cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Admission hyperglycemia is associated with poor outcome after emergent coronary bypass grafting surgery

Abstract Purpose Hyperglycemia during or after cardiac surgery is a common finding that is associated with poor outcome. Very few data, however, are available regarding a correlation between admission blood glucose and outcomes after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Thus, the goal of the current study was to examine the relationship between admission blood glucose and outcome after emergency CABG surgery. Materials and Methods A retrospective analysis to evaluate whether admission hyperglycemia associated with increased morbidity or mortality was performed in patients after emergency CABG surgery. The records of all the patients undergoing emergency CABG surgery between January 1999 and December 2010 at the University of Virginia Health System were reviewed. Postoperative in-hospital mortality and complications were considered as study end points. Results A total of 240 patients met the final inclusion criteria. Overall mortality was 14.1%. The median admission blood glucose in patients who died 7.4 (interquartile range, 5.9-10.1) mmol/L was significantly higher compared with survivors 6.1 (interquartile range, 5.4-7.2; P P = .01). On multivariable analysis, admission blood glucose was identified as an independent risk factor for death after emergency CABG ( P = .01; odds ratio, 1.16; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-1.29). Admission blood glucose was further identified as independently associated with increased risk for a composite outcome of death, postoperative renal failure or stroke ( P = .01; odds ratio, 1.14; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.27). Conclusions Our study shows for the first time that admission blood glucose is correlated with increased morbidity and mortality among patients undergoing emergency CABG surgery.
Proton Therapy for Cord Compression from Extramedullary Hematopoiesis

Abstract A patient presented with spinal cord compression due to extramedullary hematopoiesis. She was treated with decompressive surgery followed by proton beam radiation therapy to a dose of 2340 cGy relative biological effectiveness in 13 fractions. After 6 months of follow-up she has had a near complete recovery from her initial symptoms and remains free from extramedullary hematopoiesis around the spinal cord. Proton beam radiation therapy was chosen over conventional linear accelerator-based radiation therapy due to the normal-tissue sparing effects and potential decreased risk of secondary neoplasia. Proton beam radiation therapy should be considered for cases of spinal cord compression from extramedullary hematopoiesis involving young patients at risk for long-term complications.
Trends in Size Class Distribution, Recaptures, and Abundance of Juvenile Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas) Utilizing a Rock Riprap Lined Embayment at Port Canaveral, Florida, USA, as Developmental Habitat

Abstract Despite great advances in the understanding of marine turtle biology over the past 60 yrs, there is still a paucity of demographic data on the juvenile stage of their life history. These data are required to adequately predict population trends for these long-lived marine turtle species. In the early 1990s, juvenile green turtles (Chelonia mydas) were observed in the Trident Turning Basin at Port Canaveral, Brevard County, Florida. We began a study in 1993 to assess the species composition, size class distribution, and degree of residency of the marine turtles utilizing this man-made embayment as developmental habitat. The results of the first 18 yrs of that study are related here. Juvenile green turtles constituted 99.4% of the marine turtle captures. Straight carapace lengths (SCL) of turtles ranged from 20.0 to 52.0 cm with a mean of 31.7 cm, smaller than those observed in other known green turtle developmental habitats in Florida. The mean SCL of the green turtles in the basin has declined ov...
Levels of the origin-binding protein Double parked and its inhibitor Geminin increase in response to replication stress

The regulation of a pre-replicative complex (pre-RC) at origins ensures that the genome is replicated only once per cell cycle. Cdt1 is an essential component of the pre-RC that is rapidly degraded at G1-S and also inhibited by Geminin (Gem) protein to prevent re-replication. We have previously shown that destruction of the Drosophila homolog of Cdt1, Double-parked (Dup), at G1-S is dependent upon cyclin-E/CDK2 and important to prevent re-replication and cell death. Dup is phosphorylated by cyclin-E/Cdk2, but this direct phosphorylation was not sufficient to explain the rapid destruction of Dup at G1-S. Here, we present evidence that it is DNA replication itself that triggers rapid Dup destruction. We find that a range of defects in DNA replication stabilize Dup protein and that this stabilization is not dependent on ATM/ATR checkpoint kinases. This response to replication stress was cell-type specific, with neuroblast stem cells of the larval brain having the largest increase in Dup protein. Defects at different steps in replication also increased Dup protein during an S-phase-like amplification cell cycle in the ovary, suggesting that Dup stabilization is sensitive to DNA replication and not an indirect consequence of a cell-cycle arrest. Finally, we find that cells with high levels of Dup also have elevated levels of Gem protein. We propose that, in cycling cells, Dup destruction is coupled to DNA replication and that increased levels of Gem balance elevated Dup levels to prevent pre-RC reformation when Dup degradation fails.
Model Performance Evaluation Program: (HIV Testing) Program Overview

Using HIV testing as the specific application, CDC's Training and Laboratory Program Office (TLPO) is developing a Model Performance Evaluation Program that will be effective in assessing the quality of new and emerging technology and in measuring the impact of quality of testing on public health. Specific outcomes expected from this program are (1) a database of information that describes the testing practices and the physical and technical characteristics of HIV testing laboratories, (2) assessments of the quality of the total testing process for HIV, (3) strategies for effective HIV testing problem identification and problem resolution, (4) an informational exchange system which will allow for analysis of laboratory testing data on HIV as well as other tests, and (5) an effective system for evaluating new and emerging technology that, in its entirety or some of its components, can be transferred outside CDC.
An adaptive blind equalizer with signal separation for a MIMO system transmitting QAM signals

In this work we propose a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) equalization scheme which uses the CMA+AMA equalizer in a modified multi-stage approach that simultaneously recovers all signal sources. The CMA+AMA equalizer minimizes a linear combination of the constant modulus algorithm (CMA) and alphabet-matched algorithm (AMA) cost functions, and this has been shown to be an effective equalizer for recovering QAM signals in the SISO and SIMO environment. The MIMO equalizer applies individual multiple-input single-output (MISO) equalizers to the received data stream, which is modified during the update process, to simultaneously remove the recovered sources using a channel estimator. By measuring the mean square error (MSE) and symbol error rates (SER) for the recovered sources, we show the effectiveness of this new equalizer in recovering all sources transmitted by the MIMO system.
FLASH PHOTOLYSIS OF BOVINE SERUM ALBUMIN: IDENTIFICATION AND DECAY KINETICS OF TRANSIENT INTERMEDIATES

. Using the method of flash photolysis, the triplet of the single indole side chain of human serum albumin was detected at room temperature. In a nitrogen saturated solution, this species was found to decay exponentially for over a factor of ten with a lifetime τ 0.5 ms. Analogous experiments, reported here, with bovine serum albumin yield a non-exponential decay which may be decomposed into two components. The yield of the longer lived triplet, with an average τ of ∼6 ms, is significantly enhanced by addition of a 20 fold excess of sodium dodecyl sulfate or 1 M Br-. The yield of the shorter lived triplet, τ 0.4 ms, is unaffected by these treatments as was previously observed for the single indole in HSA. Thus, the short lived triplet may be assigned to the indole in BSA which is homologous to the one in HSA. The longer lived triplet may be assigned to the remaining indole of BSA. On the bases of wavelength dependence studies, two additional transients may be identified; the electron adduct of the disulfide bond, λ; 420 with a τ 30 ms, and the neutral indole radical,λ; 520 nm with τ ls. These results suggest that the triplet, because of its long τ, will be a valuable intrinsic reporter group for the study of the structure and dynamics of proteins in solution at room temperature.
Mena invasive (MenaINV) promotes multicellular streaming motility and transendothelial migration in a mouse model of breast cancer

We have shown previously that distinct Mena isoforms are expressed in invasive and migratory tumor cells in vivo and that the invasion isoform (MenaINV) potentiates carcinoma cell metastasis in murine models of breast cancer. However, the specific step of metastatic progression affected by this isoform and the effects on metastasis of the Mena11a isoform, expressed in primary tumor cells, are largely unknown. Here, we provide evidence that elevated MenaINV increases coordinated streaming motility, and enhances transendothelial migration and intravasation of tumor cells. We demonstrate that promotion of these early stages of metastasis by MenaINV is dependent on a macrophage–tumor cell paracrine loop. Our studies also show that increased Mena11a expression correlates with decreased expression of colony-stimulating factor 1 and a dramatically decreased ability to participate in paracrine-mediated invasion and intravasation. Our results illustrate the importance of paracrine-mediated cell streaming and intravasation on tumor cell dissemination, and demonstrate that the relative abundance of MenaINV and Mena11a helps to regulate these key stages of metastatic progression in breast cancer cells.
The Efficacy of a Spouse Abuse Model in Accounting for Courtship Violence

A model consisting of social class, the balance of resources between partners, and experience with violence in the family of orientation—factors that have the greatest salience to spouse abuse—was tested on a sample of 484 white college students, most of whom were currently or previously involved in heterosexual relationships. For males, only being punished harshly as a child was significantly related to inflicting violence on a partner, while being the recipient of violence from a partner was related to both being punished harshly and seeing one's mother hit one's father. For females, the only significant effect was that females who believed that they should have control over the male in a relationship were more likely to be violent with a partner. It is suggested that models based on marital violence may have limited predictive power in accounting for violence during courtship.
Increase in surface ozone at rural sites in the western US

We evaluated O3 data for the period 1987–2004 from 11 rural and remote sites in the north and western US, including two sites in Alaska. All sites show a seasonal cycle with a spring or spring-summer maximum. By deseasonalizing the data, we are better able to identify seasonal and spatial patterns and long-term trends. For most of the locations in the western US that we considered, there are significant inter-site correlations in the deseasonalized monthly means. This indicates that there are large scale factors that influence the monthly mean O3 concentrations across the western US. At seven out of nine sites in the western US, there is a statistically significant increase in O3 with a mean trend of 0.26 ppbv year � 1 (range at the seven sites is 0.19–0.51 ppbv year � 1 ). At three of the sites, we examined the data in more detail to find that the trends are present in all seasons. At the two sites in Alaska, no clear pattern was found. At the one ozonesonde site in the western US with long-term observations (Boulder, Colorado), no significant trend was identified. However, the statistical power in the ozonesonde analysis is limited due to the low frequency of ozonesonde launches. Temperature changes can explain only a fraction of the surface O3 trend. We consider several possible explanations for these trends, including: increasing regional emissions, changes in the distribution of emissions, increasing biomass burning or increasing global background O3. With the available data, we are not able to unambiguously identify the cause for increasing O3 in the western US r 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Spectral-encoded UWB communication systems: channel estimation in the presence of narrow-band interference

An analytical formulation for the performance of a spectral-encoded UWB communication system in the presence of narrow-band interference and imperfect channel estimation is proposed. Spectral-encoded systems were recently shown to be advantageous in the spectral overlay scenario, since narrow-band interference can be suppressed by using an appropriate spectral signature.
Thin films of organic-based magnetic materials of vanadium and cobalt tetracyanoethylene by molecular layer deposition

Thin films of Co[TCNE]x and CoxVy[TCNE]z were grown by molecular layer deposition (MLD). Metallic cobalt (Co0) was observed in the Co[TCNE]x film which contributes to the magnetism showing a coercivity of 450 Oe at 5 K with magnetic ordering temperature above 300 K. A thin film of CoxVy[TCNE]z showed magnetic ordering temperature up to 300 K with a coercivity of 50 Oe at 5 K and 30 Oe at 300 K. The film growth was monitored using a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), and chemical compositions were characterized by X-ray photoelectron microscopy (XPS). Compared to materials previously synthesized from solution and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) methods, thin films made in this work are smooth and pinhole-free that can be beneficial for the development of thin film devices. The chemical composition of MLD-made films and the presence of Co islands are also shown here.
PP-604 rate and Avena fatua density effects on seed production and viability in Hordeum vulgare

Abstract High Avena fatua control costs have caused some Hordeum vulgare growers to use reduced rates of herbicides without fully understanding the consequences. Field studies near Moscow and Genesee, ID, were conducted to determine the effect of A. fatua density and PP-604 rate on A. fatua seed production in H. vulgare and on H. vulgare yield. PP-604 treatments were 25, 50, 100, 150, and 200 (minimum labeled rate) g ha−1, and five A. fatua densities ranged from 0 to 386 plants m−2. Visual A. fatua control was greater than 85% with 100 g ha−1 PP-604 at all locations. Data from 1998 were used to construct nonlinear exponential decay and parabolic models to describe the effect of reduced herbicide rates on viable A. fatua seed production and relative H. vulgare grain yield, respectively. At A. fatua densities of 42 to 138 plants m−2, 46 to 71% of the minimum labeled rate of PP-604 reduced seed production 95%. However, an estimated 140 to 235 seeds m−2 were produced at this level of control, which may not en...
Elution Rate and Spacing of Antiaggregation Pheromone Dispensers for Protecting Live Trees from Dendroctonus pseudotsugae (Coleoptera: Scolytidae)

The antiaggregation pheromone 3-methylcyclohex-2-en-1-one (MCH) is highly effective in preventing the infestation of high-risk trees by Douglas-fir beetle, Dendroctonus pseudotsugae Hopkins. A large portion of the cost of an MCH treatment is related to the time applicators spend walking through an area dispersing the formulated pheromone. Application of fewer MCH dispensers eluting at a higher rate than those currently registered for operational use could potentially reduce treatment costs. Two higher elution rates, 6 and 18 mg/d per dispenser, were compared with the current standard of 2 mg/d per dispenser and an untreated control on 1-ha circular plots. Dispensers were spaced 5, 15, and 44 m apart around the plot perimeters eluting 2, 6, and 18 mg/d, respectively. The nominal dose of MCH was 144 mg/ha/d on all plots. Percentages of Douglas-fir trees ≥20 cm diameter at breast height mass attacked by Douglas-fir beetle were significantly lower on plots treated with dispensers eluting 2 and 6 mg/d and spaced 5 and 15 m apart, respectively, compared with the untreated control. Infestation rate on plots treated with dispensers eluting 18 mg/d and spaced 44 m apart was not significantly different from the control. Douglas-fir beetle abundance and host tree availability were similar on all plots. These results indicate that MCH dispensers eluting 6 mg/d (three times the current standard rate) and spaced 15 m apart (three times existing standard distance) can effectively prevent Douglas-fir beetle infestations.
Stress-activated protein kinase phosphorylation during cardioprotection in the ischemic myocardium.

Stress-activated protein kinases may be essential to cardioprotection. We assessed the role of p38 in an in vivo rat model of ischemia-reperfusion. Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) and the δ1-opioid ...
High Strain Rate Behavior of Carbon Nanofiber Reinforced Vinyl Ester

The dynamic uniaxial compressive response of neat vinyl ester resin with and without the addition of a dispersing agent and vinyl ester reinforced with both 0.50 and 1.00 parts (by weight) per hundred (parts of) resin of vapor grown carbon nanofibers was analyzed using a classical split Hopkinson pressure bar at strain rates ranging from 750 s -1 to 2350 s -1 . Dynamic force equilibrium was verified at all strain rates in order to validate the small strain data and the observed dynamic elastic modulus. Both the effects of the dispersing agent and the nanofiber loading level conducive for optimal yield stress and stiffness were shown to be highly strain rate dependent. Due to the viscoelastic nature of the vinyl ester resin/matrix, the differences in the observed dynamic stress-strain response (notably yield stress and stiffness) of all four material configurations likely was attributed to the coupled effect of the strain rate and the associated internal temperature rise experienced during split Hopkinson pressure bar tests.
Size effects and length scales in nanoindentation for body-centred cubic materials with application to iron:

Material length scales used in conjunction with gradient theories are obtained in this work from experimental observations of body-centred cubic (BCC) metals. Nanoindentation experiments are perfor...
Religious Affirmation and Historical Criticism in Heschel's Biblical Interpretation

Not least among the bittersweet gifts of modernity to the Jews is the complication of dealing with the Bible both as sacred scripture and as a document subject to the same canons of inquiry as any other historical, or putatively historical, record. The problem goes far beyond the familiar one posed by narratives that ancient historians find doubtful or quite impossible. For historical critical research into the Tanakh (as into all other scriptures) also uncovers the processes of development of the worldviews within the literature and thus puts a painful question to those who wish to affirm Judaism as a contemporary reality. How can a literature so variegated and contradictory speak with a normative voice today? It is no wonder that so many biblical scholars avoid the normative theological questions altogether and content themselves with historical and philological description (which, of course, presupposes norms of its own). It is also no wonder that so many religious practitioners neglect the historical issues and treat their scriptures as representing a static, uniform, and unvarying worldview—not surprisingly, the worldview of their own, postbiblical affirmation.
A Hierarchical Metamodeling Method for Large Scale, Multi-Objective Computer Simulations

This paper introduces a new hierarchical metamodeling scheme for large scale computer simulations. The goal of the this new metamodeling method is to allow for the creation of metamodels that are as accurate as traditional metamodeling schemes but can be created with considerably fewer data points. In addition the new method allows the model builder to create hierarchically partitioned metamodels of black box systems such as finite element models. Black box is this case refers to systems that do not have intermediate variables/ responses around which to partition the analysis. The hierarchical metamodeling method is demonstrated on a finite element model consisting of 40 input variables and 32 responses.
Cleon's Orders at Amphipolis

How Cleon issued his fatal order to retreat from before Amphipolis does not seem to have been discussed by the commentators. But it would appear that he violated correct military procedure, and that this violation was in itself the cause of much of the subsequent confusion in the Athenian ranks. Thucydides says that both a signal and a verbal command were given—the signal conveying the definite meaning ‘Retire’, while the verbal command explained how it was to be done; and signal and command were issued together. Signals are divided by Arrian into three groups. Verbal orders, being most readily intelligible, are preferable when they can be heard above the din of battle. Visual signals may be obscured in the dust and confusion. Finally, the trumpet is useful in overcoming ‘atmospheric disturbances’ ( τὰ ἐκ τοῦ ἀέρος ἐμπόδια ). Visual signals are found in Greek warfare from at least the fifth century B.C. onwards, but they are generally prearranged, either to convey the news that some foreseeable event has actually occurred or to coordinate the operations of two bodies of troops who are widely separated but in sight of each other. Everybody concerned must be instructed in advance that after certain developments a certain signal will be displayed, upon which certain movements will be carried out. In this way Croesus in the Cyropaedia directs the evolutions of his vast army, Antigonus plans to coordinate the separate attacks at Sellasia, and Gorgidas ends the feigned retreat of the Sacred Band. But the signals used—the display of a red cloak or a white; the raising of a helmet on a spear—are all obviously arranged for the occasion. There does not seem to have been any code by which the commander of a Greek army, at any rate in the classical period, could convey orders to his men on the spur of the moment by visual signals. In the army described by Arrian each battalion ( σύνταξις ) had its own standard bearer, and the rank and file could at least have conformed to the movements of the standard.
Approach to the Treatment of Methanol Intoxication

Methanol intoxication is an uncommon but serious poisoning. Its adverse effects are due primarily to the impact of its major metabolite formic acid and lactic acid resulting from cellular hypoxia. Symptoms including abdominal pain and loss of vision can appear a few hours to a few days after exposure, reflecting the time necessary for accumulation of the toxic byproducts. In addition to a history of exposure, increases in serum osmolal and anion gaps can be clues to its presence. However, increments in both parameters can be absent depending on the nature of the toxic alcohol, time of exposure, and coingestion of ethanol. Definitive diagnosis requires measurement with gas or liquid chromatography, which are laborious and expensive procedures. Tests under study to detect methanol or its metabolite formate might facilitate the diagnosis of this poisoning. Treatment can include administration of ethanol or fomepizole, both inhibitors of the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase to prevent formation of its metabolites, and hemodialysis to remove methanol and formate. In this Acid-Base and Electrolyte Teaching Case, a patient with methanol intoxication due to ingestion of model airplane fuel is described, and the value and limitations of current and new diagnostic and treatment measures are discussed.
Improvement in insulin sensitivity and dyslipidemia in protease inhibitor-treated adult male patients after switch to atazanavir/ritonavir.

Background Treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) with protease inhibitors (PIs) is associated with insulin resistance, triglyceride-rich dyslipidemia, and fat redistribution. Atazanavir (ATV), a potent once-daily PI, has been recognized for its convenience to patients, and some studies describe improved lipid metabolism. However, its effects on insulin sensitivity have not been elucidated. We conducted this study to test the hypothesis that ATV improves insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. Methods We prospectively studied 9 HIV-infected men with dyslipidemia (median age, 53 years; baseline triglyceride level, >200 mg/dL) on stable PI-containing antiretroviral therapy who elected to change PI therapy to ritonavir-boosted ATV therapy, dose of 300/100 mg. We measured insulin resistance at baseline and after 12 weeks of therapy using a hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp (insulin dose, 200 mU/m2 minute). Fasting lipid profiles and body composition (whole-body dual energy x-ray absorptiometry) were also measured at baseline and after 12 weeks. Results All 9 patients completed the study and maintained undetectable viral loads ( Conclusions Using the gold-standard euglycemic clamp, ritonavir-boosted ATV therapy improved PI-induced insulin resistance among dyslipidemic HIV-infected men on PI-based antiretroviral therapy. These findings were not attributable to a change in body weight and provide further evidence for ATV9s unique metabolic profile among the PIs.
Osteosarcoma: Clinical Features and Evolving Surgical and Chemotherapeutic Strategies

With aggressive multiagent chemotherapy, about 60% of patients with resectable osteosarcoma without metastatic disease can be cured. Careful and complete diagnostic imaging delineates the extent of tumor and allows assessment of response to preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Advances in orthopedic surgery provide a limb-sparing alternative for at least one half of the patients with this highly malignant tumor.
Making a List; Checking It Twice (as much)

This chapter highlights the fifth of six findings from the redemptive managerial behaviors research, in which managers demonstrated an active involvement with the terminated employees during this reinstatement process. Managers were also very conscious of and attentive to the work and behaviors of the reinstated employees, more carefully monitoring the employees’ behaviors and performance in this second opportunity. Therefore, the managers used a much more hands-on approach not only in restoring the employees, but also in disciplining them and in directly evaluating their performance. Managers demonstrated a greater oversight and closer evaluation of the restored employees’ actions. Managers also seemed to take a more precise approach to employee discipline, following the company guidelines but with little room for flexibility.
Research and application of load balance approach for distribution based on big data

For solving the common existence of feeder overload problem, a load balance approach based on big data is proposed in this paper. Because of the dynamic characteristics of distribution load, a feeder overload quantitative model is raised, while multi data sources are employed, such as total contents of feeder/distribution transformer load, grid fault information, business expanding plan, work/operation tickets etc. The approach changes the open/closed status of sectionalizing and tie switches of the overload feeder and its adjacent counterparts, calculates the comprehensive overload index of all the possible operation modes and chooses the most appropriate strategy. Example shows the effectiveness of this approach. This approach has been actually applied for the decision-making of Jiangsu distribution dispatching.
Resilience, Disparity, and Narrative Phenomenology: African American Families Raising Medically Vulnerable Children

In my home discipline of anthropology, studies of health among marginalized or oppressed peoples tend to emphasize the pernicious consequences of economic and political inequality. Anthropology has relied upon a host of powerful intellectual voices to give analytic depth to accounts of suffering and disparity. This important scholarly focus, while fruitful, has tended toward the unfortunate consequence of offering an overly one-sided picture of people’s lives. People not only suffer, but they try to do things to ameliorate suffering and to create lives worth living. What about the aspirational aspects of life, what one might call moral striving? This chapter addresses resilience in this more open-ended sense. I explore how African Americans families raising children with significant disabilities and medical vulnerabilities attempt to create greater resilience in their families and communities despite barriers and vulnerabilities, and the dangers and hopes these efforts entail. As I will argue and try to show in what follows, my ethnographic material presses me to understand a term like “resilience” by connecting it to what matters in people’s lives, to their deepest moral concerns and how they understand what makes life worth living.
Design-adaptive device modeling in model compiler for efficient and accurate circuit simulation

A new concept of design-adaptive device modeling is introduced and an innovative method using adaptive device models to speed up circuit simulation is presented. In this method, we utilize the design specific information to generate automatically adaptive device models, which implies partial information on the more generic device model. During simulation, available adaptive device models are substituted automatically for more computationally expensive general device models. The proposed method is model compiler based and has been implemented in our compact device model compiler - MCAST, and targeted and tested for three simulators: the open source circuit simulator SPICE3, Cadence's SPECTREv4.46 and an industry in-house simulator. Experimental results show that the model evaluation time of a typical design adaptive device model is up to 10/spl times/ faster compared to manually coded built-in general device model, and the overall simulation time with design-adaptive device models can be up to 8/spl times/ faster with respect to simulation with general device models while achieving the same accuracy.
IMG-ABC: new features for bacterial secondary metabolism analysis and targeted biosynthetic gene cluster discovery in thousands of microbial genomes

Secondary metabolites produced by microbes have diverse biological functions, which makes them a great potential source of biotechnologically relevant compounds with antimicrobial, anti-cancer and other activities. The proteins needed to synthesize these natural products are often encoded by clusters of co-located genes called biosynthetic gene clusters (BCs). In order to advance the exploration of microbial secondary metabolism, we developed the largest publically available database of experimentally verified and predicted BCs, the Integrated Microbial Genomes Atlas of Biosynthetic gene Clusters (IMG-ABC) (https://img.jgi.doe.gov/abc/). Here, we describe an update of IMG-ABC, which includes ClusterScout, a tool for targeted identification of custom biosynthetic gene clusters across 40 000 isolate microbial genomes, and a new search capability to query more than 700 000 BCs from isolate genomes for clusters with similar Pfam composition. Additional features enable fast exploration and analysis of BCs through two new interactive visualization features, a BC function heatmap and a BC similarity network graph. These new tools and features add to the value of IMG-ABC's vast body of BC data, facilitating their in-depth analysis and accelerating secondary metabolite discovery.
Victim Mentality and Violence: Anatomy of a Relationship

This chapter examines the relationship between victim mentality and violence and its impact on security. In order to do so, the chapter analyzes the notions of victim and victim mentality, showing how, although connected, they are different. The chapter also examines the extent to which and the ways in which victim mentality brings about violence. Finally, it assesses the impact of victim mentality violence on security.
The Effects of Uneven Ground Surface on Trunk Biomechanical Responses during Sudden Loading

As a significant contributory factor to low back injury, sudden loading during manual material handling often occurs on uneven ground surfaces. The present study investigated the effects of laterally slanted grounds on trunk biomechanical responses during sudden external loading. 13 male subjects experienced sudden loading of 6.8 kg while standing on a laterally slanted ground of 0 degree, 15 degree and 30 degree. The results showed that peak L5/S1 joint compression forces in the 30 degree condition was 10.5% and 6.5% greater than the 0 degree and 15 degree conditions, respectively. In addition, 30 degree condition also generated 14.8% and 15.1% larger increase in trunk flexion angle compared with the 0 degree and 15 degree conditions, respectively. These findings suggest that standing on a laterally slanted ground could increase the risk of low back injury, and should therefore be avoided in a work place.
An Investigation of the Accuracy of Coulomb Stress Changes Inferred From Geodetic Observations Following Subduction Zone Earthquakes

Earthquake clustering along plate boundaries suggests that earthquakes may interact, and static Coulomb stress change (CSC) is commonly invoked as one possible mechanism for stress transfer between earthquakes and nearby faults. Previous work has addressed the precision of CSC predictions that are influenced by observational noise, inversion regularization, and simplified modeling assumptions. Here, we address the accuracy of CSC predictions informed by geodetic observations in subduction zones where inversion model resolution is poor. We conduct synthetic tests to quantify the degree to which the sign and magnitude of CSC can be reliably inferred from slip distributions inverted from various geodetic observations (InSAR, GPS, seafloor observations). We find that in an idealized subduction zone, CSC can only be confidently inferred for receiver faults far (10s of km) from the earthquake source; though this distance shortens with the addition of synthetic seafloor observations. We apply this methodology to the 2010 Mw8.8 Maule earthquake and identify 13 aftershocks from a population of 475 documented events for which we can confidently resolve co-seismic stress changes. These results demonstrate that the low model resolution of fault slip inversions in subduction zones limits our ability to address fundamental questions about earthquake sources and stress interactions. Nonetheless, our results highlight that stress change predictions are considerably more accurate after the introduction of seafloor geodetic observations. Additionally, we show that InSAR observations are not required to substantially improve stress change approximations in regions where GPS may be the only viable observation, such as in island arcs settings.
Applications of Explicit Non-Linear Feature Maps in Steganalysis

Currently, the most popular detectors of content-adaptive image steganography are built using machine learning with images represented with rich features. Such high-dimensional descriptors, however, prevent utilization of more complex and potentially more accurate machine learning paradigms, such as kernelized support vector machines, due to infeasibly expensive training. In this paper, we demonstrate that explicit non-linear feature maps coupled with simple classifiers improve the accuracy of current steganalysis detectors built as binary classifiers as well as quantitative detectors in the form of payload regressors. The non-linear map is obtained by approximating a symmetric positive semi-definite kernel on selected pairs of cover features. Exponential forms of kernels derived from symmetrized Ali-Silvey distances improve the detection accuracy of binary detectors and lower the error of quantitative detectors across all tested steganographic schemes on grayscale and color images. The learned non-linear map only weakly depends on the cover source and its learning has a low computational complexity. The technique can also be used for unsupervised feature dimensionality reduction. For payload regressors, the dimensionality can be significantly reduced while simultaneously decreasing the estimation error.
Heterodyne Interferometry in the Infrared

The University of California Infrared Spatial Interferometer (ISI) for the 10 gm wavelength region is briefly described along with results obtained on prominent stars and on atmospheric phenomena. The system has two movable telescopes of 1.65 m aperture. It operates in principle like a modern radio interferometer, using heterodyne detection, CO2 laser local oscillators, RF delay lines, and lobe rotation to maintain a fixed-frequency fringe rate.
Signal Timing Optimization with Connected Vehicle Technology: Platooning to Improve Computational Efficiency

This paper develops a real-time traffic signal optimization algorithm in the presence of connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs). The proposed algorithm leverages information from connected vehicl...
Semi-Automating (or not) a Socio-Technical Method for Socio-Technical Systems

How can we support software professionals who want to build human-adaptive sociotechnical systems? Building such systems requires skills some developers may lack, such as applying human-centric concepts to the software they develop and/or mentally modeling other people. Effective socio-technical methods exist to help, but most are manual and cognitively burdensome. In this paper, we investigate ways semi-automating a socio-technical method might help, using as our lens GenderMag, a method that requires people to mentally model people with genders different from their own. Toward this end, we created the GenderMag Recorder's Assistant, a semi-automated visual tool, and conducted a small field study and a 92-participant controlled study. Results of our investigation revealed ways the tool helped with cognitive load and ways it did not; unforeseen advantages of the tool in increasing participants' engagement with the method; and a few unforeseen advantages of the manual approach as well.
Generation and use of a pure titanium pillared MCM-36 structure as a high efficiency carbon dioxide capture platform and amine loaded solid adsorbent

Abstract In this work titanium oxide pillared MCM-36 adsorbents have been studied as amine loaded class-1 adsorbents for carbon dioxide capture. This work has shown that pillaring of the MCM support with titanium oxides can yield a material with carbon dioxide capacities higher than silica pillared MCM sorbents (1.62 mmol/g for Ti, 1.02 mmol/g for Si), with similar surface area (∼450 m2/g for Ti versus ∼500 m2/g for Si) observed for the titanium pillared derivative. The titanium oxide pillared adsorbent was also loaded with polyethylenimine and tetraethylenepentamine amine containing molecules. It was observed that the higher initial capacity of the titanium oxide pillared MCM-36 allows for it to retain good CO2 capacities of up to ∼1.79 mmol/g at high amine loadings (∼50 wt% of tetraethylenepentamine). However, it was found that increasing the content of polyethylenimine loaded on the adsorbent led to decreased carbon dioxide capacities.
Safe AI for CPS (Invited Paper)

Autonomous cyber-physical systems-such as self-driving cars and autonomous drones-often leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to act well in open environments. Although testing plays an important role in ensuring safety and robustness, modern autonomous systems have grown so complex that achieving safety via testing alone is intractable. Formal verification reduces this testing burden by ruling out large classes of errant behavior at design time. This paper reviews recent work toward developing formal methods for cyber-physical systems that use AI for planning and control by combining the rigor of formal proofs with the flexibility of reinforcement learning.
Reproducibility and Agreement of Tissue Tracking versus Feature Tracking for Strain Measurement on Cardiac MR Images in Patients with Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot.

Strain measurements by feature tracking and tissue tracking on cardiovascular MR images in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot have systematic differences in values and reproducibility, part...
CarD contributes to diverse gene expression outcomes throughout the genome of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

The ability to regulate gene expression through transcription initiation underlies the adaptability and survival of all bacteria. Recent work has revealed that the transcription machinery in many bacteria diverges from the paradigm that has been established in Escherichia coli. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) encodes the RNA polymerase (RNAP)-binding protein CarD, which is absent in E. coli but is required to form stable RNAP-promoter open complexes (RPo) and is essential for viability in Mtb. The stabilization of RPo by CarD has been proposed to result in activation of gene expression; however, CarD has only been examined on limited promoters that do not represent the typical promoter structure in Mtb. In this study, we investigate the outcome of CarD activity on gene expression from Mtb promoters genome-wide by performing RNA sequencing on a panel of mutants that differentially affect CarD’s ability to stabilize RPo. In all CarD mutants, the majority of Mtb protein encoding transcripts were differentially expressed, demonstrating that CarD had a global effect on gene expression. Contrary to the expected role of CarD as a transcriptional activator, mutation of CarD led to both up- and down-regulation of gene expression, suggesting that CarD can also act as a transcriptional repressor. Furthermore, we present evidence that stabilization of RPo by CarD could lead to transcriptional repression by inhibiting promoter escape, and the outcome of CarD activity is dependent on the intrinsic kinetic properties of a given promoter region. Collectively, our data support CarD’s genome-wide role of regulating diverse transcription outcomes.
Amplitude and Horizontal Structure of a Large Diurnal Sea Surface Warming Event during the Coastal Ocean Dynamics Experiment

Abstract Intense diurnal warming of the ocean surface was observed in April 1982 off California, using a combination of mooring, hydrographic, and satellite infrared and satellite pigment measurements. The event corresponded to a spatial and temooral minimum of the wind stress. The diurnal surface temperature amplitude exceeded 6.6°C locally despite a 490-nm optical depth of 20 m, suggesting that phytoplankton was not responsible for the shallow heat trapping. Coherent horizontal temperature streaks at least 50 km long and 4-8 km wide formedduring the subsequent erosion of the shallow warm layers. It is hypothesized that thcfr scale was set by planetary boundary-layer circulations.
Using Video to Highlight Curriculum-Embedded Opportunities for Student Discourse.

History classrooms remain stubbornly resistant to instructional change. We explored whether using classroom video to help teachers identify curriculum-embedded opportunities for student discourse i...
ACUTE MASSIVE PULMONARY EMBOLISM TREATED WITH RP IMPELLA AND EKOS

Massive pulmonary embolism (PE) has a poor prognosis despite advances in diagnostic utilities and treatment. A 61-year-old Caucasian male presented to an outside facility where he underwent a cardiac catheterization due to elevated troponin with no significant coronary artery disease. Three days
Accounting for uncertainty in policy decision making: Improving access to pediatric dental care

OBJECTIVE To introduce a statistical inference framework for policy decision making on access to pediatric dental care. DATA SOURCES Secondary data were collected for the state of Colorado for year 2019. STUDY DESIGN The access model was an optimization model, matching the demand (patients) and supply (providers) of dental care. Sampling distributions of model inputs were specified using hierarchical Bayesian models, with hyperparameters informed by prior information derived from multiple data sources. Simultaneous inference was applied to identify areas for access improvement. The model was applied to make inference on the pediatric dental care in Colorado, accounting for financial access, differentiated into public (Medicaid and CHIP), private (commercial and out-of-pocket), and without financial access. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS Multiple data sources informed the access measurement approach including: 2017 American Community Survey, 2019 Colorado Dental Board, and 2019 National Provider Plan and Enumeration System, 2019 InsureKidsNow.gov among others. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS The median access measure (travel distance) was greater than the Colorado access standards in 16.9% and 65.1% of census tracts for children with private financial access and publicly insured, respectively. Accounting for uncertainty (confidence level 99%), these percentages decreased to 14.6% and 25.6%, respectively, with mostly suburban and rural tracts failing to meet the standards. The median disparity for Medicaid and CHIP versus private financial access was greater than 5 miles in 84.5% and 81.6% of census tracts, respectively. Accounting for uncertainty (confidence level 99%), these percentages declined to 19.5% and 10.5%, respectively, with significant disparities around the metropolitan areas. CONCLUSIONS While many communities failed to meet access standards, when accounting for uncertainty, most urban ones did not fail. Disparities in spatial access between publicly and privately insured were most acute in urban communities. Medicaid insured experienced higher disparities than CHIP insured; those differences were not identified when not accounting for uncertainty.
Perioperative Stroke

Purpose of Review The significance of stroke in the noncardiac, nonneurologic, and nonvascular perioperative setting has been routinely underestimated. A complex interplay of multiple perioperative, patient, and surgical factors is involved in the pathogenesis of perioperative stroke. Multiple risk reduction strategies are required to decrease the incidence of this devastating complication.