cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Targeted Proteomics for Metabolic Pathway Optimization

A crucial part of optimization of metabolically engineered organisms is producing balanced levels of pathway proteins. Typically, protein levels are monitored by Western blot analysis; however, application to multiple enzyme pathways can be difficult without unique antibodies for each enzyme in the pathway. Furthermore, it can be time consuming, and cost prohibitive during exploratory stages of pathway design when many different proteins must be monitored simultaneously. We present here a targeted proteomics approach that uses selected-reaction monitoring (SRM) mass spectrometry to quantify multiple proteins in a sample. SRM methods provide high selectivity and high sensitivity to enable rapid quantification of multiple proteins in an engineered pathway regardless of sequence or organism of origin.
A Brief Overview of Mechatronics

Mechatronics is a rapidly evolving technology that links mechanics, electronics and computer science to realize complex systems that improves our lives. The focal point for these systems is the microcontroller that links the digital/analog world to the mechanical. Inputs are provided by sensors and the output is typically actuation in some form. An overview of how these tools combine to form mechatronic systems is discussed. Sensing tools, actuation devices, bus structures for communicating with the microcontroller are discussed. To complement the hardware, is a wide variety of software programs that enhances the design process by minimizing the need for extensive bread boarding and prototyping.
Hippocampal Volumetry in Mesial Temporal Sclerosis

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the role of hippocampal volumetry in mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based hippocampal volumetrics is considered a surrogate for pathologic identification not only of the presence, but also of the relative security of mesial temporal sclerosis in both hippocampi. In order to maximize the precision and reproducibility of MRI-based hippocampal volume measures, the technical parameters employed when acquiring the images themselves should reflect the certain guidelines. In order to optimally display hippocampal boundaries, the contrast to noise ratios between gray matter, white matter, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) should be high enough to permit reliable discrimination of hippocampal boundaries. MRI-based volume measurements of the right and left hippocampus may be interpreted in relative or absolute way. Studies with scalp-recorded EEG reveal that the side of more severe hippocampal atrophy as determined by hippocampal volumetrics correlates with the temporal lobe of maximum interictal epileptogenic activity, and also with the temporal of ictal onset. A significant relationship between MRI-based hippocampal volumes and seizure control following temporal lobectomy has been demonstrated. It is indicated that absolute measures of hippocampal volume used to determine the presence and relative severity of hippocampal atrophy in both hippocampi may provide useful prognostic information about expected postoperative seizure control.
A COMPUTER SIMULATION STUDY OF THE METABOLIC CONTROL BEHAVIOR OF PHOSPHOFRUCTOKINASE

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on computer simulation of certain kinetic results that were obtained by Dr. Passonneau and Dr. Lowry, mostly with rabbit muscle. AMP appears to be both an activator and an inhibitor of the enzyme it activates; it competes with ATP for the activated enzyme. Among the inactivators, citric acid requires only one molecule. When the metabolite pattern of the aerobic state changes to that of the anaerobic state, phosphofructokinase activation follows the velocity curve. ATP decreases activity slightly under aerobic conditions and has much less effect under anaerobic conditions. ADP is a relatively weak activator in the aerobic situation; citrate is important throughout and is apparently strongest halfway between.
Long-range ferromagnetic ordering in manganese-doped two-dimensional dichalcogenides

We report an investigation of long-range ferromagnetic (FM) ordering in Mn-doped MoS${}_{2}$, MoSe${}_{2}$, MoTe${}_{2}$, and WS${}_{2}$ for Mn concentration less than 5$%$ using density functional theory calculations. The long-range ferromagnetism of Mn spins is mediated by an antiferromagnetic (AFM) exchange between the localized Mn $d$ states and the delocalized $p$ states of the S, Se, and Te atoms. In contrast, transition metals like Fe, Co, and Ni show a FM exchange with the S, Se, and Te atoms, which results in a very weak FM (even slightly AFM) coupling for transition-metal defects with large separations. The Mn substitution at Mo or W sites is energetically favorable, thus making the Mn-doped dichalcogenides promising candidates for two-dimensional dilute magnetic semiconductors.
Adherence to recommended exercise guidelines in patients with heart failure

Exercise training has been shown to be beneficial in patients with heart failure, and its effectiveness is connected to adherence to the exercise program. Nonetheless, adherence to exercise in these patients remains a concern. Heart failure patients can be considered adherent to an exercise program if they meet 80 % of the recommended dose. We summarize exercise recommendations for patients with heart failure, identify exercise prescription methodologies used in studies that have reported exercise adherence, identify strategies and tools used to improve adherence and examine whether these strategies were developed using a theoretical platform with the primary aim to change behavior and improve adherence to exercise. Factors which may also impact adherence such as exercise setting, intensity and length of participation, gender, race, New York Heart Association functional class and heart failure with preserved and reduced ejection fraction were also investigated. Finally, recommendations for future studies for improving adherence to exercise in patients with heart failure are provided.
Channel-Aware Distributed Scheduling For Ad-Hoc Communications With Capture

In this paper, we consider contention-based ad-hoc networks, where links use mini-slots to contend for the channel (i.e., channel probing), and followed by data transmission over a longer duration, as in CSMA. We investigate channel-aware distributed scheduling under the multipacket reception (MPR) model, which involves a joint process of channel probing and distributed scheduling. In this study, we formulate channel- aware distributed scheduling as a team game, with the objective being to maximize the overall network throughput. We use optimal stopping theory to tackle this problem, and show that the optimal policy for distributed scheduling has a threshold structure. Observing that the network throughput depends heavily on the contention probabilities of links, we then generalize the study to jointly optimize the rate thresholds and the contention probabilities, and propose a two-stage algorithm for computing the optimal threshold-probability pair by invoking fractional optimization and convex programming.
Measuring the relative importance of different agricultural inputs to global and regional crop yield growth since 1975

Background : We identify the agricultural inputs that drove the growth in global and regional crop yields from 1975 to the mid-2000s. Methods : We compare and contrast the inputs that drove yield change as identified by econometrically estimated yield functions and decision trees that use yield change as the class attribute. Results : We find that improvements in agricultural science and management, increased fertilizer use, and changes in crop mix around the world explained most of the gain in global crop yields, although the yield impacts of input use varied across the latitudinal gradient. Climate change over this time period caused yields to be only slightly lower than they would have been otherwise. In some cases, cropland extensification had as much of a negative impact on global and regional yields as climate change. Conclusions : To maintain the momentum in yield growth across the globe 1) the transfer of agricultural chemicals and investment in agricultural science and management in the tropics must increase rapidly and 2) international trade in agricultural products must expand significantly.
Significance of lymph node metastasis on survival of women with uterine adenosarcoma.

Abstract Objective Uterine adenosarcoma (UAS) is a rare gynecologic malignancy and the significance of lymph node metastasis on survival has not been well studied. Methods A retrospective study was performed utilizing the Surveillance, Epidemiology, End Results Program to examine UAS (n=994), endometrial stromal sarcoma (ESS, n=2910), and uterine leiomyosarcoma (LMS, n=5506) diagnosed between 1973 and 2013. The impact of lymph node metastasis on cause-specific survival (CSS) was cross-compared by multivariable analysis. Systematic literature review was conducted to examine the impact of nodal metastasis on progression-free survival (PFS) in UAS. Results UAS had the lowest incidence of lymph node metastasis among the sarcoma subtypes examined (UAS 2.9%, LMS 3.4%, and ESS 6.6%, P P P Conclusion While uterine adenosarcoma had a low incidence of lymph node metastasis, the impact of lymph node metastasis on survival was comparable to ESS or LMS.
The Need for Universal Design for Learning

The purpose of this Viewpoint is to explore how to implement universal design for learning. Every new assessment, curriculum, program or presentation should include information on how to include everyone.
Sports Scores and Intimate Moments: An Expectancy Violations Theory Approach to Partner Cell Phone Behaviors in Adult Romantic Relationships

This study investigated how 225 adults perceived and responded to expectations of attentiveness and availability via cell phones when with romantic partners. Phone behaviors were generally expected, neutral, and typical but more negative when participants expected partner attention. Behaviors were more unexpected and negative if in public than at home. Phone sharing behaviors were perceived positively. Partner rewardingness was negatively correlated with valence and predicted cell phone satisfaction, as did valence, expectedness, and typicality of cell phone behavior. The most common response to partners’ cell phone usage was to say nothing.
A Method for Ranking the Severity of Foodborne Illnesses

Foods that violate the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act can cause a wide variety of illnesses when consumed. In this paper we present a method for ranking the severity of these foodborne illnesses. Such a ranking, in conjunction with information on the likelihood of experiencing each illness, might be useful to the Food and Drug Administration when determining compliance monitoring priorities. To develop the severity ranking, we describe the impact on patients of different levels of severity of illnesses likely to be associated with food products. This impact is described in terms of symptoms, duration of illness, impact on functional status, and fatality rates. These impacts are translated into changes in the time spent in a set of health states developed by Rosser and Kind. Relative utility weights, estimated for each of the health states, are used to convert these changes into estimates of losses in utility, measured as quality adjusted life years (QALY’s) lost. Finally, severe botulism is defined as the reference illness with an index value of one. The index values for all other illnesses can then be computed as the ratio of the QALY’s lost to the QALY’s lost from severe botulism.
An investigation of the generalisability of buoyancy from academics to athletics

Buoyancy, the ability of an individual to handle everyday setbacks, has been applied successfully to academics. The purposes of this study were to determine if buoyancy can be successfully applied to the domain of sports (i.e. athletic buoyancy), to examine the relationship between academic and athletic buoyancy, and to determine the efficacy of five sport-oriented predictors (5Cs), confidence, coordination, commitment, composure, and control, on both athletic and academic buoyancy. Collegiate sport club athletes (N = 285) completed a one-time survey assessing their athletic buoyancy, academic buoyancy, and each of the sport-oriented 5Cs. Results supported a two-factor buoyancy model, with a moderate correlation (r = .61) between the two latent factors. Multiple linear regressions revealed that the 5Cs model accounted for 26% of the variance in athletic buoyancy, and 15% of the variance in academic buoyancy. Sport composure was the only significant predictor of athletic buoyancy, while sport confidence an...
Comparing the Spatial Patterns of Rainfall and Atmospheric Moisture among Tropical Cyclones Having a Track Similar to Hurricane Irene (2011)

Irene was the most destructive tropical cyclone (TC) of the 2011 Atlantic hurricane season due to flooding from rainfall. This study used a Geographic Information System to identify TCs with similar tracks and examine the spatial attributes of their rainfall patterns. Storm-total rainfall was calculated from the Unified Precipitation Dataset for 11 post-1948 storms and statistics corresponding to the top 10% of rainfall values left of track were computed. Irene-type tracks occur every 6.6 years. Floyd (1999) produced the highest rainfall overall and was the closest analog to Irene, yet Irene produced more rainfall in the northeastern U.S. where higher values of precipitable water existed. Areas of high rainfall expanded as five TCs moved north due to synoptic-scale forcing during extratropical transition. However, Irene and three other TCs did not exhibit this pattern. The amount of moisture in the environment surrounding the TC, rather than storm speed or intensity, exhibited the strongest correlations with rainfall totals and their spatial distribution. These results demonstrate the high variability that exists in the production of rainfall among TCs experiencing similar steering flow, and show that advection of moisture from the tropics is key to higher rainfall totals in the mid-latitudes.
Opioid Analgesics and Narcotic Antagonists

Abstract Opioid medications continue to be an important tool in the treatment of acute and chronic pain. Unfortunately, misuse and abuse of legal and illegal opioids by patients have led to the largest opioid overdose epidemic ever known. Consequently, manufacturers have been encouraged to develop abuse deterrent formulations of opioids that limit the abuse potential of these medications. Accidental overdoses by children also continue to occur with lethal consequences and older, traditional opioids are being abused in different ways and quantities with life threatening sequelae. A comprehensive review of case studies on side effects, adverse drug reactions and toxicity published in 2017 regarding the use of various opioids and opioid antagonists is also included. A literature search was conducted in Google Scholar, Ovid, and PubMed with and without MeSH terms.
Wildlife Conservation on the Rangelands of Eastern and Southern Africa: Past, Present, and Future

Abstract Our objective was to assess the status of the large native rangeland mammals in the eastern and southern African countries focusing on conservation strategies that will benefit the animals, their rangeland habitats, and the people who live in this region. Eastern and southern African rangelands are renowned for supporting a globally unique diversity and abundance of large mammals. This wildlife legacy is threatened by changing demographics, increased poaching, habitat fragmentation, and global warming, but there are reasons for optimism. After sharp declines from 1970 to 1990 across Africa, wildlife populations in some countries have subsequently increased due to incentives involving sport hunting and ecotourism. National parks and protected areas, which have been critically important in maintaining African wildlife populations, are being increased and better protected. Over the past 50 years, the number of parks has been doubled and the areas of several parks have been expanded. The major problem is that no more than 20% of the national parks and reserves set aside for wildlife are adequately protected from poaching. The southern African countries where wildlife has recently thrived have robust hunting and ecotourism programs, which economically benefit private landowners. Considerable research shows rural communities dependent on rangelands can be incentivized to participate in large mammal conservation programs if they can economically benefit from wildlife tourism, sport hunting, and the legal sale of animal by-products. Community-based wildlife conservation programs can be economically and ecologically effective in sustaining and enhancing African wildlife biodiversity, including rhinos, elephants, and lions. Low-input ranching wild ungulates for meat and hunting may be an economically viable alternative to traditional range livestock production systems in some areas. However, in many situations, common-use grazing of livestock and wildlife will give the most efficient use of rangeland forages and landscapes while diversifying income and lowering risk.
Vibration and Noise

Being exposed to vibration and noise in our daily life, to such an extent, that laws have recently been passed to control them (noise pollution), an understanding of the underlying principles is becoming more and more important.Paper published with permission.Compilation Copyright © 2018 ASME
Empirical Studies of Corporate Law and Governance: Some Steps Forward and Some Steps Not

This chapter examines the empirical literature on corporate law and governance in the United States. Four areas of the US corporate governance literature are discussed: (i) state competition to produce corporate law, (ii) independent boards, (iii) takeover defenses, and (iv) the use of corporate governance indices. The chapter concludes that these areas of research reflect varying degrees of success. The literature on state competition has been a major success. We know much more in this area as a result of empirical analysis in this area than we did on the basis of theory alone. At the other extreme is the literature on takeover defenses and the related literature that uses governance indices as measures of governance quality. Those empirical literatures are plagued by misunderstandings of how takeovers and takeover defenses work, and many results are therefore not as informative as they appear to be. In between is the literature on the impact of an independent board. Here, empiricists faced perhaps insurmountable challenges in proving causation, but nonetheless exposed informative associations.
High-Speed Analog Signal Processing with Superconductive Circuits

A new technology utilizing superconductive circuits to provide wideband analog signal processing is described. The function of a canonical signal processor is reviewed, followed by a description of the structure and performance of recently implemented superconductive tapped delay lines and convolvers. The technology has two key features: low-loss and low-dispersion electromagnetic striplines.which provide tapped delay on compact substrates; and superconductive tunnel junctions,which provide efficient low-noise mixing and high-speed sampling circuits. As a demonstration of the utility of this new class of superconductive devices, an ultrawideband chirp-Fourier spectrum analyzer has been developed,which provides a 60-channel analysis of a 2.4-GHz band in 40 ns. Projections based on these results indicate that superconductive technology should support analog device bandwidths of at least 10 GHz with time-bandwidth products up to 1000. Such circuits will provide real-time signal-processing functions with the digital equivalent of up to 1012 operations/sec. In addition to pure analog structures, superconductive technology supports high-speed digital components and thus offers the potential for integrated analog/digital signal processors of greater efficiency, speed and processing gain than would be achievable by either approach in isolation.
Toxicity of muscimol and ibotenic acid containing mushrooms reported to a regional poison control center from 2002-2016.

Background: Amanita muscaria (AM) and A. pantherina (AP) contain ibotenic acid and muscimol and may cause both excitatory and sedating symptoms. Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are not classically d...
Extracellular histones are the ligands for the uptake of exosomes and hydroxyapatite-nanoparticles by tumor cells via syndecan-4

The mechanisms by which exosomes (nano-vesicular messengers of cells) are taken up by recipient cells are poorly understood. We hypothesized that histones associated with these nanoparticles are the ligands which facilitate their interaction with cell surface syndecan-4 (SDC4) to mediate their uptake. We show that the incubation with fetuin-A (exosome-associated proteins) and histones mediates the uptake of exosomes that are normally not endocytosed. Similarly, hydroxyapatite-nanoparticles incubated with fetuin-A and histones (FNH) are internalized by tumor cells, while nanoparticles incubated with fetuin-A alone (FN) are not. The uptake of exosomes and FNH, both of which move to the perinuclear region of the cell, is attenuated in SDC4-knockdown cells. Data show that FNH can compete with exosomes for uptake and that both use SDC4 as uptake receptors.
Relative fermentability of lignocellulosic diluteacid prehydrolysates: Application of a pichia stipitisbased toxicity assay

The relative toxicity of the combined nonxylose components in prehydrolysates derived from three different lignocellulosic biomass feedstocks was determined. One woody (poplar) and two herbaceous (corn stover and switchgrass) feedstocks were dilute-acid pretreated under temperature and acid conditions chosen to optimize xylose recovery in the liquid prehydrolysate; xylose yields averaged 96,89,and 87% of theoretical for switchgrass,corn stover,and poplar,respectively. Prehydrolysates from each feedstock were neutralized,adjusted to equivalent xylose concentrations,and bioassayed for toxicity,using a standardized fermentation protocol withPichia stipitis NRRL 11545. Full time-courses for ethanol production (30-60 h) clearly illustrate the distinct inhibitory effects of prehydrolysates from different feedstocks. The relative toxicity of the prehydrolysates,ranked in order of decreasing toxicity,is poplar-derived prehydrolysates > switchgrass-derived prehydrolysates > corn stover-derived prehydrolysates. The inhibition of ethanol production appeared to be the result of a general slowdown of yeast metabolism,rather than the result of the production of alternative, nonethanol end products. Ethanol yields averaged 74,83,and 88% of control values for poplar,switchgrass,and corn stover prehydrolysates, respectively. Volumetric ethanol productivities (g ethanol L/h) averaged 32,70,and 102% of control values for poplar,switchgrass,and corn stover prehydrolysates,respectively. Ethanol productivities correlated closely with acetate concentrations in the prehydrolysates; however, regression lines correlating acetate concentrations and ethanol productivities were found to be feedstock-dependent.
Correlations for the Graetz problem in convection – Part 1: For round pipes and parallel plates

Abstract A general correlation is proposed for the laminar Graetz problem associated with convection in round pipes and parallel plate ducts. The general correlation for the average Nusselt number can be expressed under conditions of either constant wall temperature or constant wall heat flux. Additionally, closed form expressions for the local Nusselt number can be derived from the general correlation. New correlations are found to be within ±1.5% of exact solutions to the Graetz problem for round pipes and parallel plates, and are contrasted with existing correlations in the literature.
Seasonal Changes in Water and Energy Balances over the Appalachian Region and Beyond throughout the Twenty-First Century

AbstractThe Appalachian Mountains serve as a water source for important population centers in the eastern and midwestern United States. Despite this, the effects of climate change on the hydroclima...
Aluminum Nitride Lamb Wave Delay Lines With Sub-6 dB Insertion Loss

We present a group of low-loss Lamb mode acoustic delay lines in an aluminum nitride (AlN) thin film. The low-loss acoustic delay lines are enabled by the thickness-field-excited single-phase unidirectional transducers. The fabricated miniature acoustic delay lines show a fractional bandwidth of 4.5%, a minimum insertion loss of 5.9 dB, outperforming the previously reported aluminum nitride delay platforms. The demonstrated delay ranges from 105 ns to 165 ns with center frequencies from 175 MHz to 255 MHz. The design approach and the significantly lower insertion loss described herein are expected to open new horizons for hybridized signal processing based on AlN and CMOS. [2019-0094]
Space Sustainability Engineering: Quantitative Tools and Methods for Space Applications

This research explores the use of sustainability tools for space activities through a case study comparing the cost and environmental impacts of the SpaceX Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy systems. The Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy are similar in design; however, the Falcon Heavy was the first rocket launch system to successfully utilize a reusable first-stage booster system. The methodology employed was an attributional hybrid-Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). Upstream and downstream inputs and impacts were accounted for via economic input-output and process-based methodologies. A cradle-to-use-scoped system boundary for the two SpaceX Falcon systems were evaluated on a per-kilogram-delivered-to-geosynchronous-orbit basis. Producer cost data was integrated into the LCA framework to provide a cursory Life Cycle Costing (LCC) producer cost impact category to compare with the LCA environmental impact potentials. Findings showed the combined economic and environmental benefits achieved by SpaceX through developing the Falcon Heavy reusable booster system significantly reduced all evaluated environmental and cost impacts when compared to the Falcon 9. By applying the simple principal of reuse, SpaceX was able to reduce the cost of launch to high orbit by over $6,000 per kilogram while reducing environmental impact potential averages by >40% below the Falcon 9 system. This case study demonstrates the benefit of quantitative sustainability tools to guide economically and environmentally beneficial design for space activities.
Developmental toxicity in embryo-larval zebrafish (Danio rerio) exposed to strobilurin fungicides (azoxystrobin and pyraclostrobin).

Abstract Azoxystrobin and pyraclostrobin are broad spectrum strobilurin fungicides that have been measured in the aquatic environment. Strobilurins inhibit mitochondrial respiration by binding to the mitochondrial respiratory complex III. The goal of this study was to investigate mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in the developing zebrafish from exposure to azoxystrobin and pyraclostrobin. Exposure studies were performed where zebrafish embryos were exposed to azoxystrobin and pyraclostrobin at 0.1, 10, 100 μg/L from 4 hpf to 48 hpf to measure mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress mRNA transcripts, and 5 dpf to measure movement, growth, oxygen consumption, enzymatic activities, and mRNA transcripts. Results from this study indicated that there was a significant reduction in both basal and maximal respiration at 48 hpf in zebrafish exposed to 100 μg/L of pyraclostrobin. There was no difference in oxidative stress or apoptotic mRNA transcripts at 48 hpf, indicating that the two strobilurins were acting first on mitochondrial function and not directly through oxidative stress. At 5 dpf, standard body length was significantly reduced with exposure to pyraclostrobin and azoxystrobin exposure as compared to the control. These reductions in apical endpoints corresponded with increases in oxidative stress and apoptotic mRNA transcripts in treatment groups at 5 dpf indicating that strobilurins’ exposure followed the adverse outcome pathway for mito-toxicants. Our results indicate that strobilurins can decrease mitochondrial function, which in turn lead to diminished growth and movement.
GABA‐A receptor and mitochondrial TSPO signaling act in parallel to regulate melanocyte stem cell quiescence in larval zebrafish

Tissue regeneration and homeostasis often require recruitment of undifferentiated precursors (adult stem cells; ASCs). While many ASCs continuously proliferate throughout the lifetime of an organism, others are recruited from a quiescent state to replenish their target tissue. A long-standing question in stem cell biology concerns how long-lived, non-dividing ASCs regulate the transition between quiescence and proliferation. We study the melanocyte stem cell (MSC) to investigate the molecular pathways that regulate ASC quiescence. Our prior work indicated that GABA-A receptor activation promotes MSC quiescence in larval zebrafish. Here, through pharmacological and genetic approaches we show that GABA-A acts through calcium signaling to maintain MSC quiescence. Unexpectedly, we identified translocator protein (TSPO), a mitochondrial membrane-associated protein that regulates mitochondrial function and metabolic homeostasis, as a parallel regulator of MSC quiescence. We found that both TSPO-specific ligands and induction of gluconeogenesis likely act in the same pathway to promote MSC activation and melanocyte production in larval zebrafish. In contrast, TSPO and gluconeogenesis appear to act in parallel to GABA-A receptor signaling to regulate MSC quiescence and vertebrate pigment patterning.
Stance-taking, accommodation, code switching and language crossing: A case study

Abstract This study involves an in-depth analysis of a sociolinguistic interview between the researcher and a college student in his junior year, herein named “Alex”. Within the entirety of the transcription, I conducted a detailed investigation of the interviewee’s linguistic features and strategies. He attempted to achieve several communicative goals, such as streamlining the conversation by utilizing stance taking, communication accommodation, language crossing and code switching. In this paper, I elaborate on the specific linguistic strategies he used to take a stance and construct his identity through narrative. Specifically, he created the identity of a motivated, intelligent yet humble foreign language learner.
Architecture for Utility-Scale Multi-Chemistry Battery Energy Storage

The next generation of utility-scale energy storage will be composed of modular systems and autoconfiguring software. This is key to incorporating battery management systems (BMS) and power electronic converters (PEC) from multiple manufacturers into a cohesive single system. In this paper, an agent-based architecture which supports the integration of numerous BMSs and PECs is proposed. This architecture supports optimization and control of the entire system and can be used in many different energy storage technologies.
Naming HLA diversity: A review of HLA nomenclature

The development of a standardized HLA nomenclature has been critical in our understanding of the HLA system and in facilitating the clinical applications of HLA. The Nomenclature Committee for Factors of the HLA System, established in 1968, has overseen the development and usage of nomenclature based on serologic specificities, cellular responses, and DNA sequences. Their decisions have been guided by community consensus reached through 17 international workshops beginning in 1964 and continuing today. Two websites provide a curated database of the sequences of over 26,000 HLA alleles and a reference site for the current nomenclature. This review covers the major steps in the development of the HLA nomenclature as well as the efforts of other groups to extend its usefulness for research and clinical applications.
DESIGN OF RELIABLE CONTROL SYSTEMS WITH GUARANTEED DISTURBANCE REJECTION PERFORMANCE

A methodology is presented for the design of control systems that remain stable in the presence of a prespecified subset of possible actuator and sensor failures, and that maintain a prescribed level of performance (disturbance rejection) as measured by an H∞-norm bound. Both centralized and decentralized control structures can be treated. This new methodology is based on a modification of the Riccati approach to H∞-norm optimization. An example illustrates the procedure.
Assessment of Clinician Decision-making on Cancer Screening Cessation in Older Adults With Limited Life Expectancy

Importance Despite clinical practice guidelines recommending against routine cancer screening in older adults with limited life expectancy, older adults are still frequently screened for breast, colorectal, and prostate cancers. Objective To examine primary care clinicians’ decision-making on stopping breast, colorectal, or prostate cancer screening in older adults with limited life expectancy. Design, Setting, and Participants In qualitative interviews coupled with medical record–stimulated recall, clinicians from 17 academic and community clinics affiliated with a large health system were asked how they came to specific cancer screening decisions in 2 or 3 of their older patients with less than 10-year of estimated life expectancy, including patients with and without recent screening. Patients were surveyed by telephone. Data collection occurred between October 2018 and May 2019. Main Outcomes and Measures Clinician interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analyzed with qualitative content analysis to identify major themes. Patient surveys assessed perception of cancer screening decisions, importance of clinician recommendation, and willingness to stop screening. Results Twenty-five primary care clinicians (mean [SD] age, 47.1 [9.7] years; 14 female [56%]) discussed 53 patients during medical record–stimulated recall, ranging from 2 to 3 patients per clinician; 46 patients and 1 caregiver (mean [SD] age 74.9 [5.4]; 31 female [66%]) participated in the survey. Clinician interviews revealed 5 major themes: (1) cancer screening decisions were not always conscious, deliberate decisions; (2) electronic medical record alerts were connected with less deliberate decision-making; (3) cancer screening was not binary and clinicians often considered other options to scale back screening without actually stopping; (4) in addition to patient characteristics, clinicians were influenced by patient request and anecdotal experiences; and (5) influences outside of the primary care clinician-patient dyad were important, such as from specialists and patients’ family or friends. Patient surveys asked approximately 64 cancer screening decisions of 47 patients. Patients did not recall approximately half (31 of 64) of their cancer screening decisions. Among those with recent screening, the mean score for willingness to stop screening was 3.2 (95% CI 2.5-3.9) on a 5-point Likert scale (with 1 indicating “extremely unlikely” and 5 indicating “extremely likely”). In most screening decisions that involved specialists (13 of 16), patients valued specialists’ recommendations over those of primary care clinicians. Conclusions and Relevance Cancer screening decision-making is complex. Study findings suggest that strategies that facilitate more deliberate decision-making may be important in cancer screening of older adults with limited life expectancy.
Transcatheter Embolization of Renal–Splenic Shunt to Treat Hematemesis

Although sequelae of chronic liver disease are the most common causes of altered pressure dynamics in the portal and splanchnic circulations, there are other mechanisms resulting in increased venous pressures with subsequent development of splenic and gastric varices. We report a case of a patient without portal hypertension, but with bleeding gastric varices with a presumed splenorenal shunt (SRS) on CT. Venography revealed flow reversal through the shunt (directed from the renal vein, into the splenic vein and out the portal vein; a renal-splent shunt (RSR)) and thus an anatomically similar but functionally distinct systemic to mesenteric variant. While being anatomically similar to the well-known SRS, the different flow dynamics necessitate a different approach for treatment and important considerations for the use of any liquid embolic.
A Review on Modular Multilevel Converters in Electric Vehicles

This paper discusses the state of the art of different topologies of Modular Multilevel Converters (MMC) used in Electric Vehicle (EV) power-train. A comparative study of recently proposed MMC used as a propulsion application in EV is elaborated here for the first time in EV research field. First, this paper delivers a general overview on multilevel converters associated with their various types and advancements. Then, it discusses the change from Internal Combustion Engine Vehicle (ICEV) to EV. Finally, it conducts a comparative study on the existed MMC topologies by categorizing them into five sections according to their types and contribution. First section includes the topologies that follow the same MMC architecture of cascaded half bridges. Second section discuses topologies consisting of cascaded H-bridge (CHB) and points any recorded contribution in comparison with conventional topologies. Third section focuses on topologies that reduces switching elements significantly making the whole system more reliable, cost competitive, more efficient and more size compressed. Fourth section tackles topologies with hybridized energy storage system using Ultra-Capacitors (UC) in order to track its impact on power density limitation. Last section adopts hybridized multilevel converters to observe its effect on system's efficiency and switching losses. The contribution of this paper is pointing on the strength and weakness of each topology in terms of fault tolerance, balance control, size, reliability, efficiency, cost, power density, mobility range, switching elements and switching losses.
A multi-modal machine learning approach towards predicting patient readmission

Abstract Healthcare costs that can be attributed to unplanned readmissions are staggeringly high and negatively impact health and wellness of patients. In the United States, hospital systems and care providers have strong financial motivations to reduce readmissions in accordance with several government guidelines. One of the critical steps to reducing readmissions is to recognize the factors that lead to readmission and correspondingly identify at-risk patients based on these factors. The availability of large volumes of electronic health care records make it possible to develop and deploy automated machine learning models that can predict unplanned readmissions and pinpoint the most important factors of readmission risk. While hospital readmission is an undesirable outcome for any patient, it is more so for medically frail patients. Here, we develop and compare four machine learning models (Random Forest, XGBoost, CatBoost, and Logistic Regression) for predicting 30-day unplanned readmission for patients deemed frail (Age ≥ 50). Variables that indicate frailty, comorbidities, high risk medication use, demographic, hospital and insurance were incorporated in the models for prediction of unplanned 30-day readmission. Our findings indicate that CatBoost outperforms the other three models (AUC 0.80) and prior work in this area. We find that constructs of frailty, certain categories of high risk medications, and comorbidity are all strong predictors of readmission for elderly patients.
Remote sensing and energy balance modeling of urban climate variability across a semi-arid megacity

Abstract Local and regional urban surface heterogeneity produces diverse urban climates, significantly impacting water use, energy consumption, and human health. This study examines urban energy flux variability across landcover and climate gradients for 2123 km2 of urbanized Los Angeles County, USA, by using high resolution remote sensing combined with spatially distributed simulations with an urban energy balance model, covering the complete diurnal cycle of the remote sensing flights. Localized parameters, including landcover, plant type, albedo, building and tree height, and irrigation, were derived from hyperspectral and LiDAR imagery, and GIS. Modeled latent heat fluxes (LE) were linearly correlated with measured land surface temperature at the neighborhood scale (R2 = 0.51), and modeled Bowen ratio values closely agreed with previous values derived from eddy covariance observations. LE across the region displayed spatial and temporal responses to irrigation and regional climate. Peak LE occurred 3 h before solar noon, driven by early morning irrigation characteristic of the region. This suggests that schedule-based water conservation policies could reduce the cooling capacity of urban vegetation in late afternoon. Additionally, a negative effect of distance from the coast on LE was observed to strengthen through the day, reducing LE in interior areas relative to coastal areas.
Experimental investigation of a building-integrated, transparent, concentrating photovoltaic and thermal collector

Abstract As buildings consume roughly one-third of global primary energy, more effective strategies are required to convert on-site solar energy. Here, a multifunctional building facade system, using less than 1% of the semiconductor materials of conventional systems, was tested and developed to expand opportunities for net-zero commercial architecture by synergistically reducing cooling loads, lighting loads, and contributions to urban heat island effects, while converting ambient solar energy resources for internal demands. The Building Integrated, Transparent, Concentrating, Photovoltaic and Thermal collector (BITCoPT) optically separates diffuse and direct irradiance, transmitting diffuse light for illumination and views. Here, direct irradiance (which is often rejected in commercial buildings to control glare and cooling loads) is intercepted by BITCoPT and converted into electricity and thermal energy. A prototype was tested, demonstrating 43.6% cogeneration efficiency (at a 58 °C operating temperature) relative to direct normal irradiance transmitted through the building's exterior glazing, and 39.0% at 70 °C (which could supply active thermal processes at nominal coefficients of performance). An analytical model was calibrated with observed data, showing good correlation. By substituting parameter values for projected upgrades (to optics, cell type and exterior glazing) into the BITCoPT model, simulated cogeneration efficiency increased to 71.2% at 70 °C (31.2% electrical, 40.0% thermal).
Phylogenetic network analysis revealed the recombinant origin of the SARS-CoV-2 VOC202012/01 (B.1.1.7) variant first discovered in U.K.

The emergence of new variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus poses serious problems to the control of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding how the variants originate is critical for effective control of the spread of the virus and the global pandemic. The study of the virus evolution so far has been dominated by phylogenetic tree analysis, which however is inappropriate for a few important reasons. Here we used phylogenetic network approach to study the origin of the VOC202012/01 (Alpha) or so-called UK variant (PANGO Lineage B.1.1.7). The multiple network analyses using different methods consistently revealed that the VOC202012/01 variant was a result of recombination, in contrast to the common assumption that the variant evolved from step-wise mutations in a linear order. The study provides an example for the power and application of phylogenetic network analysis in studying virus evolution, which can be applied to study the evolutionary processes leading to the emergence of other variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus as well as many other viruses. SignificanceThe emergence of new variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, including the Alpha variant first found in U.K., poses serious challenges to the control of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding how new variant originated is paramount to end the pandemic as effectively and quickly as possible. The dominant phylogenetic tree approach to study virus evolution has been inadequate and even misleading. Here we used a phylogenetic network approach to study the origin of the VOC202012/01 (Alpha) variant which was first reported in U.K. last year but has soon spread into many other countries, leading to dramatic increase in infection and death. Multiple analyses consistently revealed that the variant originated through recombination of pre-existing virus strains, highlighting an important but largely ignored mechanism in the evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 virus so far.
Beyond the Borders of Subjugation: The African Woman's Experience in a Global Perspective in Buchi Emecheta's 'In the Ditch' and 'Second-Class Citizen'

This study explores how the young Nigerian women struggle to surmount,among other problems the adjustment to cultural transition when they join their husbandsin England. The heroine of 'In the Ditch arrives with her four kids and separates from her husband so she will qualify to live with her children in the DITCH and benefit from the dole. She battles with life in the DITCH, raising kids,working and studying for a degree are very challenging. In 'The second-class citizen the heroine works to fend for her family, pay her husband's tuiton fees. He has no job and can't pass his exams, but intimidates and abuses his wife and even burns her manuscipt. She finally walks out on him with her children for safety. Both heroines through determination and resourcefulness overcome all challenges in the global environment where their husbands are failures.
Nucleolin loss-of-function leads to aberrant FGF signaling and craniofacial anomalies

rRNA transcription and ribosome biogenesis are global processes required for growth and proliferation of all cells, yet perturbation of these processes in vertebrates leads to tissue-specific defects termed ribosomopathies. Mutations in rRNA transcription and processing proteins often lead to craniofacial anomalies, however the cellular and molecular reasons for this are poorly understood. Therefore, we examined the function of the most abundant nucleolar phosphoprotein, Nucleolin (Ncl), in vertebrate development. We discovered that Nucleolin is dynamically expressed during embryonic development with high enrichment in the craniofacial tissues. Consistent with this pattern of expression, ncl homozygous mutant (ncl-/-) zebrafish present with craniofacial anomalies such as mandibulofacial hypoplasia. We observe that ncl-/- mutants exhibit decreased rRNA synthesis and p53-dependent neuroepithelial cell death. In addition, the half-life of fgf8a mRNA is reduced in ncl-/- mutants, which perturbs Fgf signaling, resulting in misregulation of Sox9a mediated chondrogenesis and Runx2 mediated osteogenesis. Exogenous addition of human recombinant FGF8 to the mutant zebrafish significantly rescues the cranioskeletal phenotype, suggesting that Nucleolin regulates osteochondroprogenitor differentiation during craniofacial development by post-transcriptionally regulating Fgf signaling. Our work has therefore uncovered a novel tissue-specific function for Nucleolin in rRNA transcription and growth factor signaling during embryonic craniofacial development.