cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Survey of Cost Estimating Methodologies for Distributed Spacecraft Missions

Satellite constellations and Distributed Spacecraft Mission (DSM) architectures offer unique benefits to Earth observation scientists and unique challenges to cost estimators. The Cost and Risk (CR) module of the Tradespace Analysis Tool for Constellations (TAT-C) being developed by NASA Goddard seeks to address some of these challenges by providing a new approach to cost modeling, which aggregates existing Cost Estimating Relationships (CER) from respected sources, cost estimating best practices, and data from existing and proposed satellite designs. Cost estimation through this tool is approached from two perspectives: parametric cost estimating relationships and analogous cost estimation techniques. The dual approach utilized within the TAT-C CR module is intended to address prevailing concerns regarding early design stage cost estimates, and offer increased transparency and fidelity by offering two preliminary perspectives on mission cost. This work outlines the existing cost model, details assumptions built into the model, and explains what measures have been taken to address the particular challenges of constellation cost estimating. The risk estimation portion of the TAT-C CR module is still in development and will be presented in future work. The cost estimate produced by the CR module is not intended to be an exact mission valuation, but rather a comparative tool to assist in the exploration of the constellation design tradespace. Previous work has noted that estimating the cost of satellite constellations is difficult given that no comprehensive model for constellation cost estimation has yet been developed, and as such, quantitative assessment of multiple spacecraft missions has many remaining areas of uncertainty. By incorporating well-established CERs with preliminary approaches to approaching these uncertainties, the CR module offers more complete approach to constellation costing than has previously been available to mission architects or Earth scientists seeking to leverage the capabilities of multiple spacecraft working in support of a common goal.
Theoretical Modeling of (99)Tc NMR Chemical Shifts.

Technetium-99 (Tc) displays a rich chemistry due to its wide range of accessible oxidation states (from −I to +VII) and ability to form coordination compounds. Determination of Tc speciation in complex mixtures is a major challenge, and 99Tc nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is widely used to probe chemical environments of Tc in odd oxidation states. However, interpretation of 99Tc NMR data is hindered by the lack of reference compounds. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations can help to fill this gap, but to date few computational studies have focused on 99Tc NMR of compounds and complexes. This work evaluates the effectiveness of both pure generalized gradient approximation and their corresponding hybrid functionals, both with and without the inclusion of scalar relativistic effects, to model the 99Tc NMR spectra of Tc(I) carbonyl compounds. With the exception of BLYP, which performed exceptionally well overall, hybrid functionals with inclusion of scalar relativistic effects are found...
Using video modeling with voiceover instruction plus feedback to train implementation of stimulus preference assessments

Abstract Behavior analysts frequently use stimulus preference assessments to identify putative reinforcers for consumers with autism spectrum disorder. The current study evaluated the effect of video modeling with voiceover instruction and on-screen text (VMVOT) and performance feedback to train staff to implement the multiple-stimulus-without-replacement, paired-stimulus, and single-stimulus preference assessments. Generalization probes with a larger stimulus array and with an actual consumer were conducted. The results indicated that VMVOT may be a useful prelude to in-vivo training approaches, as all staff mastered the preference assessments and demonstrated high levels of generalized responding. This outcome is discussed in light of previous staff training studies and avenues for future research.
Epigenesis and the rationality of nature in William Harvey and Margaret Cavendish.

The generation of animals was a difficult phenomenon to explain in the seventeenth century, having long been a problem in natural philosophy, theology, and medicine. In this paper, I explore how generation, understood as epigenesis, was directly related to an idea of rational nature. I examine epigenesis—the idea that the embryo was constructed part-by-part, over time—in the work of two seemingly dissimilar English philosophers: William Harvey, an eclectic Aristotelian, and Margaret Cavendish, a radical materialist. I chart the ways that they understood and explained epigenesis, given their differences in philosophy and ontology. I argue for the importance of ideas of harmony and order in structuring their accounts of generation as a rational process. I link their experiences during the English Civil war to how they see nature as a possible source for the rationality and concord sorely missing in human affairs.
Synthesis of controlled, high-molecular weight poly(l-glutamic acid) brush polymers

We report the synthesis and characterization of high-molecular weight poly(L-glutamic acid) based brush polymers. Utilizing a combination of ring-opening metathesis polymerization of norbornene based monomers and ring-opening polymerization of γ-benzyl-L-glutamate N-carboxyanhydride, high-molecular weight γ-benzyl protected poly(L-glutamic acid) brush polymers are synthesized. Controlled and complete deprotection of the benzyl groups using trimethylsilyl iodide resulted in poly(L-glutamic acid) based brush polymers with molecular weights up to 3.6 MDa, which may potentially be used to prepare size-controlled unimolecular polymeric nanomedicine for drug delivery applications. Camptothecin brush poly(L-glutamic acid) conjugates were prepared and their stability, drug release kinetics, and in vitro toxicity were studied.
Total Ionizing Dose Effects on Piezoelectric Thin-Film Cantilevers With Oxide Electrodes

This paper reports on the ionizing radiation effects in lead–zirconate–titanate (PZT) with varied top electrode material and bias condition during radiation. A technique to characterize the piezoelectric performance of films unclamped from the substrate is described, and used to demonstrate the effects of radiation on the material’s electromechanical behavior. Both platinum and iridium oxide top electrodes were examined, and iridium oxide appears to significantly mitigate radiation-induced damage that is observed in platinum top electrode samples. This mitigation of radiation damage is attributed to the reduced number of oxygen vacancies within the PZT films when an iridium oxide top electrode is used. Devices with applied bias during radiation were compared with devices under applied bias only. Applied bias appears to slightly enhance the electromechanical response in the negative bias polarity for irradiated platinum electrode samples suggesting that the bias can cause defects to orient and therefore improve electromechanical response. Ultimately, iridium oxide top electrodes appear to mitigate radiation damage.
Civil Commitment, Firearms Restriction, and the U.S. Sixth Circuit Tyler Ruling.

Beginning with the passage of the Gun Control Act of 1968, federal restrictions have been placed on the right of individuals with mental illness to possess firearms. This law prohibits anyone “who has been adjudicated as a mental defective” (the terminology of the day) or “who has been
Electricity reform and retail pricing in Texas

Abstract Electricity market reforms have pursued two goals, both aimed at increasing economic efficiency. The first is to ensure that suppliers minimize costs. The second is to make prices more reflective of marginal costs. We use data from Texas to examine whether post-reform retail prices have better reflected wholesale prices, and whether reform has reduced retailer costs. We find clear evidence of both outcomes in competitive market areas but not in non-competitive areas supplied by municipally-owned utilities or co-operatives.
Histic and Folistic Epipedons

The histic and folistic epipedons differ from the other six pedons in that they are comprised dominantly of organic soil materials. In Soil Taxonomy, the folistic epipedon is defined as an organic horizon that is saturated for 15 or >20 cm thick, depending on the proportion of Sphagnum fibers. In contrast, the histic epipedon is an organic horizon that is saturated for >30 days per year in normal years and is at least 20–40 cm thick. Both epipedons may be within an Ap horizon, depending on the amount of SOC in relation to the amount of clay. These horizons are comparable to the histic and folic horizons in the World Reference Base with the exception that the WRB has a 10-cm minimum thickness requirement for both horizons.
High-level embryonic globin production with efficient erythroid differentiation from a K562 erythroleukemia cell line

A reliable cell line capable of robust in vitro erythroid differentiation would be useful to investigate red blood cell (RBC) biology and genetic strategies for RBC diseases. K562 cells are widely utilized for erythroid differentiation; however, current differentiation methods are insufficient to analyze globin proteins. In this study, we sought to improve erythroid differentiation from K562 cells to enable protein-level globin analysis. K562 cells were exposed to a variety of reagents, including hemin, rapamycin, imatinib, and/or decitabine (known erythroid inducers), and cultured in a basic culture medium or erythropoietin-based differentiation medium. All single reagents induced observable erythroid differentiation with higher glycophorin A (GPA) expression but were insufficient to produce detectable globin proteins. We then evaluated various combinations of these reagents and developed a method incorporating imatinib preexposure and an erythropoietin-based differentiation culture containing both rapamycin and decitabine capable of efficient erythroid differentiation, high-level GPA expression (>90%), and high-level globin production at protein levels detectable by hemoglobin electrophoresis and high performance liquid chromatography. In addition, β-globin gene transfer resulted in detectable adult hemoglobin. In summary, we developed an in vitro K562 erythroid differentiation model with high-level globin production. This model provides a practical evaluation tool for hemoglobin production in human erythroid cells.
Data-Driven, Multi-metric, and Time-Varying (DMT) Building Energy Benchmarking Using Smart Meter Data

New and emerging data streams, from public databases to smart meter infrastructure, contain valuable information that presents an opportunity to develop more robust data-driven models for benchmarking energy use in buildings. In this paper, we propose a new Data-driven, Multi-metric, and Time-varying (DMT) energy benchmarking framework that utilizes these new data streams to benchmark building energy use across multiple metrics at the daily time scale. High fidelity data from smart meters enables the DMT benchmarking framework to produce daily benchmarking scores and use daily weather data to understand seasonally adjusted performance. Intra-day building efficiency is also investigated by benchmarking buildings across several metrics (e.g., total energy usage, operational energy usage, non-operational energy usage) thereby enabling deeper insights into building operations than traditional yearly benchmarking models. By using quantile regression modeling, the DMT framework can differentiate and understand the main drivers of energy consumption between low and high performing buildings and between building operational states. To illustrate the insights that can be gleaned from the proposed DMT framework, we apply the framework to understand building performance for over 500 schools throughout the state of California. The DMT framework provided insights into how various drivers impacted energy usage for both high and low performing buildings, and results indicated that schools had consistent drivers of energy usage. Overall the DMT framework was designed to be highly interpretable such that it could help bridge the gap between data science and engineering methods thus enabling better decision-making in respect to energy efficiency.
First demonstration of an all-solid-state optical cryocooler.

Solid-state optical refrigeration uses anti-Stokes fluorescence to cool macroscopic objects to cryogenic temperatures without vibrations. Crystals such as Yb3+-doped YLiF4 (YLF:Yb) have previously been laser-cooled to 91 K. In this study, we show for the first time laser cooling of a payload connected to a cooling crystal. A YLF:Yb crystal was placed inside a Herriott cell and pumped with a 1020-nm laser (47 W) to cool a HgCdTe sensor that is part of a working Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometer to 135 K. This first demonstration of an all-solid-state optical cryocooler was enabled by careful control of the various desired and undesired heat flows. Fluorescence heating of the payload was minimized by using a single-kink YLF thermal link between the YLF:Yb cooling crystal and the copper coldfinger that held the HgCdTe sensor. The adhesive-free bond between YLF and YLF:Yb showed excellent thermal reliability. This laser-cooled assembly was then supported by silica aerogel cylinders inside a vacuum clamshell to minimize undesired conductive and radiative heat loads from the warm surroundings. Our structure can serve as a baseline for future optical cryocooler devices.
The Role of Dialogue User Data in the Information Interaction Design of Conversational Systems

Designers face several challenges when designing information for conversational systems. In this paper, we discuss those challenges in the context of Information Interaction Design and the role of conversational data to address them. Using an actual study performed prior to the development of a financial chatbots adviser, we identified a set of common issues which led to 18 design recommendations. We categorize those recommendations according to the disciplines they are related (Information Design, Interaction Design, and Sensorial Design). The guidelines were employed by the actual developers of the system, simplifying considerably the development, and show the importance of actual user conversational data in the design process of conversational systems.
Insulin-induced hyperpolarization in mammalian skeletal muscle

Insulin-induced hyperpolarization of up to 9 mV has been described in isolated frog [J. Physiol. Lond. 252: 43-58, 1975; Am. J. Physiol. 251 (Cell Physiol. 4): C249-C254, 1979] and mammalian (Molecular Basis of Insulin Action, New York: Plenum, 1985, p. 451-463; Am. J. Physiol. 197: 524-526, 1959; Am. J. Physiol. 198: 1066-1070, 1960) skeletal muscle. We have shown that a similar hyperpolarization occurs in situ after administration of insulin in anesthetized rats. In streptozotocin (STZ)-treated rats, insulin produced approximately 66-70% of the hyperpolarization observed in normal rat skeletal muscle in situ. Administration of ouabain in situ blocked the insulin-induced hyperpolarization in the normal group of rats and significantly blunted the effect in the STZ group. These results suggest that insulin-induced hyperpolarization in skeletal muscle results from direct activation of the Na+-K+-ATPase pump. In isolated skeletal muscle from normal and STZ rats, there was no difference in the amount of the insulin-induced hyperpolarization. There was an additive, but small, hyperpolarizing effect of insulin and isoproterenol when administered in combination, suggesting that the greater magnitude of the insulin-induced hyperpolarization observed in situ in normal rats may be due to an additive effect of injected insulin and endogenous release of epinephrine. Alternatively, STZ treatment may directly alter the Na+-K+ pump so that its response to insulin is lessened.
Towards understanding code readability and its impact on design quality

Readability of code is commonly believed to impact the overall quality of software. Poor readability not only hinders developers from understanding what the code is doing but also can cause developers to make sub-optimal changes and introduce bugs. Developers also recognize this risk and state readability among their top information needs. Researchers have modeled readability scores. However, thus far, no one has investigated how readability evolves over time and how that impacts design quality of software. We perform a large scale study of 49 open source Java projects, spanning 8296 commits and 1766 files. We find that readability is high in open source projects and does not fluctuate over project’s lifetime unlike design quality of a project. Also readability has a non-significant correlation of 0.151 (Kendall’s τ ) with code smell count (indicator of design quality). Since current readability measure is unable to capture the increased difficulty in reading code due to the degraded design quality, our results hint towards the need of a better measurement and modeling of code readability.
Visualization of two-phase flow of R410A in horizontal smooth and axial micro-finned tubes

Abstract This paper presents a novel visualization approach to understand the effect of axial micro-fins on two-phase flow behavior inside horizontal round tubes. In order to reflect the real inner geometry in the commercial metal tubes (smooth and micro-finned tubes), clear resin tubes were made by an SLA 3D printer to reproduce the geometry. The 3D printed tube for visualization was installed right after the heat transfer test section. In the heat transfer test section, R410A flow boiling experiments were conducted at 10 °C saturation temperature with heat flux of 15 kW/m2. The results indicated the axial micro-fins do not provide additional force to lift up the liquid in the round tube and the annular flow pattern does not occur earlier (at lower vapor quality or mass flux conditions) than the smooth tube. For low mass flux and vapor quality, the liquid-phase refrigerant is easily trapped in the grooves at the top or side of the axial micro-finned tube. The main liquid level in the axial micro-finned tube is, therefore, lower than that in the smooth tube under the same conditions. This liquid level change is quantified by tracing the liquid-vapor interfaces in the captured videos with change point analysis.
Future topical medications in chronic rhinosinusitis

BACKGROUND Research has progressed rapidly in recent decades to better understand the etiopathogenesis and management paradigms of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Although oral antibiotics often mitigate symptoms in acute CRS exacerbations, eradication of polymicrobial biofilms and multidrug-resistant bacteria remains a challenge. The goal of this review is to summarize and discuss the potential and pitfalls of topical medications in the treatment of CRS. METHODS A related literature review was performed using PubMed and Scopus, with only the English database included. RESULTS The main therapies were selected and separated in sections. Details regarding future topical treatments of CRS were summarized and discussed. CONCLUSION The ease of access of the sinonasal mucosa positions CRS as a disease with high potential for local topical treatment. The ultimate adoption of topical agents will require continued expansion of our understanding of novel local targets in CRS as well as improved methods to deliver and retain the drug of interest at the site of activity.
A simplified synthesis of (±)-1,2-diphenyl-1,2-diaminoethane (1) from benzaldehyde and ammonia. Revision of the structures of the long-known intermediates “hydrobenzamide” and “amarine”

Abstract A new pathway for the simple, stereocontrolled and economical synthesis of (±)-1 from benzaldehyde is described. The structures of two intermediates (Scheme 1) have been revised to those shown in Scheme 2.
The Ecology of Race and Punishment across Cities

In an era of mass incarceration in the United States, neighborhood context plays a significant role in demographic patterns of imprisonment. This paper examines the preprison neighborhood environme...
Skin Alteration and Convective Solvent Flow Effects During Iontophoresis II. Monovalent Anion and Cation Transport Across Human Skin

Total flux enhancement of ions during iontophoresis is due primarily to the electrochemical potential gradient. However, secondary effects such as convective solvent flow and, in biological membranes, permeability increases as a result of applied field may also contribute to flux enhancement. The modified Nernst-Planck theory includes a solvent flow velocity term and predicts that the flux of uncharged molecules is enhanced or retarded depending on the polarity of the applied field. Polarity-dependent solvent flow velocity, as measured by the flux enhancement of mannitol, has been demonstrated in human epidermal membrane during iontophoresis. In the present study, the solvent flow velocity effects on the flux enhancement of a model cation (tetraethylammonium ion) and a model anion (salicylate ion) across human epidermal membrane were examined. The contribution of membrane alterations, due to the applied field, on overall ion flux was also considered. Solvent flow was found to have a small effect on the flux enhancement of both ions. However, membrane alterations were found to increase greatly the flux of the ionic species. Alterations in the epidermal membrane occurred at the highest voltage investigated (1000 mV) and appeared to reverse over time as indicated by the current and transport data.
Surprise, Hurt, and Anger as Emotional Responses to Expectancy Violations Following Feedback Messages

Using expectancy violations theory, this study examined how the communication of unexpected feedback messages evoke emotional responses. A convenience sample (N = 309) reported instances of unexpec...
Chapter 7 – Cognitive Techniques: Physical and Link Layers

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the expectation of a fully functional cognitive radio, including the cognitive decision-making process using case-based theory and genetic algorithms (GAs), to solve the multi-objective optimization problem posed by such a radio. It focuses on the intelligent cross-layer optimization of physical (PHY) and link layers. It also defines optimization for a cognitive radio. The chapter presents a discussion of the cognitive radio as a mix of artificial intelligence (AI) and wireless communications. The chapter also addresses the PHY and MAC layers and considers which measurable radio settings and specifications (“knobs”) and which radio and channel performance measures (“meters”) fall into which layer. Multi-objective decision-making (MODM) theory to analyze the radio's performance and presents the analogy of GA to represent the methodology have been introduced.The tiered algorithm structure of the cognition loop, based on modeling, action, feedback, and knowledge representation has also been explored in detail.
How Often Does Modern Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Downstage Patients to Breast-Conserving Surgery?

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) has been proven to increase breast-conserving surgery (BCS) rates, but data are limited on conversion rates from BCS-ineligible (BCSi) to BCS-eligible (BCSe), specifically, in patients with large tumors. Consecutive patients with stage I–III breast cancer treated with NAC from November 2013 to March 2019 were identified. BCS eligibility before and after NAC was prospectively determined. Patients deemed BCSi before NAC due to large tumor size were studied. Statistical analyses were conducted using Student’s t-test, Wilcoxon rank sum test, Chi-square test, Fisher’s test, and logistic regression. In this study, 600 of 1353 cancers were BCSi with large tumors; 69% were non-BCS candidates, 31% were borderline-BCS (bBCS) candidates. Of non-BCS candidates, 69% became BCSe after NAC; 66% chose BCS, and 90% were successful. Among bBCS candidates, 87% were BCSe after NAC, 73% chose BCS, and 96% were successful. On univariate analysis, bBCS candidacy, lower cT stage, cN0 status, absence of calcifications, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positive (HER2+)/triple negative (TN) receptor status, poor differentiation, ductal histology, and breast pCR were associated with conversion to BCS eligibility. On multivariable analysis, receptor status (hormone receptor positive [HR+]/HER2– ref; odds ratio [OR] HER2+ 1.63, P = 0.047; HR–/HER2– OR, 2.26, P = 0.003) and breast pCR (OR 2.62, P < 0.001) predicted successful downstaging, while larger clinical tumor size (OR 0.86, P = 0.003), non-BCS candidacy (OR 0.46, P = 0.003), cN+ status (OR 0.54, P = 0.008), and calcifications (OR 0.56, P = 0.007) predicted lower downstaging rates. In patients with large tumors precluding BCS, conversion to BCS eligibility was high with NAC, particularly in bBCS candidates. HER2+/TN receptor status predicted successful downstaging, while lower downstaging rates were observed with larger tumors, cN+ status, and calcifications. These factors should be considered when selecting patients for NAC.
SLALOM: A Simple and Rapid Method for Enzymatic Synthesis of CRISPR-Cas9 sgRNA Libraries

ABSTRACT CRISPR-Cas9 sgRNA libraries have transformed functional genetic screening and have enabled innovative CRISPR-based methods, such as the visualization of chromatin dynamics in living cells. These libraries have the potential to be applied to a vast number of biological systems and aid in the development of new technologies, but their synthesis is hindered by the cost, time requirements, and technical difficulty of current sgRNA library generation methods. Here, we describe SLALOM—a rapid enzymatic method for generating robust, variant-matched sgRNA libraries from any source of DNA in under 3 hours. This method utilizes a custom sgRNA scaffold sequence and a novel method for detaching oligonucleotides from solid supports using a strand displacing polymerase. Using this method, we have constructed libraries targeting the E. coli genome and the transcriptome of developing zebrafish hearts, demonstrating its potential to expand the reach of CRISPR technology and facilitate methods requiring custom sgRNA libraries.
Nicotine Modulates MyD88-Dependent Signaling Pathway in Macrophages during Mycobacterial Infection.

Recently, we reported that cigarette smoking, and especially nicotine, increases susceptibility to mycobacterial infection and exacerbates inflammation in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD). The macrophagic response to Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) in CD and Mycobacteria tuberculosis (MTB) continues to be under investigation. The role of toll-like-receptors (TLRs) and cytoplasmic adaptor protein (MyD88) in proinflammatory response during Mycobacterial infection has been suggested. However, the mechanism of how nicotine modulates macrophage response during infection in CD and exacerbates inflammatory response remain unclear. In this study, we elucidated the mechanistic role of nicotine in modulating MyD88-dependent/TLR pathway signaling in a macrophage system during mycobacterial infection. The data demonstrated that MAP infection in THP-1 derived macrophages was mediated through TLR2 and MyD88 leading to increase in IL-8 in expression and production. On the other hand, LPS-representing, Gram-negative bacteria mediated macrophage response through TLR4. Blocking TLR2 and TLR4 with antagonists voided the effect of MAP, and LPS, respectively in macrophages and reversed response with decrease in expression of iNOS, TNF-α and IL-8. Interestingly, nicotine in infected macrophages significantly (1) downregulated TLR2 and TLR4 expression, (2) activated MyD88, (3) increased M1/M2 ratio, and (4) increased expression and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines especially IL-8, as seen in CD smokers. We also discovered that blocking macrophages during MAP infection with MyD88 antagonist significantly decreased response which illustrates the key role for MyD88 during infection. Surprisingly, dual treatment of MAP-infected macrophages with MyD88 antagonist and nicotine absolutely impaired immune response and decreased MAP viability, which clearly validate the inflammatory role of nicotine in macrophages through TLR2/MyD88 pathway during infection. This is the first report to describe the mechanism by which nicotine modulates TLR2/MyDD88 and exacerbates inflammation in CD smokers associated with infection.
Organizing and Maintaining a Flexible Bronchoscopy Program

The organization and operation of a pediatric flexible bronchoscopy program is complex. This chapter reviews the relevant issues, including the structure and function of the bronchoscopy team, instrumentation, patient management, institutional requirements, data management, and business aspects of a successful program.
Cultural Diplomacy in Mandatory Haifa: The Role of Christian Communities in the Cultural Transformation of the City

The formative years of the British Mandate over Palestine marked a period of profound changes, in which cultural transformation manifested in a rapid growth of modern leisure, new recreation sites and cultural patterns in the urban centres of Palestine. These processes were significantly evident in Haifa as the city had been chosen by the British as the economic and effectively political capital of Palestine. This chapter scrutinises the rapid cultural changes that unfolded, analysing the significant role of Christian communities in this process. It examines the ways in which Christians’ connections with European powers contributed to their crucial involvement in developing the city’s cultural life and how Christians’ engagement in cultural activities strengthened their Palestinian identity in a period of intensive nation-building.
Production of Jet Fuel from Seawater

In this chapter attention is directed to the possibility of producing synthetic jet fuel from hydrogen and carbon dioxide from sea water, thereby enabling the maintenance of the current aviation infrastructure without net carbon dioxide emissions.
Using Peer Power to Reduce Health Disparities: Implementation of a Diabetes Support Coach Program in Federally Qualified Health Centers

There are pervasive disparities in health outcomes for people living with diabetes based on socioeconomic status, race, and ethnicity. These longstanding disparities are magnified by the devastating impact of COVID-19 for underserved communities with diabetes. As part of a Project Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO™) Diabetes outreach program in Florida and California, over 15 participating Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) were provided Diabetes Support Coaches (DSC) to facilitate patient engagement. DSCs hold invaluable expert knowledge as they live with diabetes, themselves, and reside in the geographic catchment areas they serve - combining a traditional Community Health Worker (CHW) role with peer support models. DSCs complete standardized training in health coaching and receive Diabetes Paraprofessional Level 1 certification through the American Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (ADCES). DSCs offer one-on-one peer support for interested patients, create local resource guides for diabetes management, host community events, disseminate information about technologies like continuous glucose monitors (CGM), and assist with appointment reminders and other engagement activities. Patient encounters with DSCs are documented in REDCap® and pre/post-test evaluation for patients includes HbA1c, the Diabetes Distress Scale, use of diabetes technology, and social support density. Preliminary data from n=19 adults with T1D and T2D (9 Hispanic, 10 Non-Hispanic Black) participating with DSCs at two FQHCs in Miami show statistically significant improvement in HbA1c mean ± SD: -1.21 ± 1.49, 95% CI (-1.93, -0.49) p Disclosure A. F. Walker: None. S. L. Filipp: None. N. Cuttriss: Consultant; Self; Cecelia Health. L. G. Baer: None. L. Figg: None. K. K. Hood: Consultant; Self; Cecelia Health, Cercacor, LifeScan Diabetes Institute. R. Lal: Consultant; Self; Abbott Diabetes, Biolinq, Capillary Biomedical, Inc., Morgan Stanley, Tidepool. M. Basina: None. J. J. Wong: None. K. Yabut: None. D. M. Maahs: Advisory Panel; Self; Abbott Diabetes, Dompe, Eli Lilly and Company, Medtronic, Novo Nordisk, Consultant; Self; aditxt. M. J. Haller: Board Member; Self; SAB Biotherapeutics, Inc., Consultant; Self; MannKind Corporation, Other Relationship; Self; Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Sanofi. E. Sheehan: None. S. C. Westen: None. C. Anez-zabala: None. X. Roque: None. A. Bernier: None. L. Bain: None. M. J. Gurka: None. Funding The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust
Dissecting cloud game streaming platforms regarding the impacts of video encoding and networking constraints on QoE

Cloud gaming -- sometimes also referred to as game streaming -- is the concept of executing games on remote servers -- typically within a cloud -- capturing the video output normally displayed onto a screen and sending the result as a video stream to end-user devices. While many game streaming solutions have existed for many years now with first proof of concept shown in 2000, many of these solutions still seem to suffer from technical or quality limitations. Recently, several new actors entered the cloud gaming market with the promise to solve these limitations. This paper provides a systematic benchmark of two game streaming services -- Google Stadia and Nvidia GeForce Now -- under a variety of networking conditions, while subjectively evaluating the resulting QoE. We further expose and analyse the network adaptation and video encoding choices of these two platforms. We present a few key takeaways and provide recommendations regarding video encoding choices, buffering and bitrate adaptation mechanisms.
First report of blue mold caused by Penicillium polonicum on apple in the United States.

Apples (Malus domestica, Rosaceae) are one of the most widely grown and economically valuable fruits worldwide. In Hood River County, Oregon in 1991 decayed apples exhibiting blue mold signs and sy...
His bundle and left bundle branch pacing

Cardiac pacemakers are an extremely effective treatment for bradycardia but can, however, cause desynchronization of ventricular contraction leading to cardiomyopathy. Pacing of the conduction system can prevent and even reverse desynchronization, which is impressively visible in echocardiography with speckle tracing. His' bundle and left bundle branch pacing requires a specific implantation technique, sheaths and leads which can achieve successful stimulation of the conduction system in up to 98% of cases. Data on conduction system pacing have been acquired in numerous studies but only a few randomized outcome studies. Therefore, in the current European guidelines His' bundle and left bundle branch pacing only have a low level recommendation. The guidelines recommend His' bundle pacing in patients in whom a coronary sinus lead cannot be implanted and in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation and planned atrioventricular (AV) node ablation for heart rate control. Additionally, conduction system pacing appears to be meaningful in patients with an AV block who require pacing of the ventricle for ≥20% of the time or who already show a slightly or moderately reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (36-50%). Even in patients scheduled for generator replacement who have developed a cardiac pacemaker-induced cardiomyopathy, the opportunity should not be missed to upgrade the system by implantation of a His' bundle electrode.
Effects of repeated treatment with the 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B agonists (R)-( +)-8-hydroxy-DPAT and CP-94253 on the locomotor activity and axillary temperatures of preweanling rats: evidence of tolerance and behavioral sensitization.

Drugs that stimulate 5-HT1A/1B receptors produce both tolerance and behavioral sensitization in adult rats and mice, yet it is unknown whether the same types of plasticity are evident during earlier ontogenetic periods. The purpose of this study was to determine whether repeated treatment with selective 5-HT1A and/or 5-HT1B agonists cause tolerance and/or sensitization in preweanling rats. In Experiments 1 and 2, male and female preweanling rats were given a single pretreatment injection of saline, the 5-HT1A agonist (R)-( +)-8-hydroxy-DPAT (8-OH-DPAT), or the 5-HT1B agonist CP-94253 on PD 20. After 48 h, rats received a challenge injection of 8-OH-DPAT or CP-94253, respectively. In Experiment 3, rats were pretreated with saline or DPAT + CP on PD 20 and challenged with the same drug cocktail on PD 22. In Experiment 4, the tolerance- or sensitization-inducing properties of 8-OH-DPAT, CP-94253, or DPAT + CP were tested after a 4-day pretreatment regimen on PD 17–20. On the first pretreatment day, 8-OH-DPAT, CP-94253, and DPAT + CP increased locomotion and caused hypothermia. Repeated treatment with 8-OH-DPAT (2 or 8 mg/kg) or DPAT + CP caused locomotor sensitization in preweanling rats. In contrast, tolerance to the hypothermic effects of 8-OH-DPAT (8 mg/kg), CP-94253 (5–20 mg/kg), or DPAT + CP was evident after repeated drug treatment. During the preweanling period, a single injection of a selective 5-HT1A or 5-HT1B agonist is capable of producing drug-induced plasticity. A pretreatment administration of 8-OH-DPAT causes both tolerance (hypothermia) and behavioral sensitization (locomotor activity) in preweanling rats, whereas repeated CP-94253 treatment results in tolerance.
Developmental Deconvolution for Classification of Cancer Origin

Cancer is a disease manifesting in abrogation of developmental programs, and malignancies are named based on their cell or tissue of origin. However, a systematic atlas of tumor origins is lacking. Here we map the single cell organogenesis of 56 developmental trajectories to the transcriptomes of over 10,000 tumors across 33 cancer types. We use this map to deconvolute individual tumors into their constituent developmental trajectories. Based on these deconvoluted developmental programs, we construct a Developmental Multilayer Perceptron (D-MLP) classifier that outputs cancer origin. The D-MLP classifier (ROC-AUC: 0.974 for top prediction) outperforms classification based on expression of either oncogenes or highly variable genes. We analyze tumors from patients with cancer of unknown primary (CUP), selecting the most difficult cases where extensive multimodal workup yielded no definitive tumor type. D-MLP revealed insights into developmental origins and diagnosis for most patient tumors. Our results provide a map of tumor developmental origins, provide a tool for diagnostic pathology, and suggest developmental classification may be a useful approach for otherwise unclassified patient tumors.
U.S. Air Force in European Airspace: Planning Future CNS/ATM Capabilities

The U.S. Air Force (USAF) relies on Communication Navigation Surveillance / Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) equipment for capabilities that allow its aircraft to use civil airspace and interact wi...
Influence of Sediments of Transport of Solute

A mathematical model which describes the transport of radionuclides injected instantaneously in a stream is developed. Instantaneous release of dye and continuous release of \U85\NSr respectively, are used to measure the dispersion and mass transfer coefficients. Aquaria and model river experiments are undertaken to determine various parameters which define the mechanism of sorption and desorption of radionuclides by sediments. Instantaneous injection of \U85\NSr into the model river provides data for establishing the relationship between the analytical solution and a proposed mathematical model. FORTRAN programs are designed for the analyses of gamma spectra, dispersion coefficients and transport equations. The mass transfer coefficient is found to increase with increased velocity. High uptake of \U85\NSr by sediments may be provided by increased temperature and the presence of an organic pollutant. An exponential relationship is established between the Sherwood’s number and the Reynold’s number for the model river.
Digital signal processor: a control element

Practical control systems increasingly use DSPs. DSPs have specialized high speed architectures and tailored instruction sets which execute in a single machine cycle; in addition, the hardware multiplier handles single instruction cycle multiply/add (accumulate) operations. DSPs are therefore geared for high-speed digital signal processing which is a basic operation in modern control algorithms. This paper overviews DSPs, reviews key features, and outlines processes for using DSPs in control applications.
Synthesis of 123mTe-nucleophiles: Potential use in the synthesis of new 123mTe-radiopharmaceuticals

Abstract Elemental powdered tellurium and sodium borohydride react in water or ethanol to give sodium telluride, sodium hydrogen telluride, or sodium ditelluride depending on the ratio of the reactants used and pH of the medium. These inorganic telluride and ditelluride anions prepared by this new reductive solubilization method can be utilized in nucleophilic displacement reactions to introduce 123 m Te in situ into organic nucleophiles or chemically-stable 123 m Te-labeled dialkyl tellurides which are potential new diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals.
2008 AFHVS presidential address : The four questions in agrifood studies: a view from the bus ()

The critical studies in the Sociology of Agriculture can be generally divided into four questions: Agrarian, Environmental, Food, and Emancipatory. While the four questions overlap and all address social justice concerns, there is a chronological sequence to the studies. In this presidential address presented at the joint meetings of the Agriculture, Food, and Human Values Society and the Association for the Study of Food in Society held in June 2008 in New Orleans, LA, I provide an overview of the four questions and call for researchers and activists in agrifood studies to engage as public social scientists to bring about a more just and equitable agrifood system.
Management of late main-body aortic endograft component uncoupling and type IIIa endoleak encountered with the Endologix Powerlink and AFX platforms.

Objective Junctional component separation producing type IIIa endoleak after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) is an uncommon but serious complication requiring unanticipated reinterventions. This retrospective study analyzed main-body EVAR component uncoupling and type IIIa endoleaks encountered with Powerlink and AFX (Endologix Inc, Irvine, Calif) endografts during an 8-year period. Methods Type IIIa endoleaks were identified from a database of secondary interventions and clinical surveillance. Operative reports, medical records, and computed tomography studies were reviewed. Clinical and imaging characteristics were analyzed over time, and differences were compared at appropriate follow-up intervals. Results Since 2006, 701 patients underwent primary EVAR using Endologix Powerlink (352 patients, 2006-2011) or AFX (349 patients, 2011-2014) endografts. Endoleaks required 32 secondary interventions (4.6%), including type Ia in 4 patients (1 proximal extension and 3 explants); type Ib in 8 patients (all distal extensions for enlarging iliac aneurysms); type II in 1 patient (explant); type IIIa in 17 patients (2.4%), who were the subject of this report; and type IIIb in 2 patients (both EVAR relining). The 17 patients with type IIIa endoleak were an average age of 71 years, and 14 (82%) were men. The mean preoperative abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) diameter was 70 ± 18 mm. The repair was elective in 16 patients and an emergency in one. Ten cases were performed with Powerlink and seven with AFX. Analysis of serial computed tomography scans found significant changes in AAA diameter; renal-to-bifurcation straight-line, centerline, and greater curvature lengths; EVAR angulation; and loss of EVAR component overlap. The average time from EVAR to reintervention was 32 months. Three patients returned with a ruptured AAA and three with AAA thrombosis, and three of these patients (18%) died ≤30 days of the emergency reintervention. Secondary procedures included EVAR relining with additional bridging components in 14 patients (82%), explant in 2, and axillobifemoral bypass in 1. No new cases of endograft uncoupling have been identified in patients treated with AFX since December 2012 after adoption of revised instructions for use. Conclusions Although a small number of secondary interventions were needed after EVAR with the Endologix Powerlink or AFX endografts, most were undertaken for late main-body component uncoupling and type IIIa endoleak, which can occur after sideways displacement of the endograft in large and angulated AAAs. Patients treated before 2013 under the old instructions for use should be evaluated for signs of impending component separation and monitored annually, noting that expected indicators of endograft failure, such as increasing AAA diameter and endoleak, may be absent.
Constancy of geologic slip rate along the central Garlock fault: implications for strain accumulation and release in southern California

SUMMARY We present new slip rate estimates for the central Garlock fault. The incised edge of an alluvial fan deposit with a 10Be cosmogenic radionuclide age of 13.3 +5.9/−1.1 ka is offset 70 ± 7 m yielding a slip rate of 5.3 +1.0/−2.5 mm yr−1. A stream thalweg that is deeply incised into this surface is offset a lesser amount (58 ± 4 m) providing the lower bound for this rate. Climate considerations, however, suggest that the deep incision of this thalweg may have occurred at a younger date, specifically at the end of the Younger Dryas period at ∼11.5 ka or at the onset of a summer monsoon rainfall pattern at ∼8–10 ka. If the deep incision was related to one of these climate events, then the resulting slip rate would be 5.1 ± 0.3 and 6.6 ± 1.2 mm yr−1, respectively. All of the slip rates are consistent with previous geologic slip rates, most of which suggest a latest Pleistocene–Holocene slip rate of ∼5–7 mm yr−1. These geologic slip rates, however, contrast markedly with much slower (at most half as fast) short-term rates of elastic strain accumulation constrained by geodesy. The new slip rate thus adds to a growing body of evidence indicating that the Garlock fault is experiencing a period of transient lack of strain accumulation, in which the lower crust (and mantle?) beneath the fault is deforming at a rate that is much slower than its long-term average rate. These observations suggest that the Garlock fault experiences two modes of strain accumulation: the current ‘slow’ mode, in which strain accumulates very slowly along the fault, and ‘fast’ mode, during which the fault must store and release elastic strain energy at much faster rates than the long-term average to account for the relatively rapid geologic slip rates measured along the central part of the fault.
Three dimensional calculation of misalignment forces for the TPX vacuum vessel

During a plasma disruption eddy currents are induced in all the conducting structures surrounding a tokamak plasma. There is a very real possibility that large structures, such as a tokamak vacuum vessel, are either (1) imperfectly formed and are not bodies of revolution or (2) not perfectly aligned with the plasma, TF coils and PF coils. Previous work in this field has dealt with these concerns by calculating forces and currents on sets of displaced circular filaments. We have performed several studies on this subject using the computer code SPARK. The SPARK code models arbitrary surfaces in three dimensions and gives results frequently different from the simple filament calculations. This paper summarizes several types of perturbation from perfect geometry and summarizes the trends observed.
An isoinertial technique to assess individual lifting capability.

Musculoskeletal overexertion injuries, particularly of the low back, are a major problem in industries in which material handling is done by workers. As increasing numbers of injuries indicate, tec...