosing is likely adequate in patients without elevated intracranial pressure. The length of corticosteroid treatment should be limited to the shortest period of time to minimize the risk of potential toxicities that can significantly affect quality of life, as well as to avoid a possible detrimental impact on survival in high-grade glioma patients and abrogation of the effect of immunotherapy. Agents such as bevacizumab should be considered in patients who are unable to wean completely off of steroids as well as those who have symptomatic edema and are on immunotherapy. Several other agents have been studied without much success. An increased understanding of the complex pathophysiology of peritumoral vasogenic edema is critically needed to discover new agents that are safer and more effective.
Aberrant Maturation of the Uncinate Fasciculus Follows Exposure to Unpredictable Patterns of Maternal Signals.

Across species, unpredictable patterns of maternal behavior are emerging as novel predictors of aberrant cognitive and emotional outcomes later in life. In animal models, exposure to unpredictable patterns of maternal behavior alters brain circuit maturation and cognitive and emotional outcomes. However, whether exposure to such signals in humans alters the development of brain pathways is unknown. In mother-child dyads, we tested the hypothesis that exposure to more unpredictable maternal signals in infancy is associated with aberrant maturation of corticolimbic pathways. We focused on the uncinate fasciculus, the primary fiber bundle connecting the amygdala to the orbitofrontal cortex and a key component of the medial temporal lobe-prefrontal cortex circuit. Infant exposure to unpredictable maternal sensory signals was assessed at 6 and 12 months. Using high angular resolution diffusion imaging, we quantified the integrity of the uncinate fasciculus using generalized fractional anisotropy (GFA). Higher maternal unpredictability during infancy presaged greater uncinate fasciculus GFA in children 9-11 years of age (n = 69, 29 female). In contrast to the uncinate, GFA of a second corticolimbic projection, the hippocampal cingulum, was not associated with maternal unpredictability. Addressing the overall functional significance of the uncinate and cingulum relationships, we found that the resulting imbalance of medial temporal lobe-prefrontal cortex connectivity partially mediated the association between unpredictable maternal sensory signals and impaired episodic memory function. These results suggest that unbalanced maturation of corticolimbic circuits is a mechanism by which early unpredictable sensory signals may impact cognition later in life.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Our prior work across species demonstrated that unpredictable patterns of maternal care are associated with compromised memory function. However, the neurobiological mechanisms by which this occurs in humans remain unknown. Here, we identify an association of exposure to unpredictable patterns of maternal sensory signals with the integrity of corticolimbic circuits involved in emotion and cognition using state-of-the-art diffusion imaging techniques and analyses. We find that exposure to early unpredictability is associated with higher integrity of the uncinate fasciculus with no effect on a second corticolimbic pathway, the cingulum. The resulting imbalance of corticolimbic circuit development is a novel mediator of the association between unpredictable patterns of maternal care and poorer episodic memory.
Skills Matter: Modeling the relationship between decision making processes and collaborative problem-solving skills during Hidden Profile Tasks

Collaborative problem-solving (CPS) is one of the most essential 21st century skills for success across educational and professional settings. The hidden-profile paradigm is one of the most prominent avenues of studying group decision making and underlying issues in information sharing. Previous research on the hidden-profile paradigm has primarily focused on static constructs (e.g., group size, group expertise), or on the information itself (whether certain pieces of information is being shared). In the current study, we propose a lens on individual and group’s collaborative problem-solving skills, to explore the relationships between dynamic discourse processes and decision making in a distributed information environment. Specifically, we sought to examine CPS skills in association with decision change and productive decision-making. Our results suggest that while sharing information has significantly positive association with decision change and effective decision-making, other aspects of social processes appear to be negatively correlated with these outcomes. Cognitive CPS skills, however, exhibit a strong positive relationship with making a (productive) change in students final decisions. We also find that these results are more pronounced at the group level, particularly with cognitive CPS skills. Our study shed lights on a more nuanced picture of how social and cognitive CPS interactions are related to effective information sharing and decision making in collaborative problem-solving interactions.
An Ultra-Low Power Multivibrator-Based Wake-up Receiver for Wireless Sensor Networks

In recent years wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have gained significant attention because of their implementation in many different fields. As the nodes in WSNs are typically battery-powered, their lifetime is mainly limited by the sensor nodes power consumption. A typical energy-saving solution consists in implementing wake-up receivers (WuRxs), which are responsible for the sensor node activation only when required. In this work an ultra-low power multivibrator-based WuRx concept is proposed. The WuRx is composed of several input-triggered multivibrators, which generate pulses of fixed duration. These pulses are compared to the input signal through logic gates, which are predefined according to the wake-up call. The sensor node is activated if the codes match. An implementation in TSMC- 180nm CMOS process is proposed and simulated. The WuRx consumes 0.8μW when detecting a 6ms wake-up call signal, and 58. 4pW when in idle mode.
Determination of the Work Function of Metal Surfaces

The significance of the work function as an important quantity in the interaction phenomena of atoms and molecules impinging on metal surfaces is evident from the preceeding chapter. We shall therefore describe some of the techniques for measuring the work function of clean or gas-covered metal surfaces.
The Issue Agenda, the Supreme Court, Congress, and Judicial Policymaking, 1945-2004

What are the policy agendas of the US Supreme Court and Congress, and to what extent do these agendas and other political influences determine the amount of significant policy change produced by federal courts? Using 268 policy histories covering 14 issue areas of US domestic policymaking from 1945-2004, this analysis for the first time operationalizes, models, tests, and compares three major theories of judicial behavior. We find that the policy agenda of the Court is a much more important cause of the amount of significant judicial policy change than the ideological and partisan political factors that these theories expect to be influential. We further find that the congressional agenda influences the amount of judicial policymaking in particular issue areas and that a previously unrecognized political regime called The Long Great Society influenced the amount of judicial policymaking from 1961-1976.