cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Game Theoretic Framework for Power Control in Wireless Sensor Networks

In infrastructure-less sensor networks, efficient usage of energy is very critical because of the limited energy available to the sensor nodes. Among various phenomena that consume energy, radio communication is by far the most demanding one. One of the effective ways to limit unnecessary energy loss is to control the power at which the nodes transmit signals. In this paper, we apply game theory to solve the power control problem in a CDMA-based distributed sensor network. We formulate a noncooperative game under incomplete information and study the existence of Nash equilibrium. With the help of this equilibrium, we devise a distributed algorithm for optimal power control and prove that the system is power stable only if the nodes comply with certain transmit power thresholds. We show that even in a noncooperative scenario, it is in the best interest of the nodes to comply with these thresholds. The power level at which a node should transmit, to maximize its utility, is evaluated. Moreover, we compare the utilities when the nodes are allowed to transmit with discrete and continuous power levels; the performance with discrete levels is upper bounded by the continuous case. We define a distortion metric that gives a quantitative measure of the goodness of having finite power levels and also find those levels that minimize the distortion. Numerical results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm achieves the best possible payoff/utility for the sensor nodes even by consuming less power.
A Two-Layer First-Order Closure Model for the Study of the Baroclinic Atmospheric Boundary Layer

Abstract A steady-state two-layer model has been developed for the baroclinic boundary layer. The lower layer is the constant flux surface layer (SL) in which the eddy viscosity K varies with height and stability according to the Monin-Obukhov similarity theory; the upper one is the Ekman layer in which K is fixed at the value attained at the top of the SL. The equations of motion in the Ekman layer are solved using the Green's function approach. The lower boundary condition gives two equations from which the nondi-mensionalized friction velocity u*/Vg0 and the cross-isobaric angle α0 can be obtained in terms of the other known parameters. These equations are compared with the resistance laws. The boundary condition also is given a geometrical interpretation. It has been shown that if Vg(z) is linear, the variation of α0 and u*/Vg0 with θ, the angle between Vg(0) (surface isobars) and thermal wind (isotherms), is sinusoidal. Also, there is a phase difference of 90° between the variation of α0 and u*/Vg0, ...
Current guidelines for total joint VTE prophylaxis: dawn of a new day

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains an immediate threat to patients following total hip and knee replacement. While there is a strong consensus that steps should be taken to minimise the risk to patients by utilising some forms of prophylaxis for the vast majority of patients, the methods utilised have been extremely variable. Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) have been published by various professional organisations for over 25 years to provide recommendations to standardise VTE prophylaxis. Historically, these recommendations have varied widely depending in underlying assumptions, goals, and methodology of the various groups. This effort has previously been exemplified by the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). The former group of medical specialists targeted minimising venographically proven deep vein thrombosis (DVT) (the vast majority of which are asymptomatic) as their primary goal prior to 2012. The latter group of surgeons targeted minimising symptomatic VTE. As a result prior to 2012, the recommendations of the two groups were widely divergent. In the past year, both groups have reassessed the current literature with the principal goals of minimising symptomatic VTE events and bleeding complications. As a result, for the first time the CPGs of these two major subspecialty organisations are in close agreement.
Comparison of Standard Light Water Reactor Cross-Section Libraries using the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission Boiling Water Reactor Benchmark Problem

This paper describes a comparison of contemporary and historical light water reactor shielding and pressure vessel dosimetry cross-section libraries for a boiling water reactor calculational benchmark problem. The calculational benchmark problem was developed at Brookhaven National Laboratory by the request of the U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The benchmark problem was originally evaluated by Brookhaven National Laboratory using the Oak Ridge National Laboratory discrete ordinates code DORT and the BUGLE-93 cross-section library. In this paper, the Westinghouse RAPTOR-M3G three-dimensional discrete ordinates code was used. A variety of cross-section libraries were used with RAPTOR-M3G including the BUGLE93, BUGLE-96, and BUGLE-B7 cross-section libraries developed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and ALPAN-VII.0 developed at Westinghouse. In comparing the calculated fast reaction rates using the four aforementioned cross-section libraries in the pressure vessel capsule, for six dosimetry reaction rates, a maximum relative difference of 8% was observed. As such, it is concluded that the results calculated by RAPTOR-M3G are consistent with the benchmark and further that the different vintage BUGLE cross-section libraries investigated are largely self-consistent.
Disease Risks ·Posed by Wild Birds Associated with Agricultural Landscapes

Abstract Wild birds are capable of pathogen carriage, acting as reservoirs, and becoming infected with a wide variety of pathogens, some of which are zoonoses. This review focuses on the avian species and pathogens that represent the greatest likelihood to be of concern at the agricultural production and processing level. Risk was assessed using information derived from urban human health, water quality, poultry, livestock production, wildlife health, and the veterinary literature. Despite the lack of direct evidence available relating to birds and the risks to farm-side production and processing of produce, it appears there is ample evidence to support the notion that birds can pose a human health risk by serving as a source of contamination of produce and crops. The most significant factor posed by birds is fecal contamination of water, which is subsequently used for irrigation or processing produce or fruits. Other important risk factors for contamination of field and fruit crops is proximity to landfills and wastewater treatment facilities. Mitigation measures, such as exclusion or hazing, can be reasonably applied if the resource attractive to birds is spatially localized. However, mitigation becomes more problematic from a cost and logistical perspective across large landscapes.
Age-Related Differences in the Acquisition, Transfer, and Retention of Using an Automatic Teller Machine

The present study trained older and younger adults to use a simulated automatic teller machine. Training consisted of practice on transactions with immediate, substantial feedback provided by the experimenter. Both younger and older adults' performance improved with practice on the task. Performance declined when participants had to transfer to related transaction types on a different version of the simulator. After a one month retention interval, no significant declines in performance were detected for the transfer task. Older adults were shown to have achieved higher levels of performance than seen in related types of studies, and were able to transfer and retain performance ability.
“Transfer”of Complement from One Antigen-Antibody Complex to Another.

SummaryThe “transfer”to soluble I∗BSA-anti BSA complexes of guinea pig complement which had previously been fixed to S III-anti S III and Ea-anti Ea precipitates has been demonstrated. This “transfer”of complement was achieved if the complement containing precipitates were added directly to the complexes or first dissociated with excess antigen. It was found that Ca++ and Mg++ inhibited this “transfer”of complement. The only detectable component of complement released from antibody-antigen-complement precipitates by excess antigen was hemolytically active C′1. Complement which had been fixed to Ea-anti Ea precipitates retarded the establishment of the equilibrium between antibody and antigen when excess antigen was added to these precipitates. It was also shown that the time during which precipitates (antibody + antigen or antibody + antigen + complement) were incubated had only a minor effect on the rate of dissociation of the precipitates with excess antigen.
Cystic Lung Disease Among Patients With Sjögren Syndrome: Frequency, Natural History, and Associated Risk Factors

Background Cystic lung disease (CLD) in Sjogren syndrome (SS) is a condition with unclear prognostic implications. Our objectives in this study are to determine its frequency, progression over time, and associated risk factors and complications. Methods Eighty-four patients with primary or secondary SS and chest imaging, chest radiograph, or CT scan were retrospectively evaluated for CLD. Thirteen patients with cysts were found. Baseline characteristics of all patients were collected. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to look for predictors of CLD in patients with CT scan. Additional imaging, SS activity, and complications from CLD and SS were collected for the patients with cysts. Results CLD had a frequency of 15.4% for all patients with chest imaging. Not all cysts were evident on radiography, and CLD frequency was 30.9% for the patients with chest CT scan. Six patients had cysts without other radiographic findings. CLD was associated with older age (OR, 1.1; 95% CI, 1.0-1.16), a diagnosis of secondary SS (OR, 12.1; 95% CI, 1.12-130.4), and seropositivity for anti-SS-related antigen A/Ro autoantibodies (OR, 26.9; 95% CI, 1.44-93.61). There was no radiologic progression of CLD for 12 patients after a 4-year median follow-up. Lung function did not exhibit temporal worsening. CLD did not correlate with a specific pattern in pulmonary function testing. Two patients had secondary infectious complications of the cysts. Conclusions CLD is a relatively common condition in SS that does not progress on serial radiologic and lung function follow-up. CLD, without other radiographic findings, may represent a direct manifestation of SS.
Endometrial adenocarcinoma within a single horn of a didelphic uterus: a report of 2 cases.

BACKGROUND: Didelphic uterus results from incomplete fusion of the mullerian ducts. CASES: In 2 cases, endometrial adenocarcinoma arose in 1 horn of a didelphic uterus. CONCLUSION: Clinicians should be aware of mullerian anomalies, which may go undetected, resulting in diagnostic delay.
A novel social contact graph-based routing strategy for workload and throughput fairness in delay tolerant networks

Delay-tolerant networks are sparse mobile ad hoc networks in which there is typically no complete path between the source and destination. Although many routing schemes for delay-tolerant networks have been proposed, they do not address fairness issues in terms of the workload/traffic handled at each node and the share of throughput among different destination nodes. In this paper, we propose a socially aware routing strategy that optimizes both fairness and throughput. A relay node is selected based on the multi-hop delivery probability and its queue length. The effect of queue length control is to divert traffic away from highly connected nodes and allows nodes to explore less-congested paths to the destination. This helps balance the network loads, thus achieving workload fairness. Furthermore, to achieve throughput fairness, we sort arriving messages into different destination-based queues. Messages are then scheduled following a two-level forwarding strategy that optimizes throughput fairness using round-robin and delivery ratio using priority scheduling. Extensive real-trace-driven simulation results show that our scheme outperforms existing algorithms in terms of the delivery ratio. Furthermore, our scheme achieves a high throughput fairness, while distributing the network loads more evenly, with the top 10% of network nodes handling only 22% of the forwardings. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CMCs for the long run

The structural and environmental requirements for ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) are most demanding in aerospace applications involving human transport; this need for extreme reliability has led to intensive investigations of criteria for high CMC integrity. The ideal properties of a fiber-reinforced CMC have been found to depend on the use of high aspect ratio fibers capable of maximum strength retention during fabrication, uniform fiber infiltration by the matrix material, high matrix oxidation resistance in elevated temperature applications, and a fiber/matrix interface that accommodates debonding in the presence of matrix cracks.
Perspectives of physicians and nurses on identifying and treating psychological distress of the critically ill

Abstract Purpose Survivors of critical illness are frequently unable to return to their premorbid level of psychocognitive functioning following discharge. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the burden of psychological trauma experienced by patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) as perceived by clinicians to assess factors that can impede its recognition and treatment in the ICU. Materials and methods Two distinct role-specific Web-based surveys were administered to critical care physicians and nurses in medical and surgical ICUs of 2 academic medical centers. Responses were analyzed in the domains of psychological trauma, exacerbating/mitigating factors, and provider-patient communication. Results A survey was completed by 43 physicians and 55 nurses with a response rate of 62% and 37%, respectively. Among physicians, 65% consistently consider the psychological state of the patient in decision making; 77% think it is important to introduce a system to document psychological state of ICU patients; 56% would like to have more time to communicate with patients; 77% consistently spend extra time at bedside besides rounds and often hold patient's hand/reassure them. Notably, for the question about the average level of psychological stress experienced by a patient in the ICU (with 0 = no stress and 100 = worst stress imaginable) during initial treatment stage and by the end of the ICU stay, median assessment by both physicians and nurses was 80 for the initial stress level and 68 for the stress level by the end of the ICU stay. Among nurses, 69% always try to minimize noise and 73% actively promote patient's rest. Physicians and nurses provided multiple specific suggestions for improving ICU environment and communication. Conclusions Both physicians and nurses acknowledge that they perceive that critically ill patients experience a high level of psychological stress that persists throughout their period of illness. Improved understanding of this phenomenon is needed to design effective therapeutic interventions. Although the lack of time is identified as significant barrier to ameliorating patient's psychological stress, the majority of clinicians indicate that they attempt to provide interventions to achieve this goal.
Step-wise loss of antidepressant effectiveness with repeated antidepressant trials in bipolar II depression.

Objective This study examined the relationship between the number of prior antidepressant treatment trials and step-wise increase in pharmacodynamic tolerance (or progressive loss of effectiveness) in subjects with bipolar II depression. Methods Subjects ≥18 years old with bipolar II depression (n=129) were randomized to double-blind venlafaxine or lithium carbonate monotherapy for 12 weeks. Responders (n=59) received continuation monotherapy for six additional months. Results After controlling for baseline covariates of prior medications, there was a 25% reduction in the likelihood of response to treatment with each increase in the number of prior antidepressant trials (odds ratio [OR]=0.75, unstandardized coefficient [B]=−0.29, standard error (SE)=0.12; χ2=5.70, P<.02], as well as a 32% reduction in the likelihood of remission with each prior antidepressant trial (OR=0.68, B=−0.39, SE=0.13; χ2=9.71, P=.002). This step-wise increase in pharmacodynamic tolerance occurred in both treatment conditions. Prior selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) therapy was specifically associated with a step-wise increase in tolerance, whereas other prior antidepressants or mood stabilizers were not associated with pharmacodynamic tolerance. Neither the number of prior antidepressants, nor the number of prior SSRIs, or mood stabilizers, were associated with an increase in relapse during continuation therapy. Conclusions The odds of responding or remitting during venlafaxine or lithium monotherapy were reduced by 25% and 32%, respectively, with each increase in the number of prior antidepressant treatment trials. There was no relationship between prior antidepressant exposure and depressive relapse during continuation therapy of bipolar II disorder.
A phase 1 study of belinostat (PXD101) in combination with bortezomib in patients with advanced solid tumors and lymphoma

A149 Background: Belinostat (B) is a low molecular weight, synthetic hydroxamic acid derivative that inhibits class I and II histone deacetylases. Bortezomib (Bz) is a potent, selective inhibitor of the 26S proteasome. In preclinical studies, synergistic antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effects were observed with the combination, providing the rationale for this study. Methods: This phase 1 study is designed to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and to evaluate the safety and pharmacokinetic (PK) behavior of the combination of B and Bz. Each 21-day treatment cycle consists of B (600-1000 mg/m 2 ) IV daily over 30 minutes on days 1-5 and Bz (0.7-1.5 mg/m 2 ) IVP over 2-5 seconds on days 1, 4, 8, and 11 (days 2, 5, 8, and 11 cycle 1 only). Results: To date, 15 patients have been enrolled (median age 54 [range 27-72]; median PS 1 [range 0-1]). Twelve patients are evaluable for toxicity and have received a total of 27 treatment courses (crs) (median 2 [range 1-4]). Two patients at dose level 3 (B: 600 mg/m 2 / Bz: 1.3 mg/m 2 ) experienced a dose limiting toxicity (DLT), grade (gr) 3 dehydration and gr 4 thrombocytopenia, both of which required a dose reduction. The exact relationship of the gr 3 dehydration and study combination is unclear as the patient had uncontrolled constipation and decreased oral intake as a result of a change in pain medications on cr 1 day 1. One patient at this dose level had an asymptomatic gr 2 cardiac conduction abnormality that resolved. Most adverse events (AEs) have been mild to moderate. Gr 1-2 AEs include anorexia (3 crs), acute infusion reaction (5 crs), fatigue (6 crs), nausea (16 crs), neutropenia (1cr), pain (6 crs), phlebitis (3 crs), thrombocyctopenia (1 cr), and vomiting (11 crs). Gr 3 AEs (occurring after course 1) include anorexia (3 crs), dehydration, fatigue, nausea, vomiting (2 crs each), elevation of alkaline phosphatase (1 cr) and hypoalbuminemia (1 cr). One patient with Ewing’s Sarcoma maintained stable disease for 4 crs whereas two patients with peritoneal and appendiceal carcinoma maintained stable disease for 3 crs of therapy, respectively. Analysis of B PK demonstrates no statistical differences in the parameters between days 1 (B only) and 2 (B + Bz) for AUC, C max , clearance, and half-life. Conclusions: B in combination with Bz has been generally well tolerated. Toxicities primarily have been gr 1-2 in nature, with two DLTs, dehydration and thrombocytopenia, at dose level 3. PK data suggests no impact of Bz on the PK parameters of B. Due to the undefined association of the gr 3 dehydration and study combination, enrollment into dose level 3 has been expanded and is ongoing. Assessment of biological markers will be performed in an expanded cohort at the MTD.
Dynamic assembly of ultrasoft colloidal networks enables cell invasion within restrictive fibrillar polymers

In regenerative medicine, natural protein-based polymers offer enhanced endogenous bioactivity and potential for seamless integration with tissue, yet form weak hydrogels that lack the physical robustness required for surgical manipulation, making them difficult to apply in practice. The use of higher concentrations of protein, exogenous cross-linkers, and blending synthetic polymers has all been applied to form more mechanically robust networks. Each relies on generating a smaller network mesh size, which increases the elastic modulus and robustness, but critically inhibits cell spreading and migration, hampering tissue regeneration. Here we report two unique observations; first, that colloidal suspensions, at sufficiently high volume fraction (ϕ), dynamically assemble into a fully percolated 3D network within high-concentration protein polymers. Second, cells appear capable of leveraging these unique domains for highly efficient cell migration throughout the composite construct. In contrast to porogens, the particles in our system remain embedded within the bulk polymer, creating a network of particle-filled tunnels. Whereas this would normally physically restrict cell motility, when the particulate network is created using ultralow cross-linked microgels, the colloidal suspension displays viscous behavior on the same timescale as cell spreading and migration and thus enables efficient cell infiltration of the construct through the colloidal-filled tunnels.
Backcalculation of Flexible Pavement Layer Moduli from Traffic Speed Deflectometer Data

In the past few years, state transportation departments in the United States have been investigating the potential use of the traffic speed deflectometer (TSD) in routine network-level pavement structural evaluation, including efforts to compute parameters typically obtained with the falling weight deflectometer (FWD). However, differences in loading configuration (single plate versus dual tires) and mechanism (impact versus moving load) between the FWD and the TSD necessitate modification of conventional analysis methodologies for use with TSD data. The TSD is a trailer truck that uses Doppler lasers to measure the pavement deflection velocities at normal traffic speed. Deflection velocities are then converted to surface deflections with a computational algorithm. This study proposes two approaches to backcalculating layer moduli from the TSD data. The first method uses 3D-Move software and deflection velocities measured directly by the TSD. The 3D-Move software can closely simulate TSD loading by consid...
Global efforts toward the cure of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

Summary Improvements in risk-directed treatment and supportive care, together with increased reliance on both national and international collaborative studies, have made childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) one of the most curable human cancers. Next-generation sequencing studies of leukaemia cells and the host germline provide new opportunities for precision medicine and thus potential improvements in the cure rate and quality of life of patients. Efforts are underway to assess the global impact of childhood ALL and develop initiatives that can meet the long-term challenge of providing quality care to children with this disease worldwide and improving cure rates globally. This ambitious task will rely on increased collaborative research and international networking so that the therapeutic gains in high-income countries can be translated to patients in low-income and middle-income countries. Ultimately, the greatest obstacle to overcome will be to fully understand leukaemogenesis, enabling measures to decrease the risk of leukaemia development and thus close the last major gap in offering a cure to any child who might have the disease.
Feasibility of spinal cord stimulation in a patient with a cardiac pacemaker.

OBJECTIVE To report about the safe use of a spinal cord stimulator (SCS) and a permanent cardiac pacemaker (PPM). DESIGN Open-label case report. CASE DESCRIPTION A 75-year-old male with a history of diabetic polyneuropathy and a permanent pacemaker was followed for 6 months after implantation of a SCS. CONCLUSION The simultaneous use of bipolar SCS in a patient with a PPM is not contraindicated. However, because false inhibition of a cardiac pacemaker may potentially lead to serious events, individual testing is mandatory to ascertain safety in each patient.
Shallow Semantc Parsing of Chinese.

In this paper we address the question of assigning semantic roles to sentences in Chinese. We show that good semantic parsing results for Chinese can be achieved with a small 1100-sentence training set. In order to extract features from Chinese, we describe porting the Collins parser to Chinese, resulting in the best performance currently reported on Chinese syntactic parsing; we include our headrules in the appendix. Finally, we compare English and Chinese semantic-parsing performance. While slight differences in argument labeling make a perfect comparison impossible, our results nonetheless suggest significantly better performance for Chinese. We show that much of this difference is due to grammatical differences between English and Chinese, such as the prevalence of passive in English, and the strict word order constraints on adjuncts in Chinese.
The Civilizations of the East and the West

In recent years the despondent mood of a number of European writers has led to the revival of such old myths as the bankruptcy of the material civilization of the West and the superiority of the spiritual civilization of the Oriental nations. When I was in Germany last year, a German savant most solemnly assured me that the civilization of the East was based on spiritual principles. “In the East,” said my enthusiastic friend, “even souls are selected on the basis of moral fitness. For does not the doctrine of the transmigration of souls imply the idea of moral selection?” Although these expressions represent nothing more than the pathological mentality of war-stricken Europe, they have already had the unfortunate effect of gratifying the vanity of Oriental apologists and thereby strengthening the hand of reaction in the East. In the West, too, one could see, as I have seen during my recent travels, that such loose thinking was leading not a few people away from a proper understanding of their own civilization which is fast becoming the world civilization. It is in the hope of furnishing a new point of view and a new basis of discussion that I now offer these few reflections on the civilizations of the East and the West.
Regulation of Pulpal Blood Flow

The regulation of blood flow of the dental pulp was investigated in dogs and rats anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital. Pulpal blood flow was altered by variations of local and systemic hemodynamics. Variation in pulpal hemodynamics was attained by means of close intra-arterial injections of adrenergic agonists (NE and ISO) and their antagonists (PBZ and Propranolol). Variation in systemic hemodynamics was achieved by hemodilution, hemo-concentration, hemorrhage, and SNP infusion. Macrocirculatory blood flow (ml/min/100 g) in the dental pulp was measured with both the 133Xe washout and the 15-microns radioisotope-labeled microsphere injection methods on the canine teeth of dogs, to provide a comparison of the two methods in the same tooth. Microcirculatory studies were conducted in the rat incisor tooth with microscopic determination of the vascular pattern, RBC velocity, and intravascular volumetric flow distribution. Pulpal resistance vessels have alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors. Activation of alpha-receptors by intra-arterial injection of NE caused both a reduction in macrocirculatory Qp in dogs and decreases in arteriolar and venular diameters and intravascular volumetric flow (Qi) in rats. These responses were blocked by the alpha-antagonist PBZ. Activation of beta-receptors by intra-arterial injection of ISO caused a paradoxical reduction of Qp in dogs. In rats, ISO caused a transient increase in arteriolar Qi followed by a flow reduction; arteriolar dilation was accompanied by venular constriction. These macrocirculatory and microcirculatory responses to ISO were blocked by the alpha-antagonist propranolol.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Asrs Reports on Wake Vortex Encounters

ASRS is conducting a structured callback research project of wake vortex incidents reported to the ASRS at all US airports, as well as wake encounters in the enroute environment. This study has three objectives: (1) Utilize the established ASRS supplemental data collection methodology and provide ongoing analysis of wake vortex encounter reports; (2) Document event dynamics and contributing factors underlying wake vortex encounter events; and (3) Support ongoing FAA efforts to address pre-emptive wake vortex risk reduction by utilizing ASRS reporting contributions.
CHAPTER 23 – Clinical Course of Primary Hyperparathyroidism

The earliest clinical descriptions of primary hyperparathyroidism point to a progressive, crippling, and sometimes-fatal metabolic bone disease. Later reports highlighted nephrolithiasis as a common feature of this disease, and it is apparent that more patients with primary hyperparathyroidism in fact have stone disease without prominent skeletal involvement. The introduction of automated, screening biochemical profiles that included the serum calcium concentration led to the discovery of primary hyperparathyroidism in large numbers of patients who had no clinical evidence of either metabolic bone or stone disease, so-called asymptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism. Asymptomatic patients appear to remain asymptomatic during many years of observation. In those patients with symptoms, the major clinical manifestation is nephrolithiasis. Many more patients, however, complain of a constellation of vague and nonspecific neurobehavioral symptoms that were not traditionally thought to be related to primary hyperparathyroidism. The prevalence of these symptoms is greater than in control populations, which may suggest a cause-and-effect relationship to primary hyperparathyroidism. However, most patients are not predictably improved by successful parathyroidectomy.
Staggered and In-Line Submerged Liquid Jet Arrays for Power Electronics Using Variable Area Discharge Manifolds: Part II - Numerical

Increasing numbers of under-hood sensors and power electronics modules are becoming standard in both commercial and military vehicles. In order to function reliably, these technologies require a dedicated and dynamic cooling system, such as liquid jet impingement. In a jet array, the spent fluid from upstream jets interact with the downstream jets degrading their performance. In this study, in order to counteract this effect, an expanding manifold, with larger area for flow downstream, was used to allow the spent fluid from upstream jets to be diverted, reducing degradation of the heat transfer coefficients downstream. A numerical study of liquid jet impingement utilizing water as the working fluid was performed to examine the heat transfer rate in staggered jet arrays compared to inline jet arrays. The simulations performed examined manifold angles between 0 and 10 degrees, jet Reynolds numbers between 5600 and 14000, and pitches of 2.5, 3, 4.5, and 6 nozzle diameters. The simulations revealed details of the complicated interaction between the jets, their fountain regions and the crossflow. The angled manifold systems had greater temperature uniformity and increased heat transfer coefficients compared to systems with constant area manifolds.
Detecting MPI usage anomalies via partial program symbolic execution

MPI is a message passing based programming model for distributed-memory parallelism that is widely used for programming supercomputers. However, debugging and verification of MPI programs is generally recognized to be a deep technical challenge. This challenge is further exacerbated by a recent increase in the use of nonblocking MPI operations for improved scalability, since incorrect use of these operations can introduce new classes of bugs related to data races. In this paper, we introduce a new debugging approach based on partial symbolic execution to identify anomalies in MPI usage. Our approach avoids the false positives inherent in static analysis, while still scaling to large programs. Further, our approach can be applied to incomplete programs and explore multiple execution paths, thereby leading to increased coverage compared with dynamic approaches. An experimental comparison with state-of-the-art tools for debugging MPI applications show that our approach delivers demonstrably better precision than a state-of-the art static tool (MPI-Checker) and a state-of-the art dynamic tool (MUST), without incurring excessive overheads.
Implementing solid phase microextraction (SPME) as a tool to detect volatile compounds produced by giant pandas in the environment

Chemical cues are thought to play an important role in mate identification in the solitary giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). The goal of this study was to detect and identify volatile compounds present in the enclosure air of captive giant pandas. We hypothesized that a subset of compounds produced from breeding animals would be detected in environmental samples because highly volatile chemicals are likely to facilitate mate detection. Samples were collected from the enclosures of 8 giant pandas (n = 4 male, n = 4 female) during the Mar-June breeding season and the Aug-Jan non-breeding period from 2012-2015. Volatile compounds were captured by securing a solid phase micro extraction fiber approximately 3 meters above the ground within a panda enclosure for 6-12 hours. Compounds adsorbed onto the SPME fibers were analyzed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Thirty-three compounds were detected in at least 10% of all samples within individual and season and across all subjects within each season. Aromatic compounds made up 27.3% of the enclosure volatile profile, while 21.2% was made of cyclic aliphatic compounds and 51.5% of the enclosure profile was comprised of acyclic aliphatic compounds. Three compounds were likely to be present in male enclosures regardless of season, while Undecane, 4-methyl had a significant (p<0.05) predicted probability of being present in female enclosures. 3,3'-(1,1-Ethanediyl)bis(1H-indole) had a significant (p<0.05) probability of occurrence in male enclosures during the breeding season. Given the prevalence of these compounds, we suspect that these chemicals are important in giant panda communication. This novel sampling technique can detect volatile compounds produced by captive species and also may be a useful tool for detecting pheromones in free-ranging individuals.
The Urinary Microbiome: Implications in Bladder Cancer Pathogenesis and Therapeutics

Recent investigation has proven that the bladder is not sterile. However, the implications of this finding in the pathophysiology and management of urothelial cell carcinoma have not been fully described. In this review, we summarize the literature relating to the urinary and gastrointestinal microbiomes in the context of urothelial cell carcinoma. The bladder microbiome may relate to urothelial cell carcinoma pathogenesis/progression, act as a noninvasive and modifiable urinary biomarker and have implications in treatment using immunotherapy agents such as intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guerin. Investigators should continue to optimize techniques to characterize this intriguing new area of human health.
Changes in Lean Mass, Absolute and Relative Muscle Strength, and Physical Performance After Gastric Bypass Surgery.

Author(s): Alba, Diana L; Wu, Lucy; Cawthon, Peggy M; Mulligan, Kathleen; Lang, Thomas; Patel, Sheena; King, Nicole J; Carter, Jonathan T; Rogers, Stanley J; Posselt, Andrew M; Stewart, Lygia; Shoback, Dolores M; Schafer, Anne L | Abstract: ContextBariatric surgery results in reduced muscle mass as weight is lost, but postoperative changes in muscle strength and performance are incompletely understood.ObjectiveTo examine changes in body composition, strength, physical activity, and physical performance following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB).Design, participants, outcomesIn a prospective cohort of 47 adults (37 women, 10 men) aged 45 ± 12 years (mean ± SD) with body mass index (BMI) 44 ± 8 kg/m2, we measured body composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, handgrip strength, physical activity, and physical performance (chair stand time, gait speed, 400-m walk time) before and 6 and 12 months after RYGB. Relative strength was calculated as absolute handgrip strength/BMI and as absolute strength/appendicular lean mass (ALM).ResultsParticipants experienced substantial 12-month decreases in weight (-37 ± 10 kg or 30% ± 7%), fat mass (-48% ± 12%), and total lean mass (-13% ± 6%). Mean absolute strength declined by 9% ± 17% (P l 0.01). In contrast, relative strength increased by 32% ± 25% (strength/BMI) and 9% ± 20% (strength/ALM) (P l 0.01 for both). There were clinically significant postoperative improvements in all physical performance measures, including mean improvement in gait speed of g0.1 m/s (P l 0.01) and decrease in 400-m walk time of nearly a full minute.ConclusionsIn the setting of dramatic weight loss, lean mass and absolute grip strength declined after RYGB. However, relative muscle strength and physical function improved meaningfully and are thus noteworthy positive outcomes of gastric bypass.
Insurance Reimbursements for Routinely Recommended Adult Vaccines in the Private Sector.

Introduction Financial concerns are frequently cited by providers as a barrier to adult vaccination. This study assessed insurance reimbursements to providers for administering vaccines to adults in the private sector. Methods This study, conducted in 2018, used the 2016 MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters Database and included vaccination visits made by adults aged 19–64 years. Four routinely recommended vaccines targeted at adults were included: tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis vaccine (Tdap); tetanus and diphtheria toxoids (Td); zoster; and influenza. The mean reimbursements for vaccine purchase and administration were reported and examined by state, metropolitan statistical area, provider type, and insurance plan type. Using the private vaccine purchase price published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the study reported the proportion of vaccination visits receiving reimbursements above the CDC-published price. Results The mean vaccine administration reimbursement was $25.80 for the first dose and $14.71 for additional doses in the same visit. The mean vaccine purchase reimbursement was $44.15 for Tdap, $25.78 for Td, and $216.05 for the zoster vaccine; the unweighted mean for the four examined influenza vaccines was $17.25. Reimbursements varied widely by state. Vaccine reimbursements exceeded the CDC-published price for most visits where Tdap (71.4%), zoster (87.8%), and three of four influenza (61.5%–88.5%) vaccines were administered but only for 25.8% of visits where Td was given. Conclusions On average, reimbursements for administering vaccines to privately insured adults were adequate for most private practices. However, providers’ financial concerns may vary across geographic locations.
Slip velocity of large low-aspect-ratio cylinders in homogeneous isotropic turbulence

Abstract Using laboratory experiments, we investigate the turbulent slip velocity of large (Taylor-scale), slightly negatively buoyant cylinders at two mass densities and four aspect ratios. Using refractive index matching and stereoscopic Particle Image Velocimetry, we simultaneously record the velocities of both the cylinders and the surrounding homogeneous isotropic turbulence. We find that despite the large size and concomitant inertia of the cylinders, the cylinder velocity is well predicted by the fluid velocity immediately surrounding it: the particle velocity is close to the fluid velocity across a large range of fluid velocities, barring a small slip velocity. We apply a decomposition to this slip velocity and find that its average is nonzero in the vertical direction, indicating gravitational settling, but is approximately zero in the two lateral directions, reflective of the isotropy in the turbulence. The average slip velocity is subtracted from instantaneous slip velocity to find the “true slip”, with the anisotropic effects of gravitational settling ostensibly removed. However, this true slip also shows the effects of gravity, indicating that large particles with even a small departure from neutral buoyancy may sample the flow anisotropically. In other words, gravity creates anisotropy in the slip velocity even without considering the effects of settling/sedimentation. We discuss potential mechanisms for this effect, including preferential concentration and resuspension, and conclude that gravity should be considered in studies of large particles even when the particles are very close to neutrally buoyant.
Controlling a Powered Transfemoral Prosthetic Leg Using a Unified Phase Variable

Abstract We derived a real-time unified phase variable algorithm (i.e., able to parameterize the entire stride) in human locomotion. We performed experiments on three above knee amputee subjects wearing a powered knee and ankle prosthetic leg with a unified phase variable that correctly parameterizes perturbed kinematics and is suitable for real-time controllers. Implementing our bioinspired phase variable in the robotic leg not only allowed amputee subjects to walk steadily at different speeds and inclines, but also gave them voluntary control over the leg during nonrhythmic tasks (e.g., walking backwards and stepping back and forth). In addition, no tuning of the controller was required between subjects due to the versatility of the phase variable algorithm.
Optimal Monitor Placement Policy Against Distributed Denial-of-Service Attack in Datacenter

A distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack is a cyber-attack in which multiple attackers send out a huge number of requests to exhaust the capacity of a server, so that it can no longer serve incoming requests. In this paper, we propose a mechanism to protect against DDoS attacks originated within a datacenter. Our system is composed of two parts: flow monitoring and traffic filtering. In flow monitoring, we formulate two problems: one for finding flow assignments to monitors and another for selecting best locations of monitors. The first problem considers that the locations of monitors are predefined by the cloud provider and we provide an optimal solution. The second problem considers that the locations of monitors are not predetermined and there is a limit on the number of monitors. We propose a greedy solution for the second problem. The traffic filtering is trivial, as the DDoS flow can be blocked from the hypervisor of the source virtual machine. We present simulation results that strengthen support for our solutions.
Modeling dominant height using stand and water balance variables for loblolly pine in the Western Gulf, US

Abstract Site-index models based on dominant height and age are commonly accepted measures of site productivity in forest plantations. Therefore, reliable estimates of dominant height over time are critical, as they provide the foundations for site productivity estimates used in growth and yield models. Forest site productivity depends on the combination of many environmental factors, whereas tree height is only a general proxy indicator of these factors interacting over time, and as such, subject to large errors. Hence, selection of appropriate environmental variables along with field-based data is expected to result in more consistent estimates. Although previous studies have incorporated climatic variables into site-index models, there is still a lack of understanding among the forest research community with respect to the selection of suitable climatic variables. Models including climatic water balance components such as water-deficit and excess-water are scarce. These components are especially important to address the influence of drought on plant growth. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the change in dominant height estimates of forest stands with respect to changes in water balance components. High-resolution actual evapotranspiration (AET) and potential evapotranspiration (PET) were combined to determine water excess/deficit of sites. These were incorporated into a loblolly pine polymorphic site index model using a generalized algebraic difference approach and maximum likelihood calibration methods that accounted for long-term uncertainty in the results. Our model further improves the precision in dominant height estimates for loblolly pine in the southeast US.
Reducing Emergency Department Transfers from Skilled Nursing Facilities Through an Emergency Physician Telemedicine Service.

Introduction Transfers of skilled nursing facility (SNF) residents to emergency departments (ED) are linked to morbidity, mortality and significant cost, especially when transfers result in hospital admissions. This study investigated an alternative approach for emergency care delivery comprised of SNF-based telemedicine services provided by emergency physicians (EP). We compared this on-site emergency care option to traditional ED-based care, evaluating hospital admission rates following care by an EP. Methods We conducted a retrospective, observational study of SNF residents who underwent emergency evaluation between January 1, 2017-January 1, 2018. The intervention group was comprised of residents at six urban SNFs in the Northeastern United States, who received an on-demand telemedicine service provided by an EP. The comparison group consisted of residents of SNFs that did not offer on-demand services and were transferred via ambulance to the ED. Using electronic health record data from both the telemedicine and ambulance transfers, our primary outcome was the odds ratio (OR) of a hospital admission. We also conducted a subanalysis examining the same OR for the three most common chronic disease-related presentations found among the telemedicine study population. Results A total of 4,606 patients were evaluated in both the SNF-based intervention and ED-based comparison groups (n=2,311 for SNF based group and 2,295 controls). Patients who received the SNF-based acute care were less likely to be admitted to the hospital compared to patients who were transferred to the ED in our primary and subgroup analyses. Overall, only 27% of the intervention group was transported to the ED for additional care and presumed admission, whereas 71% of the comparison group was admitted (OR for admission = 0.15 [9% confidence interval, 0.13-0.17]). Conclusion The use of an EP-staffed telemedicine service provided to SNF residents was associated with a significantly lower rate of hospital admissions compared to the usual ED-based care for a similarly aged population of SNF residents. Providing SNF-based care by EPs could decrease costs associated with hospital-based care and risks associated with hospitalization, including cognitive and functional decline, nosocomial infections, and falls.