cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular insight into the effect of lipid bilayer environments on thrombospondin-1 and calreticulin interactions.

Thrombospondin-1 (TSP1) binding to cell surface calreticulin (CRT) stimulates the association of CRT with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor-related protein (LRP1) to signal focal adhesion disassembly and engagement of cellular activities. A recent study demonstrated that membrane rafts are necessary for TSP1-mediated focal adhesion disassembly, but the molecular role of membrane rafts in mediating TSP1–CRT–LRP1 signaling is unknown. In this study, we investigated the effect of lipid bilayer environments on TSP1 and CRT interactions via atomically detailed molecular dynamics simulations. Results showed that the microscopic structural properties of lipid molecules and mesoscopic mechanical properties and electrostatic potential of the bilayer were significantly different between a 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC) bilayer and a raftlike lipid bilayer [a POPC/cholesterol (CHOL) raftlike lipid bilayer or a POPC/CHOL/sphingomyelin (SM) raftlike lipid bilayer], and the difference was ...
Alfalfa weevil (Coleoptera : Curculionidae) pest status and incidence of Bathyplectes spp. (Hymenoptera : Ichneumonidae) and Zoophthora phytonomi (Zygomycetes : Entomophthorales) in Virginia

We surveyed 187 alfalfa fields in Virginia from 1996 to 1998 to determine the current pest status of the alfalfa weevil, Hypera postica (Gyllenhal) and incidence of the principal natural enemies of its larval stage. Fields located in the Piedmont region of the state had significantly higher levels of alfalfa weevil (1.6–2.8 larvae per stem) compared with the Shenandoah Valley (0.7–1.6 larvae per stem) and southwestern region (0.6–1.4 larvae per stem). In addition, 94.2% of the fields surveyed in the Piedmont were above the economic threshold for alfalfa weevil compared with 25.3% in the Shenandoah Valley and 17.9% in the southwestern region. A significantly lower percentage of alfalfa weevil larvae were parasitized in the Piedmont (16–32%) compared with the Shenandoah Valley (45–73%) and southwestern region (46–71%). The dominant larval parasitoid found throughout our survey was Bathyplectes anurus, which accounted for ≈95% of all parasitoids that emerged from alfalfa weevil larvae. The entomopathogenic fungus, Zoophthora phytonomi, infected an average of 19.6% of alfalfa weevil larvae across all regions and years of our survey. In the Piedmont in 1997, however, fungal infection of alfalfa weevil larvae exceeded 50% when optimal conditions for an epizootic occurred.
A history of the Lords of Number-Crunching

(1992). A History of the Lords of Number–Crunching. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 99, No. 10, pp. 907-916.
Dopamine and epinephrine infusion reduce clearance rate of rat prolactin in the female rat.

SummaryThe iv infusion of dopamine (250 or 500 ng/min) or epinephrine (500 or 1000 ng/min) into adult female cycling rats in each instance caused a threefold elevation in the equilibrium concentration of prolactin (PRL) in the plasma resulting from the continuous infusion of 200 ng rat PRL/min. A single iv injection of 1 μg dopamine had no effect upon equilibrium PRL levels. The metabolic clearance rate of PRL was significantly reduced from 1.35 to 0.44 ml/min as a result of infusing either 250 or 500 ng dopamine/min, and from 1.14 to 0.37 and from 1.56 to 0.65 ml/min from infusing 500 and 1000 ng/min, respectively, of epinephrine.I am grateful to the National Institute of Arthritis, Metabolism and Digestive Diseases (NIAMDD) Rat Pituitary Hormone Distribution Program for the gift of rat PRL, and to Tanya McGee for expert technical assistance.
Brief report : deficiency of pulmonary surfactant protein B in congenital alveolar proteinosis

Congenital pulmonary alveolar proteinosis is an uncommon cause of respiratory failure in full-term newborns1–4. Although its histopathological appearance is similar to that of the alveolar proteinosis observed in older children and adults,5 the congenital form of the illness follows a different clinical course. All reported infants with congenital alveolar proteinosis have died within the first year of life despite maximal medical therapy. The incidence and cause of congenital alveolar proteinosis are unknown. Familial cases have been reported, and it has been speculated that the cause is an inborn error of surfactant metabolism4. In this report we describe . . .
Modulation of Lymphoid Cell Blastogenic Responsiveness to Mitogens by Nippostrongylus brasiliensis Infection

AbstractSpleen and mesenteric lymph node cell blastogenic responses to the mitogens concanavalin A and lipopolysaccharide and to parasite antigens were examined in vitro following removal from mice undergoing primary or secondary infection with Nippostrongylus brasiliensis. During primary infection spleen cells showed a marked increase in proliferative responsiveness to both mitogens, followed by a marked depression thereafter. During secondary infection the response of spleen cells to both mitogens remained depressed. In contrast, cells from the mesenteric lymph nodes of infected mice exhibited enhanced responsiveness to Con A and LPS, followed by depression of the response, followed by another cycle of enhancement upon reinfection. Sensitivity of both spleen and especially mesenteric lymph node cells to Nb antigens was greatest at approximately the time of worm expulsion: Day 13 after primary and Day 8 after secondary infection.
Identification and modification of amyloid-independent phenotypes of APOE4 mice.

Abstract Background Over 70 million Americans inherit the strongest genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD), apolipoprotein E4 ( APOE4 ), but have no course for reducing their risk. The association of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use with reduced risk of AD for APOE4 -carriers suggests that NSAIDs may be useful in AD prevention. Methods We identified phenotypes associated with APOE4 in APOE knock-in mice in order to define modifiable measures that correlate with risk of AD. Results APOE4 mouse brains showed altered post-translational modifications and biochemical distribution of APOE compared to APOE3 mice; these differences were also observed in brains of human APOE4 carriers. Two-month treatment with ibuprofen significantly altered the expression pattern of APOE in APOE4 mice to that of APOE3 mice; PPAR-γ agonist pioglitazone also had a significant effect. APOE4 mice also show deficits in dendritic spine density, and ibuprofen and pioglitazone significantly increased dendritic spine density. Conclusions We report new phenotypes associated with APOE4 in human and APOE knock-in mice and their mitigation with NSAID treatment, through COX-2 inhibition and PPAR-γ activation.
Rare Earth Metal Complexes of Bidentate Nitroxide Ligands: Synthesis and Electrochemistry

We report rare earth metal complexes with tri- and bidentate ligands including strongly electron-donating nitroxide groups. The tridentate ligand 1,3,5-tris(2'-tert-butylhydroxylaminoaryl)benzene (H3arene-triNOx) was complexed to cerium(IV) in a 2:1 ligand-to-metal stoichiometry as Ce(Harene-triNOx)2 (1). Cyclic voltammetry of this compound showed stabilization of the tetravalent cerium cation with a Ce(IV/III) couple at E1/2 = -1.82 V versus Fc/Fc(+). On the basis of the uninvolvement of the third nitroxide group in the coordination chemistry with the cerium(IV) cation, the ligand system was redesigned toward a simpler bidentate mode, and a series of rare earth metal-arene-diNOx complexes were prepared with La(III), Ce(IV), Pr(III), Tb(III), and Y(III), [RE(arene-diNOx)2](-) ([2-RE](-), RE = La, Pr, Y, Tb) and Ce(IV)(arene-diNOx)2, where H2arene-diNOx = 1,3-bis(2'-tert-butylhydroxylaminoaryl)benzene. The core structures were isostructural throughout the series, with three nitroxide groups in η(2) binding modes and one κ(1) nitroxide group coordinated to the metal center in the solid state. In all cases except Ce(IV)(arene-diNOx)2, electrochemical analysis described two subsequent, ligand-based, quasi-reversible redox waves, indicating that a stable [N-O•] group was generated on the electrochemical time scale. Chemical oxidation of the terbium complex was performed, and isolation of the resulting complex, Tb(arene-diNOx)2·CH2Cl2 (3·CH2Cl2), confirmed the assignment of the cyclic voltammograms. Magnetic data showed no evidence of mixing between the Tb(III) states and the states of the open-shell ligand.
Relationship between Hepatic Regeneration and Secretion of Prostaglandin E_2 by Kuffer Cell

In this paper ,we want to confirm the effects of prostaglandin E2(PGE2) on liver regeneration in vivo and in vitro. We pay more attention to the capacity of kupffer cells isolated from liver after partial hepatectomy to produce PGE2 in response to E. coli bacterial lipopoly saccharide(LPS). The results show that in vivo kupffer cells PGE2 blockade by indomethacin (5 mg/kg,intraperitoneal injection) significantly inhibited hepatic regeneration. The rate of DNA Synthesis was significantly (P0. 01)lower than did no-injection control. Regenerating liver KC,which were isolated after partial hepatectomy (24h) had greater capacity to produce PGE2 in response to LPS than did equal numbers of KC from shamoperated control rats (15 ng/ml vs 6. 5 ng/ml ,P0. 001). we conclude that high levels of KC-derived PGE2 as a "trigger" to initate liver regeneration.
The Druze and the Jews in the Civil War, November 1947–May 1948

On 29 November 1947 the Partition Resolution was adopted at the United Nations, calling for the creation of two states in Mandatory Palestine, one Arab and one Jewish. The Jews accepted the partition plan but the Arabs rejected it. The passage of the resolution thus marked the beginning of the civil war between Jews and Arabs that was to last until the British withdrawal and declaration of the State of Israel on 14 May 1948 and the invasion of the Arab armies on the following day. This chapter will be concerned exclusively with the civil war.1
Beyond Hydrocarbon Extraction: Enhanced Geothermal Systems

There are many forms of energy that exist subsurface. Mining typically extracts minerals that are energy rich and processes them to produce electricity. The oil and gas industry extracts hydrocarbons with high energy content that are suitable for energy production. This chapter illustrates the concept of “heat mining” that is a form of mining but has not caught much attention. This term “heat mining” was originally used to describe a general concept of mining heat from deep granitic rocks by injecting cold water and recovering it as steam or water/steam mixture to produce electricity. Beginning with the Fenton Hill Hot Dry Rock project developed by Los Alamos National Laboratory in 1971, there is a long history of development of different types of heat mining projects in Japan, the UK, China, Germany, France, Iceland, and Hungary. This chapter presents a simple conceptual model of a doublet reservoir that can be developed in a sedimentary basin at a depth below where the conventional hydrocarbon resources can be found. In addition, as we move forward with the development of the original heat mining concept from granitic rocks, it is important to understand the consequences of long-term heat extraction. Developing an enhanced geothermal system or engineered geothermal system (EGS) is a complex process and is dependent on a range of geological and operating variables. Stress distribution and re-distribution in and around EGS during the different phases of development may have a significant impact on the reservoir itself as well as surrounding rock masses. Thus, the second part of this paper addresses issues associated with stress redistribution during and after the working cycle of EGS and gives insights in understanding the behavior of stress redistribution in and around basement rock. As the basement rock is thermo-elastically connected to the country rock, newly generated stresses interact with the existing in situ stresses under prevailing conditions of geological, design, and operating variables. Inability to predict the timing and the degree of impact suggests a need of a consorted effort of investigations between oil/gas, mining and geothermal industry, and academic disciplines.
Impact of interprofessional peer teaching on physical and occupational therapy student's professional role identity

Abstract Background/purpose The importance of providing students with early interprofessional education (IPE) opportunities has been emphasized. However, there is limited information about the efficacy of instructional methods used to meet IPE competencies related to communicating professional roles and responsibilities or communication strategies in early experiences. This study describes an active learning peer teaching format where Physical Therapy (PT) and Occupational Therapy (OT) students introduced medical school students to their professional roles and responsibilities. Methods First-year PT ( n = 34) and OT ( n = 14) students taught rehabilitation assessments and interventions to second-year medical students as part of a Connective Tissue day. Student opinions of the experience were analyzed using qualitative thematic analysis of student written reflections. Results Students perceived the experience as valuable, satisfying, and relevant, and reported enhanced confidence and professional role identity. Conclusion Student-led IPE peer teaching is a feasible active learning opportunity that may be useful for meeting early IPE competencies, particularly those related to describing individual professional roles and responsibilities and communication skills. In addition, the experience resulted in clarifying the awareness of individual roles and the need for advocacy.
Probabilistic Social Sequential Model for Tour Recommendation

The pervasive growth of location-based services such as Foursquare and Yelp has enabled researchers to incorpo- rate better personalization into recommendation models by leveraging the geo-temporal breadcrumbs left by a plethora of travelers. In this paper, we explore Travel path recommendation, which is one of the applications of intelligent urban navigation that aims in recommending sequence of point of interest (POIs) to tourists. Currently, travelers rely on a tedious and time-consuming process of searching the web, browsing through websites such as Trip Advisor, and reading travel blogs to compile an itinerary. On the other hand, people who do not plan ahead of their trip find it extremely difficult to do this in real-time since there are no automated systems that can provide personalized itinerary for travelers. To tackle this problem, we propose a tour recommendation model that uses a probabilistic generative framework to incorporate user's categorical preference, influence from their social circle, the dynamic travel transitions (or patterns) and the popularity of venues to recommend sequence of POIs for tourists. Through comprehensive experiments over a rich dataset of travel patterns from Foursquare, we show that our model is capable of outperforming the state-of-the-art probabilistic tour recommendation model by providing contextual and meaningful recommendation for travelers.
Evolution of Myb Proteins

The Myb domain is a highly conserved 50 amino acid motif found in all eukaryotes and often in tandem repeats within a single protein. DNA binding proteins with three such repeats (3R) are present in animals, plants, fungi and protists. Invertebrate animals have a single 3R myb gene, whereas all vertebrates studied thus far have at least three such genes. The 3R myb genes of vertebrates arose by two duplications from a B-myb/Dm-myb-like ancestral gene. The first duplication appears to have resulted in a neomorphic paralogue with a central transactivation domain. This new gene then duplicated again to give rise to A-myb and c-myb. An examination of a wide variety of more distantly related Myb domain-containing proteins suggests that the most highly conserved function of the Myb domain may be interaction with chromatin proteins rather than with DNA.
The confounding effects of hybridization on phylogenetic estimation in the New Zealand cicada genus Kikihia

Abstract Phylogenetic studies of multiple independently inherited nuclear genes considered in combination with patterns of inheritance of organelle DNA have provided considerable insight into the history of species evolution. In particular, investigations of cicadas in the New Zealand genus Kikihia have identified interesting cases where mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) crosses species boundaries in some species pairs but not others. Previous phylogenetic studies focusing on mtDNA largely corroborated Kikihia species groups identified by song, morphology and ecology with the exception of a unique South Island mitochondrial haplotype clade—the Westlandica group. This newly identified group consists of diverse taxa previously classified as belonging to three different sub-generic clades. We sequenced five nuclear loci from multiple individuals from every species of Kikihia to assess the nuclear gene concordance for this newly-identified mtDNA lineage. Bayes Factor analysis of the constrained phylogeny suggests some support for the mtDNA-based hypotheses, despite the fact that neither concatenation nor multiple species tree methods resolve the Westlandica group as monophyletic. The nuclear analyses suggest a geographic distinction between clearly defined monophyletic North Island clades and unresolved South Island clades. We suggest that more extreme habitat modification on South Island during the Pliocene and Pleistocene resulted in secondary contact and hybridization between species pairs and a series of mitochondrial capture events followed by subsequent lineage evolution.
What Partial Control Might Not Tell Us about Agreement: A Reply to Landau

Landau (2016b) draws on data from person mismatches in partial control to argue that agreement is (at least sometimes) a PF (Phonological Form) phenomenon. The argument depends in part on the premise that there is a reading of sentences such as They wanted to prepare themselves and then meet for debate that corresponds to a structure in which the VP meet for debate has a controlled PRO subject that is semantically first-person but morphologically third-person. I argue that according to Landau's own assumptions, PRO in such sentences is not semantically first-person at any level of representation: Landau's premise relies on a problematic conflation between PRO and the output obtained by applying the group operator to PRO in Landau's approach to partial control. Consequently, Landau's argument for the PF status of agreement does not go through.
Linear Bilevel Programming: Continuous Variables

The vast majority of research on bilevel programming has centered on the linear version of the problem, alternatively known as the linear Stackelberg game. In this chapter we present several of the most successful algorithms that have been developed for this case, and when possible, compare their performance. We begin with some basic notation and a discussion of the theoretical character of the problem.
Customizing Polyolefin Morphology by Selective Pairing of Alkali Ions with Nickel Phenoxyimine-Polyethylene Glycol Catalysts

In the present work, we have prepared nickel phenoxyimine-polyethylene glycol (PEG) catalysts with sterically bulky N-aryl substituents and investigated their ethylene homo- and copolymerization behavior. We have found that different nickel catalyst and alkali ion (Na+ or K+) combinations yielded polyethylene with different branching microstructures and molecular weights. Our heterobimetallic catalysts can copolymerize ethylene and nonpolar α-olefins with high activity but are strongly inhibited in the presence of polar vinyl olefins. We demonstrate that our heterobimetallic catalysts are significantly more stable in ethylene homopolymerization in comparison to conventional nickel phenoxyimine systems on the basis of time-dependent activity studies. This work showcases the versatility of Lewis acid tunable catalyst constructs to prepare customized polyolefins and suggests that similar design strategies could be applied to other catalyst systems.
Application of Integrator Backstepping to Nonholonomic Control Problems

Abstract Smooth time-periodic feedback laws for stabilization of nonholonomic dynamic systems are constructed. The construction procedure is based on Pomet ’s method and the integrator back-stepping approach. As an application, feedback laws for nonholonomic systems in extended power form are presented. The proposed technique is also applicable to stabilization problems for nonholonomic systems whose models include actuator dynamics. As an illustration, we develop smooth time-periodic feedback laws for the knife-edge with augmented actuator dynamics. We also present a nonsmooth time-periodic feedback law for this example.
Adaptive metalenses with simultaneous electrical control of focal length, astigmatism, and shift

Focal adjustment and zooming are universal features of cameras and advanced optical systems. Such tuning is usually performed longitudinally along the optical axis by mechanical or electrical control of focal length. However, the recent advent of ultrathin planar lenses based on metasurfaces (metalenses), which opens the door to future drastic miniaturization of mobile devices such as cell phones and wearable displays, mandates fundamentally different forms of tuning based on lateral motion rather than longitudinal motion. Theory shows that the strain field of a metalens substrate can be directly mapped into the outgoing optical wavefront to achieve large diffraction-limited focal length tuning and control of aberrations. We demonstrate electrically tunable large-area metalenses controlled by artificial muscles capable of simultaneously performing focal length tuning (>100%) as well as on-the-fly astigmatism and image shift corrections, which until now were only possible in electron optics. The device thickness is only 30 μm. Our results demonstrate the possibility of future optical microscopes that fully operate electronically, as well as compact optical systems that use the principles of adaptive optics to correct many orders of aberrations simultaneously.
Avoidant Disorder of Childhood and Social Phobia

Avoidant disorder of childhood and adolescence and social phobia are common but understudied anxiety disorders. This article presents the available empiric literature on the clinical disorders, draws on related populations such as behavioral inhibited and socially withdrawn children, and highlights diagnostic and treatment issues with respect to these DSM-III-R disorders.
An analysis of Laplacian methods for value function approximation in MDPs

Recently, a method based on Laplacian eigenfunctions was proposed to automatically construct a basis for value function approximation in MDPs. We show that its success may be explained by drawing a connection between the spectrum of the Laplacian and the value function of the MDP. This explanation helps us to identify more precisely the conditions that this method requires to achieve good performance. Based on this, we propose a modification of the Laplacian method for which we derive an analytical bound on the approximation error. Further, we show that the method is related the augmented Krylov methods, commonly used to solve sparse linear systems. Finally, we empirically demonstrate that in basis construction the augmented Krylov methods may significantly outperform the Laplacian methods in terms of both speed and quality.
Differences in Business Process Management Leadership and Deployment: Is There a Connection to Industry Affiliation?

Business Process Management (BPM) can improve organizational effectiveness and efficiency by optimizing the performance of cross-functional processes. Despite its potential, BPM deployment success has been mixed, due in part to the substantial changes required within the organization. Three changes considered necessary for BPM deployment success include a properly defined business process organizational infrastructure (complete with formal positions and competencies), boundary-spanning process ownership, and boundary-spanning process governance. However, given that BPM has largely been driven by practitioners, deployment details often vary by company. The present research examined the extent that these deployment details were industry related, and found significant differences between the manufacturing and service sectors in terms of organizational infrastructure and process ownership. These findings provide further evidence that a â€˜one-size-fits-allâ€™ approach to BPM does not exist, and that differences in BPM deployment decisions can be related to industry sector.
Dinoflagellate sterols I: Sterol composition of the dinoflagellates of ? species

The sterol composition of five species of dinoflagellates of the family Gonyaulacaeae (Div. Pyrrhophyta) were examined. All the five species (Gonyaulax acatenella, G. tamarensis, G. catennela, G. washing-tonesis, and G. polyedra) were found to contain 4 alpha-23,24(R)-trimethyl-5 alpha-cholest-22-en-3 -ol (dinosterol) and cholesterol as major sterols.
Suppression of Rayleigh Backscattering in Resonators

We demonstrate dynamic suppression of Rayleigh backscattering in a whispering gallery mode resonator by locally breaking time-reversal symmetry through a Brillouin optomechanical interaction.
Classification of accurate and error tongue movements for /r/ in children using trajectories from ultrasound

American English /r/ is considered the most difficult sound to remediate in children with speech sound disorders. The sound is complex, requiring coordinated, quasi-independent tongue movements, making it challenging to remediate in speech therapy. However, there are few clinical tools that allow for a quantitative, real-time display of the dynamics of tongue part movements. We aim to fill this need by developing a real-time, simplified, interactive biofeedback system that transforms ultrasound image data to a visual feedback object and quantitative data stream. In this presentation, we compare blade, dorsum, and root displacement trajectories determined from midsagittal ultrasound imaging of children with residual speech sound disorders (RSSD) and children with typical speech, using principal component models and cluster analysis techniques. Results show a trend of smaller tongue part displacements for RSSD children compared to children with typical speech. The analysis also elucidates distinct strategies for production of accurate /r/. We compare our classification of accurate and error tongue movements to perceptual judgments from trained listeners. Preliminary results suggest strong correspondence between our trajectory-based classification and listener judgments of /r/ accuracy.
CReSIS airborne radars and platforms for ice and snow sounding

This paper provides an update and overview of the Center for Remote Sensing of Ice Sheets (CReSIS) radars and platforms, including representative results from these systems. CReSIS radar systems operate over a frequency range of 14–38 GHz. Each radar system's specific frequency band is driven by the required depth of signal penetration, measurement resolution, allocated frequency spectra, and antenna operating frequencies (often influenced by aircraft integration). We also highlight recent system advancements and future work, including (1) increasing system bandwidth; (2) miniaturizing radar hardware; and (3) increasing sensitivity. For platform development, we are developing smaller, easier to operate and less expensive unmanned aerial systems. Next-generation platforms will further expand accessibility to scientists with vertical takeoff and landing capabilities.
Mathematical modeling and parametric study of magnetic negative stiffness dampers

This article presents mathematical modeling and parametric study of a type of magnetic negative stiffness dampers. A magnetic negative stiffness damper uses the interaction forces and movement of m...
Opportunities and struggles of decentralized governance reform for urban municipalities in India

Abstract The most important policy argument concerning urban governance in India is the enactment of 74th Constitutional Amendment Act (CAA), 1992. This Act gives constitutional recognition to urban local bodies in India, namely, municipal corporations, municipalities and nagar panchayats and empowers them to function as institution of self-governance. However, the implementation of the Act has not taken place in totality. The reform mainly favored large urban local bodies such as municipal corporations and the concerns on functional autonomy and finances of smaller urban local bodies remained ignored. Therefore, this study highlights the present situation of local governance structure in the small and medium urban local bodies. This study examines, from a micro perspective, the capacities of small and medium urban local bodies in governing, managing and financing of urban services for the local development.
Aid Demand Aggregation Using Technology During Disaster Relief

The humanitarian aid industry’s supply chain is fragmented into a variety of segments which link individuals, companies, intergovernmental organizations, local government agencies, and aid workers. In this multifaceted network, the contributions meant ultimately for impacted people may not reach their intended destination or worse, the contributions may not be useful in the crisis zone. We believe an opportunity exists to enable transparency in the humanitarian aid supply chain. Our solution ensures equipping the on-the-ground relief agencies with technology that helps them understand and forecast the demand of impacted people in their region and link the heads of these agencies to an integrated supply network.
Surge in Delayed Myocardial Infarction Presentations: An Inadvertent Consequence of Social Distancing During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract This case series summarizes our experience of delayed acute myocardial infarction presentations during the coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic predominantly driven by patient fear of contrac...
Driving Impairment Detection Due to Sun Exposure and Contrasting Shadow of Surface Objects: An Urban Case Study

A change in drivers’ vision quality might result in the deterioration of their perception and their effectiveness. The lack of an integrated algorithm to distinguish the location of drivers’ vision...
Open Problems Related to Quantum Query Complexity.

I offer a case that quantum query complexity still has loads of enticing and fundamental open problems -- from relativized QMA versus QCMA and BQP versus IP, to time/space tradeoffs for collision and element distinctness, to polynomial degree versus quantum query complexity for partial functions, to the Unitary Synthesis Problem and more.
The Trauma of Being an African American in the Twenty-First Century

This chapter explores how the history of racism results in trauma for African Americans living in the United States. The chapter helps mental health professionals define and identify race-based trauma when working with African American clients. The chapter provides examples of the physical and psychological effects of race-based trauma and explains the importance of working through a culturally sensitive lens. Finally, the chapter provides a helpful framework for mental health professionals to address race-based trauma.
Norberg, Richard E.: NMR in Urbana and St. Louis

The sections in this article are 1 University of Illinois 2 Washington University 3 Biographical Sketch
Sea Surface Temperature Variability in Hurricanes: Implications with Respect to Intensity Change

Scientists at NOAA’s Hurricane Research Division recently analyzed the inner-core upper-ocean environment for 23 Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean hurricanes between 1975 and 2002. The interstorm variability of sea surface temperature (SST) change between the hurricane inner-core environment and the ambient ocean environment ahead of the storm is documented using airborne expendable bathythermograph (AXBT) observations and buoy-derived archived SST data. The authors demonstrate that differences between inner-core and ambient SST are much less than poststorm, ‘‘cold wake’’ SST reductions typically observed (i.e., ;08‐28C versus 48‐58C). These findings help define a realistic parameter space for storm-induced SST change within the important high-wind inner-core hurricane environment. Results from a recent observational study yielded estimates of upper-ocean heat content, upper-ocean energy extracted by the storm, and upper-ocean energy utilization for a wide range of tropical systems. Results from this analysis show that, under most circumstances, the energy available to the tropical cyclone is at least an order of magnitude greater than the energy extracted by the storm. This study also highlights the significant impact that changes in inner-core SST have on the magnitude of air‐ sea fluxes under high-wind conditions. Results from this study illustrate that relatively modest changes in innercore SST (order 18C) can effectively alter maximum total enthalpy (sensible plus latent heat) flux by 40% or more. The magnitude of SST change (ambient minus inner core) was statistically linked to subsequent changes in storm intensity for the 23 hurricanes included in this research. These findings suggest a relationship between reduced inner-core SST cooling (i.e., increased inner-core surface enthalpy flux) and tropical cyclone intensification. Similar results were not found when changes in storm intensity were compared with ambient SST or upper-ocean heat content conditions ahead of the storm. Under certain circumstances, the variability associated with inner-core SST change appears to be an important factor directly linked to the intensity change process.
A Timing Analysis of Convergence to Fitness Sharing Equilibrium

Fitness sharing has been shown to be an effective niching mechanism in genetic algorithms (GAs). Sharing allows GAs to maintain multiple, cooperating “species” in a single population for many generations under severe selective pressure. While recent studies have shown that the maintenance time for niching equilibrium is long, it has never been shown that the time it takes to reach equilibrium is sufficiently fast. While experiments indicate that selection under fitness sharing drives the population to equilibrium just as fast and as effectively as selection alone drives the simple GA to a uniform population, we can now show analytically that this is the case.
Model Reduction of a Coulomb Friction Damped System using Singular Perturbaion Theory

This paper presents an extension of singular perturbation theory for use on systems with dry (Coulombic) friction. The technique is developed for a particular example - that of a 4th order model commonly used to describe turbine and compressor blades. A zeroth order approximation is obtained yielding a reduced order model. An improvement to this approximation in the form of a first order correction term is also developed. The first order correction term is seen to greatly improve the approximation with no added cost to the numerical simulations. The accuracy and numerical efficiency of the zeroth order and the first order reduced order models are checked against numerical simulations of the full order model.
The History of the B2 Stress Index

The history of the primary stress design equations for Class 1 and 2 elbows in the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (Section III, Division 1, Subsections NB and NC) is reviewed. The review includes the early analytical solutions for elbow bending, Markl's stress-intensification factor, the development of Code equation (9), the relationship between SIFs and the C 2 and B 2 stress indices, development of B 2 equations that are functions of internal pressure and bend angle, and a suggested definition of the B 2 index which is based on nonlinear finite element analysis.
A case for TCP Vegas in high-performance computational grids

Computational grids such as the Information Power Grid (Johnston et al., 1999), Particle Physics Data Grid , and Earth System Grid depend on TCP to provide reliable communication between nodes across a wide-area network (WAN). Of the available TCP implementations, TCP Reno and its variants are the most widely deployed; however, Reno's performance in computational grids is mediocre at best. Due to conflicting results in the evaluation of TCP implementations, we present a detailed simulation study that unifies the conflicting results and demonstrates the limitations of earlier work. We focus on the two most debated versions of TCP-Reno and Vegas. Using real traffic distributions, we show that Vegas performs well over modern high-performance links and better than Reno with the proper selection of the Vegas parameters /spl alpha/ and /spl beta/. Our results exhibit ways to significantly enhance the performance of distributed computational grids that rely on TCP.
Adaptive RID kernels which minimize time-frequency uncertainty

The reduced interference distribution (RID) satisfies many of the desirable properties of time-frequency distributions (TFDs), including reduced interference. Using simple rules, it is possible to define kernels which guarantee the RID properties. A primitive h(t) is the starting point for kernel design. Starting with this primitive h(t), one may evolve a RID which enjoys all of the desirable properties. In addition, RIDs designed by this means also exhibit scale invariance in addition to the time-shift invariance and frequency-shift invariance exhibited by members of Cohen's class relevant to these properties. Such RIDs also exhibit a property which we call information invariance. Information invariance is defined under Renyi's generalized information. Renyi information has been found to be a useful quantifier of resolution in TFDs wherein minimum values of Renyi information are related to maximum resolution of the signal components. In this paper, we show that h(t) may be adapted to minimize Renyi information and thus achieve very good time-frequency resolution. >
Lagenophrys anticthos N. Sp. and L. aegleae Mouchet-Bennati, 1932 (Ciliophora, Peritricha, Lagenophryidae), Ectocommensals of South American Crustaceans1

. Lagenophrys anticthos n. sp. resembles L. aegleae Mouchet-Bennati; however, the two species are distinguished from one another by differences in the structure of the lorica aperture. Similarities in the shape of the lorica and macronucleus indicate a close phylogenetic relationship between L. anticthos and L. aegleae. The size of L. anticthos varies greatly within a population, and it is unclear whether this can be attributed to genetic differences or to environmental factors. In L. anticthos, variation in the form of the lips of the lorica aperture is correlated with variation in size. The brown, iron-rich incrustations observed around the loricae of L. aegleae by an earlier worker were not seen, indicating that the incrustations do not play a role in the symbiosis between L. aegleae and its host as was previously thought.
Examples of non d ω-exact locally conformal symplectic forms

We exhibit two three-parameter families of locally conformal symplectic forms on the solvmanifold M n,k considered in [1], and show, using the Hodge-de Rham theory for the Lichnerowicz cohomology that that they are not d ω exact, i.e. their Lichnerowicz classes are non-trivial (Theorem 1). This has several important geometric consequences (Corollary 2, 3). This also implies that the group of automorphisms of the corresponding locally conformal symplectic structures behaves much like the group of symplectic diffeomorphisms of compact symplectic manifolds. We initiate the classification of the local conformal symplectic forms in each 3-parameter family (Theorem 2, Corollary 1). We also show that the first (and) third Lichnerowicz cohomology classes are non-zero (Theorem 3). We observe finally that the manifolds M n,k carry several interesting foliations and Poisson structures.
A Multi-Agent Decision Support Architecture for Knowledge Representation and Exchange

Organizations rely on knowledge-driven systems for delivering problem-specific knowledge over Internet-based distributed platforms to decision-makers. Recent advances in systems support for problem solving have seen increased use of artificial intelligence (AI) techniques for knowledge representation in multiple forms. This article presents an Intelligent Knowledge-based Multi-agent Decision Support Architectureâ€ (IKMDSA) to illustrate how to represent and exchange domain-specific knowledge in XML-format through intelligent agents to create, exchange and use knowledge in decision support. IKMDSA integrates knowledge discovery and machine learning techniques for the creation of knowledge from organizational data; and knowledge repositories (KR) for its storage management and use by intelligent software agents in providing effective knowledge-driven decision support. Implementation details of the architecture, its business implications and directions for further research are discussed.
Precompound nucleon angular distributions in the continuum

Angular distributions for nucleon-induced reactions (incident energies 14 to 90 MeV) leading to precompound nucleon emission in the continuum (emitted particle energies 9-70 MeV) are calculated based on nucleon-nucleon scattering kinematics for an incident nucleon on a Fermi gas. Analytic expressions due to Kikuchi and Kawai are used for the single scattering kernel. The geometry dependent hybrid model is used to generate the differential cross sections for first, second, etc., order scattering, these weightings being used to fold the single scattering kernel. Results are found to reproduce all experimental angular distributions quite well at angles in the 20\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}-90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} range. Ad-hoc modifications to approximate quantal effects and Coulomb deflections are explored, but the results do not seem to offer a consistent means of reproducing back angle yields, and give generally poorer results at very forward angles.
Nitrate and nitrite regulation of the Fnr-dependent aeg-46.5 promoter of Escherichia coli K-12 is mediated by competition between homologous response regulators (NarL and NarP) for a common DNA-binding site.

Abstract The NarL and NarP proteins are homologous response regulators that function to regulate anaerobic respiratory gene expression in response to nitrate and nitrite in Escherichia coli . Expression of the aeg-46.5 operon (anaerobically expressed gene at 46.5 minutes on the genetic map) is induced during anaerobic growth by the global transcriptional regulatory protein Fnr. aeg-46.5 operon expression is further induced by the NarP protein in response to nitrate or nitrite and this induction is antagonized by NarL. We used in vivo and in vitro techniques to investigate how these three transcriptional regulatory proteins control the activity of single promoter. Deletion and mutational analysis of the aeg-46.5 operon control region identified two distinct cis -acting elements. A sequence with similarity to the Fnr-binding site consensus, centered at position 64.5, was essential for Fnr-dependent anaerobic induction of aeg-46.5 operon expression. In all other naturally occuring Fnr-dependent promoters the primary Fnr-binding site is centered between 40 and 50. The second cis -acting element, a region of perfect symmetry centered at -44.5, shares sequence similarity with the NarL-binding site consensus. This region was required for nitrate and nitrite induction of aeg-46.5 operon expression. We purified the NarP and NarL proteins as maltose-binding protein (MBP) fusion proteins and investigated their interaction with the aeg-46.5 operon control region. Incubation with the phospho-donor, acetyl phosphate, allowed both MBP-NarP and MBP-NarL to protect the 44.5 region of the aeg-46.5 operon control region from DNase I cleavage. Single and double nucleotide substitutions in the 44.5 region reduced or abolished nitrate and nitrite induction of aeg-46.5 operon expression in vivo and prevented the binding of MBP-NarP and MBP-NarL to the control region in vitro . Presumably the NarP and NarL proteins compete for the 44.5 binding site to regulate aeg-46.5 operon expression in response to nitrate and nitrite. Apparently, only the NarP protein is competent to activate transcription of the aeg-46.5 operon when bound to the 44.5 region. f2
The structure and conformational behavior of sulfonium salt glycosidase inhibitors in solution: a combined quantum mechanical NMR approach.

We present the conformational analysis of an inhibitor of α-mannosidase, based on a novel sulfonium salt structure (1) that mimics the mannosyl cation intermediate. Because of the number of possible isomeric structures for 1, as well as its complex molecular structure, traditional conformational analysis by NMR was not applicable. Instead, a single experimentally consistent structure was obtained from finite perturbation quantum mechanical calculations of the NMR J-couplings at the B3LYP/6-311G** level. Using a full relaxation matrix analysis, we showed that the quantum-predicted NMR structure was the only isomer that was consistent with the experimental NOE intensities. The results illustrate the potential for finite perturbation calculations to be useful in the analysis of complex charged molecules.
Random Parameters Seemingly Unrelated Equations Approach to the Postrehabilitation Performance of Pavements

Pavement rehabilitation is one of the most critical and costly forms of infrastructure asset management. Yet determining the subsequent performance of rehabilitated pavements is a complex task, particularly when multiple performance measures such as roughness, surface deformation, and structural integrity are considered. The complexity arises in part because of the interrelation among these performance measures and the fact that data relating to factors known to affect these measures may not be available. This paper seeks to demonstrate an appropriate methodological approach for studying the postrehabilitation performance of pavements using data from rural interstate roads in Indiana. Specifically, a random parameters seemingly unrelated equations approach is applied to explicitly account for the cross-equation correlation that exists among pavement-performance measures and the underlying heterogeneity across observations caused by imperfect data. The results provide some new insights into the interrelationships among the pavement rehabilitation treatments considered, pavement performance, traffic loads and trucks, weather and soil conditions, and rehabilitation expenditures.