cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The omni macroprogramming environment for sensor networks

Structural sensing and control is an important application of the DDDAS paradigm. Our work on structural sensing and control has several key aspects, including model reduction, control, simulation, and validation. Motivated by our work on validation using an actual three-storeyed structure, we are developing a comprehensive systems environment, Omni, for macroprogramming sensor networks. While there have been efforts targeted at enabling programmers to write lean applications for individual sensor nodes, there have been few efforts targeted towards allowing programmers to program entire networks as distributed ensembles. Omni provides an intuitive and efficient programming interface, along with operating system services for mapping these abstractions into the underlying network. In this paper, we provide a high-level overview of the Omni architecture, its salient features, and implementation details. The Omni architecture is designed to be a flexible, extensible, scalable, and portable system, upon which a wide variety of DDDAS applications can be built.
Total Hip Replacement with Use of a Direct Anterior Approach: A Critical Analysis Review.

Total hip surgeons have tried to improve on the approximately 80% twenty-five-year survival rate associated with Charnley total hip arthroplasty1. For instance, investigators have addressed the risk of complications, the recovery time, and the longevity after total hip arthroplasty. Proponents of minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty techniques have pointed to traits such as shortened surgical scar lengths, decreased soft-tissue trauma, diminished blood loss, and quicker pain and functional recovery2. Many variations of minimally invasive techniques involving single to multiple incisions have been developed over the years. Opponents, however, have pointed to the increased difficulty of obtaining optimal implant positioning, the lack of evidence demonstrating improvement in clinical measures, and the importance of implant positioning as the key variable affecting longevity. According to these opponents, if implant positioning is compromised in favor of a shorter incision, the long-term survival of the implant may be jeopardized2-6. In recent years, the direct anterior surgical approach has been associated with minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty5. As more surgeons have adopted this method, the question has arisen as to whether or not claims of earlier functional recovery are balanced with the unique complications and drawbacks associated with this approach. In the present study, we …
Polyglutamine Fibrils: New Insights into Antiparallel β-Sheet Conformational Preference and Side Chain Structure

Understanding the structure of polyglutamine (polyQ) amyloid-like fibril aggregates is crucial to gaining insights into the etiology of at least ten neurodegenerative disorders, including Huntington's disease. Here, we determine the structure of D2Q10K2 (Q10) fibrils using ultraviolet resonance Raman (UVRR) spectroscopy and molecular dynamics (MD). Using UVRR, we determine the fibril peptide backbone Ψ and glutamine (Gln) side chain χ3 dihedral angles. We find that most of the fibril peptide bonds adopt antiparallel β-sheet conformations; however, a small population of peptide bonds exist in parallel β-sheet structures. Using MD, we simulate three different potential fibril structural models that consist of either β-strands or β-hairpins. Comparing the experimentally measured Ψ and χ3 angle distributions to those obtained from the MD simulated models, we conclude that the basic structural motif of Q10 fibrils is an extended β-strand structure. Importantly, we determine from our MD simulations that Q10 fibril antiparallel β-sheets are thermodynamically more stable than parallel β-sheets. This accounts for why polyQ fibrils preferentially adopt antiparallel β-sheet conformations instead of in-register parallel β-sheets like most amyloidogenic peptides. In addition, we directly determine, for the first time, the structures of Gln side chains. Our structural data give new insights into the role that the Gln side chains play in the stabilization of polyQ fibrils. Finally, our work demonstrates the synergistic power and utility of combining UVRR measurements and MD modeling to determine the structure of amyloid-like fibrils.
H/D isotope effects in brucite at low temperatures

Joint refinement of powder neutron diffraction data of hydrogenated and deuterated brucite over the temperature range of 10–295 K clearly shows significant isotope effects in the structural parameters. Mg(OH) 2 has a 0.31% larger volume than that of Mg(OD) 2 at room temperature, which is mostly due to the c -axis expansion of Mg(OH) 2 as compared to Mg(OD) 2 . The isotope effect in the a -axis has the opposite, but smaller, behavior as compared to the c -axis. These differences are slightly enhanced with reduction of the cell volume upon cooling. The temperature dependence of the isotropic atomic displacement parameters (ADPs) with the single site model show that the ADP of the H atom is approximately larger than that of the D atom by the amount expected from the reduced-mass difference, but this difference is not evident with the split site model. Despite the shorter c -axis of the deuterated form, nearest-neighbor D…D distances are longer than the H…H distances, because the O-H distances are longer than the O-D distances, which necessarily places the H atoms closer together by 0.03 A or more within the interlayer space. This study showcases an example of when a joint Rietveld refinement is ideally suited, by combining data for the deuterated and hydrogenated forms of brucite. The approach reduces the number of least-squares variables, and reduces the systematic errors. It can be a general method to analyze isotope effects in materials studied by neutron diffraction.
The role of language proficiency, cognate status and word frequency in the assessment of Spanish–English bilinguals’ verbal fluency

AbstractPurpose: Assessment tools are needed to accurately index performance in bilingual populations. This study examines the verbal fluency task to further establish the relative sensitivities of letter and category fluency in assessing bilingual language skills in Spanish–English bilinguals.Method: English monolinguals and Spanish–English bilinguals had 1 minute to name words belonging to a category (e.g. animals) or starting with a letter (e.g. A). Number of words retrieved, proficiency, cognate and frequency effects were examined.Result: In their dominant language (English), bilinguals and monolinguals showed similar fluency patterns, generating more words in category than letter tasks. This category advantage disappeared for bilinguals tested in their non-dominant language (Spanish). Further, bilinguals retrieved a higher percentage of cognates (e.g. lagoon-laguna) than monolinguals across tasks and languages. In particular, as proficiency increased in their non-dominant language, bilinguals were mo...
Experimental demonstration of photon efficient coherent temporal combining for data rate scaling

The next generation free-space optical (FSO) communications infrastructure will need to support a wide range of links from space-based terminals at LEO, GEO, and deep space to the ground. Efficiently enabling such a diverse mission set requires a common ground station architecture capable of providing excellent sensitivity (i.e., few photons-per-bit) while supporting a wide range of data rates. One method for achieving excellent sensitivity performance is to use integrated digital coherent receivers. Additionally, coherent receivers provide full-field information, which enables efficient temporal coherent combining of block repeated signals. This method allows system designers to trade excess link margin for increased data rate without requiring hardware modifications. We present experimental results that show a 45-dB scaling in data rate over a 41-dB range of input powers by block-repeating and combining a PRBS sequence up to 36,017 times.
Chalcogenidometallate Clusters as Surface Ligands for PbSe Nanocrystal Field-Effect Transistors

We introduce a method to process colloidal PbSe nanocrystals (NCs) into inorganic NC thin films using chalcogenidometallate (ChaM) clusters as surface ligands, resulting in electrically coupled NC solids. NCs are first immobilized on a substrate via a self-assembled monolayer followed by chemical treatment to exchange the insulating oleate ligands with ChaM clusters. Quantum confinement in the PbSe NCs is preserved as evidenced by persistent excitonic features in the absorption spectrum. PbSe NC–ChaM composites exhibit rectification (“off” states), saturation, n-type electrical behavior, and high electron mobilities of 1.28 and 0.475 cm2 V–1 s–1 for different composite compositions.
Ticks and Antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi from Mammals at Cape Hatteras, NC and Assateague Island, MD and VA

Results of a survey for ixodid ticks and/or serum antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi from 14 species of small to large mammals from eastern coastal areas of the United States are presented. Most samples were obtained from July 1987 through June 1989 (excluding December–March) at 3 locales: Assateague Is. National Seashore, Worcester Co., MD., and Accomack Co., VA. (≈38° 05′ N 75° 10′ W), and Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Dare Co., NC (≈35° 30′ N 76° 35′ W). Hosts sampled included opossums ( Didelphis virginiana ), least shrews ( Cryptotis parva ), gray foxes ( Urocyon cinereoargenteus ), red foxes ( Vulpes vulpes ), raccoons ( Procyon lotor ), feral cats ( Felis sylvestris ), feral horses ( Equus caballus ), sika deer ( Cervus nippon ), rice rats ( Oryzomys palustris ), white-footed mice ( Peromyscus leucopus ), meadow voles ( Microtus pennsylvanicus ), house mice ( Mus musculus ), norway rats ( Rattus norvegicus ) and jumping mice ( Zapus hudsonius ). An indirect fluorescent antibody test was used for testing sera from opossums, raccoons, and feral cats; enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used for sera from foxes, horses, deer, and house and white-footed mice. Antibodies to B. burgdorferi were found in all species tested from each locale. Seasonal data reinforce the contention that P. leucopus is a suitable sentinel species for B. burgdorferi. Ticks on hosts included Ixodes scapularis Say, I. texanus Banks, Dermacentor variabilis (Say), D. albipictus (Packard), and Amblyomma americanum (L.). Males comprised ≈0–22 and 60–81% of Ixodes sp. and Amblyomma-Dermacentor adults collected from hosts, respectively. All stages of A. americanum, adult D. variabilis, and larval I. scapularis were collected from vegetation. The highest seropositivity rate (67%) was recorded for 45 P. leucopus at Assateague during July, ≈1 mo. after peak nymphal I. scapularis intensity. Borrelia burgdorferi was isolated from 6 nymphal and 12 female I. scapularis collected from P. leucopus and C. nippon, respectively, on Assateague.
Deposition of Thin Alumina Films from Supercritical Water Jets

Thin alumina films are grown on a silicon substrate, in vacuum, at a rate of about 10 A per second, and at substrate temperatures below 1500C. Alumina is dissolved in supercritical water and the resulting solution expanded in a supersonic free jet, which is directed at the substrate. The films are characterized by ESCA and FTIR.
Human-to-human transmission epidemic of sever fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome in western Anhui province

Objective To explore the prevalence,transmission and spread factors of sever fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome(SFTS)bunyavirus and the mechanism of human-to-human transmission of the virus.Methods Descriptive epidemiological method was adopted to analyze the relationship between spread factors and the incidence of SFTS.Results Totally 3 cases(a father and his two sons)were identified in the SFTS epidemic in a family.The first case was the father with the history of tick bite;the 2 secondary cases were the two sons with history of contact with blood,secretion or excrement of the initial case.Conclusion The epidemic is the first SFTS human-to-human transmission in the western region of Anhui province of China and the SFTS epidemic suggests the infection of bunyavirus is related to tick bite and contact with blood,secretion or excrement of infected case.
Research on Single-stage Photovoltaic Inverters and MPPT Method

A novel mechanism and method for grid-connected inversion, in the stable photovoltaic environment of individual sinusoidal periods, based on balance of ICF (Integral Charge Flows) between the solar cell source and inversion load with no DC-DC conversion, is proposed and conducted in this paper for the purpose to raise inversion efficiency and reduce intermediate exchange of power energy and the exchange rate. The concept of the exchange ratio over MPP voltage level Vm is introduced, the inversion process of this method is analyzed, and a calculation formula for the constrained exchange ratio is given. The existence of the periodic stable photovoltaic condition is demonstrated by the experimental figure. In this paper, the inverter method with the functional start and regulator of MPPT is studied and the strategy of the MPP-following inverse control and the adjusting algorithm of MPP-to-MPP transfer are set up using DPDVM (Differential Power plus Differential Voltage Method). The experimental inverter shows high inversion efficiency can be achieved by applying these methods and algorithms.
Supervision of goverment finance-supported agricultural projects using information technology in Jiangsu province

The ammount of money put into financial supported agricultural programs in Jiangsu province have been increased in recent years. It is necessary to efficiently evaluate and supervise the programs. Remote sensing technology and management information system were employed in this study to supervise the visible construction programs( e. g.,agricultural facilities) and the invisible programs( e. g.,education or training programs). The approach based on information technology realized the efficient use of financial support fund and offered scientific and objective references for decision making.
A system for expressing net energy requirements and feed values for growing and finishing beef cattle.

E ARLY in 1963 the authors introduced a net energy system designed for use in the growing and finishing phase of the beef cattle industry (Lofgreen, 1963a, b, c). The system separated the requirements for maintenance from that for body weight gain and expressed a net energy value of the feed for these two functions. Such a system of expression was suggested to the Nutrition Committee of the National Research Council and was included in the first printing of the N.R.C. Bulletin of suggested energy terminOlogy as an errata sheet replacing the original terminology (Harris, 1962). For the past 4 years the suggested method has been tested under various conditions at this station, in commercial feedlots, and by nutrition consultants working with the cattle feeding industry and its adaptability to practice has been demonstrated. I t is the purpose of this paper to present the proposed system in the scientific literature, describe the experimental data upon which it is based, and discuss its application. The terminology used herein is that suggested in the first revision of the N.R.C. Bulletin on energy terms (Harris, 1966).
Genetic approach to gynecologic and obstetric problems.

To understand the application of genetic principles to the diagnosis, treatment, and counseling of patients, the current genetic methodology available to the practicing physician is highlighted. Prenatal diagnosis, the genetics of sex differentiation, and maternal genetic disease and reproductive problems are discussed.
The Colonial Caribbean: A Class for Itself: Regional Landscapes of the Planter Class

One of the distinguishing characteristics of Marxist analysis is the contention that social class is the primary structuring principle of capitalist society (Marx 1902, 1976, 1992; Wurst 2006). In Marxian thinking, a social class is a group of individuals whose solidarity emerges from their shared economic interest, which is defined by their collective relationship to the means of production. Understanding how economic structures work, and how certain classes benefit from those structures, leads to the development of what is called class consciousness, an understanding of that shared economic interest (Giddens 1973; Lukacs 1972). When members of a group are able to fully develop class consciousness, they are able to use their collective power to organize society to benefit their mutual interest. In so doing, a ruling class can create and control social, political, economic, and military structures to advance and protect their interests (Patterson 1991). Because other social classes with sometimes conflicting interests do exist, the control over social and economic worlds is often a contested process; thus the maintenance of a capitalist social formation will often require the use of force to simultaneously suppress conflicting interests while advancing the interests of the ruling class (Paynter 1989). The processes of class formation have long been a concern of archaeologists (e.g., Gailey and Patterson 1988; Kohl 1987; Lull and Miko 2011; Patterson 1988). Because archaeologists believe that the material world plays a key part in shaping the social world, it follows that material culture is intertwined into the definition of social class. In historical archaeology the study of these phenomena has often been framed in terms of social status; however, the traditional scope of historical archaeological investigation, which usually focuses on the scale of the individual household, precludes the analysis of the kinds of collective action that result in and from the formation of class consciousness, although there have been some notable exceptions (e.g., Saitta 2007). To complicate matters, some historical archaeologists have misunderstood the concept of “false consciousness” and assume that the formation of class distinction and privilege means that members of subordinate classes uncritically accept the totalizing social formations imposed on them (Hicks and Horning 2006; Wilkie and Bartoy 2000).
Introduction: The Forces Producing the New Politics of Identity

The early post–World War II years saw the Western world mired in what appeared to be a fixed cleavage structure centering on issues relating to class and religion. The stability of this cleavage structure was shattered by forces unleashed by modernization as the bases of the old cleavage structure became decreasingly salient. Liberalism and conservatism were challenged by the changing structure of the economy as the urban industrial work force was diminished in numbers and strength. Religiosity was challenged by the secularization of the West. In their place, people sought meaning in their lives through new bases of identity by resurrecting the venerable concept of populism, a movement of non-elites focusing on identity with either the nation-state or an isolated and alienated sub-culture.
Temporal evolution of the two-shock implosion on the National Ignition Facility

The HED 2-Shock implosion campaign was developed on the National Ignition Facility as a relatively robust and well-beha ved nearly one-dimensional, low convergence, symmetric platform by employing a very high foot temperature and a large case-to-capsule (hohlraum-to-capsule) ratio. The results of these experiments investigating capsule implosion phenomena such as interface hydrodynamic mixing, convergence effects, and shape effects are being used for the validation of hydro-c odes and to develop a systematic understanding of performance degradation mechanisms. A sequence of experiments was initially completed to tune the 2-Shock implosion round, with little shape swing from in-flight to stagnation. Then, hohlraum size and hohlraum gas fill were systematically changed to study the effect on shape and symmetry evolution. Details and results of these experiments are described.
Mountain peatlands range from CO2 sinks at high elevations to sources at low elevations: Implications for a changing climate

Mountain fens found in western North America have sequestered atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) for millennia, provide important habitat for wildlife, and serve as refugia for regionally-rare plant species typically found in boreal regions. It is unclear how Rocky Mountain fens are responding to a changing climate. It is possible that fens found at lower elevations may be particularly susceptible to changes because hydrological cycles that control water tables are likely to vary the most. In this study, we fit models of growing season ecosystem-atmosphere CO2 exchange to field-measured data among eight fen plant communities at four mountain fens along a climatic gradient in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and Wyoming. Differences in growing season net ecosystem production (NEP) among study sites were not well correlated with monsoon precipitation, despite a twofold increase in summer rainfall between two study regions. Our results show that NEP was higher for fens located at high elevations compared to those found at lower elevations, with growing season estimates ranging from −342 to 256 g CO2-C m−2. This was reflected in the negative correlation of growing season NEP with air temperature, and positive correlation with water table position, as the high elevation sites had the lowest air temperatures and highest water tables due to greater snowpack and later onset of melt. Our results suggest that sustainability of mountain fens occurring at the lower end of the known elevation range may be particularly susceptible to a changing climate, as these peatlands already experience lower snowpack, earlier snow melt, and warmer growing season air temperatures, which are all likely to be exacerbated under a future climate.
Opsoclonus-Myoclonus Following Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Infection

Three adolescent cases of opsoclonus-myoclonus (OMS) that followed infection with mycoplasma pneumoniae are reported from University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland.
Unusual Structural Autonomic Disorders Presenting in Pediatrics: Disorders Associated with Hypoventilation and Autonomic Neuropathies

Structural autonomic disorders (producing structural damage to the autonomic nervous system or autonomic centers) are far less common than functional autonomic disorders (reflected in abnormal function of a fundamentally normal autonomic nervous system) in children and teenagers. This article focuses on this uncommon first group in the pediatric clinic. These disorders are grouped into 2 main categories: those characterized by hypoventilation and those that feature an autonomic neuropathy.
A new molecular paradigm in mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome.

Mycosis Fungoides (MF) and Sezary Syndrome (SS) are clonal proliferations of mature T-cells manifesting as lymphoproliferative disorders in which the neoplastic cells show a strong propensity for skin-homing. While the predominant site of presentation in MF is the skin, the peripheral blood carries a significant tumor burden in Sezary Syndrome such that it resembles a "leukemic" disease. While the genetic basis of these diseases has been studied using different approaches in the previous years, recent genome-wide studies employing massively parallel sequencing techniques now offer new insights into the molecular pathogenesis of these diseases. In this chapter, we discuss the recent findings elucidating the genomic landscape of MF and SS. The pathways targeted by mutational alterations are discussed and a model for understanding the pathogenesis of these diseases is proposed. It is anticipated that prognostic stratification and therapeutic targeting based on mutational signatures will be achieved in the near future based on the improved understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of these diseases.
Cell-selective proteomics for biological discovery.

Cells alter the proteome to respond to environmental and developmental cues. Global analysis of proteomic responses is of limited value in heterogeneous environments, where there is no ‘average’ cell. Advances in sequencing, protein labeling, mass spectrometry, and data analysis have fueled recent progress in the investigation of specific subpopulations of cells in complex systems. Here we highlight recently developed chemical tools that enable cell-selective proteomic analysis of complex biological systems, from bacterial pathogens to whole animals.
Low Socioeconomic Status, Not Silent Cerebral Infarcts, Is Associated with Grade Failure in Children with Sickle Cell Anemia.

Background: Among students with sickle cell anemia (SCA), cerebral infarcts are an established risk factor for poor cognition and academic achievement. We tested the hypothesis that in children with SCA, lower socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with grade failure. Methods: We evaluated the association between the SES as measured by annual income per person in household per year, age of student, gender, medical history and grade failure in children with SCA in 24 sites participating in the Silent Cerebral Infarct Multi-Center Clinical Trial. Results: A total of 404 students were evaluable. The mean age was 9.2 years (range 6–13), 37% had a silent infarct, 15% failed a grade, and 18% had an Individualized Education Plan. SES was divided in tertiles based on annual income/person in the household/year $10,000. After adjustment for covariates, the risk of grade failure was 1.4 (95% CI 1.2, 1.6) for each increasing year of age, and 1.9 (95% CI 1.03, 3.5) for male gender. Children from households of the lowest tertile were 4 times more likely to fail a grade than children from the top tertile. A silent cerebral infarct was not associated with grade failure 1.4 (95% CI 0.8, 2.6). No student with a history of grade failure was hospitalized > 3 times per year over the past three years. Conclusion: Among students with SCA, poverty is the greatest risk factor for grade failure; whereas the presence of silent cerebral infarct is not. Targeted strategies to improve educational attainment in students with SCA are needed.
Collaborative Learning and Critical Thinking: Testing the Link

In this study, we investigated whether exposure to collaborative-learning activities during the 1st year of college influences the development of critical-thinking skills. To explore this issue, we...
Long-wave and mid-wave infrared micro-bolometers with gold black or wavelength-selective absorbers

This paper highlights our recent work on wavelength-selective air-bridge infrared bolometers for the 8-12 and 3-5 micron wavelength bands. Gold-black coatings specially protected to enable patterned deposition on bolometer arrays have provided enhanced dual band sensitivity. Subwavelength metal-insulator-metal (MIM) resonant structures were patterned on individual air-bridge bolometers to provide design-tunable enhancement of absorption, which can be engineered to span the 8-12 micron band, or to select narrowly within each considered band for infrared spectral sensing. The choice of MIM dielectric depends critically on refractive-index dispersion at the wavelengths of interest. Integrating the bolometric material within the MIM absorber, and minimizing layer thicknesses, can optimize detector speeds. Deposition of nanocrystalline VOx and TiO2 by aqueous-spray heterogeneous chemical reaction is investigated as a means of producing bolometric thin films and MIM dielectrics, respectively.
Single Cell Genomic DNA Analysis

The ability to extract DNA from human brain tissue has provided a unique technical strategy in looking for gene sequence alterations associated with human neurological and psychiatric diseases. In particular, somatic gene mutations may be detected in brain lesions, such as brain tumors or malformations, but not in peripheral blood, providing key molecular insights into the pathogenesis of these disorders. Recent studies have shown that genomic DNA can be reliably extracted from single microdissected cells in the brain so that gene sequence alterations can be co-analyzed in association with particular morphological, neurochemical, or spatiotemporal features of select cell types.
Semi-volatile Organic Pollutants in the Gaseous and Particulate Phases in Urban Air

The gas-particle partitioning of semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) plays an important role in the investigation of their environmental fate and long-range transport behavior. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are three groups of SVOCs ubiquitously present in the urban atmosphere. In this chapter, their partitions between gas and particle phases in the atmosphere are reviewed and discussed. The gas-particle partition coefficient Kp of SVOCs can be predicted from their subcooled liquid vapor pressure \( \left( {{\text{P}}_{\text{L}}^{^\circ } } \right) \) or the octanol-air partition coefficient (Koa). The Junge–Pankow adsorption and Koa-based absorption models are widely used to predict the partitioning of SVOCs between gas and particulate phases. Applications of these models to PAHs, PCBs and PBDEs are presented. With the available concentration data for the SVOCs worldwide, the predictability and regression linearity of the two models are discussed.
De – otherizing the Textual Other: Intertextual Semiotics and the Translation of Chinese Poetry

(2000). De – otherizing the Textual Other: Intertextual Semiotics and the Translation of Chinese Poetry. Comparative Literature: East & West: Vol. 2, No. 1, pp. 57-77.
Engineering proteins for allosteric control by light or ligands.

Control of protein activity in living cells can reveal the role of spatiotemporal dynamics in signaling circuits. Protein analogs with engineered allosteric responses can be particularly effective in the interrogation of protein signaling, as they can replace endogenous proteins with minimal perturbation of native interactions. However, it has been a challenge to identify allosteric sites in target proteins where insertion of responsive domains produces an allosteric response comparable to the activity of native proteins. Here, we describe a detailed protocol to generate genetically encoded analogs of proteins that can be allosterically controlled by either rapamycin or blue light, as well as experimental procedures to produce and test these analogs in vitro and in mammalian cell lines. We describe computational methods, based on crystal structures or homology models, to identify effective sites for insertion of either an engineered rapamycin-responsive (uniRapR) domain or the light-responsive light–oxygen–voltage 2 (LOV2) domain. The inserted domains allosterically regulate the active site, responding to rapamycin with irreversible activation, or to light with reversible inactivation at higher spatial and temporal resolution. These strategies have been successfully applied to catalytic domains of protein kinases, Rho family GTPases, and guanine exchange factors (GEFs), as well as the binding domain of a GEF Vav2. Computational tasks can be completed within a few hours, followed by 1–2 weeks of experimental validation. We provide protocols for computational design, cloning, and experimental testing of the engineered proteins, using Src tyrosine kinase, GEF Vav2, and Rho GTPase Rac1 as examples. The design of proteins that can be controlled by rapamycin or by light is discussed, as well as how to identify sites for insertion of engineered regulatory domains and test the analogs biochemically and in living cells.
Supporting the Infection Preventionist in Skilled Nursing Facilities: Why Required Education Is Only the Tip of the Iceberg

BACKGROUND In November 2019, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will require skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) to have an infection preventionist (IP) with “specialized training.” Meeting this requirement may prove difficult for many SNFs due to staff turnover, lack of resources and increasing patient acuity. The purpose of this study was to better understand SNF readiness for meeting the challenges ahead. METHODS In 2018, data were collected through a survey administered to 12 SNFs. These SNFs participated in the pilot phase of larger project designed to reduce healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) by enhancing relationships between SNFs and hospitals. The survey included facility-based questions of services provided and their current infection prevention program; IP experience and education; and communication between SNFs and hospitals. Following the survey, qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews at 4 SNFs and analyzed using a descriptive approach. RESULTS The 12 SNFs varied in size and services provided. Over half of the 12 IPs had “five years or less” experience in infection prevention. All of the IPs had other responsibilities such as staff education/development, occupational health, or assistant director of nursing. Ten months into the 12-month pilot year, 7 of the 12 IPs had left their IP position. The SNFs remained enrolled in the project, with the project team engaging the SNF IP in their new role and acquainting them to project-related resources. Our qualitative analysis revealed that these meetings met a critical need for new IPs. One of the interviewees noted that the “mentorship” offered by the project was vital to continue existing IP efforts at the SNF. CONCLUSIONS Limited IP experience and turnover will pose a significant challenge for SNFs in trying to meet CMS mandates. Strategies should encourage relationships with experienced IPs to assist SNFs in training and retaining IPs.
Impact of IVIG vs. SCIG on IgG trough level and infection incidence in primary immunodeficiency diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical studies

Abstract Background Monthly intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and weekly subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIG) have been regarded as therapeutically equivalent treatments for primary immunodeficiency diseases (PIDD). Immunoglobulin G (IgG) trough level is used as a monitoring measure for infection prevention. Objective A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to elucidate the relationship between IgG dosing, trough IgG levels with overall infection incidence in patients with PIDD receiving IVIG and SCIG therapy. Methods Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane, Central, and Scopus were searched for studies published from Jan 2010–June 2018, fulfilling the inclusion criteria. DerSimonian and Laird random-effects method were used to pool the difference of IgG trough levels. Random-effect meta-regression was used to evaluate infection incidence per 100 mg/dl IgG trough increase though IVIG and SCIG. Results Out of 24 observational studies included, 11 compared IgG trough levels among SCIG and IVIG (mean difference: 73.4 mg/dl, 95% CI: 31.67–119.19 mg/dl, I2 = 45%, p = 0.05), favoring weekly SCIG. For every 100 mg/dl increase in the trough, a linear trend of decreased incidence rates of infection was identified in SCIG patients (p = 0.03), but no similar trend was identified in trough levels vs. infection rates for patients receiving IVIG (p = 0.67). Conclusion In our study, weekly SCIG attained a higher trough level in comparison to monthly IVIG. Higher SCIG troughs were associated with lower infection rates, while IVIG troughs demonstrated no relationship.
Role of Brain Tissue Localized Purine Metabolizing Enzymes in the Central Nervous System Delivery of Anti-HIV Agents 2′-β-Fluoro-2,3′-Dideoxyinosine and 2′-β-Fluoro-2′,3′-Dideoxyadenosine in Rats

Purpose. This study examines the central nervous system (CNS) delivery of 2′-β-fluoro-2′,3′-dideoxyadenosine (F-ddA) and 2′-β-fluoro-2′,3′-dideoxyinosine (F-ddl), acid stable analogues of dideoxyadenosine (ddA) and dideoxyinosine (ddI) having reduced susceptibility to purine salvage pathway enzymes important in the metabolism of ddA and ddI, adenosine deaminase (ADA) and purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP), respectively. Their CNS delivery compared to that for ddI provides insight into the role of brain tissue ADA and PNP in these processes.
Investigating the Necessity of Meaningful Context Anchoring in AR Smart Glasses Interaction for Everyday Learning

The wearable nature of smart glasses opens up many possibilities for these devices to support informal and everyday learning. A key question arises: is physical contextualization necessary for smart glasses to support learning? We ran a within-subjects study comparing the use of meaningful anchoring (MA) and arbitrary anchoring (AA) in smart glasses in a simulated learning scenario. Results showed AA performed better on learning scores and task performance, but AR immersion and system usability were better for MA. The necessity varies depending on usage scenarios. MA is more suitable for UX-oriented scenarios, while AA is preferred for efficiency-driven scenarios.
Differential Outcomes for African-American Women with Cardiovascular Complications of Pregnancy

Maternal mortality is rising in the USA, and cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death. Black women are 3 times more likely to die than White women as a result of pregnancy-related causes. In this review, we describe the differential outcomes of Black women with cardiovascular conditions related to pregnancy. Black women have a higher risk of developing peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) and preeclampsia compared to White women. Black women with PPCM present with more severe disease and are less likely to experience myocardial recovery. Black women with preeclampsia are at higher risk of severe maternal morbidity and mortality compared to White women, regardless of socioeconomic status. The higher prevalence of chronic medical conditions among Black women do not fully explain the higher rates of adverse outcomes. Racial differences in outcomes for other cardiovascular conditions have not been well-described. Black women are at significantly higher risk of cardiovascular complications related to pregnancy. Interventions focused on access to care, quality of care, and social determinants of health before, during, and after pregnancy may improve maternal outcomes, especially for Black women in the USA.
Vet expertise needed in government advisory groups.

I would like to thank James Russell for his response to my letter ( VR , 17/24 October 2020, vol 187, pp 321–322) but I’m afraid he rather misses my point. I don’t doubt for one minute that vets have played their role in the nation’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, but then so have …
Too Much Too Soon vs Too Little Too Late

When the announcement was made to move to remote learning, schools across the country had to make fast and intense changes to curricula, teaching methods, technologies, and support practices. Carleton College was fortunate in that there were funds available to cover the costs of some of the additional training and new technology needs. Faculty workshops, computers for students, technology aids for faculty, implementation of remote labs, remote work equipment policies for staff, all of which will sound familiar. While we got a number of things right, there were also some surprises. We initially overestimated the number of machines we would need to loan to students, while a number of students overestimated the capabilities on their own equipment. Our remote lab machines saw less use than expected. More faculty chose to fully flip their classes than expected, while some stuck to a strict lecture format. At the same time, there was a constant outflow of equipment and peripherals throughout the term as our community continued to adjust: webcams, headsets, monitors, iPads, ethernet cables, wireless cards, and a handful of cellular hotspots. We thought it might be interesting to talk about our hits and our misses, and why we think things landed as they did on our campus. Perhaps more importantly, we'd also like to talk about how we see this informing (or how it informed) our approach to the following term, with a more hybrid remote & in-person demand. This would be an interactive session, open to audience participation for comparing notes. It could even be a panel discussion if several presenters also wanted to talk about how they dealt with similar demands. This is all predicated on the notion that there will be much discussion of How We Survived COVID-19 in Higher Ed IT.
Expanding Medical Student Interaction In Neurology With A Redesigned Student Interest Group In Neurology (Sign) Chapter

Student Interest Group in Neurology (SIGN) chapters across the medical schools in the United States provide opportunities for medical students to participate in clinical, research, and service activities in neurology. Despite these, applicants for the field of neurology have traditionally been low. Following changes were introduced: an open board style SIGN chapter executive committee with greater active engagement of first and second year students. New activities included journal clubs, hands on workshops, celebration/cause events (example ALS walk). In addition, a free neurology clinic was introduced. Activities were planned in consultation with office of medical education, and were organized during ‘down times’. Data on student enrollment, activities successfully carried out, students interested in neurology residency, number of neurology-related research projects with student involvement were collected prior to changes and compared to values after changes were introduced. Post intervention, student engagement in neurology activities and projects increased significantly. However, a similar increase in applications to neurology residency was not yet observed. An open chapter with early engagement and involvement of first and second year medical students, creating a variety of chapter activities with greater hands on involvement, planned in conjunction with office of medical education has reinvigorated our SIGN chapter.
Monitoring and Alerting Congestion at Airports and Sectors under Uncertainty in Traffic Demand Predictions

Important functions of the Traffic Flow Management System (TFMS) include predicting air traffic demand for National Air Space (NAS) elements (airports, fixes and en route sectors) for several hours...
Inverse consistent mapping in 3d deformable image registration: its construction and statistical properties

This paper presents a new approach to inverse consistent image registration. A uni-directional algorithm is developed using symmetric cost functionals and regularizers. Instead of enforcing inverse consistency using an additional penalty that penalizes inconsistency error, the new algorithm directly models the backward mapping by inverting the forward mapping. The resulting minimization problem can then be solved uni-directionally involving only the forward mapping, without optimizing in the backward direction. Lastly, we evaluated the algorithm by applying it to the serial MRI scans of a clinical case of semantic dementia. The statistical distributions of the local volume change (Jacobian) maps were examined by considering the Kullback-Liebler distances on the material density functions. Contrary to common belief, the values of any non-trivial Jacobian map do not follow a log-normal distribution with zero mean. Statistically significant differences were detected between consistent versus inconsistent matching when permutation tests were performed on the resulting deformation maps
A Comparative Study of Outlier Detection Algorithms

Data Mining is the process of extracting interesting information from large sets of data. Outliers are defined as events that occur very infrequently. Detecting outliers before they escalate with potentially catastrophic consequences is very important for various real life applications such as in the field of fraud detection, network robustness analysis, and intrusion detection. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of three outlier detection methods Extensible Markov Model (EMM), Local Outlier Factor (LOF) and LCS-Mine, where algorithm analysis shows the time complexity analysis and outlier detection accuracy. The experiments conducted with Ozone level Detection, IR video trajectories, and 1999 and 2000 DARPA DDoS datasets demonstrate that EMM outperforms both LOF and LSC-Mine in both time and outlier detection accuracy.
Abstract 13358: Monocyte and Macrophage-Directed Peptide Amphiphile Micelles Modulate Cytoskeletal Organization and Target Atherosclerosis

Background: Atherosclerosis is a multifactorial disease with a well-established inflammatory component. Diagnostic imaging technologies have made great strides to define the degree of atherosclerotic burden. However, there may be additional benefit to detecting vulnerable, more inflammatory plaques. Such an approach could have diagnostic and prognostic value, and by targeting pathological cells of an atheroma, may also provide opportunities to deliver disease-modifying therapy. Results: To this end, we characterized monocyte-targeting, peptide amphiphile micelles (PAMs) that use the chemokine receptor CCR2-binding motif of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1). These MCP-1 PAMs bind to monocytes and macrophages in vitro and exhibit some biofunctional properties of the MCP-1 native protein. Compared to PAMs containing scrambled peptides, MCP-1 PAMs induced increased F-actin polymerization in a murine macrophage cell line derived from WEHI-274.1 cells (0.99 ± 0.02 vs. 1.24 ± 0.03 units, n=50, p < 5 x 1...
The Effect of Cysteine on l-α-Glycerophosphate and Lactate Dehydrogenase Reactions

Abstract Under conditions for the optimum activities of l-α-glycerophosphate and lactate dehydrogenases, cysteine reacts with dihydroxyacetone phosphate and pyruvate. The thiohemiketals presumably formed are not substrates for the enzymes. By competing with the enzymes for the substrate, the reaction of cysteine with dihydroxyacetone phosphate and pyruvate inhibits their enzymatic reductions to α-glycerophosphate and lactate; the reverse reactions are promoted through removal of the products of the enzymatic reactions. The reaction between cysteine and certain carbonyl compounds may be responsible for several unexplained results in enzymatic systems where both α-keto acid and cysteine, or homocysteine, are the substrates.
Future challenges in VLSI system design

In the current and coming decades VLSI design - which currently enables us to build million-transistor chips will become Gigascale (GSI) design and Terascale Scale Integration (TSI) design, respectively. In this context, "gigascale" and "terascale" signifies more than one billion and one trillion devices per chip, respectively. From a system design perspective, this increase in integration levels is qualitatively different from past integration improvements of similar magnitudes. In particular, manufacturing defects will increase, devices will get less reliable, interconnect will be orders of magnitude slower than transistors, new nanotechnologies will emerge, and signal and power management issues will be aggravated. It is plausible that new nanotechnologies will be used to complement or replace CMOS. This paper (and its presentation) discusses some of the unique system design challenges posed by anticipated nanoscale CMOS and molecular electronics technologies, and presents some ground-breaking suggestions of novel system-level approaches to deal with these challenges.
Smoothing delay jitter in networked control systems

Delay jitter is a critical factor that must be considered in many real-time applications that require accurate prediction of packet delivery times. Delay jitter can be smoothed by holding packets in a play-back buffer for a certain time called a play-back delay. In this paper, we extensively examine the new scheme that we have proposed in [1] to enhance the prediction of the play-back delay in Networked Control Systems (NCSs). Our newly proposed scheme differs from previous schemes by using the one way delay variation that we have studied its behavior by conducting extensive measurements between fifty strategically located wired and wireless connected hosts. The advantages of our scheme are that it predicts sudden delay spikes, provides a closer approximation to the round trip time (RTT), and exhibits less frequent outliers.