cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Application of discontinuous Galerkin method in seismic wave propagation: determining effective elastic properties base on rock microstructures

Summary Porosity-velocity relationships based on effective medium theories usually contain bias due to their idealized geometries. The models are not satisfactory to explain the scatter in the relationship of porosity and velocity when interpreting well-logging data over a broad depth range. The true pore geometry (such as aspect ratio, connectivity, and orientation), which can explain most of this scatter, is an important factor to be considered in velocity prediction. The pore space and mineral matrix of natural rock (Berea Sandstone) has been reconstructed through digitized microCT scanned images. A 2D Berea sandstone microstructure model with a porosity of 0.185 has been segmented using a reference segmentation algorithm. The elastic moduli were then obtained by numerical wave propagation through the segmented model. The discontinuous Galerkin method was used in this simulation, which is a finite element scheme using a discontinuous approximating space. This method accommodates discontinuities in the medium and the wavefield, such as the contrast between the pore space and mineral matrix. The simulation results are in the same range as the laboratory measurement performed on core samples and fall within the elastic bounds formed by upper and modified lower Hashin-Shtrikman bounds. The computationally obtained bulk modulus agrees well with the stiff sand model with critical porosity of 0.4 but higher than a published finite difference result. The shear modulus is slightly higher than both the stiff sand model and a finite difference result.
Effects of tet-induced oxidation products of 5-methylcytosine on DNA replication in mammalian cells.

Recently 5-hydroxymethyl-2′-deoxycytidine (5hmdC), 5-formyl-2′-deoxycytidine (5fdC), and 5-carboxyl-2′-deoxycytidine (5cadC) were discovered in mammalian DNA as oxidation products of 5-methyl-2′-deoxycytidine (5mdC) induced by the ten-eleven translocation family of enzymes. These oxidized derivatives of 5mdC may not only act as intermediates of active cytosine demethylation in mammals but also serve as epigenetic marks on their own. It remains unclear how 5hmdC, 5fdC, and 5cadC affect DNA replication in mammalian cells. Here, we examined the effects of the three modified nucleosides on the efficiency and accuracy of DNA replication in HEK293T human kidney epithelial cells. Our results demonstrated that a single, site-specifically incorporated 5fdC or 5cadC conferred modest drops, by approximately 30%, in replication bypass efficiency without inducing detectable mutations in human cells, whereas replicative bypass of 5hmdC is both accurate and efficient. The lack of pronounced perturbation of these oxidize...
Ethics and Evidence Regarding Animal Subjects Research: Splitting Hares–or Swallowing Camels?

Nonhuman animals are the subject of medical research, industrial testing and educational projects in human efforts. Modern biological research has produced information that challenges assumptions that animals lack characteristics that make them deserving of moral standing, and the success of modern animal subjects research in medicine is commonly overstated. Public opinion in favor of animal research is conditional and waning. This chapter will discuss the ethical principles surrounding use of nonhuman animal subjects, research that challenges basic assumptions about the utility of nonhuman animal subjects research, and ethical obligations of researchers, editors and reviewers with regard to nonhuman animal subjects research.
Experimental Research on Control Strategy of TCSC for UHVAC Transmission System From Yimin to Fengtun by Real-Time Digital Simulator

The control performances of the controller for thyristor controlled series capacitor (TCSC) of 500 kV AC transmission line from Yimin to Fengtun in Northeast China power grid are validated by real time digital simulator (RTDS); the steady state operation characteristics of this TCSC controller are examined; the transient response of the controller to the impedance step characteristic and operation mode conversion of the TCSC are researched. The actions of TCSC in improving power system transient stability,especially in damping low frequency power oscillation,are verified by the operation mode under three-phase fault.
Excellent Teachers’ Perspectives on Excellent Teaching

Studies of master teaching have investigated a set of qualities that define excellent teaching. However, few studies have investigated master teachers’ perspectives on excellent teaching and how it may differ from other faculty or students. The current study investigated award-winning teachers’ (N = 50) ratings of the 28 qualities on the teacher behavior checklist. There was substantial overlap in the importance placed upon various teaching qualities among award-winning teachers and other faculty. However, excellent teachers placed more value upon being prepared and forming rapport with students. Full professors placed more importance on several teaching qualities than associate and assistant professors. Teaching training programs should include broad definitions of excellent teaching that incorporate components that some faculty may otherwise overlook.
Chloroma and other myeloblastic tumors.

Fifteen cases (3.1%) of localized myeloblastic tumors occurring among 478 patients with acute granulocytic leukemia (AGL) and chronic granulocytic leukemia (CGL) are described. The majority of tumors were discovered at autopsy. Numerous cases of chloroma associated with AGL have been reported; however, in this series, the incidence of myeloblastic tumors in CGL was twice as high. The importance of employing histochemical methods for myeloperoxidase activity to identify myeloblastic tumors is pointed out. Experience in this group of cases confirm the frequent involvement of the ovary and the common localization of myeloblastic tumors to perineural and epidural structures. With CNS involvement by myeloblastic tumors, pain and compression symptoms may be effectively relieved by laminectomy and local x-ray therapy. After the appearance of a myelogenous tumor in CGL, the course of the disease is rapidly progressive.
Regulation of granulopoiesis: the lactoferrin controversy

Mise au point concernant le role physiologique de la lactoferrine dans la regulation de la granulopoiese. Remise en question de resultats experimentaux
Heat therapy promotes the expression of angiogenic regulators in human skeletal muscle

Heat therapy has been shown to promote capillary growth in skeletal muscle and in the heart in several animal models, but the effects of this therapy on angiogenic signaling in humans are unknown. We evaluated the acute effect of lower body heating (LBH) and unilateral thigh heating (TH) on the expression of angiogenic regulators and heat shock proteins (HSPs) in healthy young individuals. Exposure to LBH (n = 18) increased core temperature (Tc) from 36.9 ± 0.1 to 37.4 ± 0.1°C (P < 0.01) and average leg skin temperature (Tleg) from 33.1 ± 0.1 to 39.6 ± 0.1°C (P < 0.01), but did not alter the levels of circulating angiogenic cytokines and bone marrow-derived proangiogenic cells (CD34(+)CD133(+)). In skeletal muscle, the change in mRNA expression from baseline of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), angiopoietin 2 (ANGPT2), chemokines CCL2 and CX3CL1, platelet factor-4 (PF4), and several members of the HSP family was higher 30 min after the intervention in the individuals exposed to LBH (n = 11) compared with the control group (n = 12). LBH also reduced the expression of transcription factor FOXO1 (P = 0.03). Exposure to TH (n = 14) increased Tleg from 32.8 ± 0.2 to 40.3 ± 0.1°C (P < 0.05) but Tc remained unaltered (36.8 ± 0.1°C at baseline and 36.9 ± 0.1°C at 90 min). This intervention upregulated the expression of VEGF, ANGPT1, ANGPT2, CCL2, and HSPs in skeletal muscle but did not affect the levels of CX3CL1, FOXO-1, and PF4. These findings suggest that both LBH and TH increase the expression of factors associated with capillary growth in human skeletal muscle.
Modeling the Induction Process of an Automobile Engine

This paper adresses the problem of estimating the air charge inducted into the cylinders of a four-stroke cycle, spark ignition internal combustion engine. The first part of the paper describes a low frequency model of the induction process. Using this model, a real-time air charge estimator is constructed, based on measurements of air flow from a hot-wire anemometer located upstream of the throttle. The importance of appropriate compensation for the relatively slow air meter dynamics is described. In the second part of the paper, a more complete dynamical model is developed, incorporating intake runner acoustic and inertial effects, which is capable of describing the induction process in the individual cylinders. A potential application of this model in controlling a four-cylinder engine with variable valve timing is briefly discussed.
Particle-in-cell Simulations of Electron and Ion Dissipation by Whistler Turbulence: Variations with Electron β

Two ensembles of three-dimensional particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations of the forward cascade of decaying whistler turbulence have been carried out on a model of collisionless, homogeneous, magnetized plasma with parameters similar to those of the solar wind near Earth. Initial, relatively isotropic, narrowband spectra of relatively long wavelength modes cascade to anisotropic, broadband spectra of magnetic fluctuations at shorter wavelengths. Electron and ion dissipation rates are computed as functions of the initial electron beta, βe, over the range 0.1 ≤ βe ≤ 5.0, where this quantity is varied by changes in the background magnetic field magnitude Bo. Ensemble One holds the value of the dimensionless initial magnetic fluctuation energy density o ≡ Σk constant; Ensemble Two follows solar wind observations, imposing the initial condition o = 0.20 βe. In both ensembles, the maximum dissipation rate of the electrons, Qe, and the maximum dissipation rate of the ions, Qi, satisfy Qe Qi. In Ensemble One, both dissipation rates scale approximately as , whereas over 0.1 ≤ βe ≤ 1.0 in Ensemble Two, Qe is approximately constant while Qi scales approximately as . These results, when combined with conclusions from earlier PIC simulations, suggest that sufficiently long wavelength and sufficiently large-amplitude magnetosonic-whistler turbulence at sufficiently large βe may heat ions more rapidly than electrons.
Assessing the Spectroscopic Properties and Enzyme Activity of Fluorescent Caspase Substrates

Inflammatory caspases (caspase-1, −4 and −5 in humans and caspase-11 in mice) are cysteine-dependent, aspartate-specific proteases implicated in inflammatory, autoimmune and autoinflammatory disorders. To date, assays seeking to test the activity of caspases-1, −5 and −11 have all used Ac-WEHD-AMC as their fluorogenic substrate. To explore the possibility that alternative fluorogenic peptides may exhibit enhanced assay properties, we have designed, synthesized, and characterized several novel fluorogenic peptides containing coumarin derivatives. The coumarin derivatives were incorporated into peptides with various amino acid residues: WEHDA, WEHD, LEVD, LEHD as either a side chain of a non-natural amino acid, or at the C-terminus. The fluorescence quantum yields of these peptides were obtained, allowing the viability of these substrates to enhance the signal to noise ratio in caspase enzyme assays to be assessed. Biochemical assays were then carried out to determine if the signal to noise ratio indicated by the fluorescence quantum yield results correlated with caspase activity and could be applied to inhibitor screening assays.
Arthroscopic knee anatomy in young achondroplasia patients.

AbstractPurposeAchondroplasia is the most common form of skeletal dysplasia, affecting more than 250 000 individuals worldwide. In these patients, the developing knee undergoes multiple anatomical changes. The purpose of this study was to characterise the intra-articular knee anatomy in children with achondroplasia who underwent knee arthroscopy.MethodsRecords of achondroplasia patients who underwent knee arthroscopy between 2009 and 2014 were reviewed. Demographic data, operative reports, follow-up notes, MRI and arthroscopy images were reviewed. Bony, cartilaginous and ligamentous changes were noted. The trochlea sulcus angle was measured from intra-operative arthroscopic images.ResultsA total of 12 knee arthroscopies in nine patients were performed. The mean age at surgery was 16.9 years (12 to 22). In all patients, the indication for surgery was knee pain and/or mechanical symptoms that were refractory to non-operative treatment. Three anatomical variations involving the distal femur were found in all...
The Gaussian multiple access wiretap channel when the eavesdropper can arbitrarily jam

We study the Gaussian multiple access channel in presence of an adversary, who is simultaneously able to eavesdrop and jam, i.e., an active wiretapper. We assume that the adversary has a power constraint, which she can utilize to have any arbitrary jamming strategy. The multiple access channel between the legitimate transmitters and the receiver thus becomes arbitrarily varying. We derive inner and outer bounds on the secrecy rate region of our model. In the case of a degraded channel, we characterize the optimal secrecy sum-rate, and within 0.5 bits per channel use the optimal individual rate constraints. As a special case, we obtain the secrecy capacity of the point-to-point Gaussian wiretap channel when the eavesdropper is able to arbitrarily jam.
How the Midbrain Helps Us Decide

In an elegant synthesis of behavior, modeling, and neurophysiology, Crapse et al. (2018) show that neurons of the superior colliculus influence choice behavior by encoding choice criterion, a quantitative measure of decision bias integral to signal detection theory.
Interactions of Alphavirus nsP3 Protein with Host Proteins

Alphaviruses are members of the Togaviridae family and are grouped into two categories: arthritogenic and encephalitic. Arthritogenic alphavirus infections, as the name implies, are associated with arthritic outcomes while encephalitic alphavirus infections can lead to encephalitic outcomes in the infected host. Of the non-structural proteins (nsPs) that the viruses code for, nsP3 is the least understood in terms of function. Alphavirus nsP3s are characterized by regions with significantly conserved domain structure along with regions of high variability. Interactions of nsP3 with several host proteins have been documented including, stress granule-related proteins, dead box proteins, heat shock proteins, and kinases. In some cases, in addition to the interaction, requirement of the interaction to support infection has been demonstrated. An understanding of the proteomic network of nsP3 and the mechanisms by which these interactions support the establishment of a productive infection would make alphavirus nsP3 an interesting target for design of effective medical countermeasures.
Commentary on increased risk of biochemical and local failure in patients with a distended rectum on the planning CT for prostate cancer radiotherapy.

A n this issue of the Red Journal, Dr. De Crevoisier and ssociates provide clinical evidence that patients who have distended rectum at the time of simulation have a greater isk of biochemical (prostate-specific antigen) failure and a ower risk of rectal morbidity (1). Said another way, they ave shown that systematic treatment planning errors are ssociated with a worse outcome. In their study, the impact f rectal distension on biochemical failure was more preictive of outcome than the prognostic risk group of a atient. In other words, patients with intermediateand igh-risk disease who did not have a distended rectum did s well as patients with low-risk disease. In contrast, paients with intermediate-risk disease and a distended rectum id worse than patients with high-risk disease who did not ave a distended rectum. The point is, if we could eliminate imple sources of systematic treatment errors, patients ight have a substantial improvement in outcome. No need or more sophisticated planning systems or drugs, just pay ore attention to some of the simple details of treatment lanning. If confirmed by others, this is truly a remarkable nding. There are a number of other important implications to this bservation, two of which were highlighted by the authors. irst, they concluded that patients should undergo simulaion with an empty rectum. Others made such recommenations more than 10 years ago and implemented policies outinely based on a similar hypothesis (2). De Crevoisier et l. have provided data, whereas earlier investigators were imply making assumptions. Not specifically addressed by the authors is the issue of xactly what to do about this problem. We have found that ot infrequently patients with a distended rectum on a given ay commonly seem to have a distended rectum on other ays as well. That is, some patients appear to be more gassy” than others. If such a patient is given a more ggressive enema so that the rectum is made empty, and
A SiGe-BiCMOS Wideband Active Bidirectional Digital Step Attenuator With Bandwidth Tuning and Equalization

A 6-bit active digital step attenuator (DSA), which simultaneously achieves wide bandwidth, flat gain characteristics, and bidirectional operation, is proposed for wideband phased-array antennas. In addition, it supports bandwidth tuning and equalization function to reduce complexity and physical size of systems. The proposed circuit utilizes an active double-pole double-throw switch, which provides positive gain with four-way switching and bidirectional operation. In addition, the simplified switched T-type topologies are applied to improve the insertion loss and save on chip area for low-attenuation states (0.5, 1, and 2 dB). Implemented in a 130-nm SiGe-BiCMOS technology platform, the proposed active DSA provides the advantages of seamless integration with digital control blocks and wide operational bandwidth due to its low parasitic capacitance. The active DSA exhibits flat in-band gain of >7 dB and the input/output return losses $1.43\times 1.23$ mm2, including pads.
Cytopathology of Pulmonary Neoplasia

Cytopathologic techniques have the potential to provide useful diagnostic information from specimens obtained through minimally invasive procedures including expectorated sputum, washings, lavages, brushings, and aspiration procedures. These procedures provide access to almost any site within the thorax. Given optimal conditions, many neoplasms can be diagnosed by cytology procedures. However, it is important to understand the strengths and limitations of cytopathologic evaluation. While pulmonary neoplastic classification is relatively stable, recent histopathologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular studies underscore the complexity of neoplasms. Cytologic sampling may be representative of the entire tumor or may represent the “tip of the iceberg.” An understanding of biologic complexity of pulmonary neoplasms helps to avoid overdiagnosing an entity. To provide an ideal cytopathologic diagnosis and report that accurately reflect the entire process, the pathologist should take a number of steps.
NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN CATALYTIC CONVERTER DURABILITY

Abstract A number of new developments in the areas of material composition, cell geometry, wall porosity, substrate contour, washcoat formulation, thermal and acoustic insulation, and clamshell and heatshield designs have occurred in recent years to meet the more demanding performance and durability requirements of automotive catalytic converters. This paper reviews the major developments in ceramic and metal substrates, stable washcoat systems, nonintumescent mounting materials, edge-shielded intumescent ceramic mats, ceramic insulation rings, dual can and dual cone packaging designs, and perforated heatshields with convection cooling. These improvements offer higher conversion efficiency, lower pressure drop and extended durability. A brief comparison of ceramic and metal substrate durability, based on laboratory tests, is also included.
The ArF Excimer Laser in Dermatology

The argon-fluoride (ArF) excimer laser is a very unique laser that offers perhaps the best quality microdissection of tissues amongst all lasers available today. Sometimes called a cool laser, the ArF excimer laser is remarkable for its ability to remove tissue with a minimum of residual thermal injury in the tissue (see Figure 1). Unfortunately, the laser in its present form can cause significant unwanted damage from either photomechanical injury (photoacoustic injury) or photochemical injury. This paper will discuss both the good and the bad aspects of the ArF excimer laser, the mechanisms involved during tissue ablation, and some aspects of laser dosimetry pertinent to dermatological applications.
Adaptive Regulation of Accommodative Vergence Interactions

The near-visual response consists of concomitant changes in accommodation, vergence, and pupil size. All three of these motor systems share a common organization of phasic-tonic control that characterizes their transient and sustained motor responses. This dual-control organization for accommodation and vergence is indicated by their open-loop decay time constants, which increase with closed-loop stimulus duration (Schor, 1979; Schor et al., 1986a). A phasic-tonic organization of pupil control has also been interpreted from observations of pupillary escape, which occurs with large but not small initial pupil size (Sun and Stark, 1983).
From Irish Famine to Congo Reform: Nineteenth-Century Roots of International Human Rights Law and Activism

This article traces the emergence of modern human rights law and activism to the 19th century colonial context, focusing on the impact of the Irish Famine of 1845–1851 and colonial oppression in the Congo Free State. It shows the way in which the British government’s response to the Irish Famine discredited the ideology of inaction in the face of catastrophe and set the stage for international relief and protest movements. Informed by the Irish tragedy, individuals such as George Washington Williams, Roger Casement and Edmund Morel succeeded in attracting global attention on a colonial humanitarian disaster and on the major international culprits, and in setting institutional precedents for targeted human rights campaigns in an era of emerging international humanitarian law. In that respect they were precursors of the jurist Raphael Lemkin and paved the way for the international proscription of genocide.
A non-invasive sampling method for detecting non-native smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu)

The smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) is a cool-water fish species native to central North America. Widespread introductions and secondary spread outside of its historical range have led to new recreational fisheries and associated economic benefits in western United States, but have also resulted in a number of ecological impacts to recipient ecosystems, including threats to Pacific salmon. Management of introduced smallmouth bass populations, now and into the future, relies on accurate detection and monitoring of this species. To address this need, we developed an environmental DNA assay that can detect smallmouth bass DNA extracted from filtered water samples in concentrations as low as 2 mtDNA copies per reaction. Field testing demonstrated that eDNA sampling produced results largely consistent with snorkel surveys, a traditional visual assessment, and gained a few additional positive detections. While this assay is robust against non-target detection, including the only other Micropterus in Pacific Northwest streams, largemouth bass (M. salmoides), the high genetic similarity within the sunfish family Centrarchidae made it unable to distinguish smallmouth bass from spotted bass (M. punctulatus) and some Guadalupe bass (M. treculii). The high sensitivity of this method and assay will be particularly useful for identifying the location of non-native smallmouth bass in the Pacific Northwest, quantifying its rate of spread, and aiding management actions.
Ensemble Projection of the Sea Level Rise Impact on Storm Surge and Inundation in the Coastal Bangladesh

The hydrodynamic model Delft3D is used to study the impact of Sea Level Rise (SLR) on storm surge and inundation in the coastal region of Bangladesh. To study the present day inundation scenario, track of two known tropical cyclones (TC) were used: Aila (Category 1; 2009) and Sidr (Category 5; 2007). Model results were validated with the available observations. Future inundation scenarios were generated by using the strength of TC Sidr, TC Aila and an ensemble of historical TC tracks but incorporating the effect of SLR. Since future change in storm surge inundation under SLR impact is a probabilistic incident, that’s why a probable range of future change in inundated area was calculated by taking in to consideration the uncertainties associated with TC tracks, intensities and landfall timing. The model outputs showed that, the inundated area for TC Sidr, which was calculated as 1860 km 2 , would become 31 % higher than the present day scenario if a SLR of 0.26 meter occurs during the mid-21 st century climate scenario. Similar to that, an increasing trend was found for the end of the 21 st century climate scenario. It was found that with a SLR of 0.54 meter, the inundated area would become 53 % higher than the present day case. Along with the inundation area, the impact of SLR was examined for the changes in future storm surge level. A significant increase of 21 % was found in storm surge level for the case of TC Sidr in Barisal station if a Sea Level Rise of 0.26 meter occurs at the middle of the 21st century. Similar to that, an increase of 37 % was found in storm surge level with a SLR of 0.54 meter in this location for the end of the 21 st century climate scenario. Ensemble projections based on uncertainties of future TC events also showed that, for a change of 0.54 meters in SLR, the inundated area would range between 3500–3750 km 2 whereas for present day SLR simulations it was found within the range of 1000–1250 km 2 . These results revealed that even if the future TCs remain at the same strength as at present, the projected changes in SLR will generate more severe threats in terms of surge height and extent of inundated area.
Atmospheric measurements of the terrestrial O 2 : CO 2 exchange ratio of a midlatitude forest

Abstract. Measurements of atmospheric O2 have been used to quantify large-scale fluxes of carbon between the oceans, atmosphere and land since 1992 ( Keeling and Shertz , 1992 ) . With time, datasets have grown and estimates of fluxes have become more precise, but a key uncertainty in these calculations is the exchange ratio of O2 and CO2 associated with the net land carbon sink ( αB ). We present measurements of atmospheric O2 and CO2 collected over a 6-year period from a mixed deciduous forest in central Massachusetts, USA (42.537 ∘ N, 72.171 ∘ W). Using a differential fuel-cell-based instrument for O2 and a nondispersive infrared analyzer for CO2 , we analyzed airstreams collected within and ∼5 m above the forest canopy. Averaged over the entire period of record, we find these two species covary with a slope of - 1.081 ± 0.007 mol of O2 per mole of CO2 (the mean and standard error of 6 h periods). If we limit the data to values collected on summer days within the canopy, the slope is - 1.03 ± 0.01 . These are the conditions in which biotic influences are most likely to dominate. This result is significantly different from the value of − 1.1 widely used in O2 -based calculations of the global carbon budget, suggesting the need for a deeper understanding of the exchange ratios of the various fluxes and pools comprising the net sink.
Free Choice Sequences: A Temporal Interpretation Compatible with Acceptance of Classical Mathematics

Abstract This paper sketches a way of supplementing classical mathematics with a motivation for a Brouwerian theory of free choice sequences. The idea is that time is unending, i.e. that one can never come to an end of it, but also indeterminate, so that in a branching time model only one branch represents the ‘actual’ one. The branching can be random or subject to various restrictions imposed by the creating subject. The fact that the underlying mathematics is classical makes such perhaps delicate issues as the fan theorem no longer problematic. On this model, only intuitionistic logic applies to the Brouwerian free choice sequences, and there it applies not because of any skepticism about classical mathematics, but because there is no ‘end of time’ from the standpoint of which everything about the sequences can be decided.
Continuous-Time Simulation of Epidemic Processes on Dynamic Interaction Networks

Contagious processes on networks, such as spread of disease through physical proximity or information diffusion over social media, are continuous-time processes that depend upon the pattern of interactions between the individuals in the network. Continuous-time stochastic epidemic models are a natural fit for modeling the dynamics of such processes. However, prior work on such continuous-time models doesn’t consider the dynamics of the underlying interaction network which involves addition and removal of edges over time. Instead, researchers have typically simulated these processes using discrete-time approximations, in which one has to trade off between high simulation accuracy and short computation time. In this paper, we incorporate continuous-time network dynamics (addition and removal of edges) into continuous-time epidemic simulations. We propose a rejection-sampling based approach coupled with the well-known Gillespie algorithm that enables exact simulation of the continuous-time epidemic process. Our proposed approach gives exact results, and the computation time required for simulation is reduced as compared to discrete-time approximations of comparable accuracy.
Lipodystrophy Syndromes: Presentation and Treatment

Lipodystrophy syndromes are a heterogeneous group of diseases, characterized by selective absence of adipose tissue. In one sense, these diseases are lipid-partitioning disorders, where the primary defect is the loss of functional adipocytes, leading to ectopic steatosis, severe dyslipidemia and insulin resistance. These syndromes have attracted significant attention since the mid-1990s as the understanding of adipose tissue biology grew, initially spurred by the discovery of the pathways leading to adipocyte differentiation and maturation, and then by the discovery of leptin. Although lipodystrophy syndromes are known since the beginning of the 20th century, significant progress in understanding these syndromes were made in the last two decades, placing these syndromes at the forefront of the translational metabolism field. Currently, more than 15 distinctive molecular etiologies have been attributed to cause human diseases most of which map to adipocyte differentiation or lipid droplet pathways. Seemingly acquired syndromes are recently reported to have a genetic basis, suggesting that our “pre-genome” understanding of the syndromes was inadequate and that we need to likely change our classification schemes. Regardless of the etiology, it is the selective absence of adipose tissue and the reduced ability to store long-term energy that perturbs insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism. The treatment of these syndromes has also attracted considerable interest. The most successful example of the treatment of these syndromes came from the demonstration that leptin replacement strategy improved insulin resistance and dyslipidemia in the most severely affected forms of the disease, leading to an FDA approved therapy for generalized lipodystrophy syndromes. In the partial forms of the disease, the phenotypes are more complex and the efficacy of leptin is not as uniform. Currently, numerous trials are in progress for the development of potential new treatments for the partial forms of the disease. These rare metabolic diseases are likely to fuel novel breakthroughs in the metabolism field in the foreseeable future. For complete coverage of all related areas of Endocrinology, please visit our on-line FREE web-text, WWW.ENDOTEXT.ORG.
Benchmarking Machine Learning Algorithms on Blood Glucose Prediction for Type I Diabetes in Comparison With Classical Time-Series Models

Objective: This paper aims to compare the performance of several commonly known machine-learning (ML) models versus a classic Autoregression with Exogenous inputs (ARX) model in the prediction of blood glucose (BG) levels using time-series data of patients with Type 1 diabetes (T1D). Methods: The ML algorithms include ML-based regression models and deep learning models such as a vanilla Long-Short-Term-Memory (LSTM) Network and a Temporal Convolution Network (TCN). Evaluations have been conducted with respect to different input features, regression model orders, as well as using the recursive method or direct method for multi-step prediction of BG levels. Prediction performance metrics include the average Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), temporal gain (TG) for early prediction, and the normalized energy of the second-order differences (ESOD) of the predicted time series to reflect risk of false alerts on hypo/hyper glycemia events. Results: The ARX model achieved the lowest average RMSE for both recursive and direct methods, the second highest average TG under the direct method, but with a higher average normalized ESOD than some other models. Conclusion: There was no significant advantage observed from the ML models compared to the classic ARX model in predicting BG levels for T1D, except that TCN's performance was more robust with respect to BG trajectories with spurious oscillations, for which ARX tended to over-predict peak BG values and under-predict valley BG values. Significance: Insight learned from this study could help researchers and clinical practitioners to select appropriate models for BG prediction.
Chapter I – Deposition parameters

Publisher Summary This chapter explains that deposition parameters, as defined by the mass and velocity of incident particles, affect the ultimate film structure of film deposition surface. Film deposition processes involve equivalent deposition. Many deposition parameters may affect the structure of thin films and are common to all deposition methods. In an attempt to develop a list of these parameters, all thin films may be formed by the deposition of atoms onto a substrate. The origin of these atoms may be a vapor as in physical vapor deposition (PVD) or in chemical vapor deposition (CVD), a fluid as in electro deposition or in liquid phase epitaxy (LPE), or plasma parameters. Film deposition processes involve equivalent deposition parameters and, in addition, many other parameters unique to each deposition process. From the kinetic theory of gases the relation between impingement rate and chamber pressure yields a rule of thumb that the background pressure and the purity of precursor materials also affect the purity of the deposited thin film.
Return to play and performance after surgical repair of distal biceps tendon ruptures in National Football League athletes.

Abstract Background The purpose of this study was to determine whether surgical repair of distal biceps tendon ruptures in professional football players would lead to a decrease in post-injury performance when compared to pre-injury performance and control-matched peers. We also sought to define return to sport, post-injury career length, and games played per season in National Football League players following surgical repair of distal biceps tendon ruptures. Methods Data for National Football League players who underwent surgical repair of distal biceps tendon ruptures during a 20-year time period were collected. 25 cases in 22 players were included in the analysis. Matched controls based on player position, age, experience, and performance statistics were identified. Performance scores for cases and controls were calculated using a standardized scoring system specific to player position. Results Of the 25 cases, 21 (84%) were able to return to sport in the National Football League. The overall 1-year survival rate of return to play in players undergoing surgical repair of distal biceps tendon ruptures was 76% and overall 2-year survival was 56%. Players who underwent surgical repair of distal biceps tendon ruptures had significantly shorter post-injury career lengths and played fewer games per season post-injury than matched controls. There was no significant difference by position in post-injury performance scores when compared to matched controls. Conclusion National Football League players undergoing surgical repair of distal biceps tendon ruptures have a high rate of return to sport, though many retire within the next few seasons following surgery. Players who do return to competition can be expected to perform at a level comparable to their peers.
Experimental and modeling study of C2–C4 alcohol autoignition at intermediate temperature conditions

Abstract C2–C4 alcohols are advantageous blendstocks identified by many research groups, including the U.S. Department of Energy Co-Optima Initiative, towards enabling efficient, boosted Spark-Ignition (SI) engines. Their use in advanced engine applications requires a comprehensive understanding of their intermediate-temperature autoignition behavior. This work reports an experimental and modeling study covering their fundamental autoignition characteristics in a twin-piston rapid compression machine at pressures of 20 and 40 bar, intermediate temperatures from 750 to 980 K, and two fuel loading conditions representative of boosted SI engines. Direct comparison between these alcohols is made, where the order of reactivity is established across different thermodynamic and fuel loading conditions. Changes in preliminary exothermicity (or intermediate-temperature heat release) displayed in single-stage autoignition across different alcohols and conditions are also quantified. This provides insight into fuel-to-fuel differences, and how these could affect advanced combustion concepts such as spark-assisted compression ignition. Kinetic models are used to simulate the experiments, and reasonable agreement is obtained. The sensitivity analysis results demonstrate the importance of accurately capturing the autoignition kinetics, particularly H-abstraction reactions on the parent fuels by OH and HO2, and the branching ratio associated with these.
Navigating Academic Life : How the System Works

This engaging collection of recent essays reveals how a professorial career involves not only pursuit of a scholarly discipline but also such unwelcome features as the tribulations of graduate school, the trials of teaching, and the tensions that develop from membership in a department. The author, who enjoyed a distinguished career as a professor of philosophy and senior university administrator, draws on his extensive experience to offer candid advice about handling the frustrations of academic life. Combining philosophical principles, practical concerns, and personal observations, this book serves as a reliable guide for both new and veteran academics as well as for anyone seeking to understand the inner workings of colleges and universities.
Risk Factors and Clinical Significance of Vasoplegia after LVAD Implantation

Purpose To assess the performance of several post cardiac surgery vasoplegia definitions in a large, single center continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (CF-LVAD) cohort. Methods A single center first-time, CF-LVAD dataset was utilized for this analysis (n=505). Vasoactive drips and hemodynamics were collected at the following time points in all subjects with available data: pre-op, immediate post-op, and on post-operative days 1, 2, and 3 (n=325). For each of the four vasoplegia definitions tested (table), infusion requirements for each definition were converted to an equivalent vasoactive intropes score (VIS). VIS were then cacluated for each patient, at each time point, and utilzied to determine if vasoplegia criteria were met. To test the assoication between vasoplegia and post LVAD mortality, logistic regression (60-day death as outcome) and cox regression analyses were performed. To assess for clinical predictors of post-opertive vasoplegia, a mutivariable logisitic regression was performed. Results Among the vasoplegia definitions tested, the Patarroyo definition had the strongest association with death at 60 days (OR 3.55, 95 % CI 1.48-8.52, p=0.005). This defintion was met by 14% of cohort subjects with available data. Variables associated with the development of vasoplegia using this definition in the mutivariate models inlcuded higher creatinine, longer cardiopulmonary bypass time, prior cardiothoracic sugery and lower INTERMACS profile. Two of the vasoplegia definitions tested (Levin, Unified) had little utility to classify vasoplegia due to the requirement for mean arterial pressure to be less than 50 mm Hg. Conclusion Among the post-cardiothoracic surgery vasoplegia definitions tested, the Patrroyo was the most highly associated with early post LVAD mortality in this dataset. Risk factors for vasoplegia were similar to previous published reports. Use of VIS simplified the process of determining vasoplegia infusion. criteria
What multiple Mendelian randomization approaches reveal about obesity and gout

Abstract Background/Objectives Gout is a painful arthritic disease. A robust canon of observational literature suggests strong relationships between obesity, high urate levels, and gout. But findings from observational studies can be fraught with confounding and reverse causation. They can conflict with findings from Mendelian randomization (MR), designed to tackle these biases. We aimed to determine whether the relationships between obesity, higher urate levels, and gout were causal using multiple MR approaches, including an investigation of how other closely related traits, LDL, HDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels fit into the picture. Subjects/Methods Summary results from genome-wide association studies of the five above-mentioned traits were extracted and used to perform two-sample (univariable, multivariable, and two-step) MR and MR mediation analysis. Results Obesity increased urate (beta=0.127; 95% CI=0.098, 0.157; P-value=1.2E-17) and triglyceride levels (beta=0.082; 95% CI=0.065, 0.099; P-value=1.2E-21) and decreased HDL cholesterol levels (beta=-0.083; 95% CI=-0.101, −0.065; P-value=2.5E-19). Higher triglyceride levels increased urate levels (beta=0.198; 95% CI=0.146, 0.251; P-value=8.9E-14) and higher HDL levels decreased them (beta=-0.109; 95% CI=-0.148, −0.071; P-value=2.7E-08). Higher urate levels (OR=1.030; 95% CI=1.028, 1.032; P-value=1.1E-130) and obesity caused gout (OR=1.003; 95% CI=1.001, 1.004; P-value=1.3E-04). The mediation MR of obesity on gout with urate levels as a mediator revealed, however, that essentially all of the effect of obesity on gout is mediated through urate. The impact of obesity on LDL cholesterol was null (beta=-0.011; 95% CI=-0.030, 0.008; P-value=2.6E-01), thus it was not included in the multivariable MR. The multivariable MR of obesity, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides on urate levels revealed that obesity has an effect on urate levels even when accounting for HDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Conclusions Obesity impacts gout indirectly by influencing urate levels and possibly other traits, such as triglycerides, that increase urate levels. Obesity’s impact on urate is exacerbated by its apparent ability to decrease HDL cholesterol.
House Prices, Food Purchases, and Diet Quality

Diet is important in determining health outcomes. Thus, it is important to understand the factors influencing dietary choice. Budget constraints are a common explanation for the poor dietary choices made by households in the U.S. We test this hypothesis by exploiting shocks to household budgets driven by changes in house prices. Using a comprehensive panel dataset of household food purchases matched to house price data, we find that household budgets have a positive effect on food expenditure, but find no effect on diet quality. We also find that the total quantity of food purchased increases as budget constraints are relaxed suggesting that changes in quantity is the primary driver of the expenditure change and not changes in prices. Finally, we demonstrate that the impact of budget constraints are larger for lower-income and younger households, while the effect on diet quality remains insignificant. Our results have important policy implications as they suggest that income-support programs, such as SNAP, may have a limited impact on diet quality, although they may increase overall food consumption.
Elevational gradients do not affect thermal tolerance at local scale in populations of livebearing fishes of the genus Limia (Cyprinodontiformes: Poeciliinae)

One of the main assumptions of Janzen’s mountain passes hypothesis is that due the low overlap in temperature regimes between low and high elevations in the tropics, organisms living in high-altitude evolve narrow tolerance for colder temperatures while low-altitude species develop narrow tolerance for warmer temperatures. Some studies have questioned the generality of the assumptions and predictions of this hypothesis suggesting that other factors different to temperature gradients between low and high elevations may explain altitudinal distribution of species in the tropics. In this study we test some predictions of the Janzen’s hypothesis at local scales through the analysis of the individual thermal niche breadth in populations of livebearing fishes of the genus Limia and its relationship with their altitudinal distribution in some islands of the Greater Antilles. We assessed variation in tolerance to extreme temperatures (measured as critical thermal minimum (CTmin) and maximum (CTmax) and compared thermal breadth for populations of eight species of Limia occurring in three Caribbean islands and that occupy different altitudinal distribution. Our results showed that species analyzed had significant differences in thermal limits and ranges. Generally, species distributed in high and low elevations did not differ in thermal limits and showed a wider range of thermal tolerance. However, species living in mid-elevations had narrower range of temperature tolerance. We found no significant effect of phylogeny on CTmin, CTmax and thermal ranges among species. This study did not provide evidence supporting Janzen’s hypothesis at a local scale since thermal tolerance and altitudinal distribution of Limia species were not related to temperature gradients expected in nature. Phylogeny also did not explain the patterns we observed. We suggest that biotic factors such as species interactions, diet specializations, and others should be considered when interpreting current distribution patterns of Limia species.
Variance and Bias Computation for Improved Modal Identification using ERA/DC

A series of variance and bias confidence criteria were recently developed for the Eigensystem Realization Algorithm (ERA) identification technique. These criteria are extended here for the modified version of ERA based on data correlation, ERA/DC, and also for the Q-Markov Cover algorithm. The importance and usefulness of the variance and bias information is demonstrated in numerical studies. The criteria are shown to be very effective not only by indicating the accuracy of the identification results, especially in terms of confidence Intervals, but also by helping the ERA user to obtain better results by seeing the effect of changing the sample time, adjusting the Hankel matrix dimension, choosing how many singular values to retain, deciding the model order, etc.