cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Signal to noise ratios of pulsed and sinewave modulated direct detection lidar for IPDA measurements

The signal-to-noise ratios have been derived for IPDA lidar using a direct detection receiver for both pulsed and sinewave laser modulation techniques, and the results and laboratory measurements are presented.
Movement pain, resting pain and depression prior to total knee replacement predict postoperative pain

Commentary on: Rakel BA, Blodgett NP, Bridget Zimmerman M, et al. Predictors of postoperative movement and resting pain following total knee replacement. Pain 2012;153:2192–203.[OpenUrl][1][CrossRef][2][PubMed][3][Web of Science][4] TKA is generally regarded as a highly successful procedure to improve pain and function in patients with advanced degenerative joint disease. Perioperative pain management remains a major concern for patients contemplating TKA and residual pain has been associated with dissatisfaction and poor outcome. This study aims to identify … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DPain%26rft.stitle%253DPain%26rft.aulast%253DRakel%26rft.auinit1%253DB.%2BA.%26rft.volume%253D153%26rft.issue%253D11%26rft.spage%253D2192%26rft.epage%253D2203%26rft.atitle%253DPredictors%2Bof%2Bpostoperative%2Bmovement%2Band%2Bresting%2Bpain%2Bfollowing%2Btotal%2Bknee%2Breplacement.%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1016%252Fj.pain.2012.06.021%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F22840570%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=10.1016/j.pain.2012.06.021&link_type=DOI [3]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=22840570&link_type=MED&atom=%2Febnurs%2F16%2F4%2F115.atom [4]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=000310772400009&link_type=ISI
Designing service systems by bridging the “front stage” and “back stage”

Service management and design has largely focused on the interactions between employees and customers. This perspective holds that the quality of the “service experience” is primarily determined during this final “service encounter” that takes place in the “front stage.” This emphasis discounts the contribution of the activities in the “back stage” of the service value chain where materials or information needed by the front stage are processed. However, the vast increase in web-driven consumer self-service applications and other automated services requires new thinking about service design and service quality. It is essential to consider the entire network of services that comprise the back and front stages as complementary parts of a “service system.” We need new concepts and methods in service design that recognize how back stage information and processes can improve the front stage experience. This paper envisions a methodology for designing service systems that synthesizes (front-stage-oriented) user-centered design techniques with (back stage) methods for designing information-intensive applications.
Investigation of a Quantitative Method for the Analysis of Chiral Monoterpenes in White Wine by HS-SPME-MDGC-MS of Different Wine Matrices.

A valid quantitative method for the analysis of chiral monoterpenes in white wine using head-space solid phase micro-extraction-MDGC-MS (HS-SPME-MDGC-MS) with stable isotope dilution analysis was established. Fifteen compounds: (S)-(−)-limonene,
Efficient Formation of Edge Cache Groups for Dynamic Content Delivery

Cost-effective cooperation among a network of edge caches is widely accepted as an effective mechanism for enhancing the scalability, performance, and reliability of edge cache networks. However, the problem of how to form cache groups for achieving effective and efficient cooperation in edge cache networks has largely been unexplored. In this paper, we identify two important factors that need to be considered while forming cooperative groups, namely, network proximities of edge caches and network distances of the caches to the origin server. We propose two novel cache clustering schemes for accurately partitioning the caches of a given edge cache network into specified number of cache groups. The first scheme, called the Selective Landmarks scheme (SL scheme), accurately partitions the edge cache network into cooperative groups based on the network proximities of the caches. The second cache group formation scheme, called Server Distance sensitive Selective Landmarks scheme (SDSL scheme), provides a careful combination network proximities and server distances. Our experiments indicate that the proposed techniques can yield significant performance benefits.
A randomized-controlled trial of the effects of a traditional herbal supplement on sleep onset insomnia

Abstract Objectives: To study the effectiveness and safety of a traditional herbal supplement used for sleep onset insomnia. Design: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over study. Setting: A total of 25 healthy volunteers (20–65 years of age) suffering from sleep onset insomnia were recruited from the general population. Intervention: A traditional Ayurvedic supplement formulated to reduce sleep onset insomnia. Main Outcome Measure: Sleep latency. Results: The supplement led to a statistically significant decrease in reported sleep latency of 16.72min (S.D.=44.8) as compared to placebo ( P =0.003). There were no self-reported side effects. Conclusions: The findings suggest that traditional herbal supplements may be of significant benefit to patients suffering from sleep onset insomnia while avoiding the negative side effects of commonly prescribed hypnotics.
Low-voltage four-quadrant analog multiplier

A novel design method for four-quadrant analog multiplier is presented. This method uses two current-mode maximum selecting circuits to combine the output currents of two MOS square-based multiplier cells. The proposed scheme nearly doubles the input voltage range.
Gendered Opportunity? School-Based Adolescent Victimization

Researchers have shown that criminal opportunity significantly predicts school-based adolescent victimization. However, little is known about the extent to which opportunity for school-based victimization might be gendered. In this study, the authors drew from criminal opportunity and feminist research and extended the principle of homogamy to explore how gender interacts with opportunity and school-based victimization. Data collected from 2001 to 2004 from 10,522 students in 111 middle and high schools throughout Kentucky were used to examine whether indicators of criminal opportunity placed students, particularly girls, at heightened risk for school-based theft and physical assault victimization. The results of gender-specific hierarchical logistic regression models indicated that measures of criminal opportunity were significantly related to theft and assault for both sexes. Equality-of-coefficient tests supported gendered effects for some opportunity indicators, with differences indicating that the ef...
ON THE LINGUISTIC CHARACTER OF NON-STANDARD INPUT

If natural language understanding systems are ever to cope with the full range of English language forms, their designers will have to incorporate a number of features of the spoken vernacular language. This communication discusses such features as non-standard grammatical rules, hesitations and false starts due to self-correction, systematic errors due to mismatches between the grammar and sentence generator, and uncorrected true errors.
Bed height and material density effects on fluidized bed hydrodynamics

Abstract Characterizing the hydrodynamics of a fluidized bed is of vital importance to understanding the behavior of this multiphase flow system. Minimum fluidization velocity and gas holdup are two of these key characteristics. Experimental studies addressing the effects of bed height and material density on the minimum fluidization velocity and gas holdup were carried out in this study using a 10.2 cm diameter cylindrical fluidized bed. Three different Geldart type-B particles were tested: glass beads, ground walnut shell, and ground corncob, with material densities of 2600, 1300, and 1000 kg/m 3 , respectively. The particle size range was selected to be the same for all three materials and corresponded to 500–600 μm. In this study, five different bed height-to-diameter ratios were investigated: H / D =0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, and 3. Minimum fluidization velocity was determined for each H / D ratio using pressure drop measurements. Local time-average gas holdup was determined using non-invasive X-ray computed tomography imaging. Results show that minimum fluidization velocity is not affected by the change in bed height. However, as the material density increased, the minimum fluidization velocity increased. Finally, local time-average gas holdup values revealed that bed hydrodynamics were similar for all bed heights, but differed when the material density was changed.
The Mn Cluster in the S0 State of the Oxygen-Evolving Complex of Photosystem II Studied by EXAFS Spectroscopy: Are There Three Di-μ-oxo-bridged Mn2 Moieties in the Tetranuclear Mn Complex?

A key component required for an understanding of the mechanism of the evolution of molecular oxygen by the photosynthetic oxygen-evolving complex (OEC) in photosystem II (PS II) is the knowledge of the structures of the Mn cluster in the OEC in each of its intermediate redox states, or S-states. In this paper, we report the first detailed structural characterization using Mn extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy of the Mn cluster of the OEC in the S0 state, which exists immediately after the release of molecular oxygen. On the basis of the EXAFS spectroscopic results, the most likely interpretation is that one of the di-μ-oxo-bridged Mn−Mn moieties in the OEC has increased in distance from 2.7 A in the dark-stable S1 state to 2.85 A in the S0 state. Furthermore, curve fitting of the distance heterogeneity present in the EXAFS data from the S0 state leads to the intriguing possibility that three di-μ-oxo-bridged Mn−Mn moieties may exist in the OEC instead of the two di-μ-oxo-bridged...
Semantic analysis of SNOMED CT for a post-coordinated database of histopathology findings.

Objective This research investigated the use of SNOMED CT to represent diagnostic tissue morphologies and notable tissue architectures typically found within a pathologist's microscopic examination report to identify gaps in expressivity of SNOMED CT for use in anatomic pathology. Methods 24 breast biopsy cases were reviewed by two board certified surgical pathologists who independently described the diagnostically important tissue architectures and diagnostic morphologies observed by microscopic examination. In addition, diagnostic comments and details were extracted from the original diagnostic pathology report. 95 unique clinical statements were extracted from 13 malignant and 11 benign breast needle biopsy cases. Results 75% of the inventoried diagnostic terms and statements could be represented by valid SNOMED CT expressions. The expressions included one pre-coordinated expression and 73 post-coordinated expressions. No valid SNOMED CT expressions could be identified or developed to unambiguously assert the meaning of 21 statements (ie, 25% of inventoried clinical statements). Evaluation of the findings indicated that SNOMED CT lacked sufficient definitional expressions or the SNOMED CT concept model prohibited use of certain defined concepts needed to describe the numerous, diagnostically important tissue architectures and morphologic changes found within a surgical pathology microscopic examination. Conclusions Because information gathered during microscopic histopathology examination provides the basis of pathology diagnoses, additional concept definitions for tissue morphometries and modifications to the SNOMED CT concept model are needed and suggested to represent detailed histopathologic findings in computable fashion for purposes of patient information exchange and research. Trial registration number UNMC Institutional Review Board ID# 342-11-EP.
Computerized Detection of Lesions in Diagnostic Images

Computer-aided detection (CADe) has been an active research area in medical imaging. As imaging technologies advance, a large number of medical images are produced which physicians/radiologists must read. They may overlook lesions from such a large number of medical images. Consequently, CADe that provides suspicious lesions with radiologists/physicians is developed and becoming indispensable in their decision making to prevent them from overlooking lesions. Machine learning (ML) plays an essential role in CADe, because lesions and organs in medical images may be too complex to be represented accurately by a simple equation; modeling of such complex objects often requires a number of parameters that have to be determined by data. In this chapter, ML techniques used in CADe schemes for lung nodules in chest radiography and thoracic CT and those for the detection of polyps in CT colonography (CTC) are described, which include patch-/pixel-based ML and feature-based (segmented-object-based) ML.
Evolving reliability & maintainability allocations for NASA ground systems

This paper describes the methodology and value of modifying allocations to reliability and maintainability requirements for the NASA Ground Systems Development and Operations (GSDO) Program's ground systems. As systems progressed through their design life cycle and hardware data became available, it became necessary to reexamine the previously derived allocations. This iterative process provided an opportunity for the reliability engineering team to reevaluate allocations as systems moved beyond their conceptual and preliminary design phases. These new allocations are based on updated designs and maintainability characteristics of the components. It was found that trade-offs in reliability and maintainability were essential to ensuring the integrity of the reliability and maintainability analysis. This paper discusses the results of reliability and maintainability reallocations made for the GSDO subsystems as the program nears the end of its design phase.
Yield Responses of Corn to Simulated Black Cutworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Damage

A field trial was conducted to study the impact of 6 increasing levels of simulated black cutworm, Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel), damage on grain and silage yields. Plants were damaged at the V3 and V5 stages of corn development. The experiment was conducted on 2 corn hybrids, Pioneer 3921 and Pioneer 3733, planted at 6.0 and 8.0 plants per square meter, in 1993 and 1994. A significant year effect on both grain and silage yield was detected. In both years of study, hybrid had a significant effect on grain yield but not on silage yield, whereas plant density had no significant effect on grain and silage whole-crop yields. Significant linear and quadratic relationships between both grain and silage yields and damage level were detected. Grain yield losses, averaged across plant density, varied from 0 to 24% and 0 to 81% when plants were damaged at the V3 and V5 stages of corn development respectively, depending on hybrid, damage level, and year. For P3733, maximum grain loss exceeded silage loss by as much as 9 and 14% in 1993 and 1994, respectively. P3921 grain losses paralleled silage losses in both years. A phenological delay associated with the simulated damage was observed.
Automatic fault surface detection by using 3D Hough transform

Detection of faults plays an important role in the characterization of reservoir regions. In this paper, we propose an automatic fault surface detection method using 3D Hough transform to improve the interpretation efficiency. We first highlight the likely fault points in seismic data by thresholding the corresponding discontinuity volumes. Then, we apply 3D Hough transform to detect the likely fault planes in seismic volumes. After filtering out the noisy planes, we apply the weighted plane fitting method to extract the smooth fault surfaces from the remaining fault planes. Experimental results show that the proposed method has the capability of detecting fault surfaces in real seismic data with high accuracy and fewer human interventions.
Cell Density and Joint microRNA-133a and microRNA-696 Inhibition Enhance Differentiation and Contractile Function of Engineered Human Skeletal Muscle Tissues

To utilize three-dimensional (3D) engineered human skeletal muscle tissue for translational studies and in vitro studies of drug toxicity, there is a need to promote differentiation and functional behavior. In this study, we identified conditions to promote contraction of engineered human skeletal muscle bundles and examined the effects of transient inhibition of microRNAs (miRs) on myogenic differentiation and function of two-dimensional (2D) and 3D cultures of human myotubes. In 2D cultures, simultaneously inhibiting both miR-133a, which promotes myoblast proliferation, and miR-696, which represses oxidative metabolism, resulted in an increase in sarcomeric α-actinin protein and the metabolic coactivator PGC-1α protein compared to transfection with a scrambled miR sequence (negative control). Although PGC-1α was elevated following joint inhibition of miRs 133a and 696, there was no difference in myosin heavy chain (MHC) protein isoforms. 3D engineered human skeletal muscle myobundles seeded with 5 × 106...
Observed self-regulation is associated with weight in low-income toddlers

Obesity emerges in early childhood and tracks across development. Self-regulation develops rapidly during the toddler years, yet few studies have examined toddlers' self-regulation in relation to concurrent child weight. Further, few studies compare child responses in food and non-food-related tasks. Our goal was to examine toddlers' observed behavioral and emotional self-regulation in food and non-food tasks in relation to their body mass index z-score (BMIz) and weight status (overweight/obese vs. not). Observational measures were used to assess self-regulation (SR) in four standardized tasks in 133 low-income children (M age = 33.1 months; SD = 0.6). Behavioral SR was measured by assessing how well the child could delay gratification for a snack (food-related task) and a gift (non-food-related task). Emotional SR was measured by assessing child intensity of negative affect in two tasks designed to elicit frustration: being shown, then denied a cookie (food-related) or a toy (non-food-related). Task order was counterbalanced. BMIz was measured. Bivariate correlations and regression analyses adjusting for child sex, child race/ethnicity, and maternal education were conducted to examine associations of SR with weight. Results were that better behavioral SR in the snack delay task associated with lower BMIz (β = -0.27, p < 0.05) and lower odds of overweight/obesity (OR = 0.66, 95% CI 0.45, 0.96), but behavioral SR in the gift task did not associate with BMIz or weight status. Better emotional SR in the non-food task associated with lower BMIz (β = -0.27, p < 0.05), and better emotional SR in food and non-food tasks associated with lower odds of overweight/obesity (OR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.45, 0.96 and OR = 0.56, 95% CI 0.37, 0.87, respectively). Results are discussed regarding how behavioral SR for food and overall emotional SR relate to weight during toddlerhood, and regarding early childhood obesity prevention implications.
Alcohol misuse, depressive symptoms, and HIV/STI risks of US Hispanic women

ABSTRACTObjectives: Alcohol misuse and depressive symptoms have been linked to HIV/STI risk, but studies have rarely included Hispanic women, who have over four times greater HIV incidence than white, non-Hispanic women. Understanding the connections among alcohol misuse, depressive symptoms, and HIV/STI risks may suggest ways to meet specific needs of Hispanic women. This study’s objective is to examine the relationships among alcohol misuse, depressive symptoms, and seven HIV/STI risk factors.Design: Five hundred forty-eight US Hispanic women with intake data from a randomized trial were assessed for alcohol misuse (CAGE) and depressive symptoms (CES-D). GZLM and path analyses tested relationships between alcohol misuse or depressive symptoms and HIV/STI risk factors.Results: Self-efficacy and condom use were not related to alcohol misuse or depressive symptoms, but only 15% of women reported consistent condom use. After controlling for demographics, women with alcohol misuse had significantly more perc...
Promoting Financial Capability of Incarcerated Women for Community Reentry: A Call to Social Workers

ABSTRACTFemale incarceration rates are increasing at unprecedented rates. The majority of women are poor single mothers, serving sentences for nonviolent drug-related and property offenses. Among challenges faced when transitioning back into society are a history of interpersonal violence and financial instability. This study examines literature with regard to the barriers women experience with an emphasis on financial struggles and explores outcomes of one initiative to begin addressing the financial capability of women in a minimum security prison. Findings reveal women benefited from the class experience. Social workers are called upon for additional financial capability programming and research in this area.
Extending the Roofline Model for Asynchronous Many-Task Runtimes

A common practice for application developers is to experimentally determine the granularity of a task after a code has been parallelized based on the observed overhead of a runtime. Instead, we propose a new methodology based on an extended Roofline model to provide practical upper bounds on the throughput performance of an application. First, we extend the Roofline model to support not only latency hiding analysis, but also a multidimensional amortized analysis. By combining this new methodology with a serial application and an Asynchronous Many Task (AMT) runtime implementation, we can predict the worst case runtime overhead attribution of individual runtime features prior to the development of parallel code.
Evaluating and guiding the development of sustainable biorenewable chemicals with feasible space analysis

Abstract The economic and environmental performance of a biorenewable chemical process is analyzed by defining its cost, energy, and greenhouse gas feasible design spaces in terms of process parameters. Delimiting the feasible space of a process allows developers to set development targets and quantify performance trade-offs among unit processes. Feasible space analysis is demonstrated for the biocatalytic synthesis of C10 saturated fatty acid from glucose. Capric acid yield from glucose of ≥0.25 g g−1, titer of ≥40 g l−1, and volumetric productivity of 2 g l−1 h−1 are found to result in cost, greenhouse gas emissions, and energy consumption as good as or better than the conventional process for production of fatty acids from coconut oil.
Gait Implications of Visual Field Damage from Glaucoma.

PURPOSE To evaluate fall-relevant gait features in older glaucoma patients. METHODS The GAITRite Electronic Walkway was used to define fall-related gait parameters in 239 patients with suspected or manifest glaucoma under normal usual-pace walking conditions and while carrying a cup or tray. Multiple linear regression models assessed the association between gait parameters and integrated visual field (IVF) sensitivity after controlling for age, race, sex, medications, and comorbid illness. RESULTS Under normal walking conditions, worse IVF sensitivity was associated with a wider base of support (β = 0.60 cm/5 dB IVF sensitivity decrement, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.12-1.09, P = 0.016). Worse IVF sensitivity was not associated with slower gait speed, shorter step or stride length, or greater left-right drift under normal walking conditions (P > 0.05 for all), but was during cup and/or tray carrying conditions (P < 0.05 for all). Worse IVF sensitivity was positively associated with greater stride-to-stride variability in step length, stride length, and stride velocity (P < 0.005 for all). Inferior and superior IVF sensitivity demonstrated associations with each of the above gait parameters as well, though these associations were consistently similar to, or weaker than, the associations noted for overall IVF sensitivity. CONCLUSION Glaucoma severity was associated with several gait parameters predictive of higher fall risk in prior studies, particularly measures of stride-to-stride variability. Gait may be useful in identifying glaucoma patients at higher risk of falls, and in designing and testing interventions to prevent falls in this high-risk group. TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE These findings could serve to inform the development of the interventions for falls prevention in glaucoma patients.
Assaporare il disgusto

Recensione: Carolyn Korsmeyer, Savoring Disgust. The Foul and the Fair in Aesthetics , Oxford University Press, Oxford 2011, pp. 194.
Persistent Corneal Decompensation due to Anterior Dislocation of Soemmering Ring Cataract

Purpose. We present a case of a patient with Soemmering ring after cataract surgery and a potential complication that can arise as a result of its presence. Observations. A patient with history of ruptured globe status after repair and lensectomy, complicated by aphakic secondary open angle glaucoma, was referred for management of second injury to the same eye. This injury resulted in Soemmering ring dislocation into the anterior chamber. The cortical material caused a significant increase in intraocular pressure and corneal decompensation. Surgical removal of the Soemmering ring and Ahmed glaucoma tube implant was performed with control of intraocular pressures; however corneal edema could not be reversed. Conclusions and Importance. This case report illustrates the serious consequences that can be caused by Soemmering rings without early surgical intervention. Care must be taken to completely remove cortical material during cataract surgery to prevent their formation.
Mental Health News: How Frames Influence Support for Policy and Civic Engagement Intentions

Depression accounts for nearly 400 million disability days per year, and has been identified as the definitive public health priority in the decades to come (Greenberg et al., 2015). Despite the passage of the 2008 Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, which requires coverage of mental health services, behavioral health and substance-use disorders to be equal to physical health coverage, individuals face numerous barriers when seeking help for depression. This research tests whether changing the way stories frame depression affects how audience members attribute responsibility for depression and their intentions to participate in civic engagement activities supporting policy solutions. Findings from this study contradict earlier scholarship and have implications for how information about depression and policy solutions are framed for the public including how to develop health policy messaging when working with the news media. Suggestions for future research are included.
Lifesaving in Every Way: The Role of Companion Animals in the Lives of Older Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Adults Age 50 and Over:

This study uses mixed-methods data and a life-course perspective to explore the role of pets in the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) adults age 50 and over and addresses the following research questions: (1) How does having a pet relate to perceived social support and social network size? and (2) how do LGBT older adults describe the meaning of pets in their lives? The qualitative data (N = 59) were collected from face-to-face interviews, and the quantitative data (N = 2,560) were collected via surveys from a sample across the United States. Qualitative findings show that pets are characterized as kin and companions and provide support; we also explore why participants do not have pets. The quantitative findings show that LGBT older adults with a pet had higher perceived social support; those with a disability and limited social network size, who had a pet had significantly higher perceived social support than those without a pet.
Prioritized Sweeping Converges to the Optimal Value Function

Prioritized sweeping (PS) and its variants are model-based reinforcement-learning algorithms that have demonstrated superior performance in terms of computational and experience e‐ciency in practice. This note establishes the flrst|to the best of our knowledge|formal proof of convergence to the optimal value function when they are used as planning algorithms. We also describe applications of this result to provably e‐cient model-based reinforcement learning in the PAC-MDP framework. We do not address the issue of convergence rate in the present paper.
Reply to You et al.: The World Database on Protected Areas is an invaluable resource for global conservation assessments and planning

In their Letter, You et al. (1) raise concerns about the use of the World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA) (https://www.protectedplanet.net/) in conservation assessments and planning. Their concern arises from potential differences in protected area (PA) delineations and designations between the WDPA and alternate, national PA datasets, citing China’s National Nature Reserves (CNNR) as an example with apparent deviations. You et al. (1) highlight that using the CNNR in calculations of elevational protection yields results that contrast with those published in our original paper (2) using the WDPA. Several issues with You et al.’s (1) analysis prevent a straightforward comparison with … [↵][1]1To whom correspondence should be addressed. Email: pelsen{at}berkeley.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
Enabling a Decentralized Smart Grid Using Autonomous Edge Control Devices

As a large number of distributed devices are connected to the modern smart grid, the traditional centralized connectivity models fail to provide economic value. These models have relied on sending data to the cloud for processing and receiving commands to exert control actions, resulting in an “on-demand system” with high bandwidth, low latency, and an overload of data on the cloud. For realizing a decentralized system, there is a strong need to embed intelligence at the “edge of the network.” These intelligent devices, capable of sensing, local data processing, and exerting control actions, report only actionable information to the cloud, acting as an edge control node. The system can then function autonomously, without constant cloud inputs, tolerating longer delays in communication, and making the overall system ultralow cost. The global asset monitoring, management, and analytics platform is a novel ultralow-cost, secure platform that operates through a Bluetooth-based delay tolerant network. It relies on so-called “data mules” to bridge the last mile connectivity gap in an inherently secure way. Due to this model, the platform requires no in-country certifications, does not rely on a dedicated backhaul technology and is immune to technology migration. This architecture also addresses some gaps identified in traditional Internet of Things-based solutions in remote areas and sparse connectivity. A functional unit of the edge computing node has been built, taking into account various constraints like costs, customizations, data storage, cybersecurity, and power management. The platform has been built, deployed and has demonstrated distributed smart grid applications like power quality sensing, automated metering infrastructure, and utility asset monitoring.
Understanding Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey: Representation and Interpretation

Few films have had as great an impact on international cinema as Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968). In his introduction, editor James Fenwick situates the scope of the anthology within...
Podocyte-specific expression of Cre recombinase promotes glomerular basement membrane thickening.

Conditional gene targeting using Cre recombinase has offered a powerful tool to modify gene function precisely in defined cells/tissues and at specific times. However, in mammalian cells, Cre recom...
Effect of Dietary and Supplemental Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Risk of Recurrent Gout Flares

Objective To determine the relationship between omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) consumption (dietary or supplemental) and risk of gout flares. Methods We used data from the Boston University Online Gout Study, an internet-based case-crossover study conducted from February 2003 to January 2012. At the times of gout flares (hazard period) and during gout flare-free periods (control periods), participants completed questionnaires regarding exposures, including supplements and diet, during the preceding 48 hours. We examined the relationship of self-reported n-3 PUFA-rich supplements and fish intake with the risk of recurrent gout flares using conditional logistic regression, adjusting for total purine intake, diuretic use, and other urate-lowering or flare prophylactic medications (allopurinol, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, or colchicine). Results Of the 724 participants, 85% met the 1977 American College of Rheumatology preliminary criteria for the classification of the acute arthritis of primary gout. Twenty-two percent of the participants reported some form of n-3 PUFA consumption (supplements, 4.6%; dietary fatty fish, 19%) in the 48 hours preceding a gout flare or flare-free period. The adjusted odds ratios were 1.01 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.63-1.60; P = 0.98) for all 3 supplements combined and 0.74 (95% CI 0.54-0.99; P = 0.04) for consumption of ≥2 n-3 PUFA-rich fish servings. Conclusion Dietary n-3 PUFA-rich fish consumption, when adjusted for total purine intake, was associated with lower risk of recurrent gout flares, whereas n-3 PUFA supplementation alone, as taken in a self-directed manner, was not. Consumption of specific sources and adequate doses of n-3 PUFA for gout flare prevention warrants further study in an adequately powered clinical trial.
Structure-function relationships in KDM7 histone demethylases.

The demethylation of lysine residues of histone proteins is a key epigenetic mechanism in cells. The enzymes that catalyze these processes are called histone demethylases (KDMs). The largest family of KDMs is the Jumonji C (JmjC) domain-containing enzymes; these includes KDM2-7 subfamily of enzymes. The JmjC proteins are Fe(II) and 2-Oxoglutarate (2OG) - dependent dioxygenases that couple substrate oxidation to decarboxylation of 2OG to form succinate and CO2. The KDM7 subfamily of enzymes - PHF8 (KDM7B) and KIAA1718 (KDM7A) are human JmjC 2OG-dependent Ne-methyl lysine demethylases and are involved in demethylation of lysine residues in histones such as H3K27me2/1, H3K9me2/1 and H4K20me1. These enzymes are involved in multiple pathologic processes, including cancers and mental retardation. In this chapter, we present the current state of the art in the structural, biochemical and computational studies of KDM7 enzymes.
Protection against SIV in Rhesus Macaques Using Albumin and CD4-Based Vector-Mediated Gene Transfer

Antibody-like molecules were evaluated with potent simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) neutralizing properties (immunoadhesins) that were delivered by a recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vector in the SIV-infected rhesus macaque model. When injected intramuscularly into the host, the vector directs in vivo production of the transgenes with antibody-like binding properties that lead to serum neutralizing activity against SIV. To extend the half-life of the immunoadhesins, rhesus cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) and a single-chain antibody (4L6) were fused with albumin molecules, and these constructs were tested in our model of SIV infection. Antibody-based immunoadhesins provided high serum neutralizing titers against the original SIV strain. CD4-based immunoadhesins provided a wider spectrum of neutralization against different SIV strains in comparison to antibody-based therapeutics and had the potential to protect against high viral challenging doses. Although the albumin-antibody fusion immunoadhesin provided strong and prolonged protection of the immunized animals against SIV challenge, the albumin-CD4 fusion altered the specificity and decreased the overall protection effectiveness of the immunoadhesin in comparison to the antibody-based molecules. Albumin-based immunoadhesins increase in vivo longevity of the immune protection; however, they present challenges likely linked to the induction of anti-immunoadhesin antibodies.
Analysis of positive rate of sinusitis in children with head and pituitary MRI

Objective: To investigate the incidence of asymptomatic sinusitis in children by magnetic resonance imaging. Method: Collected the head MRI of 1-12 years old children. According to the examination site,the MRI group and the pituitary MRI group (both sinus level) were included.The nasal-sinusitis-like changes in the field were used as positive criteria. Statistical analysis was conducted on the test results. Result: In 3 900 children with MRI, the positive rate of sinusitis was 30.21%. The positive rate increased from 2 years old to 3 years old and remained at the age of 11 years.The higher positive rate was slightly decreased at 12 years old; 1 228 cases of pituitary MRI examination, the positive rate of nasal-sinusitis was 38.27%, the positive rate increased significantly from the age of 2, reached the peak at 6 years old, and then fell back, still kept high positive rate, the lowest to 12 years old. The positive rate of total sinusitis was 32.14%. No obvious difference was found between two groups. Conclusion: Children's skull and pituitary MRI imaging suggests that the positive rate of nasal-innocuous sinusitis is related to age, peaking at 3 to 8 years old, and then gradually decreasing.
What Is Ethically Informed Risk Management

Ethically informed risk management includes both the management of ethical risks and the ethical management of risks (professional ethics). This article aims to rekindle dormant discussion of professional ethics in health care risk management. It frames ethically informed risk management as a patient-centered and evidence-based practice, aligns its scope with that of biomedical ethics, and proposes specific ethical duties to guide risk management practice. It provides a starting point for more robust debate and the development of ethical standards for health care risk managers.
On My Own: Teaching Writing as a Research Librarian

For two years, I co-taught the research portion of both introductory and advanced research and writing courses at the Wake Forest University School of Divinity, along with their academic skills instructor. When my co-instructor left the University in Fall 2018, I was asked to continue teaching the introductory course on my own. While I felt confident in teaching about research, I had never taught writing in a formal way. In this presentation summary, I discuss the student learning objectives and course syllabus, as well as ideas for writing-focused course readings, assignments, classroom exercises, and lecture topics. Finally, I explain how changes to the major course project were inspired by ideas shared during a 2019 Atla Annual session.
A new tri-particle backlighter for high-energy-density plasmas (invited).

A new tri-particle mono-energetic backlighter based on laser-driven implosions of DT3He gas-filled capsules has been implemented at the OMEGA laser. This platform, an extension of the original D3He backlighter platform, generates 9.5 MeV deuterons from the T3He reaction in addition to 14.7 and 3.0 MeV protons from the deuterium and helium-3 reactants. The monoenergetic 14.7 and 3.0 MeV protons have been used with success at OMEGA and the NIF for both radiography and stopping-power studies. There are several advantages of having a third particle to diagnose plasma conditions: an extra time-of-flight-separated radiograph and an improved ability to discern between electric and magnetic fields. In cases where the 3.0 MeV protons cannot penetrate an experiment, the benefit of the additional 9.5 MeV deuterons is magnified. This capability is well-suited for NIF experiments, where large fields and plasma densities often preclude useful 3.0 MeV proton data. The advantages are demonstrated with radiographs of OMEGA plasmas with magnetic and electric fields. Tests using backlighter-scale 420 μm diameter thin glass capsules validate the platform’s extended backlighting capability. The performance characteristics of this backlighter, such as source size and timing, are discussed.
Wrongful Convictions and Mental Illness: A Qualitative Case Study of James Blackmon

People with a mental illness (PWMI) are among the most vulnerable populations in the country, yet are far more likely to be incarcerated than people without a mental illness. PWMI are more likely to be wrongfully convicted for several reasons.At the onset of an investigation, PWMI are more likely to become suspects. Symptoms of mental illness breed fear and misunderstanding, arousing suspicion of a PWMI in the first place. Once approached by police, PWMI are more likely to escalate the initial encounter, leading to arrest and further interrogation. Through the lens of the Reid Technique, police misinterpret symptoms of mental illness as signs of guilt. Police continue using the Reid Technique to extract a confession. Mid- interrogation, PWMI are less likely to invoke Miranda rights. Without counsel, PWMI are more susceptible to minimization and maximation techniques, leading to higher rates of false confessions and ultimately, false convictions. These issues are significantly exacerbated for PWMI of color, who experience additional racial bias. From the beginning of an investigation to the end, the justice system seems perversely calculated to target innocent PWMI, rather than protect them. The case of James Blackmon demonstrates how an innocent PWMI can be railroaded into a false confession and wrongful conviction. This paper details Blackmon’s case, analyzes how each step of an investigation endangers PWMI, and examines possible solutions to protect innocent PWMI.
Validation in a Distance Learning Environment

Design education typically involves a studio (physical environment), work surfaces, pinup spaces, and students. Studios are designed to be educational as well as professional environments. Throughout the semester, the studio fills with work related to the development of all projects and affording opportunities for peer-to-peer feedback. In the Spring Semester 2020, studios stopped face-to-face meetings. Studio environments were replaced with apartments and bedrooms, pinup space was removed, access to shops and labs was revoked, and class became a screen. Because of COVID-19, the Fall 2020 Semester was listed as Hyflex, a designation allowing face-to-face meetings up to fifty-percent of the time. Without a consistent face-to-face connection, how can students evaluate and validate their work? This paper will follow one project assigned in two consecutive studios during the current pandemic; one studio met regularly until the suspension of face-to-face meetings and the other was listed as Hyflex.
“I am able to have a different lens and different approach:” A Critical Examination of how Black Female Engineering Teachers Utilize and Create Counternarratives

This research highlights the educational and professional experiences of three Black female secondary teachers of engineering. Using a lens of community cultural wealth, this research calls attention to the resources these teachers called upon during their navigation of engineering pathways and currently utilize to challenge their school’s normative perceptions of engineering and engineers. Findings of this work discuss how aspirational capital functioned to support the teachers’ successful matriculation through a STEM high school and undergraduate engineering and/or architecture programs, while also serving as a foundation for how they currently created opportunities for their students. Implications for future engineering education research and approaches for k-12 engineering educators acknowledging racialized and/or gendered experiences in these spaces are discussed.
Weak* properties of weighted convolution algebras

Suppose that L 1 (w) is a weighted convolution algebra on R + = [0, ∞) with the weight w(t) normalized so that the corresponding space M(w) of measures is the dual space of the space C 0 (1/w) of continuous functions. Suppose that Φ: L 1 (w) → L 1 (w') is a continuous nonzero homomorphism, where L 1 (w') is also a convolution algebra. If L 1 (w)* f is norm dense in L 1 (w), we show that L 1 (w')*Φ(f) is (relatively) weak* dense in L 1 (w'), and we identify the norm closure of L 1 (w') * Φ(f) with the convergence set for a particular semigroup. When Φ is weak* continuous it is enough for L 1 (w) * f to be weak* dense in L 1 (w). We also give sufficient conditions and characterizations of weak* continuity of Φ. In addition, we show that, for all nonzero f in L 1 (w), the sequence f n /∥f∥ converges weak* to 0. When w is regulated, f n+1 /∥f n ∥ converges to 0 in norm.
Chapter 6 Inelastic Scattering of Heavy Molecules from Surfaces

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the interaction of a molecule with a surface. Such interactions involve the role of the internal degrees-of-freedom (DOF) of the molecule. The chapter focuses on molecules, particularly the ones that are heavier than D 2 —that is, the molecules for which quantum effects are relatively unimportant. For light molecules, such as H 2 and its isotopic variants, internal state changing collisions accompanying scattering from a surface can be observed in high-resolution measurements of the scattered angular and velocity distributions. For heavier molecules, this approach becomes problematic as the requirements on the resolution become extreme, and scattering involving multiple surface phonons tends to wash out discrete energy transfer. This chapter discusses optical spectroscopic techniques that describe internal state resolution.
A Framework for Automated Bundling and Pricing Using Purchase Data

We present a framework for automatically suggesting high-profit bundle discounts based on historical customer purchase data. We develop several search algorithms that identify profit-maximizing prices and bundle discounts. We introduce a richer probabilistic valuation model than prior work by capturing complementarity, substitutability, and covariance, and we provide a hybrid search technique for fitting such a model to historical shopping cart data. As new purchase data is collected, it is integrated into the valuation model, leading to an online technique that continually refines prices and bundle discounts. To our knowledge, this is the first paper to study bundle discounting using shopping cart data. We conduct computational experiments using our fitting and pricing algorithms that demonstrate several conditions under which offering discounts on bundles can benefit the seller, the buyer, and the economy as a whole. One of our main findings is that, in contrast to products typically suggested by recommender systems, the most profitable products to offer bundle discounts on appear to be those that are occasionally purchased together and often separately.
Axonal Transport: The Intracellular Traffic of the Neuron

The sections in this article are: 1 Anterograde Transport of Protein 1.1 Demonstration of Fast and Slow Components 1.2 Characteristics of the Fast and Slow Components 1.3 Postulated Mechanisms of Transport 1.4 Intermediate Rates of Protein Transport 2 Retrograde Transport of Protein 3 Transport of Materials Other than Protein 3.1 Phospholipids 3.2 Nucleotides and Related Compounds 3.3 Ribonucleic Acid 4 Functions of the Transported Material 4.1 Maintenance and Growth of the Axon 4.2 Renewal of the Plasma Membrane 4.3 Supply of Materials to Nerve Terminals 4.4 Release of Trophic Materials 4.5 Removal of Materials from Nerve Terminals 4.6 Initiation of the Cell Body Response to Axon Injury 4.7 Other Signals to the Cell Body 4.8 Structural Modification in Learning 5 Applications of the Principles of Axonal Transport 5.1 Neuroanatomy 5.2 Neurochemistry 5.3 Neuropathology 6 The Present Status of Axonal Transport: A Summary