cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Using dynamic binary translation to fuse dependent instructions

Instruction scheduling hardware can be simplified and easily pipelined if pairs of dependent instructions are fused so they share a single instruction scheduling slot. We study an implementation of the x86 ISA that dynamically translates x86 code to an underlying ISA that supports instruction fusing. A microarchitecture that is codesigned with the fused instruction set completes the implementation. We focus on the dynamic binary translator for such a codesigned x86 virtual machine. The dynamic binary translator first cracks x86 instructions belonging to hot superblocks into RISC-style microoperations, and then uses heuristics to fuse together pairs of dependent microoperations. Experimental results with SPEC2000 integer benchmarks demonstrate that: (1) the fused ISA with dynamic binary translation reduces the number of scheduling decisions by about 30% versus a conventional implementation that uses hardware cracking into RISC microoperations; (2) an instruction scheduling slot needs only hold two source register fields even though it may hold two instructions; (3) translations generated in the proposed ISA consume about 30% less storage than a corresponding fixed-length RISC-style ISA.
Imaging and management of a small cell lung cancer metastasis/adrenal adenoma collision tumor: a case report and review of the literature

We report a case of an adrenal collision tumor composed of a small cell lung carcinoma metastasis and a benign adrenal adenoma identified preoperatively on FDG-PET, CT and MRI and confirmed pathologically. The patient’s history, preoperative imaging characteristics, postoperative course, and histopathology are described. A review of the literature addressing adrenal collision tumors is provided. A 47-year-old female was found to have a left upper lobe lung mass and an adrenal lesion on imaging. FDG-PET, CT and MRI of the adrenal suggested a metastatic lesion adjacent to an adrenal adenoma. CT-guided biopsy of the adrenal gland was consistent with a small cell lung cancer metastasis. The patient underwent systemic chemotherapy and had complete resolution of the left upper lobe mass. Post-treatment FDG-PET demonstrated a persistently enlarged adrenal gland with decreased but persistent FDG uptake. The patient underwent adrenalectomy and pathologic examination demonstrated a small cell lung cancer/adenoma collision tumor. This case and a review of the literature demonstrate that FDG, CT and MR imaging can all characterize the separate components of collision tumors within the adrenal gland.
Frequency Of Nondiagnostic Findings On Colposcopy: Implications For Management

Background: This study examines the frequency of nondiagnostic findings from colposcopic biopsies at the University of Washington Family Medical Center Colposcopy Clinic and reviews the literature for any current recommendations for management of such cases. Methods: We reviewed 138 consecutive colposcopy reports covering the period from January 1990 to August 1991 from the Colposcopy Clinic at the University of Washington Family Medical Center. Nondiagnostic results were defined as those negative for dysplasia (atypia, inflammation, hyperkeratosis, and parakeratosis). Results: Of 138 endocervical curettages 25 (18.1 percent) had nondiagnostic findings, while of 206 ectocervical biopsies 104 (50.5 percent) had nondiagnostic findings. Of the 138 patients examined, 41 (29.7 percent) had a nondiagnostic biopsy as the most notable finding. Conclusion: Nondiagnostic colposcopic biopsy results occur frequently at the University of Washington Family Medical Center. The meaning of these equivocal results remains unclear. We need a further study of the natural history of such patients to determine appropriate recommendations for management.
Automated higher-order complexity analysis

This paper describes the automated complexity analysis (ACA) system for automated higher-order complexity analysis of functional programs synthesized with the NCPRD proof development system. We introduce a general framework for defining models of computational complexity for functional programs based on an annotation of a given operational language semantics. Within this framework, we use type decomposition and polynomialization to express the complexity of higher-order terms. Symbolic interpretation of open terms automates complexity analysis, which involves generating and solving higher-order recurrence equations. Finally, the use of the ACA system is demonstrated by analyzing three different implementations of the pigeonhole principle.
Optimal control of LTI systems over unreliable communication links

In this paper, optimal control of linear time-invariant (LTI) systems over unreliable communication links is studied. The motivation of the problem comes from growing applications that demand remote control of objects over Internet-type or wireless networks where links are prone to failure. Depending on the availability of acknowledgment (ACK) signals, two different types of networking protocols are considered. Under a TCP structure, existence of ACK signals is assumed, unlike the UDP structure where no ACK packets are present. The objective here is to mean-square (m.s.) stabilize the system while minimizing a quadratic performance criterion when the information flow between the controller and the plant is disrupted due to link failures, or packet losses. Sufficient conditions for the existence of stabilizing optimal controllers are derived.
Symptom-limited arm exercise increases detection of ischemia during dipyridamole tomographic thallium stress testing in patients with coronary artery disease.

Abstract Exercise combined with dipyridamole during thallium stress testing in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) increases the frequency of angina and ischemic ST changes in the electrocardiogram. Evidence for an increase in thallium abnormalities has been inconclusive. We prospectively examined 54 consecutive patients who underwent coronary angiography and tomographic thallium with dipyridamole (0.57 mg/kg) alone and combined with symptom-limited dynamic arm exercise. Most patients presented with a history of chest pain and 49 had angiographic evidence of significant coronary stenosis (50% diameter narrowing). Thallium abnormalities were scored blindly by consensus. The number of abnormal segments (total and ischemic) and indexes of left ventricular dysfunction, such as increased lung uptake or ischemic dilation, were compared in the 49 patients with CAD. During arm exercise more patients had evidence of ischemia (39 vs 30; p
Anonymously hurting others online: The effect of anonymity on cyberbullying frequency.

Cyberbullying (CB) has recently become a significant issue in today’s society. Given the myriad negative consequences to the cyber-victim, it is important to determine what variables predict CB frequency. Based on broader psychological and communication theory, I predict that anonymity will (a) directly predict CB frequency, (b) moderate the relation between positive attitudes toward CB and CB frequency, and (c) mediate the relation between instant messaging frequency and CB behavior. Participants (N 181) completed measures designed to assess these aforementioned variables. Results showed that positive attitudes toward CB, CB reinforcement, and anonymity strongly predicted CB frequency. Furthermore, moderation tests confirmed that CB was highest when positive attitudes and anonymity were both high. Finally, mediation tests revealed anonymity mediated the relation between instant messaging frequency and CB behavior. These results are important at elucidating what variables predict CB to hopefully inform intervention efforts aimed at reducing CB.
Incidental adenocarcinoma of the prostate: The role of repeat transurethral resection in staging

Accurate staging of patients with incidental prostatic adenocarcinoma (A1 vs A2) is crucial to the selection of appropriate treatment. To evaluate the potential sampling error in specimens obtained by transurethral resection, repeat resection was performed on 31 patients pathologically staged as A1 (five or less chips with tumor). Second specimens showed no tumor in 22 (71%), stage A1 in six (20%), and stage A2 in three (9%). The weight of tissue removed at reresection was greater in patients found to have more extensive involvement (P less than 0.005). No patient with initial Gleason score 2, 3, or 4 had stage A2 at reresection. Repeat resection is not routinely necessary, but may be helpful when the tumor is high grade but of minimal extent, in an anxious younger patient who may wish therapy if disease persists, or where some suspicion of an incomplete resection exists.
Structural constraints for circular self-test paths

Constraints on the structure of circular self-test paths in register transfer level (RTL) circuits with circular built-in self test (BIST) features are discussed. These constraints arise from the desire to avoid bit-level correlation, which can have a devastating effect on test quality. Two causes of bit-level correlation are examined, with examples demonstrating the resulting degradation in test quality. The first cause, register adjacency, is a byproduct of the ordering of the registers within the circular self test path. The second cause, a correlation inherent in circular BIST, stems from the shifting nature of the circular self-test path. >
Precursors of Individual Change: Responses to a Social Learning Theory Based on Organizational Intervention

This research investigated the role of 12 personal characteristics as they predisposed 33 first-line supervisors to change their interactions with employees in accordance with a behavioral modeling training program. Questionnaires were administered to groups of trained and control supervisors both before and after a 10-week training period. These instruments measured perceptions of behavioral change as well as a variety of personal characteristics including self-actualization, regard for others and the self, role clarity, role ambiguity, role conflict, stress, control, competence, education level, job tenure, and company tenure. Eight of these twelve characteristics proved significantly predictive of change for trained supervisors while none were predictive for control supervisors. The pattern of predictive characteristics indicated that feelings of well-being may be more conducive to acceptance of organizational training programs than feelings of need. The results are discussed insofar as they shed light...
English in French print advertising from 1999 to 2007

: This study supplements previous research on the use of English in French print advertising with a diachronic and quantitative analysis of its evolution over an eight-year period. Despite France's long tradition of linguistic protectionism, language laws aimed at restricting the use of English have shaped the language of advertising in France, resulting into greater bilingual creativity. The evolution of the use of English as an attention-getter and as an incentive to purchase commercial products in France is examined from a socio-linguistic perspective. Results indicate an increase in the previously documented association of English with positive concepts such as technological advance, reliability, business efficiency, and sophistication. There is also evidence that advertisers using English in their ads no longer primarily resort to North American landscapes to convey an impression of exoticism, but to a variety of other global images, suggesting that one growing function of English in French print advertising is that of a purely linguistic tool of communication (i.e. a lingua franca) favoring cultural and business exchanges in a linguistically diverse global world.
The Privileges of National Citizenship: On Saenz, Same-Sex Couples, and the Right to Travel

In Saenz v. Roe, the United States Supreme Court recently reaffirmed the right of individuals to migrate to new states without fear that they will suffer discrimination for having done so, notwithstanding Congress's having authorized the discrimination at issue. The Article discusses right to travel jurisprudence in light of Saenz, suggesting that the opinion offers (1) yet another basis upon which the Defense of Marriage Act might be struck down as unconstitutional, and (2) a basis upon which the Court might strike down state statutes precluding recognition of same-sex marriages which were valid in the states of celebration and domicile at the time of the marriage.
Comparison of Rectal and Aural Core Body Temperature Thermometry in Hyperthermic, Exercising Individuals: A Meta-Analysis

Objective: To compare mean differences in core body temperature (Tcore) as assessed via rectal thermometry (Tre) and aural thermometry (Tau) in hyperthermic exercising individuals. Data Sources: Pu...
Mild Depressive Symptoms Among Americans in Relation to Physical Activity, Current Overweight/Obesity, and Self-Reported History of Overweight/Obesity

Overweight/obese individuals are at an increased risk for depression with some evidence of a bidirectional association. The preventative effects of physical activity among overweight/obese individuals have been well documented; however, less is known on how the duration of overweight/obesity alters the association with negative health outcomes. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to determine how the classification, and more specifically duration, of overweight/obesity alters the association between physical activity and depressive symptoms. The 2005–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data were used (n = 764), and individuals were divided into six mutually exclusive groups based on physical activity status, weight classification (measured BMI), and duration of weight classification (assessed via recall). Multivariable linear and logistic regression analyses were computed to examine odds of depressive symptoms (patient health questionnaire (PHQ)-9) among groups. After adjusting for covariates, only individuals who were inactive and overweight/obese at the examination and 10 years prior were at an increased odds of depressive symptoms in comparison to those who were active and normal weight (odds ratio (OR) = 2.40; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.03, 5.61; p = 0.04). Physical activity appeared to ameliorate the association with depressive symptoms independent of overweight/obesity classification or duration. The cyclic nature of overweight/obesity and depression (i.e., bidirectional association) appears to increase the odds of depression as the length of overweight/obesity is increased. These results provide support for clinicians to assess not only their clients’ current BMI but also the duration in which they have been at a certain weight classification and to further promote physical activity as a preventative measure against depressive symptoms.
Research Progress of Relevant Genetics of Rice Plant Type Structure

In order to streng then the molecular breeding research of rice and improve rice yield,plant type structure including plant height,tiller number,tiller angle and spike characters was reviewed.The research progress of relevant genetics of rice plant type structure was summarized,and plant type breeding was prospected through genetic engineering.
Morphine-Associated Contextual Cues Induce Structural Plasticity in Hippocampal CA1 Pyramidal Neurons

In people with a prior history of opioid misuse, cues associated with previous drug intake can trigger relapse even after years of abstinence. Examining the processes that lead to the formation and maintenance of the memories between cues/context and the opioid may help to discover new therapeutic candidates to treat drug-seeking behavior. The hippocampus is a brain region essential for learning and memory, which has been involved in the mechanisms underlying opioid cravings. The formation of memories and associations are thought to be dependent on synaptic strengthening associated with structural plasticity of dendritic spines. Here, we assess how dendritic spines in the CA1 region of the hippocampus are affected by morphine-conditioning training. Our results show that morphine pairing with environmental cues (ie, the conditioned place preference (CPP) apparatus) triggers a significant decrease in the number of thin dendritic spines in the hippocampus. Interestingly, this effect was observed regardless of the expression of a conditioned response when mice were trained using an unpaired morphine CPP design and was absent when morphine was administered in the home cage. To investigate the mechanism underlying this structural plasticity, we examined the role of Rho GTPase in dendritic spine remodeling. We found that synaptic expression of RhoA increased with morphine conditioning and blocking RhoA signaling prevented the expression of morphine-induced CPP. Our findings uncover novel mechanisms in response to morphine-associated environmental cues and the underlying alterations in spine plasticity.
Metatarsophalangeal Hyperextension Movement Pattern Related to Diabetic Forefoot Deformity

Background Metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) hyperextension deformity is common in people with diabetic neuropathy and a known risk factor for ulceration and amputation. An MTPJ hyperextension movement pattern may contribute to the development of this acquired deformity. Objective The purpose of this study was to determine, in people with diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy (DM+PN), the ankle and MTPJ ranges of motion that characterize an MTPJ hyperextension movement pattern and its relationship to MTPJ deformity severity. It was hypothesized that severity of MTPJ deformity would be related to limitations in maximum ankle dorsiflexion and increased MTPJ extension during active ankle dorsiflexion movement tasks. Design A cross-sectional study design was used that included 34 people with DM+PN (mean age=59 years, SD=9). Methods Computed tomography and 3-dimensional motion capture analysis were used to measure resting MTPJ angle and intersegmental foot motion during the tasks of ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexion with the knee extended and flexed to 90 degrees, walking, and sit-to/from-stand. Results The MTPJ extension movement pattern during all tasks was directly correlated with severity of MTPJ deformity: maximum ankle dorsiflexion with knee extended ( r =.35; 95% confidence interval [CI]=.02, .62), with knee flexed ( r =.35; 95% CI=0.01, 0.61), during the swing phase of gait ( r =.47; 95% CI=0.16, 0.70), during standing up ( r =.48; 95% CI=0.17, 0.71), and during sitting down ( r =.38; 95% CI=0.05, 0.64). All correlations were statistically significant. Limitations This study was cross-sectional, and causal relationships cannot be made. Conclusions A hyperextension MTPJ movement pattern associated with limited ankle dorsiflexion has been characterized in people with diabetic neuropathy. Increased MTPJ extension during movement and functional tasks was correlated with severity of resting MTPJ alignment. Repetition of this movement pattern could be an important factor in the etiology of MTPJ deformity and future risk of ulceration.
Emergency-room services for a community health center

The development and maintenance of an organized system of emergency care in isolated ambulatory health-care centers are described. A system of three community health centers, staffed chiefly by midlevel practitioners (i.e., physician's associates and nurse practitioners), had a need to provide occasional emergency care to patients. Emergency care needed to be provided (for up to one hour) until an ambulance arrived to transport the patient to a hospital. A system of emergency care, consisting of treatment protocols, a drug manual, equipment and medications, and a program for periodic inservice education was developed by physicians, midlevel practitioners, and pharmacists. Weekly checks of the supplies and medications are conducted. Lists of supplies and medications stocked, and a sample drug monograph, are included in the paper. The program has resulted in more efficient emergency care, including less confusion in executing and documenting treatment.
The Action of Discoidin Domain Receptor 2 in Basal Tumor Cells and Stromal Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Is Critical for Breast Cancer Metastasis

High levels of collagen deposition in human and mouse breast tumors are associated with poor outcome due to increased local invasion and distant metastases. Using a genetic approach, we show that, in mice, the action of the fibrillar collagen receptor discoidin domain receptor 2 (DDR2) in both tumor and tumor-stromal cells is critical for breast cancer metastasis yet does not affect primary tumor growth. In tumor cells, DDR2 in basal epithelial cells regulates the collective invasion of tumor organoids. In stromal cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), DDR2 is critical for extracellular matrix production and the organization of collagen fibers. The action of DDR2 in CAFs also enhances tumor cell collective invasion through a pathway distinct from the tumor-cell-intrinsic function of DDR2. This work identifies DDR2 as a potential therapeutic target that controls breast cancer metastases through its action in both tumor cells and tumor-stromal cells at the primary tumor site.
Pyrrolidine Residues and the Stability of Collagen

The effect of pyrrolidine residues on the helix-coil transitions of a variety of native collagens and non-crosslinked single chain gelatins is considered. Analysis of the thermal denaturation profiles of the renatured gelatins shows that a two-state helix-coil mechanism is not valid for these systems. Application of the recently developed statistical mechanical theories indicates that the average size of the helical segment undergoing melting varies between 34 and 64 residues over the span of gelatin species examined and between 75 and 137 residues for the native collagens. The average size of the cooperative unit decreases with increasing pyrrolidine content and this variation is interpreted in terms of the small conformational entropy gain of these residues during the helix-coil transition. The effect of positioning of the pyrrolidine residues on the thermal stability of collagens is examined and it is proposed that the non-linear relationship between Tm and Σ pyrrolidine in both the native collagens and their derived gelatins results from the distribution of imino acids between positions 2 and 3 of the common collagen triplet Gly-X-Y. This interpretation as well as independent estimates of Tm of the various collagens is shown to favor a two-bonded (two hydrogen bonds per triplet) model of collagen in preference to the one-bonded structure.
The Pervasive Role of Information in Health and Health Care: Implications for Health Communication Policy

Beginning with the communication processes by which we assess our own state of sickness and health, this article moves to consider the interpersonal and mass communication components of health and health care for consumers, providers, and administrators. The article concludes with an analysis of effective policy for healthcare communication.
Understanding the Oxidation Behavior of Fe/Ni/Cr and Fe/Cr/Ni Core/Alloy Nanoparticles

In this work we describe a method to prepare core/alloy nanoparticles (CA-NPs) based on transition metal alloys with tunable oxidation properties. We investigated the use of chromium and nickel carbonyl based precursors to control shell deposition and thickness at α-Fe cores producing Fe/Cr/Ni and Fe/Ni/Cr CA-NPs. We compared the systems by monitoring resistance to oxidation and found that it is highly dependent on the shell and alloy sequence as well as thickness, with thin Fe/Cr/Ni having the best stainless behavior. The CA-NP growth was monitored by TEM, and composition was assessed by XPS. Oxidation was quantified by both powder XRD and XPS. The results were analyzed in light of alloy miscibility and diffusion, as well as lattice strains and interfacial oxidation rates.
Breast Tumors in Adolescents/Children and Males

Although uncommon, breast tumors in the pediatric population and adult men are occasionally the target of core needle biopsies. Breast lesions in children and adolescence are rare and more than 95 % of all breast lesions occurring in this age group are benign. In males of all ages, gynecomastia is the most common cause of a breast mass. Atypical ductal hyperplasia and ductal carcinoma in situ are rarely secondarily discovered during the pathologic evaluation of gynecomastia. In adult males, breast cancer is not an inconsequential cause of morbidity and mortality, often due to delay in diagnosis because of limited awareness of the disease compared to female patients.
Comparative method for twin-rotor PM brushless motors applied as in-wheel motors

A quick, simplified method is proposed to compare the axial-flux and radial-flux twin-rotor PM brushless (TRPMBL) motors, with slot-less stators, for the application of in-wheel motor for the gearless drive of an electric vehicle. This method allows answering which of these two motors with the same magnetic and current loading properties and with the same radius and axial length, when built into the wheel gives greater torque. An expression is derived for the ratio of torques of such motors. To check the validity of this method, the axial-flux and radial-flux TRPMBL motors of the same volume are modeled using FEM and their torques are compared.
PISA: Improving the pseudo-randomness of the pen-and-paper cipher based on the Solitaire algorithm

Solitaire Cipher was designed by Bruce Schneier as a Pen and Paper Cipher in 1999. It is designed for field agents to communicate secret messages without having electricity or sophisticated electronics equipment. Its main advantage is that the natural randomness of a shuffled deck of cards contributes to its strength and security. However, the main disadvantage of solitaire is that its output keystream is not truly random, its bias i.e. the probability of getting two keystream characters twice in a row is about 1/22.5 instead of 1/26 as identified by Mirdek. This is due to the fact that Solitaire is a non-reversible cipher and it exhibits bias during key generation. To overcome this weakness, we have proposed a revised Solitaire algorithm to improve the randomness in the output keystream and also to reduce the element of biasness while the cipher remains non-reversible. We have also introduced a new and easy mechanism to generate initial deck setting (key) from a passphrase. The proposed cipher is implemented in MATLAB and the generated keystream is tested for randomness.
Parent–Adolescent Sexual Communication and Adolescents’ Sexual Behaviors: A Conceptual Model and Systematic Review

Parent–adolescent sexual communication can help reduce sexual risk behaviors among adolescents. However, research and theory are less clear regarding the specific pathways (i.e., mechanisms of change) by which this communication works to reduce sexual risk behavior. The current review addresses this gap by proposing a conceptual model describing the processes by which parent–adolescent sexual communication influences adolescents’ sexual intentions and behaviors and by conducting a systematic review to locate evidence for this model. Guided by the Integrative Model of Behavioral Change, the proposed conceptual model focuses on the social cognitive pathways that act as explanatory mechanisms of the relations between parent–adolescent sexual communication and adolescents’ sexual intentions and behaviors, as well as the characteristics of this communication that determine its effectiveness in influencing these sexual cognitions. Thirty-eight peer-reviewed studies were systematically located and synthesized. Findings showed consistent links between parent–adolescent sexual communication and adolescents’ sexual attitudes and safe-sex efficacy (though links with perceived sexual norms were more mixed), which in turn may influence their sexual intentions and behaviors. Evidence also emerged to suggest that the characteristics of the communication itself (e.g., extent, content, quality) may influence its effectiveness over adolescents’ sexual cognitions. The identification of these processes advances theory on parent–adolescent sexual communication which has, to date, been unclear regarding these pathways. As such, these findings can inform future research efforts as well as prevention efforts seeking to promote adolescent sexual health.
Physics of ultrahigh speed electronic devices

Feature sizes of advanced commercial electronic devices are now smaller than the mean free path of the electron collisions with impurities and lattice vibrations. This completely changes the physics of the electron transport. The effective field effect mobility becomes proportional to the device length because the electrons lose their drift momentum in the contacts. The high frequency impedance is strongly affected by the electron inertia and by the phase delays of the opposing electron fluxes in the device channel. The waves of the electron density (plasma waves) enable the device response well into the terahertz (THz) range of frequencies. At high excitation levels, these waves are transformed into the shock waves. The rectification and instabilities of the plasma waves enable a new generation of THz plasmonic devices.
A Countercultural Methodology: Caldwell’s Beyond Positivism at Thirty-Five ☆

Abstract Caldwell’s Beyond Positivism was a key publication that helped precipitate the consolidation of the methodology of economics into a distinct subfield within economics. Reconsidering it after 35 years, it is striking for its antinaturalism (i.e., its lack of deference to the actual practices of economics) or, perhaps, for its meta-naturalism (displayed in its excessive deference to the philosophy of science) and for its defense of pluralism. It offers pluralism as an unsuccessful defense against dogmatism. Against Caldwell’s pluralism, dogmatism is better opposed by a commitment of fallibilism and scientific humility. Caldwell’s defense of Austrian methodology is taken as a case study to illustrate and investigate his key themes and the issues that they raise.
Use of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation in the Management of Bladder Pain Syndrome: 2017 Update

It is very interesting to look back to 1988 and realize how little was known regarding electrical stimulation or neuromodulation in the management of voiding dysfunction and pelvic pain. The original chapter had sparse data on the use of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) as a means to improve symptoms of interstitial cystitis. It was suggested that other sites of stimulation such as intravaginal or posterior tibial nerve may improve clinical outcomes. The author commented that the ideal site of stimulation was unknown and research was needed to identify the best stimulation parameters to achieve good clinical outcomes. Since that time, cutaneous stimulation is routinely used, but still with little evidence. It is often physical therapists who use TENS and inferential stimulation units as a multimodal approach to managing chronic pelvic pain. There has been broadened interest in the impact of the pelvic floor and neuromuscular dysfunction as an underlying trigger for pain associated with interstitial cystitis. Thus, neuromodulation is a reasonable modality to offer patients with interstitial cystitis symptoms.
Autonomic regulation of delayed rectifier K+ current in mammalian heart involves G proteins

The role of adrenergic and cholinergic stimulation in regulating the delayed outward K+ current (IK) was examined by using isolated guinea pig ventricular myocytes. Isoproterenol (ISO) stimulated IK in a reversible manner. Similar effects were seen by directly stimulating adenylate cyclase with forskolin (FSK). The responses to ISO and FSK were reversed by concurrent application of acetylcholine (ACh), but ACh alone did not affect IK. When a nonhydrolyzable analogue of guanosine 5'-triphosphate was introduced intracellularly, in the presence of extracellular ISO, IK was irreversibly stimulated. In cells pretreated with pertussis toxin the ACh response was blocked. These results suggest that autonomic regulation of IK is similar to that of the Ca2+ current and involves guanine nucleotide-binding proteins. This has important implications with respect to autonomic control of action potential duration and pacemaker activity in the heart.
Shared core values of high performing employee-owned enterprises

ABSTRACTValues represent guidelines for behavior and are important determinants of organizational performance. In addition, employee-owned enterprises (EOEs) tend to outperform traditional organiza...
Building electricity consumption: Data analytics of building operations with classical time series decomposition and case based subsetting

Abstract The commercial building sector consumes approximately one-fifth of U.S. total energy and exhibits significant operational inefficiencies, leaving a great opportunity to implement various energy-efficiency measures. However, conventional energy audit techniques are expensive, time-consuming, and frequently inaccurate. Conversely, classical time series decomposition of smart meter (i.e. 15 min interval) building electricity consumption provides quick, inexpensive, and useful insights to building operation and characteristics. Paired with complementary time series datasets such as outdoor temperature and solar irradiation, specific insights into HVAC scheduling, daily operational variation, and the relative impact of temperature and solar radiation were quantitatively assessed. This work analyzes six commercial buildings and identifies various building characteristics, including the potential for savings of over 700 MWh valued at $92,000 per year from building rescheduling alone. With access to only whole building smart meter data, these results are obtained virtually and instantaneously, making the case for a rigorous data analytics approach to unlock the potential of building energy efficiency.
Experimental Study on Fatigue Performance of Steel-Concrete Composite Girders

Besides the static load, the fatigue load caused by vehicles always exists in the bridge structures. This type of loading may cause failure even when the nominal peak loads are less than the ultimate capacity of the structure. In this paper, an experimental work, consists of two specimens, was introduced to study the fatigue behavior of shear connectors and steel-concrete composite beams. The fatigue tests were conducted under a four-point bending test with two different stress ranges in a constant amplitude. The testing measurements during the fatigue test included deflection, strain in the shear connectors, and slippage between the concrete flange and the steel beam. After completion of the fatigue tests, it was obvious that providing top and bottom longitudinal reinforcement as well as enough transverse reinforcement in the concrete flange can provide adequate confinement to concrete to limit fatigue cracks in the concrete flange. In addition, a growth in the cyclic deflection limits was obtained by increasing the number of cycles due to the damage region that developed in the concrete flange by the shear studs and caused a loss of stiffness in the shear connection.
Green's function extraction by crosscorrelation and multidimensional deconvolution for outdoor sound propagation

In this work, the Green's function is estimated from outdoor measurements of controlled-sources. Crosscorrelation and multidimensional deconvolution have successfully been employed for Green's function retrieval. Crosscorrelation assumes a lossless medium and equipartitioned wavefield; when these assumptions are not satisfied it may result in a Green's function smeared with the source point-spread function. Multidimensional deconvolution removes the point-spread function from the retrieved Green's function. Both methods are employed to estimate the Green's function between two array stations for a single and multiple controlled-sources. The results demonstrate that the source-to-center radius has a negligible effect on the retrieved Green's function, if the source-to-center radius is larger than the distance between the two array stations.
Do not change horses: specialist CEOs enhance innovation

This study examines the relation between specialist Chief Executive Officers(CEOs) and their firms’ future performance, particularly regarding innovation. While human capital theory predicts that f...
Extracellular gating of glucose transport through GLUT 1.

The ubiquitous glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) is physiologically and pathologically relevant in energy metabolism of the CNS, skeletal muscles, cancer cells etc. Extensive experiments on GLUT1 produced thorough understandings of its expressions, functions, and structures which were recently resolved to atomic accuracy. However, theoretical understandings are still controversial about how GLUT1 facilitates glucose diffusion across the cell membrane. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the current literature have GLUT1 embedded in a symmetric bilayer of a single lipid type. They provide atomistic illustrations of the alternating access theory (AAT), but the simulation results are inconsistent with the undisputed experimental data of kinetics showing rapid transport of glucose at near-physiological temperatures, high Arrhenius activation barrier in zero-trans uptake, and large trans-acceleration at sub-physiological temperatures. In this research, we embedded GLUT1 in an asymmetric bilayer of multiple lipids to better mimic the erythrocyte membrane. We ran unbiased MD simulations at 37 °C and at 5 °C and found a new mechanism of glucose transport via GLUT1: The extracellular (EC) gate opened wide for EC glucopyranose at 37 °C and, only in the presence of intracellular (IC) glucose, at 5 °C. In the absence of IC glucose at 5 °C, the EC gate opened narrowly for acyclic glucose, gating out glucopyranose. This EC-gating mechanism is simpler than AAT and yet it well explains for the rapid glucose transport at near-physiological temperatures and large trans-acceleration at sub-physiological temperatures. It also explains why zero-trans uptake (involving the pyranose-to-aldehyde transformation) has an Arrhenius barrier ∼20 kcal/mol higher than the equilibrium exchange transport.
A World Ablaze: The Rise of Martin Luther and the Birth of the Reformation

Craig Harline’s new book details the early life and thought of the German reformer Martin Luther, focusing primarily on the years 1517–22. This periodization aligns with a venerable scholarly tradi...
Distances and kernels based on cumulative distribution functions

Similarity and dissimilarity measures such as kernels and distances are key components of classification and clustering algorithms. We propose a novel technique to construct distances and kernel functions between probability distributions based on cumulative distribution functions. The proposed distance measures incorporate global discriminating information and can be computed efficiently.
Kranson, Rachel. Ambivalent Embrace: Jewish Upward Mobility in Postwar America. Chapel Hill: The University of North Carolina Press, 2017.

Book review: Kranson, Rachel. Ambivalent Embrace: Jewish Upward Mobility in Postwar America. Chapel Hill: The University of North Carolina Press, 2017.
Discontinuation of Chronic Opiate Therapy After Successful Spinal Cord Stimulation Is Highly Dependent Upon the Daily Opioid Dose

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to determine if any of the factors recorded on a standard clinical history of a patient considered for spinal cord stimulation (SCS) would be associated with reduction or cessation of opioids following implantation. DESIGN Retrospective, single academic center. METHODS Patients included in the chart analysis underwent implantation of percutaneous SCS devices from 1999 to 2015 with follow-up until the end of September 2018. Patients who achieved at least an average of 50% pain reduction were included for analysis of daily opioid intake. Patients were then divided into 4 groups that included no opioid use, stable opioid daily dose, weaned opioid dose, and complete cessation of opioids. Statistical methods were used to analyze for associations between opioid intake after SCS insertion and usual elements of a clinical history, including adjuvant medications, numeric pain rating, past medical history, psychiatric illness, substance abuse, employment, and smoking history. RESULTS In a group of 261 patients who had undergone implantation, 214 met the criteria for analysis and had a median age of 50 years, with majority having the diagnoses of failed back surgery syndrome and complex regional pain syndrome. The only factor that was associated with complete cessation of opioid use was a median dose of 30 mg of morphine per day (P < 0.01) and was observed in 15% of subjects who used opioids preoperatively. CONCLUSION The elimination of opioid dependence following initiation of SCS therapy is highly dependent on the daily dose.
Morphological evolution, Raman and photoluminescence spectra in optically transparent cubic silicon carbide

Optically transparent cubic SiC crystals were grown via atmospheric-pressure chemical vapour deposition (APCVD) on graphite substrates from methyltrichlorosilane (MTS) in hydrogen in a cold-wall RF induction furnace at temperatures from 1500 to 2000°C. The morphology of the crystals was correlated to substrate temperature, H2/MTS ratio and hydrogen flow. Low-temperature photoluminescence (PL) spectra exhibited a zero-phonon line (2.3787 eV) attributable to an exciton bound to a neutral nitrogen donor, in addition to TA, LA, TO, and LO phonon replicas. The observed broadening and splitting of the PL spectral lines were associated with the morphological habit and internal strain of individual crystallites. Above about 1600°C preferential 〈110〉 growth directions were identified for the majority of the crystals. At intermediate deposition temperatures (1600–1700°C) the dominant morphology consisted of yellow prismatic crystals heavily twinned along {111} and {111¯}. At temperatures of about 1750°C hexagonally shaped {111}-oriented 3C-SiC platelets were formed with alternating {001}/{101} edges. A layer-by-layer growth model was used to rationalise the transition in preferred growth direction from 〈111〉 to 〈101〉 with increasing substrate temperature. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Collection of Recombinant Rotaviruses Expressing Fluorescent Reporter Proteins

A collection of recombinant rotaviruses that express the fluorescent markers UnaG, mKate, mRuby, TagBFP, CFP, or YFP as separate proteins was generated. Genes for the fluorescent proteins were inserted into genome segment 7 without compromising expression of the protein NSP3. These recombinant rotaviruses are valuable for analyzing rotavirus biology by fluorescence-based live-cell imaging.
Observer Design for a Nonlinear Neuromuscular System with Multi-rate Sampled and Delayed Output Measurements

Robotic devices and functional electrical stimulation (FES) are utilized to provide rehabilitation therapy to persons with incomplete spinal cord injury. The goal of the therapy is to improve their weakened voluntary muscle strength. A variety of control strategies used in these therapies need a measure of participant's volitional strength. This informs the robotic or an FES device to modulate assistance proportional to the user's weakness. In this paper we propose an observer design to estimate ankle kinematics that are elicited volitionally. The observer uses a nonlinear continuous-time neuromuscular system, which has multi-rate sampled output measurements with non-uniform and unknown delays from various sensing modalities including electromyography, ultrasound imaging, and an inertial measurement unit. We assume an allowable maximum value of unsynchronized sampling intervals and nonuniform delays. By constructing a Lyapunov-Krasovskii function, sufficient conditions are derived to prove the exponential stability of the estimation error. Numerical simulations are provided to verify the effectiveness of the designed observer.
Association Among Internal Assets, Bullying, and Emotional Distress in Eighth Grade Students.

BACKGROUND Adolescents are in a unique developmental stage, ideal for initiating healthy behaviors and benefiting from health promotion interventions. In this study, we used positive youth development and resilience frameworks, to investigate the role of internal assets as a protective factor for bullying and emotional distress among early adolescents, with attention to whether those associations vary by sex. METHODS This is a secondary analysis of the 2013 Minnesota Student Survey, a cross-sectional, population-based survey of Minnesota youth. Participating eighth grade students (N = 42,841) reported on internal assets, physical, relational and cyberbullying involvement, and emotional distress. RESULTS Logistic regression analyses, stratified by sex and controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, revealed that students with higher internal assets had lower odds of all forms of bullying victimization and perpetration than those with lower internal assets. Higher levels of internal assets were also associated with lower odds of emotional distress. All associations were significant for boys and girls, but appeared stronger for girls. CONCLUSIONS Findings indicate that internal assets may buffer young teens from bullying and from the emotional distress that may result from bullying involvement. Approaches bolstering internal assets may be beneficial for combating bullying and emotional distress during early adolescence.
Tourism, Representation and Compensation among the Dukha Reindeer Herders of Mongolia

Increasingly, tourists come to northern Mongolia to visit the camps of the Dukha reindeer herders, a small group often characterized as primitive and disappearing. The year-round entry of tourists to Dukha camps is unregulated; the timing and context of these encounters, including compensation and accommodation, unpredictable. Some herders leverage dominant cultural and social capital, gaining more visitors and more opportunities to earn cash. However, while visits bolster the local economy, these cross-cultural contacts may disrupt traditional socio-cultural identities, migration patterns and egalitarian norms. This qualitative, interpretive study used guided, open-ended interviews (N=30), a modified pile sort and participant observation to examine reindeer herders’ perceptions of tourist visits and gift giving. Results show Dukha most involved with tourists have a positive attitude toward their visits. As tourists generally stay only two to four days, negative outcomes vis-a-vis gifts, cultural misrepresentations and economic compensation currently appear minimized. However, as visits increase, taiga tourism would further benefit from Dukha owned and controlled economic and ethnographic initiatives.
Global Convergence of Policy Gradient for Sequential Zero-Sum Linear Quadratic Dynamic Games

We propose projection-free sequential algorithms for linear-quadratic dynamics games. These policy gradient based algorithms are akin to Stackelberg leadership model and can be extended to model-free settings. We show that if the leader performs natural gradient descent/ascent, then the proposed algorithm has a global sublinear convergence to the Nash equilibrium. Moreover, if the leader adopts a quasi-Newton policy, the algorithm enjoys a global quadratic convergence. Along the way, we examine and clarify the intricacies of adopting sequential policy updates for LQ games, namely, issues pertaining to stabilization, indefinite cost structure, and circumventing projection steps.