cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Geospatial Database Security

Geospatial data refers to the resources associated with location information represented by longitude and latitude. Its increasing availability and the tools to integrate and visualize the various types of data facilitate conducting sophisticated analysis and discovering hidden patterns. Therefore, uncontrolled dissemination of geospatial data may have grave consequences for national security and personal privacy. Access control for this data is based on its geospatial location, content and context, the credentials and characteristics of the users requesting access as well as the time at which the data is captured and requested. In this chapter, we review the different access control models proposed by researchers for controlled dissemination of geospatial data. Since geospatial data is increasingly obtained from third party Web services, we also review the security models presented in the area of geospatial Web services.
Consumer response to organic food in restaurants: A serial mediation analysis

ABSTRACTThe last decade has seen heightened consumer interest in restaurants serving organic food. Offering organic menu items can translate into benefits for food purveyors, but the mechanism through which this occurs remains unclear. Results from our serial mediation analyses show that organic menu items resulted in higher corporate social responsibility perceptions, which were associated with higher levels of trust in the restaurant, which translated into positive behavioral intentions. These results establish a previously unexplored link between organic messaging and corporate social responsibility perception and illuminate the mechanism through which organic messaging can impact customer outcomes. Implications for restaurant management and marketing are discussed.
Note: Fair Value Accounting for Investments in Debt Securities

The note describes how fair value accounting applies to debt securities that are classified by financial institutions as (1) "trading" securities, (2) "available for sale" securities, or (3) "hold to maturity" securities. It explains the hierarchy for inputs used in valuing Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 financial assets. Finally, it notes the percentage of assets held by four types of financial institutions that are (a) accounted for at "fair value," (b) the hierarchical categorization of the assets, and (c) the percentage of assets held by each institution category where changes in the fair market value affect that institution's reported income.
A Monte Carlo approach in estimating uncertainty for a seismic hazard assessment of Los Angeles, Ventura, and Orange counties, California

Abstract Maps of uncertainty and parametric sensitivity in ground motion have been produced for three southern California counties using a Monte Carlo approach. The uncertainty in hazard is estimated by random sampling a logic tree that has the uncertainty in most parameters described by a normal distribution. The nine parameters varied in the uncertainty analysis are those related to the estimation of recurrence rates for earthquakes on faults using geologic information, the ground-motion attenuation relations, the relations available for estimating the magnitude-frequency distribution of earthquakes on faults, and the inclusion or exclusion of blind thrusts in the Los Angeles area. Besides simultaneously varying all nine parameters for a Monte Carlo series of runs to obtain the overall uncertainty in ground motion for a fixed annual probability, each of the nine parameters were varied separately while the others were held fixed to determine the sensitivity of each parameter on this uncertainty. The total uncertainty in shaking levels corresponding to a fixed annual probability is up to ±50% at the 95% confidence level. The parameters that most influence the uncertainty in the hazard estimates from geologic information are (1) maximum magnitude, (2) choice of attenuation relations, (3) the magnitude-frequency distribution, and (4) slip rate.
A comparison of Ca2+-, Mg2+-ATPase and alkaline phosphatase activities of rat incisor pulp.

A plasma membrane preparation derived from incisor pulps of 250-g rats was used as the source of alkaline phosphatase and an ATPase activated by either Ca2+ or Mg2+. Properties of the two enzymes were then compared under a variety of experimental conditions to determine if ATPase activity is clearly distinct from alkaline phosphatase activity. (a) The optimum pH for ATP hydrolysis was 8.0, compared with 10.2 forp-nitrophenylphosphate. (b) At the optimum pH, ATP hydrolysis required either Ca2+ or Mg2+ for activation, whereasp-nitrophenylphosphate hydrolysis did not require and was little influenced by the presence of divalent cations. (c) Alkaline phosphatase showed maximal activity at 40°C and ATPase at 50°C, with complete inactivation at 60°C and 70°C, respectively. (d) When the plasma membrane preparation was preincubated in the absence of substrate at varying temperatures of pH, alkaline phosphatase was less stable than ATPase at extreme pH and high temperatures. (e) Alkaline phosphatase activity was lost more rapidly than ATPase activity during storage at 4°C for up to 10 days. (f) Butanol extraction of the plasma membrane preparation to remove phospholipid destroyed ATPase activity and enhanced alkaline phosphatase activity approximately fivefold. On the basis of these comparisons it is concluded that ATP hydrolysis andp-nitrophenyl-phosphate hydrolysis are the result of separate enzyme activities.
Parenchymal mechanics, gas mixing, and the slope of phase III

A model of parenchymal mechanics is revisited with the objective of investigating the differences in parenchymal microstructure that underlie the differences in regional compliance that are inferred from gas-mixing studies. The stiffness of the elastic line elements that lie along the free edges of alveoli and form the boundary of the lumen of the alveolar duct is the dominant determinant of parenchymal compliance. Differences in alveolar size cause parallel shifts of the pressure-volume curve, but have little effect on compliance. However, alveolar size also affects the relation between surface tension and pressure during the breathing cycle. Thus regional differences in alveolar size generate regional differences in surface tension, and these drive Marangoni surface flows that equilibrate surface tension between neighboring acini. Surface tension relaxation introduces phase differences in regional volume oscillations and a dependence of expired gas concentration on expired volume. A particular example of different parenchymal properties in two neighboring acini is described, and gas exchange in this model is calculated. The efficiency of mixing and slope of phase III for the model agree well with published data. This model constitutes a new hypothesis concerning the origin of phase III.
Relative Abundance and Seasonal Distribution of Seabirds in the Canal De Ballenas, Gulf of California

The Gulf of California is a 1,000 km long subtropical sea with relatively high primary productivity and extremely dynamic oceanography (Alvarez-Borrego 1983). It is the northern range limit in the eastern Pacific and adjacent waters for five species of tropical Pelecaniformes, and the southern range limit for several temperate seabird species and one family, Alcidae. Furthermore, 70-98% of the world population of six seabirds breed in the Gulf of California (Black StormPetrel Oceanodroma melania, Least Storm-Petrel O. microsoma, Craveri's Murrelet Synthliboramphus craveri, Yellow-footed Gull Larus livens, Heermann's Gull L. heermanni, and Elegant Tern Sterna elegans) (Anderson 1983, Velarde 1989, Tob6n-G. 1992, Tordesillas-B. 1992). Despite the interesting biogeography of the Gulf of California and its importance to seabird populations, there are few publications on the distribution and abundance of seabirds there. Grinnell (1928) and Wilbur (1986) summarize information on the range of seabirds and specific sighting records, Anderson et al. (1976) and Anderson (1983) provide information on breeding seabirds, and Helbig (1983) made counts on h ee ferry crossings in the lower gulf. None of these publications provide data on the seasonal distribution of seabirds at sea in the Gulf of California. Therefore, we made counts of seabirds during a study on cetaceans (Tershy et al. 1990) in Canal de Ballenas, central Gulf of California. Our aims were to determine (1) which species of seabirds used the study area, and (2) their relative abundance during each season in 1985-1986.
Affinity purification of cellular retinoic acid-binding protein on 14-carboxy-13-cis-retinamide-sepharose 4B.

A biologically active bifunctional retinoid, ethyl 14-carboxyretinoate, has been synthesized and shown to bind cellular retinoic acid (RA)-binding protein (CRABP) via its free carboxy group. We describe herein the synthesis of 14-carboxy-13-cis-retinamide-Sepharose 4B, which is an affinity matrix bearing an all-trans-RA moiety, and thus was used to purify and characterize CRABP from chick-embryo skin. An amide bond was first formed between the free carboxy group of the retinoid and a primary amino group of aminohexyl-Sepharose 4B, by reaction with carbodi-imide, and the ester group of the resin-bound retinoid was then hydrolysed in an alkaline medium. Polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis and f.p.l.c. Superose column-chromatographic analysis demonstrated that the affinity-purified CRABP (Mr 15,000) was close to electrophoretic homogeneity (greater than 90%) and specifically interacts with RA. By using affinity gel chromatography, conversion of holo-CRABP into apo-CRABP by treatment with p-hydroxymercuribenzoate and a possible involvement of a thiol group in RA binding to CRABP were established. This affinity procedure provides several advantages: (i) 14-carboxy-13-cis-retinamide-Sepharose exhibited high efficiency and selectivity for RA-binding protein (i.e. retinol- or fatty-acid-binding proteins did not bind); (ii) the presence of the amide linkage between the ligand and the matrix makes this affinity resin relatively stable to cytosolic enzymes; and (iii) other RA-binding proteins, e.g. nuclear receptor(s), may be purified.
User-Defined Modules

User-defined functions enable code reuse within a script; they can also be called from other scripts. To amplify code reusability, functions can be defined in a supporting script. Scripts that house sets of related function definitions and other related code are referred to as modules. This chapter focuses on defining and importing user-modules. It also discusses how to structure development code within a module. Finally, the chapter concludes with a practical example for managing GIS temporal data and time attributes.
A Reduction Method for AC/DC System of China Southern Power Grid

To construct simulation model for AC/DC system of China Southern Power Grid(CSG) by PSCAD/EMTDC software to research dynamic characteristics of the AC/DC system,a method to reduce large-scale AC/DC system of CSG is proposed.In the proposed method,the 500 kV backbone network of the AC/DC system,DC transmission line and the AC transmission lines connecting DC converter stations to AC backbone are reserved,and the simplification and equivalence of low voltage AC networks,namely in 220 kV and lower voltage classes,are performed.The concrete procedures are as following: firstly,the 500 kV buses of backbone network are simplified by zero difference technique;then all 500 kV buses of backbone network are scanned to find out to determine the lower voltage network connected to each 500 kV bus;finally the lower voltage network connected to each 500 kV bus are reduced,and dynamic parameters of equivalent generators and loads are aggregated.Using above-mentioned method the CSG is reduced and both dynamic simulation results and error analysis results show that the proposed method is effective.
Adenylate cyclase from Fasciola hepatica. 1. Ligand specificity of adenylate cyclase-coupled serotonin receptors.

Cell-free particles from the liver fluke Fasciola hepatica contain a highly active serotonin stimulated adenylate cyclase. Serotonin (5-HT) stimulates this enzyme 25 to 30-fold over basal activity to activities of 0.80 ± 0.10 nmoles/min·mg protein. Histamine, dopamine, octopamine, epinephrine, and carbachol failed to activate this adenylate cyclase. The kinetics of activation by 5-HT showed apparent negative cooperativity with a Hill coefficient of 0.7. The lower apparent affinity half-maximal activation by 5-HT occurred at 2.1 ± 0.3 µM. Any substitutions on the 5-HT molecule reduced apparent affinity and degree of activation. Apparent affinity and intrinsic activity of indoleamines decreased with decreasing structural similarity to 5-HT. All indoleamines tested compete for the serotonin receptor. Derivatives of lysergic acid also activate this adenylate cyclase, with very high apparent affinity. D-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) was the most potent derivative activating maximally about 25% of 5-HT stimulated activity. Half-maximal activation by D-LSD occurred at 40 nM. Activation by LSD was totally stereospecific, with the L-isomer inactive even at 1 mM. Both D- and L-LSD antagonized 5-HT stimulation, but the L-isomer had a 500-fold decreased affinity. 2-bromo LSD (BOL) competitively antagonized 5-HT activation as shown by Schild analysis. BOL also directly inhibited basal (nonactivated) adenylate cyclase. The direct inhibition and antagonism of 5-HT by BOL both involved a single population of receptor sites with the same inhibition constant. This result suggests that BOL inhibits adenylate cyclase by interacting with the 5-HT site and that BOL has a "negative" efficacy for this receptor. The evidence supports a single class of adenylate cyclase regulated only by serotonin receptors.
Religious Service Attendance and Lower Depression Among Women—a Prospective Cohort Study

Previous studies on the association between religious service attendance and depression have been mostly cross-sectional, subject to reverse causation, and did not account for the potential feedback between religious service attendance and depression. We prospectively evaluated evidence whether religious service attendance decreased risk of subsequent risk of depression and whether depression increased subsequent cessation of service attendance, while explicitly accounting for feedback with potential effects in both directions. We included a total of 48,984 US nurses who were participants of the Nurses’ Health Study with mean age 58 years and who were followed up from 1996 to 2008. Religious service attendance was self-reported in 1992, 1996, 2000, and 2004. Depression was defined as self-reported physician-diagnosed clinical depression, regular anti-depressant use, or severe depressive symptoms. Multivariate logistic regression and marginal structural models were used to estimate the odds ratio of developing incident depression, adjusted for baseline religious service attendance, baseline depression, and time-varying covariates. Compared with women who never attended services, women who had most frequent and recent religious service attendance had the lowest risk of developing depression (odds ratio [OR] = 0.71, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.62–0.82). Compared with women who were not depressed, women with depression were less likely to subsequently attend religious services once or more per week (OR = 0.74, 95 % CI 0.68–0.80). In this study of US women, there is evidence that higher frequency of religious service attendance decreased the risk of incident depression and women with depression were less likely to subsequently attend services.
Thermogravimetry-mass spectrometry investigations of salicylic acid and acetylsalicylic acid desorption from montmorillonites

Abstract Thermogravimetry-mass spectrometry is employed to characterize desorption and decomposition processes that occur when samples containing salicylic and acetylsalicylic acids absorbed to potassium, sodium, and calcium montmorillonites are heated. Whereas salicylic acid exhibits behavior similar to benzoic acid, in that the interlayer cation charge is the most important factor affecting desorption temperatures, acetylsalicylic acid decomposition is significantly affected by montmorillonite water content. When salicylic acid/clay samples are heated, desorption begins at temperatures slightly above 100 °C. At higher temperatures, decomposition produces phenol and carbon dioxide. Acetylsalicylic acid does not desorb. Instead, it reacts with water to produce salicylic and acetic acids. For both salicylic and acetylsalicylic acids, decomposition is favored for samples with low absorbate loadings, suggesting that initially absorbed molecules occupy more thermally stable environments than those subsequently incorporated into montmorillonite interlayer spaces.
Identification of RNA Binding Proteins Associated with Dengue Virus RNA in Infected Cells Reveals Temporally Distinct Host Factor Requirements.

Background There are currently no vaccines or antivirals available for dengue virus infection, which can cause dengue hemorrhagic fever and death. A better understanding of the host pathogen interaction is required to develop effective therapies to treat DENV. In particular, very little is known about how cellular RNA binding proteins interact with viral RNAs. RNAs within cells are not naked; rather they are coated with proteins that affect localization, stability, translation and (for viruses) replication. Methodology/Principal Findings Seventy-nine novel RNA binding proteins for dengue virus (DENV) were identified by cross-linking proteins to dengue viral RNA during a live infection in human cells. These cellular proteins were specific and distinct from those previously identified for poliovirus, suggesting a specialized role for these factors in DENV amplification. Knockdown of these proteins demonstrated their function as viral host factors, with evidence for some factors acting early, while others late in infection. Their requirement by DENV for efficient amplification is likely specific, since protein knockdown did not impair the cell fitness for viral amplification of an unrelated virus. The protein abundances of these host factors were not significantly altered during DENV infection, suggesting their interaction with DENV RNA was due to specific recruitment mechanisms. However, at the global proteome level, DENV altered the abundances of proteins in particular classes, including transporter proteins, which were down regulated, and proteins in the ubiquitin proteasome pathway, which were up regulated. Conclusions/Significance The method for identification of host factors described here is robust and broadly applicable to all RNA viruses, providing an avenue to determine the conserved or distinct mechanisms through which diverse viruses manage the viral RNA within cells. This study significantly increases the number of cellular factors known to interact with DENV and reveals how DENV modulates and usurps cellular proteins for efficient amplification.
Visualizing the Laplace domain

A new computer-based plotting method for the Laplace transform is presented. This graphical approach demonstrates several numerical advantages over previous techniques, and lets designers visualize more fully the mathematical properties of the entire complex frequency domain. Moreover, pole and zero locations may be found graphically without any of the convergence issues commonly encountered with the iterative pole-zero analysis of simulation tools. Design of feedback systems with a complicated loci of roots in the Laplace domain can be aided with simple computational tools.
The case of the malfunctioning sandblaster

In this paper we discuss a real life accident investigation in which the authors were asked to serve as expert witnesses in a court of law. In this paper, we discuss the accident, our investigative approach and its findings. The valuable lessons learned from this investigation can help avoid future mishaps. The accident occurred when a construction worker using a sandblaster paused his sand-blasting activities to change his face shield. While unprotected, his sandblaster went ‘ON’ unexpectedly and began spraying him with sand particles at very high velocities. He attempted to shield himself with his arm and suffered serious injuries from the blast.
Glucagon for refractory asthma exacerbation

Glucagon, a hormone secreted by pancreatic alpha cells, causes bronchial smooth muscle relaxation by activating the synthesis of cyclic adenosine monophosphate. It was studied in the 1980s and 1990s as a treatment option for the management of asthma but has since not been evaluated. Data to support its use are limited, but it may serve as a last-line agent for refractory asthma exacerbation. Here we describe 4 cases in which intravenous glucagon was used to manage severe, refractory asthma exacerbation in the emergency department.
Enhanced interfacial activity of multi-arm poly(ethylene oxide) star polymers relative to linear poly(ethylene oxide) at fluid interfaces

Interfacial tension reduction, dynamic dilatational elasticity and extent of adsorption were investigated for linear poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) chains of varying molecular weight and for PEO star polymers with an average of 64 arms per star at air/water, xylene/water, and cyclohexane/water interfaces. Adsorption on planar interfaces was monitored by ellipsometry, while interfacial tension and dilatational elasticity were measured separately by pendant drop tensiometry. Previously reported to be efficient emulsifiers, PEO stars are shown here to also be more effective foaming agents than linear PEO. Accordingly, PEO stars adsorb to a greater extent and produce larger interfacial tension reduction and greater dynamic dilatational moduli than linear PEO. The more extensive adsorption and greater interfacial tension reduction for PEO stars are attributed to their compactness. More mass is introduced per unit area of interface, and more interfacial penetration is achieved, upon their adsorption than for adsorption of linear polymers that adopt the conformation of loops, trains and tails. Whereas cyclohexane is a non-solvent for PEO, xylene is a good solvent. Dispersing PEO stars in the xylene phase yields greater interfacial tension reduction at the xylene/water interface than occurs when initially dispersing PEO stars in the aqueous phase. In contrast, the interfacial tension for linear PEO shows no dependence on the phase from which it adsorbs. Ellipsometry confirms the path-dependent extent of adsorption to the xylene/water interface, but also reveals additional complexity. When adsorbing from xylene, thick interfacial films result that likely contain dispersed water, as suggested by the observation of spontaneous water-in-xylene emulsification when PEO stars are initially dispersed in xylene. This is tentatively attributed to shear provided by Marangoni flow. Spontaneous emulsification occurs only when PEO stars are initially dispersed in the xylene phase. Linear PEO produces neither thick interfacial films nor spontaneous emulsification.
The Seasonality of Prehistoric Caribou Hunting in Northeastern North America

It is widely accepted that caribou were an important resource for Paleoindian economies and lifeways in northeastern North America. The existence of large aggregation sites, such as Bull Brook, fur...
The Limits of Logic

(1970). The Limits of Logic. The Journal of the American Forensic Association: Vol. 7, No. 2, pp. 71-78.
Predicting complicated outcomes in spinal cord injury patients with urinary tract infection: Development and internal validation of a risk model

Context/objective: Patients with chronic SCI hospitalized for UTI can have significant morbidity. It is unclear whether SIRS criteria, SOFA score, or quick SOFA score can be used to predict complic...
Structural basis for membrane anchoring and fusion regulation of the Herpes Simplex Virus fusogen gB

Viral fusogens merge viral and cell membranes during cell penetration. Their ectodomains drive fusion by undergoing large-scale refolding, but little is known about the functionally important regions located within or near the membrane. Here we report the crystal structure of full-length glycoprotein B (gB), the fusogen from herpes simplex virus, complemented by electron spin resonance measurements. The membrane-proximal (MPR), transmembrane (TMD), and cytoplasmic (CTD) domains form a uniquely folded trimeric pedestal beneath the ectodomain, which balances dynamic flexibility with extensive, stabilizing membrane interactions. The postfusion conformation of the ectodomain suggests that the CTD likewise adopted the postfusion form. However, hyperfusogenic mutations, which destabilize the prefusion state of gB, target key interfaces and structural motifs that reinforce the observed CTD structure. Thus, a similar CTD structure must stabilize gB in its prefusion state. Our data suggest a model for how this dynamic, membrane-dependent 'clamp' controls the fusogenic refolding of gB.
Focused ultrasound-enabled delivery of radiolabeled nanoclusters to the pons.

Abstract The goal of this study was to establish the feasibility of integrating focused ultrasound (FUS)-mediated delivery of 64Cu-integrated gold nanoclusters (64Cu-AuNCs) to the pons for in vivo quantification of the nanocluster brain uptake using positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. FUS was targeted at the pons for the blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption in the presence of systemically injected microbubbles, followed by the intravenous injection of 64Cu-AuNCs. The spatiotemporal distribution of the 64Cu-AuNCs in the brain was quantified using in vivo microPET/CT imaging at different time points post injection. Following PET imaging, the accumulation of radioactivity in the pons was further confirmed using autoradiography and gamma counting, and the gold concentration was quantified using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). We found that the noninvasive and localized BBB opening by the FUS successfully delivered the 64Cu-AuNCs to the pons. We also demonstrated that in vivo real-time microPET/CT imaging was a reliable method for monitoring and quantifying the brain uptake of 64Cu-AuNCs delivered by the FUS. This drug delivery platform that integrates FUS, radiolabeled nanoclusters, and PET imaging provides a new strategy for noninvasive and localized nanoparticle delivery to the pons with concurrent in vivo quantitative imaging to evaluate delivery efficiency. The long-term goal is to apply this drug delivery platform to the treatment of pontine gliomas.
Acoustic Tomography and Wave Propagation in Natural Bubble Fields

The physical properties and internal structure of natural bubble fields can have a significant impact on acoustic wave propagation through bubbly water due to increased dispersion and attenuation. The research reported here combined acoustic tomography and an effective medium approximation for linear acoustics in bubbly water to quantify the effects of this dispersion and attenuation. The feasibility of acoustic tomography as a suitable method to determine the internal structure of natural bubble clouds and effective medium approximations to describe the wave propagation was investigated. Acoustic tomography has resolved local variations in the attenuation of an acoustic signal within bubbly water. Progress has been made on a tomographic algorithm for estimation of group velocity via an excess travel time. Measurements of attenuation and group velocity and recent improvements in an effective medium approximation for wave propagation in bubbly water can yield estimates of physical properties of natural bubble fields (e.g., bubble size distributions and void fractions).
Cross-neutralization between vaccine and circulating wild-type mumps viruses in Korea

Abstract Mumps is a contagious disease caused by the mumps virus. It can be prevented using mumps vaccines, administered as a measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. For first and second dose immunization, children aged 12–15 months and 4–6 years have been administered this vaccine since 1997 in Korea. Nevertheless, mumps outbreaks still occur in vaccinated populations worldwide. Hence, immunity against these diseases may be attenuated, or there are antigenic differences between currently available vaccine strains and circulating wild-type viruses. After the introduction of national immunization programs in Korea, mumps cases became sporadic. Viral genotypes F, H, and I have emerged since 1998 whereas the vaccine strains belong to genotype A. Here, we compared the amino acid sequences of the haemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) gene from wild-type viruses and the mumps vaccine and measured the cross-neutralization titers between them. We selected the F, H, and I wild-type mumps strains circulating in Korea from 1998 to 2016 and analyzed changes in the amino acid sequence of the protein encoded by the HN gene. We measured mumps virus-specific IgG and rapid focus reduction neutralization test (FRNT) titers in Korean isolates and sera obtained from 50 children aged 1–2 years who had been administered a single dose of MMR vaccine. Analysis of the HN protein sequences disclosed no changes in the glycosylation sites but did reveal 4–5 differences between the Korean isolates and the genotype A vaccine strain in terms of the neutralizing epitope sites on their HN proteins. Post-vaccination FRNT titers were significantly lower against genotypes F, H, and I than they were against genotype A. This finding highlights the possibility of a recurrence of mumps outbreaks in vaccinated populations depending on the degree of genetic conservation of the HN gene. Further research into this issue is needed to prevent the resurgence of mumps.
Postcolonial Automobility and the collision of forms: a response

If I had one hope for Postcolonial Automobility it was that the book would prove generative, that it would be of interest not only to scholars working on automobility and transportation but that it...
4.7 A Compact DC-to-108GHz Stacked-SOI Distributed PA/Driver Using Multi-Drive Inter-Stack Coupling, Achieving 1.525THz GBW, 20.8dBm Peak P 1dB , and Over 100Gb/s in 64-QAM and PAM-4 Modulation

Distributed amplifiers (DAs) are important circuit blocks for wireline optical links, high-resolution imaging systems, and millimeter-wave instrumentation. A clear trade-off exits in DAs between the gain and output power from one side and the bandwidth and chip area from the other. In this work, we propose a compact 23dB-gain CMOS distributed power amplifier (DPA) that operates from DC to 108GHz using several techniques to alleviate the output power-bandwidth tradeoff. The DPA exploits the complementary nature of NMOS-PMOS to minimize AM-AM and AM-PM distortion and achieves over 100Gb/s in both 64-QAM and PAM4 modulation.
Top Picks in Computer Architecture from Conferences in 2018

The author introduces the top picks selection of papers in computer architecture that were published in 2018. This is the 16th year of publication of what has now become a tradition in the computer architecture community. Each year, the MICRO Top Picks selection committee, which I chaired for this year, selects 12 papers for this special issue, to highlight for the IEEE Micro readership, a sample of the papers published in 2018 that have architectural contributions of potentially high impact and significance. After a short review of the selection process the papers are briefly summarized.
Variable-Pole Induction Machine Drive for Electric Vehicles

High power density, high efficiency, and inexpensive drivetrains operating over wide speed and torque ranges are critical for electric vehicles (EVs). The induction machine (IM) offers a cost-effective and reliable alternative to permanent magnet-based solutions. A fixed pole IM's high torque requirement at low speed sacrifices its performance at partial loads and high speeds. A variable-pole IM has an additional degree of freedom which is the pole count. This paper uses a variable pole count to improve IM performance over a wide torque and speed range. An approach to select the best pole configuration for a given operation strategy is presented. For illustration, a maximum torque per ampere (MTPA) strategy is used on a 36-slot toroidally wound IM. Variable-pole operation increases the torque capability of the machine and enlarges its high efficiency region to a wide speed range. The analytical results provide guidelines for designing and operating a variable-pole machine tailored for this application.
Acute postoperative sepsis mimicking symptomology suspicious for malignant hyperthermia: case report

Abstract Background Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction with non-specific clinical features that can mimic other clinical conditions with hyper metabolic state such as malignant hyperthermia. Perioperatively anesthesia providers come across such scenarios, which are extremely challenging with the need for urgent intervention. Objective To illustrate the need for early intervention and consultation for added assistance to approach and rule out malignant hyperthermia and other possible causes during such a scenario. Case report A 63-year-old male underwent an uneventful elective flexible cystoscopy and transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy. Postoperatively he developed symptoms raising suspicion for malignant hyperthermia. Immediately malignant hyperthermia protocol was initiated that included administration of dantrolene and consultation of malignant hyperthermia association hotline along with other diagnostic and interventional management aimed at patient optimization. While early administration of dantrolene helped in hemodynamically stabilizing the patient, the consultation with other providers and malignant hyperthermia association hotline along with repeated examinations and lab works helped in ruling out malignant hyperthermia as the possible diagnosis. The patient later recovered in the intensive care unit where he was treated for the bacteremia that grew in his blood cultures. Conclusions Sepsis shares clinical symptoms that mimic malignant hyperthermia. While sepsis rapidly progresses to secondary injuries, malignant hyperthermia is life threatening. Providing ideal care requires good clinical judgment and a high level of suspicion where timely and appropriate care such as early administration of dantrolene and consultation of malignant hyperthermia association hotline for added assistance can influence positive outcomes.
Effect of junction-to-nanowire resistance ratio on the percolation conductivity and critical exponents of nanowire networks

Using Monte Carlo simulations, we study the effect of the junction-to-nanowire resistance ratio on the percolation transport in nanowire networks. By varying the resistance ratio over a span of six orders of magnitude, we first investigate its effect on the conductivity of nanowire networks at different values of five parameters, namely, nanowire density, nanowire length, device width, nanowire alignment, and curviness. We find that the network conductivity decreases with an increase in the resistance ratio, which is most pronounced close to the percolation threshold. We also find that the network resistivity depends linearly on the resistance ratio in the junction-dominated regime, with the slope increasing as the network approaches the percolation threshold. For nanowire alignment, however, the minimum slope occurs for a partially aligned network, rather than a completely random one. Next, we study the effect of the resistance ratio on the percolation critical exponents for each of the five parameters. We find that that the critical exponents increase as the resistance ratio increases from a nanowire-dominated to a junction-dominated network; however, the amount of this increase depends on the parameter being varied. We explain these findings by physical arguments based on percolation transport. These results, which can be applied to any two-dimensional network comprised of one-dimensional nanoelements, show that Monte Carlo simulations are crucial for not only studying the physics of percolation transport in nanowire networks, but also enabling predictive modeling and optimization of nanowire networks for a wide range of device applications, such as transparent conductors and resistive switching memory.
The economic burden of opioid use disorder and fatal opioid overdose in the United States, 2017.

Abstract Background The United States (U.S.) is experiencing an ongoing opioid crisis. Economic burden estimates that describe the impact of the crisis are needed when considering federal and state resources devoted to addressing overdoses. In this study, we estimate the societal costs for opioid use disorder and fatal overdose from all opioids in 2017. Methods We estimated costs of fatal overdose from all opioids and opioid use disorder based on the incidence of overdose deaths and the prevalence of past-year opioid use disorder for 2017. Incidence of fatal opioid overdose was obtained from the National Vital Statistics System; prevalence of past-year opioid use disorder was estimated from the National Survey of Drug Use and Health. Costs were estimated for health care, criminal justice and lost productivity. Costs for the reduced quality of life for opioid use disorder and life lost due to fatal opioid overdose were valued using U.S. Department of Health and Human Services guidelines for valuing reductions in morbidity and mortality. Results Costs for opioid use disorder and fatal opioid overdose in 2017 were estimated to be $1.02 trillion. The majority of the economic burden is due to reduced quality of life from opioid use disorder and the value of life lost due to fatal opioid overdose. Conclusions These estimates can assist decision makers in understanding the magnitude of opioid use disorder and fatal overdose. Knowing the magnitude and distribution of the economic burden can inform public policy, clinical practice, research, and prevention and response activities.
Review of Adam Ellwanger’s Metanoia : Metanoia: Rhetoric, Authenticity, and the Transformation of the Self, by A. Ellwanger, Pennsylvania State University Press, 2020, 216 pp., $89.95, ISBN: 978-0-271-08592-0

Ellwanger’s Metanoia makes a persuasive argument for including metanoia more explicitly in the rhetorical tradition alongside logos, ethos, pathos, and kairos. Initially, Ellwanger (2020) explains ...
Data-driven approaches for runoff prediction using distributed data

Accurate rainfall-runoff modelling is particularly challenging due to complex nonlinear relationships between various factors such as rainfall characteristics, soil properties, land use, and temporal lags. Recently, with improvements to computation systems and resources, data-driven models have shown good performances for runoff forecasting. However, the relative performance of common data-driven models using small temporal resolutions is still unclear. This study presents an application of data-driven models using artificial neural network, support vector regression and long-short term memory approaches and distributed forcing data for runoff predictions between 2010 and 2019 in the Russian River basin, California, USA. These models were used to predict hourly runoff with 1–6 h of lead time using precipitation, soil moisture, baseflow and land surface temperature datasets provided from the North American Land Data Assimilation System. The predicted results were evaluated in terms of seasonal and event-based performance using various statistical metrics. The results showed that the long-short term memory and support vector regression models outperforms artificial neural network model for hourly runoff forecasting, and the predictive performance of the models was greater during the wet seasons compared to the dry seasons. In addition, a comparison of the data-driven model results with the National Water Model, a fully distributed physical-based hydrologic model, showed that the long-short term memory and support vector regression models provide comparable performance. The results demonstrate that data-driven models for hourly runoff forecasting are sufficiently predictive and useful in areas where observation systems are not available.
Decision making with uncertainty using the LRM method: MATLAB versus Java

Challenges arise when sources of data are needed to provide information to teams of humans in multi-domain battle. Some critical challenges include the dependence and inter-dependence of heterogeneous devices and the uncertainty of information (UoI) obtained from these devices. UoI significantly affects the decision-making process and humans rely on underlying reasons for uncertainty in making decisions that rely on devices and data from these devices. The LRM Method is an excellent tool utilized to assist a decision-maker in support of military relevant operations. Previously, the LRM algorithm optimized the UoI and determined the decomposition of the UoI into its various elements via MATLAB. In recent work, the LRM algorithm is performed via Java. Although both algorithms compute the UoI to an error of within a negligible tolerance, there are small disparities in the decomposition of the UoI. Decomposing the UoI into its various parts is the main benefit of utilizing the LRM Method. These differences can have a significant impact on the decision-maker and the decision-making process.
Air-to-fuel ratio error source determination for a spark-ignition engine using a disturbance observer

Air-to-fuel ratio (AFR) errors during spark-ignition (SI) engine operation lead to degraded torque tracking performance, increased fuel consumption, and decreased catalyst efficiency. Errors in AFR are commonly sensed using an exhaust gas oxygen sensor and can be caused by a variety of sources. This sensing methodology makes it difficult to distinguish one error source from another. For engine control, it is common practice to assume the error source is in one or two areas regardless of the actual source(s) of error. Identifying the proper AFR error sources is the focus of this research. A disturbance observer is utilised to distinguish errors related to air charge estimation, fuel injection quantity, and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) simultaneously. This methodology utilises several engine gas-path sensors in combination with a system model to identify error sources. The proposed method is implemented experimentally and demonstrates the ability to properly identify error sources.
Case Report: Dental Findings Can Aid in Early Diagnosis of APECED Syndrome

Autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy (APECED), also known as autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1 (APS-1), is a rare genetic disorder caused most often by biallelic mutations in the AIRE gene. Classic clinical findings of the disease are chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis and autoimmunity that primarily targets endocrine tissues, such as hypoparathyroidism and adrenal insufficiency. Recently, however, it has been appreciated that enamel hypoplasia, together with intestinal malabsorption and a characteristic APECED rash, is a prominent early disease manifestation of APECED which can aid in the diagnosis of disease before other potentially life-threatening disease manifestations occur. To demonstrate this point, we present data from a cohort of APECED patients, approximately 70% of who present with enamel dysplasia at an early age. Importantly, early life presentation with enamel dysplasia was predictive of likelihood of development of a subsequent APECED diagnosis. Furthermore, we present a case of a patient with APECED and severe enamel defects and discuss the utility of medical-dental professional co-operation in the diagnosis and management of this complex disorder.
Practice variation in the immediate postoperative care of pediatric liver transplant patients: Framework for a national consensus

Advancements in critical care management have led to improvement in pediatric LT outcomes. However, there are no specific guidelines for many aspects of immediate post-LT care. This survey examines practice variations in the immediate postoperative care of pediatric LT patients at a large number of active US centers. This study is a cross-sectional survey of medical directors at PALISI-affiliated PICU in the United States. Centers performing pediatric LT were analyzed. Study measures included PICU practices regarding staffing, composition of the multidisciplinary team, early post-LT graft and patient monitoring, and anticoagulation. Of the thirty-five responding centers, twenty-five had a LT program which accounted for one-half of all US pediatric LTs. For analysis, centers were categorized by volume: high (7), medium (11), and low (7). The majority of PICU teams included an intensivist (80%) and hepatologist (84%). High-volume centers were less likely to have 24-hour in-house attending coverage (29%, compared to 64% (medium) and 100% (low)). High-volume centers were most likely to have pre-printed orders, but least likely to have written PICU management protocols. Most centers utilize routine daily liver ultrasound. Routine prophylactic anticoagulation, and the agent of choice, was variable. There is marked inconsistency in post-LT practice across PALISI centers in regards to team composition and immediate post-LT management. A national US consensus for post-LT PICU practices would facilitate outcomes research and would establish a platform for multicenter studies.
Genetic architecture underlying variation in floral meristem termination in Aquilegia

Floral organs are produced by floral meristems (FMs), which harbor stem cells in their centers. Since each flower only has a finite number of organs, the stem cell activity of a FM will always terminate at a specific time point, a process termed floral meristem termination (FMT). Variation in the timing of FMT can give rise to floral morphological diversity, but how this process is fine-tuned at a developmental and evolutionary level is poorly understood. Flowers from the genus Aquilegia share identical floral organ arrangement except for stamen whorl numbers (SWN), making Aquilegia a well-suited system for investigation of this process: differences in SWN between species represent differences in the timing of FMT. By crossing A. canadensis and A. brevistyla, quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping has revealed a complex genetic architecture with seven QTL. We identified potential candidate genes under each QTL and characterized novel expression patterns of select candidate genes using in situ hybridization. To our knowledge, this is the first attempt to dissect the genetic basis of how natural variation in the timing of FMT is regulated and our results provide insight into how floral morphological diversity can be generated at the meristematic level.