cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Scheduling Data Delivery in Heterogeneous Wireless Sensor Networks

In this paper we present a proxy-level scheduler that can significantly improve QoS in heterogeneous wireless sensor networks while at the same time reducing the overall power consumption. Our scheduler is transparent to both applications and MAC in order to take the advantage of the standard off-the-shelf components. The proposed scheduling reduces collisions through a generalized TDMA implementation, and thus improves throughput and QoS, by activating only a subset of stations at a time. Power savings are achieved by scheduling transfer of larger bursts of IP packets followed by longer idle periods during which node?s radio can either enter sleep or be turned off. Our simulation and measurement results show significant power savings with an improvement in QoS. On average we get 18% of saturation throughput enhancement for real traffic and 79% of power reduction in a highly loaded network.
On-pump versus off-pump surgical revascularization in patients with acute coronary syndromes: Analysis from the Acute Catheterization and Urgent Intervention Triage Strategy trial

Objective Early invasive strategy, defined as early coronary angiography and subsequent revascularization, when appropriate, is recommended by current guidelines for the management of patients with moderate- to high-risk acute coronary syndromes. We sought to compare the outcomes of patients with acute coronary syndromes undergoing surgical revascularization with an on-pump versus off-pump approach. Methods Among a total of 13,819 patients with moderate- to high-risk acute coronary syndromes enrolled in the Acute Catheterization and Urgent Intervention Triage Strategy trial, 1375 patients were triaged to isolated coronary artery bypass grafting. One thousand one hundred fifty-four patients underwent operations with cardiopulmonary bypass (the coronary artery bypass grafting group), and 221 patients underwent off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (the off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting group). Propensity score matching (1:3) was applied to adjust for differences in baseline clinical and angiographic characteristics, yielding a total of 880 matched patients with acute coronary syndromes (220 managed with off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting and 660 managed with coronary artery bypass grafting). Results At 30 days, patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting had fewer events of bleeding (43.7% vs 56.3%, P = .0005) and myocardial infarction (7.3% vs 12.1%, P = .055) but higher rates of reintervention (3.7% vs 1.2%, P = .02). At 1 year, there was no difference between groups in death, total myocardial infarctions, reinterventions, strokes, or major adverse cardiac events, but there was a lower rate of non–Q-wave myocardial infarctions in the off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting group (4.6% vs 9.2%, P = .03). Conclusions In this large-scale study evaluating the outcomes of patients with acute coronary syndromes, off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting was associated with lower rates of bleeding and non–Q-wave myocardial infarction but more reinterventions early after the procedure. At 1 year, there was no major outcome difference between the 2 surgical strategies.
Interferon Gamma in Leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis is a complex disease that is caused by parasites of the Leishmania genus. Leishmania are further classified into several complexes, each of which can engage in distinct interactions with mammalian hosts resulting in differing disease presentations. It is therefore not unexpected that host immune responses to Leishmania are variable. The induction of interferon gamma (IFN-) and response to it in these infections has received considerable attention. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of some of the host responses during Leishmania infections that are regulated by IFN-. In addition, studies that explore the nature of parasite-derived molecular mediators that might affect the host response to IFN- are also discussed.
PDK2: the missing piece in the receptor tyrosine kinase signaling pathway puzzle

Activation of members of the protein kinase AGC (cAMP dependent, cGMP dependent, and protein kinase C) family is regulated primarily by phosphorylation at two sites: a conserved threonine residue i...
Primary Amenorrhea with an Abdominal Mass at the Umbilicus

Abstract Background Transverse vaginal septum is a rare cause of primary amenorrhea. It has a reported incidence of 1:2,100–1:72,000 and a variety of clinical presentations. Case A 16-year-old patient presented with primary amenorrhea and a large abdominal mass that was palpated on clinical exam and confirmed on MRI imaging. A diagnosis of transverse vaginal septum was ultimately made and the patient underwent a successful surgical excision of the septum and vaginal reconstruction. Conclusion The presentation, etiology, diagnosis, and surgical treatment of a transverse vaginal septum are discussed.
Styles Of Programming In Neural Networks And Expert Systems

Neural networks and expert systems provide different ways to reduce the programming effort required to build complex systems. Adaptive neural networks are programmed merely by training them with examples. Rule-based expert system are developed incrementally merely by adding rules. Although neural networks seem best suited for low-level sensory processing and expert systems seem best suited for high-level symbolic processing, strikingly similar issues arise when these approaches are used in large-scale applications. Illustrative examples of such applications are presented and discussed.
Scandal Enforcement at the SEC: Salience and the Arc of the Option Backdating Investigations

We study the impact of scandal-driven media scrutiny on the SEC’s allocation of enforcement resources. We focus on the SEC’s investigations of option backdating in the wake of numerous media articles on the practice of backdating. We find that as the level of media scrutiny of option backdating increased, the SEC shifted its mix of investigations significantly toward backdating investigations and away from investigations involving other accounting issues. We test the hypothesis that SEC pursued more marginal investigations into backdating as the media frenzy surrounding the practice persisted at the expense of pursuing more egregious accounting issues. Our event study of stock market reactions to the initial disclosure of backdating investigations shows that those reactions declined over our sample period. We also find that later backdating investigations are less likely to target individuals and less likely to accompanied by a parallel criminal investigation. Looking at the consequences of the SEC’s backdating investigations, later investigations were more likely to be terminated or produce no monetary penalties. We find that the magnitude of the option backdating accounting errors diminished over time relative to other accounting errors that attracted SEC investigations.
Polypharmacy and Crohn's disease.

Summary Background : Polypharmacy has not been defined for Crohn's disease. Aims : To determine the prevalence of polypharmacy, factors associated with polypharmacy, and consequences of polypharmacy in a Crohn's disease population. Methods : A review of 291 Crohn's disease patients was performed. Polypharmacy was defined as either minor (two to four medications) or major (≥5 medications). Clinical status was evaluated with the Harvey-Bradshaw index of disease activity (HBI) and the short inflammatory bowel disease questionnaire (SIBDQ). Results : Major polypharmacy was identified in 50% of patients. Crohn's disease patients on less than two medications at the intake visit had an HBI of 3.6 compared with 5.4 and 6.0 in the minor and major polypharmacy groups (P 40 years (OR 1.9), duration of disease >10 years (OR 2.0), and female sex (OR 2.5). Conclusions : Polypharmacy is common in Crohn's disease and correlates with increased disease activity and decreased quality of life. Increasing age, increasing duration of disease, and female sex are associated with major polypharmacy. These findings emphasize the need for improved treatment algorithms to optimize Crohn's disease patient management.
Effects of temperature and composition on the bulk modulus of (Mg,Fe)O

Isothermal static compression data for MgO at 300 and 1100 K were obtained by combining synchrotron X-ray diffraction techniques with an externally heated high-temperature diamond-anvil cell that is capable of achieving pressures greater than 125 GPa at temperatures up to 1100 K. The experiments at 300 K were conducted under both hydrostatic and nonhydrostatic conditions. The deviatoric stress in non-hydrostatic environment significantly effects the measured lattice parameters. Fits to the static compression data of MgO at 300 K yield a bulk modulus of 185(7) GPa and 160(2) GPa under nonhydrostatic and hydrostatic conditions, respectively. The deviatoric stress decreases with increasing temperature, and a nearly hydrostatic condition was achieved at temperatures above 900 K when NaCl was used as a pressure-medium. The bulk modulus of MgO was determined to be 135(3) GPa at a temperature of 1100 K, yielding its temperature derivative of 20.030(3) GPa/K. Comparing these results with previous studies in the system MgO-FeO, shows that the bulk modulus of (Mg,Fe)O decreases with increasing FeO content, from 160 GPa for MgO to 146 GPa for FeO.
Peripheral Substitution of a Near‐IR‐Absorbing Soluble Phthalocyanine Using “Click” Chemistry

A series of near-IR-absorbing soluble phthalocyanines (Pcs) with eight alkyne moieties as side chains of the chromophore have been synthesized. One of these Pcs has been used as a scaffold for functional group modification using alkyne–azide click chemistry with various azides. This led to a small library of Pcs with photo and thermal crosslinkable, dendritic, and hydrophilic moieties starting from a single Pc molecule. A patterned thin film was fabricated by photocrosslinking one of these Pc derivatives.
Hell's Kitchen's Prolonged Crisis and Would-Be Sovereigns: Daredevil, Hobbes, and Schmitt

Comic book heroes often have their origins in noir depictions of failed or failing states. The danger involved and the seeming anarchy that necessitates superheroes recall Hobbes's description of a state of nature and Leviathan as resolution. But comic book heroes generally inhabit states that are better identified by the Hobbes-inspired Carl Schmitt. Indeed, this articles argues that while the Hell's Kitchen of Daredevil comics has some characteristics of a state of nature, it is better characterized by the protracted crisis of state that Schmitt sees in liberal democracies. Hobbes and Schmitt elucidate the crisis that generates the need for a superhero but fail to explain why the superhero does not simply take over the city. This is better explained by American concepts of heroism which emphasize redemption and walking away from power (Lawrence and Jewett 2002).
Morphological plasticity reduces the effect of poor developmental conditions on fledging age in mourning doves

Developmental plasticity can be integral in adapting organisms to the environment experienced during growth. Adaptive plastic responses may be especially important in prioritizing development in response to stress during ontogeny. To evaluate this, I examined how developmental conditions for mourning doves related to early growth and how this affected fledging age, an important life-history transition for birds. The life history of mourning doves is consistent with strong selective pressure to minimize fledging age. Therefore, I predicted that in the face of nutritional stress associated with experimental brood-size increases, young would prioritize growth to structures that promote early fledging to reduce the effect of slowed overall growth on fledging age. Increasing brood size slowed overall structural growth of nestlings and affected the relative allocation of growth among different body parts. Total wing area was the best predictor of fledging age and individuals from larger broods had larger wings relative to overall body size. Although nestlings from larger broods fledged at later ages owing to slower overall growth, prioritization of wing growth reduced this effect by an estimated 1.6 days relative to the delay if plasticity among body parts had not occurred. This was an 11 per cent reduction in the predicted developmental time it took to reach this important life-history transition. Results demonstrate that preferential allocation to wing growth can affect the timing of this life-history transition and that morphological plasticity during development can have adaptive near-term effects during avian development.
Direct and Indirect Effects of Avian Predation on Grasshopper Communities in Northern Mixed-grass Prairie

The ecological interactions between grasshoppers, predators, and resources that can limit the population growth of grasshoppers are poorly understood. A number of field experiments have shown that top-down control by avian predators can limit grasshopper populations, but the effects of avian predators on grasshopper populations can differ between years and between sites in the same habitat. I conducted experiments examining grasshopper populations in avian exclosures and control plots for 3 yr at two locations in eastern Montana. Avian predation had variable direct and indirect effects on grasshopper communities at the two locations. Grasshopper population densities, species richness, and diversity at the two sites were not consistently significantly affected by avian predation, indicative of weaker top-down effects. The effects of predation varied among years and between the two sites. Avian predators modified body size composition of grasshopper populations through size-selective predation on medium-bodied grasshoppers. Even in years when avian predators did not limit grasshopper populations, selective predation seemed to indirectly mediate competitive interactions among grasshoppers. Birds reduced the proportion of presumably competitively superior medium-bodied grasshoppers, and small-bodied grasshoppers increased in abundance.
Integrating Visual Learning and Hierarchical Planning for Autonomy in Human-Robot Collaboration

Mobile robots deployed in real-world domains frequently find it difficult to process all sensor inputs, or to operate without human input and domain knowledge. At the same time, complex domains make it difficult to provide robots all relevant domain knowledge in advance, and humans are unlikely to have the time and expertise to provide elaborate and accurate feedback. This paper presents an integrated framework that creates novel opportunities for addressing these learning, adaptation and collaboration challenges associated with human-robot collaboration. The framework consists of hierarchical planning, bootstrap learning and online reinforcement learning algorithms that inform and guide each other. As a result, robots are able to make best use of sensor inputs, soliciting high-level feedback from non-expert humans when such feedback is necessary and available. All algorithms are evaluated in simulation and on wheeled robots in dynamic indoor domains.
Family History of Hypertension and Rates of Sodium Transport:Absence of an Association in Population-Based Studies

In a series of population-based studies, the relationship between a family history of hypertension and sodium transport was examined. In the total sample of 417 individuals, and in each sex-race-specific sub-sample, no significant differences were noted in red cell sodium-lithium countertransport, sodium concentration, or passive leak. A higher proportion of hypertensives was not found in the group with a positive family history, and blood pressures were only slightly higher in those - compared to those without - a positive family history. If family history of hypertension is associated with levels of countertransport, it would appear that- the relationship is weak in the general population
A Model of Methods for Influencing Prescribing: Part II. A Review of Educational Methods, Theories of Human Inference, and Delineation of the Model:

The purpose of this literature review is to develop a model of methods used to influence prescribing. This article reviews well-controlled studies of educational efforts, describes and relates theories of human inference to these studies, and delineates a model of methods for influencing prescribing. The model can be used to help explain the success or failure of various programs and as a framework for developing and testing methods to influence prescribing.
Distributed decision fusion using the Neyman-Pearson criterion

Performance of a parallel binary decision fusion architecture is considered where both the local detectors and the Decision Fusion Center use the Neyman-Pearson criterion. The architecture comprises N local detectors in parallel, each sending a binary decision to a fusion center for integration. The algorithm designed here fixes the global false alarm rate and attempts to compute the local detector thresholds and the global fusion rule that achieve the maximum global detection probability. The key computational requirement is to find the roots of a certain Nth order polynomial. We compare the performance of our method with the performance of the Person-by-Person Optimization (PBPO) approach and that of a centralized detection scheme.
Effects of Forcipata loca Feeding on Tissue of Kentucky-31 Tall Fescue

Feeding sites were ca. 25 µm in diameter, with a central puncture ca. 2 µm in diameter. Chlorosis, the number of feeding sites, and fecal waste deposits increased with prolonged leafhopper feeding. The feeding of F. loca gave rise to chlorotic spots by damaging the mesophyll.
Longitudinal study of lower urinary tract function in children with anorectal malformation.

Neurogenic bladder dysfunction (NBD) in children with anorectal malformation (ARM) has been reported in many publications, but with variations in prevalence and connection to type of ARM and spinal cord/sacral malformations. The prevalence of ARM patients with functional nonneurogenic dysfunction, on the contrary, has been addressed only sparsely. Since constipation and soiling have been shown to often accompany functional urinary tract symptoms in children without malformations, and treatment of constipation often improves bladder symptoms, it is interesting to assess such a connection in ARM patients. This study assessed lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) overall in ARM children. Special attention was paid to whether patients with poor bowel function had more LUT symptoms, excluding those with urological reasons for the LUTD (NBD and urogenital malformations). Patients and Methods Children with ARM, excluding those with perineal fistula, were included (n = 41). Bladder function was investigated at 5 (n = 25), 10 (n = 28), and 15 (n = 13) years using a structured questionnaire and flow residual. A scoring system was used. In addition, healthy children of comparable age were assessed using the same questionnaire. Data on bowel function were also available, as presented in a recent article. In children with NBD, cystometry was also used at follow-up. Results NBD was seen in 9 children (22%), whereas nonneurogenic LUTD was diagnosed in 14 cases (34%). A clear difference between the groups was seen, with a permanent dysfunction in neurogenic and often transient and mild in the nonneurogenic LUTD. A significant correlation between LUTD and bowel dysfunction was identified when all LUTD was included (p = 0.045). When children with neurogenic and urological causes of LUTD were excluded, the remaining children with LUTD had lower scores for bowel function than those with normal bladder function, but the difference was not significant (p = 0.1291). Conclusion Poor bowel function was often seen together with LUTD. In children with NBD, the connection was attributable to a mutual impairment of the nerve supply to both systems. Children with nonneurogenic and nonurological causes of the LUTD also had lower bowel scores than those with normal bladder function; although not significant, it suggests that poor bowel function was responsible for an increase in LUT symptoms.
Histochemistry LXIV. Succinic Dehydrogenase System in Isolated Mast Cells from the Rat.

SummaryIsolation of mast cells from peritoneal washings of the rat in either a sucrose or Ficoll density gradient gave the same activity of a succinic dehydrogenase system in the cells. Disruption of isolated cells by washing them with a Versene-phosphate buffer (pH 7.7) greatly elevated the enzyme activity. Cold stress or subcutaneous injection of ACTH, E. coli endotoxin, or compound 48/80, increased activity per unit protein-nitrogen significantly, and independently of gross cell disruption, since all cells were disrupted for measurement. No effects on activity of age from 30 to 120 days, or of subcutaneous injections of histamine or serotonin were observed.The authors are grateful to Dr. A. C. Parekh and Dr. L. J. Greenberg for suggestions and technical help.
Good-bye Descartes?

This year is the 400th anniversary of the birth of Rene Descartes. To future historians, this might well be seen as the period when the Cartesian domination of science came to an end. Having long underpinned Mankind's attempts to comprehend the physical world, mathematics has hitherto failed to achieve comparable success in our attempts to understand the human world of people and minds. The lofty goals of artificial intelligence, cognitive science, and mathematical linguistics that were prevalent in the 1950s and 1960s (and even as late as the 1970s) have now given way to a realization that the 'soft' world of people and societies is almost certainly not amenable to a precise, predictive, mathematical analysis to anything like the same degree as is the 'hard' world of the physical universe. In the days when physics and chemistry were the fundamental sciences that underpinned society, mathematics occupied a premier position. It was sometimes referred to as the 'Queen of the Sciences.' But today, in the Age of Information, psychology, sociology, and communication science-the human sciences-occupy at least an equal position in the pecking order, and the mathematical sciences-and mathematics itself-each has to adjust to being just one of a number of ways of understanding how minds work, how people communicate, and how societies function. These days, mathematics frequently finds itself blended in with other disciplines, giving rise to a fascinating new way of using mathematics-what in a forthcoming book [3] I refer to as 'soft mathematics.' And with this change, we are moving away from the Cartesian view of the world that has been characteristic of scientific investigation for the past three hundred years.
Tobacco Cessation in the Military

The use of tobacco products in the military is higher than in the civilian population. Tobacco use is a major cause of morbidity and mortality and a major risk factor for many illnesses to include respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, and malignancies. The use of tobacco products has also been associated with decreased physical fitness and higher attrition from military service. In veterans, there is an increased level of tobacco-related illnesses and potentially higher health care costs. The Department of Defense (DoD) continues to modify its tobacco use policies and limit tobacco use. There is an emphasis on education to prevent tobacco use and tobacco cessation programs to assist service members in quitting. Tobacco cessation efforts in the military are similar to those used in the civilian population but service members have unique challenges. Tobacco use in the military continues to be higher than in the general population and continues to be a concern for military readiness. Tobacco cessation is associated with decreased incidence of tobacco related disease and prolonged lifespans. Tobacco use in the military is declining but more needs to be done.
Direct Fluorination of Polymers

It is clear that many new fluoropolymers can be synthesized by direct fluorination technology that cannot be obtained through other routes. The information in this chapter should serve as a strong indication that perhaps the best and ultimate synthetic method for fluoropolymers on both laboratory and manufacturing scales in the future will be direct fluorination reactions.
On cognitive radio systems with directional antennas and imperfect spectrum sensing

In this paper, we consider a cognitive radio system, consisting of a primary user (PU), a secondary user (SU) transmitter, and a SU receiver. The SUs are equipped with directional antennas. The SU transmitter first performs spectrum sensing (with errors) and then transmits data. We assume the SU and PU can coexist and the SU transmits at two power levels, according to the result of spectrum sensing (i.e., whether the spectrum is sensed idle or busy). We establish a lower bound on the ergodic capacity of the channel between SU transmitter and receiver, and study how spectrum sensing errors affect the bound. Furthermore, we explore the optimal SU transmit power levels and the optimal directions of SU transmit and receive antennas, such that the lower bound is maximized, subject to average transmit power and average interference power constraints. Through numerical simulations, we show that (compared with the case when the SUs use omni-directional antennas) directional antennas can significantly improve the lower bound in the presence of spectrum sensing errors, subject to the constraints.
Transcriptional Signatures of Aging

Genome-wide studies of aging have identified subsets of genes that show age-related changes in expression. Although the types of genes that are age regulated vary among different tissues and organisms, some patterns emerge from these large data sets. First, aging is associated with a broad induction of stress response pathways, although the specific genes and pathways involved differ depending on cell type and species. In contrast, a wide variety of functional classes of genes are downregulated with age, often including tissue-specific genes. Although the upregulation of age-regulated genes is likely to be governed by stress-responsive transcription factors, questions remain as to why particular genes are susceptible to age-related transcriptional decline. Here, we discuss recent findings showing that splicing is misregulated with age. While defects in splicing could lead to changes in protein isoform levels, they could also impact gene expression through nonsense-mediated decay of intron-retained transcripts. The discovery that splicing is misregulated with age suggests that other aspects of gene expression, such as transcription elongation, termination, and polyadenylation, must also be considered as potential mechanisms for age-related changes in transcript levels. Moreover, the considerable variation between genome-wide aging expression studies indicates that there is a critical need to analyze the transcriptional signatures of aging in single-cell types rather than whole tissues. Since age-associated decreases in gene expression could contribute to a progressive decline in cellular function, understanding the mechanisms that determine the aging transcriptome provides a potential target to extend healthy cellular lifespan.
Correlated selection responses of fiber properties measured by high volume instrument and advanced fiber information system in Upland cotton

Fiber properties measured by high volume instrument (HVI) and advanced fiber information system (AFIS) are currently being used in Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) breeding. It would be interesting to know if it is equally efficient in selection for parameters measured by the two instrumental systems and how are the correlated selection responses of the parameters between the two systems. A study was designed to determine the correlated selection responses between fiber properties measured by the two systems in F3, F4, and F5 generations of two crosses, FM 832 × SP 205 and MD 52ne × JJ 1145ne. Selections for HVI-fiber length, HVI-short fiber content, and HVI-maturity were made in the F3 generation and the correlated responses of AFIS-fiber properties to the selections were estimated in the subsequent F4 and F5 generations. Selections for AFIS-fiber length, AFIS-short fiber content, and AFIS-maturity were made in the F4 generation and the correlated responses of HVI-fiber properties to the selections were estimated in the F5 generation. Moderate to high realized heritability was identified for both HVI- and AFIS-fiber properties. Significant correlated selection responses of fiber length and maturity between the HVI and AFIS methods were consistently observed in both crosses, suggesting similar genetic basis for fiber length and maturity measured by HVI and AFIS. Therefore, equal effectiveness is expected of the selection for both traits by the two instrumental systems. Correlated selection responses of short fiber content parameters between the HVI and AFIS methods were not consistent, suggesting a possible different genetic basis or differential variations of measurement quality between the two systems.
Finite Dimensional Markov Process Approximation for Time-Delayed Stochastic Dynamical Systems

This paper presents a method of finite dimensional Markov process (FDMP) approximation for stochastic dynamical systems with time delay. The FDMP method preserves the standard state space format of the system, and allows us to apply all the existing methods and theories for analysis and control of stochastic dynamical systems. The paper presents the theoretical framework for stochastic dynamical systems with time delay based on the FDMP method, including the FPK equation, backward Kolmogorov equation, and reliability formulation. The work of this paper opens a door to various studies of stochastic dynamical systems with time delay.
The Function of Multiple Subclasses of GABA Receptors in Rabbit Retina

The presence of a functionally important GABAergic amacrine cell system in mammalian retina has been well-established (for review see Redburn and Massey, 1987). In most instances markers for GABAergic properties, such as high affinity uptake systems, endogenous stores of GABA and the presence of its synthetic enzyme, glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) are routinely observed within specific populations of amacrine cells. Labeling in the outer retina has been reported by some labs but not in others, especially in the case of immunocytochemical labeling of photoreceptor terminals (Nishimura et al., 1986) and horizontal cells in adult mammalian species (Brandon, 1987; Mosinger and Yazulla, 1987). It should also be noted that functional studies do not support a major role for GABAergic transmission in the outer retina of adult mammals. In contrast, electrophysiological experiments clearly support the autoradiographic and immunocytochemical localization of a functional GABAergic system within amacrine cells (Caldwell et al., 1978; Massey and Redburn, 1982).
Unusual KRAS missense mutation (p.E63K) in patient with juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma of the tectum.

A 24-year-old woman with a history of tectal glioma initially diagnosed at 7 years of age presented following cyst fenestration and biopsy for progression on neuroimaging. Contrast enhanced MRI of the brain revealed a relatively well-defined mass with progression of solid and cystic components in
Cooperativity and Hierarchical MPC of State-Constrained Switched Power Flow Systems

Many energy systems require control frameworks that can manage dynamics spanning multiple timescales and can make decisions for both continuous and discrete inputs. This paper meets this need for a class of switched power flow systems modeled using graphs. Conditions are provided under which each mode of these models belongs to the class of cooperative systems. Leveraging properties of cooperative systems, a two-level hierarchical control framework is constructed in which an upper level controller governs slow dynamics to plan for long-term future behavior and select modes, while a lower level controller governs fast dynamics to improve performance and reject disturbances. The control framework guarantees satisfaction of state constraints while also ensuring that a minimum bound on the rate of energy transfer to the system can always be achieved. The applicability and efficacy of the approach is demonstrated in simulation on a fluid-thermal system representative of those found in aircraft.
Treating diabetes with islet transplantation: Lessons from the University of Miami

Abstract The Diabetes Research Institute (DRI) at the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine has been performing clinical islet transplantation (ITx) for select patients with type-1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and hypoglycemia unawareness since 1985. Over these years, the DRI has blossomed into one of the largest independent ITx centers worldwide, spearheading improvements in multiple aspects of islet isolation and transplantation. Our group has also made important strides in the medical management of ITx patients, applying unique aspects of care including adjuvant therapies to sustain islet function, dietetic follow-up during the posttransplant period, and exploration of immunological assays to assist with individualization of immunosuppressive therapy. Overall, our work has demonstrated the ability of ITx to confer improvements in patient quality of life, and additionally provided a foundation to fuel continued efforts to gain governmental approval of ITx as a clinically available therapy for patients with T1DM in the United States.
A review of structural health monitoring methods for composite materials

Abstract Health monitoring techniques with regard to structural assessment has the attention of researchers worldwide owing to their potential in providing crucial information regarding structural damage and the reassurance of expected performance of critical infrastructures during service. These must operate with optimal system performance and against natural hazards. Such systems utilize state of the art sensing networks. The still high costs linked to the application of Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) does dictate that they are mainly incorporated to structures of high value. It can be expected that composite materials are increasingly utilized in such applications. The main difficulty posed by their use is that their failure mechanisms are much more complex. From this perspective, health monitoring systems and operational safety evaluation techniques of energy generating critical infrastructures were systematically investigated with regard to current status, advantages, disadvantages, and the future development trend of existing systems and techniques sensing, data acquisition and transmission, overall operation and maintenance.
Dynamics of RT-qPCR SARS-CoV-2 Detection Rates Prior to and After Symptom Onset

Abstract Effective RT-qPCR testing for SARS-CoV-2 is essential for treatment, surveillance and control of the COVID-19 pandemic. A recent meta-analysis 1 suggested that testing prior to the onset of symptoms is likely to miss the majority of infected individuals. These findings cast severe doubts on the effectiveness of mass screening efforts intended to detect SARS-CoV-2 prior to the onset of symptoms and decrease community transmissions from pre-/asymptomatic individuals2–4. However, alternative analyses and additional data described herein refine these estimates and suggest that many SARS-CoV-2 infections could potentially be detected prior to symptom onset.
Self-Reporting Transposons Enable Simultaneous Readout of Gene Expression and Transcription Factor Binding in Single Cells

Cellular heterogeneity confounds in situ assays of transcription factor (TF) binding. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) deconvolves cell types from gene expression, but no technology links cell identity to TF binding sites (TFBS) in those cell types. We present self-reporting transposons (SRTs) and use them in single-cell calling cards (scCC), a novel assay for simultaneously measuring gene expression and mapping TFBS in single cells. The genomic locations of SRTs are recovered from mRNA, and SRTs deposited by exogenous, TF-transposase fusions can be used to map TFBS. We then present scCC, which map SRTs from scRNA-seq libraries, simultaneously identifying cell types and TFBS in those same cells. We benchmark multiple TFs with this technique. Next, we use scCC to discover BRD4-mediated cell-state transitions in K562 cells. Finally, we map BRD4 binding sites in the mouse cortex at single-cell resolution, establishing a new method for studying TF biology in situ.
ECR plasma source for heavy ion beam charge neutralization

Highly ionized plasmas are being considered as a medium for charge neutralizing heavy ion beams in order to focus beyond the space-charge limit. Calculations suggest that plasma at a density of 1-100 times the ion beam density and at a length {approx} 0.1-2 m would be suitable for achieving a high level of charge neutralization. An ECR source has been built at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) to support a joint Neutralized Transport Experiment (NTX) at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) to study ion beam neutralization with plasma. The ECR source operates at 13.6 MHz and with solenoid magnetic fields of 1-10 gauss. The goal is to operate the source at pressures {approx} 10{sup -6} Torr at full ionization. The initial operation of the source has been at pressures of 10{sup -4}-10{sup -1} Torr. Electron densities in the range of 10{sup 8}-10{sup 11} cm{sup -3} have been achieved. Low-pressure operation is important to reduce ion beam ionization. A cusp magnetic field has been installed to improve radial confinement and reduce the field strength on the beam axis. In addition, axial confinement is believed to be important to achieve lower-pressure operation. To further improve breakdown at low pressure, a weak electron source will be placed near the end of the ECR source.
Director Connections and Board Advising

We introduce an easy-to-compute measure of board advising: Director Connections. This is the number of unique directors that a firm’s outside directors are connected to through common board service. We find that as firm complexity increases: Director Connections increases, firm value increases with Director Connections, and announcement returns to director appointments increases. The idea that connected directors are valuable advisors is further supported by the findings that connected directors have higher human capital, are paid more, disproportionately represented on advising committees, and do not improve monitoring effectiveness. Our contribution is to document that director connections are valuable in complex firms.
The Utility of Lower Extremity Screening Duplex for The Detection of Deep Vein Thrombosis in Trauma.

BACKGROUND Trauma patients are high-risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE). Lower extremity screening duplex ultrasonography (LESDUS) is controversial and not standardized for early VTE diagnosis. By implementing risk stratification and selective screening, we aim to optimize resource utilization. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective review were conducted at a Level-1 Trauma Center, January 2015-October 2019. LESDUS was performed within 72-h of presentation, then weekly. Demographics, VTE data, and outcomes were collected from the trauma registry. Risk assessment profile (RAP) score was calculated based on collected data. RESULTS Of 5,645 patients included, 2,813 (49.8%) were screened for lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (LEDVT). Of 187 patients with LEDVT, 154 were diagnosed on LESDUS, 18 after negative LESDUS, and 15 in unscreened patients. Patients with VTE were older (61y versus 55, P < 0.01), more often male (70.9% versus 29.1%, P = 0.03), had higher ISS (16 versus 10, P < 0.01), longer hospital length of stay (LOS) (11.5 d versus 3, P < 0.01), longer ICU LOS (4.5 d versus 1, P < 0.01), and increased mortality (9.1% versus 4.3%, P = 0.01). RAP was higher in VTE patients versus those without (nine versus three, P < 0.01). RAP ≥8 was 62.5% sensitive and 70.4% specific for VTE. Chemoprophylaxis delay also correlated with increased VTE (OR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.03-2.12). CONCLUSIONS VTE remains a significant complication in trauma patients. Despite a universal LESDUS protocol, only 50% of patients underwent screening and 20% of all LE DVTs were not identified on LESDUS. To optimize resource utilization and protocol adherence, LESDUS should only be performed if RAP ≥8 or if unable to administer timely chemoprophylaxis.
Helioseismic Tests of Dynamo Models

Helioseismology provides important input and test data for dynamo theories of solar activity by measuring variations of the internal structure and dynamics of the Sun with the activity cycle. Recent results from the GONG network and MDI/SOHO space experiment obtained in 1996-2000 cover the period of transition from the ‘old’ solar cycle 22 to the ‘new’ cycle 23. These data have revealed correlated variations of zones of generation of the solar magnetic fields and zonal shear flows in the convection zone. An attempt is made to detect solar-cycle variations in the tachocline region at the base of the convection zone, which is believed to be the main cite of the solar dynamo. However, the current results are controversial. By comparing the internal rotation profile with the rotation rates of the ‘old’ and ‘new’ magnetic fluxes it has been suggested that both fluxes were generated in a low-latitude zone of the tachocline. Zonal flows and structures migrating towards the equator and probably associated with dynamo waves have been detected in the solar interior. They show a curious sudden displacement towards higher latitudes in the second-half of 1999. This is not explained by the current dynamo theories and indicates a complex dynamical behavior of the solar dynamo. Recently developed methods of local helioseismology have allowed us to investigate processes of formation of active regions and sunspots. In particular, converging vortex flows have been found beneath a sunspot in agreement with Parker’s theory.
Building Community Coalitions with People with Disabilities and Their Families

SUMMARY How can community professionals help build coalitions that empower members of marginalized groups? The authors examine the building of rural, suburban, and urban coalitions on aging and developmental disabilities that sought to empower people with disabilities and their families. The coalitions addressed the four crucial issues of identifying local leaders, recruiting people with disabilities and family members, creating the chemistry of collaboration, and sustaining coalition activities. In order to empower members of marginalized groups, a critical mass of coalition leaders and members need to intend and then act to empower. Thirteen propositions are advanced concerning building empowering community coalitions.
Japanese Sogo Shosha (General Trading Companies)

Japanese trading companies (soho shosha) have a long history in which they have contributed to economic growth in Japan. While they have not a smaller role to play in the current environment, they continue to play a key role in large resource projects and in information-intensive distribution chains. Keywords: Japan; trading companies; alliances
Differential cytokine expression by human intestinal epithelial cell lines: Regulated expression of interleukin 8

Abstract Background: To characterize the role of intestinal epithelial cells in mucosal host defense, we have examined constitutive cytokine expression and regulated expression of interleukin (IL)-8 by human colonic epithelial cells. Methods: Cytokine expression by the human colonic epithelial cell lines, T 84 , Caco-2, SW620, and HT29 was assessed by using polymerase chain reaction amplification of reverse-transcribed RNA. Regulated IL-8 expression was analyzed by nuclear run-off assays, Northern blot analysis, and enzymelinked immunosorbent assay. Results: The cell lines constitutively expressed messenger RNA (mRNA) for IL-8 and transforming growth factor β1. In addition, some cell lines expressed mRNA for IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor a (TNFα). None of the cell lines expressed mRNA for IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, or interferon gamma. Cell lines secreted IL-8 either constitutively or after stimulation with the physiological agonists TNFα, IL-1β, or lipopolysaccharide. Increased IL-8 secretion after TNFα stimulation of T 84 cells was accompanied by increased IL-8 mRNA levels and an increased transcription rate of the IL-8 gene. IL-8 was preferentially secreted at the basolateral surface of polarized T 84 cells. In further studies, freshly isolated human colon epithelial cells also secreted IL-8. Conclusions: These results support the notion of bidirectional communication between intestinal epithelial cells and mucosal immune and inflammatory cells.
Identification of morphine- and cyclic AMP-regulated phosphoproteins (MARPPs) in the locus coeruleus and other regions of rat brain: regulation by acute and chronic morphine

Regulation of cAMP-dependent protein phosphorylation by acute and chronic morphine was studied in the rat locus coeruleus (LC), a brain region that appears to play an important role in mediating morphine action in animals, including humans. Rats were treated chronically with morphine under conditions known to induce states of tolerance and dependence. Protein phosphorylation was then studied in extracts of LC and other brain regions with back-phosphorylation assays under different conditions and with 1- and 2-dimensional electrophoretic procedures. Evidence was obtained to suggest that chronic morphine increased the phosphorylation state of proteins of 165, 55, and 14–20 kDa and increased the total amount of proteins of 145, 71, 62, 58, and 51 kDa in the LC. Concomitant treatment of rats with naltrexone, an opiate receptor antagonist, blocked the ability of morphine to influence each of these proteins, indicating that morphine regulation of protein phosphorylation occurred through the specific activation of opiate receptors. Regulation of 165, 71, 62, 58, 55, and 51 kDa by chronic morphine was specific to the LC among the brain regions studied, whereas regulation of 145 and 14–20 kDa was also observed in the frontal cortex, neostriatum, and dorsal raphe. Most of the phosphoproteins whose phosphorylation state or total amount was increased by chronic morphine treatment in the LC in vivo were also shown to have their phosphorylation state decreased by acute morphine treatment in isolated LC nuclei ex vivo. In addition, the phosphorylation state of most of these morphine-regulated phosphoproteins was stimulated by forskolin or cAMP analogs in isolated LC and by cAMP in broken cell preparations of this brain region, supporting the view that these proteins are physiological substrates for cAMP-dependent protein kinase in the LC. Phosphoproteins regulated by morphine and cAMP were designated “MARPPs,” morphine- and cAMP- regulated phosphoproteins, whereas those regulated by morphine but not by cAMP were designated “MRPPs.” Taken together, the results of this study indicate that chronic morphine produces specific alterations in cAMP-dependent protein phosphorylation in the LC and raise the possibility that regulation of these specific phosphoproteins contributes to the development of tolerance and/or dependence in these neurons.